January Parish Council Meeting

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.

County Councillor Daren Pemberton provided his report:

–               The County Council budget has been confirmed, with the Government settlement aligning broadly with expectations. As a result, Council Tax will increase by the maximum allowable amount of 4.99% incorporating the additional precept for social care responsibilities. Stratford upon Avon District Council has not yet announced its budget. The Government has signalled plans to reform local government financing, with changes anticipated starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year. These changes will involve funding allocations based on deprivation mapping. It was noted that Council Tax payments are expected to continue rising.

–               He provided information on the English Devolution White Paper, titled “Power and Partnership: Foundations for Growth” which was published on 16 December 2024, outlining the Government’s plans to reorganise local government structures, particularly in two-tier areas and certain unitary councils to enhance the delivery of public services. It is anticipated that Warwickshire County Council will be in the first wave.  More information provided in agenda item 11c.

Sarah Brooke-Taylor, Warwickshire Rural Community Council Rural Housing Enabler provided information on a local housing needs survey Sarah distributed draft questionnaires to councillors  and took questions. The last questionnaire / survey was carried out in 2008. As of June 2024 there were 73 expressions of local need to be housed in the Parish, including 19 pensioners

a)          8 members of public were present:

–        Details were sought about the future placement of the Christmas tree on the island at School Rd/Station Rd. Cllr James explained that the Parish Council commissioned a new village sign specifically designed for the conservation area on the island, as this is the only location approved by Warwickshire County Council. A quote is being obtained to modify the socket currently used for the Christmas tree so it can accommodate the new sign. This adjustment would allow the sign to be temporarily removed during the Christmas season if necessary, enabling a tree to be placed there. The Parish Council has previously resolved  that the location for the primary Christmas tree will be the Public Open Space at Priors Crescent once it has been officially adopted and the necessary associated infrastructure was in place.

–        It has been three years since the Parish Council commissioned the bespoke village sign, since its delivery in August the sign has been in secure storage it will be erected in the coming months as previously decided.

–        A query was raised regarding the newly installed slabs on the verge west of the bus stop on Evesham Road – these have been positioned for a coronation bench, strategically placed to stop church goers parking in this area and damaging the spring bulbs.

–        A further query was raised regarding the footway edging setts on School Rd. It is anticipated these works will be completed before the end of March 2025. Clerk is in regular contact with the Warwickshire County Council Highways Department and has requested an updated timeframe.

–        Details were requested regarding the A46 roundabout and the concrete bollards that have been in situ for some years now, following an accident. Cllr James & the Clerk have met with National Highways, who advised that there was a design fault in the initial plans which has caused this issue creating a far bigger job than initially anticipated. MPs are attempting to hold a meeting with National Highways and neighbouring Parish Councils regarding the A46 (T) between Stratford-on-Avon and Evesham. For now, the concrete bollards are expected to remain in place indefinitely.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Daren Pemberton’s report – provided earlier in the meeting

d)         District Councillor Stanley’s report –

–        The South Warwickshire Local Plan is now live for consultation. Information is available at https://www.southwarwickshire.org.uk/swlp/

–        Cllr Stanley advised that a Parish Forum meeting is being held on 30^th January, with two spaces allocated per Parish Council. She will forward information to the Clerk. The SWLP & appointment of a Parish Liaison Officer are two of the items on the agenda.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 20:05

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 11^th December 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.

Considered:

a)          24/02962/VARY Proposed – Variation of Condition 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 19 of 23/02104/VARY dated 31 October 2023 to allow for alterations to Unit 1, 2 and 3, revised Climate Change Checklist and submission of large-scale details, landscaping details with consequent alterations to parking/ turning, submission of material schedule and removal of condition 10 as it is no longer necessary. Original description of development: Variation of condition no.2 of planning permission reference 22/01832/FUL dated 21 March 2023 to allow for revised plans amending fenestration details to Barn 1 and rebuild of walls to southern element of Barn 3.

Original description of development: Conversion of agricultural barns to three dwellings along with works and extensions to facilitate conversion, including regrading of access and verge.

At Old Dunnington Barns, Old Dunnington Farm, Dunnington, Alcester B49 5NU. Following consultation via email Clerk responded with the following comments: “The Parish Council note the minor amendments to the application and the superseded plans and drawings.”

