Council Meeting 15.4.26

To note that Cllr. Andrew Richardson resigned as councillor on the 19^th March 2026.

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 Ashley Jones

–        WCC – Cllr Cliff Brown

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

To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 18^th March 2026 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          26/00535/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 5 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

b)          26/00549/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 6 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

c)          26/00857/TREE – T1 oak – Remove 2 limbs overhanging 1 School Road as per annotated photograph (or option 2: re-pollard sides back to previous pollarded points). Crown lift to give clearance of 1-1.5 metres above roof of shed at Berryfield, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UU

Decisions:

d)          26/00378/TREE – T1 Beech – Crown thin by a maximum of 25%. Prune over hanging secondary branches to clear adjacent garage by up to 2metres. Remove deadwood at The Gables, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UX. CONSENT WITH CONDITIONS

e)          25/02501/FUL – Erection of Agricultural Building (to replace previous building destroyed by fire) at Moat Farm, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT. PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS

Planning Enforcement:

f)            Bomford Way – Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council

g)           Priors Crescent – Non Compliance Land Public Open Space Conditions

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

a)          WCC inspected the hedges on School Road. Some cutting back has taken place. The hedge is healthy and relatively tall; hard pruning at this stage would remove all foliage and substantially alter its appearance. The hedge will be reviewed again next season, after September, when more extensive cutting or removal could be considered, although this would have a significant visual impact. Currently, the footway width is sufficient, and if the hedge encroaches later in the year, it can be trimmed by hand. Clerk has made a diary note for October for an update. Noted and deferred to October.

b)          The light outside the Memorial Hall has now been repaired. Noted and Closed.

c)          The yellow backed 30mph signs for the entrance to Salford Priors from the A46 on Evesham Rd have been installed. Noted and Closed.

d)          The annual maintenance check of the flagpole in the Memorial Hall garden has taken place.

e)          The shield placed on the lighting outside 72 School Rd has proved ineffective. The Clerk is seeking advice from a private contractor.

f)           To note Clerk has ordered 5 replacement noticeboards.

Chairman’s Monthly Update

g)           Response from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming (Circulated)

h)          Response from Dr. Manuela Perteghella MP Local Government Reorganisation (Circulated)

i)             Parish Office Storage units x 2 Ordered

a)          To note jobs issued from last Council meeting:

–        Clearance works at footway and bridge at Abbots Salford

–        Clearance works under hedge on School Rd

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – no further update

2)          Public Open Space – Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting Department have investigated the installation of the feeder pillar for electrical supply for the Public Open Space and a quote is awaited.

3)          NDP – to consider the appointment of the consultancy to advise on the review of the Salford Seven NDP

4)          Playing Field –

o   to note goalposts have had to be urgently removed due to Health & Safety. To consider replacements.

o   To receive the Working Group’s report on the quarterly inspection findings.

5)          Garden Allotments – to note all invoices have been sent for the period 1^st May 2026-30^th April 2027.

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

b)         Communications – to receive update regarding Parish Connect.

c)          Project Delivery Group – to receive any updates

Update following recent disqualification and resignation:

a)          To note that Stratford District Council received no request for an election following the Notice of Vacancy issued in respect of the disqualification of Lauren Stanley, and to consider the co-option of a Councillor.

b)          To note Mr. Andrew Richardson’s resignation. The Notice of Vacancy has been advertised with the closing date of 14^th April.

c)          Matters raised at the Annual Parish Meeting

To note the UK Government’s emerging agenda on neighbourhood governance, as set out in the EDCE Bill, including the current lack of a clear formal definition or detailed implementation guidance, and the absence of any clearly defined role for parish and town councils; and to consider the potential implications and any actions to take as per email forwarded 23.3.26.

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. Meakins Future Housing Developments. (Carried over from March Agenda.)

To consider the quote for the streetlight electricity contract.

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

a)          WALC Weekly Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review 2021-2041 emailed 30.3.26

a)          Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information

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

b)          To note payments made between meetings.

