Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th July 2023 at Whittington Community Hall
Minutes 07/2023
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Helena Bennett, Richard Boase, Chris Mayo, Adam Hooper, Katie Lambeth-Mansell
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), David Ball (Brethren Church), David Chestney (Whittington Church), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), Rob Adams (District Councillor), one member of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Steve Brooker opened the meeting and welcomed residents.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
All members present.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests: With reference to items on the agenda members 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.
Steve Brooker declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
Richard Boase declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
Helena Bennett declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in all items pertaining to the Parkway new town development (part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan).
Helena Bennett declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities).
Adam Hooper declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in item 7.2 (planning application W/23/01338/OUT).
3.3. Other Disclosable Interests: To declare any Other Disclosable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Richard Boase declared an other disclosable interest in all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
3.4. Dispensations: To consider any written dispensations from members 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 Steve Brooker to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase 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).
A dispensation had previously been granted to Richard Boase to allow participation and voting on all items pertaining to Uffnell’s Allotments.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. District Councillors
Rob Adams provided a report as follows:
• Thanks were extended to the Parish Council, especially Adam Hooper, for the recent Community Event and for attending Wychavon District Council’s recent Planning Committee Meeting.
• Gayle Wooton, recently appointed Head of Planning was now leaving. Duncan Rudge had been appointed interim director for the SWDP.
• Rob Adams had recently attended three photo shoots; 3G Football and Hockey Pitch at Pershore High School, Men in Sheds at Inkberrow and pool covers for Pershore and Evesham swimming pools.
4.2. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a written report that would be uploaded to the Parish Council’s website.
It was noted that funding for organisations was available through the Welcome to our Future Scheme.
4.3. Whittington C of E Primary School
Richard Boase and Helena Bennett had recently met with the Headteacher and monthly follow up meetings had been scheduled.
4.4. Whittington Church
The Summer Concert on Saturday 8th July 2023 had been a great success and had been well attended.
4.5. Brethren Church
There were no matters to report.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
A short report was received as follows:
• The upgraded audio/visual facilities (utilising S106 funding) had been fitted in the hall.
• The alarm system had been repaired.
• Arrangements had been made to remove a trip hazard in the Community Hall garden.
• A statue (utilising S106 funding) was due to be installed in the Community Hall garden.
4.7. Whittington Charities
It was noted that a recent fund-raising event at the village hall had raised £65.00 for the Whittington Charities; further events were being planned for the future.
4.8. 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 27th June 2023
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Parish matters for consideration and progress reports
6.1. High Park & Pershore Road
6.1.1. Speed data collection from Vehicular Activated Sign
It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire County Council for the equipment to enable the Vehicular Activated Sign speed data to be downloaded.
It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire County Council and Norton Parish Council for approval to rotate the second Vehicular Activated Sign to periodically face the other direction.
6.1.2. To consider the restoration of the milestone on Pershore Road
It was RESOLVED that the Chairman would undertake repainting of the milestone.
6.1.3. To consider an update on a gate/bollards at Pershore Road/J7 field entrance
It was noted that Linda Robinson would discuss the suggestion with Worcestershire County Council Highways.
6.2. St Peter’s
6.2.1. St Peter’s personalised ‘Your Council Needs You’ leaflet drop
It was RESOLVED to dedicate a page in the next Parish Council Newsletter to the St Peter’s part of the parish with a view to encouraging representation and participation at future Parish Council meetings. Arrangements for the newsletter and content would be approved under delegated authority between meetings.
6.3. Whittington Village
6.3.1. To consider an update on Whittington Road layby waiting restrictions
It was noted that Linda Robinson was reviewing this issue with Worcestershire County Council Highways.
6.3.2. To consider an update on Whittington Road layby restoration/removal of WCC noticeboard
It was noted that Linda Robinson was reviewing this issue with Worcestershire County Council Highways.
6.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
6.4.1. To consider an update on village names signs for Whittington/Swinesherd
Thanks were extended to Linda Robinson for funding a new village name sign for Whittington Walk.
6.4.2. To consider an update on flooding and drainage matters at Heron End
Following a meeting with Wychavon District Council and Persimmon Homes a number of potential solutions had been identified; proposals would be developed by Persimmon Homes.
6.4.3. To consider an update on bus service/community transport provision
It was noted that Linda Robinson would make enquiries with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester Wheels.
6.4.4. To consider an update on noticeboard provision
An update was awaited from Persimmon Homes.
6.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
6.5.1. To consider concerns relating to the traffic calming pinch-point
It was RESOLVED to raise this issue in the next Parish Council Newsletter with a view to gathering further evidence.
6.5.2. To consider Wychavon District Council’s terms and conditions for relocation of the Wildmore noticeboard and to consider quotes obtained for the work
It was RESOLVED to accept Wychavon District Council’s terms and conditions for relocating the Wildmore noticeboard.
It was RESOLVED to accept a quote of £250.00 from SJ Garden Services to undertake the work.
6.6. Whole parish
6.6.1. To consider an update on the councillor vacancy
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the Parish Council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
6.6.2. To consider an update on waste bin provision
It was noted that Wychavon District Council would provide a waste bin on bridleway 510 (at the Walkers Lane end). It was RESOLVED ask Persimmon Homes to reconsider supplying and maintaining a waste bin at the other end of bridleway 510 (at Whittington Walk).
