Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Draft Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 8th November 2023, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor J Jones
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor A Parris
Ward Councillor A Rush
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Two of our local PCSOs attended to answer any questions from the public around policing issues. Our local PCSO Summer Jones has left the service and Ken Hill is currently off sick but should be returning to work soon. A new PCSO has been appointed for Wickwar, Cheryl Dibble. With the darker evenings upon us villagers were advised to use timer switches to turn lights on and off and to consider leaving a light or radio on when leaving their homes. Cllr Carroll requested that the officers add the King George’s Field car park and the Church car park to their regular patrols. Finally, the public are advised to report any crime or anti-social behaviour to 101, if the lines are busy then you can be called back rather than have to stay on the line. The Clerk will circulate information to villagers regarding the new PCSO and a guide to avoiding scams.
A parishioner attended to enquire as to the progress of the Bloor planning enquiry. Ward Cllr Rush advised that the enquiry has taken the full two weeks and will finish with a site visit on Friday the 10th of November. Many parishioners, including Cllr Houghton on behalf of the Parish Council, have spoken and a well organised campaign has been fought by the Wickwar Residents Action Group. The result of the enquiry isn’t expected for around 6 weeks which may not be until after Christmas.
A parishioner attended to discuss the planning application at The Willows (item 7.3 in planning) and submitted extra information along with photographs to Councillors. The Parish Council’s response is detailed below.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.11.23 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
None for this meeting.
2.11.23 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.11.23 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 4th of October 2023 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 4th of October 2023 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.11.23 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
The Clerk has been made aware of a data breach at Oldland Parish Council which happened as a result of a scam e-mail. Councillors were advised to be wary of any unusual emails and not to click on any links.
5.11.23 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.11.23 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P23/02081/F – 2 Cowship Cottages Cowship Lane Wickwar. Erection of new agricultural storage shed. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.2 P23/02389/F– Bramble Cottage, 82 Sodbury Road Wickwar. Change of use of agricultural land to domestic garden (Class C3). Decision: Refusal
6.3 P23/02116/F – Land To The Rear Of Tollgate Cottage 84 Sodbury Road Wickwar. Change of Use from agricultural to residential amenity space (Class C3) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Decision: Refusal
6.4 P23/02480/F– The Pavilion King George V Playing Field Wickwar. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.5 P22/04117/LB and P22/04115/HH – The Old Dairy, Tanhouse Lane Yate. Erection of a single storey side extension to form additional living accommodation. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.6 P22/06068/F – Land Off Wickwar Road Yate. Erection of 1 no. agricultural building with associated works. Decision: Refusal
6.7 P23/01771/F – Land at Archfield Nurseries Station Road Wickwar. Erection of 1 no. new dwelling with associated works. Decision: Refusal
7.11.23 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P23/02778/LB – 4 High Street Wickwar. Installation of 3no. casement windows to rear 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).
Resolved: No objection
7.2 P23/02849/F– Castle Mews Sodbury Road Wickwar. Subdivision of existing domestic building to form two self contained dwellings (Retrospective).
Resolved: No objection
7.3 P23/02850/F– The Willows Hall End Lane Wickwar. Change of use of land to 4 plots for travelling showpeople comprising 4no. caravans for residential occupation and 4no. detached garages for ancillary residential use with each plot and a shared storage yard (Retrospective)
Resolved: Objection on the grounds that the original planning application which sought to offer plots for gypsies and travellers has not been adhered to, added to which there are many articulated lorries which use the narrow lanes causing disruption and damage.
7.4 P23/02997/LB – School Yard Cottage 2A High Street Wickwar. External alterations to replace 3no. single glazed timber windows with bespoke, matching double glazed timber windows.
Resolved: No objection
7.5 P23/03027/HH – 38 Inglestone Road, Wickwar. Demolition of existing boundary wall. Alteration to access and erection of new boundary wall. Erection of single storey rear extension
Resolved: Neutral however the Parish Council will raise a concern around the movement of the boundary wall as if repeated this will change the open aspect of the estate as it was intended when created.
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.11.23 To Co-opt Brian Walter to the vacancy of Parish Councillor and CONSIDER applications received for the remaining vacancies.
Brian Walter was co-opted to the vacancy of Councillor and duly signed his acceptance of office. Councillors took a vote on the remaining vacancies and it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to co-opt Deborah Donnelly and Lyn Ford at the next meeting.
9.11.23 To CONSIDER action to be taken regarding the overweight lorries travelling through the village and an update from the recent meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner
A report was given regarding the recent meeting between Ward Cllr Romaine, a parishioner and the Police and Crime Commissioner to work on a solution to discourage overweight lorries ignoring the warning signs and continuing to drive through the village. One of the options being investigated is the use of AMPR cameras to automatically record lorry details. A further meeting has been scheduled to include the police and officers from South Glos Council and Cllr Jones will also attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
10.11.23 To AGREE to order Christmas trees for the Town Hall
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to approve the supply of 3 Christmas trees with lights to decorate the Town Hall during December.
11.11.23 To AGREE the purchase of signage for the new Town Hall lecturn
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quote of £19 plus VAT from Sprint Print in Yate to print a foamex sign with the Parish Council crest for the lecturn.
