Councillors are summoned to a meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on 28th October 2025 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ (///wonderfully.paper.agent)
Minutes 10/2025
Present: Katie Lambeth-Mansell (Vice Chair), Helena Bennett, Stuart Austin, Olivia Khong, Sean Stock
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church), Anita Hodgson (Whittington Community Hall), Malcolm MacLeod (Whittington Community Hall), Rob Adams (District Councillor), two members of the public
1. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Adam Hooper, Christine Boase and Richard Boase.
2. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
2.1. 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.
2.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests: To declare any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in items on the agenda and their nature. Councillors with a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must leave the room for the relevant items.
Nil declared.
2.3. Other Interests: To declare any Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature. Councillors with an Other Registerable Interest or Non-Registerable Interest may need to leave the room for the relevant items.
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 3.9 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 3.10 (Whittington Events Group).
Olivia Khong declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 3.10 (Whittington Events Group).
Helena Bennett declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 3.9 (Whittington Charities) and a Non-Registerable Interest in item 10.2 (Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan).
2.4. 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 Helena Bennett to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Parkway new town development and South Worcestershire Development Plan.
3. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
3.1. Public participation
Members of the public raised concern at the levels of rat-running traffic through Whittington village, particularly at school opening/closing and peak commuter times. A number of suggestions were made including ANPR cameras, a one-way traffic order and traffic calming chicanes.
The parish council confirmed that highways concerns were a high priority across the parish. It was RESOLVED to ask Worcestershire County Council to collect new traffic data.
3.2. Wychavon Garden Community Project Board
Deferred until November.
3.3. District Councillors
Rob Adams provided a report as follows:
• Leader of Wychavon District Council Councillor Richard Morris has been in hospital recently and is now back home. Deputy Leader Councillor Emma Kearsey has taken up the Leaders responsibilities until Richard returns.
• The Chairman of Wychavon DC has presented four community star awards to residents who have been recognised for community work.
• Attended the start of cycle to school week at St Barnabus CE School on 11th October. This event was supported by Wychavon District Council.
• A great deal of concern regarding Police Community Support Officers working after 8pm. There will be Police available still on 101 number and in emergency, 999. More discussion will take place at the Overview and Scrutiny meeting at Wychavon DC in January. This meeting will have PCC John Campion in attendance.
• Parkway Development and South Worcestershire Development Plan Review plus Local Government Review are moving on.
• The following was recommended and Agreed at Council on 15th October 2025:
o That additional provision be made in the 2025/26 capital programme of £1.5 million, to be funded from reserves.
o That support be given by the Executive Board for the forward funding of the fees to prepare the infrastructure application at Worcestershire Parkway to accelerate the delivery of new homes in the Wychavon district.
o That authority be given to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to:
o Undertake all necessary work needed to inform the future delivery of the site, including land acquisitions; and
o Agree any necessary amendments to the infrastructure planning application boundary, as may be required following the development of the detailed designs.
Liz Turier provided a report as follows:
Wychavon Resident’s Survey
There is a resident’s survey launching 12th October. Please encourage all residents to participate in the survey which will run for four weeks and it is vital for residents to share what matters to them with us. There is a page “You said, we did” to show how feedback has already made a difference. https://wychavon.gov.uk/contact-us/you-said-we-did
There is a chance to win one of four £100 vouchers to spend at a local business of their choice.
Wychavon Community Stars
Nominations for the Community Stars awards were considered by the Community Panel and 15 awards were agreed to various individual and groups. The winners will be contacted and offered a special visit from the Chairman of the Council or another Wychavon representative, as a small, personalised celebration. These awards are ongoing and more details and how to nominate can be found at this link: https://wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/wychavon-community-stars
BEAS Grant
Since launching in April, over 50 businesses across Worcestershire have already registered for a Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS) Grant. BEAS grants of £1000 to £100,000 are available to eligible businesses in Worcs, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford and Wrekin, helping reduce overheads and improve infrastructure. With this grant you can Upgrade equipment, lighting or heating systems. Reduce long-term energy or operational costs and get support tailored to your sector and needs. Read more: https://www.businessgrowthwestmidlands.org.uk/support-programmes/business-energy-advice-service-beas/
3.4. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report that would be made available on the parish council’s website.
3.5. Whittington C of E Primary School
A short update was received.
3.6. Whittington Church
Jayne Rayer provided a report as follows:
• 9th November – Remembrance Service
• Whittington Church would have a tombola at the Winter Warmer
3.7. Brethren Church
No matters were reported.
