Council Meeting 29.7.26

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 Wednesday 17^th June 2026 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington.

Planning Matters To Consider :

a)          26/91448/LB – Replacement of existing single-glazed painted timber windows and doors with painted hardwood timber windows and doors incorporating slimline double-glazed units at : Turnpike Cottage, 79 – 80 Evesham Road, Weethley, Alcester B49 5ND

The Planning Committee met on 1^st July to consider the following applications and note the recent decisions:

b)          26/01384/FUL – Proposed self-build replacement dwelling: Demolition of former stable block outbuilding and erection of at Brook Farm, Evesham Road, Abbots Salford, Salford Priors, Warwickshire.

c)          26/01504/REM – Proposed Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) Plot 8 only pursuant to outline application 24/00614/VARY for 16 no. Self-build and custom housebuilding plots at Land West of Evesham Road

Decisions:

d)          26/01119/VARY – Variation of condition 2 of planning permission reference 24/01002/FUL dated

29/05/2024. To Allow changes to doors and windows. Change from ’03A Plans and Elevations as Proposed’ to ’03B Plans and Elevations as Proposed’. Original description of development: Proposed two storey rear extension at 31 Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NU. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

Decisions since Planning Meeting:

e)         26/01090/FUL – The retention and permanent use of the building to be used as an office at Alamo Group Europe Ltd, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8SW. Planning Permission Granted with Conditions.

f)            26/01118/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 10 only

g)           pursuant to outline application 24/00614/VARY for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots. Details are Approved Subject to Conditions.

h)         25/02810/LDE – Existing use of land as domestic curtilage associated with dwellinghouse Rough Hill at Rough Hill Low Road Church Lench Evesham WR11 4UH. Based on the evidence submitted by the applicants, observations made on site and consideration of aerial and ground based photographs, as well as the Sworn Affidavits, the Local Planning Authority is satisfied, on the balance of probability, that the land shown edged in bold on the plan attached to the decision, has been used as a domestic garden for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the property known as Rough Hill (Low Road, Church Lench, WR11 4UH) for a continuous period of 10 years or more prior to the lawful development certificate application being made. The use of this land for this purpose is therefore lawful.

i)             26/01472/TREE –T1 Cypress hedge: T2 Cypress hedge: Reduce by approximately 1 metre in height, to make straight and cut back pub side (at left side of Thatch End). Fell to ground level (on neighbouring boundary on left side of Thatch End) at Thatch End, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UU. No objection subject to conditions.

Withdrawn:

j)             26/01045/COUR Proposed change of use of agricultural building to an educational, training and community facility at Lower Farm, School Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8XN

Planning Enforcement:

a)          Bomford Way Salford Priors Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – To note Vistry have planted 54 trees in April together with two sections of missing hedge.  They are going to submit an updated landscaping plan and then apply for the Practical Completion Certificate.

–              Priors Crescent Salford Priors – To note Alison Willers, Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement), Stratford District Council advised there has been no further update, so she has sent a chasing email.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  To note Warwick District and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils approved the SWLP for publication on 15 July 2026. The Regulation 19 public consultation is open from 21 July to 8 September 2026, providing the final opportunity for representations before submission for independent examination. The Plan will guide housing, employment, infrastructure and development across South Warwickshire to 2050 and, once adopted, will form part of the statutory Development Plan.

Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project : To receive any updates from the AVS Working Group

a)          The front bollard on the central reservation on Evesham Rd has been repaired. Noted and Closed.

b)          A possible overflowing septic tank on Broom Lane, Dunnington has been reported to Stratford District Council, Environmental Services.

c)          The overgrown hedging on School Rd by Banbrook Rd has now been cut back. Noted and Closed.

i.                  The Amenity Contractor has had to carry out extensive watering due to the excessive heat – this will have an impact on the planter budget.
To review future summer planting schedule – a more heat tolerant planting scheme.

ii.                  To note that local residents had removed certain tulip bulbs from the triangle bed on Evesham Road. Tulip/Daffodil bulbs were to remain this year due to the escalating cost.

d)          The hedges on School Rd have now been cut back. Noted and Closed.

e)          The removal of the heras fencing panels left in situ following the installation of the new toddler area fencing scheme. Noted and Closed.

f)            The faded signage on School Rd by Tothall Lane has been reported to Warwickshire County Council, Highways.

