Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 7th October 2026, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Please note that these minutes are draft until approved at the subsequent meeting of the Council
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor J Jones
Councillor A Parris
Councillor B Walter
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor L Ford
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Apologies:
Councillor S Williams
Ward Councillor A Rush
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
Cllr Carroll raised the issue of a large pothole on Church Lane which has been previously repaired but now that repair is breaking down. As South Glos Council took a long time to attend to that repair the Clerk will contact the engineer directly who organised the Frith Lane repairs.
The number of overweight lorries passing through has reduced over the last few months by some 32% in July and 45% in September compared to 2025. It is hoped that this is partly due to the local Policing team sending letters to many of the unmarked vehicles that pass through along with the valuable work that is done contacting companies when their drivers have driven through. Correspondence is ongoing with Breedon quarry where they have stated that their section 106 agreement means that breaches of the weight limit would be a planning matter rather than police enforcement. There is a quarry liaison meeting in November, and this can be discussed with the quarry team.
It was thought that a sign for vehicles leaving Arnolds Field industrial estate would be helpful. Cllr Jones will investigate who owns the estate now.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.10.26 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllr Williams and Ward Cllr Rush sent their apologies which were accepted.
2.10.26 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.10.26 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 2nd of September 2026 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 2nd of September 2026 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.10.26 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing for this meeting.
5.10.26 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.10.26 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P26/01738/TCA 73 – High Street Wickwar. Works to fell 1.no Holly Tree. Tree situated within Wickwar Conservation Area. Decision: No objection
6. P26/01817/OHLE – Overhead Lines Along West End Wickwar. Application for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 to install an additional wire to existing overheadline. The application is made under section 5(2) of The Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 – Planning Act 2008.. Decision: No objection
6.3 P26/01615/HH – 19 Cotswold View Wickwar. Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.4 P26/01770/PNGR – Building At Hall End Hall End Lane Wickwar. Prior notification of a change of use from agricultural to 1no. dwelling (Class C3) as defined in Part 3 Class Q of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 to include operational development. Decision: Refusal Prior Approval
7.10.26 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P26/01994/CLP – Land North of Frith Lane Wickwar. Part conversion of existing garage to provide work space for small business.
Resolved: Neutral
7.2 P26/02056/TCA – Land At Church Lane Wickwar Works to 1no. Ash to reduce canopy on north west side by 50%, stems on south east side and reduce by two thirds to a live point situated in the Wickwar Conservation Area.
Resolved: No objection
7.3 P26/02107/TCA – 87 High Street Wickwar. Works to crown thin 1.no Eucalyptus Tree by 30% and crown reduce to leave a final height of 8.5-9m and a radial spread of 2-2.5m. Reduce largest branch over parking area by 4m. Tree situated within Wickwar Conservation Area
Resolved: No objection
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.10.26 To AGREE to install a kissing gate at the entrance to King George’s Field
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to purchase the gate from South Gloucestershire Council at a cost of £407.80 plus VAT. The SGC Ranger will deliver and may also install. Cllr Jones will liase with the PROW team over this as he has a good relationship with them.
9.10.26 To CONFIRM purchase of road signs for the KGV lane
It was AGREED to purchase the signs and required post from Online sellers representing the most cost effective option. The Wickwar Help Out Group have agreed to install and the Parish Council wishes to thank them for that.
10.10.26 To DISCUSS tree works in the churchyard
The Clerk has liased with Tree Officers at South Glos Council who have agreed to check the tree which is overhanging the Church Rooms and carry out any necessary work. The Clerk has also asked them to take a look at the other trees within the closed cemetery where the recent tree reports disagree on the course of action.
11.10.26 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 £27.00.
12.10.26 To DISCUSS attendance at the South Glos Council “Your Voice” area committee meeting
Councillors were made aware of the date of the next meeting.
13.10.26 To RECEIVE an update regarding the Sodbury Road speed bumps and the road surface
Despite promises made back in June and surveys carried out in August there is still no update from South Gloucestershire Council which is very frustrating. Ward Cllr Romaine will chase up with Officers and the Clerk has again forwarded the previous correspondence.
14.10.26 To AGREE the new expenses policy mileage rate
In line with the recent changes to the HMRC mileage rates it was AGREED that the expenses policy should be amended to 55p per mile.
15.10.26 To AGREE the Clerk’s attendance on a Play Area Inspections training course
At a cost of £65 the Clerk’s attendance was proposed, seconded and AGREED.
16.10.26 To CONSIDER required repairs to the village telephone box
As the telephone box is being used as a book exchange the Clerk will contact BT, who remain responsible for the maintenance, to try to arrange repairs to the missing glass sections at the top as otherwise the box is not watertight. If BT will not cooperate then repairs may be carried out locally. The Clerk will report back to next meeting.
17.10.26 To CONSIDER options for replacing the stile at King George’s Field with a kissing gate and new permissive path signage
See minute 8.10.26
REPORTS
18.10.26 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Ward Councillor Romaine updated the Parish Council that the SGC Local Plan is with the Inspectors with the hope that it will be adopted next March. In the meantime there may be an increase in speculative applications although so far nothing that affects Wickwar.
