Council Meeting 19.11.25

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 –

–        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 Wednesday 15^th October 2025 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          25/02509/TREE Proposed: G1 – Group of semi mature Ash & Beech – Reduce back by 2 metres at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX

b)          25/02370/TREE Proposed : – T1 silver birch – Fell – T2 silver birth – Fell – T3 sugar maple – Remove deadwood and mistletoe – T4 acacia – Remove deadwood – T5 alder (by lamp) – Fell (dead) – T6 poplar – Remove deadwood and reduce lateral limb by 2.5-3 metres (going towards the car park) at Salford Hall Hotel, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT

c)          25/02555/FUL Proposed – Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump to be installed to the

property. Planning permission is being sought as there is an existing AC unit at 1 Hedges Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XH

Decisions:

d)          25/02189/TREE -H1 conifer hedge – top to be trimmed. -T2 European plum tree – reduce by 2-2.5 metres and reshape at Eyston Cottage, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT. NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

e)          25/01960/FU – Erection of replacement single storey rear extension, first floor side extension and

detached car port and store outbuilding and associated works at Tanglewood, Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NT PLANNING PERMISSION is GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

f)      25/01826/LDE Proposed – Existing use of Land as domestic curtilage associated with dwellinghouse Rough Hill at Rough Hill, Low Road, Church Lench, Evesham WR11 4UH. Having reviewed the information submitted by the applicant and historic imagery, the Local Planning Authority are not satisfied that on the balance of probabilities that the applicant has demonstrated that all of the land contained within the red line has been used as residential curtilage since 30/07/2015 as such would not be lawful.

Planning Enforcement:

g)           Bomford Way Section 106 –

–        No further update regarding the non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council

–        Highways – Section 38 Team, Warwickshire County Council has advised that they have chased the Bomford Way developers for an update regarding its adoption.

h)          Priors Crescent

–        Highways – Section 38 Team, Warwickshire County Council has advised that Priors Crescent, Salford Priors is part of the ‘School Road, Salford Priors’ Scheme which is currently registered as private and is not under a Section 38 Agreement. They have confirmed talks are ongoing between the council and the developers to agree a Section 38 Agreement for the development. They are unable to provide a timescale for this due to the intricate nature of a Section 38 agreement and the requirements needed to be fulfilled for an agreement to be put in place.

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

a)          There is still no update regarding the connection of the two new streetlights on School Rd.

b)          Audio Equipment is now in place. Resolved.

c)          The installation of the new flower planter on the green at St Matthews Close has been installed. Resolved.

d)          Warwickshire County Council Highways have confirmed the overgrown hedging along School Road is due to be cut back shortly.

e)          Redecoration of the Parish Office has been completed. The existing carpet tiles are due to be replaced with Karndean on 20^th/21^st November.

f)            Dropped kerb accident, School Road – CALA have now responded to Frank Daley (Development Team Senior Engineer, Section 38/278/184 Minor Works) requesting further information which has been forwarded by the Clerk.

g)           Vandalism to the bus stop – this has been repaired. Resolved.

h)          Officers from Orbit Housing have carried out an inspection following the Clerk’s email regarding the issue of driving across grass verges to access property at St Matthews Close. They will be writing to all residents advising that they cannot drive across the grass verge.

i)             Warwickshire County Council, Highways Department has been contacted again regarding the long outstanding kerbing and setts works at the junction of School Road and Evesham Road. Due to recent internal changes at Warwickshire County Council, these works are not expected to be scheduled in the near future. Clerk has contacted County Councillor Cliff Brown to see if he can provide further clarification.

j)             Following Clerk’s request to install a commemorative Covid tree on the Public Open Space at Priors Crescent, CALA have advised that as Stratford District Council has withdrawn its agreement to vary the s106, CALA must now maintain the POS for a 12-month period following certification. The POS will therefore remain as per the approved plans until the end of this maintenance period. CALA are therefore unable to agree to the Parish Council’s request.

Chairman’s Monthly Update:

a)          Remembrance Day Commemorations.

b)          Update on Biodiversity / Community Orchards Project.

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

–        Signage clearance works have taken place

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – covered in Clerk’s report.

2)          Public Open Space – to note work is scheduled for the first week of November (planting season) and CALA Homes hope to contact Stratford District Council for their final inspection by the end of November.