Chairman’s Monthly Report:

a)          Meeting with John Wilde Policy Officer SDC Social Inclusion Partnership (30/06/26)

b)          Approval of Clerk’s Vacancy advert West Midlands Jobs publication

c)          Authorisation of skip to remove unwanted items from storage following office refurbishment

d)          To note that the fault to the external lighting at the Memorial Hall has been completed.

e)          Authorisation to water trees on the B4088/New Road Dunnington Junction 5 trees planted by the Parish Council suffering drought.

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

–        Signage cleaning Limebridge to Irons Cross

–        Tidying works at:

·       Kerbline in front of Park Mews Hall School Road

·       Bus stop on School Rd by Banbrook Rd

·       Around signage opposite 72-74 School Rd (sign reported as loose to Warwickshire County Council, Highways)

·       Cut back hedge from road sign on School Road

·       Rubbish from allotments removed

·

b)          To consider future tasks to be issued

–        Further bus stop on School Rd to be tidied once the birds have flown the nests.

c)          Works to be completed / outstanding

·     Installation of goal posts on playing field

·     Installation of 5 new Parish Noticeboards

·     Clear bags on garden allotment plot 10

·     Empty compost bins on garden allotment plot 18

a)          Infrastructure & Built Environment:

1)          Highways – to consider quotes and recommendations from Finance & Audit Panel.

2)          Public Open Space – to note that the feeder pillar is scheduled for installation on 28 July. As the original National Grid quotation was only valid for three months, a revised quotation was requested and was received at £15 less than the original. The Clerk has therefore placed the order with National Grid.

3)          NDP – to receive update

4)          Playing Field

5)          Garden Allotments

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

b)         Communications – to receive update

c)          Project Delivery Group – to receive update following recent email.

a)          To note and consider email from Stratford District Council regarding the bin outside the shop on School Rd.

b)          To note Clerk has re-submitted an Assets of Community Value (ACV) relating to the two parish assets listed by Stratford on Avon District Council (SDC) following their expiry:

–        ACV 35 The Memorial Hall School Road Salford Priors – Listed:  23/06/2014   Expired: 06/05/2019

–        ACV 59 The Bell Inn Evesham Road Salford Priors – Listed: 28/02/2017 Expired: 27/02/2022

a)          To note the Government’s decision to create two unitary authorities for north and south Warwickshire as part of Local Government Reorganisation. There will be no immediate changes to Council services. Further details on governance, service delivery, timescales and transition arrangements will be shared as they become available. A joint statement from the six Warwickshire councils has been published on the Council’s website and social media channels.

b)          To consider asset transfer – eg allotments

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).

(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)          Submission of Draft CIL Charging Schedule for Examination

e)          Email from Stratford District Council regarding Interim Policy Position Statement (IPPS)

f)            Ministerial response to concerns about Arrow Valley Solar farm to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

a)          To consider and approve the first quarterly bank reconciliation, account balances and income and expenditure budgets.

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 payments made between meetings.

d)          To note CIL payment received in the sum of £1,500 regarding 24/03279/VARY, Station House, High Street, Broom, Alcester, B50 4HN

e)         To note the Chairman’s sponsorship of lapel badges commemorating the 150th anniversary of Dunnington School.

f)            To approve enactment of the summer out of meeting payment protocol process.

g)          To note the bank account balances

a)          To receive update on the Clerks Vacancy.

b)          To approve the appointment of Mrs Donna Bowles as RFO for the period of 1^st September 2026 to 31^st May 2027 on current SCP scale.

c)          To approve the appointment of Mrs Donna Bowles as Social Media & Editor for the period of 1^st September 2026 to 31^st March 2027 hours to be recorded.

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Wednesday 16^th September 2026 at the Memorial Hall Salford Priors.