12.11.23 To CONSIDER replacement of the stile at the Southern entrance to King George’s Field
Quotations have been given from South Glos council to replace the stile with a kissing gate however the Parish Council will await the outcome of the insurance claim before any changes are made.
13.11.23 To AGREE to change the broadband supplier for the Town Hall
The current broadband supplier PlusNet will no longer supply business customers from December this year therefore alternative quotes have been sought. It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to move to BT at a cost of £20.95 plus VAT per month, only a very slight increase in the current price.
14.11.23 To CONSIDER updated costs for the Town Hall downstairs room refurbishment
Cllr Carroll has met with the builder and an electrician and, as the current electrics are very old, the downstairs ceiling will need to be removed in order to install new wiring. This has increased the refurbishment quote but is still a reduction on the previous contractor’s price. Therefore it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quotation from G M Wintle Building for £15,015 plus VAT and the quote from Handyman Holmes for the electrics at £2,750.
15.11.23 To AGREE to move a tree in the King George’s Field play area to accommodate the pavilion extension
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quote of £112 plus VAT from Tree Management to move the tree so that the pavilion extension can happen.
16.11.23 To APPROVE a Local Nature Action Plan for Wickwar for submission to South Gloucestershire Countil
Wickwar Environmental Action Group have worked hard on a Local Nature Action Plan for Wickwar and Councillors were pleased to AGREE to contents of the report for the Clerk to submit to South Gloucestershire Council.
REPORTS
17.11.23 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Both Ward Councillors attended the meeting.
Ward Cllr Rush reported that the new Local Plan for South Gloucestershire has been published and will be approved at a full cabinet meeting next week. There are no new houses scheduled for Wickwar in the plan which will make it more difficult for developers to submit speculative applications. A higher percentage of social housing will also be required in any new development, up from 35 to 40%. The new Local Plan will last until 2040 but developers could begin to challenge it from 2035 onwards.
The much needed repairs on the Wickwar Road have been completed however a large pothole remains, just to the North of the repaired section. This has been reported by Cllr Houghton and Ward Councillor Romaine requested that he send the request to her to follow up.
Cllr Isaac raised again that the verges in the lanes 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.
18.11.23 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
18.1.11.23 King George’s Field
Planning permission has been granted for the refurbishment and extension of the pavilion at King George’s Field. Sport England made some recommendations which have been incorporated into the final design.
The football club are making alternative arrangements to play at Hillesley FC whilst the pavilion is out of action.
Works have been scheduled so that the new pavilion will be ready for the 2024/25 season.
18.2.11.23 Wickwar Community Centre
There are some issues with the plumbing in the toilets which is currently being investigated.
18.3.11.23 Wickwar Town Hall
The refurbishment is covered by minute 14.11.23 and the broadband change by minute 13.11.23
18.4.11.23 Wickwar Cemetery
The Clerk has had a meeting with CDS who were recommended by the ICCM and who can oversee the cemetery extension from the planning through to the design stages. A questionnaire has been sent to direct our requirements for the cemetery extension and it was agreed that a working group should be put together to work on this. The Clerk will circulate some dates.
18.5.11.23 Wickwar Youth Club
Sessions are currently all full with a waiting list in operation. The club has successfully received a grant to enable a healthy eating project to include meal planning and cooking with the Juniors. A new member of staff has been appointed but they can only do one session a week so another person will need to be recruited. Work is beginning on the 2024/25 budget.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
19.11.23 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for October (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
20.11.23 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• Correspondence and telephone calls have been received from the Rural Services Network regarding membership of their organisation. Following a discussion Councillors feel that the Parish Council is well supported locally via ALCA and other local parishes as well as nationally by NALC and the SLCC all of which the Council pays membership for. The Clerk will write to the Rural Services Network to decline their offer.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
21.11.23 None for this meeting.
None for this meeting.
BURIAL MATTERS
22.11.23 To NOTE the interment of ashes of Shirley Diane Jones into plot 205 at Wickwar Cemetery
The interment of ashes of Shirley Diane Jones into plot 205 were duly noted.
FINANCE
23.11.23 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for September 2023. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 30th of September 2023 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
24.11.23 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 493.74
Staff salaries August salaries 1628.61
Sarah Quick October expenses (printer ink and paper, poppy wreath, defibrillator labels, hazard tape) 66.76
Octopus Energy Pavilion October 25.18
Octopus Energy Town Hall October 32.15
PlusNet October broadband 21.60
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 97.55
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
PWLB Loan repayment 1052.00
ALCA VAT training course for the Clerk 30.00
DR Howse Services Ltd Ground maintenance for 2023 2376.00
South Glos Council Localism charges October, November and December 1234.80
Tree Management Moving tree in the play area in readiness for pavilion extension 134.40
Wickwar Environmental Action Group Grant for LNAP publication leaflet agreed at October meeting 430.00
25.11.23 To NOTE the completed CIL return sent to South Glos and review the CIL and Section 106 monies situations.
The report was circulated and the contents noted along with the CIL monies spreadsheet.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
26.11.23 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.15pm.