THE PARISH - Diptford is a small rural parish situated centrally within the South Hams area of South Devon, with an estimated population of around 500 persons. A large part of the parish, including the village of Diptford itself, is situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with the River Avon forming the western boundary. Diptford village itself houses more than half the parish population.
There are several hamlets within the Parish, the main ones being Curtisknowle, Horner, Murtwell and Larcombe.

Lack of a range of facilities within the parish means that many residents travel to nearby towns for shops and services as well as employment. South Brent is approximately 5 miles away, Totnes 6 and Ivybridge 8 miles. The main shopping centres of Newton Abbot, Torquay and Plymouth are all approximately 18 miles from Diptford village.

Within Diptford there is a thriving primary School, Church, and part time Post Office, and the village is served by a partial bus service to both Totnes, Paignton and Plymouth.

The Parish of Diptford can be dated from Saxon times, with four Manors mentioned in Domesday. Farming remains the main occupation within the parish, but in the 18th and 19th centuries there was slate and limestone production.

The population at the peak of the industrial era in 1841 was some 755, far in excess of the present day figure.

THE PARISH PLAN - In late 2004 Diptford Parish Council agreed to investigate the possibility of producing a Parish Plan within the initiative of the Countryside Agency and was successful in obtaining a small grant for this purpose. A working group under the leadership of Cllr Steve Hill was formed to take the idea forward.

Teams of volunteers gathered input from face to face & open forum meetings which were used to determine the potential breadth of the initiative. A written questionnaire was sent to all households within the Parish and the returns collated to finally determine the strength of feeling and issues of greatest priority.

The Parish Plan process has taken a lead in identifying where the parish is now and its perceived future needs. It will undoubtedly prove a very useful tool in assisting the service providers, statutory bodies and voluntary sector to know what is required within the parish and will help guide the Parish of Diptford forward in a positive manner.

Many issues and priorities have been raised and it is hoped that pursuance of these will be instrumental in improving the quality of life for those who live in the parish. Possible actions to resolve some of the issues have been identified and indeed some of these are already moving forward, including the launch in May 2005 of the Diptford Parish website (www.diptford.org.uk) which is already proving a very useful additional communications tool..

Some initiatives will be completed internally by the parish whilst others may require partnership action with other bodies to progress and will be pursued as appropriate. This Plan is a working document & will be reviewed & updated periodically

Environment

v Diptford Village: A small rural village in an area of designated Outstanding Natural Beauty. Plans are in progress to further improve the features in the village 'square' by more sympathetic planting & the addition of a low level slate wall around the small circular garden.

v Further potential enhancements will be considered to the village road entrance markers. Not only to improve the visual effects, but to also more clearly denote the boundary of Diptford village.

v Refuse Collection: South Hams District Council is embarking on a revised collection system for household waste. This will facilitate the segregation of some materials to improve the possibilities for recycling.

ü The Parish fully support efforts to recycle waste, so long as the practicability of implementation in a small village environment is taken into account.

Ø Segregated glass waste collection will not initially be included in the new collection scheme, however, bins are sited at several locations convenient to the Parish. Investigations toward provision of such facilities within the Parish have to-date proven to be impracticable.

v Litter: The provision of litter & dog faeces bins is contentious as this is only practicable within the village were such items are arguably an eyesore. A single bin is located near the school and being easily accessible, is emptied & maintained by South Hams District Council. This coupled with a personal responsibility to 'take your litter home,' is generally considered to meet current need.

ü Skips for the removal of household or garden waste are normally made available within the village centre on a twice per year basis. However, following the removal of central government subsidy & issues with facility management this is currently under review.

v Composting: Provision of a communal facility is not considered possible mainly due to the small size of the populace, practicalities of site maintenance and new governmental licensing requirements.

The Parish encourages home composting and will strive to provide information, encouragement & support to households within the Parish.

Transport & Highways

v ROAD SAFETY: Although Diptford is a remote Parish it is situated for many, on a line of most direct travel to/from the main A38 dual carriageway to the Dartmouth & Kingsbridge areas. Whilst this should not be a problem in normal circumstances, it has been necessary to pursue implementation of restrictions to provide some levels of safety to the environment, road users & pedestrians within the Parish.

