Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 15th March 2023 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU
Minutes 03/2023
Present: Clive Brazier (Chair), Helen Allan, Viv Burdon, Karen Rock, Pete Stoddart
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), Nigel Shaw (Ward Councillor), one member of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. Apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from David Boddington and Marianne Boddington.
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
Nil declared.
3.4. Dispensations
Nil received.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Ward Councillor
Nigel Shaw provided a report as follows:
Brockhampton Group Parish Specific:
Vandalism to the roof of the bus shelter on Bringsty has been reported.
Garden waste has been dumped by the information signs on the Live and Let Live track on Bringsty. The pub, incidentally, reopened on 3rd March.
The A44 on the Bringsty bends has subsided, and temporary traffic lights enforcing single lane operation have been in place for three weeks. Remediation works are currently under way with daytime closures between 9:30am and 3:30pm.
A development of five properties at the Bannut on Clater Bank (A44) was turned down by officers.
Elsewhere in the Ward:
No new planning application has yet been received in respect of the Wheatsheaf at the village entrance on the A44, but I am advised that one is now expected and it has been suggested that the agent present the design during the public session at the parish council.
The VAS (vehicle activated sign) at High Cross, Upper Sapey, a particular accident black spot, has not yet been installed but I have seen the approved plans which feature three signs and am still being promised installation by financial year end. A further accident, this time by a vehicle approaching from Bromyard, has been reported. I understand that police are investigating this.
I’m pleased to confirm that the Hop Pole planning application has now been approved.
A new application in respect of listed building consent is anticipated in respect of 43 High Street following its new ownership. I’m advised that a planning consultant is now assisting the applicant.
The TRO consultation notices have been posted for the double yellow lines by the post office crossing, at the start of Rowberry St by the changed egress onto Church Street. This will enable any cars parking on the pavement to be given a penalty notice. Work is beginning shortly on the changes to parking in Cruxwell St.
I was disappointed by the split town council decision on the new crossing in Cruxwell St. I had previously quizzed officers in respect of its safety and positioning and it is sited in the only position that functions with the desire line and within current design parameters. Funding may be lost if the works do not proceed.
I have asked enforcement officers to examine the environ around the business unit on the Porthouse rise development, as the land around the unit has become overgrown and unsightly, affecting the amenity of residents. Ultimately this can be done through a section 215 notice, but land owners generally respond to a request before any statutory action becomes necessary.
I asked a question at Cabinet about the current overspend of the Council which now exceeds £9m. Confirmation was given that the whole of the remaining financial resilience reserve is to be used to address any overspend this year and that only £3m is expected to be in that reserve at the end of next year. The finances of the Council are now a lot less resilient than they have been since 2019. My amendment to the budget, to divert more funding (£600k) to the maintenance of rural C and U roads and invest in the County running track (£70k) was defeated in full council by two votes.
This will be my last report to you. I have enjoyed working with you, however frustrating it has been at times to provide responses! I hope that whoever follows me continues to attend and support your council and its community.
4.2. Bromyard Downs Common Association
It was noted that the BDCA were meeting at the same time as the Parish Council.
4.3. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
There were no matters to report.
4.4. Hereford Green Network
There were no matters to report.
4.5. 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 January 2023
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 and elections
It was noted that there were multiple vacancies on the Parish Council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
7. Correspondence
7.1. Police: Community Charter and local policing priorities.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council’s top three policing priorities were:
• Speeding
• Rural theft
• Fly tipping
It was RESOLVED to ask the Police for theft crime data following the introduction of the Smart Water initiative.
It was RESOLVED to invite the Police to attend the next Parish Council meeting.
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. P230465/F and P230466/L: Barns at Yearsett Court Farm, Linley Green Road, Whitbourne, Herefordshire, WR6 5RQ. Proposed conversion of existing barns into 3 x holiday lets, upgrades to existing access, formation of parking area and all associated works.
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council had no objections or concerns with the proposals.
9. Parish matters for discussion/decision
9.1. SmartWater: To consider costs for the purchase of additional kits to allow 100% coverage.
It was noted that an additional 64 kits would be required to provide 100% coverage and with the grant funding available this would cost £427.20. It was RESOLVED to approve the purchase of the kits in principle, but a final decision would be deferred until after the May elections.
9.2. Vehicle speeding: To receive feedback from adjacent Parish Councils regarding the purchase of a shared Vehicular Activated Sign (VAS) or Speed Indicating Device (SID).
It was noted that Whitbourne Parish Council were supportive of the proposals but had requested further information and costings.
It was noted that North Bromyard Group were due to consider the suggestion at their next meeting.
It was RESOLVED to make a grant funding application to the Police and Crime Commissioner in April 2023. It was noted that the sign would need to accommodate 30MPH, 40MPH and 50MPH speed limits.
9.3. Lengthsman Scheme: To receive an update on Herefordshire Council’s Lengthsman Scheme.
It was noted that the Clerk had submitted an application to Herefordshire Council to apply for grant funding.
It was RESOLVED to review a possible budget for the Lengthsman scheme in November.
9.4. Annual Meetings: To consider the date and format of the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.
It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Parish Meeting at 7:00PM on Wednesday 17th May 2023.
It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 17th May 2023.
10. Finance
10.1. Budget expenditure: To consider and approve.
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
10.2. Bank reconciliation: To consider and approve.
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
10.3. Invoices: To approve the following invoices for payment:
10.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses): £410.77
10.3.2. HMRC (PAYE): £69.60
10.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund: £142.95
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices and cheques were duly signed.
10.4. Clerk’s Delegation: To note the following payments made between meetings:
10.4.1. 15/02/23 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses): £401.70
10.4.2. 15/02/23 HMRC (PAYE): £69.80
10.4.3. 15/02/23 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund: £142.95
The above delegated payments were noted.
11. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Internet banking
• Invitation to the Police
12. Date of the next meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for 7:00PM on Wednesday 17th May 2023.
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for 7:30PM on Wednesday 17th May 2023.
The meeting closed at 20:48PM.