3)          NDP – to receive update following recent meeting.

4)          Playing Field – date still to be set to consider the annual report’s findings.  To note damage to toddler bridge and consider way forward.

5)          Garden Allotments – no further update

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

b)         Communications –

–        to receive update regarding next Parish Connect issue

–        to receive update from Cllr Richardson regarding portable Wi-Fi hub

c)          Project Delivery Group – to consider overview from Birketts LLP if received.

d)         Amenity & Planter Contracts – to note these contracts are now live on the Contracts Finder website with the closing date being Thursday 8^th January 12pm. A provisional date to review the tenders has been set for Tuesday 13^th January. To consider appointing a further Cllr to the group as Cllr Price will not be able to attend.

a)          To consider quote for new yellow backed, 30mph signage on Station Rd.

b)          To consider applying for the Community Grant Scheme

c)          To receive update from Cllr Richardson regarding asset reporting via QR codes.

To note any updates.

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 possible House of Commons visit.

To consider responding to the Private Management Companies Survey.

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

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Following a meeting of The Cabinet, Stratford District Council Members endorsed an Action plan to boost housing land supply.

a)          Anti-Fraud & Corruption

b)          Staff Appraisal

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 receive report from Finance & Audit Group following recent meeting.

c)          To receive feedback following public Budget Consultation Evening held on 5^th November.

d)         To note the bank account balances

a)          To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 10^th December 2025 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors to consider the budget and any planning applications only.

b)          To consider the dates of the Parish Council meetings for 26/27. Detailed in agenda pack.

c)          To consider setting the date of the Annual Parish Meeting

Cllrs Howarth & McClean – accepted

Cllr Stanley not in attendance

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)          2 members of public was present:

–              A member of the Memorial Hall Committee thanked the Parish Council for the support regarding the toilet refurbishments which are almost complete.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Cliff Brown’s Report – not in attendance or report received.

d)         The election of the District Councillor position is taking place on 20^th November.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:04

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 15^th October 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)          25/02509/TREE Proposed: G1 – Group of semi mature Ash & Beech – Reduce back by 2 metres at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. No comments received from Councillors, therefore no response provided by the Clerk to Stratford District Council Planning Department.

b)          25/02370/TREE Proposed : – T1 silver birch – Fell – T2 silver birth – Fell – T3 sugar maple – Remove deadwood and mistletoe – T4 acacia – Remove deadwood – T5 alder (by lamp) – Fell (dead) – T6 poplar – Remove deadwood and reduce lateral limb by 2.5-3 metres (going towards the car park) at Salford Hall Hotel, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT. No comments received from Councillors, therefore no response provided by the Clerk to Stratford District Council Planning Department.

c)          25/02555/FUL Proposed – Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump to be installed to the

property. Planning permission is being sought as there is an existing AC unit at 1 Hedges Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XH. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”.

d)          25/02331/FUL Proposed – Replacement boundary wall, gates and associated removal of trees at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. This is an amendment application and for information only with no consultation being sought.

e)          25/02694/FUL Proposed : Two storey rear extension at 33 Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NU. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”

f)            25/02657/HHPA Proposed single storey rear extension at 29 Dunnington Alcester B49 5NT. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”

Decisions:

g)           25/02189/TREE -H1 conifer hedge – top to be trimmed. -T2 European plum tree – reduce by 2-2.5 metres and reshape at Eyston Cottage, Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT. NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

h)          25/01960/FUL – Erection of replacement single storey rear extension, first floor side extension and

detached car port and store outbuilding and associated works at Tanglewood, Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NT PLANNING PERMISSION is GRANTED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS

i)       25/01826/LDE Proposed – Existing use of Land as domestic curtilage associated with dwellinghouse Rough Hill at Rough Hill, Low Road, Church Lench, Evesham WR11 4UH. Having reviewed the information submitted by the applicant and historic imagery, the Local Planning Authority are not satisfied that on the balance of probabilities that the applicant has demonstrated that all of the land contained within the red line has been used as residential curtilage since 30/07/2015 as such would not be lawful.

j)      25/02331/FUL – Replacement boundary wall, gates and associated removal of trees at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS.

k)           25/02334/FUL 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. PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS.

l)             25/01803/FUL – Demolition of rear conservatory and front vestibule. Construction of two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions at Sorrel Cottage, Bevington, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8SJ. PERMISSION WITH CONDITIONS.

