Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
Please note that these minutes are draft until approved at a subsquent meeting of the Parish Council
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 6th November 2024, 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
Apologies:
Councillor J Jones
Ward Councillor B Romaine
Ward Councillor A Rush
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
The church is still considering where and when to hold the annual Singing Around the Tree Christmas event. If the Buthay land is needed again then the Clerk offered to liase with Bromford regarding their health and safety requirements.
Cllr Houghton reported that both sides of the Bellway hedge have now been trimmed, thanks to the management company now being solely in the hands of residents.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.11.24 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
Cllrs Jones sent his apologies along with Ward Cllrs Romaine and Rush
2.11.24 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
None for this meeting.
3.11.24 To AGREE whether the minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 2nd of October 2024 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 2nd of October 2024 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.11.24 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda. (circulated)
The Clerk reported that a meeting regarding the new Y8 bus service was due to be held the following day and asked Councillors if they had any feedback from parishioners to report.
5.11.24 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required.
PLANNING
6.11.24 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions & notices
The following planning decisions were noted:
6.1 P24/01882/HH – 38 Turnpike Gate Wickwar. Erection of a single storey front extension and first floor side extension to form porch and additional living accommodation. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.2 P24/00543/F – Wickwar Playing Field The Downs Road West End Wickwar. Formation of cycle pump track for bikes, skateboards and scooters. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.3 P24/01021/F – Building At Little Shortwood Farm Wickwar Road. Erection of replacement building to be used in conjunction with the dog exercising business. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.4 P24/01593/F – Barbers Court Farm Rag Lane Wickwar. Installation of new windows and doors to enable a change to flexible commercial use. Decision: Approve with conditions
6.5 P24/02069/HH – 6 Turnpike Gate Wickwar. Installation of 4No. front velux rooflights, 1No. rear velux rooflight and 2No. rear dormers to facilitate loft conversion. Decision: Approve with conditions
7.11.24 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P24/02341/TCA – 3 High Street Wickwar. Works to fell 1no. Bay. Works to 2no. Apple (T3) to reduce whole crown, height by 1.0 metre and lateral growth by 2.0 metres and (T2) to educe whole crown, height by 1.0 metre, lateral growth by 2.0 metres (on left stem when viewed from garden), and up to 1.0 metre (on right stem, when viewed from garden on area with sparsely foliated crown), Works to 2no. Macrocarpa (T1) to reduce height by 1.0 metre and trim sides. Leave top of sides with a rounded profile as feasible and (T4) to reduce height by 0.5 metre and trim sides. Leave top of sides with a rounded profile. and Works to 1no. Laurel to reduce height by 1.5 metres and lateral spread by up to 1.0 metre all situated in the Wickwar Conservation Area
Resolved: To defer to the South Glos tree officer in this case although it was noted that the works do not seem excessive
7.2 P24/00257/F – Land Off Tanhouse Lane Yate. Erection of 1no. self-build dwellinghouse with car parking and associated works (reconsultation)
Resolved: No objection
Items for CONSIDERATON and DECISION
8.11.24 To RECEIVE an update following the recent stakeholder briefing from the Tortworth Estate
Cllr Carroll and the Clerk attended the stakeholder briefing where it was pleasing to note that the Estate has plans to continue to thrive, in particular producing and selling locally produced food in their farm shop and also to maintain the natural environment across the Estate land.
9.11.24 To CONSIDER further quotations for the pavilion drainage and finishing touches
Following discussion it was proposed, seconded and AGREED to accept the quotation from Method Construction to complete the fencing works of £2,448.00 plus VAT less the £600 already in the budget. The sceptic tank has been emptied as that was deemed as essential following the drainage survey but the work to line the drainpipe closest to the building will be postponed.
10.11.24 To CONSIDER a sign for the new village gateway
With a cost of £1,270 plus VAT for a new diecast metal sign it was agreed to keep the standard Welcome to Wickwar sign at the new village gateway.
11.11.24 To CONSIDER the purchase of spring bulbs for the cemetery
It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to spend £10.80 on spring bulbs for the cemetery.
12.11.24 To AGREE to purchase a ramp for the Town Hall
Several designs of ramp were reviewed however the step into the downstairs room and the lip of the new double glazed door is quite high therefore Cllr Carroll will look into the possibility of a made to measure ramp being built by a local craftsman.
