Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 6th April 2022, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac (Chairman)
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor P Trull
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor J Jones
Apologies:
None
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Many parishioners attended the meeting to make known their feelings about the planning application received from Bloor Homes for 180 homes (agenda item 7.1). Ward Councillor Adrian Rush was also in attendance and spoke about recent planning applications and effective ways to object to the proposals. A leaflet is to be produced and delivered to all homes this weekend to inform those parishioners who may not have seen the agenda or news item. A show of hands of those attending was taken with 21 objecting to the development and 1 supporting.
Cllr Carroll has visited Avon Crescent where Bromford Housing Association has condemned two of the benches sited there. One of the benches has been removed yet metal footings remain which present a trip hazard. The clerk will contact Bromford as a matter of urgency to ask their intentions for replacement benches.
Cllr Fielding had a copy of Kingswood Village’s “Grapevine” newsletter of which he would like to see a similar publication in Wickwar. The village does have the Parish News but some people do not read this. Clerk to investigate options.
A member of the public attended to update the Parish Council on plans to refurbish and improve the BMX skate track on the WPFA field. He has been in touch with the WPFA, their permission will need to be sought as the land does not belong to the Parish Council. Cllr Trull suggested some good sources of funding that could be explored and the Council requested to be kept updated.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.4.22 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllr Pennington was absent and has tendered his resignation from the Parish Council
2.4.22 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Cllr Isaac declared an interest in agenda item 7.1 as he is related to the landowner and does business with them
3.4.22 To AGREE whether the minutes from the ordinary meeting held on 9th March 2022 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9th March 2022 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.4.22 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
Nothing to report at this meeting
5.4.22 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required
Planning
6.4.22 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P21/06413/F 19 Inglestone Road Wickwar – Erection of a single storey front extension to form additional living accommodation. Refusal
6.2 P21/07062/F 62 Inglestone Road Wickwar – Conversion and extension of existing garage to form annexe ancillary to main dwelling. Approve with conditions
6.3 P22/00446/CLE The Chase Mapleridge Lane – The use of the property known as The Chase in breach of Condition 2 of Planning Consent Ref: P.338 (Dated 22nd January, 1970) which requires that the occupation of the dwelling hereby authorised shall be limited to a person employed, or last employed, locally in agriculture as defined in Section 221 (1) of the Town & Country Planning Act 1962, or in forestry (including any dependants of such a person residing with him), or a widow or widower of such a person Approve certificate of lawfullness
6.4 P22/00321/F 60 Amberley Way – Erection of two storey and first floor over garage side extension to form additional living accommodation. Approve with conditions
6.5 P21/07632/RM Parcels PL6 North North Yate – Erection of 8no. dwellings and garaging/ parking, with appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be determined. Approve with conditions
7.4.22 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P22/01300/O – Land At Sodbury Road Wickwar South Gloucestershire GL12 8PG
Erection of up to 180 dwellings, a local shop and associated infrastructure (Outline) with access to be determined; all other matters reserved
The Parish Council generally remains neutral around planning applications however in this case the large amount of correspondence received and attendance at the meeting shows that parishioners feel strongly about this proposed speculative development. A vote was held on whether to lodge an objection to the plans. 4 Councillors voted to object with 2 abstentions, 1 due to personal interest. The motion to object was therefore passed and the Council will object for the following reasons;
- The development is unsustainable due to the increased traffic and pollution and lack of facilities within the village
- The development would provide a further threat to the character of the village
- Wickwar has taken a good share of development with the recent Bellway and Linden sites
- More development is premature without publication of South Glos Council’s Local Plan
- Highways England have advised that Junction 14 of the M5 is beyond it’s limit. Wickwar’s proximity to this junction means that this should be considered
- The Downs Road junction in the village is also at it’s capacity
The clerk will draft a response and circulate to Councillors and Adrian Rush for approval before submitting
Items for decision
8.4.22 To CONSIDER options for lighting a beacon at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Due to the fire risk with lighting the beacon in the traditional way, options have been investigated with regard to a gas kit to fit into the existing beacon structure. The gas kit can then be stored and used in the future if required. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to go ahead with the purchase of the gas kit and to contact a gas engineer in the village to help with the installation
9.4.22 To AGREE on and APPROVE payment for the purchase of tree guards for newly planted trees at King George’s Field
The quotation provided by Cotswold Decorative Ironworkers was proposed, seconded, and APPROVED
10.4.22 To REVIEW and APPROVE spend on the Platinum Jubilee commemorative plaque
The quotation provided by Omar L Cottle was proposed, seconded, and APPROVED
11.4.22 To REVIEW quotation and APPROVE spend for the annual football pitch maintenance
The quotation provided by Prestige Grounds was proposed, seconded, and APPROVED
12.4.22 To REVIEW the risk management policy
Clerk to circulate the document to all Councillors for approval at next meeting
13.4.22 To NOTE the log of Freedom of Information requests for the past year
No requests have been received during the past year
14.4.22 To NOTE the training log for the past year
The training log was circulated, and future training requirements discussed. Clerk to book onto the SLCC Introduction to Local Council Administration and ICCM training. Cllr Carroll to also book onto the ICCM training as a refresher
15.4.22 To CONSIDER a quotation for annual fire inspection at the Town Hall and Pavillion
The quotation provided by FRAMS Associates was proposed, seconded, and APPROVED
16.4.22 To CONSIDER the installation of defibrillators at the Town Hall and Pavillion
Discussions were held about suitable locations for new defibrillators. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED that the Pavillion would be a good place due to it’s proximity to the football pitch.