ü Vehicle axle weight restriction of 7.5 ton, except for access

ü 20mph speed limit in the village centre

Further safety measures specifically within the village centre are currently being evaluated:

• Re-alignment of the junction at Cross Farm.
• Erection of signs denoting the entrance/ exit to the Playing Fields.
• Suitable landmarks to clearly denote the entrance & exits from the village.

ü The Parish will continue to work proactively with the Highways department to continually improve road safety, whilst ensuring that the environment & aesthetics of a rural Parish are maintained.

v Village Parking: The Parish is very privileged to have four major, well used community facilities. St. Mary's' Church, Diptford Primary School, the Parish Hall & Amenities Playing fields are all centrally located in the village. However, besides limited access parking at the Parish Hall no other off road parking exists within the village. This generates specific congestion & associated road safety issues at peak times.

v Although some on road parking restrictions are in place at the most affected junction, it is not considered appropriate to further extend or stringently enforce this, without alternative measures being first put in place. There is a point of view that the congestion in itself is a road calming mechanism, but it is considered that this is invalidated by the hugely increased accident potential.

ü The Parish will take appropriate action to alleviate the problems and to minimise the potential dangers. A programme will be initiated to determine & investigate possible resolutions. Such will include not only the possible provision of traffic flow management and suitable off road parking, but also possible methods to significantly reduce peak traffic levels.

v It is already clear that this initiative will be a contentious issue within such a small community and as such extensive evaluation & consultation will be undertaken.

v Bus Service: A limited Plymouth & Paignton service does run a couple of days each week. However the timetable does not facilitate its use for much more than a one way journey. - service details are accessible through the web site -
Whilst under the government edict for enhanced public services to rural communities a daily service was recently trialled and found not to be viable, it is considered that this was done without proper consultation or interaction with the on-route communities.

ü It is intended to pursue discussion with the service providers to investigate opportunities for a more suitable & viable service.

v Community Car Scheme: Established to provide a service for isolated people of the Parish who have difficulty in using the limited public transport. The scheme is subsidised by Devon County Council & Diptford Parish Council and run by volunteers, using their own vehicles.

ü This is an excellent facility which will continue to receive the full support & backing of the Parish in order for it to further develop its service to the community

Planning & Development

v Limited opportunity exists for New Building within the existing development boundaries of the Parish. However, with greater housing needs such limitations are currently being reviewed.

Road access to the village & within the Parish also provides a natural restriction to extensive development and as such little new building has taken place over recent years.

An area has already been designated by SHDC for building of several low cost homes on a small defined area, as an extension to the village development boundary. Liaison with SHDC has already achieved a reassessment of the type & quantity of homes envisaged.

A requirement does exist for the provision of low cost housing for local people and would be considered an essential part of any future development. The Parish recognises & supports the provision of suitable, affordable housing within the Parish.

ü The Parish will work in partnership with the District Council to ensure a local perspective is considered in any future development.

ü The Parish recognises that the provision of low cost dwellings in isolation is not commercially viable and that support for mixed housing development will be necessary.

Ø A site currently exists within the Parish designated for Light Industrial Development.
Whilst this remains undeveloped it is considered an important potential local employment facility.

ü The Parish will continue to resist attempts to re-designate this site for alternative use.

v The existing Sewage & Water Treatment works within the village is currently running at capacity, with an embargo on additional connections. Any additional buildings therefore have to date had to encompass provision of suitable alternatives.

ü The Parish considers that any significant development within the village should be dependant upon the upgrade &/or replacement of existing facilities.

Communication & IT

v The Diptford community website www.diptford.org.uk was launched in May 2005.
Whilst 'owned' & financed by Diptford Parish Council, the site was set-up and is currently maintained by local residents Jane & Peter Gillett, without whose efforts the site would never have been created. The website is continuously being developed and work is currently ongoing to facilitate web page updates directly by the various groups and committees within the Parish.

