Parish Council Meeting 19.2.25

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 Daren Pemberton

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 January 2025 at the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.

To note the Planning Committee met on 10^th February to discuss application number:

25/00044/REM Proposed – 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 and a response to the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) Preferred Options approved for Consultation.

Decisions:

a)          24/02427/FUL – Single storey flat roofed single garage side extension at Vine Cottage, 28 Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NT. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

b)         SN/2410/735 Street Naming and Numbering – ‘Sankey Court’ accepted.

c)          24/03102/FUL – Proposed single storey side/rear extension and porch at 18 School Avenue, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XB. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions

Enforcement: To receive updates on the following enforcement investigations

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

e)          Priors Crescent – to note response from Senior Planning Officer Stratford District Council.

f)            Bomford Way – Crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing removal of hedge landscaping condition

g)          No further update from Planning Enforcement, Stratford District Council regarding the erection of wooden buildings for the rearing of game birds, Ragley Shoot, Dunnington Heath.

a)          Clerk has chased Warwickshire County Council regarding several outstanding queries.

b)         A meeting has now been arranged by Dr Manuela Perteghella MP regarding the A46 (T) section between Stratford-on-Avon and Evesham – Salford Priors. Representatives from the affected Parish Councils , National Highways will be in attendance. Chairman/Vice Chairman to attend on behalf of the Parish Council

c)         Clerk has submitted an enquiry to Warwickshire CC Street lighting for the installation of street lighting columns from Park Hall Mews Sub-station to the Junction of Tothall Lane.
To consider quote for additional 2 streetlights on School Rd.

d)         The 3 streetlight columns on School Rd have been confirmed as being connected and fully working.

e)         The unnecessary railing outside Salford Priors CE Academy is due to be removed.

f)            Clerk met with an Officer from Orbit regarding several queries relating to Perkins Close, which he has promised to deal with.

g)          A new noticeboard has had to be ordered as a replacement at Rushford owing to the storms in December. This has been ordered in recycled materials which will save on future maintenance.

h)         A new waste bin has been installed by Stratford District Council at the bus stop by Willow Park.

i)            The 5 Coronation benches have now been installed around the parish.

j)            Clerk responded to the petition regarding the Christmas tree on the island of School Rd/Station Rd.

k)          The damaged traffic bollard at the junction of the B4088 and the former quarry road Dunnington has been replaced.

l)            The cutting back of the hedge at the crossroads Irons Cross has not been carried out by Warwickshire County Council. On chasing it would appear the order was never processed. It is hoped these works will be carried out by the beginning of the bird season.

m)      Council to confirm by resolution that all the required documents, information and conditions are in place for the Bronze award, and that these are published on the council’s website, where applicable.

n)         To note that the Police & Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire will be principle guest speaker at the Annual Parish Meeting.

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

b)         To consider future tasks to be issued

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – to note

o   The Highways Team have not been able to contact the Conservation Officer regarding replacing the setts with kerbstones on the corner of School Rd. This is being chased.

o   Install setts continuing into Evesham/Station Rd & additional setts on the small island – these works have been agreed. No date has been confirmed for these works as the Contractors are fully committed to major projects.

2)          Public Open Space Priors Crescent.

3)          NDP – to note Housing Needs Survey has been sent for printing. To consider delivery of the survey when received.

4)          Playing Field -to note the trampoline works have now been completed.

5)          Garden Allotments – to note revised agreements have been sent to leaseholders.

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

b)         Communications – To receive an update on the context and progress for a spring edition to be published.

c)          Project Delivery Group – to note all draft agreements and plans have been forwarded to the landowners. Responses awaited. Purchase Order given to commence works for the first 3 phases of the route.
To receive a report on the progress of the installation of the field boundary fencing and other works.

a)          Defibrillator – Rushford – to note amenity contractor has installed the feeder pillar for National Grid to connect an electrical supply on 12^th March.

b)         TOPs Roof – this has now been repaired including some guttering works. To note email from Solicitors regarding a claim against Aqua Roofing, Evesham.

c)          To note the name “Sankey Court” has been accepted for the new development located on Land at West of Evesham Rd, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR.

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).

a)          Cllr. James – CIL Expenditure to consider New Lighting (fittings) for Dunnington Baptist Church Hall for the benefit of the use by the local community.

Emails received regarding

a)          Christmas Tree Switch On Event 2025

b)         Microphone system for Memorial Hall

c)          To consider quotes for remedial works relating to the fire extinguisher service at TOPs.

d)         Email regarding commemorative bench

e)          Email regarding allotment gate and entranceway.

