Wickwar Parish Council
Meeting of the Parish Council – Minutes
A meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday 9th November at the Town Hall commencing at 7.00pm.
Attended:
Councillor S Isaac (Chairman)
Councillor G Fielding
Councillor P Trull (arrived at 7.50pm)
Councillor A Carroll
Councillor R Houghton
Councillor J Jones (left at 9.00pm)
Councillor A Parris
Apologies:
None
Clerk:
Sarah Quick, Parish Clerk
Public time
A representative from the Wickwar Women’s Circle attended to thank the Parish Council for their recent grant monies and to report back that the recent open day was very successful leading to new members coming forward.
A representative from the village hall attended to discuss the prospect of a “warm space” being set up in the village hall in cooperation with the church. The Parish Council would be keen to support such a scheme, although the town hall is unsuitable due to accessibility issues, and requested to be kept informed about the scheme’s progress.
A member of the public attended to discuss various planning developments within the village, all of which are noted and will be followed up by Councillors where necessary. In particular the appearance of traffic monitoring equipment on the high street and Station Road. This has been requested by South Gloucestershire Council and the clerk will query why they have been installed.
A member of the public has also raised that the zebra crossing point on Station Road by the village hall is dangerous with many cars speeding and not stopping for pedestrians. Cllr Trull will contact South Glos Highways about the situation and will request brighter lighting and possible signage to make the crossing stand out. The Belisha beacons are not very bright and LED bulbs could be more effective.
Representatives from WPFA and Wickwar Wanderers Football Club attended to discuss the pavilion extension project. As noted in October’s meeting the agreed way forward is to set up a separate trust to manage the project with trustees from interested parties including the Parish Council as managing trustee. The next stage is to appeal to the village for people with the appropriate skills to come forward and also to look into the legalities of setting up a trust. The clerk will ensure that adverts are placed and will take advice on the legal position.
AGENDA ITEMS
1.11.22 To RECEIVE apologies for absence.
None
2.11.22 To NOTE and RECORD Declarations of Interests relevant to this meeting.
Cllr Carroll declared an interest in planning item 7.4 and did not take part in the discussion
3.11.22 To AGREE whether the minutes from the ordinary meeting held on 5th October 2022 should be signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 5th October 2022 should be signed as an accurate record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
4.11.22 To RECEIVE the Clerk’s Report on matters arising from previous minutes/ not covered elsewhere on the agenda.
None to report
5.11.22 To determine which items, if any, of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded.
None required
PLANNING
6.11.22 Planning – For the Council to NOTE the following planning decisions
6.1 P22/03640/HH- Westend Grove West End Wickwar. Demolition of existing single storey swimming pool extension. Erection of single storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation and front entrance portico. Decision: Approve with conditions
Decision noted
6.2 P22/03982/F– Land At Newbarn Farm Wickwar Road Yate. Erection of 1 no. agricultural storage building. Change of use of store to office (Class E) as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). Decision: Approve with conditions
Decision noted
6.3 P22/05023/F – Land Off Frith Lane Wickwar. Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling with associated works. Decision : Refusal
Decision noted
6.4 P22/05094/HH – 24 Burleigh Way, Wickwar. Erection of single and two storey rear extension to form additional living accommodation. Alteration to roofline. Erection of front porch canopy. Rendering cladding and re tiling. Decision: Approve with conditions
Decision noted
7.11.22 Planning – For the Council to REVIEW and COMMENT on planning applications received before the meeting
7.1 P22/05582/F – Land West Of Lattimore Farm And East Of Bury Hill Lane Yate. Erection of No 1. Field shelter
Resolved: no objection
7.2 P22/05925/HH – 22 Inglestone Road, Wickwar. Erection of single storey rear extension and installation of Velux windows to facilitate loft conversion.
Resolved: no objection
7.3 P22/05803/RVC – Wickwar Quarry, The Downs, Wickwar. Variation of condition no. 8 attached to planning permission P20/16114/MW to change wording stating – No excavated materials shall leave the site except by the approved tunnel and via the existing conveyor beneath the B4509 with the exception of a period not exceeding two months commencing one week after notification being submitted to the Minerals Planning Authority in writing to allow during this two month temporary period excavated materials to be permitted to leave the site using the route illustrated by approved drawing no. W12-230922-SRJ only.
Resolved: Objection on safety grounds due to the danger of lorries moving slowly across the Downs Road which has a fast traffic flow. In addition, the road will likely become slippery and dirty which is also a concern.
7.4 P22/06068/F – Land off Wickwar Road. Erection of 1 no. agricultural building with associated works
Resolved: Whilst the Council does not object to an agricultural building on the site, there is concern that the size of the building is not in keeping with the size of the overall plot
ITEMS FOR DECISION
8.11.22 To CONSIDER recommendations from WEAG for white gates at the village boundaries
South Glos council have responded and are severely short staffed meaning that any application will not be considered at this time. Cllr Trull to follow up in her capacity as Ward Councillor
9.11.22 To CONSIDER options for dropping kerbs to enable disabled access from the Bellway and Linden estates to Alexander Hosea School.
