Meeting of Whittington Parish Council at 7:30PM on Tuesday 29th July 2025 at Whittington Community Hall, WR5 2RQ (///wonderfully.paper.agent)
Minutes 07/2025
Present: Richard Boase (Chair), Adam Hooper, Christine Boase, Katie Lambeth-Mansell
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Jayne Rayer (Whittington Church), Rob Adams (District Councillor), Linda Robinson (County Councillor), two members of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Richard Boase opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Olivia Khong, Stuart Austin, Sean Stock and Helena Bennett.
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 10.1 (Wildmore, Whittington Allotments).
Christine Boase declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 10.1 (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.
Adam Hooper declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.7 (Whittington Community Hall) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Christine Boase declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Richard Boase declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.9 (Whittington Events Group).
Katie Lambeth-Mansell declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.8 (Whittington Charities) and an Other Registerable Interest in item 4.9 (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 Christine Boase to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to Wildmore, Whittington Allotments.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Adam Hooper to allow participation and voting on all matters pertaining to Whittington Community Hall.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Public participation
A member of the public commented on planning application W/25/01407/PIP (item 7.2.1.).
4.2. District Councillors
Rob Adams provided a report as follows:
• Congratulations to Adam and his team for such a successful event at the Community Fair. Although not so many visitors as last year to the event both Linda and myself had more enquiries regarding the County and District councils.
• I have circulated the residents’ local councils reorganisation priorities revealed document.
• At Wychavon’s full council meeting on 23rd July I put the following question to the Council Leader: “The Government has confirmed plans to lower the voting age to 16 at the next general election. Would the Leader take this opportunity to explain to Council what we already do at Wychavon to engage young people in the democratic process?” It’s surprising how much work we do with our young people but we can always do more. I can elaborate if you would like to know more.
• Tips were circulated for staying safe around open water for young people this summer and this would be made available on the parish council website and Facebook.
4.3. County Councillor
Linda Robinson provided a report that would be made available on the parish council website.
4.4. Whittington C of E Primary School
No matters were reported.
4.5. Whittington Church
Jayne Rayer provided a report as follows:
• Concert booked for 3:00PM Sunday 10th August – quiet music for a summer afternoon.
• Two working parties scheduled 10:30AM to 12midday Saturday 16th August 2025 and Tuesday 19th August 2025 – contact David Chestney for further information.
It was RESOLVED to advertise on the parish council website and Facebook.
4.6. Brethren Church
No matters were reported.
4.7. Whittington Community Hall
It was noted that the first ‘Live and Local’ event was scheduled for Saturday 18th October 2025, with further events scheduled for January and March 2026.
4.8. Whittington Charities
A short update was received.
4.9. Whittington Events Group
The recent Whittington Summer Fayre had been a great success and lottery funding was being explored for enhancing future events.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the parish council meeting on the 24th June 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 vacancies
It was noted that there was one vacancy on the parish council and applications from parishioners were welcomed.
It was RESOLVED to publish a notice on the website, Facebook and the Whittington Walk noticeboard.
6.2. Community health and wellbeing initiatives
No matters were reported.
6.3. No fouling signage
It was noted that Wychavon District Council were not supplying new/replacement dog fouling signs.
It was RESOLVED to approve the purchase of new dog fouling signs, possible designs to be reviewed between meetings.
6.4. Wychavon Public Open Space
It was noted that Wychavon District Council were still reviewing the request for an asset list.
7. Planning
7.1. To receive an update and to consider actions in respect of the SWDP / Parkway
An update was received under item 10.2.1.
7.2. To consider the following planning matters to be determined by Wychavon District Council:
7.2.1. W/25/01407/PIP: Happylands Out Of School Centre, Pond Farm, Church Lane, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RQ. Permission in Principle for the construction of up to 4 no. dwellings.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council raise no objections at this stage (but will further review any full application that may be submitted in due course). The parish council notes that there is a factual error in the application as the current premises are used as a pre-school and not an after-school club as stated.
7.2.2. W/25/01501/FUL: Elms Farm, Walkers Lane, Whittington, Worcester, WR5 2RE. Change of use of land being used as a domestic garden from Agricultural to Residential use (Retrospective).
It was RESOLVED that the parish council raise no objections to the proposals but would draw attention to the comments submitted by a nearby resident requesting that a condition removing all permitted development rights is considered.
8. Highways, Transportation and Public Rights of Way
8.1. 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 cut the vegetation obstructing signage on Wildmore.
8.2. To receive an update on ongoing highway issues and a meeting with Worcestershire County Council
It was noted with disappointment that there had been no response from either Worcestershire County Council Highways, or the new Cabinet Member for Highways.
