A meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday 5th November 2025, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor A Parris
Councillor B Walter
Councillor L Ford
Councillor S Williams
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Ward Councillor A Rush
Apologies:
Councillor J Jones
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
PUBLIC TIME
Parishioners attended to discuss the fields behind the Buthay and the planning application from Cotswold Homes which has now been withdrawn. The application related to the access lane beside the Youth Club, Ward Cllr Rush confirmed that whilst Cotswold Homes do not own that lane, they were able to include it within their application, as would anyone else.The land owned by Cotswold Homes is now for sale and the possibility of a group of villagers purchasing it was discussed, however it is currently overpriced for agricultural land. Discussions will continue.
Overweight lorries through the village were discussed and again the figures make for disappointing reading with October’s numbers much higher than the previous year. September 2025 was also the worst month in the last 4 years since detailed records have been kept. Ward Cllr Romaine agreed to chase up the Parish Council’s request for an ANPR camera as the application was made to South Glos Council back in June.
The new lighting on the Station Road zebra crossing is most welcome with the darker evenings coming. The poles themselves are now lit making the crossing much more visible. Unfortunately, many children cross the road outside the Youth Club and the lack of a crossing there was discussed however, as detailed previously, a crossing wasn’t allowed at that spot due to poor visibility around the bend in the road.
Flooding in the village was also discussed as we go into the winter months. Whilst there has been action regarding the blockage at the stank, South Glos appear to be waiting for a response from Wessex Water there and are not working on a solution for Sodbury Road. The drains there have been checked and flushed but this has revealed problems with the drains and pipes which are not being addressed. Ward Cllr Romaine will follow this up as the two issues need to be dealt with at the same time.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.11.25 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Jones sent his apologies which were duly accepted.
2.11.25 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Cllrs Fielding and Walter declared an interest in item 14 as members of the PCC and did not take part in discussions
3.11.25 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 8th of October 2025 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 8th of October 2025 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.11.25 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing for this meeting.
5.11.25 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.11.25 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P25/01764/RVC – Variation of condition 8 attached to P23/01646/F to consider new cable route. Installation of underground grid connection between Rag Lane Solar Farm and Chipping Sodbury Substation and associated works. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.2 P25/01629/F – 35 High Street Wickwar. Relevant demolition of existing conservatory. Erection of single storey extension to provide games room and toilets. Installation of ramp covered deck area and open terrace area. Decision: Ward Cllr Rush updated the Council that the application has been withdrawn as it would have likely been refused. Revised plans are being worked on
6.3 P25/01902/LB – 35 High Street Wickwar. Relevant demolition of existing conservatory. Erection of single storey extension to provide games room and toilets. Installation of ramp covered deck area and open terrace area. Decision: Ward Cllr Rush updated the Council that the application has been withdrawn as it would have likely been refused. Revised plans are being worked on
7.11.24 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P25/02141/PIP – Land at Sodbury Road. Permission in principle for the erection of 2no dwellings.
Application withdrawn
7.2 P25/02049/MW – Land At Wickwar Quarry The Downs Wickwar. Construction and operation of a mineral washing plant processing up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of waste materials producing sands, aggregates and clays
Resolved: Concerns raised re extra noise, light pollution, dust and traffic which may be created. Strict timings and restrictions must be imposed if permission is granted.
7.3 P25/02409/HH – Celestine Cottage Limekiln Road Yate. Erection of annexe ancillary to the main dwelling.
Resolved: Objection as the plans do not relate to an annexe but to a separate two storey dwelling to be built. This does not appear to be a conversion of the existing garage as that is to be demolished.
7.4 P25/02134/TRE – The Croft Bury Hill Lane Yate. Works to Crown reduce 1.no Ash Tree by 10-12.5 metres and remove deadwood. Covered by Tree Preservation Order SGTPO
Resolved: Councillors would defer to the South Glos Tree Officers and would support the tree being reduced in height if it is unsafe.
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.11.25 To CONSIDER funding the fitting of an outside tap at Wickwar Youth Centre to assist with watering the Sodbury Road planter
A solution needs to be found in order to enable the planter to be watered without transporting water long distances. The Clerk will investigate the cost of installing an outside tap and report back to a future meeting.
9.11.25 To AGREE Parish Council representation at the Remembrance Sunday Service
The Chairman of the Parish Council agreed to attend the Remembrance service and will lay a wreath on behalf of the Council.
10.11.25 To CONSIDER green bin subscriptions for the bins at the cemetery
It appears that the green bins at the cemetery have not been emptied by South Glos for some time. The Clerk has arranged for collections to begin again which may come at a cost once South Glos have updated their subscription system. In the meantime the usage of the bins will be monitored as it may not be necessary to have two bins.
11.11.25 To DISCUSS the impact on King George’s Field of the new pump track
See requests for financial assistance item 24.
12.11.25 To AGREE to the use of the pavilion on Saturday mornings for refreshments
Wickwar Coffee Shop, as a sponsor of one of Wickwar Wanderer’s Youth Teams, have offered to provide refreshments on Saturday mornings when their team is playing. Councillors are supportive of the pavilion being opened as a welcome place for shelter and to purchase drinks and snacks at the field, however were this to become more regular then a new agreement may be needed.
13.11.25 To CONSIDER purchasing Christmas Trees for the Town Hall
Cllr Carroll will approach Osmonds nursery as the trees provided last year were very good. Cllr Isaac will fit the trees once ready.
