Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU
Minutes 09/2022
Present: Clive Brazier (Chair), David Boddington, Marianne Boddington, Karen Rock, Helen Allan, Pete Stoddart, Viv Burdon
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), one member of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed parishioners.
2. Apologies for absence
All members present.
3. Declarations of personal and prejudicial interest
3.1. Register of Interests
Noted.
3.2. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
Nil declared.
3.3. Other Disclosable Interests
Viv Burdon declared an Other Disclosable Interest in item 4.1.
3.4. Dispensations
Nil received.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Worcester, Bromyard, Leominster Greenway Project: To receive a presentation.
A presentation was received on the proposed cycleway project to link Worcester, Bromyard and Leominster. A question-and-answer session followed. Further details on the project can be found at: wblgreenway.org.uk
4.2. Ward Councillor
Nigel Shaw (Ward Councillor) had provided a written update on items 6.2 and 9.1.
4.3. Bromyard Downs Common Association
The following update was received:
The BDCA held their Annual General Meeting at the Falcon Hotel on Wednesday 15th June and through the volunteers they have continued with their ongoing work across the Downs during the hot summer months.
The Chair opened the AGM by thanking all of the volunteers, particularly Graham and Mac, for all of their hard work over the last year stating that the common would not be in its current good state without the volunteers.
The Chair then covered the following points under his Annual Review and summary:
• The High Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) has guaranteed monies for pollarding and bracken and brash work.
• Educational visits have been started, organised by Paul Symons. Monies can be claimed for up to 20 visits per year and the Educational Establishment receives a nominal fee towards travel for their visit. Visits so far include Holme Lacy College to see the Bird boxes they made, the Women’s Institute and a visit by from the Guides and Brownies went ahead in July.
• Fly tipping becoming a problem, not only by general public, but also Downs residents. The BDCA are awaiting a letter from Herefordshire Council, which will be delivered to all residents pointing out their responsibilities and will include a copy of the By Laws.
• Several talks relating to the Downs have been given by the Chair to various organisations including Clifford, Dilwyn and Putley Commons, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and Herefordshire Nature Trust.
The committee for the next year was nominated and officers voted on. The Chair thanked all those for standing on the new Committee, and passed a note of thanks to Clive for all his past work as Treasurer throughout the formation and running of the BDCA to date.
A number of questions were asked by the members of the public who were present.
Under AOB, it was agreed that Downs residents need to be made aware that any person doing hedge trimming, tree felling etc to their properties which require tractors or equipment being on the common need to ensure that the contractor has a public liability insurance. This is a requirement of Herefordshire Council. The Chair stated that considerable damage to certain areas on the Downs had been caused last year.
During the last four months the Volunteers have continued with three sessions per month. Their focus for the first two months, June and July, was on the area behind the Caravan Site, on the west side of the A44 removing fallen trees and scrub. The Jubilee Bench and a wrought iron bench at the picnic area on top Downs Road were repaired and repainted in time for the Platinum Jubilee. The areas around the benches have also been mown. The track for the Round the Downs Race was prepared for the event which took place on 19th June. The last two months, August and September, has seen the Volunteers continue the work around the Caravan Site and also on the middle Downs area clearing bush, bracken and removing tree branches as required together with general tidying up. One volunteer session was dedicated to the removal of Ragwort across the meadow areas prior to hay making being carried out. They have also delivered a number of trailer loads of logs which has generated funds for the BDCA.
The Volunteers have also stimmed, scythed and flailed the Downs Car Park. There are however a significant number of pot holes. The BDCA would like to request if the Parish Council would be prepared to fund a load of hard core to fill in the plenteous pot holes?
There have been a number of equipment issues including the flail breaking which delayed the mowing of paths and bracken together with the scythe mower requiring new blades. This was repaired but has subsequently broken down again.
As well as machinery problems, the numbers of volunteers are down at present. A flyer has been delivered to all Downs residents and put in shops in Bromyard asking for help.
The gate repairs and installation have not yet been completed and thus cars driving on the Downs and Overnight Campers continue to be a problem. The BDCA were awaiting advice and communication from Helen Beale, Herefordshire Council. The Chair has finally managed to speak with Helen Beale who has confirmed that there are no funds available for any upkeep of the Downs. She also confirmed that there are no funds available for any of the Herefordshire Council owned Commons.
The round-the-Downs race, which took place on Sunday 19th June, was a great success with approximately 100 participants.
4.4. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
No report was available.
4.5. Hereford Green Network
It was noted that membership was due for renewal (item 10.5.4).
4.6. 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 18th May 2022 and 20th July 2022
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 were three vacancies on the Parish Council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
6.2. A44 Layby Closure, Bringsty
It was noted that Herefordshire Council had reviewed the permanent closure of the layby but it was not currently a priority.
6.3. Police and Crime Commissioner Town and Parish Council Survey 2022
It was noted that the survey had been completed under the Clerk’s delegated authority.