The electric charging points at Yate Park and Ride are being changed to fast chargers and in the meantime none of the chargers are operational.
Suez have realised that they are making a loss on their contract with SGC due to the volumes of recycling, they may also face a fine from the loss of service in the summer due to the hot weather.
Ward Cllr Romaine will also follow up on the situation with the flooding at Sodbury Road.
19.10.26 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
19.1.10.26 King George’s Field
The Clerk has successfully applied to Breedon for a grant to purchase a picnic table for the patio area outside the pavilion. Options for purchase and installation will be provided for the next meeting.
The Under 9’s team at Wickwar Wanderers have asked if they can use the pavilion on Sunday mornings to provide refreshments when they have games. This was agreed and the Clerk will liase with the team manager when there are enquiries about other events.
A parishioner has contacted the Parish Council regarding installing a plaque on one of the KGV benches in memory of her son who recently passed away. Councillors were supportive of this request and just require the wording to be run past the Clerk.
The Clerk asked the Grounds maintenance contractor for a quote to improve the turf in front of the pavilion as the grass has worn over the summer months. At a cost of £500 it was not thought to be cost effective however the Clerk will investigate the costs of rubber matting to protect the grass.
19.2.10.26 Wickwar Community Centre
Work still continues to transfer responsibility for the centre to the school with everyone waiting for the property services team at South Gloucestershire Council to provide the new contract. Following intervention from Ward Cllr Rush this now seems to be moving along.
Following the flood and subsequent repairs it is hoped that the centre will be back open to hirers in early November.
19.3.10.26 Wickwar Town Hall
Nothing to report at this meeting.
19.4.10.26 Wickwar Village Hall
Nothing to report at this meeting.
19.4.10.26 Wickwar Cemetery
The Clerk continues to follow up the memorials which have been laid flat plus the situation with required tree works.
19.5.10.26 Wickwar Youth Club
There has been a positive start to the new term with the new Youth Worker In Charge in position along with a regular team of Youth Workers, two of whom are about to embark on youth work qualifications funded by the centre.
Disappointingly numbers at the recent open morning were very low and it’s proving difficult to engage with current parents. Similarly, there has been a low response to the recent appeal for parishioners to become Friends of Wickwar Youth Centre.
The current trustees would value some fresh input and this would help with succession planning.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
20.10.26 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for September (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
21.10.26 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• Information re funding for trees and the new Western Forest will be forwarded to WEAG
• Councillors to respond individually to South Glos Council’s consultation on a new Street Trader Licensing Policy if they wish.
• An update regarding the Rag Lane Solar Farm was received where the project is now in the final stages of completion
• Correspondence has been received from WPFA regarding their future funding. The grant application will be added to November’s agenda as it was received too late for October.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
22.10.26 Nothing for this meeting
BURIAL MATTERS
23.10.26 To NOTE the interment of Peter Wright into plot 40A at Wickwar Cemetery
The interment was duly NOTED
FINANCE
24.10.26 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for August 2026. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 31st of August 2026 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
25.10.26 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 September PAYE 772.81
Staff salaries September salaries including Clerk’s back pay 2171.63
Sarah Quick September expenses – printer ink, road signs, post and fixings for the KGV lane 179.44
BT Town Hall broadband 39.54
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 144.20
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Pavilion September 44.18
Octopus Energy Town Hall September 41.00
BDO LLP External Audit 2026 378.00
Hathaway Gardenscapes Ltd September grass cutting at play area and cemetery 665.24
Information Commissioner’s Office Data Protection regulation fee 47.00
PATA Payroll Payroll service July – September plus back pay calculation 103.05
Bristol Fire Service fire extinguishers at the Town Hall 81.60
Bristol Fire Service fire extinguishers at the Pavilion 69.60
Tony Gardner Property Maintenance Town Hall doors, noticeboards and edging (quote agreed at February meeting) 439.00
Wickwar Village Hall Grant agreed at September meeting 500.00
Great Western Air Ambulance Grant agreed at September meeting 250.00
The PCC of Wickwar Grant agreed at September meeting 500.00
Paid between meetings using delegated powers:
Miss H Billings Watering hanging baskets from May to September 250.00
26.10.26 To NOTE the final report from the external auditor including the invoice from BDO
The report was circulated and the contents noted with thanks passed onto the Clerk for a clean audit.
27.10.26 To REVIEW the amount of historic financial accounting data held by EDGE IT on their systems
Following a review of the Council’s document retention policy which states that financial information should be kept indefinitely the Clerk will request that EDGE IT retain the data held on their systems.
28.10.26 To NOTE the NJC pay agreement and back pay due to the Clerk
The new NJC pay rates and the back pay due were duly NOTED
29.10.26 To COMPLETE internal controls
Cllrs Parris and Ford completed a random check of the bank account and bank reconciliation, reviewing the corresponding supplier invoices.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
30.10.26 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.55pm.