Parish Council Meeting 16.4.25

1)          Declare the existence of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI), Other Registerable Interest (ORI) or Non-Registerable Interest (NRI) for any agenda item

2)          Confirm the nature of the interest by explaining the connection between the interest and the agenda item, and

3)          State what action (if any) they will take in relation to the interest when the agenda item is discussed*

*In the case of a DPI or ORI the obligation is to not participate in any discussion or vote and to leave the meeting room, unless the member has a dispensation from the Clerk to the Parish Council.

If the existence and nature of any interest only becomes apparent later in the meeting it must be disclosed immediately. If a DPI or ORI is not already registered, members must notify the Clerk to the Parish Council of the interest within 28 days.

Members are also reminded of the need to declare predetermination on any matter.

If Members are unsure about whether or not they have an interest, or about its nature, they are strongly advised to seek advice from the Clerk prior to the meeting.

The Chairman to move a Vote of Thanks to retiring Warwickshire County Councillor Daren Pemberton.

Chairman to Move: The Meeting & Standing Orders be now adjourned:

a. Open Forum:

At the Chairman’s discretion residents are invited to give their views and question the Parish Council on issues on this Agenda, or raise issues for future consideration.  Members of the public may not take part in the Parish Council Meeting.  There will be no discussion by members of the Council during this session but the views expressed may be considered later as part of particular agenda items.  During this period, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, members of the Council who have a disclosable interest (but not a disclosable pecuniary interest) in an item on the Agenda may also make representations, answer questions, or give evidence relating to that item.

b. Open forum for the under 18s.

c. To receive the Ward Member’s reports (3 minutes maximum each Ward Councillor)

–        SDC – Cllr Lauren Stanley

–        WCC – Cllr Daren Pemberton

Chairman to Move: To close the adjournment and the suspension of Standing Orders

To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 16^th March 2025 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

Planning Matters To Consider :

Decisions:

a)          24/03279/VARY Variation of condition 2, 3, 5 and 8 of 24/00703/FUL dated 14th August 2024 to allow for an increase in footprint and amended design, updated ecological

enhancement strategy. Submission of material schedule and hard and soft

landscaping plan. Original description of development: Construction of one self-

build dwelling with all associated works at Station House, High Street, Broom, Alcester B50 4HN. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

b)         25/00297/FUL – single storey extension (part retrospective) at 10 St Matthews Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UY. Planning Permission Refused.

c)          S278 Application – Evesham Road, Salford Priors PDN – to note Street Lighting design and lighting calculations; the street lighting design includes all lanterns having back shields.

Planning Enforcement:

d)         Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – no further update

e)         Priors Crescent – to note Clerk has emailed Bill Mann, Senior / Civils Contracts Manager, CALA Homes requesting the way forward regarding the recent refusal of the S106 Completion Certificate.

f)            Bomford Way – update regarding crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing.

g)          Bomford Way – update regarding adoption.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  To receive any updates

a)          Update from Warwickshire County Council regarding outstanding queries –

–              The manhole cover in the verge in School Rd is being investigated.

–              The community payback team is due to clear the footway along School Rd.

b)         Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting Dept has confirmed the order for the 2 additional streetlights from Park Hall Mews sub-station to the junction of Tothall Lane.

c)          Clerk has reported one of the new streetlights on School Rd is faulty. This is being investigated.

d)         The defibrillator at Rushford is now installed, available for use and registered on The Circuit. Resolved.

e)          The Clerk has submitted the council’s application for the Local Council Award Scheme (Bronze Award). The initial application deadline is 2nd May, after which it will be reviewed, and any feedback will be reported to the Parish Council. The final deadline for resubmission, following any necessary corrections, is 13th June.

f)            All Housing Needs Surveys have been delivered with 30 online and 14 postal responses received to date.

g)          Sanders Road Damaged Street Sign reported to WCC Ref 015500678 now forwarded to their agent Stratford On Avon District Council for repair.

a)          To note jobs issued from last Council meeting; comment on progress

b)         To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways

2)          Public Open Space – quote for fencing works and gate installation on the Permissive Rights of Way behind the bus shelter still awaited.

3)          NDP

4)          Playing Field – The Working Group carried out a review on 1^st April and confirmed no works necessary. Since review carried out email received from resident with some queries.

