Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:45PM on Tuesday 14th January 2025 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ (///wonderfully.paper.agent)
Minutes 01/2025
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Oliva Khong, Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Helena Bennett, Tony Fradgley, Richard Boase
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Rob Adams (District Councillor), Liz Turier (District Councillor), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), four members of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Stuart Austin.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests: With reference to items on the agenda councillors are reminded of their responsibility to declare interests and to update their register of interests as required.
Noted.
3.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests: To declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Richard Boase declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 11 (Uffnell’s Allotments).
3.3. Other Interests: To declare any Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Steve Brooker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 8.1.1 and 8.1.2 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
Adam Hooper declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Olivia Khong declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Events Group).
3.4. Dispensations: To consider any written dispensations from councillors who have declared an interest but wish to stay in the meeting during that time to aid discussion / speak / vote.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Steve Brooker to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Adam Hooper to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Helena Bennett to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Parkway new town development (part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan).
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. District Councillors
Liz Turier provided the following report:
• Flooding – We are not sure if Worcs County Council will offer any flood relief money this year, but it won’t happen if no information is put forward and they ask that any information relating to INTERNAL flooding of property be submitted to engineering@wychavon.gov.uk. The information recorded at the Civic Centre recorded 1100mm of rainfall for 2024, which is 50% higher than average for our hydrometric area.
• SWDPR Hearings- The Hearing will be at Worcester Guildhall in March, Worcester Parkway will be discussed on Wed 12 March and Wychavon allocations on 26th March. Hearings start at 9.30
• Unitary authorities – As you know the Govt. has asked for Unitary Councils which will combine Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City, Wychavon District, Malvern Hills, Bromsgrove, Wyre Forest, Redditch
• Worcestershire County Council has written to the Minister of State for Local Government asking that the forthcoming County elections in May 225 be postponed in order to deliver devolution as quickly as possible.
Rob Adams provided the following report:
• Happy New Year to everyone. Please change my contact details re home number – landline 01905 347927. Mobile remains the same 07885 306608.
• It was a pleasure to support Santas Sleigh. It really was an enjoyable start to Christmas – well done to all involved.
• Budget setting time again – I am deeply concerned about the £34 million gap the County Council have regarding what affect this will have to District and Parish Councils.
• The Engineers at Wychavon need to capture details of any internally flooded properties in Wychavon. This has been requested by WCC in its role as lead Local Flood Authority (contact Martyn Cross at WDC).
• South Worcestershire Development Plan Review: all evidence requested by the inspectors was submitted on time (by the end of December 2024).
• The Future of Local Government in Worcestershire – some bullet points as I see this subject in respect to Councils:
• Both District and County Councils could go;
• Parish Councils will remain;
• The County Council have shown interest in change;
• WDC have not been consulted by Government;
• My personal view is that there should be one Worcestershire.
4.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report that would be made available on the parish council’s website.
4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
No matters were reported.
4.4. Whittington Church
Jayne Rayer provided the following report:
• Yew Brew Coffee mornings restarting 1st March 2025 with a theme of ‘Whittington Wit and Wisdom’
• Details for Easter services would be available shortly
4.5. Brethren Church
David Ball (Brethren Church) had forwarded apologies.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
A short update was received.
4.7. Whittington Charities
It was noted that a new Facebook Group had been started.
4.8. Whittington Events Group
It was noted that the recent Santa Sleigh event had been very popular and had raised £1,800.00 for charity, this had been matched by DPD bringing the total to £3,600.00.
4.9. Public participation
No questions were received.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 26th November 2024
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes with the following amendment to minute 8.1:
It was RESOLVED to adopt the following schedule:
March / April – email to remind tenants to prepare their plots for summer and advise that taps have been opened.
May – inspection 1 to check that preparation activity has begun on all occupied plots.
July – inspection 2 to check that plots are being cultivated.
September – email to remind tenants to prepare their plots for winter.
October – inspection 3 to check that plots have been prepared for winter.
November – email to advise that taps have been closed.
Ad hoc – emails to guide and advise new tenants; follow-ups to inspections, as necessary; administrative reasons.
6. To consider a one-year, three-year and five-year plan
It was RESOLVED to develop a one-year, three-year and five-year plan for consideration and adoption at a future meeting.
7. To consider and approve the 2025/26 budget and precept
It was RESOLVED to approve the 2025/26 budget and to request a precept of £46,700.00. In percentage terms this was anticipated to be an increase of 5.39% which amounts to an extra £3.38 per year for ‘Band D’ households.