13.11.24 To CONSIDER options for Christmas decorations at the Town Hall
Merediths are no longer supplying pre-lit and finished Christmas trees. There is £150 allocated in the budget so Cllr Carroll to approach Osmonds nursery and the Clerk will source 3 sets of lights. Cllr Isaac will fit the trees once ready.
14.11.24 To NOTE that WEAG will take on the maintenance of the Sodbury Road planter
With thanks to WEAG the above was noted.
15.11.24 To DISCUSS rental of the new community room at the King George’s Field pavilion
There is lots to consider with having a new space to rent out. There are two test events booked for December and the Clerk will request feedback from these. A new agreement will need to be drafted and approved and costs/cleaning/insurance/cupboard space considered.
16.11.24 To REVIEW and respond to the government’s consultation on remote meetings and proxy voting at Council meetings
Councillors will complete the consultation separately as individuals but also agreed on a Council response. The Parish Council is supportive of remote attendance at meetings in some circumstances but is not in favour of proxy voting. The Clerk will enter the Council’s response.
REPORTS
17.11.24 To RECEIVE reports from Ward Councillors
Neither Ward Councillor was present.
18.11.24 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary:
18.1.11.24 King George’s Field
The hedges have still not been cut. Cllr Isaac to chase the contractor again to capitalise on the dry weather.
WEC have put down the hardcore base for their container which will be arriving soon.
New fire extinguishers have now been installed in the pavilion building following a survey by Bristol Fire.
18.2.11.24 Wickwar Community Centre
A new secretary has been appointed at last week’s meeting. A new fire door is needed and quotes are being obtained.
18.3.11.24 Wickwar Town Hall
Due to the caterers commitments the date for the Town Hall open morning has been changed to Saturday the 18th of January.
Cllr Fielding requested that options again be considered for an honours board for the downstairs room.
18.4.11.24 Wickwar Cemetery
The geographical surveys have been sent to South Glos Council planning department to determine their requirements ahead of any planning application.
18.5.11.24 Wickwar Youth Club
The Youth Leader in Charge position has still not been filled and an updated job advert has been produced and circulated.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
19.11.24 To RECEIVE the play equipment and assets inspection for October (circulated)
The inspections were noted.
20.11.24 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received.
• A letter of thanks was received from the PCC of Wickwar for the contribution towards the storeroom refurbishment project.
• Wickwar Youth Centre wrote to request that a larger donation of £5,000 instead of the usual £3,000 be considered when the Council sets its 2025/26 budget. It was agreed that this will form part of the upcoming budget discussion.
• A letter of thanks was also received from NIKE Explorers who have purchased tents and other camping equipment with their recent community grant.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
21.11.24 Avon Crescent Community Club for Christmas celebrations
It was proposed, seconded and APPROVED to give £250 to the Avon Crescent Community Club for their Christmas celebrations.
BURIAL MATTERS
22.11.24 To NOTE the interment of ashes of Brenda Gregory into plot 61A at Wickwar Cemetery
The interment was duly noted.
23.11.24 To agree and sign the ERB transfer for plot 291 at Wickwar Cemetery
The paperwork was reviewed and the ERB certificate was duly signed.
FINANCE
24.11.24 To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliations for September 2024. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts as of 30th of September 2024 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
25.11.24 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 October PAYE 505.63
Staff salaries October salaries 1851.69
Sarah Quick October expenses – printer ink, poppy wreath and stamps 49.44
BT Town Hall broadband 28.46
NEST Clerk pension (employer and employee contribution) 112.04
Tesco mobile Clerk mobile 7.50
Octopus Energy Pavilion October 46.04
Octopus Energy Town Hall October 48.32
ICO Data protection fee 40.00
PWLB Loan repayment 1018.40
Yate Supplies Bin, hand towel dispenser and toilet roll pack for pavilion 8th toilet 48.16
Yate Supplies Toilet roll dispenser for pavilion 8th toilet 14.24
Bristol Fire Fire extinguisher survey at pavilion 66.00
Avon Crescent Community Centre Small grant for Christmas celebrations agreed at November meeting 250.00
P Trull Spring bulbs for the cemetery (agreed at November meeting) 10.80
26.11.24 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.
27.11.24 To NOTE the half year budget monitoring report
The report was noted.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
28.11.24 To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.05pm.