Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th March 2025 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ (///wonderfully.paper.agent)
Minutes 03/2025
Present: Steve Brooker (Chair), Katie Lambeth-Mansell, Olivia Khong, Christine Boase, Helena Bennett, Richard Boase, Adam Hooper
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Liz Turier (District Councillor), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church), one member 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 10 (Wildmore, Whittington Allotments).
Christine Boase declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 10 (Wildmore, Whittington 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).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 11.3.1 (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).
Steve Brooker declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.6 (Whittington Community Hall).
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 Wildmore, Whittington 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
Rob Adams (District Councillor) had sent apologies.
Liz Turier provided an update on proposed changes to the planning system.
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
An update was received as follows:
• The school were looking to be involved in VE Day celebrations
• The school supported the introduction of the ‘Whittington Times’ (item 8.4) and could supply articles
• The Headteacher would prepare a report for the Annual Parish Meeting
• The school would encourage entries for the logo competition (item 6.6)
4.4. Whittington Church
Jayne Rayer provided an update as follows:
• 11:00am Sunday 30th March – Mothering Sunday Family Service
• 10:30am Saturday 5th March – Yew Brew in the Elizabethan Room
• 11:00am Sunday 6th April – Lent Parish Communion
• 11:00am Sunday 13th April – Palm Sunday Family Service
4.5. Brethren Church
David Ball (Brethren Church) had sent apologies and there were no matters to report.
4.6. Whittington Community Hall
An update was received as follows:
• Quiz 10th May 2025
• VE Day Celebrations 8th May 2025
4.7. Whittington Charities
An update was received as follows:
• The Whittington charities had made a donation to Young Voices
• Following the amalgamation of the Whittington Charities a new website had been launched
4.8. Whittington Events Group
An update was received as follows:
• The Summer Event was scheduled for the 12th July 2025
• The events group had been able to donate £2,000.00 to St Richard’s Hospice and £750.00 to the Whittington Charities
4.9. Public participation
It was reported that The Band of the Mercian Regiment would be playing at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 3rd May 2025 and tickets were still available.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 25th February 2025
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
6. Progress reports
6.1. Councillor vacancy
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the parish council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed. It was suggested that a parish council stall could be arranged for the Summer Event to encourage interest in the position.
6.2. Wildmore community orchard
It was noted that the new community orchard planting scheme had been a great success, with 30 volunteers helping to plant the new saplings. It was RESOLVED to investigate costs for an information plaque.
6.3. Whittington Walk community orchard
It was noted that enquiries were ongoing and this item could be removed from future agendas.
6.4. Tree Preservation Orders
It was noted that a renewed request for Tree Preservation Orders had been submitted to Wychavon District Council and this was under consideration.
6.5. Community health and wellbeing initiatives
It was proposed to hold a stall at the Summer Event to raise awareness and to gauge public support for proposed health and wellbeing initiatives.
6.6. PC logo competition
It was noted that the competition for a new logo had gone live, with the winner to be announced at the May parish council meeting.
6.7. Website email hosting
It was noted that an upgrade of the email hosting facilities was no longer required.
6.8. Website updates
No update was available.
6.9. Footpath WT-528
It was RESOLVED to install new waymark signs to clarify the route.
6.10. Annual Parish Meeting arrangements (7:30PM start)
It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Parish Meeting at 7:30PM on Tuesday 29th April 2025.
7. Correspondence for response or action
7.1. Wychavon District Council: £250.00 grant funding (received) to support VE Day 80
It was noted that £250.00 grant funding had been received and an application would be made by the Community Hall Committee for the funding in due course.
8. Parish matters for consideration
8.1. To consider a one-year, three-year and five-year plan and a S106 priority list
A draft plan was circulated; it was RESOLVED to survey the public at the Summer Event for feedback.
8.2. To consider an update on reported anti-social behaviour
It was RESOLVED to continue to encourage residents to report issues to the Police.
8.3. To consider supporting the introduction of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme was noted and enquiries from interested parishioners were welcomed.
