Council Meeting 15.10.25

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.

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

a. Open Forum: (Maximum 15 minutes will be allowed)

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 Cliff Brown – to note written report

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

a)          To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 10^th September 2025 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.

b)          To note the minutes from the recent Planning Committee Meeting held on 22^nd September 2025 in the Eddie Clarke Suite, Salford Priors Memorial Hall.

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          25/02298/FUL Removal of old conservatory and replacing to new brick and block constructed extension to form new sunroom for all year round use at 6 Cleeve View, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UW

Considered via email:

b)          25/02115/LBC  Proposed window and door alterations at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX

Decisions:

c)          25/01244/LDE 54 Tothall Lane Dunnington Alcester B49 5NY Lawful Development Certificate to confirm Use of Land as garden/drive in association with the residential dwelling. REFUSAL OF CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL EXISTING USE OR DEVELOPMENT

d)          25/01982/TREE – -T1 beech – 15% crown thin and selective crown reduction of up to 1 metre, to shape crown/clear structures. -T2 ash – fell at The Gables, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UX. NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.

e)          25/01348/FUL – Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and canopy porch to front and alterations to the existing access at 7 Garrard Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XG. PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

Planning Enforcement:

f)            Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – Clerk has contacted the Senior Planning Officer requesting an update who has chased Vistry Ltd once again.

g)           Priors Crescent – No further update.

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

a)          The connection of the two new streetlamps on School Road has been followed up once again. Although they were installed at the end of May, no installation date has yet been provided despite the Clerk’s best efforts.

b)          Audio Equipment – making the Parish Council Meeting more accessible.  Equipment has been identified and orders placed.

c)          The installation of the new flower planter on the green at St Matthews Close will be installed in the autumn.

d)          Warwickshire County Council Highways have confirmed that a works order has been raised to cut back the overgrown hedging along School Road. The hedge was significantly encroaching onto the roadway, creating a safety hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Whilst one householder has addressed the lower-level growth, the hedge still requires proper levelling. The Clerk has chased once again.

e)          Redecoration of the Parish Office has been completed. The existing carpet tiles to be replaced. Quotes to be reviewed if received.

f)            Dropped kerb accident, School Road – Frank Daley (Development Team Senior Engineer, Section 38/278/184 Minor Works) has been in contact with Mike Verity at CALA Homes but to date, despite chasing has received no response. If he does not respond, Frank will have no option but to call in the surety to carry out the required RSA3 and appropriate actions identified to complete the S278 works.

g)           The Local Council Award Scheme has granted the Bronze award. Resolved.

h)          Clerk has written to the owners of the Queens Head, Irons Cross thanking them for carrying out the clearance works. Resolved

i)             Vandalism to the bus stop – quotes are currently being obtained for replacement glass.

j)             The old water valve marker on School Avenue has been reported to Severn Trent Water and has since been followed up.

k)           A Purchase Order has been issued for the installation of a tree socket at Rushford in preparation for the Christmas tree, along with the purchase of new tree lights.

l)             A replacement dog fouling sign has been installed on the post by the Permissive Right of Way, Priors Crescent. Resolved

m)       Adoption of estate roads Bomford Way / Priors Crescent Clerk to provide update from Warwickshire County Council.

Chairman’s Monthly Update:

a)      Priors Grange estate roads and footways were not adopted by the Conty Council therefore not maintainable out of the public purse Orbit Housing Association have sole responsibility.

b)      Members attended WALC Stratford Area meeting on Local Government Reform.

a)          To note jobs issued from last Council meeting; comment on progress – no update

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued

c)          Chairman to propose consideration of a 5% uplift on hourly rate effective from the 1^st November.

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – to note Clerk has issued a Purchase Order for the works on School Rd at the old bus stop.

2)          Public Open Space – no further update

3)          NDP

o   an informal meeting has been set to discuss the Housing Needs Survey on 20th October.

o   To note email from MP Manuel Perteghella regarding the withdrawal of national grant funding for NDPs

4)          Playing Field – to note annual inspection report has taken place. Members of the working group to review the reports findings.