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

a)                            WALC Updates – Circulated

b)                           NALC Updates – Circulated

c)                            Minutes from the SDC Parish Forum 30.1.25

a)          Recruitment Policy – deferred to Apr 25

b)         Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information – deferred to Apr 25

c)          Risk Management Policy

d)         Retention of Documents & Records Management – deferred to Apr 25

e)          Publication Scheme

f)            Asset Register

g)          Data Audit Schedule – deferred to Apr 25

h)          To consider the adoption of a Transparency Policy.

a)          To note payments made between meetings.

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

c)        To note the receipt of £310,369.00 in CIL funding for the Greenway project awarded by Stratford on Avon District Council on the 06/02/2023. The Clerk to the Parish Council has opened a dedicated bank account for this purpose. The Internal Auditor has highlighted that this payment increases the Parish Council’s annual turnover beyond £200,000, requiring compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code 2015. While not all provisions of the Code apply to Parish Councils, certain sections mandate a higher level of information disclosure than previously required. To consider by resolution the Parish Council’s approach to ensuring compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code 2015.

d)         To note the bank account balances

e)          To note the Internal audit has taken place with report awaited.

f)            To adopt stricter controls and checks on contractors prior to awarding work.

g)          To approve delegated payment powers to the clerk for payment of the Leisure Route material invoices between meetings to meet suppliers 30 day invoice terms and conditions.

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

Cllr Stanley – approved

Non Attendance – Cllr Meakins

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:

–              A member of the Christmas Tree Switch On Event Committee was present. Discussions took place regarding the placement of the Christmas tree on the island at Evesham/School Rd. Cllr James confirmed that the Parish Council had resolved to position the Salford Priors Parish Council Christmas tree on the Public Open Space at Priors Crescent once the area is formally adopted in accordance with previous resolved decisions of the full council. The Chairman of the  Memorial Hall Committee also confirmed that the Memorial Hall is willing to support a Christmas Switch-On Event at the Public Open Space by offering the hall car park for parking..

–              Molehills on verges – The council will only deal with mole problems on verges that are covered in the amenity maintenance contract.

–              Molehills on the playing field have been reported  –  A molecatcher is addressing this issue.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Daren Pemberton’s Report –

–              Provided an update regarding the English Devolution White Paper. Warwickshire was not named by the Secretary of State as one of the areas that will form part of the Devolution Priority Programme and County Council elections will go ahead in May 2025. On 5th February 2025, Warwickshire’s six council leaders were invited to submit a local government reorganization proposal, with an interim plan due by 21st March and full proposals by 28th November 2025.

–              Cllr Pemberton answered questions on the proposed Unitary Authority and the impact on local representation.

–              Warwickshire  County Council had resolved to set its precept at 4.99% For every £1.00 raised 68p was spent on Adult & Children’s social care.

–              Stratford District Council is holding its budget meeting next week where it will set the council tax, with the expected approval of the full 4.99% increase

d)         District Councillor Stanley’s Report – No report received.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:35

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 15^th January 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.

Members noted the Planning Committee met on 10^th February to discuss application number:

–        25/00044/REM Proposed – 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.  Following consideration Clerk to respond “Salford Priors Parish Council has no objections, as it aligns with the plot passport”

–        Responses to the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) Preferred Options approved for Consultation were also discussed. Publication of the Parish Council’s responses to the consultation will be published on the council’s website.

Applications Considered:

a)          25/00297/FUL Proposed – single storey extension (part retrospective) at 10 St Matthews Close, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UY. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”

b)          25/00287/TREE Proposed – T1 – Holly – Fell ,T2 – Pine – Fell , T3 – Ash – Previously pollarded tree with vigorous regeneration, reduce crown by 2 metres from the branch tips,T4 – Oak – Previously pollarded tree with regeneration, Selectively reduce crown by a maximum of 1.5 metres from the branch tips at Vine Cottage, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8UU. Following consideration Clerk to respond with “No objection”

Decisions:

c)          24/02427/FUL – Single storey flat roofed single garage side extension at Vine Cottage, 28 Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NT. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

d)          SN/2410/735 Street Naming and Numbering – ‘Sankey Court’ accepted.

e)          24/03102/FUL – Proposed single storey side/rear extension and porch at 18 School Avenue, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8XB. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

Enforcement: To receive updates on the following enforcement investigations

f)            Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council. Despite chasing, the Clerk has no further information. Clerk to request District Cllr Stanley contact Stratford District Council Enforcement Team for an update.

g)           Priors Crescent – Members noted the response from Senior Planning Officer Stratford District Council, the situation had been exacerbated by the lack of direct action by the LPA enforcement team over the last four years.

h)          Bomford Way – Crossing of footway for creation of vehicle crossing removal of hedge landscaping condition. No further update.

i)             No further update from Planning Enforcement, Stratford District Council regarding the erection of wooden buildings for the rearing of game birds, Ragley Shoot, Dunnington Heath. Clerk to request update from the Planning Enforcement Team.

a)          Clerk has chased Warwickshire County Council regarding several outstanding queries –

–              The unnecessary steel railing outside Salford Priors CE Academy is due to be removed.

