ITEM 11

EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY CONSULTATIVE AND PARISH FORUM MINUTES of the meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum held on Thursday, 17 November 2016 at 10.30am at Withypool Village Hall.

PRESENT Steven Pugsley Exmoor National Park Authority and Chairman of the Forum Sally Bastock Parracombe Parish Council Bernard Peacock Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council Keith Branfield Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council Ron Buckingham Elworthy Parish Council John Bray Winsford Parish Council Kevin Connell Winsford Parish Council Sarah Cookson Brushford Parish Council Ian Cowling Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust Marilyn Crothers Nettlecombe Parish Council Andrea Davis Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Martin Dewdney Exmoor National Park Authority and West Council Richard Edgell Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Cathy Fitzroy Natural Judith Gannon Exmoor Rural Housing Network Molly Groves Exmoor Uprising Bruce Heywood Exmoor National Park Authority and Council Suzette Hibbert Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council James Hill EE Will Lock Exmoor Young Voices Malcolm McCoy Porlock Parish Council Karen Mills West Somerset Council Frances Nicholson Exmoor National Park Authority and Sir Richard Peek Exmoor National Park Authority and North Molton Parish Council Martin Ryall Exmoor National Park Authority Marion Silverlock Exmoor Young Voices Sue Southwell Exmoor Rural Housing Network Rachel Thomas Exmoor Society Nick Thwaites Dulverton Town Council Pat Williams Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council James Wilmoth Wootton Courtenay Parish Council

1. Apologies for absence were received from: John Addicott Beagles Simon Derby Invitee John Edwards Invitee Roger Ferrar Invitee Lady Gass Invitee Michael Hankin Exmoor Natural History Society Ivor Jones Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Graham Lamacraft Dunster Parish Council

1

Eric Ley Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council Susan May Exmoor Trust Ron Morrison-Smith Invitee Alastair Rodway Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council Penny Webber Exmoor National Park Authority and & Without Parish Council Tom Yandle Invitee

National Park Authority staff in attendance: Nigel Stone, Chief Executive Sarah Bryan, Head of Conservation & Access David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development

2. MINUTES: The minutes of the Forum meeting held on 15 September 2016 were agreed as a correct record subject to amendment to confirm apologies for absence from Mr Martin Ryall. MATTERS ARISING:  Historic Signpost Project: The bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to support a project to restore and celebrate Exmoor’s historic signposts had been successful. The HLF would be contributing £43,000 to the project, together with £20,000 from Exmoor National Park Authority and £10,000 from Somerset County Council, as well as in kind support from Somerset County Council, Parish Councils and many volunteers. The project would now been seeking to appoint a part-time project officer for 2 years.  Impact of the result of the EU Referendum in the National Park: Any issues affecting the National Park that arise from the UK’s exit from the European Union would become apparent once formal negotiations were underway. It was therefore not proposed to consider the EU referendum at an Authority Committee meeting at this stage.  West Somerset College: There remained uncertainty about the new ownership of the college farm site. However greater detail was now available about the terms of the current lease with the Crown Estate and this was helpful in assessing potential future lease arrangements. There continued to be positive interest in seeing the College Farm continue and particularly in establishing a set of activities delivered from the site to help ensure its longer term sustainability.

3. QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR:  In relation to proposed cuts to bus routes serving Porlock, a representative of Porlock Parish Council questioned whether the National Park Authority had any policy to help protect rural bus services. Nigel Stone, Chief Executive, advised that the National Park Authority may be open to being part of a solution but would need to fully understand any proposals that come forward. It was noted that Minehead Town Council, Porlock and Minehead & Selworthy Without Parish Councils had been approached and were each considering how they might be part of a collaborative approach to help fund affected services. The National Trust was also being invited to consider involvement.