6.6.3. To consider an update on the inaugural Community Event
Thanks were extended to the Community Events Team for the excellent inaugural Whittington Community Event. It was estimated that up to 1500 people had attended the event throughout the day. Thanks were also extended to all of the event supporters and to Pond Farm for hosting the event.
It was noted that approximately £1,250.00 was in the Community Events Team reserves, which would be used to hold future events.
6.6.4. To consider an update on revisions to the Whittington Parish Council logo
It was noted that a new HD logo had been created for use by the Parish Council.
6.6.5. To consider an update on train services to Birmingham from Worcester Parkway
It was RESOLVED to make further enquiries and gather evidence and to remove the item from future agendas.
6.6.6. To consider an update on D-Day celebrations 2024
It was noted that permission to use Whittington Tump for a beacon lighting for D-Day had not been secured, but further enquiries would be made to assess viability.
6.6.7. To consider an application to Wychavon District Council for Tree Preservation Orders
It was RESOLVED to compile a list of trees with amenity value, with photographs and ‘what3words’ locations, for consideration by Wychavon District Council’s Tree Officer.
6.6.8. To consider developing links with other ‘Whittington’ Parish Councils nationally
It was RESOLVED that Chris Mayo would make enquiries with other Whittington Parish Council’s nationally.
6.6.9. To consider quotes for ground maintenance work at Whittington Community Hall
It was noted that Whittington Community Hall were making arrangements to complete the work directly and the item could be removed from future agendas.
7. Planning: To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
7.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
It was noted that the Joint Parishes Committee had recently met with a representative for the three developers. A meeting with the MP had been requested to discuss the Joint Parishes Committee’s concerns relating to infrastructure.
7.2. W/23/01338/OUT: Land Rear Of Hill House, Swinesherd Lane, Spetchley. Planning application for the erection of 2no. dwellings.
Adam Hooper left the room for the duration of discussions on this item.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council had no objections or concerns with the proposals.
However, the Parish Council have previously raised concerns at the very poor road layout in front of the proposed development. The splitter island has not proven adequate in deterring vehicles from using the shortcut to the roundabout. Vehicles undertaking this illegal manoeuvre are on the wrong side of the road which creates a dangerous situation for all road users. Regular, long-term traffic enforcement is not a solution and the Parish Council would urge the Highway Authority to review the suitability of the road layout as a matter of urgency.
8. Correspondence
8.1. Wychavon District Council: New business and community’s fund launched
It was RESOLVED to explore using Wychavon’s Rural Fund for upgrading the surface of bridleway 510.
8.2. Police: Update to ‘contact contract’
It was RESOLVED to continue with the same priorities; anti-social behaviour (Wildmore and Whittington Walk), speeding (Pershore Road) and rural theft.
It was RESOLVED to send a summary of anti-social behaviour issues and traffic speed data to the Police ahead of the September meeting.
9. Allotments
9.1. To receive an update
A short update was received.
9.2. To consider the latest inspection report and any actions or proposals generated
It was RESOLVED to contact the tenants of plots 1, 6 and 12 regarding issues identified at the most recent inspection.
9.3. To consider works to improve site drainage
It was RESOLVED that drainage improvement work wouldn’t be pursued at this time, but arrangements would be made to replace the borders and re-bark the dividing areas.
9.4. To consider maintenance contract
It was RESOLVED to accept a quote for regular maintenance work at £480.00 per annum (plus any materials) from SJ Garden Services; the Clerk would prepare a maintenance contract accordingly.
It was RESOLVED to ask SJ Garden Services to undertake a one-off weed clearance of the allotment paths.
9.5. To consider ‘Best Plot as Voted for by Plot Holders’ competition
It was RESOLVED that a plot holders competition would not be pursued at this time.
9.6. To review a summary of proposed changes to the allotment Terms and Conditions
It was RESOLVED to approve the suggested amendments to the Terms and Conditions and arrangements would be made between meetings to update the document.
9.7. To note disposal of the old storage container
It was noted that the old storage container had been disposed of and removed from the Asset Register accordingly.
10. Highways and Public Rights of Way
10.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme and to consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule
It was RESOLVED to ask the Lengthsman to attend to the following items:
• Bus stop clearance, Pershore Road
• Remove illegal parking notice in hedge, Old Road
10.2. To note the trial extension of the Lengthsman Scheme to cover works on Public Rights of Way
It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire County Council for permission to undertake path clearance near to Whittington Primary School.
11. Finance
11.1. Bank Mandate: To approve and sign forms to update the bank signatories
It was RESOLVED to approve and sign the bank mandate paperwork to add Chris Mayo as a signatory.
11.2. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
11.3. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
11.4. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
11.4.1. David Hunter-Miller (July salary and expenses)
11.4.2. HMRC (July PAYE)
11.4.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (July pension)
11.4.4. Mr S Joyner (Lengthsman): £165.00
11.4.5. Richard Boase (allotment storage container): £125.00
11.4.6. Whittington Village Hall (room hire): £90.00
11.4.7. Home Farm Nurseries (pinvin) Ltd (Community Hall landscaping): £550.93
11.4.8. Paul Probert (allotments maintenance): £150.00
11.4.9. Longdon Parish Council (50% laptop purchase costs): £210.82
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Anti-social behaviour – including attendance by Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and Wychavon District Council Youth Coordinator
• Update on Tree Preservation Order applications
• Review of Vehicular Activated Sign speed data
It was RESOLVED to advertise on the Parish Council’s website/Facebook page that the Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner would be attending the September Parish Council meeting.
13. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 26th September 2023.
The meeting closed at 10:50PM.