5)          Garden Allotments –

o   to note complaint regarding gate being open on a regular basis. Clerk has sent a reminder to all garden allotment holders reminding them to keep the gate closed at all times.

o   To consider splitting plot number 1.

o   To note Awards Evening has been set for Friday 14^th November, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors

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

b)          Communications – To receive and consider recommendations from Cllr Richardson regarding a portable wi-fi hub.

c)          Project Delivery Group – to note the letter of consent confirming the CIL extension to 31^st March 2028 has been signed and returned.

a)          To consider Cllr Richardson’s proposals regarding dog waste issues.

b)          To note that the Community Speed Watch (CSW) Team has been active, with reports submitted to the Police. PC Strain has advised that the local police can request a speed monitoring van to be positioned at the junction of School Road and Station Road (the triangle). The Clerk has submitted a request for this.

c)          To note Clerk is updating the Emergency Parish Plan. To consider Cllrs to form part of an Emergency Committee.

To note update regarding Local Government Reorganisation.

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).

To receive update from Cllr Richardson regarding House of Commons visit.

None

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

a)                            WALC Updates – Circulated

b)                            NALC Updates – Circulated

c)                            Weekly police reports – Circulated

d)                            Response from Christmas Tree Switch On Committee (fwd 29.9.25)

a)          To note External Audit report.

b)         To consider and approve the second quarterly bank reconciliations, account balances and income and expenditure budgets

c)          To note payments made between meetings.

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

e)          To note the second Precept payment of £42,000 was received on 15.9.25

f)            To consider the appointment of Internal Auditor, DKE Audit Services for FY 25/26 at a cost of £295 plus mileage.

g)           To note 3 x poppy wreaths have been ordered for Remembrance Sunday.

h)          To note Clerk has completed the application form to add Cllrs Howarth & Richardson to the bank account.

i)            To note the bank account balances

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 19^th November 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors.

Non Attendance – Cllr Stanley

Notices:

Cllr James reported that:

–        The Parish Council has received notice today that District Councillor Stanley has resigned with immediate effect from her role as District Councillor representing Salford Priors & Alcester rural ward. A by election for this ward will take place on 20^th November.

–        A representative from The Vineyard Pub advised that a planning application to convert The Vineyard to a dwelling house has been lodged with Stratford District Council.

Members were reminded that they must act solely in the public interest and should never improperly confer

an advantage or disadvantage on any person or act to gain financial or other material benefits for

themselves, their family, a friend, or close associate.

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.

a)          5 members of public were present:

–              Request for a streetlight by the bin on St Matthews Close, Cllr James advised this will be considered via the Budget Consultation meeting being held on 5^th November.

–              It was reported that the hedges are overgrown on School Rd from Tothall Lane to Queens Head. Clerk to contact Warwickshire County Council tenant farmer of the land to request these are trimmed back.

–              The new planter will be installed shortly on the green at St Matthews Close. Residents are concerned about the state of the grass with cars driving illegally over the green to their properties. Clerk to contact Orbit once again regarding this issue.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Cliff Brown’s Report was noted. He arrived at 19:13 and advised the following:

–              Five-Year Land Supply:
Site definitions have been updated, including designation of “grey sites” and areas linked to critical national infrastructure. The Council has limited powers to refuse such developments. Applications for major projects (e.g. wind farms, transport links) now bypass the usual planning and appeal process — refusals go directly to judicial review.

–              Housing and Development Monitoring:
A full survey is underway across Stratford District to identify all unoccupied homes, as well as vacant shop units and unused accommodation above retail premises.

–              Planning and Enforcement Capacity:
The authority has approval to recruit additional planning and enforcement officers. The current approach favours approving applications with conditions rather than refusing them outright.

–              Housing Delivery:
The district remains approximately 200 homes short of its annual target. Only occupied dwellings count towards the supply. Developers are being encouraged to begin construction within 18 months rather than the previous five-year window.