2

4. A. EE 4G ROLLOUT IN THE NATIONAL PARK James Hill, Property Manager at EE, advised that plans to extend EE’s commercial 4G coverage had been accelerated following the award of the government contract to deliver the new Emergency Services Network, and the aim was to provide 4G in as many places in the UK as possible. Within the National Park, EE’s existing infrastructure would be optimised and 5 new mobile mast sites were being considered:  Lynmouth (to cover the Watersmeet Road area)  Timberscombe (to cover the A396 from Dunster)  Goat Hill  Myrtleberry  Wringcliffe Bay EE was working closely with planning officers and seeking guidance on suitable sites in the context of the protected landscape of the National Park, while ensuring delivery of a viable service. In addition to the sites being developed by EE, the Home Office was procuring a number of sites in the south east of the National Park to facilitate delivery of the Emergency Services Network. EE would then add equipment to support the ESN, and provided sufficient connectivity was available would add commercial services to those sites. In relation to the EE procured sites, the objective was to achieve operational activity by mid-2017. The sites procured by the Home Office may take longer to become operational. It was acknowledged that due to its topography, it was unlikely that every area of Exmoor would receive 4G coverage through the EE rollout. It was questioned whether Luccombe, Hawkridge and Twitchen would be reached and these areas were noted for investigation by EE’s analysts. It was explained that the Airband project to deliver superfast broadband (as an extension of the Connecting Devon & Somerset Programme) was separate from the EE 4G mobile signal rollout; however opportunities for the two projects to work together may be feasible if common interests were identified. In closing the discussion, the Exmoor Society recognised the importance of the EE programme and emphasised the need for close working with planning officers to avoid development in the most sensitive locations of the National Park. James Hill would be happy to receive any enquiries by email at [email protected]

B. EXMOOR RURAL HOUSING NETWORK Chairman of the Network, Judith Gannon, advised that the Exmoor Rural Housing Network was a group of individuals and organisations with a common interest in trying to improve the housing opportunities for those who live and work on Exmoor. The aim of the Network was to identify locally managed mechanisms to deliver housing by bringing people together and trying to match local people in housing need with those who might be able to provide housing. To help achieve this, the Network had appointed Sue Southwell from Devon Communities Together as its co-ordinator, working one day a week for a 12 month period. Recent work by the co-ordinator included publicising the Network across Exmoor and seeking to recruit a team of volunteers to act as local housing contacts, ideally one volunteer from each parish in the National Park. The local housing contacts would be trusted, local individuals, with whom people in housing need would feel comfortable discussing their housing situation, and someone who might be able to identify potential

3

housing opportunities. The volunteers would not be expected to be housing experts and an event to discuss the project and to provide information to help them take the role forward would be arranged in the New Year. One of the aims of the Network would be to try to reach people who may not consider themselves to be in housing need. Forum Members were encouraged to think about their own communities and anyone they know who might need help with housing, or who might have potential to offer a housing solution. It was suggested that the Network maintain contact with Parish Councils who would be well-placed to help identify local housing contacts. The Network would not be seeking to deliver housing but would be trying to identify housing solutions that could be delivered by others. This may be through new homes, the use of empty homes or unused holiday lets, or through opportunities for self build; all supported by the policies of the new Exmoor National Park Local Plan.

5. MOORLAND MANAGEMENT: Sarah Bryan, Head of Conservation & Access, advised the meeting as follows:  Moorland and heathland covered about a quarter of the land in the National Park and the openness and wildness of heather moorland was the principal reason for Exmoor’s designation as a protected landscape. The majority of moorland and heathland was open access land, rich in archaeology (with approximately 400 burial mounds), and approximately 16,000 hectares were designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.  Approximately 9000 hectares of moorland and heathland were in private ownership. The National Park Authority owned approximately 3,700 hectares, with the National Trust and the Badworthy Land Company owning approximately 3,000 hectares and 2,500 hectares respectively.  Moorland and heathland delivered a range of services such as landscape, water, biodiversity and conservation of peat/carbon. Some of these services were recognised through agri-environment schemes, with payments of approximately £2-£2.5m a year contributing to moorland management in the National Park.  Following publication of the Exmoor Society’s ‘Moorlands at a Crossroads’ report, the Moorland Board was established in 2004. Its membership included a range of people with an interest in moorland management and the Board had initiated the development of a detailed management vision for each moorland area.  The National Park Authority was involved in a number of projects to monitor or improve the condition of Exmoor’s moorlands and its habitats, including: o An annual swaling programme o A project in the Heddon Valley to support fritillary butterflies o Employment of a moorkeeper on Trentishoe and Holdstone to help increase stock numbers o Landscape enhancements at the Valley of Rocks o Scrub clearance on North Hill o Removal of fences on Kipscombe (National Trust) o Working with the Brendon Commons Council o Experiments on burn sizes on Mill Hill (involving the monitoring of two 18-hectare burn sites over 5 years under special licence from Natural England).

