Council Meeting 21.5.25

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:

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

b. Open forum for the under 18s.

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

–        SDC – Cllr Lauren Stanley

–        WCC – Cllr Cliff Brown

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

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

b)         To note the draft minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting dated 23^rd April 2025 for any follow up items/issues

Planning Matters Considered :

a)          25/00865/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 1 only pursuant to outline application 22/02022/OUT for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots at Land West Of Evesham Road, Salford Priors , WR11 8UR

b)         25/01087/TEL28 Regulation 5 Notice of Intention to Install Fixed Line Broadband Apparatus at ‘Land opposite ‘Newlands’, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR
Observation:  Following a review of the proposal to install fixed line broadband apparatus at the above location, Salford Priors Parish Council has no objection to the installation as proposed. The development is deemed to have minimal visual or environmental impact and is in accordance with current planning policies and infrastructure objectives aimed at improving rural broadband connectivity.

Decisions:

c)          25/00401/FUL- Extension and alterations, comprising replacement chimney, replacement porch (retrospective) at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions

d)         24/02532/FUL Proposed two-storey extension to existing barn to create ancillary accommodation at The Brambles, Bevington, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8SJ. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions

e)          25/00044/REM Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 2 only

pursuant to outline application 22/02022/OUT 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:

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

g)          Priors Crescent – awaiting update from Bill Mann, Senior / Civils Contracts Manager, CALA Homes requesting the way forward regarding the recent refusal of the S106 Completion Certificate.

h)          Bomford Way – crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing – this has been referred back to the developers.

i)             Bomford Way – no further update regarding adoption.

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

a)          No further update from Warwickshire County Council Highways regarding outstanding queries

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

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

c)          The faulty streetlight (3) on School Rd is on all day Clerk to chase WCC

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

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

f)            Vandalism at Perkins Close, Warwickshire County Council has arranged for Stratford District Council to collect the fly tipping where there is rubbish which has been left behind due to vandalism. The Forestry Team will also cut back the trees which are encroaching onto the carriageway at low level as well as the small tree encroaching towards the footway. Community payback will cut back the hedges once the bird nesting season has finished as these do not impact highway safety.

g)          A report has been filed with CALA regarding the abandoned car in the car park at Priors Crescent. They have contacted the Management Company requesting the police arrange for its removal.

h)          Waiting for permission from Warwickshire County Council Highways regarding the installation of a bench outside Willow Park by the bus stop.

i)             Purchase Order has been issued for the construction of a new cemetery soil compound in a location away from existing graves in the churchyard extension.

j)             A Purchase Order has been issued for the installation of an exterior, lockable electrical socket at Rushford for Christmas tree lights.

k)          Orbit Housing Association – St Matthews Close Cars using green to access bungalows damage to grass areas – Update Report.

l)            Audio Equipment – making the Parish Council Meeting more accessible

m)      Warwickshire County Council Election to note the result of the election held on Thursday 1^stMay 2025

Chairman’s Monthly Update

a)          Parish Council Monthly Surgery

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

–              Clean bus shelters

–              Clear footway along School Rd

–              Clear vegetation on footway coming off A46 towards Willow Park

–              Monthly Perkins Close grass cut

b)         To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways

2)          Public Open Space

3)          NDP – to confirm acceptance of the Housing Needs Survey Report
Council – To discuss the results of the survey, and to resolve future action

4)          Playing Field – to note the roundabout has been reported.

5)          Garden Allotments

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

b)         Communications – Clerk is preparing the first draft of Parish Connect magazine (Annual Report).

c)          Project Delivery Group
To receive update on legal agreements and discussions with landowners.

a)          To note TOPs Management Committee Minutes

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

c)          To receive feedback on VE Day Celebrations.

d)         Variable Speed Signs Station / Evesham Road.

e)          Remedial Works to former bus stop School Road.

f)            Installation of fencing Permissive right of way School Road.

g)          A46T To receive any updates from the meeting held on the 28^th February 2025

h)          To note the approval of a grant in the sum of £906 for kitchen equipment for the Warm Hub.