Cllrs Howarth & 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 –Cllr Meakins – item 9b – ACV 59 The Bell Inn Evesham Road Salford Priors

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 and queries raised:

–              Regarding works by Corner Cottage which is being discussed under agenda item 8 a(1)

–              Regarding planning application 26/01384/FUL – this was discussed at the Planning Committee meeting on 1^st July.

b)         No under 18s were present.

c)          County Councillor Brown’s Report – no apologies or report received.

d)         District Councillor Jones’ sent his apologies. Report below –

–        District Council business has focused on Cabinet, Overview & Scrutiny, and the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP), with further updates expected following the next stage of the plan and the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) announcement.

–        He has been elected to the District Council Planning Committee and attended planning, housing allocations and finance training. Continued attendance at Parish Council meetings.

–        He is continuing to monitor the proposed Arrow Valley Solar project, meeting with residents and stakeholders and seeking opportunities to influence the proposal. Updates will be provided as matters progress.

–        He has offered support regarding the reported woodburning nuisance, including liaising with Environmental Health if required.

–        He has also expressed willingness to contribute to and help distribute the forthcoming Salford Priors newsletter.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19:06

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 17^th June 2026 at the Baptist Church Hall, Dunnington were agreed by the Council to be a true record of the meeting and signed by the Chairman.

Applications Considered:

a)          26/01349/FUL – Proposed extension and alteration including replacement dormers at The Bungalow, Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NX. Following discussion, it was agreed for Clerk to respond with “No objection”

b)          26/91448/LBC – Replacement of existing single-glazed painted timber windows and doors with painted hardwood timber windows and doors incorporating slimline double-glazed units at : Turnpike Cottage, 79 – 80 Evesham Road, Weethley, Alcester B49 5ND. Following consultation via email Clerk responded with:

‘Salford Priors Parish Council supports the principle of the proposed works to the Listed Building. The Council recognises that sensitive repair and improvement can contribute positively to the long‑term conservation of the heritage asset. However, the Council emphasises that any replacement or alteration of windows, doors, or fenestration must be fully heritage‑compliant. This includes the use of traditional materials, matching existing profiles and detailing, and ensuring glazing and opening mechanisms are appropriate for a building of this age and status.

The Council also notes the importance of energy efficiency and supports measures that improve thermal performance where they do not compromise the building’s historic fabric or appearance. Slimline heritage glazing, draught‑proofing, and other reversible, non‑intrusive interventions are encouraged, provided they meet statutory heritage requirements. The Council therefore requests that the Conservation Officer secures full compliance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the NPPF (2023) heritage requirements, and Core Strategy Policy CS.8, with detailed fenestration specifications conditioned prior to approval. Support is offered subject to these heritage safeguards being secured by condition.’

The Planning Committee met on 1^st July to consider the following applications and note the recent decisions:

c)          26/01384/FUL – Proposed self-build replacement dwelling: Demolition of former stable block outbuilding and erection of at Brook Farm, Evesham Road, Abbots Salford, Salford Priors, Warwickshire.

d)          26/01504/REM – Proposed Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) Plot 8 only pursuant to outline application 24/00614/VARY for 16 no. Self-build and custom housebuilding plots at Land West of Evesham Road

Decisions:

e)          26/01119/VARY – Variation of condition 2 of planning permission reference 24/01002/FUL dated

29/05/2024. To Allow changes to doors and windows. Change from ’03A Plans and Elevations as Proposed’ to ’03B Plans and Elevations as Proposed’. Original description of development: Proposed two storey rear extension at 31 Dunnington, Alcester, B49 5NU. Planning Permission Granted Subject to Conditions.

Decisions since Planning Meeting:

f)            26/01090/FUL – The retention and permanent use of the building to be used as an office at Alamo Group Europe Ltd, Station Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8SW. Planning Permission Granted with Conditions.

g)           26/01118/REM – Reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for Plot 10 only

pursuant to outline application 24/00614/VARY for 16no. self-build and custom housebuilding plots. Details are Approved Subject to Conditions.