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

d)         To consider Section 1 – Annual Governance and Accountability Return FY 2025/26

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

f)            To note former councillors Mrs Lauren Stanley & Mr Andrew Richardson have been removed from the Bank accounts.

g)          To note the bank account balances

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 20^th May 2026 directly following the Annual Council Meeting at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors.

Cllr Meakins – accepted

Members noted Mr Andrew Richardson’s resignation as Councillor.

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)          3 members of public were present:

–              A resident reported that the post box at Abbots Salford has been sealed with black tape, and believes there are more in the parish. The Clerk will report this matter to Royal Mail, providing all relevant details once received.

–              More debris has come over the footway at Abbots Salford. Clerk to contact Lengthsman for a quote to carry out clearance works.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Brown’s Report – not in attendance nor report received.

d)         District Councillor Jones’ Report –

–              He attended a meeting at Stratford District Council regarding the South Warwickshire Local Plan. This is a joint planning framework being prepared by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwick District Council, setting out potential locations for future housing, employment land, infrastructure, and community facilities across South Warwickshire to meet government housing requirements and guide development over the coming years. It was noted that the housing supply position is further behind than initially anticipated, creating urgency in identifying suitable sites. Several provisional sites were discussed at the meeting, however these cannot be disclosed at this stage.

–              Arrow Valley Solar Project – no formal representations can yet be made. District Councillor Jones will raise a question at Full Council to bring the project to the attention of the Leader and the wider Council, with a request that all Members work collaboratively on this matter. Cllr James advised that the proposal is generating significant public interest, particularly in Dunnington. Residents are holding a meeting on Wednesday 22nd April, which District Councillor Jones has been invited to attend. In addition, on Tuesday 21st April, the Parish Council, together with other Parish Councils, has been invited to a presentation evening in Alcester hosted by Arrow Valley Solar Ltd. Most of the Councillors will be attending.

–              District Council Activity (Q1)
Full Council is scheduled for 20 April, with key items including the SWLP and a motion on the oil/fuel crisis, including potential consortium arrangements. A councillor briefing on the SWLP is taking place, with feedback to follow. Pre-consultation work on the Arrow Valley Solar project is ongoing; resident concerns are being gathered and recorded.

–              Councillor Attendance & Training
He has attended multiple parish council meetings and maintained full attendance at Full Council and Employment Committee. Training hours continue to be logged, with further monitoring and compliance training scheduled.

–              Ward Updates
Progress on the Birch appeal site in Temple Grafton remains delayed due to enforcement timing restrictions following a rejected appeal; this has been escalated to senior officers and may be raised at a future committee. Ongoing discussions with Severn Trent aim to resolve disruption caused by lorry transport of water/sewage in Wixford and Salford Priors. Local development proposals continue to be scrutinised, including a qualified objection to housing numbers in an Arrow development.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:15

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 18^th March 2026 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)          26/00535/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 5 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. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”.

b)          26/00549/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 6 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. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”.

c)          26/00857/TREE – T1 oak – Remove 2 limbs overhanging 1 School Road as per annotated photograph (or option 2: re-pollard sides back to previous pollarded points). Crown lift to give clearance of 1-1.5 metres above roof of shed at Berryfield, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UU. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”.

d)          26/00952/TREE – T1 cedar – Reduce over extended lateral limbs up to 5 metres and give a 30% crown thin of the canopy, remove all deadwood at Salford House, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”.

Decisions:

e)          26/00378/TREE – T1 Beech – Crown thin by a maximum of 25%. Prune over hanging secondary branches to clear adjacent garage by up to 2metres. Remove deadwood at The Gables, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UX. CONSENT WITH CONDITIONS

f)            25/02501/FUL – Erection of Agricultural Building (to replace previous building destroyed by fire) at Moat Farm, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT. PERMISSION GRANTED WITH CONDITIONS

g)           26/00125/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 4 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 ARE APPROVED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.

