Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 7th February 2024, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor J Jones
Councillor B Walter
Councillor L Ford
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Apologies:
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor A Parris
Ward Councillor A Rush
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
A representative from the Pinz n Needlez group in the village attended to update the Parish Council that they have just celebrated their 10th anniversary. The group goes from strength to strength and currently has a waiting list. They meet at the coffee shop and support them by purchasing drinks and breakfasts. The group supports many charities including Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Ukraine war effort with candles in cans and gloves made. The Chairman congratulated the group and reminded them of the small community grant scheme if any items are needed.
WEAG are planning a village litter pick on the 13th and 14th of April. Councillors were requested to note the date with further details to follow. Unfortunately its doubtful that the Town Hall works will be completed in time for the downstairs room to be used as a base.
WEC are planning their June bash, family day and beer festival, on Saturday the 1st of June. A grant application has been received and will be placed on the March agenda. Access to water and electricity will be needed on the day and the clerk will liase with the pavilion site manager.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.2.24 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Houghton and Parris sent their apologies.
2.2.24 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.2.24 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 10th of January 2024 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 10th of January 2024 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.2.24 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing else for this meeting.
5.2.24 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.2.24 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P23/03216/F– The Bungalow Newlands Farm West End Wickwar. Full planning application for the removal of condition 3 of outline planning consent P89/1781 and subsequent reserved matters consent P89/2800 (Agricultural Occupancy Condition). Decision: Approve
6.2 P23/03435/CLLB – 73 High Street Wickwar. The removal of two height extensions to rear boundary wall, clean and replace coping stones and return wall to it’s original height. Decision: Approve Certificate of Lawfulness
6.3 P23/01603/RVC– Wickwar Quarry The Downs Wickwar. Variation of condition 1 attached to permission PT11/2203/MW to update the proposed timeframe in which works described cease and variation of condition 7 attached to PT11/2203/MW to increase daily HGV movement to and from the site. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.4 P22/07114/F – Varley Farm Talbots End Cromhall. Construction of a solar farm with associated works, equipment and infrastructure. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.5 P24/00005/HH – 111 Inglestone Road Wickwar. Erection of a Single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Decision: Approve with conditions
7.2.24 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P24/00191/F – Land At Horwood Farm Horwood Lane Wickwar. Demolition of derelict farmhouse. Erection of 1no. agricultural building.
Resolved: No objection.
7.2 P24/00208/TCA – Wickwar Parish Cemetery Church Lane Wickwar. Works to re pollard 3no European Lime trees, remove basal epicormic of 1no European Lime and remove basal epicormic, growth between walls and trees. Works to 1no European Lime to remove 2 lower wood stems. Trees situated within the Wickwar Conservation Area.
Resolved: As the Parish Council has made this application an interest was declared.
7.3 P24/00207/TCA – Alderley House The Downs Wickwar. Works to fell 2no Pine trees (T1 and T2) and crown reduce 2no Ash trees (T3) by 1-2 metres both height and laterally. All situated in the Wickwar Conservation Area
Resolved: No objection.
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.2.24 To Co-opt Scott Williams to the vacancy of Parish Councillor
Scott Williams was co-opted to the vacancy of Councillor and duly signed his acceptance of office.
9.2.24 To AGREE a list of jobs for the South Glos Streetcare maintenance team
Cllr Carroll is working on a list to be sent to the South Glos Streetcare team. Councillors were advised to raise any other problem areas. If there is time they will be requested to trim the verges outside the Bellway estate.
10.2.24 To CONSIDER the purchase of tree guards for the KGV play area trees
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to purchase two tree guards from Black Country Metalworks Ltd at a cost of £357.98.
11.2.24 To CONSIDER commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day on the 6th of June
It was AGREED that the Parish Council should plan to light the beacon on the 6th of June. The clerk will arrange for the trees around the beacon to be cut back and for a gas engineer to light the flame on the evening.
12.2.24 To AGREE to instruct Hathaway Gardenscapes to cut the vegetation around the perimeter of King George’s Field
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to instruct Hathway Gardenscapes to cut the perimeter of the field at a cost of £75 plus VAT.
13.2.24 To AGREE to training for all Councillors to be provided by ALCA
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quote from ALCA of £250 to provide training for all Councillors at the Town Hall on Wednesday the 21st of February.
14.2.24 To APPROVE the appointment of the GAPTC Internal Audit Service to undertake the internal audit for 2023/24
It was AGREED TO request GAPTC to book the Council’s internal audit for 2023/24.