Decisions:

b)         24/02500/LDP – Proposed – The construction of a 5m x 4m x 3m high hexagonal wooden shelter in the far corner of the churchyard at St Matthews Church, Station Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UX. Application Withdrawn.

c)          In accordance with Condition 1 of Notice of Decision dated 16 November 2023 Reference

No. 22/02022/OUT and in accordance with Condition 1 of Notice of Decision dated 16

August 2024 Reference No. 24/00614/VARY. The details are approved for the following development, namely:-

Reserved matters (landscaping and layout in relation to site infrastructure)

pursuant to outline application 22/02022/OUT for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots Land West Of Evesham Road Salford Priors WR11 8UR

d)         24/03026/TREE arboriculture works at Priory Cottage, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UX.

-T1 Lucombe oak: Lift crown where over applicant’s driveway, by pruning off 2no. lower limbs back

to source.

-T2 western red cedar (noted as Leyland cypress on form): Fell.

-T3 holly: Reduce height by 4 metres. No objection

Enforcement: To receive updates on the following enforcement investigations

e)          Bomford Way Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – no further update. This is in the remit of the developer and Stratford District Council. Clerk has chased for further information.

f)            Priors Crescent – Ongoing investigation into the Public Open Space. An email has been received from Alison Willers, Senior Planning Officer at Stratford District Council, outlining the standard process for S106 agreement modifications. This includes obtaining a certificate of practical completion, a 12-month maintenance period for defect rectification and vegetation establishment, followed by reapplication for the final completion certificate. The transfer occurs post-final completion to ensure the POS is in good condition, minimising complaints and enforcement issues for the transferee.

Members noted her comments but expressed that, due to the lack of progress over the last few years
from the Enforcement Team at Stratford District Council, councillors felt compelled to progress the
issues independently with CALA Homes Ltd and to seek independent legal advice to proceed with a
deed of variation to the Section 106 agreement concerning the adoption of the Public Open Space.

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

a)          Warwickshire County Council have acknowledged receipt of the report of the blocked dropped kerb at the entrance of Bomford Way and are currently working to fix it although this may be delayed due to poor weather conditions.

b)         The repairs of the subsidence on the blind bend in the vicinity of the junction with Ennister Lane works north of Dunnington Crossroads have now been completed.

c)          The BT Openreach manhole cover has been replaced on School Rd.

d)         Warwickshire County Council has confirmed Warwickshire Probation Service’s Community Payback Team will be trimming the overgrown hedge by the bus stop and the overgrown vegetation along School Rd in January. No progress as of 15^th January.

e)          B4088 overgrown hedge at Irons Cross, Warwickshire County Council will be attended to on Warwickshire County Council’s ‘flail cut programme’ which takes place from October onwards. Clerk to remind Warwickshire County Council Highways Officer as a matter of urgency.

f)            Cllr James has chased Ed Ruane, the Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the ongoing issues with Dunnington’s pumping station following additional details being forwarded. He is still progressing and at present they have no reason to change their tankering out arrangements of the pumping station.

g)          A follow-up email has been sent to Dr Manuela Perteghella MP regarding the A46 (T) section between Stratford-on-Avon and Evesham – Salford Priors. Dr. Perteghella has sought assistance in organising a meeting with representatives from the affected Parish Councils and National Highways. The Clerk has proposed the Memorial Hall in Salford Priors as a venue for the meeting; however, coordinating availability among the relevant parties is proving challenging.

h)          Dr Manuela Perteghella MP has also addressed the shortage of secondary school places, stating that these concerns are being actively advocated for.

i)             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. Quote awaited.

j)             B4088 Dunnington (Former quarry entrance) Traffic refuge sign damaged reported to WCC Highways.

k)          Planning Enforcement, Stratford District Council has been chased once again regarding the erection of wooden buildings for the rearing of game birds, Ragley Shoot, Dunnington Heath. No response to date.

l)            The 3 streetlight columns on School Rd civil works to install the electrical supply commenced on the  7^th January 2025.

m)      The Local Council Award Scheme application is progressing well and is nearing submission.

n)          A new smart meter has been installed at the Abbot’s Salford junction box by EDF.

o)          The six-monthly fire alarm service and annual fire extinguisher service has been booked for TOPs 29^th January.

p)         Clerk is meeting with an Officer from Orbit regarding several queries relating to Perkins Close.

The Maintenance Officer has advised he will be completing the re-installation of the dog waste bin on School Rd, the glazing works on the telephone kiosk at Abbot’s Salford and the re-installation of the bench on School Rd by 19^th January. No further works at present.

