Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 24th September 2024 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ
Minutes 09/2024
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Richard Boase, Helena Bennett, Olivia Khong (from 7:34PM), Stuart Austin (from 7:34PM),
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Liz Turier (District Councillor), David Ball (Brethren Church), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church), Rob Adams (District Councillor), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), three members of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcome attendees.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Tony Fradgley and Adam Hooper.
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 8 (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.
Richard Boase declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Steve Brooker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.6 (Whittington Community Hall).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.7 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.8 (Whittington Events Group).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 5.7 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 10.1.1 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
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 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. Co-option: To consider applications received to fill the councillor vacancies
It was RESOLVED to co-opt Olivia Khong and Stuart Austin and they joined the meeting from 7:34PM.
5. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
5.1. District Councillors
Rob Adams provided an update:
• Two new Councillors have joined Wychavon following by elections on 29th August. Mark Ward (Conservative) will represent Badsey and Aldington Ward and Craig Reeves (Independent) Harvington and Norton Ward. I look forward to working with them both.
• The 12th September brought the opening of the Officers Mess at Brockhill. I know Wychavon had a major financial input but Councillor Fincher, assisted by others, was the one who drove it to success.
• A great deal of my time has been taken up with Planning applications in Drakes Broughton but I am always available for enquiries from Whittington PC and residents.
• Planning Advisory Service have attended Wychavon to train councillors and look at our Planning system – will await their report.
• Planning committee at Wychavon is proving difficult with an expectation to pass applications due to not having a 5 year housing land supply.
5.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson circulated a written report that would be uploaded on the parish council’s website.
5.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
The following update was received:
• The school had reopened for the autumn term with new headteacher Kelly Leeming
• There would be a slight change to the school start time (8:40AM) and closing time (3:20PM)
• The Whittington Charities had provided funding for a year six outdoor activity trip
• The school were receptive to discussing a possible school allotment plot
• The school Christmas Fayre is scheduled for Friday 6th December 2024 at the school
• Additional school governors were needed
5.4. Whittington Church
Jayne Rayer provided an update as follows:
• Thanks were extended to the parish council for the recent grant towards churchyard maintenance
• Harvest Festival with picnic afterwards – Sunday 13th October 2024
• Lecture on the Earls of Dudley – Saturday 19th October 2024
5.5. Brethren Church
No matters were reported.
5.6. Whittington Community Hall
The following update was received:
• The Community Hall AGM is on Wednesday 6th November 2024
• There is a vacancy in the role of assistant caretaker
5.7. Whittington Charities
The following update was received:
• The charity terms of reference had been updated
• A Facebook page is under development
• Further fundraising opportunities were being explored
5.8. Whittington Events Group
The following update was received:
• A Santa sleigh event being is being planned for December 2024
• The next summer fayre is scheduled for Saturday 12th July 2025
5.9. Public participation
A member of the public raised concern with the parish council’s Planning Delegation Policy (item 7.4); a suggestion was made to review the policy and include a default position of objecting to all retrospective applications.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
6. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 23rd July 2024
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Parishioner: Request for ‘no horses’ sign on Footpath 533
It was noted that a small ‘no-horses’ sign had been installed by Worcestershire County Council; a larger sign would be considered in future if required.
7.2. Police: Future police surgery 7PM Thursday 26th September 2024
It was noted that the next police surgery had been scheduled for 7:00PM on Thursday 26th September 2024 at Whittington Community Hall (in the meeting room).
7.3. Worcestershire CALC: Invite to AGM on Thursday 26 September 2024
The above invite was noted.
7.4. Parishioner: To note complaint received regarding planning and the response issued by the Clerk
It was RESOLVED to review the parish council’s Planning Delegation Policy, with particular consideration given to:
• Separating the two delegation policies for ‘urgent decisions’ and ‘planning’ into two documents to avoid confusion
• To consider a default position of objecting to all retrospective applications if responding under delegated authority
8. Allotments
8.1. To receive an update from the Allotments Working Group and to consider actions
At the last Allotments Working Group meeting plans for expanding the allotment site with a community garden were proposed. It was noted that discussions with Wychavon District Council regarding acquiring land for this purpose were ongoing.
8.2. To consider Parish Council membership of the Allotments Society (£55.00 plus VAT)
It was RESOLVED to apply for membership of the Allotments Society at £55.00 (plus VAT) per year (from subscriptions budget).
8.3. To approve, in principle, outline proposals for expansion of the allotment site with a community garden
It was RESOLVED to proceed to explore the proposals for expansion of the allotment site with a community garden; approval will be sought from Wychavon District Council and a consultation undertaken to inform next steps.
8.3.1. To review membership of an ‘Allotments & Community Gardens Delivery Team’
It was RESOLVED that the Allotments Working Group would manage the project until preliminary approval from Wychavon District Council had been secured and consultation responses received and considered.
It was RESOLVED to establish an Allotments & Community Gardens Delivery Team comprising councillors and tenants to take the project forward (if viable).
8.3.2. To review consultation options, costs and next steps
It was RESOLVED to approve up to £100.00 for consultation expenses.
9. Highways, Transportation and Public Rights of Way
9.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme and to consider any items for the work schedule
It was noted that the waste bin at the end of Bridleway 510 (Brewers Lane) was regularly overflowing. It was understood that the bin should be emptied twice weekly and this would be monitored. Wychavon District Council would review the need for a larger bin.