h)          25/02810/LDE – Existing use of land as domestic curtilage associated with dwellinghouse Rough Hill at Rough Hill Low Road Church Lench Evesham WR11 4UH. Based on the evidence submitted by the applicants, observations made on site and consideration of aerial and ground based photographs, as well as the Sworn Affidavits, the Local Planning Authority is satisfied, on the balance of probability, that the land shown edged in bold on the plan attached to the decision, has been used as a domestic garden for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the property known as Rough Hill (Low Road, Church Lench, WR11 4UH) for a continuous period of 10 years or more prior to the lawful development certificate application being made. The use of this land for this purpose is therefore lawful.

i)             26/01472/TREE –T1 Cypress hedge: T2 Cypress hedge: Reduce by approximately 1 metre in height, to make straight and cut back pub side (at left side of Thatch End). Fell to ground level (on neighbouring boundary on left side of Thatch End) at Thatch End, Evesham Road, Salford Priors, Evesham, WR11 8UU. No objection subject to conditions.

Withdrawn:

j)             26/01045/COUR Proposed change of use of agricultural building to an educational, training and community facility at Lower Farm, School Road, Salford Priors, Evesham WR11 8XN

Planning Enforcement:

–              Bomford Way, Salford Priors Section 106 Non- compliance of offering Public Open Space to the Parish Council – Members noted Vistry have planted 54 trees in April together with two sections of missing hedge.  They are going to submit an updated landscaping plan and then apply for the Practical Completion Certificate.

–              Priors Crescent ,Salford Priors – Members noted Alison Willers, Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement), Stratford District Council advised there has been no further update, so she has sent a chasing email.

South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP):  Members noted Warwick District and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils approved the SWLP for publication on 15 July 2026. The Regulation 19 public consultation is open from 21 July to 8 September 2026, providing the final opportunity for representations before submission for independent examination. The Plan will guide housing, employment, infrastructure and development across South Warwickshire to 2050 and, once adopted, will form part of the statutory Development Plan.

Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project : Members received a briefing from the Arrow Valley Solar Farm Project Team, attended by representatives of Salford Priors and neighbouring parish councils, on the proposed Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, which remains at the pre-application stage.

Public consultation is expected to commence at the end of September for five weeks, with the Parish Council requesting that consultation events be held within the communities most directly affected, including Salford Priors, Bidford, Broom and Wixford, to maximise local participation.

The developer advised that environmental, ecological and traffic surveys are underway and outlined proposed buffer zones for Public Rights of Way and ancient woodland. It also confirmed engagement with statutory consultees, consideration of the emerging South Warwickshire Local Plan, and that a grid connection has been secured.

A Development Consent Order application is anticipated to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in late April 2027.

The Parish Council will continue to adopt an evidence-led approach, scrutinising the proposal and its potential impacts on landscape, agriculture, biodiversity, hydrology, public rights of way, traffic, battery storage, public safety and community wellbeing. The Council will also assess the adequacy of any proposed mitigation measures, seek specialist professional advice where appropriate, and use this work to inform its response to the public consultation and any subsequent representation to the Planning Inspectorate.

a)          The front bollard on the central reservation on Evesham Rd has been repaired. Noted and Closed.

b)          A possible overflowing septic tank on Broom Lane, Dunnington has been reported to Stratford District Council, Environmental Services.

c)          The overgrown hedging on School Rd by Banbrook Rd has now been cut back. Noted and Closed.

d)          The Amenity Contractor has had to carry out extensive watering due to the excessive heat – this will have an impact on the planter budget. The water is taken from a borehole from a local farmer. Noted and Closed.

e)          To review future summer planting schedule – a more heat tolerant planting scheme.

f)            Local residents have removed certain tulip bulbs from the triangle bed on Evesham Road. Tulip/Daffodil bulbs were to remain this year due to the escalating cost. Noted

g)           The hedges on School Rd have now been cut back. Noted and Closed.

h)          The heras fencing panels left in situ following the installation of the new toddler area fencing scheme have now been removed. Noted and Closed.

i)             The faded signage on School Rd by Tothall Lane has been reported to Warwickshire County Council, Highways. Noted and Closed.

