Atherington Parish Council

Welcome to Atherington Parish

Atherington Parish Council represents the local community in our rural parish near Umberleigh in North Devon. We work to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents, overseeing local matters such as footpaths, streetlighting, village halls, and green spaces.

The council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Atherington Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend and participate in discussions that affect our community. Agendas are posted on the notice board outside the post office one week before each meeting.

Our parish covers approximately 2,400 acres and includes the villages of Atherington and Umberleigh, along with surrounding farmland and woodland. The River Taw runs along our eastern boundary, providing important habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for walkers and anglers.

Parish Councillors and Responsibilities

The council consists of seven elected councillors who serve four-year terms. Councillors are volunteers who dedicate their time to representing residents and making decisions on local issues. The council is led by a chairman, elected annually by fellow councillors.

Our responsibilities include maintaining public footpaths and bridleways, managing allotments, overseeing the village hall, commenting on planning applications, and maintaining streetlights. While we are the first tier of local government, larger matters such as highways, education, and waste collection fall to North Devon Council and Devon County Council.

• Footpath maintenance and signage
• Village hall management
• Streetlight repairs and electricity
• Allotment lettings
• Planning application consultations
• War memorial upkeep
• Community events support

Planning and Development

Atherington Parish Council is consulted on all planning applications within the parish boundary. While final planning decisions rest with North Devon Council, our comments carry significant weight as we represent local opinion and knowledge.

Planning applications are reviewed at monthly meetings, though urgent applications may require special meetings. Residents are encouraged to view applications on the North Devon Council website and submit their own comments. The council considers factors such as impact on neighbours, highway safety, visual appearance, and compliance with local planning policies.

Recent applications have included agricultural building conversions, house extensions, and tree work in conservation areas. We maintain a record of all applications and our responses, available for public inspection.

Local Facilities and Services

The Atherington Village Hall is available for hire and hosts regular activities including parish council meetings, the monthly coffee morning, yoga classes, and private functions. Booking enquiries should be directed to the clerk.

Our parish allotments are located off Chapel Lane and offer residents the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and flowers. Plots are let on an annual basis from March to February, with rent of forty-two pounds per year. A waiting list operates when all plots are occupied.

Public footpaths criss-cross the parish, connecting villages and providing access to the countryside. The council works with Devon County Council to ensure paths remain clear and well-signed. Popular routes include the riverside path to Umberleigh and the woodland walk to Chittlehampton.

Meeting Minutes and Documents

Minutes of all parish council meetings are published once approved at the following meeting. Draft minutes are usually available within two weeks of each meeting. Minutes from the past six years are available on request from the clerk.

The council publishes an annual report each May, summarising the year's activities, finances, and plans for the coming year. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with proper practices and are subject to internal and external audit.

Other documents available include the council's standing orders, financial regulations, risk assessment, and various policies. Residents have the right to inspect the council's accounts and supporting documents during the annual audit period, typically in June.

Getting Involved

We welcome input from residents and encourage attendance at monthly meetings. Public participation time is allocated at the start of each meeting for residents to raise issues or ask questions. Items for the agenda should be submitted to the clerk at least one week in advance.

Vacancies on the council arise periodically due to resignations or elections. When a vacancy occurs, it is advertised on parish notice boards. If no election is called, the council may co-opt a replacement. Anyone interested in becoming a councillor should contact the clerk for information about the role and commitment involved.

The council also values volunteer help for specific projects such as clearing footpaths, maintaining the war memorial garden, or organising community events. Many hands make light work, and even a few hours once or twice a year makes a real difference to our parish.

Contact and Correspondence

The parish clerk is the administrative officer of the council and the first point of contact for enquiries. The clerk can provide information about meetings, planning applications, footpaths, allotments, and other council matters.

Written correspondence should be addressed to the clerk and will be shared with councillors as appropriate. Urgent matters may be brought to the attention of the chairman. Please note that the clerk works part-time hours and aims to respond to enquiries within five working days.

The parish notice board outside the post office displays meeting agendas, minutes, and other important information. This is the council's primary method of communicating with residents who do not have internet access.