Parish Concerns:

·       Cllr James raised concerns about “grey land” within the parish.

·       Cllr Maude questioned whether planning conditions will be effectively enforced; the extra staff are intended to ensure this happens.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):
The SWLP must be adopted by the end of 2027. There may be a further call for sites. Existing SWLP-accepted sites are expected to progress more quickly. Many sites within the parish are on County Council land, and speculative applications continue to come forward. Stratford District Council will support parishes in updating their Neighbourhood Plans.

d)         District Councillor Report : As noted earlier District Councillor Stanley has resigned her position with immediate effect.

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

a)          The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 10^th September 2025 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington were agreed by the Council to be a true record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

b)          Members noted the minutes from the recent Planning Committee Meeting held on 22^nd September 2025 in the Eddie Clarke Suite, Salford Priors Memorial Hall.

Meeting adjourned for County Councillor Cliff Brown 19:13. Reconvened at 19:40 – see Open Forum

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          25/02298/FUL Removal of old conservatory and replacing to new brick and block constructed extension to form new sunroom for all year round use at 6 Cleeve View, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UW. Following consideration, Members have no objection to this application. Cllr James to provide wording for Clerk.

b)          25/02331/FUL – Proposed : Replacement boundary wall, gates and associated removal of trees at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Following consideration, Members have no objection to this application. Cllr James to provide wording for Clerk.

c)          25/02334/FUL Proposed : Demolition of existing single storey building and erection of new single storey extension. Replace existing Crital steel windows/doors with new double glazed windows/doors. Internal alterations. Enlarge parking/turning area at Four Acres, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UU. Following consideration, Members have no objection to this application. Cllr James to provide wording for Clerk.

Considered via email:

d)          25/02115/LBC  Proposed window and door alterations and installation of gas meter box at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Following consultation via email, Clerk responded as follows:

“The Barns is a Grade II listed building, first listed on 13th December 1984, and located within the Salford Priors Conservation Area. The current windows were installed during the 1970s/1980s and are not of historic or architectural significance. Their design and materials do not reflect the traditional character or heritage value of the original building.

The proposed replacement of the windows and doors will enhance the heritage aspect of this

important listed property through the use of materials and designs that are more sympathetic to

its original form, detailing, and setting. This proposal represents a positive conservation improvement consistent with national and local planning policy.

In particular, the proposal aligns with the following:

• Salford Seven Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP):

Supports the conservation and enhancement of heritage assets and encourages development that reinforces the character and distinctiveness of the parish.

• Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy (Policies CS.8 and CS.9):

Emphasises the preservation and enhancement of the historic environment, including the protection of designated heritage assets and their settings.

• National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, 2024) – Sections 202-221:

Encourages proposals that sustain and enhance the significance of heritage assets and make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.

Overall, the proposed works represent a heritage-led enhancement that will improve the building’s appearance, ensure its continued preservation, and contribute positively to the character of the Salford Priors Conservation Area.”

Decisions:

e)          25/01244/LDE 54 Tothall Lane Dunnington Alcester B49 5NY Lawful Development Certificate to confirm Use of Land as garden/drive in association with the residential dwelling. REFUSAL OF CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL EXISTING USE OR DEVELOPMENT

f)            25/01982/TREE – -T1 beech – 15% crown thin and selective crown reduction of up to 1 metre, to shape crown/clear structures. -T2 ash – fell at The Gables, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UX. NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.

g)           25/01348/FUL – Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and canopy porch to front and alterations to the existing access at 7 Garrard Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XG. PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

h)          25/01628/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 7 only pursuant to outline application 24/00614/VARY for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots at Land West of Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR. DETAILS APPROVED.