–              The overgrown footway by the Severn Trent Sewage Pumping Station on Station Road is due to be cut back, swept and cleared.

–              The community payback team is due to clear the footway along School Rd.

b)          The cutting back of the hedge at the crossroads Irons Cross (B4088)  has not been carried out by Warwickshire County Council. On chasing it would appear the order was never processed. It is hoped these works will be carried out by the beginning of the bird nesting season. This is a highway safety matter and is danger to both cyclists and motorists.

c)          A meeting has now been arranged by Dr Manuela Perteghella MP regarding the A46 (T) section between Stratford-on-Avon and Evesham – Salford Priors. Representatives from the affected Parish Councils , National Highways will be in attendance. Chairman/Vice Chairman to attend on behalf of the Parish Council.

d)          Clerk has received a quote from Warwickshire CC Streetlighting for the installation of an additional 2 street lighting columns from Park Hall Mews Sub-station to the Junction of Tothall Lane. These works entail:

–              The cost to install 2 x 6m lighting columns c/w TRT Mini LED lanterns, powerset module set to 19w, 3000k warm white, one part NEMA photocell, one way double pole isolators inclusive of 31m trenching in footway from nearest LV main located outside of No 82 School Road will be £7,279.76 ex VAT. 3 way traffic lights have also been allowed for when installing and connecting the column on the corner of Tothall Lane. Cllr James proposed the quote is accepted, Cllr Price seconded. Unanimous approval. Clerk to issue the Purchase Order.

e)          The 3 streetlight columns on School Rd have been confirmed as being connected and fully working.

f)            Clerk met with an Officer from Orbit regarding several queries relating to Perkins Close, which he has promised to action.

g)           A new noticeboard has been ordered as a replacement at Rushford owing to the storms in December. This has been ordered in recycled materials which will save on future maintenance.

h)          A new waste bin has been installed by Stratford District Council at the bus stop by Willow Park.

i)             The 5 Coronation benches & plaques have now been installed around the parish.

j)             Clerk responded to the petition regarding the Christmas tree on the island of School Rd/Station Rd.

k)           The damaged traffic bollard at the junction of the B4088 and the former quarry road Dunnington has been replaced.

l)             Local Council Award Scheme. Cllr. James proposed that Council confirm by resolution that all the required documents, information and conditions are in place for  submission for the LCA  Bronze award, and that these are published on the council’s website, where applicable. Cllr James proposed that the application is now made. Cllr R Green seconded. Unanimous approval.
The Parish Council recorded their thanks to the Clerk for the work involved. Extensive works have also been carried out on the website to comply with the Transparency regulations.

m)       Members noted that the Police & Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire will be principle guest speaker at the Annual Parish Meeting.

n)          The Clerk has been approached by a reporter from The Times national newspaper to comment on the legal dispute between William Seymour, the Earl of Yarmouth, and his parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, the family of Ragley Hall. After consultation with the Chairman the following statement was provided:

“The Parish Council wishes to clarify that it will not be providing comments or engaging in discussions regarding private family legal disputes.

The Council remains focused on its role in serving the community and upholding its obligations within the public domain. We remain committed to fulfilling our duties to the community in an impartial and professional manner.”

Members noted the following works have been actioned:

–        The telephone kiosk has been repaired

–        The bench at the bottom of School Rd has been re-varnished and re-installed

–        The dog bin at the bottom of School Rd has been re-installed.

Future Works:

–        Installation of the new noticeboard at Rushford

–        Clearance of Surface Moss – Spray the footway from The Old Forge, past the black and white cottages towards St Matthews Church.

–        Clear a tree on Wood Bevington footpath – Cllr Maude to provide relevant information

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

Highways – Members noted:

o   The Highways Team have not been able to contact the Conservation Officer regarding replacing the setts with kerbstones on the corner of School Rd. This is being chased.

o   Install setts continuing into Evesham/Station Rd & additional setts on the small island – these works have been agreed. No date has been confirmed for these works as the Contractors are fully committed to major projects.

1)          Public Open Space – discussed under agenda item 5e.

2)          NDP – the Housing Needs Surveys have been received. It was arranged for Cllrs to deliver these as soon as possible for the results to be available for the Annual Parish Meeting on 23^rd April.

3)          Playing Field – Members noted the trampoline works have now been completed.

4)          Allotments – Members noted the revised agreements have been sent to leaseholders.