Planning Enforcement:

m)       Bomford Way Section 106 –

–        No further update regarding the non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council

–        Highways – Section 38 Team, Warwickshire County Council has advised that they have chased the Bomford Way developers for an update regarding its adoption.

n)          Priors Crescent –

–        Highways – Section 38 Team, Warwickshire County Council has advised that Priors Crescent, Salford Priors is part of the ‘School Road, Salford Priors’ Scheme which is currently registered as private and is not under a Section 38 Agreement. WCC have confirmed talks are ongoing between the council and the developers to agree a Section 38 Agreement for the development. WCC are unable to provide a timescale for this due to the intricate nature of a Section 38 agreement and the requirements needed to be fulfilled for an agreement to be put in place.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  No updates received.

Withdrawn:

o)          24/02154/FUL & 24/02155/LBC Proposed : Replacement roof over the workshop from a flat roof to

pitched roof and new fence with gates (Retrospective) at Wood Bevington Manor, Wood Bevington, Alcester, B49 5LX

a)          The connection of the two new streetlights on School Rd is due to take place week commencing 22^nd December.

b)          The audio equipment is now in place which will make meetings more accessible. Resolved.

c)          The installation of the new flower planter on the green at St Matthews Close has been installed. Resolved.

d)          Warwickshire County Council Highways have confirmed the overgrown hedging along School Road is due to be cut back shortly.

e)          The replacement of the existing carpet tiles in the Parish Office is on hold due to water ingress caused by recent heavy rain affecting the back door.

f)            Dropped kerb accident, School Road – CALA have now responded to Frank Daley (Development Team Senior Engineer, Section 38/278/184 Minor Works, Warwickshire County Council) requesting further information which has been forwarded by the Clerk.

g)           Vandalism to the bus stop – replacement glass panel has been installed. Resolved.

h)          Officers from Orbit Housing Association have carried out an inspection following the Clerk’s email regarding the issue of driving across grass verges to access property at St Matthews Close. They will be writing to all residents advising that they cannot drive across the grass verge.

i)             Following Clerk’s request to install a commemorative Covid tree on the Public Open Space (POS) at Priors Crescent, CALA have advised that as Stratford District Council has withdrawn its agreement to vary the s106, CALA must now maintain the POS for a 12-month period following certification. The POS will therefore remain as per the approved plans until the end of this maintenance period. Therefore CALA are unable to agree to the Parish Council’s request. Members were disappointed with this approach as the tree is a memorial to mark the effect on parish through the Covid-19 pandemic.

j)             A letter has been sent to a resident regarding an overgrown hedge on School Rd. This has been trimmed. Resolved.

k)           The streetlight by the washing line area in Perkins Close has been reported to Orbit as faulty.

Chairman’s Monthly Update:

a)          Remembrance Day Commemorations – The event was held on 9th November. A short service took place in the Memorial Hall Garden of Remembrance, which some residents joined the Parish Council and the uniformed youth services in a civic procession to St Matthew’s Church. Warwickshire Police SNT were also in attendance. Cllr James expressed a wish to formally mark Armistice Day on 11th November each year with a wreath-laying ceremony. Wreaths were laid at the Memorial Hall Garden, in Broom (on behalf of Dunnington), and at St Matthew’s Church.

b)          Cllrs James and Green met with Andy Wilkins of Lone Star regarding the land surrounding Priors Crescent. The Parish Council has been offered the surrounding area, by the landowner, approximately 150m x 150m, for use as a community orchard and biodiversity space. Proposals are currently being prepared for a 30-year lease at a peppercorn rent. Cllr James outlined potential plans for the use of this land.

a)          Members noted jobs issued from last Council meeting; comment on progress

–        Signage clearance works have taken place

–        Footway clearance outside St Matthews Church for Remembrance Sunday was carried out.

–        Emergency works to play equipment

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued:

–        Refurbish bench in Memorial Hall remembrance garden

–        Inspect the noticeboard at the bottom of School Rd

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment: Members noted:

1)          Highways – County Councillor Cliff Brown has provided a contact for Warwickshire County Council Highways Department following Graham Stanley’s departure. Clerk has emailed the contact regarding the long outstanding kerbing and setts works at the junction of School Road and Evesham Road, and an installation date for the works on School Rd by the old bus stop.

2)          Public Open Space – extensive works have taken place by CALA’s contractors and CALA Homes hope to contact Stratford District Council for their final inspection by the end of November. Cllr James advised that a lot of work is yet to be carried out.

3)          NDP – A quote of £10–15,000 has been received from Lee Searles (Andrea Pellegram Ltd) for the NDP review. This provides a basis for planning the 2026/27 budget.

4)          Playing Field:

–        A meeting was held to review the findings of the annual play equipment inspection. Most items were assessed as low or very low risk, with two items identified as moderate risk.

–        The Clerk will obtain quotations for a new fence and gates around the toddler area, as well as for other required repair works.

–        Members noted damage to the platform on the toddler multi-play unit. The Clerk was authorised to arrange the repair.

5)          Garden Allotments – The Awards Evening was held but attendance was very low, with only six plot holders present. Cllr James expressed thanks to Cllrs Green and McClean for organising the refreshments. It was noted that the format of the competition will be reviewed for future years. An allotment inspection is scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November at 10:30am, to be carried out by Warwickshire Property Management.

6)          PROW – the following works have been ordered:

–        Cut back bramble hedge on both sides of the path, strim the path and around the kissing gates behind The Bell

–        Cut back both boundary hedges and strim path on AL17 between two points.

b)          Communications –

–        Cllr Richardson provided an update regarding the next issue of Parish Connect. An outline has been prepared. The next edition will take place early 2026 following the December budget meeting.

–        Cllr Richardson proposed the purchase of a portable Wi-Fi hotspot following a cost comparison exercise, noting that the Three network offers significantly lower long-term costs with reduced revenue expenditure commitments. He will test the network before finalising. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Price and approved unanimously. Cllr Richardson will provide the Clerk with the necessary information to place the order.

c)          Project Delivery Group – A meeting is being arranged between Ragley and the Project Delivery Group to discuss the continuation of the fencing line. No progress has been made on the draft legal agreements.

d)          Amenity & Planter Contracts – the contracts are now live on the Contracts Finder website with the closing date being Thursday 8^th January 12pm. A provisional date to review the tenders has been set for Tuesday 13^th January at 6.30pm. As Cllr Price is unable to attend the meeting, Cllr Maude was appointed to the group.

e)          Housing Needs Survey – Following a recent meeting with Sarah Brooke-Taylor, WRCC Rural Housing Enabler, an updated sites plan was reviewed. The plan now includes Site 7 (land behind 44 Perkins Close) and Site 8 (land behind 32 Ridsdale Close, currently allotments), both owned by Warwickshire County Council; Sites 1, 3, 4, and 5 were discounted due to planning history, location, or unwilling landowners, while Sites 2 and 6 (Warwickshire County Council land) require contact with Warwickshire County Council regarding potential release. The self-build site (agent Andy Wilkins, LoneStar) was noted but no action taken.

Sarah asked Councillors to confirm Sites 7 & 8 and, in the meantime, she will contact Warwickshire County Council to explore releasing one acre from their land holdings for a small-scale development of nine Local Needs homes. Councillors have confirmed Sites 7 and 8, and the Clerk will advise Sarah accordingly.

a)          Cllr Price proposed that new yellow backed, 30mph signage for Station Rd, entering from the A46 is ordered from Warwickshire County Council in the sum of between £170-190. Cllr Green seconded with unanimous approval. Clerk to place the order with Warwickshire County Council.

b)          Stratford-on-Avon District Council has launched its 2025 Community Grant Scheme, offering £350,000 to Town and Parish Councils, charities, and community groups. The grants aim to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Days by enhancing community assets as lasting memorials to the nation’s resilience and spirit. Funding supports capital projects to improve local facilities, such as community halls, parks, or memorial halls. Applicants can apply for Small Grants (£5,000–£20,000) or Large Grants (£20,001–£100,000). It was confirmed that Salford Priors Memorial Hall will be applying for a grant. Cllr James requested that Members consider possible projects.

c)          Cllr Richardson provided an update on asset reporting using QR codes. He has developed a trial proof of concept involving dog waste bins across the parish, with each bin marked by a QR code. Residents can scan the code to report any bins that have not been emptied, with reports submitted directly to the Stratford District Council website and also linking back to the Parish Council to monitor whether bins are being emptied regularly. Cllr Richardson will formalise this proposal for consideration at the January Parish Council meeting. Councillors thanked Cllr Richardson for his work on this project. The intention is to extend this system to other assets, though this may involve significant costs.

The District and Borough Councils in Warwickshire, along with Warwickshire County Council, have submitted their proposals to the Government. A response from the minister is expected around May/June, advising which proposal is considered acceptable. This will be followed by a short consultation period. Stratford on Avon District Council has proposed the creation of two unitary authorities, dividing the county into a north/south split comprising Stratford/Warwick and Nuneaton/Rugby. Warwickshire County Council has proposed a single unitary authority covering the entire county. All other District Councils in the area, with the exception of Wyre Forest, have also proposed a north/south split.

a)          Cllr Richardson advised there is no further update regarding possible House of Commons visit.

b)          Cllr Meakins requested clarification from the Parish Council regarding plans for the Public Open Space (POS), specifically whether it will be available for events. Cllr James confirmed that the POS will remain as currently planned once adopted, with the potential for additional tree planting. He noted that any group may hold events, subject to Parish Council conditions, but the Council itself will not organise events. The Council is, however, willing to support and encourage groups wishing to use the space. Cllr Meakins suggested that this information be included in the next edition of Parish Connect. Cllr Richardson added that residents should be informed gradually about the opportunities the POS may offer.

a)          Cllrs James, Green & Clerk to provide responses to the Private Management Companies Survey for approval by Council.

b)          Cllr James read an email from a resident raising concerns regarding a significant fall in pupil numbers at Salford Priors C of E Academy over the past 12 months, highlighting potential impacts on the school’s viability. They noted that some families have moved children to other schools, SEND needs have not been fully met, and transport cancellations have led to absences, through no fault of the children, being marked as unauthorised. The resident has contacted the CEO of the Muti Academy Trust, County Councillor Cliff Brown, and MP Manuela Perteghella for further insight. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Parish Council will send a letter to MP Manuela Perteghela expressing similar concerns

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated – The Chairman reminded members of the importance to read the updates.

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Following a meeting of The Cabinet, Stratford District Council Members endorsed an Action plan to boost housing land supply.

a)          Anti-Fraud & Corruption review – agreed.

b)          Staff Appraisal – this will be reviewed by the Staffing Committee. To consider their recommendations at the January meeting.

a)          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 Richardson and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs Price & 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.

c)          Cllrs James and Price met with the Clerk to review the budget. Overall, the budget is on track, with an overspend of approximately £3,000 on the planter contract due to additional watering during the very dry summer, which was considered justified. All other payments are on track. Cllr James thanked the Clerk for providing the necessary paperwork. There are no concerns, and the Parish Council is operating within its budget, with the possibility of some areas being in surplus by year-end.

d)          A public Budget Consultation Evening was held on 5th November. A full report will be provided at the December meeting. Items discussed included additional streetlighting, CCTV on the playing field, extra benches, a sign language course, and supporting a village archive life story event as a legacy project. The meeting also supported the Church’s grant application for a new heating system. Other suggestions included displaying banners on streetlights for Christmas, identifying a potential area for drone landings for a medical hub, and improving communications through Parish Connect or other methods. These proposals will be considered at the December meeting.

e)          Members noted the bank account balances:

a)          Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 10^th December 2025 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors to consider the 2026/2027 budget and any planning applications only.

b)          Council confirmed the dates of the Parish Council meetings for 2026.

21^st January – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

18^th February – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

18^th March – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

15^th April – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

20^th May – Annual Council Meeting, directly followed by Parish Council meeting – Salford Priors Memorial

Hall

17^th June – held at Dunnington Baptist Church Hall

15^th July – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

16^th September – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

21^st October – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

18^th November – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

9^th December- Salford Priors Memorial Hall – Budget & Planning Meeting only.

c)          Council confirmed the date of the Annual Parish Meeting 8^th April 2026.