If you are holding an event within the Parish; have an organisation, club or activity that is not currently covered then please let us know either via the website links or phone Peter & Jane Gillett.

ü The Parish are fully committed to developing this as a major supplementary communications medium. However, to be successful it needs your input and support

Advertising and links to other commercial websites are currently being limited to those covered within or subscribing to the Diptford & North Huish Parish News.

v Parish News - A Monthly subscription publication, covering most aspects of and activities within the Parish and a 'must have' if you want to keep up-to-date with the local what's-what!!.

ü The Parish fully supports this independent publication and will develop other communications media as enhancements, sympathetic to the continuance of this publication.

v There are currently two Public Phones within the Parish. One is situated in the village; by the roadway between the school and the church and the second is outside the Gara Bridge exchange.

ü BT have recently suggested that the Gara Bridge phone is not financially viable and marked for removal, but after pressure from the Parish Council have agreed to keep both in service.

Ø A Notice Board is located by the roadway between the school & the church. This is primarily for use by the Parish Council, but may also be available to display information on local events.

ü the Parish does not consider that any additional notice boards are required at this time.

Ø Mobile Phones have limited & sporadic signal coverage within the Parish.

ü the Parish does NOT support random siting of highly visible Masts within its boundaries.

Ø Limited Broadband services are available to most parts of the Parish.

ü The Parish actively supports the earliest implementation of a full & total service.

Business & Education

v Business within the Parish has historically been & broadly remains agriculturally based. However, national changes in farming have been reflected within the Parish. Several individuals have pursued various opportunities for financial diversification to support their incomes.

The number of B&B facilities within the Parish has grown over recent years, supporting 'green' tourism within the South Hams.

Numerous small enterprises are identified within the Parish providing diverse employment opportunities.

ü The Parish supports farming and necessary diversification which is sympathetic to community & the rural environment

ü The Parish supports the creation of employment opportunities within the Parish

Ø A small part-time Post Office provides a vital service & meeting place within the village centre.

ü The Parish supports the continuation & development of this facility.

v Diptford Parochial C of E Primary School is located within the village; close to St Mary's Church & the Parish Hall, providing a high quality education for children from within the Parish & beyond. Overseen by a Head Teacher & School Governors under the auspices of the Local Education Authority the school also benefits greatly from the support of several active support groups within the Parish.

The extensive facilities within the school buildings are further enhanced by utilisation of the Parish Hall & Amenities Playing Field.

ü The Parish fully supports the existence & activities of the school as a pivotal facility within the Parish.

ü The Parish supports the provision of pre and after school educational facilities.

ü The Parish welcomes & supports initiatives which develop a closer relationship between the school and the community.

Ø Adult Education is mainly provided by mainstream organisations within the nearby towns & cities. However opportunities do periodically arise to provide focussed local training.

ü The Parish fully supports appropriate initiatives.

Leisure & Recreation

v Diptford Parish Hall is located on Water Lane at the edge of the village, adjacent to the school & the Church and is the focus for many of the village & Parish activities. Built to replace a prior wood structure, on land gifted in 1920, it was registered as a charitable Trust managed by a representative committee in 1988.

This is an excellent facility comprising of a mid sized main hall, with a small adjacent separable annex, plus an excellent kitchen facility. The hall is well used; providing school lunches during term time, a venue for the local groups & clubs including the Women's Institute, indoor bowls club, Parish Council, plus many more regular and random events.

ü The Parish fully supports the Parish Hall Committee in its activities to manage & maintain the building and facilities. It encourages the management team to continue to develop both the building & its facilities to further enhance its potential within the Parish.

ü The Parish fully supports potential further suitable development to improve access & parking, plus additional facilities within the building and its grounds.

v Diptford Amenity Trust was formed in 1977 to administer and develop a gift of land to the Parish Council, which was to be used as playing fields for the Parish. Registered as a Charitable Trust and overseen by a management committee of local volunteers, the 'field' has through excellent management & support been considerably enhanced & now boasts a wealth of excellent facilities including; Tennis court, basket ball park, skateboard track & football field, plus a well equipped children's play park & picnic area.