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – nothing to report

2)          Public Open Space – to note the trees have been replaced and new posts installed. The Deed of Variation is now progressing with Solicitors. Cllr James & Clerk walked the POS with Bill Mann, Senior/Civils Contracts Manager for CALA Homes. Concern was expressed regarding the areas that are still pooling however CALA has assured the Parish Council they have done everything they can regarding this and don’t see how it can be further improved.

3)          NDP – following Sarah Brooke-Taylor’s presentation it was resolved to authorise a local housing needs survey. Clerk to advise of this decision.

4)          Playing Field – Members noted works to the swings have taken place by Wicksteed, the trampoline edging pieces are expected to be delivered January.

5)          Garden Allotments – nothing to report. Clerk to send revised allotment agreement letters advising of the increased fee for 25/26.

6)          PROW – Mr Green has suggested that the Parish Council’s amenity contractors undertake full bramble clearance on AL10 to avoid the need for multiple trims over the summer. Additionally, work is required on some stiles within the parish, which the Lengthsman can address. Members noted that £1,199.64 remains in the S106 budget allocated for Public Rights of Way (PROW) projects. It was resolved to carry out these works.

7)          Members noted the Winter Warm Hub attendance figures July 24 to Dec 24 was 1198 with the biggest month being October.  They have been successful in obtaining a grant for £850 which will go towards IT courses and a bain-marie for catering. A further application for a grant in the second round will be applied for.

b)         Communications – Parish Connect to be prepared for a Spring delivery.

c)          Project Delivery Group – following a recent meeting it is proposed that:

–               Deed of Dedication SP01 A-B: Although Birketts LLP recommends conducting a road safety audit, noting the advice given, the Project Delivery Group does not consider it necessary at this time. The road has been built to a standard with the PROW crossing the road.

–               Deed of Dedication SP07 G-H: As above, the Group does not deem a road safety audit necessary, despite the recommendation from Birketts LLP. Again, this is a crossing where the PROW exists.

–               Deed of Dedication SP08 I-J: Again, the Group has decided that a road safety audit is not needed at this time, noting Birketts LLP’s advice. Additionally, Birketts LLP has advised that altering the existing pedestrian gate to a bridleway gate will require consent from the Highway Authority, consent will be sought when appropriate.

–               Deed of Dedication SP09 J-K: The Group accepts the recommendation for a road safety audit at the end of the proposed route. The Clerk to contact Elaine Bingham at Road Safety Consulting to initiate the process.

–               Works for SP01, SP02 & SP03: The Group proposes that having obtained the written consent of the respective landowners and their representatives that hedge cutting, fence, gates and ramp installation on sections of the route should be carried out without any further delay, ahead of signing the legal agreements and before the start of the bird nesting season. This timing ensures alignment with the CIL funds allocation, which expires in September 2025.

–               Works – With the agreement & consent of the respective landowners and their representatives all works will be carried out by the Parish Council’s approved contractor.

–               Cllr James proposed the recommendations from the Project Delivery Group, seconded by Cllr R Green, unanimously approved. Clerk to request Birketts now send out the Deeds of Variation with no further delays.

a)          Cllrs James, Green & McClean attended the session on Central Reporting System for Speed Concerns in Warwickshire.  Report from Cllr James below:

–        Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is bringing partners together to improve the approach on how we investigate and respond to residents’ concerns of speeding in their area.

A consistent and data-led approach has been developed which considers all types of personal injury collisions reported and average speed data at the location.

The joint approach from Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire County Council is for members of the public (including councillors and key community representatives) to submit their concerns via the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership website.

This is the central reporting method for speed concerns within Warwickshire, which enables a consistent data-led approach.

To report a speed concern Enforcement and Community (warksroadsafety.org) and click on ‘Reporting Speed Concerns.’

b)         TOPs roof update – The Clerk informed Members that the Solicitors are currently assessing the viability of the case against Aqua Roofing. In the meantime, they have granted approval for the roof repairs to proceed, on the condition that photographic evidence is provided. Cosyfit Roofing has been scheduled to carry out the repairs on 20th January.

