Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 4th October 2023, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor A Parris
Ward Councillor A Rush
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Apologies:
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor J Jones
Councillor R Houghton
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Some parishioners attended to discuss the Bloor housing development appeal and to enquire about the Parish Council’s attendance. Cllr Isaac declared an interest and didn’t take part in discussions however it was agreed that a Councillor will attend the appeal meeting to repeat the Parish Council’s opposition to the development. Parishioners were also advised by Ward Councillors that further comments can continue to be added to the South Glos planning portal and they were also encouraged to attend the meeting to show their opposition.
Traffic monitoring strips have been spotted on the Wickwar Road at the Southern end of the village by the speed bumps. The Clerk questioned South Glos Council and was told that the correct permissions are in place however the identity of the client requesting the data was not given.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.10.23 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Fielding, Jones and Houghton sent their apologies
2.10.23 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Cllr Isaac declared an interest in the Bloor housing development and did not take part in any discussion
3.10.23 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 6th of September 2023 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 6th of September 2023 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.10.23 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing for this meeting.
5.10.23 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.10.23 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P23/02444/LB – 4 High Street Wickwar. Installation of 3no. casement windows to side elevation (north facing); installation of 4no. rooflights (1no. rooflight to north facing side roof plan and 3no. rooflights to rear elevation); and replacement of existing 4no. dormer windows (3no. dormers to front elevation and 1no. dormer to rear). Decision: Refusal
6.2 P23/02186/F– Land at Church Lane Wickwar. Erection of a single storey extension to form enlarged agricultural building. Decision: Approve with conditions
7.10.23 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P23/02549/F– The Chimes 19A Station Road Wickwar. Erection of 1no. building to be used for dog grooming business (Class E).vf
Resolved: No objection
7.2 P23/02689/RVC – The Bungalow Newlands Farm West End Wickwar. Removal of condition 3 (agricultural occupancy condition) attached to permission P89/1781. Erection of dwelling for agricultural worker (outline).
Resolved: No objection
7.3 P23/02645/F – The Yard Sodbury Road Wickwar. Change of use of land from agricultural to a mixed use of class B2 (business) and B8 (storage and distribution) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (use classes) Order 1987 (as amended) and ancillary works
Resolved: Supportive of this local thriving business
7.4 P23/02716/HH – Hall End Cottage Hall End Lane Wickwar. Installation of solar pv panels to the north and south facing slopes of detached garage roof
Resolved: No objection
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.10.23 To CONSIDER applicants for the Councillor vacancies.
The Clerk has now received four applications for the three Councillor vacancies which is pleasing to see. The first applicant will be invited to be co-opted at the next meeting, with the other three invited to complete application forms for consideration at November’s meeting.
9.10.23 To CONSIDER cutting the hedges at King George’s Field, the allotment hedges and Park Field
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to instruct R.O. Williams & Son to cut back the hedges at King George’s Field, the allotment hedges and Park Field.
10.10.23 To DECIDE the wording for the grass cutting contract to be put out to tender
The tender documents were finalised and will be circulated to contractors and posted locally towards the end of 2023 to enable the Council to appoint a contractor at it’s March meeting to commence works from April 2024.
11.10.23 To AGREE the purchase of a poppy wreath for the Remembrance service
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to purchase a poppy wreath from the Royal British Legion at a cost of £24.99 plus delivery of £3.99.
12.10.23 To REVIEW the cemetery regulations and whether the changes to plot reservations should remain
Current regulations state that no plots can be reserved in the cemetery and that plots can only be purchased by residents of Wickwar due to the lack of space in the cemetery. Whilst the cemetery extension is moving forward, it is a long process therefore in the meantime it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to keep the current regulations in place.
REPORTS
13.10.23 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Both Ward Councillors attended the meeting. Ward Cllr Rush reported that investigative work is scheduled for October half term for the section of the Wickwar Road which is deteriorating. It remains to see how much priority is given for the work following that work.
Ward Cllr Romaine attended a meeting in Wickwar with the Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford regarding the overweight lorries going through the weight restriction. The meeting was positive with the Commissioner being very impressed with the traffic data which has been compiled and his agreement given to support any measures from a Police perspective.