Planning Enforcement:

i)             Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – Clerk has contacted the Senior Planning Officer requesting an update who has chased Vistry Ltd once again.

j)             Priors Crescent – No further update.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  This was discussed with County Councillor Brown during Open Forum, minuted above.

a)          The Clerk has again followed up on the connection of the two new streetlamps on School Road. Although the lamps were installed at the end of May, an installation date has still not been provided. It was noted that the Warwickshire County Council’s EON contact has recently been replaced, which has caused some delays in progressing outstanding jobs.

b)          Audio Equipment – making the Parish Council Meeting more accessible.  Equipment has been identified and orders placed.

c)          The installation of the new flower planter on the green at St Matthews Close will be installed in the next couple of weeks.

d)          Warwickshire County Council Highways have confirmed that a works order has been raised to cut back the overgrown hedging along School Road. The hedge was significantly encroaching onto the roadway, creating a safety hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. Whilst one householder has addressed the lower-level growth, the hedge still requires proper levelling. The Clerk has chased once again.

e)          Redecoration of the Parish Office has been completed. The existing carpet tiles to be replaced. Quotes have been received with the difference between Karndean and carpet tiles being £100. Karndean quote has been accepted.

f)            Dropped kerb accident, School Road – Frank Daley (Development Team Senior Engineer, Section 38/278/184 Minor Works) has been in contact with Mike Verity at CALA Homes but to date, despite chasing, has received no response. If he does not respond, Warwickshire County Council will have no option but to call in the surety to carry out the required RSA3 and appropriate actions identified to complete the S278 works.

g)           The Local Council Award Scheme has granted the Bronze award. Councillors gave their appreciation to the Clerk for the work involved. Resolved.

h)          The Clerk has written to the owners of the Queens Head, Irons Cross, to thank them for completing the clearance works. However, further complaints have been received from residents, which are being addressed by Environmental Health at Stratford District Council. The matter is now with the Enforcement team, as it appears that preparations are being made for multiple occupancy without the appropriate planning permissions.

i)             Vandalism to the bus stop – this is due to be repaired 16^th October.

j)             The old water valve marker on School Avenue has been removed by Severn Trent Water. Resolved

k)           A Purchase Order has been issued for the installation of a tree socket at Rushford in preparation for the Christmas tree, along with the purchase of new tree lights. Resolved

l)             A replacement dog fouling sign has been installed on the post by the Permissive Right of Way, Priors Crescent. Resolved

m)       Clerk has emailed S38 department at Warwickshire County Council for an update regarding the adoption of  estate roads Bomford Way/Priors Crescent. Update awaited. County Councillor Cliff Brown was asked to investigate these issues.

Chairman’s Monthly Update:

a)      Priors Grange estate roads and footways were not adopted by the County Council therefore not maintainable out of the public purse. Orbit Housing Association have sole responsibility.

b)      Members attended WALC Stratford Area meeting on Local Government Reform.

c)      A position on the Public Open Space, Priors Crescent has been identified for a Covid Memorial Tree. Clerk has contacted CALA requesting permission to plant a Liquidambar styraciflua.

a)          Jobs issued from the last Council meeting will be completed this week.

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued:

–              Clear pavement outside St Matthews Church for Remembrance Sunday

–              Loosen grit in the grit bins

c)          Chairman proposed a 5% uplift on hourly rate to £21 ph effective from 1^st November. Cllr Price seconded. Unanimous approval.

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

1)          Highways –

–              Members noted that a Purchase Order for the works on School Rd at the old bus stop has been issued to Warwickshire County Council.

–              Clerk to request an update on the installation of the block setts on the corner of School Rd/Evesham Rd.

2)          Public Open Space, Priors Crescent – no further update.

3)          NDP

–              an informal meeting has been set to discuss the Housing Needs Survey on 20th October.

–              Members noted the email from MP Manuela Perteghella regarding the withdrawal of national grant funding for NDPs

4)          Playing Field – Members noted the annual inspection has taken place. Members of the working group to review the report’s findings.

5)          Garden Allotments

–              Members noted the complaint regarding gate being open on a regular basis. Clerk has sent a reminder to all garden allotment holders reminding them to keep the gate closed at all times.