5)          Garden Allotments –

–              The Working Group carried out an inspection on 1^st April

–              All invoices have now been sent

6)          PROW To receive report from Mr Green on the Public Rights of Way within the Parish

7)          Churchyard Extension – Soil Bank Emptied Stockade rotten posts need replacing

b)         Communications – no further update

c)          Project Delivery Group –  Leisure Trail to receive update Meeting with Ragley Estate

a)          Update re microphones

b)         Update from CALA Homes regarding VE Day celebrations

c)          Update re Vehicle Activated Speed Signs

d)         A46 Update on action points from the meeting held 28^th February 2025

e)          To approve the change of Governor for Perkins Trust from Tom Genders to Haley Genders.

a)          Warwickshire County Council Interim Proposals March 2025 (copy circulated)

Matters raised by Councillors are considered under this item. Councillors are also invited to use this opportunity to report minor matters of information not included elsewhere on the agenda and to raise items for future agendas. (At the discretion of the Chairman Councillors may raise items at the meeting if considered necessary and urgent).

Cllr James: The Warm Hub & Community Café – Securing the Future What Next – Management Volunteers & Charitable Status.

Cllr James: To note 2026 marks the 150^th anniversary of Dunnington Cof Primary School

(The Clerk will provide individual copies of correspondence for retention if required).

a)                            WALC Updates – Circulated

b)                           NALC Updates – Circulated

c)                            Email complimenting the planting on the island at Evesham/School Rd.

a)          Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information

b)         Retention of Documents and Records Management Policy

c)          Recruitment Policy

d)         Data Audit Schedule

e)          To arrange in-house workshop on the drafting of a Sexual Harassment Policy Legal obligation for the Employer (Council) The requirement for training and the signed acknowledgment by councillors (Employer) that they are fully aware of its responsibilities.

a)          To note the payments made between meetings.

b)         Consideration and approval of the payments and transfers listed in Appendix A and to agree 2 Councillor signatories to sign the payments sheet.

c)          To consider the fourth quarterly account and bank reconciliation balances, budgets and cash book payments and receipts balances.

d)         To note the bank account balances

e)          To confirm and note that all Contractors insurances are valid and in date and copies of certicates are on file.

f) To note the S137 for 25/26 has been announced as £11.10. This is the amount as a result from increasing the amount of £10.81 for 24/25 by the percentage increase in the retail price index between September 2023 and September 2024, in accordance with Schedule 12B to the 1972 Act.

To note the date of the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors at 7:00pm. Guest speaker Police & Crime Commissioner Phillip Secombe.

To confirm the date of the Annual Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 21^st May 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors.

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 21^st May 2025 directlyfollowing the Annual Council Meeting at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors.

Cllrs Meakins, Maude, Price & Stanley (will be late)

Declare the existence of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (DPI), Other Registerable Interest (ORI) or Non-Registerable Interest (NRI) for any agenda item

Declaration of Interests: DPI – None declared, ORI – None declared, NRI – None declared

Members were also reminded of the need to declare predetermination on any matter.

Cllr James proposed a vote of thanks to Warwickshire County Councillor Daren Pemberton in recognition of his service as the county divisional member for this parish over the past four years. With his retirement effective from 1st May, that the Council express its gratitude for his support and commitment. Those who step forward for public service carry a deep commitment to their communities, often with little recognition. The motion received unanimous approval.

a)         3 members of the public were present:

–        A representative from The Vineyard Public House, Abbots Salford advised the council that the business will be closing next month as it is no longer financially viable. The business has been running at a financial loss for the previous five years, the owners are submitting a Change of Use application to convert the premises into a residential property which will hopefully allow them to continue residing in their home.

b)        No under 18s were present.

c)         County Councillor Daren Pemberton’s Report – not in attendance, no report received

d)        District Councillor Stanley’s Report – no report received.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:10

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors were agreed by the Council to be a true record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

Applications Considered:

a)          24/02154/FUL & 24/02155/LBC Proposed – Change of use of land to domestic garden land to include the creation of an access driveway and fence with gates.  Replacement roof over the workshop from a flat roof to pitched roof. (Retrospective) at Wood Bevington Manor, Wood Bevington, Alcester, B49 5LX. Following discussion Clerk to respond “No objection Support for the following reason:

In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and relevant Local Plan

policies, the retrospective changes made to Wood Bevington Manor, a listed building,

enhance its amenity. The replacement of the flat roof over the workshop with a pitched

roof is sympathetic to the building’s original design and does not harm its significance or

character.

The proposed gates, which are in keeping with the historic character of the property,

complement its design and help preserve its architectural integrity. Additionally, the

change of use of land to a domestic garden, along with the creation of a driveway and the

erection of fencing, contributes positively to the setting of the listed building, visually

enhancing its surroundings without causing harm.