Cutting of the verges along the lanes around the village was discussed. The lanes should be cut twice a year but Cllr Isaac advised that they have not been cut this year at all, leading to overgrown verges which narrow the lanes and limit visibility. Cllr Romaine will follow this up with South Glos.
14.10.23 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
14.1.10.23 King George’s Field
In conjunction with Wickwar Wanderers, and taking into consideration recommendations from Sport England, the pavilion design has been slightly amended to include better access to toilet facilities and a community room and kitchen with serving area.
GB Sports arranged for the free of charge repairs to the roundabout, trimming the matting underneath and fitting extra shins to combat wear on the bearings.
14.2.10.23 Wickwar Community Centre
No representatives were present at this meeting.
14.3.10.23 Wickwar Town Hall
The church administrator has now commenced working at the Town Hall following the move of the printer and other paperwork from the Rectory.
Broadband is currently supplied via PlusNet who are ceasing to supply business from December. The service will be moved to BT with a small cost increase from £18 to £18.95 plus VAT per month.
Octopus Energy who supply the Town Hall have been in touch about a smart meter and it was agreed that one should be fitted.
We still await a date for the commencement of the refurbishment and also the costings for the required electrical work.
14.4.10.23 Wickwar Cemetery
The Clerk has a meeting scheduled with CDS who were recommended by the ICCM and who can oversee the cemetery extension from the planning through to the design stages.
14.5.10.23 Wickwar Youth Club
Sessions are currently all full with a waiting list in operation. The company that leased the building during the daytimes has ceased their lease as it was difficult travelling from Bristol each day. This does mean a loss of income for the club.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
15.10.23 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for September (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
16.10.23 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• An email was received from Hannick Homes regarding land at Sodbury Road and their proposal for 48 dwellings. The Parish Council will reiterate their response that they do not wish to meet to discuss until a formal planning application is made.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
17.10.23 WEAG’s proposal for the Local Nature Action Plan
It was proposed, seconded and APPROVED to give £430.00 to WEAG to assist with the printing of an information leaflet to launch Wickwar’s Local Nature Action Plan
BURIAL MATTERS
18.10.23 None for this meeting
FINANCE
19.10.23 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for August 2023. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 31st of August 2023 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
20.10.23 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.
HMRC August PAYE 493.94
Staff salaries August salaries 1628.41
Sarah Quick September expenses (printer ink and paper) 14.19
Octopus Energy Pavilion September 28.14
Octopus Energy Town Hall September 33.87
PlusNet September broadband 21.60
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 97.55
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
PATA payroll Payroll services July – September 57.15
Active Electrical Installation of defibrillator at Wickwar Village Hall 308.40
South Glos Council Uncontested election fee for 4th May 2023 175.00
Chappell & Dix Invoice 2 for Wickwar Sports Pavilion – planning drawings and submission 6000.00
Tony Gardner property maintenance Repair and paint town hall noticeboards 90.00
Tony Gardner property maintenance Repair picnic table leg and play area fence plus replacement of damaged gutter bracket 37.78
TI Quick Town Hall hanging baskets watering June-September 250.00
BDO LLP External audit fee 504.00
Information commissioners office Annual data protection fee 40.00
Unity Bank PLC Paying in fee 0.30
Unity Bank PLC Bank charges June – August 24.15
The PCC of Wickwar Donation for fireworks display agreed at September meeting 500.00
Wickwar Youth Centre CIL grant for roof repairs agreed at September meeting 2000.00
Wickwar Playing Fields Association Grant for pot hole repairs agreed at September meeting 40.00
21.10.23 To NOTE the final report from the external auditor
The report was circulated and the contents noted.
22.10.23 To NOTE the granting of s106 funding from South Gloucestershire Council to fund the KGV pavilion extension
South Gloucestershire Council has granted £246,500.97 of capital and £95,287.74 of revenue section 106 funding to the Parish Council for improvements to the pavilion at King George’s Field Wickwar.
23.10.23 To COMPLETE internal controls
Cllr Parris completed a random check of the bank account and bank reconciliation, reviewing the corresponding supplier invoices.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
24.10.23 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.30pm.