Cllr James – Station Road/A46T junction overhanging trees obstructing footway and danger to pedestrians and vehicles from falling and blocking the road. Clerk to contact Highways once photographs of the area have been provided.

a)          Members considered the proposed name “Sankey Lane” for the new development located on Land West of Evesham Road, Salford Priors, WR11 8UR. They agreed that “Lane” was not the most suitable term. Councillor James proposed the name “Sankey Court,” which was seconded by Councillor Stanley and received unanimous approval.

b)         Members considered the response to the petition requesting the retention of the Christmas tree on the traffic island at School Rd/Evesham Rd. An analysis of the petition was provided. Following discussion, and the statistical analysis of the petition, Cllr James to provide a response to the issues raised and setting out the council’s response.

c)          Members noted HM Government review & proposals of local government, the proposed changes that will impact  Warwickshire County Council and the District & Borough Councils in Warwickshire in 2026 & 2027. Cllr James provided a detailed report:

Just prior to Christmas, the Government signalled the end of two-tier governance in the English Devolution White Paper and therefore the District Borough and County Councils will be abolished.

Currently this will affect 21 areas of England where there are 2 tiers County/District of local government . A unitary Authority must have a minimum of 500,000 residents

It is essential to emphasise this is not optional, the Government could not be clearer that whether we like it or not this is happening, and we are to face the largest change that we have seen to local government in over 50 years.

Councils will be required to move to a unitary structure in a relatively short timescale, alongside developing devolution proposals for a Strategic Authority to ensure residents benefit from devolution.

This reform is necessary to unlock further devolution for the county, in line with the Government’s longer-term ambitions.

For this reason Warwickshire County Council have put in a request to Government to postpone elections scheduled for May. This will enable them to fully focus on working with partners and stakeholders to work up proposals and seek to implement this on an ambitious timescale to see a new “shadow authority” elected in May 2026 and for all councils in Warwickshire to end in 2027.

If the elections are not suspended, the earliest any decisions affecting the County Council could be made would be June due to purdah.

A proposal for a one unitary Warwickshire Authority will seek to deliver the most efficient and effective new Council.

By maintaining the current geographical footprint of the county, this will simplify the change process and protect the service delivery to residents, which is particularly important for the most vulnerable in society.

Warwickshire County Council delivers key services such as Children’s & Adults Social Care, Education, Highways, Fire & Rescue and Waste disposal. Disaggregating these would negate economies of scale, add to complexity and cost, reduce the impact of service delivery and, importantly, not meet the criteria set out by Government in relation to the size of unitary that will be sustainable in the future.

The White Paper states:

“We know people value the role of governance at the community scale and that can be a concern when local government is reorganised. We will therefore want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level.

We will also rewire the relationship between town and parish councils and principal Local Authorities, strengthening expectations on engagement and community voice”.

Devolution will be a standing item of future Parish Council agendas under Item 9 Communities to keep residents informed of the process and progress.

a)          WALC Updates – Circulated

b)         NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Email from resident regarding line painting scheme on Station/Evesham Rd Comments Noted No further action.

d)         Email regarding the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) Preferred Options approved for

Consultation – Clerk to arrange a meeting of the Planning Committee in February to work through the consultation.

a)          Health & Safety – approved with a 1-year review

b)         Complaints Procedure – approved with a 2-year review

c)          Safeguarding Policy – approved with a 1-year review

d)         Zero Tolerance Policy – approved with a 2-year review

e)          Review Planning Committee Standing Orders – the committee Standing Orders to be reviewed at the Annual Council meeting in May.

a)          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 Green and agreed by all Councillors. It was agreed that Cllrs Green & Maude would sign the payments sheet confirming the payments in Appendix A have been approved by full Council and there is provision within the budget, financial regulations and relevant policies have been followed.

b)         Members noted the payments between meetings.

c)          Members noted the 2025/2026 precept request has been completed and forwarded to Stratford District Council

d)         Members noted the bank account balances as of 31^st December 2024:

e)          Members considered and approved the third quarterly bank reconciliation, account balances and income and expenditure budgets. Cllr Stanley to initial.

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

Council confirmed the following Parish Council meeting dates for 2025:

19^th March – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

16^th April –Parish Council Meeting, Salford Priors Memorial Hall

23^rd April – Annual Parish Meeting Salford Priors Memorial Hall

21^st May – Annual Council Meeting followed by Parish Council Meeting, Salford Priors Memorial Hall

18^th June – Dunnington Baptist Church Hall

Tuesday 8th July – Dunnington Baptist Church Hall

10^th September – Dunnington Baptist Church Hall

15^th October – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

19^th October – Salford Priors Memorial Hall

10^th December – Salford Priors Memorial Hall