5)          PROW – Members noted:

o   The damaged stile on AL13 has been repaired.

o   The kissing gate at the start of AL13 has been cleared.

o   Clearance works to AL4 have been carried out.

o   The amenity contractor has carried out full bramble clearance works on AL10

o   Angus Soft Fruits have carried out scheduled works on hedges along footpath AL4 and Evesham Road

b)        Communications – As the Communications Group had not met and were not in a position to publish an edition of Parish Connect, the council took the decision that the Spring edition of the Parish Connect be dedicated to the Annual Financial Report along with the Chairman’s annual report.

c)          Project Delivery Group – Members noted that all draft agreements and plans have been sent to the landowners, and responses are pending. Work has commenced on phases 1, 2, and 3 of the route. Cllr James expressed the Parish Council’s gratitude to Bomford Turner for their invaluable support. The next stage involves removing the steps at the entrance on Bomford Way and constructing a slope. There is some uncertainty regarding the ownership of the gate between phases 2 and 3. To resolve this, the Parish Council will install a new gate, and Bomford Turner has confirmed their willingness to take responsibility for it. Additionally, Bomford Turner has fully agreed to the creation of a mound filling in a boundary gap in the hedgerow using the excess soil, which will then be seeded and planted.

During the fencing works the council had published various updates on its Facebook page and website.

Members noted:

a)          Defibrillator – Rushford – the amenity contractor has installed the feeder pillar for National Grid to connect an electrical supply on 12^th March. The hoop bar is also in place ready for the defibrillator once power is supplied. Members noted the defibrillator and cabinet has been ordered and will hopefully be installed by the end of March.

b)          TOPs Roof – this has now been repaired including some guttering works. Members noted the Solicitors are not able to confirm that there is more than 51% in recovery prospects as per the legal expenses insurance and the insurers will be advised of this before closing the files. Cllr James proposed the claim is dropped, Cllr Price seconded, unanimous approval. A specification will be put together for quotes to be obtained for the repair of the internal works to the building. Clerk advised Members the lease on the land expires 31^st March 2026.

An update was received by County Councillor Daren Pemberton under Open Forum.

–        Cllr James – Members considered the use of CIL funds for new lighting fixtures at Dunnington Baptist Church Hall to enhance its use for the local community. The Clerk will obtain a quote from an electrical contractor. It was resolved that if the quote is under £1,000, the work can proceed.

–        Cllr Maude reported the leak on B4088 has been reported to Severn Trent Water and repaired.

a)          Christmas Tree Switch On Event 2025 – noted.

b)          Microphone system for Memorial Hall – John Bradfield to arrange a demonstration of a Bluetooth Multiple Microphone Set, with single connection to existing amplifier. The council will also reinstate the use of a projector to display meeting papers at meetings to aid public inclusivity.

c)          The quotes for remedial works relating to the fire extinguisher service at TOPs were accepted. Clerk to raise the Purchase Order.

d)          Email regarding commemorative bench – noted

e)          Email regarding allotment gate and entranceway – noted

a)                            WALC Updates – Circulated

b)                            NALC Updates – Circulated

c)                            Minutes from the Stratford District Council Parish Forum 30.1.25.

a)          Recruitment Policy – deferred to Apr 25

b)         Policy & Procedures for Handling Requests for Information – deferred to Apr 25

c)          Risk Management Policy – members confirmed acceptance – next  review 2026.

d)         Retention of Documents & Records Management – deferred to Apr 25

e)          Publication Scheme – members confirmed acceptance – next  review 2026.

f)            Asset Register – this has been updated and accepted – review 2026.

g)          Data Audit Schedule – deferred to Apr 25

h)          Members following discussion resolved to adopt the Transparency Policy as presented by the Clerk.

a)          Members noted the payments made between meetings.

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

c)         Members noted the receipt of £310,369.00 in CIL funding for the Greenway project awarded by Stratford on Avon District Council on 06/02/2023. The Clerk to the Parish Council has opened a dedicated bank account for this purpose. The Internal Auditor has highlighted that this payment increases the Parish Council’s annual turnover beyond £200,000, requiring compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code 2015. While not all provisions of the Code apply to Parish Councils, certain sections mandate a higher level of information disclosure than previously required. Cllr James formally proposed to adopt compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 where applicable. Cllr Price seconded. Unanimous approval. Clerk has created a Transparency page on the website to detail this information. Cllr James also proposed the Clerk be remunerated for the extra work to date and future works at 3 hours per month for FaceBook and website management. This was agreed unanimously.

d)         Members noted the bank account balances as at 31^st January 2025:

e)          Members noted the Internal audit has taken place with the report awaited.

f)            To adopt stricter controls and checks on contractors prior to awarding work – this to be discussed by the Finance & Audit group and brought back to the April meeting of the  Parish Council.

g)           Members approved delegated payment powers to the clerk for payment of the Leisure Route material invoices between meetings to meet suppliers 30 day invoice terms and conditions.

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