6.4. Herefordshire Council Local Plan 2021-2041 Place Shaping consultation
It was noted that the survey had been completed under the Clerk’s delegated authority.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Herefordshire Council: Open Space Resident Survey and Open Space Assessment Audit.
It was RESOLVED to complete the survey and submit to Herefordshire Council.
7.2. Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments: Option to opt out of the central external auditor appointment arrangements.
It was RESOLVED to continue with the central external auditor appointment arrangements.
8. Planning
8.1. Neighbourhood Development Plan: To receive an update.
No update was available.
8.2. Planning consultations: To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Herefordshire Council:
8.2.1. P222482/F and P222483/L: The Brewery Adjacent The Oasthouse, The Farm, Whitbourne, Worcester, Herefordshire, WR6 5SH. Replacement of small lower section of roof structure that is beyond reasonable repair and insertion of a new doorway on the external elevation.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council had no objections or concerns.
8.2.2. P222922/F: The Bannut, Bromyard Road, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TA. Proposed 5 new dwelling houses and associated works and access.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council would comment on the proposals.
The Parish Council do not object in principle to the sensitive development of this site as it was proposed for inclusion in the Brockhampton Group Neighbourhood Development Plan. However, the plan is still at a very early stage, having completed Regulation 14 stage consultation in 2020 but having received no further revisions since (in view of imminent revisions to Herefordshire Council’s Core Strategy). The settlement boundaries currently proposed in the draft NDP will be reviewed following the consultation feedback received.
The Parish Council have concerns over the proposed density of housing proposed for this location as it is felt that it is not in keeping with nearby properties. The Parish Council would also like to promote more affordable housing in the area as this had been identified in NDP consultation exercises. Ultimately the proposed application fails to meet the needs of the parish and is at odds with the Brockhampton Group NDP vision statement which seeks to identify ‘homes for thriving and distinct local communities… which help meet local requirements and needs for housing’.
There are also serious concerns regarding the proposed access onto the A44, a road that has a history of injury/fatal accidents and is regularly the subject of local concern with regard to excessive vehicle speeds. It is therefore vital that any new access onto this road is carefully considered in the context of Core Strategy Policy MT1 to ensure that the safety of road users and potential future residents is not compromised.
9. Parish matters for discussion/decision
9.1. Bus services: To consider issues regarding the cutting of the DRM bus service between Bromyard and Worcester.
It was noted that a Tuesday off-peak 420 service from Bromyard to Worcester, via Whitbourne, will be reinstated from November 2022.
9.2. Smart Water: To receive an update on the Smart Water scheme and the distribution of kits to parishioners.
The sincere thanks of the Parish Council were extended to Pete Stoddart and his wife for their work delivering kits to parishioners.
9.3. Code of Conduct: To consider adopting the Local Government Association Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020.
It was RESOLVED to adopt the LGA Model Code of Conduct, replacing Herefordshire Council’s Code of Conduct.
10. Finance
10.1. Bank account: To review banking arrangements with a view to utilising online banking.
It was RESOLVED to sign up to internet banking with the existing Lloyds bank account.
10.2. Balances and Reserves Policy: To review and update.
It was RESOLVED to amend the policy to increase provision for election expenses to £4,400.00.
10.3. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve.
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
10.4. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve.
It was RESOVLED to approve the bank reconciliation.
10.5. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
10.5.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses): £373.31
10.5.2. HMRC (PAYE): £64.00
10.5.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund: £133.60
10.5.4. Herefordshire Green Network (membership): £50.00
It was RESOLVED the settle the above invoices and cheques were duly signed.
10.6. Clerk’s Delegation: To note the following payments made between meetings:
10.6.1. 16/06/22 re-issue of cheque 1353 (WCC Pension Fund): £161.66
10.6.2. 20/06/22 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses): £373.31
10.6.3. 20/06/22 HMRC (PAYE): £64.00
10.6.4. 20/06/22 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund: £133.60
10.6.5. 20/07/22 Clerk’s salary and expenses: £373.31
10.6.6. 20/07/22 HMRC PAYE: £64.00
10.6.7. 20/07/22 Pension: £133.60
10.6.8. 17/08/22 Clerk’s salary and expenses: £379.57
10.6.9. 17/08/22 HMRC PAYE: £64.00
10.6.10. 17/08/22 Pension: £133.60
The above payments were noted.
10.7. Direct Debits: To note the following direct debits made between meetings:
10.7.1. 24/09/2022 Information Commissioner (registration): £35.00
The above payment was noted.
11. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
No matters were reported.
12. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Wednesday 16th November 2022.
A resolution was passed to exclude members of the public due to the confidential nature of the following item.
13. Pensions Regulator: To consider re-enrolment duties.
It was noted that the re-declaration deadline is the 2nd May 2023 and the Clerk had completed the re-enrolment duties accordingly.
The meeting closed at 8:58PM.