Planning Enforcement:

h)          Bomford Way – Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – The Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) has been informed by Vistry that they have placed an order to carry out the remedial planting and the provisional date for installation is 15th April. Cllr Price confirmed that works had been carried out.

i)             Priors Crescent – Non Compliance Land Public Open Space Conditions – The Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) recently attended a site meeting with CALA. She considers that CALA has made a genuine effort to address the significant issues and hopes to agree a way forward. The results of the meeting are awaited.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP): 

Update provided by District Councillor Jones in his report above. Responses from the most recent consultation have now been assessed, and the plan is progressing, with submission to the Inspectorate anticipated by October.

Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project

The Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project will be included as a standing item on future agendas. Cllr James proposed the formation of a Working Group to collaborate with District Councillor Jones. This was seconded by Cllr Howarth. It was agreed that Cllrs Howarth, Maude, and Price would form the Working Group. The proposal was approved unanimously.

a)          WCC inspected the hedges on School Road. Some cutting back has taken place. The hedge is healthy and relatively tall; hard pruning at this stage would remove all foliage and substantially alter its appearance. The hedge will be reviewed again next season, after September, when more extensive cutting or removal could be considered, although this would have a significant visual impact. Currently, the footway width is sufficient, and if the hedge encroaches later in the year, it can be trimmed by hand. The Clerk instructed the Lengthsman to clear the footway, these works have been carried out. Clerk has made a diary note for October for an update. Noted and deferred to October.

b)          The light outside the Memorial Hall has now been repaired. Noted and Closed.

c)          The two yellow backed 30mph signs for the entrance to Salford Priors from the A46 on Evesham Rd have been installed. Noted and Closed.

d)          The annual maintenance check of the flagpole in the Memorial Hall garden has taken place. Noted and Closed.

e)          The shield placed on the lighting outside 72 School Rd has proved ineffective. The Clerk has sought advice from a private contractor who has advised the installation of a more effective shield. Following consultation with the Chair these works have been approved.

f)            5 x replacement noticeboards have been ordered and delivery is expected w/c 8^th June. Noted and Closed.

g)           The casing on the light near the washing line area in Perkins Close has been smashed. There are no spare parts available for this type of fitting and following consultation with the Chair a replacement light has been ordered in the sum of £498.

Chairman’s Monthly Update

h)          Response from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Swimming (Circulated)

i)             Response from Dr Manuela Perteghella MP Local Government Reorganisation (Circulated)

j)             Parish Office Storage units x 2 ordered

k)           He attended the meeting at Dunnington Baptist Church, where it was confirmed that the final church service will take place on Sunday 14 June. The Church Elders will honour the Parish Council’s booking of the hall on 17 June which will be the last meeting held. After this, the keys will be handed over to the Baptist Council, who will proceed with the formal disposal of the church, hall, and surrounding land. The village Christmas Tree socket and power point will need to be re-sited along with the Defibrillator.

a)          Members noted the jobs issued from last Council meeting:

–        Clearance works at footway and bridge at Abbots Salford

–        Clearance works under hedge on School Rd

b)          Future tasks to be issued –

–        Two benches, one at the bottom of School Rd and one in the Churchyard to be refurbished.

–        Road signage clearing

–        Footway clearance on A46

–        Further clearance works on the footway at Abbots Salford

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

1)          Highways – Senior Engineer, County Highways, Minor Works Team has confirmed Balfour Beatty has been awarded the Highways contract and will be providing a quote for requested works on School Rd and the junction of School Rd/Evesham Rd. He has advised these works will take some months to deliver.

2)          Public Open Space – Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting Department have investigated the installation of the feeder pillar for electrical supply for the Public Open Space and a quote is awaited.

3)          NDP – Members considered the appointment of a consultancy to advise on the review of the Salford Seven Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). Two quotations were received and noted, with a significant difference between them. Given the importance of the Neighbourhood Plan, Cllr Howarth proposed that a separate meeting be held to examine the quotations in detail. This item will therefore be added to the Planning Committee agenda for the meeting scheduled for Tuesday 28th April at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington. District Councillor Jones has also been invited.

4)          Playing Field –

o   Members noted that the two five-a-side goalposts had to be urgently removed on Health and Safety grounds. As they are well used, replacement goals were recommended. Cllr James proposed the purchase of a pair of 12ft x 6ft socketed aluminium goals at a cost of £1,625.98. This was seconded by Cllr Price and approved unanimously. The expenditure will be allocated from the Playing Field budget.

o   The Working Group is still to meet to report on the quarterly inspection findings.

o   Members noted all repair works have now been completed.

