The North Devon Council met on 24 September 2025, and among other items, discussed a question regarding geoengineering, received reports from the Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Waste and Recycling, and reviewed committee seat allocations for 2025/26. The council also endorsed decisions and recommendations from the Strategy and Resources Committee regarding the Performance Report 2025/26 Q1 - Finance and approved appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Here's a detailed look at the key discussions:

Public Concerns

The council addressed a question submitted by Glynis Walker to Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Biodiversity, regarding geoengineering spraying in North Devon skies. Ms Walker referenced the Nuremberg Code¹ and asked about the authorisation, consultation, and safety of these substances.

Leader's Report

The council noted the report from Councillor David Clayton, Leader of the Council, which highlighted several initiatives:

• Addressing the housing crisis in Ilfracombe: A planning application for the Healthy Homes project, aiming to improve rented accommodation, would soon be submitted. The project incorporates lessons from the Poverty Truth Commission[^2]. Additionally, 16 social rent homes are planned at Bicclescombe Nursery in collaboration with the Ilfracombe Community Land Trust[^3]. [^2]: The Poverty Truth Commission brings together civic and business leaders and people with first-hand experience of poverty to find new ways to tackle social and economic problems. [^3]: Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are non-profit, community-based organizations run by volunteers that steward land for permanently affordable housing, community gardens, civic buildings, and other community assets.
• Green Flag Awards: Bicclescombe Park and Yeo Valley Woodlands have again received the Green Flag Award[^4]. [^4]: The Green Flag Award scheme is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
• New seafront toilets in Ilfracombe: The new toilets are open to all and will be managed by Ilfracombe Town Council.
• Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee: The Policy Development Committee will now be the Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee, with a wider remit including internal scrutiny.
• Green Lanes Hub: The Green Lanes Shopping Centre hub has assisted over 4,000 residents since opening.
• Treasures Exhibition: The Treasures exhibition at North Devon Museum is open until 11 October.
• Tarka Leisure Centre: The Tarka Leisure Centre had its 1 millionth customer visit in August.

Waste and Recycling

Councillor Julie Hunt, Lead Member for Waste and Recycling, reported on the Waste & Recycling Service's performance over the summer, noting minimal disruption and low complaint levels. The cross-party working group has developed a communications plan to increase recycling rates, including a stricter approach to side waste. A review of the council's Trade Waste Service is ongoing, and the team is assessing requirements for collecting soft plastics as part of domestic collections by 2027, as required by the government's Simpler Recycling Reform .

Performance Report 2025/26 Q1 - Finance

The council endorsed the decisions and recommendations of the Strategy and Resources Committee regarding the Performance Report 2025/26 Q1 - Finance.

Independent Remuneration Panel Appointments

The council approved the following appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel:

• Re-appointment of Graham Russell until 29 September 2029.
• Re-appointment of Bryony Houlden until 12 January 2030.
• Appointment of Don Pratt with immediate effect.

Committee Seat Allocations

The council reviewed committee seat allocations for 2025/26.