4

o Working with landowners at Porlock and Winsford to identify a local approach to moorland management. o The Graze the Moor project at Molland, working with the landowner and the Heather Trust to monitor the impact of overwintering cattle. o Trials on the management of heather beetle Forum Members expressed disappointment that the knowledge of local people did not seem to be recognised and that swaling opportunities were often missed. There was also concern about the lack of grazing and the impact of heather beetle, and frustration that agri- environment schemes were too prescriptive. It was acknowledged that the area of Exmoor’s heather moorland had reduced since the 1970s. Following a recent report commissioned by the Exmoor Society (Exmoor’s Moorland Where Next?) there was also evidence that parts of some moorland areas were now being designated as woodland because of the changes that have taken place. The meeting was advised that the Authority was currently undertaking a project using aerial photography to help understand how the vegetation has changed over the past 40 years, and was also talking with landowners, farmers and graziers to collect data on the stocking rates and burning regimes from the 1940s onwards. It was noted that many of the issues under discussion had arisen following the introduction at national level of agri-environment agreements which lacked the flexibility to respond to local circumstances. It was acknowledged that the National Park Authority had worked closely with Natural England to try to achieve changes to the prescriptive nature of some schemes, and the importance of Natural England continuing to engage with Exmoor’s landowners through attendance at Forum meetings was emphasised. Cathy Fitzroy, Natural England, advised that many upland areas were facing similar challenges, and that Natural England were aware of the value of local knowledge and had introduced greater flexibility in recent years. For example, a new approach was being trialled on Dartmoor where the commoners had identified the outcomes they wanted to deliver through land management and the mechanisms to help achieve those outcomes. In conclusion, it was noted that the National Park Authority was continuing to work with partners and with landowners to monitor and improve Exmoor’s moorland. It was noted that as part of the process of the UK’s exit from the European Union, there may be opportunity for future agri-environment schemes to be designed with greater focus on the place in which they would apply.

6. EXMOOR YOUNG VOICES: An update report from Exmoor Young Voices was circulated to the meeting (copy attached). The Chairman of EYV, Will Lock, thanked all those organisations and Parish Councils which had already contributed towards funding to employ a part-time co-ordinator. The group was now preparing bids for funding to the Exmoor National Park Authority Partnership Fund, to the Somerset Community Foundation and to the Exmoor Trust. Dulverton Town Council, Porlock Parish Council and the West Somerset Community Land Trust had all been in contact with Exmoor Young Voices in order to achieve a greater understanding of the issues facing young people, and it was hoped to arrange a meeting with Defra. The Young Voices would remain an active member of the Exmoor Rural Housing Network.

5

7. FARMING ISSUES: There were no farming issues raised.

8. PLANNING ISSUES: There were no planning issues raised. An update on progress of the new Exmoor National Park Local Plan and on the government’s Housing White paper would be provided at the January meeting.

9. EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK PARTNERSHIP FUND: A number of applications were being considered; however there were no grant awards to note at this stage.

10. EMERGING ISSUES OR TOPICS FOR WIDER DEBATE: The following were noted:  Renewable Energy  Commercial activity of NPAs  Drones  The Chairman agreed to remind Authority members of the schedule of Forum meetings and to encourage attendance whenever possible.

11. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting would be held on Thursday, 19 January, at 10.30am, venue to be advised.

12. OTHER BUSINESS OF URGENCY: The meeting was advised that Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive of the National Park Authority, would be retiring at the end of March 2017. On behalf of the Forum, the Chairman thanked Dr Stone for his willingness to talk to communities in the National Park, and for the experience, knowledge and understanding he had brought to the role, and from which Exmoor National Park had benefitted greatly.