Chairman’s Monthly Report:

a)          Meeting with John Wilde Policy Officer SDC Social Inclusion Partnership (30/06/26)

b)          Approval of Clerk’s Vacancy advert West Midlands Jobs publication

c)          Authorisation of skip to remove unwanted items from storage following office refurbishment

d)          Members noted that the fault to the external lighting at the Memorial Hall has been completed.

e)          Authorisation was given to water trees on the B4088/New Road Dunnington Junction 5 trees planted by the Parish Council suffering drought.

Members noted works carried out:

–        Signage cleaning Limebridge to Irons Cross

–        Tidying works at:

·       Kerbline in front of Park Hall Mews, School Road

·       Bus stop on School Rd by Banbrook Rd

·       Around signage opposite 72-74 School Rd (sign reported as loose to Warwickshire County Council, Highways)

·       Cut back hedge from road sign on School Road

·       Rubbish from allotments removed

·       Clearance of brambles from bus stop on School Rd.

·       Kerbline at the refuge by B4088

·       Kerbline by Dunnington School

Works to be completed/outstanding

·     Installation of goal posts on playing field

·     Installation of 5 new Parish Noticeboards

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

1)          Highways – Cllr James talked through the detailed quotations received from Warwickshire County Council, together with the recommendations of the Finance & Audit Panel. It was noted that £100,000 had been allocated from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds for the traffic calming scheme, leaving a remaining balance of £36,950 following completion of the works. Cllr R Green proposed that Warwickshire County Council be instructed to proceed with the works quoted, in accordance with the quotation, at a cost in the region of £26,000. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Maude and was approved unanimously.

1)          Public Open Space – Members noted that the feeder pillar is scheduled for installation on 28 July. As the original National Grid quotation was only valid for three months, a revised quotation was requested and was received at £15 less than the original. The Clerk has therefore placed the order with National Grid.

2)          NDP – Andrea Pellegram Ltd have been in contact with Stratford District Council and spoken with NDP Officers who have advised to proceed with caution until Regulation 19 orders have been submitted and legal challenges resolved.

3)          Playing Field – nothing to report.

4)          Garden Allotments – Cllr James has suggested fencing in the garden allotment plots and restricting access via the PROW. Security needs improving. This to be investigated in September. Garden allotment plot 11 has become available which has been advertised.

5)          PROW Mr Green reported the following:

–              all the footpaths within the Amenities contract will be trimmed and vegetation cut back once weather conditions permit currently a high fire risk.

–              AL6 has been planted with maize, blocking the PROW. Clerk has written to the landowner requesting this is reinstated which Mr Green has followed up.

–              The Lengthsman has carried out some clearance works on AL4 & AL6, including the two bridges.

b)          Communications – the Parish Connect will be published in September, focusing on the election of the new Parish Council in May 2027.

c)          Project Delivery Group – Members were advised that an email had been sent to Ragley Estate regarding the proposed Greenways Project route. The email confirmed the Council’s continued commitment to delivering the scheme, while acknowledging that the Arrow Valley Solar proposals have introduced additional considerations. It noted Ragley Estate’s suggestion that the section of route across its land could be provided as a permissive route and confirmed the Council’s willingness to explore this option further on a confidential and without prejudice basis before engaging with other affected landowners.

The email also outlined the Council’s proposed principles for a permissive route agreement, including a fixed term linked to the duration of any Arrow Valley Solar consent (or an equivalent period if consent is not granted), the previously proposed route width of between 3 and 5 metres, and, where relevant, an additional 4-metre buffer to safeguard the route from the construction and operation of the solar development.

It further confirmed that the Council would undertake the construction and ongoing maintenance of the route throughout the life of the agreement, to a standard comparable with a public bridleway for use by walkers, horse riders and cyclists, with the previously circulated specification applying. The Council expressed its wish to continue discussions with Ragley Estate with the aim of reaching agreement on the detailed terms of a permissive route.

No response has been received to date.

a)          Members considered the email from Stratford District Council regarding the bin outside the shop on School Rd. Cllr R Green proposed that Stratford District Council proceed with the standard provision of the two bins quoted, Cllr McClean seconded. Unanimous approval.

b)          Members noted the Clerk has re-submitted an Assets of Community Value (ACV) relating to the two parish assets listed by Stratford on Avon District Council (SDC) following their expiry:

–        ACV 35 The Memorial Hall School Road Salford Priors – Listed:  23/06/2014   Expired: 06/05/2019. The Committee have no objection to this being re-submitted.

