Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 3rd September 2025, at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac (Chairman)
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor J Jones
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor A Parris
Councillor L Ford
Councillor S Williams
Ward Councillor A Rush
Apologies:
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor B Walter
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
The Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary of Wickwar Social Club attended the meeting to discuss the planning application, item 7.1.
A representative of Wickwar Playing Fields Association attended to update Councillors on the burglary and vandalism that took place the previous evening. Many tools and items were stolen from the groundsman’s hut that was broken into and in addition to this fuel was taken from the diggers that had begun work on the pump track and the fuel tanks were then contaminated. Councillors were upset to learn of this and hope that the pump track project will not be too delayed.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.9.25 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Fielding and Walter and Ward Cllr Romaine sent their apologies.
2.9.25 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Cllrs Isaac, Ford, Houghton and Williams are members of Wickwar Social Club and did not take part in discussions regarding the planning application.
3.9.25 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 2nd of July 2025 should be signed as an accurate record of the meetings.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 2nd of July 2025 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.9.25 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
Nothing for this meeting.
5.9.25 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.9.25 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P25/01238/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 notification
6.2 P25/01091/F – Land on Frith Lane Wickwar. Erection of 1no dwelling and associated works. (Re-submission of P25/00045/F. Decision: Refusal
6.3 P25/01525/TCA – Cliff House 1 High Street Wickwar. Works to fell 2no Ash Trees and 1no Leyandi Trees all within Wickwar Conservation Area. Decision: No objection
6.4 P25/01064/PIP – Land To North Of Tanhouse Lane. Permission in principle for the erection of 2no self-build dwellings. Decision: Approve
7.9.25 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 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
Resolved: Support as a valuable village asset with a need for disabled access and additional ladies toilets.
7.2 P25/01843/F – Little Wood Park Mapleridge Lane. Creation of 10no. additional caravan plots (part retrospective)
Resolved: Objection on the grounds of overpopulation of the site leading to extra traffic and damage to Mapleridge Lane. It is also believed that many of the current residents are living on site full-time which is against the current planning conditions.
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.9.25 To CONSIDER quotations for painting the Town Hall windows and outside
It has been difficult to obtain several quotations and the work to paint the windows is expensive as scaffolding is potentially needed. The Clerk will continue to obtain quotations and report back to next meeting.
9.9.25 To NOTE progress of the Highway Improvement Request submitted to South Gloucestershire Council
The request has passed the first stage of the process however the next stages with South Gloucestershire Council may take time. The position with overweight lorries continues to be worrying, with this July having a 36% increase on last year. 188 lorries went through in total during the month.
10.9.25 To AGREE to move the October meeting from Wednesday the 1st to Wednesday the 8th of October
The Clerk has caring responsibilities on the 1st of October therefore it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to move the October meeting to Wednesday the 8th at 7pm.
11.9.25 To AGREE Parish Council representation at the upcoming meeting to be held by the Police and Crime Commissioner
With the issue of overweight lorries still continuing it was AGREED that the Chairman and Clerk will attend the meeting where the statistics regarding the lorry numbers can be raised.
12.9.25 To AGREE to apply for a grant from the National Lottery to provide benches around the King George’s Field pavilion
It was AGREED that the Clerk should apply to the National Lottery for funding to provide seating outside the pavilion.
13.9.25 To AGREE a second cut for Park Field ahead of the upcoming archaeological evaluation
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to arrange a second cut of Park Field at a cost of £80 plus VAT.
14.9.25 To DISCUSS adding Councillor photographs and bios to the website
Councillors viewed and discussed the Members page on the website and feel that the listing of everyone’s Register of Interests is sufficient.
15.9.25 To RECEIVE an update regarding the 84/85 bus service
From the 1st of September the Y8 bus timetable will change and will incorporate Wotton-Under-Edge. The Clerk will print and laminate the revised timetable and add to the village bus stops as well as updating the website.
16.9.25 To CONSIDER representation at the opening of Citizen’s Advice South Glos’ new offices in Yate
Citizen’s Advice are congratulated on their move to new offices, however no-one is available to attend the launch.