However, the Town Hall is very close to the Social Club where one is already sited. A site towards the South end of the village would be more favourable and the possibility of using the Youth Club building will be investigated
17.4.22 To RATIFY tender received for Park Field
Only one tender was received, from Rowan Woodman, therefore this tender was APPROVED
18.4.22 To CONSIDER and AGREE RESPONSE to the South Glos Local Plan phase 2 (deadline extended)
It was AGREED to respond to object to Wickwar being on the list of villages targeted for future developments. For the reasons detailed in the development objection item 7.1.
Reports
19.4.22 To RECEIVE a report from the Ward Councillor.
Ward Councillors Pat Trull and Adrian Rush were both in attendance, priorities currently are the proposed development and continuing to push for the promised remedial works to the speed bumps and also to ensure that Bellway follow up their commitment to opening the play area and emptying the bins on the new estate.
20.4.22 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
20.1.4.22 King George’s Field
Cllr Carroll has met with representatives from the football club and discussed pitch movements. These are being discussed with WPFA also and must be acceptable to all of the teams that play on the pitches.
Plans have also been drawn up for the Pavillion extension and refurbishment. Cllrs Fielding, Houghton and Carroll to meet with the football club to discuss further.
20.2.4.22 Wickwar Community Centre
Accounts have been prepared and were circulated to Councillors. Astroturf has been laid in place of some of the grass which has been greatly appreciated by the Out of School Club children and staff.
20.3.4.22 Wickwar Town Hall
2 quotes have now been received for the planned works to the downstairs area with a third to hopefully follow. To be added to the next agenda for consideration
20.4.4.22 Wickwar Cemetery
A ground survey was carried out in January to assess suitability for a cemetery extension, but the survey report has still not yet been received.
20.5.4.22 Wickwar Youth Club
No update from the Youth Club
Items for information only
21.4.22 To NOTE the playground inspection for March 2022.
The playground inspection report was noted. No action required. ROSPA inspection is booked for April.
22.4.22 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
Correspondence was received on the following matters not also discussed elsewhere on the agenda:
- Resignation received from Cllr Pennington. The Council accepts Andy’s resignation and thanks him for the service that he has given
- Correspondence from the football club re upcoming events;
7th May – Award evening
9th July (provisional date) – Football Frolics
The Council APPROVES these events being held at the playing fields
Requests for financial assistance
None
Burial Matters
23.4.22. ERB Transfers were signed for cremation plot 23A and burial plot 276
Finance
24.4.22. To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliation for February 2022. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 31st March 2022 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
25.4.22 To APPROVE accounts for payment and NOTE additional payments made between meetings in line with Financial Regulations
It was RESOLVED that the payments as listed in the following payment schedule should be made.
| Clerk | March expenses | 198.05 |
| Staff salaries | 1435.20 | |
| Octopus Energy | Pavillion February | 60.78 |
| Octopus Energy | Town Hall February | 31.33 |
| PlusNet | March | 21.60 |
| Tesco Mobile | March | 10.00 |
| South Glos Council | Pavillion Rates 22/23 1st installment of 3 | 57.52 |
| Water business | Trough Parkfield | 2.00 |
| ALCA | Annual subscription 22/23 | 508.63 |
| Active Electrical | Outdoor socket and PAT testing | 447.60 |
| HMRC | PAYE due | 910.84 |
| Wickwar Youth Club | Grant agreed at March meeting | 3000.00 |
| WEC | Grant agreed at March meeting | 1500.00 |
| Tony Gardner | Fitting of town hall bench | 75.00 |
26.4.22. To APPROVE the final version of the contract for the new Clerk
The final version of the contract for the new Clerk was APPROVED and signed by the Chairman
27.4.22. To REVIEW the year end budget monitoring report
Year End procedures to be run by the clerk and full report to be given at the next meeting
28.4.22. To APPROVE the amendments to be made to the bank mandate and sign ready for sending
The new bank mandate was APPROVED and signed ready for submission by the clerk
29.4.22. To APPROVE invoices from the previous clerk for handover time and back pay following the updated NALC payscales
Invoice from the previous clerk was APPROVED and added to payment list
Items for the next agenda
30.4.22 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
The following items should be included on the next agenda:
- Risk Management Policy to be approved after being circulated to Councillors
- Options for siting a defibrillator towards the South end of the village
- To consider quotes from builders for the Town Hall works
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.40pm.