–        ACV 59 The Bell Inn Evesham Road Salford Priors – Listed: 28/02/2017 Expired: 27/02/2022. Cllr Meakins had already left the meeting at the time this was discussed and requested his response to Stratford District Council be distributed to all Council members. Cllr James read out his response in which he has objected to the proposed listing of The Bell as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

In his letter, Cllr Meakins explained that he intends to retire and believes that an ACV listing would significantly reduce the number of potential buyers, making it more difficult to achieve the best possible sale price. He suggested that, without an ACV designation, the property could be marketed as follows:

“Existing public house and restaurant with holiday letting rooms for sale. Possible change of use, subject to the necessary planning permissions. Alternative uses, including residential care home, residential development, nightclub, hospitality, or other commercial uses, may be considered.”

Cllr Meakins questioned whether there remains a need for a public house in Salford Priors, stating that only three regular customers currently visit The Bell on a daily basis. He also noted that an alternative option would be to close the business and seek a change of use, including the possibility of re-licensing the property as a residential dwelling.

He concluded that listing The Bell as an ACV is likely to discourage prospective purchasers, reduce the pool of interested buyers, and diminish the value of what he regards as his retirement asset.

A decision relating to both submissions is expected shortly.

a)          Members noted the Government has confirmed its preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation in Warwickshire, with two unitary authorities to be established. One serving north Warwickshire and one serving South Warwickshire. Stratford District Council advised there will be no immediate changes to Council services. Further details on governance, service delivery, timescales and transition arrangements will be shared as they become available. A joint statement from the six Warwickshire councils has been published on the Council’s website and social media channels. Parish Councils will be expected to take on more devolved services. One thing is yet to be decided – where does Warwickshire, Gloucestershire & Worcestershire sit in the regional authorities?

b)          Warwickshire County Council will be looking to transfer assets; however, the only asset relevant to the Parish Council is the allotments.

None.

None

a)          WALC Weekly Updates – Circulated

b)          NALC Updates – Circulated

c)          Alcester South SNT Police Reports – Circulated

d)          Submission of Draft CIL Charging Schedule for Examination

e)          Email from Stratford District Council regarding Interim Policy Position Statement (IPPS)

f)            Ministerial response to concerns about Arrow Valley Solar farm to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

a)          Consideration was given to the first quarterly bank reconciliation, account balances and income and expenditure budgets. These were agreed by all Councillors. Cllr McClean proposed these are accepted, Cllr R Green seconded with unanimous approval. Cllr McClean to initial all paperwork.

b)          Payments for July were made under the Clerk’s delegated authority, with the Chairman’s authorisation due to the postponement of the July meeting. Cllrs McClean and Maude signed 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 payments made between meetings which totalled £1,008.73. These were authorised by the Chairman.  Approved.

d)          Members noted the CIL payment received in the sum of £1,500 regarding 24/03279/VARY, Station House, High Street, Broom, Alcester, B50 4HN

e)         Members noted the Chairman’s sponsorship of lapel badges commemorating the 150th anniversary of Dunnington School.

f)            As there is no scheduled meeting in August, Council approved that the Clerk will implement the delegated out of meeting payment process for all suppliers invoices and staff salaries to be paid in full with the authorisation of the Chairman.

g)           Members noted the bank account balances:

a)          Cllr James advised that the Clerk’s vacancy has been advertised. Some applications have been received and the Staffing Committee are holding first round of interviews on Monday 3^rd August. There may be an additional Extra Ordinary Meeting in August if an appointment of a new Clerk requires approval.

b)          Members approved the appointment of Mrs Donna Bowles as RFO for the period of 1^st September 2026 to 31^st May 2027 on current SCP scale.

c)          Members approved the appointment of Mrs Donna Bowles as Social Media & Editor for the period of 1^st September 2026 to 31^st March 2027 on current SCP scale, hours to be recorded.

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Wednesday 16^th September 2026 at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall, Salford Priors.