Quotations have been received from SGC and Wotton Tarpaving for the work, with other companies turning down the work and not responding to messages. The preferred quote is from Wotton Tarpaving and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED for the clerk to follow up to ensure that the required permissions are put in place for Wotton Tarpaving to be instructed to carry out the work
10.11.22 To APPROVE an estimate for hedge cutting at King George’s Field (to include the allotments hedge) and Park Field, to be carried out after 31st October 2022
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to accept the quotation from RO Williams & Son to carry out the works
11.11.22 To CONSIDER the nomination of trustees for the Wickwar combined charities and educational fund
The Wickwar combined charities and educational fund is to be wound down and any remaining monies donated to a local charity. Previous Councillors Summers and Proffitt are still trustees and are still signatories on the bank account so if they are nominated again as trustees then they can wind down the accounts.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to nominate David Howard, Martin Summers and Terry Proffitt as trustees of the Wickwar combined charities and educational fund.
12.11.22 To CONSIDER quotations regarding the placing of further benches at the KGV field and at Avon Crescent
Cllr Carroll has researched recycled benches and presented the best quotes to the Council for approval.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to accept the quotation from Marmax for benches and picnic tables at King George’s Field and the quotation from Glasdon for Avon Crescent and the memorial bench at King George’s Field.
13.11.22 To RECEIVE an update as to the landscaping and wildlife situation within Tyndale Reach
Cllr Houghton reported that progress has been made with a new management company being set up, initially to include directors from Bellway who will, in time, step away. Work is still needed on the rear landscaping and Councillors requested that the situation with dead trees also be addressed.
14.11.22 To CONSIDER quotations for a tree survey to be undertaken at the Stank
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to accept the quotation from Wotton Tree Consultancy to undertake a tree survey of the tall lime trees at the Stank
15.11.22 To CONSIDER the placing of a Commonwealth Graves notice at Wickwar Cemetery
The Commonwealth Graves commission have been in touch as there are 3 war graves at Wickwar Cemetery. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to agree to place a sign at Wickwar Cemetery, siting it close to the new noticeboard.
REPORTS
16.11.22 To RECEIVE a report from the Ward Councillor.
Ward Councillor Trull will undertake to follow up the issues around the zebra crossing with South Glos Council
17.11.22 To RECEIVE verbal reports from Councillors who are Trustees or Committee members of the organisations listed below, and to take decisions as necessary
17.1.11.22 King George’s Field
A further quote is awaited for the tree work that is required following the recent tree survey, once this quote is received then Council will be able to approve a quotation and instruct the work.
17.2.11.22 Wickwar Community Centre
The outdoor classroom project was discussed further as an initial quotation from Marmax to provide a recycled plastic shelter has been received. The Parish Council would ask the Community Centre to organise a site visit so that a more detailed quotation can be prepared for the Council’s approval.
17.3.11.22 Wickwar Town Hall
Nothing additional to note
17.4.11.22 Wickwar Cemetery
The clerk to work with Cllr Carroll regarding the cemetery extension and to approach the ICCM regarding next steps
17.5.11.22 Wickwar Youth Club
Cllr Parris reported that the first of the extra Tuesday sessions has now taken place and has been well received. Thanks to Cllr Trull the new ramps have also been received and fitted to the outdoor area. Finally, praise must be given to the current Youth Leader who is ensuring that sessions are well run and varied and that the children are keen to take part.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
19.11.22 To RECEIVE the play equipment inspections for October (circulated)
Noted
20.11.22 To RECEIVE the register of correspondence received
• The clerk has been contacted by Hannick Homes regarding the land at Sodbury Road. They requested to attend a Council meeting to discuss their plans which the Council has declined until such time as a planning application is submitted which can be discussed in a public forum.
• As documented in public time a parishioner contacted the clerk about the zebra crossing on Station Road which will be raised with South Glos Highways by Cllr Trull.
REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
20.11.22. WOOSC further details regarding the outdoor classroom project
Councillors remain supportive of the project and await a final quotation for approval
BURIAL MATTERS
21.11.22 To sign the ERB transfer for Gary Perrett plot number 331
The ERB transfer was duly signed by the Chair, two Councillors and the clerk
FINANCE
22.11.22. To NOTE the monthly bank reconciliation for September 2022. Chairman to sign as a true record. (Circulated)
The monthly bank reconciliation for all accounts as of 30th September 2022 were NOTED and signed by the Chairman as a true record
23.11.22. To APPROVE accounts for payment
It was RESOLVED that the payments as listed in the following payment schedule should be made and NOTE additional payments made in line with Financial Regulations.
HMRC October PAYE 343.34
Octopus Energy Pavilion October 19.65
Octopus Energy Town Hall October 27.11
PlusNet November broadband 21.60
South Glos Council Installation of North Street/Inglestone Road bin 719.46
EDGE IT Systems Ltd Temporary band increase due to higher income for 2022/23 140.40
GL Heating Replace toilet flush handle at KGV pavilion 78.00
SLCC Budgeting basics training course 36.00
Bristol & Weston Hospitals Trust Grant for music lessons agreed at September meeting but wrong bank details provided 100.00
DR Howes Services Ltd KGV Ground Maintenance 2022 2256.00
M Trull Tree watering KGV July, August & September 400.00
Paid between meetings by direct debit and using clerk’s delegated powers;
Staff salaries October 1341.51
24.11.22 To AGREE to pay the clerk the ALCA recommended home working allowance
The recommended allowance by the SLCC and ALCA is £26 per month. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the clerk should be paid the allowance starting from November’s salary.
25.11.22 To COMPLETE the application form for a notice account with Cambridge & Counties Bank
The application form for the notice account with Cambridge & Counties Bank was duly completed and signed by the Chairman and Cllr Carroll.
ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
26.11.22. To NOTE any items for inclusion on the following meeting agenda.
There being no further business or items for the next agenda the meeting was closed at 9:20pm