The proposal is in full accordance with the relevant policies of the Salford

Seven Neighbourhood Plan—specifically Policy SP1, which seeks to protect the historic

environment by preserving vernacular building styles and encouraging the use of

traditional building materials. These changes align with the principles set out in the NPPF,

ensuring that the significance of the listed building and its setting is preserved and

enhanced.

Decisions:

b)         24/03279/VARY Variation of condition 2, 3, 5 and 8 of 24/00703/FUL dated 14th August 2024 to allow for an increase in footprint and amended design, updated ecological enhancement strategy. Submission of material schedule and hard and soft landscaping plan. Original description of development: Construction of one self-build dwelling with all associated works at Station House, Broom Lane, Broom, Alcester B50 4HN. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

c)          25/00297/FUL – single storey extension (part retrospective) at 10 St Matthews Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UY. Planning Permission Refused.

d)         24/02961/FUL – application for permission to develop land at Four Acres, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UU Planning Permission Refused.

To note:

e)          S278 Application – Evesham Road, Salford Priors PDN- streetlighting design. Stratford District Council cannot confirm it can be approved as a discharge of condition. Condition 17 addresses more than just highway safety, so it must be discharged separately from any S278 approval to allow the Local Planning Authority to consider factors like character of the area, residential amenity, and impacts on nocturnal species. Additionally, the plan shows some street lighting columns fall outside the red line boundary on both sides of Evesham Road. Stratford District Council also need details of any street lighting within the red line boundary.

Planning Enforcement:

f)            Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – no further update

g)          Priors Crescent – Members noted Clerk has emailed Bill Mann, Senior / Civils Contracts Manager, CALA Homes requesting the way forward regarding the recent refusal of the S106 Completion Certificate however has not received a response.

h)          Bomford Way –crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing – this has been referred to the S38 team, Warwickshire County Council.

i)             Bomford Way – no further update regarding adoption.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  No further updates at present.

a)         Update from Warwickshire County Council Highways regarding outstanding queries –

–              The manhole cover in the verge in School Rd will be replaced in the next couple of months.

–              The community payback team has cleared the footway along School Rd.

b)         Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting Dept has confirmed the order for the 2 additional streetlights from Park Hall Mews sub-station to the junction of Tothall Lane.

c)         Clerk has reported one of the new streetlights on School Rd is faulty. This is being investigated.

d)         The defibrillator at Rushford is now installed, available for use and registered on The Circuit. Resolved.

e)         The Clerk has submitted the council’s application for the Local Council Award Scheme (Bronze Award). The initial application deadline is 2nd May, after which it will be reviewed, and any feedback will be reported to the Parish Council. The final deadline for resubmission, following any necessary corrections, is 13th June.

f)           All Housing Needs Surveys have been delivered with 30 online and 14 postal responses received. Awaiting Housing Survey Report from Warwickshire Rural Community Council due 23^rd April.

g)         Sanders Road Damaged Street Sign reported to WCC Ref 015500678 now forwarded to their agent Stratford On Avon District Council for repair.

h)         Four National Highways streetlights by the roundabout A46T, Bidford side have been reported as not working.

–        Monthly grass cutting works have commenced at Perkins Close.

–        There have been some vandalism issues which Clerk has reported to Warwickshire County Council.

–        Emergency clearance works carried out following vandalism around the skatepark.

–        Moss clearance on Station Rd still to be carried out.

Future Tasks

–        Clean bus shelters and clear any vegetation at School Rd & Rushford

–        Clear footway along School Rd

–        Vegetation on footway coming off A46 towards Willow Park.

a)         Infrastructure & Built Environment: Members noted the report:

1)         Highways – The following works are scheduled by WCC Highways for the first quarter of this financial year:

–              Installation of setts on School Rd, continuing into Evesham/Station Rd.

–              Setts to be laid on the small island Evesham/School Rd

–              Installation of full-face kerbing and tarmac footway to prevent lorries from mounting the kerb

–              An on-site meeting will take place after Easter to discuss the proposed works on School Rd, at the location of the former bus stop.

2)         Public Open Space – Members considered the quote for fencing works and gate installation on the Permissive Rights of Way behind the bus shelter on School Road for the sum of £1,975.00. Cllr R Green proposed, Cllr McClean seconded. Unanimous approval. Clerk to issue Purchase Order.

3)         NDP – no further update

4)         Playing Field – The Working Group carried out a review on 1^st April and confirmed no works necessary. Since that date a problem with the roundabout has developed and the slow closure mechanism on one of the gates is failing. Clerk has requested a quote for works.