It was RESOLVED that Linda Robinson would arrange an online meeting with officers from Worcestershire County Council Highways.
8.3. To receive an update on the request for a lower speed limit for Whittington Road and Swinesherd Way
It was noted that Linda Robinson had approved investigations into a lower speed limit for Whittington Road and Swinesherd Way.
8.4. To consider requesting additional road markings for Church Lane (layby)
It was RESOLVED that the parish council did not support additional road markings for the Church Lane layby as it might encourage parking and may increase vehicle speeds.
9. Parish matters for consideration
9.1. To consider and adopt an IT policy
It was RESOLVED to adopt an IT policy.
9.2. To consider councillor email addresses
It was RESOLVED to have a generic chair@whittingtonparish.gov.uk address.
It was RESOLVED that if any other councillors wanted a parish email address, then the clerk would set this up.
10. Working Groups
10.1. Community Spaces (including allotments)
10.1.1. Allotment inspections update
It was noted that the follow up inspection would be delayed until later in August due to holiday commitments.
10.1.2. Allotment padlock replacement
It was noted that the recently replaced padlock had disappeared and so a second replacement had been ordered.
10.1.3. To receive an update on the grant application for the Wychavon Rural Fund
It was noted that the application had been unsuccessful.
10.1.4. To consider quotes and alternative funding for drainage and turfing work
It was RESOLVED to approve a quote from Diggs Gardening Services at £5,702.11 for turfing the allotment paths.
It was RESOLVED to make an application to The Stobart Sustainability Fund for grant funding and, if this was unsuccessful, to explore any other funding opportunities that may arise.
10.2. SWDP
10.2.1. To receive an update on the Worcestershire Parkway stakeholder engagement workshops
A short update on the stakeholder workshops was received.
10.3. Vision Whittington
10.3.1. To consider and adopt a Terms of Reference
It was RESOLVED to adopt a Vision Whittington Terms of Reference.
10.3.2. To consider possible residents’ consultation and arrangements
It was RESOLVED to proceed with a residents’ consultation on parish council priorities, incorporating a survey on possible precept increases, with a view to informing the parish council’s decision on setting the precept later in the year.
It was RESOLVED to approve a quote from Hughes and Company at £270.00 for printing of the residents’ survey.
10.4. Wellbeing
No matters were reported.
11. Correspondence for response or action
11.1. West Mercia PCC: Town and Parish Council Survey
It was RESOLVED that the Chair would complete and circulate the Town and Parish Council Survey for approval and submission between meetings.
12. Finance
12.1. To consider an update on bank signatory changes
It was noted that Tony Fradgley had been removed as a signatory to the bank account.
12.2. To consider establishing an earmarked reserve for future project work
It was RESOLVED to defer discussions until the budget was under review, later in the year.
12.3. To consider and approve the latest budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
12.4. To consider and approve the latest bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
12.5. 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. Citizens Advice South Worcestershire (donation): £100.00
12.5.5. SCJ Gardening (Lengthsman): £120.00
12.5.6. SCJ Gardening (allotments bark): £830.00
12.5.7. Richard Boase (allotment padlock): £24.29
12.5.8. Richard Boase (allotment padlock 2): £21.98
12.5.9. Worcestershire CALC (training): £42.00
12.5.10. St. Philip & St. James PCC (donation): £700.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12.6. To note the following direct debit payments between meetings:
12.6.1. 15/07/25 Information Commissioner (registration): £47.00
12.6.2. 21/07/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
The above payments were noted.
13. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
13.1. High Park & Pershore Road
No matters were reported.
13.2. St Peter’s
No matters were reported.
13.3. Whittington Village
Issues of anti-social behaviour were reported; it was RESOLVED to review between meetings to see which authorities might be able to assist with the issues.
13.4. Whittington Walk & Swinesherd
It was RESOLVED to send a letter to a business on Whittington Walk asking for additional consideration on traffic/parking issues.
13.5. Wildmore, Walkers Lane and Whittington Road
It was noted that the new trees planted on Wildmore had not been watered and had become overgrown with other vegetation; it was RESOLVED to follow this up with Wychavon District Council.
It was noted that the damaged Smartwater sign had been replaced.
13.6. Whole parish
No matters were reported.
14. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Tuesday 23rd September 2025.
A resolution was passed to exclude members of the public due to the confidential nature of the following item.
15. To review obligations for re-enrolment with The Pensions Regulator
It was noted that the pensions re-enrolment had been completed with a start date of 1st July 2025.
The meeting closed at 10:35PM.