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).

a)          email from Memorial Hall Committee regarding refurbishment of toilets and grant application.

b)         Quote for re-painting of Parish Office – quote also awaited for electrical works.

c)          Repair works to TOPs roof

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

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)         NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Email received from a resident regarding speeding on School Rd. (emailed 1.5.25)

d)         Introductory email received from newly appointed Parish & Town Council Liaison Officer, Sue Greenall.

a)          To consider Section 1 – Annual Governance and Accountability Return FY 2024/25

b)         To consider Section 2 – Annual Governance and Accountability Return – Accounting Statements – Salford Priors Parish Council Accounts FY 2024/25.             

c)          To note internal auditor report for FY 2024/25 and note no recommendations.

d)         To note the signed Annual Internal Audit Report 2024/25

e)          To note the dates of the Exercise of Public Rights as 3^rd June to 14 July 2025

f)            To note the Statement of Variance.

g)          To consider the quotes received for the supply of electricity for TOPs.

h)          To note the payments made between meetings.

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

j)             To note the bank account balances

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

l)            To consider the approval of the Unaudited Financial Statements

m)      To note renewal quote for annual Parish Council insurance.

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 18^th June 2025 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.

Cllr Stanley

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 were present:

–        Concern was raised regarding the limited attendance of members of the public at Parish Council meetings. The Chairman advised that meetings are publicised through seven parish noticeboards, social media platforms, the Parish Council website, and the E-news service for all subscribed residents

–       No under 18s were present.

b)         County Councillor Cliff Brown’s Report – apologies received

c)         District Councillor Stanley’s Report – apologies received. Report provided via email. The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:32

a)          The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday16th April 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.

b)         Members noted the draft minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting dated 23^rd April 2025.

Planning Matters considered between meetings:

a)          25/00865/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 1 only pursuant to outline application 22/02022/OUT for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots at Land West Of Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR. Following consultation via email Clerk responded with:

“No objection – support for the following reasons.

This reserved matters application proposes a high-quality dwelling that responds sensitively to

its context while meeting functional and environmental needs. Although there are minor

deviations from the original design brief and the design code, these are justified below and do

not conflict with the overarching policies of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Access and Parking (Design Code 1.1, Para 4)

In accordance with the requirement for two off-street parking spaces for a 3-bedroom

dwelling, the proposal includes:

• One space on the access drive, located in front of the property; and
• One space within an integral single garage accessed via the estate road.

Two access points are therefore provided: one serving the front driveway and another

accessing the garage. This arrangement is in line with the design code while also responding to

site-specific access considerations.

Roof Pitch

The design code suggests a minimum main roof pitch of 35 degrees, with an indicative typical

pitch of 45–50 degrees. The proposed design incorporates a 33.5-degree pitch. This marginal

reduction is a deliberate response to the building’s overall massing and proportion. A steeper

pitch would result in an overly dominant and potentially incongruous roof form. The proposed

pitch maintains the visual coherence of the dwelling while supporting a more sustainable and

spatially efficient design.

Chimney Stack Requirement

The design brief currently states that all dwellings should include a chimney stack expressed

externally on the gable end. However, the inclusion of a chimney in this proposal would be

entirely cosmetic and functionally redundant. The proposed dwelling uses modern low-carbon

technologies, including:

• Photovoltaic (PV) panels
• An air-source heat pump
• No fireplace or conventional boiler

The addition of a non-functional, “fake” chimney would not represent a high-quality design

response and would detract from the honesty and clarity of the architecture. Instead, the

proposal reflects the evolution of building technologies and distinguishes new construction

from past typologies, in a manner that respects and complements the adjoining conservation

area.

Policy Compliance

The design modifications outlined above do not conflict with the policies of the

Neighbourhood Plan. They reflect a thoughtful and context-sensitive approach to

contemporary sustainable design, contributing positively to the built environment without

undermining the design principles of the area.

Conclusion

The proposed scheme is consistent with the intent of the design brief and design code while

offering a practical and high-quality architectural response. The minor deviations are fully

justified and necessary to deliver a sustainable, well-designed, and contextually appropriate

home.”

b)     25/01087/TEL28 Regulation 5 Notice of Intention to Install Fixed Line Broadband Apparatus at ‘Land opposite ‘Newlands’, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR
Observation:  Following a review of the proposal to install fixed line broadband apparatus at the above location, Salford Priors Parish Council has no objection to the installation as proposed. The development is deemed to have minimal visual or environmental impact and is in accordance with current planning policies and infrastructure objectives aimed at improving rural broadband connectivity.