15.2.24 To CONSIDER South Glos Council’s consultation on the draft Local Plan and DETERMINE the Parish Council’s response
Cllr Carroll and the Clerk attended South Glos Council’s consultation pop up meeting in Chipping Sodbury and confirmed that the plan states that there should be no new housing in Wickwar. The Clerk will respond to the consultation agreeing with this preferred option.
16.2.24 To AGREE a date for the annual meeting of the Parish
With the Council’s May meeting set for Wednesday the 1st of May it was agreed that the Annual Meeting of the Parish will take place on Wednesday the 15th of May in order to avoid the bank holiday week.
17.2.24 To CONSIDER the costs of Wickwar Wanderers playing at Hillesley FC whilst the pavilion refurbishment takes place
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to pay the invoice from Hillesley FC for £1,000 to enable Wickwar Wanderers to play at their ground whilst the pavilion building works are taking place.
18.2.24 To CONSIDER the pre-planning application proposal from CDS regarding the cemetery extension
Councillors are in agreement with the current development plan although the final design is yet to be confirmed. The Clerk will make enquiries as to whether the water well is still in use.
REPORTS
Ward Cllr Romaine hopes that Wickwar’s Traffic Management Scheme will finally be implemented in the Spring. The Scheme would include a crossing by the Youth Club and speed bumps along Station Road.
South Glos Council have agreed further funding to keep the 84/85 bus service running until September. Work also continues to keep pressure on regarding the road surfaces and pot holes.
Cllr Romaine will also continue to follow up schemes to prevent heavy lorries coming through the weight restriction on the high street.
20.2.24 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
21.1.2.24 King George’s Field
It has been previously agreed that WEC can place a storage container next to the tin shed at the field and the group are currently working to source a suitable sized unit. Councillors fed back that the group needs to be aware of how any such container will come up the lane to the field as space is restricted.
Cricket captains have been elected for this season and there are discussions about whether a cricket pitch can be funded at King George’s Field. The Parish Council remains supportive.
21.2.2.24 Wickwar Community Centre
No further update since last meeting.
21.3.2.24 Wickwar Town Hall
The Clerk to confirm the start date of the 4th of March for the downstairs refurbishment. The bier is to be removed and the remaining items from the downstairs room will need to be cleared.
21.4.2.24 Wickwar Cemetery
See item 18.2.24 regarding the cemetery extension.
21.5.2.24 Wickwar Youth Club
No update at this meeting.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
22.2.24 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for January (circulated)
The inspection was duly noted.
23.2.24 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• A complaint had been received regarding rubbish and horse manure on the Bellway paths. The rubbish has now been cleared and the stables will be contacted regarding the manure
• We have been contacted by Rural EV Charging about the possibility of installing electric vehicle charging points in the village, possibly at the King George’s Field car park. Cllr Walter offered to follow up as this has also been thought of for the church car park.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
24.2.24 Citizens Advice Bureau South Gloucestershire for volunteer trainingFollowing information provided that the service has helped 35 parishioners of Wickwar in the past year and is available for all, it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a small grant of £250 to help with the costs of training their volunteers.
BURIAL MATTERS
25.2.24 None for this meeting
FINANCE
26.2.24 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliation for January 2024. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as at the 31st of January 2024 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
27.2.24 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 January PAYE 522.63
Staff salaries January salaries 1715.05
Sarah Quick January expenses (printer ink and paper) 28.48
Octopus Energy Pavilion January 55.28
Octopus Energy Town Hall January 83.56
BT January broadband 25.14
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 104.91
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
The CDS Group RIBA stage 1 pre planning proposal 3660.00
Hillesley Football Club Hire of Jubilee field for Wickwar Wanderers for the 23/24 season 1000.00
Yate Heritage Centre Grant agreed at January meeting 275.00
Chappell & Dix Pavilion project – valuation 2 69741.91
28.2.24 To CONSIDER a recommendation from the staffing committee to agree an overtime rate for the Clerk
Following a recommendation from the staffing committee after review of the green book on Council procedures it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to pay the Clerk an overtime rate of time and a half.
29.2.24 To AGREE to invest in the Public Sector Deposit Fund with the CCLA and AGREE four signatories
Following research and comparison of savings rates it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to invest in the Public Sector Deposit Fund with the CCLA. Cllrs Isaac, Fielding, Carroll and Ford to be signatories and the forms were duly completed.
30.2.24 To CONSIDER the purchase of an end of year package from EDGE IT to assist with the end of financial year procedures
It was proposed, seconded and agreed to purchase the bronze end of year package at a cost of £40 to assist the clerk with the financial year end.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
31.2.24 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.30pm.