8. Planning
8.1. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
8.1.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
An update was received as follows:
• The Planning Inspectorate had requested additional information before further examination
• Properties in Whittington to be built within next 10 years, the population of the parish is likely to double in this time
• Policy SWDP51 relates specifically to parkway town/Whittington, with five pages of questions from the planning inspector relating to Whittington
8.1.2. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To consider examination arrangements
It was noted that the deadline for submission of hearing statements is 11th February 2025 and confirmation of participation in the hearing sessions was needed by the 31st January 2025.
It was RESOLVED that Steve Brooker and Helena Bennett would attend on behalf of the parish council.
8.1.3. W/24/02185/FUL: Harkaway, Pershore Road, High Park, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RP. Erection of 2no. 1-bedroomed annexes (retrospective).
It was RESOLVED that the parish council object to the proposals.
The annexes referred to are essentially garden outbuildings and are not suitable for human habitation. Use as long-term accommodation would place potentially vulnerable residents in unacceptable living conditions.
The previous application for a HMO (W/24/00107/FUL) detailed an outside dining area, the proposals look to remove this much needed facility and replace with additional parking. The overdevelopment of the site, and the increased number of potential tenants (up to sixteen) would create an unhealthy living space and additional or enlarged communal areas are required.
The rural location with lack of local facilities and very poor public transport links combine to make this an inappropriate location for a HMO and incompatible with the likely tenants that will be attracted to such accommodation. Provision for off-road parking is entirely inadequate for up to sixteen tenants.
Sewerage and drainage arrangements are inadequate and will need to be reviewed as the standard septic tank system will not cope with the additional demands placed upon it and there is no mains sewerage present in the area.
The property has been the subject of a number of recent complaints by adjacent residents relating to noise disturbance, smoke fumes and the use of temporary garden buildings for accommodation (now the subject of this retrospective application). Given the history of poor site management the parish council is not satisfied this site would be properly managed in future. A detailed and specific HMO Letting Management plan should be provided that sets out the standards that are expected.
There is discrepancy in the application which states that the annexes have been used for accommodation since 2001, whilst a previous application has stated that they have only been used sporadically on rare occasions.
It is noted that some of the nearest adjacent properties were not consulted on this application, and no site notices have been observed, and residents should therefore be afforded sufficient opportunity to comment before the application is determined.
In view of the concerns above the parish council would urge the planning authority to review on site to confirm the suitability of the proposals, and would request that the application is referred to planning committee.
8.1.4. W/24/02585/HP: Astoria House, Church Lane, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RQ. Single storey rear extension, new patio area, new garage with associated groundworks and landscaping.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections but would ask that the proposals do not reduce or remove the bund that protects properties from motorway noise.
8.1.5. W/24/01527/FUL (further amended): The Annexe, Elms Farm, Walkers Lane, Whittington. Retrospective change of use of annexe to independent C3 dwellinghouse, including retention of single-storey extension and change of use of land to associated residential curtilage.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council maintain their previous objections and have no additional comments.
8.2. To consider possible additional representations in respect of the following application:
8.2.1. W/24/02076/FUL: Land At (Os 8743 5286), Whittington Road, Whittington. Erection of an electric vehicle charging hub including charging infrastructure, parking, canopy with photovoltaic cells, ancillary food kiosk/truck, landscaping, electrical equipment, access and associated works.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council maintain their previous objections and have no additional comments.
8.3. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
8.3.1. W/24/01527/FUL (amended): The Annexe, Elms Farm, Walkers Lane, Whittington. Retrospective change of use of annexe to independent C3 dwellinghouse, including retention of single-storey extension and change of use of land to associated residential curtilage.
It was noted that the parish council had responded with the following comments:
Whittington Parish Council considered this application under their delegated authority arrangements and reaffirm their previous objections. In particular the parish council draw attention to comments received from adjacent property owners indicating that the applicants do not own, or have permission to use, the proposed land for access.
8.4. To consider a Planning Committee and adoption of a Terms of Reference
It was RESOLVED to adopt a Planning Committee Terms of Reference.
8.5. To consider updated the S106 priority list (following recent guidance)
It was RESOLVED to defer discussions alongside adoption of a one-year, three-year and five-year plan.
9. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
9.1. High Park & Pershore Road
9.1.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
No matters were reported.
9.1.2. To consider broadband provision
It was noted that broadband speeds had dropped since the parkway station had opened; Worcestershire County Council had confirmed that there were no immediate plans for upgrading broadband provision.
9.2. St Peter’s
9.2.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
No matters were reported.
9.3. Whittington Village
9.3.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
It was noted that drivers had been ignoring a recent temporary road closure order.