Decisions:

c)          25/00401/FUL- Extension and alterations, comprising replacement chimney, replacement porch (retrospective) at The Barns, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UX. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions

d)         24/02532/FUL Proposed two-storey extension to existing barn to create ancillary accommodation at The Brambles, Bevington, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8SJ. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions

e)          25/00044/REM Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 2 only

pursuant to outline application 22/02022/OUT 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:

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

g)          Priors Crescent Refusal of the S106 Completion Certificate – Bill Mann, Senior / Civils Contracts Manager, CALA Homes, is reviewing the quotation for the work and will provide a formal update when available. Cllr James advised there have been some issues with the trees purchased and planted by the Parish Council, believed to be caused by strimmer damage. To prevent further damage, areas around the base of each tree have been cleared and mulched.

h)          Bomford Way – crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing – this has been referred back to the developers.

i)             Bomford Way – no further update regarding adoption.

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

a)          No further update from Warwickshire County Council Highways regarding outstanding queries

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

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

c)          The faulty streetlight (number 3) on School Rd is on all day. Clerk has chased Warwickshire County Council Streetlighting Department for an update.

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

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

f)            Vandalism at Perkins Close, Warwickshire County Council has arranged for Stratford District Council to collect the fly tipping where there is rubbish which has been left behind due to vandalism. The Forestry Team will also cut back the trees which are encroaching onto the carriageway at low level as well as the small tree encroaching towards the footway. Community payback will cut back the hedges once the bird nesting season has finished as these do not impact highway safety.

g)          A report has been filed with CALA Homes regarding the abandoned car in the car park at Priors Crescent. This has now been removed.

h)          Waiting for permission from Warwickshire County Council Highways regarding the installation of a bench outside Willow Park by the bus stop.

i)             Purchase Order has been issued for the construction of a new cemetery soil compound in a location away from existing graves in the churchyard extension.

j)             A Purchase Order has been issued for the installation of an exterior, lockable electrical socket at Rushford for Christmas tree lights. These works have been completed.

k)          Orbit Housing Association – St Matthews Close – cars using green to access bungalows damage to grass areas – no further update.

l)            Permission has been granted by Orbit for the installation of a new flower planter on St Matthews Close. Members approved both the purchase and installation.

m)      Audio Equipment – making the Parish Council Meeting more accessible. The Chairman of the Memorial Hall Committee is investigating the purchase of desk microphones.

n)          Members noted the election of County Councillor Cliff Brown as Member for Bidford & Welford, following the recent County Council elections on 1^st May 2025.

Chairman’s Monthly Update

Parish Council Monthly Surgery
Two Parish Council surgeries have been held to date, but public engagement has been non-existent. The Chairman is considering holding two additional sessions, with one potentially scheduled for a Saturday morning in an effort to encourage greater attendance.

Incident on School Road
An incident occurred on School Road involving an elderly resident who overturned his mobility scooter on a dropped kerb. West Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene, and the scooter had to be lifted off the individual. The matter has been reported to Warwickshire County Council via their website. The Clerk is also following up directly with Highways Engineers, highlighting the Parish Council’s previous concerns regarding the condition of the dropped kerbs.

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

–              Clean bus shelters – to be actioned

–              Clear footway along School Rd – to be actioned

–              Vegetation cleared on footway coming off A46 towards Willow Park

–              Monthly Perkins Close grass cut

–              Cleared basal growth of trees at Irons Cross

To consider future tasks to be issued:

–              Cleaning low level road signs

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

1)          Highways – nothing to report

2)          Public Open Space – covered under agenda item 5g

3)          NDP – Members confirmed acceptance of the Housing Needs Survey Report.  Cllr James proposed Clerk contact Sarah Brooke-Taylor, WRCC to consider way forward. A meeting will be called to discuss this in relation to the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

4)          Playing Field – the roundabout has been reported to Kompan as it is still under warranty. The gate entering the toddler area has become fault

5)          Garden Allotments – all rental payments have now been received. Clerk has issued a poster for the Garden Allotment Competition for 2025, with the Awards Evening taking place on Friday 14^th November.