ü the Parish totally supports this facility and will strive to ensure that the high standards & achievements of the past continue to be upheld

Ø The Parish Paths Partnership (P3) is a working and funding partnership between Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and Diptford Parish Council. Local volunteers, co-ordinated by Cllr Sue Franklin, 'look after' the existing public rights of way (ROWs) in the parish. ROWs include footpaths, bridleways and byways and we can also look at the unsurfaced county roads in the area, many of which are used for recreational purposes. In return for this the P3 scheme is funded by Devon CC. A small set amount per mile of each type of ROW is paid, together with a variable amount for any 'special projects' which are identified.

Membership of the P3 scheme does not confer any legal liability on the volunteers, nor does it alter in any way the landowner's responsibilities under the various Highways Acts. P3 works closely with landowners, and has been able to provide new and acceptable path 'furniture' & to provide access for the less able by installing kissing gates instead of stiles where appropriate. There are no areas in the parish of Diptford subject to additional access rights under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act, the so called Right to Roam. By using a network of the ROWs and UCRs, a variety of walks and rides are enjoyed.

ü The Parish will continue to provide full support to this most worthwhile initiative

Community Planning & Support

Ø Nearly all emergencies affecting communities will be dealt with routinely by the joint response of the emergency services, local authorities and major utilities. However there will potentially be occasions of National disaster, or when circumstances such as extensive flooding, storm damage or deep snow which will delay the arrival of outside assistance. At such a time the community would need to help itself and as such must be prepared.

Ø In light of this Devon County Council have requested all communities to determine, analyse and prepare for such rare possible events.

ü The Parish Council will initiate, develop & publish a Community Self Help Plan.

v The Neighbourhood Watch scheme was started within the Parish in 1986, but has for some time been poorly supported. However, there has been a positive response to calls for volunteers to take the initiative forward.

ü The Parish supports this scheme & will work in cooperation with the local Police.

Ø The Parish will endeavour to develop a Community Self Help Plan to ensure direction and readiness should an emergency arise; which for what ever reason, outside help is not immediately available. Opportunities will also be explored to extend this plan to incorporate a Neighbourhood Support initiative to provide vital immediate assistance in the event of a family emergency.

Ø A Domestic Emergency Register was published in past years, to assist in identifying local tradesmen in the event of various states of domestic emergency.

Significant interest has been forthcoming to regenerate and develop this listing.

ü The Parish will strive to encourage & support this initiative.

The Future

We are very lucky in this Parish we have:

v a primary school,

v the Parish Church,

v a Parish Hall,

v a post office,

v the Amenities Field

v & the Library van

WHAT HAPPENS NOW !

The publication of this Plan is not the end of the Parish Plan process. It may be the end of the funding that we have received from The Countryside Agency, this has been extremely useful in providing a thorough and comprehensive survey & action plan.

The continued success of this Plan is up to the Parish Council & the Community, who between them have to take the suggested actions forward. This Plan should be seen as a beginning, not an end.

Actions are proposed in this plan which may potentially take time to bring to fruition. They will not happen overnight, some may never happen, some may get changed.

It will be the responsibility of the Parish Council, who are elected to work for the community to maintain the momentum along with assistance from the many groups in the Parish, who are also invaluable to the community and make this community what it is.

other ideas -

a day time meeting place - coffee shop.

continuing improvements to Flower beds at entry to Diptford Village.

Internet access facility in the Parish Hall.

Ideas will evolve over time

Let the Parish Council know your thoughts !!

This Plan was made possible by the hard work of a small but dedicated group of parishioners, who have gifted their time and efforts over the past year or more. Special thanks goes to Steve & Nancy Hill, Mary & Keith Stow, Sue Franklin, Carolyn Pink, Joy Jones, Jane Gillett, John Martin, Ham Sampford & Sue Lucas, without whom this publication would never have been possible.

Thank you !!

The Parish Plan was financially supported by grants from The Countryside Agency & Diptford Parish Council, and assistance from :