14.11.25 To AGREE the final invoice to the PCC for Town Hall working
The Church administrator has now vacated the Town Hall along with the printer and all of the furniture. Thanks were expressed to the Parish Council for allowing the room to be used as an interim measure.
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to invoice the PCC for £200 to cover electricity usage for the period from February to the moving out date in October.
15.11.25 To CONSIDER the ‘special expenses’ calculation for 2026/27 from South Gloucestershire Council for services provided in Wickwar parish
The information from South Gloucestershire Council was duly noted.
16.11.25 To DISCUSS the findings of the archaeological survey of Park Field and next steps
The initial survey of Park Field has shown some archaeological remains that require further investigation. Planning permission would not be granted without this. Initial quotations for the required work to excavate a 15m x 15m area are in the region of £10K – £16K which exceeds the budget that has been allocated so far for the cemetery extension project. The Clerk will therefore review the remaining capacity of the cemetery and how the costs could be covered, including asking advice from the ICCM.
REPORTS
17.11.25 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
South Glos Council are now consulting on their budget for the 2026/27 financial year and Councillors are invited to comment. The budget is likely to rise by 4.99%. Unfortunately South Gloucestershire’s schools receive the lowest funding in the country from central government, giving a shortfall which needs to be made up locally.
The South Glos Local Plan has been submitted to the planning inspectorate with a decision expected in early April.
Another Parish Council in the South Glos area has experienced a data breach and Councillors were reminded of the importance of parishioner’s data and ensuring that members of the public are not named.
18.11.25 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
18.1.11.25 King George’s Field
The pump track is now open and members of the WPFA were congratulated on the completion of the project and a successful opening day event. There have been issues with riders crossing the field and football pitch, it is hoped that issues will subside once the initial interest in the track reduces.
18.2.11.25 Wickwar Community Centre
A booking secretary is desperately needed and further appeals will be made.
18.3.11.25 Wickwar Town Hall
A roof tile had come loose and the Clerk arranged for a contractor to urgently replace it.
18.4.11.25 Wickwar Village Hall
The new booking secretary has resigned from the committee meaning that there is a vacancy. Again this will be advertised.
18.5.11.25 Wickwar Cemetery
See item 16 regarding the cemetery extension project.
18.6.11.25 Wickwar Youth Club
The Youth Leader in Charge remains signed off on sick leave which has caused problems with the trustees needing to provide cover. Other members of staff may be able to take on some of the planning role for some extra pay. Fundraising continues with several bids submitted recently.
19.11.25 To receive an update from the Flooding Working Group
See discussion in public time
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
20.11.25 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for October (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
21.11.25 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• A company who provide outdoor vending machines has been in touch regarding a machine at King George’s Field. Councillors had questions about power supply and fixings which the Clerk will ask and report back to next meeting.
• South Glos Council emailed regarding agenda items for the next “Your Voice” meeting which can be submitted online if any arise.
• South Glos Council also emailed regarding Highway Improvement requests which can be submitted following payment of a £5k fee.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
22.11.25 Avon Crescent Community Club for Christmas celebrations
It was proposed, seconded and APPROVED to give £200 to the Avon Crescent Community Club for their Christmas celebrations.
23.11.25 Read With Me for training volunteer readers
Cllr Fielding has spoken with Alexander Hosea School who have confirmed that they do have volunteers in school from Read With Me. It was therefore proposed, seconded and AGREED to give a grant of £250 to cover training and retention of volunteer readers.
24.11.25 WPFA for pump track running costs
WPFA’s funds have been substantially reduced by much of the work that was needed in order to get planning permission for the pump track. Now that it has been completed there are ongoing costs such as insurance and regular inspections that are needed. There is also a need to provide bins close by to the track. The Parish Council realises that the pump track is a welcome addition to the playing fields and notes it’s popularity therefore it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £2,000 to WPFA towards the ongoing costs identified. WPFA will also investigate other sources of funding, including requesting donations from those that are using the track.
BURIAL MATTERS
25.11.25
None for this meeting.
FINANCE
26.11.25 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for September 2025. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 30th of September 2025 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
27.11.25 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 October PAYE 589.15
Staff salaries October salaries 1879.24
Sarah Quick October expenses – printer ink, poppy wreath and travel to memorial management training course 139.29
BT Town Hall broadband 31.37
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 114.42
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Pavilion October 57.39
Octopus Energy Town Hall October 48.00
ICO Data protection fee 52.00
PWLB Loan repayment 984.80
EDGE IT Systems Ltd Annual fee for accounting software 507.60
Bristol Fire Replacement fire extinguishers x 2 at Town Hall 177.60
Sodbury Roofing & Cladding Ltd Town Hall replacement of loose roof tile 174.00
South Gloucestershire Council Pavilion rates 60.88
Hathaway Gardenscapes Ltd October grass cutting at play area and cemetery 586.50
Great Western Air Ambulance Grant agreed at October meeting 500.00
28.11.25 To NOTE the completed CIL return for sending to South Glos and review the CIL monies situation
The report was circulated and the contents noted. The Clerk will submit the return to South Glos and ensure that copies are placed onto the noticeboard and website along with the full reconciliation of CIL spending to date.
It was also noted that, following the latest cemetery survey, the CIL monies have now all been spent.
29.11.25 To NOTE the half year budget monitoring report
The report was noted.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
30.11.25 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.45pm.