5)         Allotments:

–        the Working Group carried out an inspection on 1^st April.

–        All invoices have now been sent

–        Members considered the request for a deposit refund on garden allotment plot 11. It was agreed that the plot was not in good condition when it was taken over, and a refund has been approved

–        PROW – The marker at AL11 (by the allotments) has been reinstalled.

6)         Churchyard Extension – quote awaited to replace the soil bank stockade.

b)         Communications – no further update

c)         Project Delivery Group – A meeting took place involving representatives from Ragley Estates, Councillor James, Mr. Alan Green, and the Clerk. The representatives of Ragley Estate expressed strong support for the Greenway project and are currently in the process of instructing their solicitors on matters relating to the various stakeholders. The Parish Council has requested that the fencing works be extended up to the section managed by National Highways, and a response to this request is pending.

a)         Microphone Purchase –the current proposals for microphone systems are insufficiently user-friendly. Alternative options are being explored.

b)         VE Day Celebrations – CALA Homes has granted permission for use of the Public Open Space for the VE Day event. The Clerk has obtained approval from a local landowner for a fireworks display. The beacon is scheduled to be lit at 9:30pm. Starchip Enterprises will be present from 7:30pm to 9:30pm offering refreshments for purchase. Reverend Sheila Bridge will be leading the hymn ‘I Vow to Thee My Country” and a printout of the words will be available. The Warm Hub will be holding their own celebrations.

c)         Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) Purchase – Warwickshire County Council has provided policy documents for review.

d)         A46 Meeting Follow-up – No further updates have been received regarding the action points from the meeting held on 28th February 2025. Clerk to contact National Highways and the office of the MP requesting updates. Cllr James advised that Alcester Town Council had contacted him regarding a future liaison meeting of the A46 parishes this suggestion was fully supported.

e)         Perkins Trust Governor Appointment – Members approved the appointment of Haley Genders as the new Governor for Perkins Trust, replacing Mr. Tom Genders.

Warwickshire County Council Interim Proposals March 2025 (copy circulated) and is available on the Parish Council website.

Cllr James: The Warm Hub & Community Café – Securing the Future What Next – Management Volunteers & Charitable Status. – To be added to the May agenda.

Cllr James: Members noted 2026 marks the 150^th anniversary of Dunnington CofE Primary School

None

a)                           WALC Updates – Circulated

b)                           NALC Updates – Circulated

c)                           Email complimenting the planting on the island at Evesham/School Rd. Noted

a)         Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information  Approved – Next Review April 2027

b)         Retention of Documents and Records Management Policy – Approved – Next Review April 2027

c)         Recruitment Policy – Approved – Next Review April 2027

d)         Data Audit Schedule – Approved – Next Review April 2027

e)         In-house workshop to be arranged on the drafting of a Sexual Harassment Policy Legal obligation for the Employer (Council) The requirement for training and the signed acknowledgment by councillors (Employer) that they are fully aware of its responsibilities.

a)         Members noted payments between meetings.

b)         The council gave consideration and approval of the payments listed in Appendix A.  It was proposed to accept these by Cllr Green seconded by Cllr Stanley and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs McClean & Stanley would sign the payments sheet confirming the payments in Appendix A have been approved by full Council and there is provision within the budget, financial regulations and relevant policies have been followed.

c)         Consideration was given to the fourth quarterly bank reconciliation, account balances and income and expenditure budgets. These were agreed by all Councillors. Cllr McClean proposed these are accepted, Cllr Green seconded with unanimous approval.

d)         Members noted the bank account balances:

e)         Members confirmed and noted that all Contractors insurances are valid and in date and copies of certificates are on file.

f)           Members noted the S137 for 2025/26 has been announced as £11.10 per electorate. This is the amount as a result from increasing the amount of £10.81 for 24/25 by the percentage increase in the retail price index between September 2023 and September 2024, in accordance with Schedule 12B to the 1972 Act.
Cllr. James explained that Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 gives a Parish the ability to spend a limited amount of money for purposes for which they have no other specific statutory power. It’s essentially a “power of last resort” and allows Councils to spend money on projects they believe will benefit some or all of their residents.

g)         It was resolved to increase the hourly day rate for the Lengthsman from £16ph to £20ph as of the 1^st April 2025.

Members noted the date of the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday 23^rd April 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors at 7:00pm. Guest speakers Police & Crime Commissioner Phillip Secombe & Headteacher of Salford Priors CofE Academy.

Member confirmed the date of the Annual Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 21^st May 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors followed directly by the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting.