Council Meeting 20.5.26

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 15^th April 2026 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          26/00784/REM Proposed : Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 9 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)          26/00941/VARY Proposed : Proposed removal of condition 32 (walking route improvements) of planning permission 24/00614/VARY (date of decision 16/08/2024). Original description of development: Variation of conditions 4 and 23 of planning permission 22/02022/OUT dated 16 November 2023 to amend the Design Code document and amend the wording of the speed limit signage and Road Safety Audit conditions. Original description of development: Outline planning application (all matters reserved except for access) for the phased development of up to 16 self-build and custom housebuilding plots, formation of new vehicular accesses from Evesham Road and formation of infiltration basin at Land West Of Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR

Decisions:

c)          26/00468/LBC – Proposed window and door alterations at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Listed Building Consent Granted.

d)          26/00857/TREE – Proposed – T1 Oak: Reduce lateral branches around the perimeter of the canopy to previous pruning points by removing secondary branches only. Prune back to suitable secondary branches to ensure up to 1.5m clearance from shed at Berryfield, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UU. No objection subject to conditions.

Planning Enforcement:

e)          Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – to note email from Alison Willers, Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement)

f)            Priors Crescent – to note email from Alison Willers, Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement)

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

Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project :

g)           Parish Council response to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report.

h)          PINS response and recommendations on EIA scoping report.

i)             Update on meeting with affected neighbouring Parish Councils Tuesday 12th May

j)             Public Open Meeting on Wednesday 3^rd June, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors. This is to provide an update on the proposed Arrow Valley Solar Farm.

a)          The front bollard on the central reservation on Evesham Rd is not working. Warwickshire County Council Highways have investigated and the whole bollard needs replacing. They have advised once the new Highways Maintenance Contract is up and running the Engineer will raise a new job to get the bollard replaced. Noted.

b)          Two streetlights reported as faulty – one on School Avenue and one at Rushford.

c)          Royal Mail has been contacted regarding the taped-up post box at Abbots Salford, and a response is awaited on when it will be reinstated.

d)          The streetlight energy contract has been set up and will commence in August.

e)          The playing field fence around the toddler area is now complete.

f)            Deflector installed to streetlight at Park Hall – School Road following complaints of light spillage to Bedroom

g)           Replacement light at St Matthews Close has been installed.

h)          The wildflower seeds have been distributed : Dunnington School, Salford Priors School, Salford Priors Warm Hub,  Salford Priors Garding Club, Salford Seven Ladies Group.

i)             Parish Office Furniture Storage Units received and installed.

j)             The wooden planter has been completely destroyed at Irons Cross. The police have been informed and a crime reference number is awaited.

Chairman’s Monthly Report:

k)           Report of serious assault of a child on the playing field residents concern on safety and fears of intimidation. To consider further action with partner agencies.

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

–        Weed treatment around St Matthews Close & Memorial Hall kerb and entrance

–        Building of furniture storage units.

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – to consider draft plans for works on Evesham Rd/School Rd.

2)          Public Open Space – Clerk has chased the Streetlighting Department at Warwickshire County Council once again regarding the installation of the feeder pillar for power to Priors Crescent. She has expressed the Council’s frustration and copied in County Councillor Cliff Brown.

3)          NDP – to note Andrea Pellegram Ltd have been appointed to carry out the NDP review.

4)          Playing Field

o   to note the two new goalposts have been ordered.

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

5)          Garden Allotments – to note any outstanding payments.

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

b)         Communications

c)          Planning – to note Planning Committee met on 28^th April 2026.

d)         Project Delivery Group – to receive any updates

Update following recent disqualification and resignation:

a)          To consider the position for the co-option of Councillors as Stratford District Council received no request for an election following the Notice of Vacancies issued in respect of the disqualification of Mrs Lauren Stanley, and the resignation of Mr Andrew Richardson. The options:

o   Advertise the vacancies  – co-option until May 2027

o   To remain as the status quo of seven Councillors until the Parish Council election in May 2027

b)          To consider the relocation of the Dunnington Christmas tree socket and electrical supply, together with the purchase of a new defibrillator cabinet and the relocation of the defibrillator and associated power supply.

To receive 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).

None received at time of issuing the agenda

a)          Email from resident regarding The Queen’s Head

b)          Email from resident regarding Bomford Way

(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)          Update regarding South Warwickshire Local Plan (emailed 12.5.26)

IT Policy

a)          To consider Section 2 – Annual Governance and Accountability Return – Accounting Statements – Salford Priors Parish Council Accounts FY 2025/26.             

b)          To note internal auditor report for FY 2025/26 and note no recommendations.

c)          To note the signed Annual Internal Audit Report 2025/26.

d)          To note the dates of the Exercise of Public Rights as 3^rd June to 14 July 2026.

e)          To note the Statement of Variance.

f)            To note the payments made between meetings.

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

h)          To note the bank account balances

i)             To note the first Precept payment has been received from Stratford District Council.

j)            To consider renewal quotes for annual Parish Council insurance.

a)          To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 17^th June 2026 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.

b)          To confirm the date of the Public Open Meeting on Wednesday 3^rd June, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors. This is to provide an update on the proposed Arrow Valley Solar Farm.

To consider passing the following resolution:
“That, under Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s) due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, namely staffing matters.”

Cllr Price – accepted

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:

–              Cllr McClean was welcomed to the Memorial Hall Management Committee by the Chairman of the Memorial Hall Management Committee Mr John Bradfield.

–              A resident reported a young person performing wheelies on an e-bike along Evesham Road and asked whether the Parish Council could provide a safer area for such activities. Cllr James noted ongoing concerns regarding young people using e-bikes and confirmed that the police are aware of the issue. As the Parish Council cannot endorse the use of e-bikes for stunts, it is unable to provide a designated location for this purpose. The matter will be raised with the Safer Neighbourhood Team. The Parish Council also intends to engage with young people in the parish and work alongside partner agencies to introduce activities within the village to help address youth boredom.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          District Councillor Jones’ Report – apologies received – report below:

–        Full Council met on 20 April; concerns raised over SWLP allocations, particularly in Bidford.

–        He has been appointed to the Planning Committee at the Council’s Annual Meeting on 13 May.

–        Arrow Valley Solar consultation ongoing, with local concerns reflected in the process.

–        He has attended Parish Council meetings and maintained full attendance at Council and committee meetings.

–        Ongoing work on the Birch appeal site, Severn Trent tanker disruption, and local development proposals including Arrow.

–        Dunnington Baptist Church will close in June.

Cllr James noted that District Councillor Jones is newly elected to the role and that appointment to the Planning Committee is an important responsibility, as well as a great opportunity for him to help influence planning matters in the area for the benefit of the ward. Unfortunately, many of the Committee meetings coincide with Salford Priors Parish Council meetings. To ensure continued communication, District Councillor Jones proposed holding a monthly video call with Cllr James to discuss any relevant issues and confirmed that he will continue to submit his monthly report.

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

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:25

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 15^th April 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)          26/00784/REM Proposed : Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 9 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 discussion Clerk to respond with “No objection”

b)          26/00941/VARY Proposed : Proposed removal of condition 32 (walking route improvements) of planning permission 24/00614/VARY (date of decision 16/08/2024). Original description of development: Variation of conditions 4 and 23 of planning permission 22/02022/OUT dated 16 November 2023 to amend the Design Code document and amend the wording of the speed limit signage and Road Safety Audit conditions. Original description of development: Outline planning application (all matters reserved except for access) for the phased development of up to 16 self-build and custom housebuilding plots, formation of new vehicular accesses from Evesham Road and formation of infiltration basin at Land West Of Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR. Following discussion Clerk to respond with “No objection”

Decisions:

c)          26/00468/LBC – Proposed window and door alterations at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Listed Building Consent Granted.

d)          26/00857/TREE – Proposed – T1 Oak: Reduce lateral branches around the perimeter of the canopy to previous pruning points by removing secondary branches only. Prune back to suitable secondary branches to ensure up to 1.5m clearance from shed at Berryfield, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UU. No objection subject to conditions.

e)          26/00730/FUL – Proposed – A proposed oak framed porch and garage conversion at The Old Barley House, School Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8X. Planning Permission is Granted Subject to Conditions.

Planning Enforcement:

f)            Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – Alison Willers, Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) has advised that Vistry have replaced the failed trees, with 12 additional trees and 2 hedges planted. They are also clearing brambles and self-seeded trees around the swale during maintenance visits. Some small POS/incidental open space areas have been conveyed to owners. Where trees were affected, she has requested replacement planting elsewhere within the POS and updated plans. She also advised Vistry that the approved landscaping plans must be updated before a further site check. She also requested any local feedback would be welcome, as she has not visited the site recently. Progress finally seems to be being made.

g)           Priors Crescent – Alison Willers advised that she had met with CALA and agreed a programme of remedial works for the site. CALA will replant bulbs in the appropriate season and undertake further landscaping and maintenance works, including top dressing, tree and shrub replacement, mulching, SUDS maintenance, perimeter pruning, and planting additional willow trees in wetter areas to help address ongoing damp ground conditions. It was noted that waterlogging has improved following aeration and reseeding works, although some lower areas remain damp due to the site topography and clay soil conditions. Once the agreed works are completed, CALA will apply for Practical Completion, followed by a 12-month maintenance period and Final Completion inspection. Subject to satisfactory completion, the POS may then be offered to the Parish Council.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP): 

Virtual briefing sessions for town and parish councillors were held on 19 May (6pm) and 20 May (11am) to allow review of SWLP documents ahead of the Period of Representations (12 June–27 July 2026). The Publication Version will be considered by the Joint Cabinet Committee on 28 May 2026, with papers published on 19 May.

The consultation focuses on commenting on policies (support or suggested modifications) and is the final opportunity for input before submission. All documents will be available online, including an interactive map of proposed allocations.

Key points:

• Neither district currently has a 5-year housing land supply.
• Stratford District housing need over 25 years: 27,800 homes.
• Current shortfall at plan start: 19,924 dwellings.
• Major growth areas include Stratford, Long Marston, and Bidford-on-Avon (approx 2,551 new homes, plus 110 local growth).
• Around 3,600 dwellings expected through smaller “local growth” sites (approx 10 homes each).
• Infrastructure must be delivered on-site by developers where new policy applies (replacing reliance on off-site contributions).
• Proposed infrastructure includes bypasses (Stratford-upon-Avon and Hatton) and M42 junction changes (including closure of Junctions 13 & 14).
• Plan supports net zero targets and alternative energy provision.
• Salford Priors included in growth location policies; small-scale development likely supported.

Next steps:

• Parish Council will review impacts after consultation.
• All public comments will be submitted to the Secretary of State.
• Adoption expected 31 March 2028, subject to Inspector and District Council agreement.

Risk note:

• Due to weak land supply positions, increased planning applications are expected, and approvals may be more likely over the next two years.

Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project :

h)          The Parish Council response to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report is on the Parish Council website.

i)             The Parish Council has assessed the PINS response and recommendations on EIA scoping report.

A meeting with affected neighbouring Parish Councils took place on Tuesday 12th May – Arrow with Weethley, Bidford on Avon & Abbot’s Morton were present with Wixford sending their apologies. Formative discussion was held. Detailed observations were provided regarding solar panels. It was agreed the Parish Councils would work together; the most important response is from Salford Priors Parish Council as this is where the majority of the panels and battery storage units will be sited. Discussions took place as to how to respond. A paper has been produced summarising what the Parish Councils feel are the main points and key findings of the PINS scoping report –

The report highlighted that PINS had identified a range of unresolved environmental, technical and cumulative impact matters, including (but not limited to) flood risk and water environment, ecology and biodiversity, agricultural land classification and Best and Most Versatile (BMV) soils, landscape and visual impacts, human health considerations, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) safety, tourism and recreation impacts, and construction-related traffic and emissions.

Members further noted that PINS had consistently identified “insufficient information” within the Applicant’s submissions, requiring further detailed assessment during the Development Consent Order (DCO) process.

Key Considerations

Members considered that:

• Salford Priors Parish Council is a principal affected authority within the NSIP boundary and is already recognised within the process through reference to its Neighbourhood Development Plan;
• The technical complexity of the NSIP process requires specialist professional input to ensure effective representation;
• A coordinated approach with neighbouring parish councils would strengthen cumulative impact arguments and improve efficiency;
• There is a material risk that inadequate technical representation could weaken the collective position of affected communities;
• Financial constraints and reserve limitations present a governance challenge requiring careful management.

It was RESOLVED that:

1. The Council supports the strategic approach set out in the report for a coordinated, evidence-led response to the Arrow Valley Solar NSIP;
2. The Council agrees in principle to the appointment of specialist consultants covering:
   • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and planning compliance
   • Agricultural land and agri-economy impacts
   • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA)
   • Public health and wellbeing impacts
   • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and fire safety risk
3. The Council supports engagement with neighbouring parish councils to establish a shared commissioning and evidence-sharing arrangement;
4. The Council supports exploration of supplementary funding mechanisms, including community fundraising, subject to appropriate governance controls;
5. Salford Priors Parish Council is confirmed as the lead coordinating authority for inter-parish liaison on this matter.

Cllr Maude asked how the expenditure will be controlled. Cllr James advised that a budget will be set by full Council and then it will be controlled by the RFO.

The above resolution is made subject to confirmation of affordability, final budget approval, establishing a Crowdfunding scheme and appropriate financial governance arrangements.

Next Steps/Actions

• Establish inter-parish working group with neighbouring councils;
• Obtain indicative quotations for specialist consultancy support;
• Identify priority technical disciplines for early engagement;
• Develop shared evidence base and consultation response framework;
• Review funding options and governance requirements prior to formal commissioning.

A Public Open Meeting is being held on Wednesday 3^rd June, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors. This is to provide an update on the proposed Arrow Valley Solar Farm.

a)          The front bollard on the central reservation on Evesham Rd is not working. Warwickshire County Council Highways have investigated and the whole bollard needs replacing. They have advised once the new Highways Maintenance Contract is up and running the Engineer will raise a new job to get the bollard replaced. Noted.

b)          Two streetlights reported as faulty one on School Avenue and one at Rushford have been repaired. Noted and Closed.

c)          Royal Mail has been contacted regarding the taped-up post box at Abbots Salford, this has been reinstated. Noted and Closed.

d)          The streetlight energy contract has been set up and will commence in August. Noted and Closed.

e)          The playing field fence around the toddler area is now complete. Noted and Closed.

f)            Deflector installed to streetlight at Park Hall – School Road following complaints of light spillage to bedroom. Noted and Closed.

g)           Replacement light at St Matthews Close has been installed. Noted and Closed.

h)          The wildflower seeds have been distributed : Dunnington School, Salford Priors School, Salford Priors Warm Hub, Salford Priors Gardening Club, Salford Seven Ladies Group. Noted and Closed.

i)             Parish Office Furniture Storage Units have been received and installed. Noted and Closed.

j)             The wooden planter has been completely destroyed at Irons Cross. The police have been informed and have advised they are unable to investigate collisions involving a parked and unattended vehicle. A new planter has been ordered. Noted.

k)           The TOPs monthly electricity bill is being increased from £216 to £256pm. After investigation it appears the thermostat was moved from 5 to 15 degrees. Noted and Closed.

Chairman’s Monthly Report:

Report of serious assault of a child on the playing field; residents concern on safety and fears of intimidation. This was raised with the local police who attended the assault. As discussed under agenda item 3a The Parish Council intends to engage with young people in the parish and work alongside partner agencies.

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

–        Weed treatment around St Matthews Close & Memorial Hall kerb and entrance

–        Building of furniture storage units.

–        Emergency works at playing field

–        Bus stop clearance and staining works at Irons Cross

–        Removed a poster from a bus stop on School Rd

To consider future tasks to be issued:

–        Reinstate the order to carry out monthly grass cuts at Ridsdale/Perkins Close until September

–        Remove a low level branch overhanging the path from the tree in the same area

–        Reinstate the goal posts, a small 5-a-side pitch will be marked out and then the goal posts will be installed.

–        Memorial Hall bench to be refurbished and weed spray around the area.

Infrastructure & Built Environment: Members noted the report:

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – Members considered the draft plans for works on Evesham Rd/School Rd. Cllr James proposed that the works identified by Warwickshire County Council Highways on plans 10, 20, 30 & 40 are progressed to the pricing stage. Cllr Maude seconded. Unanimous approval. This expenditure will be met through CIL funding.

2)          Public Open Space – Clerk has chased the Streetlighting Department at Warwickshire County Council once again regarding the installation of the feeder pillar for power to Priors Crescent. She has expressed the Council’s frustration and copied in County Councillor Cliff Brown with no response to date.

3)          NDP – Members noted Andrea Pellegram Ltd have been appointed to carry out the NDP review. An initial meeting is to be arranged.

4)          Playing Field

o   Members noted the two new goalposts have been received and are due to be installed.

o   Members have not reviewed the quarterly inspection findings – ongoing.

5)          Garden Allotments –

o   Members noted one outstanding payment despite chasing. Clerk proposed sending a letter along with the invoice threatening to terminate the lease which was agreed.

o   Garden Allotment Plot 10 has been left in a significantly overgrown condition; however, the Clerk has offered the plot to a new leaseholder who has agreed to undertake the necessary clearance works. The Clerk has also waived the deposit.

6)          PROW – An order has been given to the amenity contractor to cut back the PROW listed in the contract.

b)          Communications – nothing to report – new Group to arrange a meeting.

c)          Planning – Members noted the Planning Committee met on 28^th April 2026 to receive a Presentation from Stansgate Planning regarding a proposed development at The Old Smithy, Broom Lane, Dunnington (8 dwellings) and land adjacent to The Old Post Office (1 dwelling)

and the following were considered :

1)          Application Reference: 26/00730/FUL Oak Framed Porch and Garage Conversion
Site: The Old Barley House School Road Salford Priors

2)         Application Reference: 26/00962/TREE  Fell T1 – Balsam Poplar
Site: The Old Vicarage, School Road, Salford Priors

d)          Project Delivery Group – no updates.

Update following recent disqualification and resignation:

a)          Members considered the position for the co-option of Councillors as Stratford District Council received no request for an election following the Notice of Vacancies issued in respect of the disqualification of Mrs Lauren Stanley, and the resignation of Mr Andrew Richardson. The options:

o   Advertise the vacancies – co-option until May 2027

o   To remain as the status quo of seven Councillors until the Parish Council election in May 2027.

Cllr R Green proposed the status quote is maintained until the Parish Council election in May 2027. This

was unanimously agreed.

b)          Members considered the relocation of the Dunnington Christmas tree socket and electrical supply, together with the purchase of a new defibrillator cabinet and the relocation of the defibrillator and associated power supply. Clerk to contact National Grid to establish where the power can come from. Also to contact Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting for a quote for a feeder pillar.

c)          The last Church Service will be held on 14^th June at Baptist Church, Dunnington.

No further updates.

None

a)          Email from resident regarding The Queen’s Head – Clerk to report the email to the Enforcement Team.

b)          Email from resident regarding Bomford Way – Members noted the email. The Parish Council will investigate the concerns once the exact position of the Public Open Space is known. The purchase of land would not be something the Parish Council would be able to agree to as it is not the Parish Council’s land to sell.

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Update regarding South Warwickshire Local Plan (emailed 12.5.26)

The IT policy was reviewed and agreed.

a)          The Section 2 Annual Governance and Accountability Return Salford Priors Parish Council Accounts FY 2025/26 was provided for inspection and debate by all Council Members, having been signed by the Clerk in the role of Responsible Finance Officer.  Confirmation of acceptance was proposed by Cllr Maude, seconded by Cllr Howarth and agreed by all Councillors. Clerk to prepare Section 2 entries for Minute Reference, dating and signature by the Chairman.

b)          Members noted the internal auditor’s report for FY 2025/26, which contained no recommendations. Cllr James thanked the Clerk for an exemplary internal audit report and acknowledged that the workload involved in both internal and external audits is considerable.

c)          Members noted the signed Annual Internal Audit Report 2025/26.

d)          Members noted the dates of the Exercise of Public Rights as 3^rd June to 14 July 2026.

e)          Members noted the Statement of Variance.

f)            Members noted the payments made between meetings which totalled £7,097.68. These were authorised by the Chairman.  Approved.

g)           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 McClean and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs Howarth & 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.

h)          Members noted the bank account balances:

i)             Members noted the first Precept payment of £44,000 has been received from Stratford District Council.

j)             Members considered the renewal quotes for annual Parish Council insurance. The previous insurance premium with Zurich was £1,512, concluding the prior three-year agreement. Renewal quotations were obtained from Zurich, and Clear Councils Insurance conducted a market review to obtain alternative quotations:

Initial Zurich renewal options were:

• 1-year: £2,606.30 (including IPT)
• 3-year LTA: £2,368.92 (including IPT)

Following query and review, revised Zurich figures were provided:

• 1-year: £2,081.41 (including IPT)
• 3-year LTA: £1,896.60 (including IPT), inclusive of new toddler play area fencing.

The alternative quote from Clear Councils Insurance was also noted:

• Insurer: Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc
• Policy: Local Councils
• Inception date: 01 June 2026
• Premium: £2,235.33 (including IPT)
• Arrangement fee: £55.00 (non-refundable)
• Total premium: £2,290.33

It was resolved to accept the 3-year Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Zurich.

a)          Members confirmed the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 17^th June 2026 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.

b)          Members confirmed the date of the Public Open Meeting on Wednesday 3^rd June, 7pm at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors. This is to provide an update on the proposed Arrow Valley Solar Farm.

Cllr James thanked the Members of Public for attending the meeting.

Cllr James moved the following resolution, Cllr Maude seconded. Unanimous approval:
“That, under Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s) due to the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, namely staffing matters.”