9.2. To receive a progress report on previously reported highway issues
It was noted that vegetation was obstructing a streetlight at Cookes Close and it was RESOLVED to report this to Worcestershire County Council.
9.3. To review escalation of highway issues following lack of progress from Worcestershire County Council
Linda Robinson agreed to arrange a daytime meeting with the Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways to review ongoing highways matters.
9.4. To consider pedestrian safety concerns at the M5 junction 7 roundabout
It was RESOLVED to raise this with the Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways (item 9.3).
10. Planning
10.1. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
10.1.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
A short update was received:
• Transport policy documents had still not been made available by Wychavon District Council
• One of developers had submitted a ‘Request for EIA Scoping Opinion’ planning application for part of the parkway development (outside of Whitington parish), the consultation period closes 27th September 2024. It was RESOLVED to consider a response under delegated authority.
• A ‘Framework Masterplan’ presentation had been arranged by Wychavon District Council for the Joint Parishes Committee in November.
10.2. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
10.2.1. W/24/01391/FUL: Whittington Hall, Whittington Road, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RA. New unheated brick lobby added as an extension to the existing building, following the demolition of the existing entry lobby.
It was noted that a no objection response had been submitted under delegated authority.
10.2.2. W/24/01428/HP: Bushwood, Pershore Road, High Park, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RP. Remove patio and replace with decking (retrospective).
It was noted that a no objection response had been submitted under delegated authority.
10.2.3. W/24/01527/FUL: The Annexe, Elms Farm, Walkers Lane, Whittington. Change of use of annexe from ancillary to main dwelling to separate independent dwelling including retrospective extension.
It was noted that the following response had been submitted under delegated authority:
Whittington Parish Council considered this application under their delegated authority arrangements and raised no objections to the proposals. However, the parish council do wish to express concern that a 6ft panel fence has been erected that effectively blocks access to the Annex from Walkers Lane, meaning that vehicular access is only through the gated access on A4440 Swinesherd Way, a dual carriageway with fast-moving traffic. The parish council would urge the planning authority to consider the suitability of this access to ensure that the safety of road users and residents is not compromised.
11. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
11.1. High Park & Pershore Road
11.1.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
No matters were reported.
11.2. St Peter’s
11.2.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
No matters were reported.
11.3. Whittington Village
11.3.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
It was noted that the parish council’s noticeboard had required minor maintenance (item 12.5.7).
11.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
11.4.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
It was noted with concern that Bridleway 510 had been impassable during the recent wet weather.
11.4.2. To receive an update on the new noticeboard for Whittington Walk
It was noted that Persimmon Homes had prepared the ground for the noticeboard but had recommended delaying installation due to nearby construction work that might damage the noticeboard.
11.4.3. To receive an update on the proposed community orchard
It was RESOLVED to invite the new Tree Warden to a future parish council meeting.
11.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
11.5.1. To receive a progress report on previously raised items
A short update was received:
• There had been an increase in obstructive footway parking
• There had been an increase in larger vehicles parked on bends causing visibility issues
• Linda Robinson agreed to review signage to slow traffic in the vicinity of the play area
11.5.2. To receive an update on the proposed community orchard
It was noted that the Community Orchard project had been approved and 30 fruit trees and a further 300 saplings would be planted. Planting was scheduled for late 2024/early 2025.
11.6. Whole parish
11.6.1. To receive an update on councillor vacancies
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the parish council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
11.6.2. To receive an update and consider next steps in acquiring land for future parish use
A recent meeting with a landowner regarding securing land for parish use had been encouraging; proposals would be firmed up and discussed at future meetings.
11.6.3. To review discrepancies with recent air quality assessments undertaken in Whittington
It was RESOLVED to highlight the following concerns with both Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council:
• The positioning of the air quality monitoring apparatus was considered unsuitable and would not have collected data that was representative of the area
• The potential increase in housing assessed by Worcester Regulatory Services only referenced an increase of 1,250 properties and not the 10,000 properties proposed by the SWDP parkway town
12. Finance
12.1. External Audit: To note the external auditors report and any recommendations
It was noted that the External Audit had concluded and there were no matters requiring attention.
12.2. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
12.3. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
12.4. Bank mandate: To receive an update on bank signatory changes
It was noted that Adam Hooper and Tony Fradgley had been added as full-power signatories with online access.
12.5. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
12.5.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
12.5.2. HMRC (PAYE)
12.5.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
12.5.4. PKF Littlejohn LLP (external audit): £378.00
12.5.5. Whittington Village Hall (room hire): £40.00
12.5.6. SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £165.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12.5.7. S Brooker (noticeboard repair): £13.59
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoice and at the request of S Brooker the £13.59 reimbursement would be donated to the Whittington Charities.
12.6. Delegated Payments: To note the following payments approved between meetings:
12.6.1. 19/08/24 David Hunter-Miller (August salary and expenses)
12.6.2. 19/08/24 HMRC (August PAYE)
12.6.3. 19/08/24 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (August pension)
12.6.4. 19/08/24 SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £165.00
12.6.5. 19/08/24 SCJ Gardening (allotments): £40.00
The above payments were noted.
13. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Review of Delegation Policies
14. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.
The meeting closed at 9:39PM.