8.4. To consider a parish newsletter
It was RESOLVED to engage with Hughes Printing regarding a new ‘Whittington Times’ publication. It was noted that the parish council could submit articles, and the publication would be free of charge.
8.5. To consider a date for in-house training
It was RESOLVED to arrange a date for in-house training (end of April or early May).
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
No matters were reported.
9.2. To consider the Lengthsman contract for services
It was RESOLVED to renew a contract for services with Charlie Joyner.
9.3. To receive an update on ongoing highway issues and a meeting with Worcestershire County Council
It was noted that the dilapidated notice board on the Whittington Road had been refurbished by Worcestershire County Council and it was RESOLVED to seek access to the noticeboard to publish local information.
It was noted that a date was being arranged for a meeting with Worcestershire County Council Traffic Engineers.
10. Allotments
10.1. To receive an update from the Allotments Working Group and to consider actions
It was RESOLVED to arrange an Allotments Working Group meeting to review adoption of a checklist for future allotment inspections and a summary of the allotment inspection criteria for distribution to tenants.
It was RESOLVED that the May inspection would be undertaken by Adam Hooper and Helena Bennett.
10.2. To receive an update on developing a community garden adjacent to the allotment site
It was noted that Wychavon District Council had not been receptive to amending their proposals for developing a community garden; it was RESOLVED that the Chair would write to the Chief Executive at Wychavon District Council to ask for the parish council’s proposals to be reconsidered.
10.3. To consider an update on possible drainage improvements
It was noted that a quote had been received for a soil aeration treatment, for consideration at a future meeting of the Allotments Working Group.
10.4. To consider addition of a disabled accessible allotment plot(s)
It was RESOLVED to support the creation of a disabled accessible plot in principle, should there be interest and if a suitable plot becomes available.
11. Planning
11.1. To consider quotes for engaging a planning consultant
It was RESOLVED to pursue initial enquiries with AddisonRees Planning Consultancy Ltd; the Clerk would look to arrange an online meeting with Steve Brooker, Katie Lambeth Mansell, Richard Boase and Helena Bennett attending.
It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire CALC for advice on planning support and grant funding.
11.2. To consider appointments to the Planning Committee and to consider future meeting arrangements
It was RESOLVED to defer indefinitely the introduction of a Planning Committee.
11.3. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
11.3.1. South Worcestershire Development Plan / Parkway: To receive an update and to consider actions
It was noted that the planning inspectorate was still reviewing the SWDP, including the Parkway development and other large developments in South Worcestershire. The parish council were ably represented by Steve Brooker and Helena Bennett at the recent hearing session.
12. Finance
12.1. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
12.2. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
12.3. To approve the following invoices for payment:
12.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
12.3.2. HMRC (PAYE)
12.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
12.3.4. SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £100.00
12.3.5. Eyelid Productions (website): £100.00
12.3.6. Hughes & Company (printing): £90.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12.4. To note the following payments made under delegated authority:
12.4.1. 05/03/25 Andrew Healey Entertainment (summer event – deposit): £100.00
12.4.2. 10/03/25 Sportscover Direct (summer event): £209.92
The above payments were noted.
12.5. To note the following direct debit payments between meetings:
12.5.1. 18/03/25 Lloyds Bank (account fees): £4.25
The above payment was noted.
13. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following item to the next agenda:
• Leaflet delivery arrangements
13.1. High Park & Pershore Road
No matters were reported.
13.2. St Peter’s
No matters were reported.
13.3. Whittington Village
It was noted that waste needles had been reported to Wychavon District Council.
13.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
No matters were reported.
13.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
It was noted that Wychavon District Council were hoping to repair the yellow footway surfacing on Wildmore within the next 12 months.
It was noted that Wychavon District Council had objected to proposals to fence the Wildmore play area.
13.6. Whole parish
No matters were reported.
14. Date of the next meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 29th April 2025.
The Annual Council Meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 27th May 2025.
The meeting closed at 10:23PM.