17.9.25 To CONSIDER a request to take on maintenance of the defibrillator at the Community Centre
It was AGREED that the Parish Council will take on the maintenance of the defibrillator. The Clerk will ensure that provision for new batteries and pads is included within the next budget.
18.9.25 To CONSIDER action required where trees are damaging the stank wall
As has been discussed previously it was confirmed that the Parish Council has no ownership of the Stank, it is believed to be owned by the Church. The Clerk will write to the PCC to confirm this.
REPORTS
19.9.25 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Following the Summer break there have not been any Council meetings to report on however Ward Councillor Rush was able to update the Parish Council on the new Y8 bus service costs and the launch of South Gloucestershire’s Community Energy Network.
20.9.25 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
20.1.9.25 King George’s Field
Wickwar Wanderers Football Club will apply for a club alcohol license this season rather than use temporary licenses. This was discussed with Councillors and approved.
Wickwar Entertainment Committee have requested to use the field next year for the beer festival. This was agreed as this year’s event was very well run with everything cleared up very quickly after the event.
20.2.9.25 Wickwar Community Centre
The committee now has new treasurers, and the new committee has met. A users meeting has also been arranged.
20.3.9.25 Wickwar Village Hall
A full new committee is now in place and the handover has been completed.
20.4.9.25 Wickwar Town Hall
The broken window hinge is being repaired by a specialist.
20.5.9.25 Wickwar Cemetery
Archaeological surveys are now imminent, and the full report should be available by next meeting.
20.6.9.25 Wickwar Youth Club
Recruitment has taken place over the summer months, and all staff roles have been filled which is good news for the start of term. New staff have a range of ages and a good skill set.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
21.9.25 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for July and August (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
22.9.25 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• Information regarding South Gloucestershire Council’s new area committees was noted
• An enquiry re suitable sites for a shop in the village was received. The Clerk will respond and suggest the old rectory
• The new priest-in-charge has written regarding planting spring bulbs at the bottom of the stank. Whilst not owned by the Parish Council, Councillors thought this would make a nice display
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
23.9.25 The PCC of Wickwar for the village fireworks display
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £500 towards the village fireworks display
24.9.25 The Brightwell Centre for support with running costs
The centre does valuable work and supports parishioners from Wickwar therefore it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to provide a grant of £300 towards the centre’s running costs.
BURIAL MATTERS
25.9.25 To NOTE the ashes interment of the late Elaine Fry into cremation plot 14A at Wickwar Cemetery
The interment was duly noted
FINANCE
26.9.25 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for June and July 2025. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 30th June and 31st of July 2025 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
27.9.25 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 August PAYE 705.24
Staff salaries August salaries (includes Clerk back pay following NALC pay agreement) 2063.74
Sarah Quick August expenses – printer ink and stationery plus mileage to Gloucester Archives 78.19
BT Town Hall broadband 31.37
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 133.37
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Town Hall August 44.02
Octopus Energy Pavilion August 48.95
Hathaway Gardenscapes Ltd August grass cutting at play area and cemetery 586.50
South Gloucestershire Council Pavilion rates 59.00
South Gloucestershire Council Localism charges July – September 2025 1487.99
DB Isaac & Partners Topping of Park Field x 2 192.00
Green Community Travel Ltd Grant agreed at July meeting 150.00
Wickwar Youth Centre Grant agreed at May meeting 4000.00
Paid between meetings using clerk’s delegated powers (no meeting in August):
HMRC July PAYE 560.40
Staff salaries July salaries 1833.91
Hathaway Gardenscapes Ltd July grass cutting at play area and cemetery 586.50
South Gloucestershire Council Pavilion rates 60.88
Eyelid Productions Ltd Annual website support 100.00
BT Town hall broadband 31.37
Octopus Energy Town Hall June 46.80
Octopus Energy Pavilion June 46.22
Tesco Mobile Clerk mobile phone 7.50
NEST Clerk pension 109.74
Water Business Park Field trough February – July 2025 35.42
Water Business Town Hall and Pavilion water and sewage February – July 2024 163.24
Wickwar Handyman Services Repair Town Hall downpipe and broken bench at King George’s Field 75.00
Greenways Grounds Maintenance Replacement of roundabout bearings and greasing 792.65
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
28.9.25 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.20pm.