3.8. Whittington Community Hall
An update was received:
• AGM to be held shortly
• Recent ‘Last Dance Saloon’ event had been a success
• 22nd November – Winter Warmer event
• 10th January – Live Music event with tickets on sale soon
• 21st February – Helios story telling event
3.9. Elizabeth Stephens & Fanny Clifton Charity
An update was received:
• Anita Hodgson had joined the team as Treasurer
• Research had been undertaken on the history of Fanny Clifton and Elizabeth Stephens
• The charity would have a stand at the Winter Warmer
3.10. Whittington Events Group
Preparations for the Santa Sleigh fundraising event were underway.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
4. To consider and adopt the minutes from the parish council meeting on the 23rd September 2025
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
5. Progress reports
5.1. Councillor vacancy
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the parish council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
5.2. Berkley Close fly tipping
Positive discussions had been had with the Police and Rooftop Housing; the Police would look to arrange local drop-in sessions and Rooftop Housing would look to attend.
5.3. Mobile library
It was noted that Whittington was on the waiting list for visits from the new mobile library.
5.4. Whittington Pre-School
It was noted that the Chairman was liaising with various bodies to try and support the pre-school.
5.5. Wildmore tree planting/maintenance
It was noted that Wychavon District Council had responded to concerns over the lack of watering of recently planted trees and several potential solutions had been identified for next year.
5.6. Wildmore waiting restrictions request
It was noted that Worcestershire County Council had responded to a request for new waiting restrictions but no additional measures had been supported. It was RESOLVED to compile a record of obstructive parking to support future requests.
6. Planning
6.1. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
6.1.1. M/25/01398/RM: Land At (Os 8571 5128) Bath Road Broomhall. Infrastructure comprising access from the A4440 Broomhall Way / Crookbarrow Way and a section of spine road from Norton Road running south to the proposed location of the primary school; access from the A38 Bath Road and spine roads serving parcels to the west of the A38; and the southern landscape buffer (Crookbarrow Woodland link). Infrastructure to includes associated drainage and landscaping.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council would object to the proposals.
This development places considerable additional pressure on the existing road network, increasing vehicle movements to the motorway, local train stations, and into Worcester. However, no credible or proportionate infrastructure improvements have been proposed to accommodate this growth in traffic. The transport assessment and related proposals are now significantly out of date and should be reassessed in light of nearby and relevant planning applications, including the allocation of approximately 10,000 new homes under the SWDP and the recently approved electric vehicle charging station on the A4440 Whittington Road.
7. Highways and Lengthsman Scheme
7.1. To receive an update on the lengthsman scheme and to consider any items for the work schedule
It was RESOLVED to ask the Lengthsman to clear the gutters and footways on Wildmore.
7.2. To consider an update on lengthsman training
No update was available.
7.3. To review engagement with WCC Highways
It was noted that an approach had been made to neighbouring parish councils to review shared highway concerns.
7.4. To review downloading of data from Speed Indicating Device (Pershore Road)
It was RESOLVED that Helena Bennett would download the data from the parish council’s SID.
8. Correspondence for response or action
8.1. Parishioner: Safety concerns relating to A4440
It was noted that an approach had been made to neighbouring parish councils to review shared highway concerns.
9. Finance
9.1. Preview of 2026/27 draft budget
The draft budget was noted and would be considered at future meetings.
9.2. To consider and approve the latest budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
9.3. To consider and approve the latest bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
9.4. To approve the following invoices for payment:
9.4.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
9.4.2. HMRC (PAYE)
9.4.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
9.4.4. SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £300.00
9.4.5. Whittington Village Hall (room hire): £240.00
9.4.6. C Boase (allotment bark): £24.99
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
9.5. To note the following direct debit payments between meetings:
9.5.1. 19/09/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
9.5.2. 20/10/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
The above payments were noted.
10. Working Groups
10.1. Community Spaces (including allotments)
10.1.1. Allotment inspections update
It was noted that the recent allotment inspections had been undertaken.
Noting that the invoice for the drainage improvement work (£2,600.00 plus VAT) would need to be settled between meetings, it was RESOLVED to approve the payment and allow the Clerk to settle under delegated authority.
10.2. SWDP
Details of a development at Wigan were circulated, showing very large warehouses being built very close to residential properties; concern was expressed that the proposed industrial facilities for the parkway town would be similarly inappropriately located close to existing housing but would be even larger.
10.3. Vision Whittington
10.3.1. To consider the recent residents’ consultation and results
A presentation was received on the outcome of the recent survey. The results of the survey would be shared with parishioners. A review would be undertaken to look at the top residents’ concerns and how the parish council can engage with the relevant authorities on these issues.
10.4. Wellbeing
No matters were reported.
11. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
11.1. High Park & Pershore Road
It was RESOLVED to add fly tipping to the next agenda
11.2. St Peter’s
No matters were reported.
11.3. Whittington Village
Highways/traffic concerns (ongoing).
11.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
Parking concerns (ongoing).
11.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
It was noted that some horse riders had been using footpaths (i.e. not bridleways) and it was RESOLVED to add to the next agenda.
11.6. Whole parish
The budget and precept would be reviewed at the next meeting.
12. Date of the next meeting
There is an SWDP Working Group meeting scheduled for 7:30PM on Tuesday 4th November 2025 (online).
The next parish council meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 25th November 2025.
The meeting closed at 9:09PM.