The meeting closed at 12.30pm

Chairman

6

Exmoor Young Voices Update November 2016 The EYV Constitution is written, accepted, and below. The Co-op is opening an Exmoor Young Voices bank account. A job description for the Young Voices young Coordinator is below. Funding is being sought for this post from a number of sources: Hastoe Housing, Timberscombe, Kentisbury and Trentishoe, Parracombe, Luccombe, Porlock, Luxborough, Brompton Regis, Selworthy and Minehead Without, and Dulverton Parish and Town Councils have already contributed. Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund, Somerset Community Foundation, and Exmoor Trust have all invited applications which are in preparation. Awards for All, and the Esme Fairburn Foundation are also being approached. Without the National Park’s resources, actual and in kind, with unequivocal support, Exmoor Young Voices would not have begun. Young Farmers have also played a pivotal role. EYV Chair has spoken recently at Porlock Parish Council, Dulverton Town Council, West Somerset Community Land Trust, the Rural Housing Network, and a political group in Minehead. He appeared on the BBC's Inside Out, outlining the need for home share, starter flats, and housing for young people on Exmoor, and has been negotiating with DEFRA. A brief was also given to the West Somerset Employment and Skills Partnership. Housing contacts at the Rest and Be Thankful networked opportunities for two local people on the Moor to obtain homes. We have contributed to the BBC's Broadcasting House programme on housing and homelessness. Negotiations are continuing:  land for a self build project  promoting digital inclusion Articles have appeared in Across Exmoor, Exmoor News, Exmoor Magazine (blog), Porlock Parish Mag. Contact us at [email protected] Facebook ‘Exmoor Young Voices’ Chair: Will Lock 07817 708 092 Twitter @ExmYoungVoices Sec: Marion Silverlock 01398 341 850

Exmoor Young Voices Constitution October 2016 Aims Exmoor Young Voices, initiated by Exmoor National Park Authority in 2012, supports activities for young people who wish to live, work, enjoy, and support Exmoor. Membership is open to young people, as defined by themselves, and their supporters, who will pursue the best possible conditions for young people to sustain living, working, and enjoying Exmoor. Management Exmoor Young Voices will make appointments of officers, committees, and action groups as appropriate to support its Aims. Main Meetings will usually be three times a year, where resources, travel, and weather allow, with an AGM each year open to all its members and supporters. Finances Exmoor Young Voices will seek funds from sources which support its Aims. The organisation will maintain a bank account with two signatories, both of which sign off payments for outgoings agreed by the Officers. Dissolution If the organisation wishes to cease this must be decided by a meeting of members and supporters attending a Special Meeting. Any remaining funds will be donated to a local organisation close to the aims and ambitions of Exmoor Young Voices. EXMOOR YOUNG VOICES Job description for a freelance PART TIME CO-ORDINATOR Aim: to develop and strengthen the work of Exmoor Young Voices Chief characteristics: outward looking, sociable, charismatic, a good networker, organiser, self starter, able to learn, access and influence community, voluntary and public services Key tasks:  Maintain and develop contacts with young adults and relevant organisations  Collect and represent what young adults, aged 18 –30+ need in order to live and work on Exmoor  Discover needs and approach potential providers  Encourage and promote small, local solutions  Help produce reports, and influence decisions  Co-operate with Ambassadors for the Housing Network  Collaborate with the Housing Network co-ordinator  Support the Exmoor Young Voices network  Organise meetings and events  Appear at local events and shows to raise issues and awareness  Help create an annual gathering of Exmoor young adults  Advise the National Park and other Exmoor organisations about needs and opportunities for housing, technology, travel and work.

Indicative budget 12 hours per week at £12 per hr on contract £7,488 Office, admin, phone, set up, event costs £1820 (£35 pw) Expenses @ 60 miles per week (@ 45p per mile £1,296 Total budget sought = £10,604

Exmoor Young Voices Back Story Originally launched and supported by the National Park, Exmoor Young Voices is a movement aiming to bring about the changes necessary to enable young people to continue living and working on the moor, and reverse the current imbalance in the population. Housing is the main issue – rents and property prices do not match local wages. New and radical solutions for singles and young families are needed, with specific planning flexibility to favour young people, and imagination. Pockets of nil broadband and mobile coverage will remain after BT has covered most of the Park. More local ingenuity is required. The cost of personal transport adds to an already unusually high cost of living. Employment needs a variety of stimuli and support; Young Voices have 9 suggestions on page one of their 2015 Report, available on the National Park website. We are primarily interested in finding local solutions to on-going problems. So far, we have coped with demands for information, speakers and meetings out of our own resources. We now urgently need a young, part-time co-coordinator. We are assembling a start-up fund to use as matched funding for when we apply to grant givers. Parish councils are donating. We now seek evidence of wider community support from organisations, companies and individuals. Any amount is welcome and we would be happy to talk to potential larger grant givers at short notice.