5)          Garden Allotments – Members noted all invoices have been sent for the rental period 1^st May 2026-30^th April 2027.

6)          PROW – Cllr Howarth has reported some flytipping on AL7a. There is also a gate missing which the Clerk will report. Mr Green has carried out clearance works around some kissing gates.

b)          Communications – Disappointing that there has been no further progress regarding Parish Connect.

c)          Project Delivery Group – Following the release of the Scoping Report for the Arrow Valley Solar Farm, it is evident that the proposed development would have a significant impact on the proposed route. Where vehicular access is maintained, public footpaths are expected to be obstructed. Legal advice has been sought from Birketts, who have recommended engaging with either Ragley or Arrow Valley Solar Ltd. It is advised that the Parish Council seek to secure a strategically agreed corridor prior to the commencement of any further works. While Ragley had previously indicated a potential 15-year right of passage, Birketts have suggested that this should instead be extended to 65 years.

A total of 12 Public Rights of Way (PROW) are affected by the proposals, with six located on Site 1 and six on Site 2. It has also been noted that a considerable sum has already been expended on legal costs in relation to this matter, which warrants further consideration. This issue is to be referred to the Arrow Valley Solar Farm Working Group for detailed review.

Update following recent disqualification and resignation:

a)          Members noted that Stratford District Council received no request for an election following the Notice of Vacancy issued in respect of the disqualification of Mrs Lauren Stanley, and to consider the co-option of a Councillor. This to be deferred to May meeting.

b)          Members noted Mr Andrew Richardson’s resignation. The Notice of Vacancy has been advertised with the closing date of 14^th April. No further update so this will be deferred to the May meeting.

c)          Matters raised at the Annual Parish Meeting –

–        the role of Parish Councils when the new Unitary authority comes into power

–        The proposed Arrow Valley Solar Farm and Public Rights of Way

–        The proposed Cedar Close development

–        Overhanging hedges on School Rd

–        The A46 roundabout

Members noted the UK Government’s emerging agenda on neighbourhood governance, as set out in the EDCE Bill, including the current lack of a clear formal definition or detailed implementation guidance, and the absence of any clearly defined role for parish and town councils; and to consider the potential implications and any actions to take as per email forwarded 23.3.26. Salford Priors Parish Council had previously raised these concerns with MP Manuela Perteghela and had received a response; therefore, it was agreed that no further action would be taken.

Cllr Meakins Future Housing Developments. As Cllr Meakins was not in attendance this will matter will be closed.

Three quotes have been received from Clear Utility Solutions for the streetlight electricity contract start date 22.8.26 over 36 months:

Cllr Price proposed that Conrad Energy is awarded the 36 month contract, Cllr Maude seconded, unanimous approval.

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review 2021-2041 emailed 30.3.26

Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information – Cllr James proposed this is accepted, Cllr R Green seconded, Unanimous approval.

a)          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 McClean and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs Green & Maude 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.

b)          Members noted the payments made between meetings which totalled £9,132.26. These were authorised by the Chairman.  Approved.

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

d)          The Chairman read aloud each question within Section 1 of the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) for Local Councils for the financial year 2025/26, which were then considered by Members. Sections 1 to 8 were unanimously approved. Section 9, relating to trust funds, was noted as not applicable. Section 10, a newly introduced requirement confirming that the Parish Council has implemented appropriate arrangements for effective IT and data management in line with proper practices during the year, was also approved.

Approval of these responses was proposed by Cllr James, seconded by Cllr Howarth, and unanimously agreed by all Councillors. The Clerk was instructed to prepare the Section 1 entries for minute reference, including dating and signature.

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

f)            Members noted former councillors Mrs Lauren Stanley & Mr Andrew Richardson have been removed from the Bank accounts.

g)           Members noted the bank account balances:

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 20^th May 2026 directly following the Annual Council Meeting at the Memorial Hall at 7.00pm.