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

–              Vegetation has been trimmed on AL11 by scout hut kissing gate

–              Overgrown vegetation on AL17 – Station Rd to Bomford Way – Clerk has reported this to the landowner who has since confirmed this will be strimmed.

b)          Communications – Clerk is preparing first draft of Parish Connect magazine.

c)          Project Delivery Group – all draft legal agreements have been sent. Solicitor has chased but only one response has been received. It transpires that the new Assistant Estate Manager at Ragley was not informed by her predecessor about the Greenway agreement. She now questions its validity, believing Ragley never intended to grant land to the Parish Council. However, the request is not for land ownership but for a public right of way in perpetuity, as outlined in the Deed of Dedication. While ownership remains with the landowner, the right of way limits their control—preventing obstruction or alteration—and may impact planning applications. This often makes landowners view such dedications as burdensome, sometimes equating them to a loss akin to compulsory purchase. The group is considering comments received from Birketts (Parish Council legal representation).

a)          Members noted the TOPs Management Committee Minutes

b)     Cllr James: The Warm Hub & Community Café – Securing the Future What Next – Management Volunteers & Charitable Status. Cllr James has consulted with WRCC to seek guidance on obtaining charitable status for the Warm Hub. WRCC will share details of professionals who can assist with setting up the organisation as a registered charity. Achieving charitable status will open up access to a wider range of grant opportunities

c)      Members noted the feedback on VE Day 80^th Anniversary Celebrations held on 8^th May –
Theme: “Together we honour the past and celebrate a future building on unity, hope, love, and peace.”

Salford Priors Parish Council marked VE Day’s 80th anniversary with a day of remembrance and community spirit.

Morning – Memorial Hall:
Around 60 residents enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch, 1940s music, and wartime footage in a hall decorated with patriotic bunting.

Evening – Priors Crescent:
150 people attended evening festivities, including a fish and chip van, a remembrance service led by Rev Sheila Bridge, the hymn “I Vow to Thee, My Country”, lighting of the Parish Beacon, and fireworks.

Sunday – Civic Service:
The Parish Council Chairman read a Bible passage at St. Matthew’s Church and engaged with the community after the service.

Conclusion:
The events successfully honoured the wartime generation and fostered unity, reflection, and celebration within the community.

d)     Variable Speed Signs Station/Evesham Road – to be considered at the June meeting.

e)         Remedial Works to former bus stop School Road – a proposed plan has been received which is not acceptable. Clerk has returned to Warwickshire County Council Highways advising them of this with the preferred plan.

f)      Installation has taken place of fencing Permissive Right Of Way, School Road.

g)          A46T – Members noted the response from Highways England which will be added to the Parish Council website. Comments to be forwarded to the MP requesting follow up.

h)          Members noted the approval of a grant in the sum of £906 for kitchen equipment for the Warm Hub.

No further updates.

None

a)          Email from Memorial Hall Committee regarding refurbishment of toilets and grant application. The Grants Award Panel will meet to consider and provide a report for the June meeting.

b)         The quote for repainting the Parish Office has been approved. A quote for the required electrical work is still pending and needs to be completed prior to any painting.

c)          Cllr McClean seconded. Unanimous approval.

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)         NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Email received from a resident regarding speeding on Station Rd. (emailed 1.5.25)

d)         Introductory email received from newly appointed Parish & Town Council Liaison Officer, Sue Greenall.

a)          Individual questions comprising the Annual Governance & Accountability Return Section 1 for Local Councils FY 2024/25 were read out by the Chairman and debated by Council Members. Sections 1 to 8 were all agreed affirmative with section 9, the trust fund response being not applicable. Confirmation of these findings was proposed by Cllr Maude and seconded by Cllr Green agreed by all Councillors. Clerk to prepare Section 1 entries for Minute Reference, dating and signature.

b)          A copy of Section 2 Annual Governance and Accountability Return Salford Priors Parish Council Accounts FY 2024/25 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 Green and agreed by all Councillors. Clerk to prepare Section 2 entries for Minute Reference, dating and signature by the Chairman.

c)          Members noted the internal auditor report for FY 2024/25 with no recommendations. Clerk was thanked for her work involved.

d)         Members noted the signed Annual Internal Audit Report 2024/25.

e)          Members noted the dates of the Exercise of Public Rights as 3^rd June to 14 July 2025.

f)            Members noted the Statement of Variance.

g)          Members considered the quotes received for the supply of electricity for TOPs. It was resolved to accept the three-year fixed quote from EDF.

h)          Members noted the payments made between meetings.

i)             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 Maude & Price 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

j)             Members noted the bank account balances

k)          Members noted the first Precept payment has been received from Stratford District Council 23^rdApril 2025 in the sum of £42,000..

l)            Members formally noted the Unaudited Financial Statements.

m)       The renewal quote for the annual Parish Council insurance is due before the next meeting. Cllr James proposed this is accepted providing the quote does not exceed £2,000 Cllr Price seconded. Unanimous approval.

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 18^th June 2025 at 7pm at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.