–              It was resolved to divide plot 1 into 2 plots following a recent request.

–              Members noted the Awards Evening has been set for Friday 14th November, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors. Cllr Green will arrange for tropies, medals etc to be engraved.

6)          PROW – Mr Green on the Public Rights of Way within the Parish has nothing to report this month.

b)          Communications – Members considered the device and data package options for a portable Wi-Fi hub presented by Cllr Richardson. It was agreed to trial a Pay As You Go EE service to evaluate its performance before entering into a contract, and to purchase a device at a mid-range price point.

c)          Project Delivery Group – Members noted the letter of consent confirming the CIL extension to 31^st March 2028 has been signed and returned.

a)          Cllr Richardson reported on research into addressing dog waste issues. He proposed placing QR codes on village assets to link directly to the reporting page or via a redirect service, allowing for non-obtrusive tracking of scan data. The redirect option would incur an annual cost (approx. $10/month) but would futureproof changes ahead of the new authority in 2028. Costs and number of QR-coded assets to be determined. Cllr Richardson will investigate further and present detailed proposals at the November meeting.

b)          Members noted that the Community Speed Watch (CSW) Team has been active, with reports submitted to the Police. PC Strain has advised that the local police can request a speed monitoring van to be positioned at the junction of School Road and Station Road (the triangle). The Clerk has submitted a request for this. Cllr James advised the police have been carrying out their own speed checks on Evesham/Station Rd.

c)          Members noted the Clerk is updating the Emergency Parish Plan. It was resolved for Cllrs James, Green & Richardson to form part of the Emergency Committee.

Preparations are ongoing for Council’s 17 November 2025 decision on Warwickshire’s Local Government Reorganisation, with the government submission due 28 November 2025. Stratford District Council ’s preferred option is a 2-unitary Warwickshire, subject to community engagement and a full business case. Evidence being reviewed includes service desegregation analysis, Deloitte’s business case development, and public/stakeholder feedback from 2,300+ responses. Key Working Group meetings are scheduled for 8, 22, and 29 October to review Deloitte’s draft report and engagement results. Following Stratford District Council  consideration, the timeline includes government consultation in spring 2026, a decision in summer 2026, legislation and implementation planning in autumn 2026, Shadow Council elections on 6 May 2027, and new unitary councils going live on 1 April 2028 with full TUPE staff transfers.

Warwickshire County Council’s preferred option is for a single unitary authority.

Cllr Richardson will provide some dates regarding House of Commons visit via email.

None

a)          WALC Weekly Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Response from Christmas Tree Switch On Committee (fwd 29.9.25)

a)          Members noted the External Audit report with no exceptions.

b)          Members gave consideration and approval to the second quarterly bank reconciliation, account balances and income and expenditure budgets. Cllr James proposed these were accepted, with no issues with Cllr McClean seconding.  These were agreed by all Councillors.

c)          Members noted the payments made between meetings.

d)          The council gave consideration and approval of the payments listed in Appendix A.  It was proposed to accept these by Cllr Price seconded by Cllr Howarth and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs Green & McClean 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.

e)          Members noted the second Precept payment of £42,000 was received on 15.9.25

f)            It was resolved to appoint DKE Audit Services as internal auditor for FY 25/26 at a cost of £295 plus mileage.

g)           Members noted 3 x poppy wreaths have been ordered for Remembrance Sunday. Timings are as follows:

–              9:45am Meet at the Memorial Hall on 9^th November

–              9:55 am – a small Memorial Service will take place along with the wreath laying

–              10:05am –  Procession from the Memorial Hall to St Matthews Church for the Remembrance Sunday Service and further wreath laying.

–              A wreath will also be laid at the Baptist Church, Dunnington. Clerk to advertise this via the usual channels.

h)          Members noted Cllrs Howarth & Richardson have been added as signatories to the bank account.

i)             Members noted the bank account balances:

Council confirmed the date of the Budget Planning Meeting on Wednesday 5^th November at 7pm in the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 19^th November 2025 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.