It was noted that ice across the road surface had caused issues for road users and it was RESOLVED to review grit bin provision at a future meeting.
9.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
9.4.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
It was noted that several anti-social behaviour items had been reported to the Police.
It was noted that a substantial oak tree continued to suffer from poor drainage (previously reported to Wychavon District Council).
9.4.2. To receive an update on the proposed community orchard
No update was available.
9.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
9.5.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
The following update was noted:
• Condition of unbound paths was very poor following wet weather
• Drainage smells had been reported and Bloor Homes were investigating
• Severn Trent Water were due to take over maintenance of drainage assets
• The play area and footpaths had flooded again but Wychavon District Council did not consider this to be a priority
• There had been no update from Worcestershire County Council regarding signage for the children’s play area
9.5.2. To receive an update on the proposed community orchard
It was noted that Wychavon District Council had unilaterally revised plans for the proposed community orchard and this had reduced the potential for screening the footway bridge. It was RESOLVED to submit representations to Wychavon District Council regarding lack of engagement with the parish council on this project.
9.6. Whole parish
9.6.1. To receive an update on the councillor vacancy
It was noted that two parishioners had expressed interest in the parish council vacancy and co-option would be added to the next agenda accordingly.
9.6.2. To receive an update and to consider next steps in acquiring land for future parish use
No update was available.
9.6.3. To consider an update on community health and wellbeing initiatives and to consider a working group
It was noted that a meeting had been arranged with Worcestershire CALC and Wychavon District Council.
9.6.4. To consider an update on the parish council’s website
It was noted that the parish council had successfully applied for a gov.uk domain and was in receipt of £100.00 grant funding. The new website is at: whittingtonparish.gov.uk
It was RESOLVED to add a review of the website to the next agenda.
10. Finance
10.1. To consider the appointment of an Internal Auditor
It was RESOLVED to appoint Iain Selkirk at £150.00 to undertake the internal audit.
10.2. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
10.3. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
10.4. To approve the following invoices for payment:
10.4.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
10.4.2. HMRC (PAYE)
10.4.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
10.5. To note the following payments made under delegated authority:
10.5.1. David Hunter-Miller (Dec salary and expenses)
10.5.2. HMRC (Dec PAYE)
10.5.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (Dec pension)
10.5.4. SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £120.00
The above payments were noted.
11. Allotments
11.1. To receive an update from the Allotments Working Group and to consider actions
It was RESOLVED to hold an online working group meeting before the next parish council meeting.
11.2. To receive an update for developing a community garden adjacent to the allotment site
It was noted that negotiations with Wychavon District Council were ongoing.
11.3. To note the shortened tenancy period for 2025/26 (to allow a future tenancy start date of the 1st February)
It was noted that the tenancy period for 2025/26 would be shortened to end on the 31st January 2026 (returning to a twelve-month tenancy again thereafter).
11.4. To consider any rent adjustments for the 2026/27 financial year
It was RESOLVED to maintain the rent at the current rate; £60.00 per annum for parishioners, £70.00 for non-parishioners.
12. Highways, Transportation and Public Rights of Way
12.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme and to consider any items for the work schedule
No matters were reported.
12.2. To note responses received regarding ongoing highway issues
It was noted with disappointment that many of the previously reported highway safety issues remained unresolved.
12.3. To receive an update on the proposed meeting with senior Worcestershire County Council Officers and Cabinet Member regarding the lack of progress on highway matters
It was noted with disappointment that no response had been received from the Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways.
12.4. To consider ongoing footway surfacing issues (Whittington Walk and Wildmore) and to consider a petition
It was noted that Wychavon District Council had reviewed the footway surfacing on Wildmore and whilst they accept that the surface needs improvement there were no immediate plans for resurfacing.
It was RESOLVED to defer discussions on a petition until the next meeting.
13. Correspondence
13.1. Parishioner: Church Lane parking area/layby damage
It was noted that the layby was the responsibility of Worcestershire County Council Highways.
13.2. The Royal Countryside Fund: New Funding for Rural Communities
It was RESOLVED to review before the next meeting.
13.3. Worcestershire County Council: Draft Streetscape Design Guide consultation
The above consultation was noted.
13.4. Worcestershire County Council: Smoke-free Playgrounds funding
The above funding was noted.
14. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Co-option
• One-year, three-year and five-year plan and review of S106 priority list
• Grit bin provision
• Footway surfacing petition
• Website review and update
• The Royal Countryside Fund
15. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th February 2025.
The meeting closed at 10:46PM.