Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 16th July 2025 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU (///upon.surfacing.outfit)
Minutes 07/2025
Present: Viv Burdon (Chair), Pete Stoddard (Parish and Ward Councillor), Gwen Dumpleton, Clive Brazier, George Johnson
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), one member of the public
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Viv Burdon opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Nigel Shaw.
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.
George Johnson declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in item 8.1 (Lengthsman Scheme).
3.3. Other Interests: To declare any Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Nil declared.
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.
Nil received.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Public participation
A member of the public was in attendance and was interested in becoming a parish councillor; an application form would be sent accordingly.
4.2. Ward Councillor
Pete Stoddard provided a report as follows:
I mentioned last month about the Local Government Boundary Commission for England announcing an electoral review of Herefordshire Council. Herefordshire Council responded by requesting for the review to be delayed for one year due to allow us to more fully develop our local plan and produce an accurate five-year forecast, and our exploration of options around the current review of local government arrangements (devolution). Unfortunately, the Boundary Commission has decided to proceed with the electoral review which will formally start in November 2025.
At the recent Local Government Association (LGA) conference, the Deputy Prime Minister launched the Local Government Outcomes Framework (LGOF). This Framework sets 15 outcomes that Government expects to work with local authorities on to deliver key national priorities for local people and communities.
On 10 July, the Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill sets out the upcoming reorganisation of local government. It includes an outline of the devolution structures, how strategic authorities will operate and the role of Mayors. Herefordshire Council will give careful consideration to what devolution will mean for Herefordshire and I will update all residents once this becomes clearer.
Armed Forces week took place in Herefordshire during 23 – 28 Jun. This year Hereford was the host with events in the old market on Saturday 28th which I attended as Chair of the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership with a number of number of civic leaders. In a moving ceremony, the Lord Lieutenant laid a wreath at the statue for Alan Lewis VC.
At the end of June, Herefordshire Council participated in the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC). The outcome of the peer review was positive and the wide range of partnership working in Herefordshire was particularly noted. The review noted that Herefordshire Council is a good council, which is striving hard to improve further.
Whilst the weather in Herefordshire has been glorious over the last few weeks. The growing heat can be difficult for some. I would like to make you all aware that there is information about keeping well during the summer including tips on how to stay cool on the Talk Community website
In late June the Herefordshire Council Transport Team hosted a Bus Summit, which brought together council staff and members with bus operators and user representatives to discuss how bus travel could be improved. Bus travel in the county faces several challenges including providing frequent and commercially viable services in a rural county, funding uncertainty and infrastructure issues. Our aim is for better bus connectivity between Hereford and the market towns, so that bus travel becomes a viable alternative to using the car.
The Annual Canvass of residents to check their detail for the Electoral Register has started. Herefordshire Council will be sending communications via email and text message in July, before sending out hardcopy forms later in the autumn. The email will arrive to electors from herefordshire.electoral.services@notifications.service.gov.uk
The text will arrive from GOV.UK, both will contain a link directing them to the online web response. The email/text message is genuine and the link is safe to click. Electoral Services can be contacted on 01432 260107 or canvass@herefordshire.co.uk with any issues.
Please remember to inform Herefordshire Council of the location of non-emergency pot holes, drainage issues and Public Rights of Way (PROW) issues using the Herefordshire Council website https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/roads-1
For any emergency potholes please report them via the 24hour telephone number
01432 261800
Brockhampton Group:
Work continues with Herefordshire Council Officers and Bringsty Common Manorial Court in regards to an issue regarding grazing on Bringsty common and also some issues in respect of dangerous trees on the common.
Following discussion with Gigaclear regarding provision of high speed access for residents of Linton Court, they have requested that residents contact them directly or through their management company to make them aware of their wish for provision of services.
4.3. Bromyard Downs Common Association
An update was received as follows:
• Five new gates with combination locks had been installed on Bromyard Downs to prevent unauthorised access.
• BDCA will have a stand at the Bromyard Festival of Speed.
4.4. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
No matters were reported.
4.5. Footpaths Officer
Gwen Dumpleton provided an update as follows:
• A new footpath gate had been delivered for installation by a landowner.
• Two broken footbridges were under review; one will be repaired and one will be replaced.
• The Public Rights of Way grant funding (item 8.4) had expired and could not be reclaimed, however the hardware and furniture could be retained.
• Several popular local walks were under review and would be promoted.
• The Herefordshire Tree Warden network had offered to give a talk at a future parish council meeting.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on the 21st May 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 were currently four vacancies on the parish council.
6.2. Tree Preservation Orders
It was noted that TPO697 (Bannut, Bromyard Road) had been confirmed on 04/06/25.
6.3. Fibre broadband
It was noted that there was fibre broadband to Linton Court flats, but the property management agent would need to ask for the relevant connections to be implemented.
Pete Stoddard would circulate information on broadband for inclusion on the parish council’s website.
7. Planning
7.1. To receive an update on the Brockhampton Group Neighbourhood Development Plan
It was noted that the grant funding for Neighbourhood Development Plans had been withdrawn. It was RESOLVED to defer progress on the NDP until Herefordshire’s Local Plan had been finalised and until further grant funding opportunities were made available.
7.2. To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Herefordshire Council:
7.2.1. P251691/F: Dwelling at Woolner Hill Farm, Stonehouse Lane, Bringsty, Hereford, Herefordshire WR6 5TF. Proposed conversion of an agricultural building to provide a three bedroom residential dwelling with associated works, including solar panels.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council do not object to the proposals, provided that it is conditioned that permitted development rights are removed (so any additional modifications or additional buildings require a separate planning application). The parish council also draw attention to an inconsistency in the application, which is for three bedrooms, but the plans show four bedrooms.
7.2.2. P251885/F: Land at Malvern View Country Estate, Woodend Lane, Stanford Bishop, Worcester. Application for variation of condition 2 following grant of planning permission 172345 – (Change of use of land for siting of up to 95 no. caravans, and a change of use, and comprehensive redevelopment of existing farmyard buildings and associated agricultural barns to provide additional facilities including indoor pool, gymnasium, spa, owners lounge, office area, play barn, children’s entertainment area and petting farm) – to enable new-build elements of originally permitted leisure hub & spa facility to be replaced with a smaller scale standalone building, and to reconfigure layout and landscaping associated with the 41 caravans permitted elsewhere within Area B.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections to the proposals.
7.3. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
7.3.1. P251140/FH: Clater Park Bringsty Worcester Herefordshire WR6 5TP. Construction of a small traditional greenhouse in the enclosed garden of Clater Park.
It was noted that the parish council had responded under delegated authority with no objections.
7.3.2. P251535/FH: 2 Cold Harbour Bringsty Worcester Herefordshire WR6 5TG. Proposed timber shed in front garden.
It was noted that the parish council had responded under delegated authority with no objections.
7.3.3. P251424/U: Caravan Club Site Bringsty Worcester Herefordshire WR6 5TE. Application for lawful development certificate for the existing use as a caravan (touring) site.
It was noted that the parish council had responded under delegated authority with no objections.
7.3.4. P251538/L: Home House Farm, Bringsty, Worcester, Herefordshire WR6 5UH. Proposed structural repairs to the front.
It was noted that the parish council had responded under delegated authority with no objections.
8. Highways, Public Rights of Way and Lengthsman
8.1. To receive an update on the Lengthsman Scheme and to consider any items for the Lengthsman’s work schedule
It was RESOLVED that the Lengthsman would arrange to repair a damaged stile near Linton Mill.
It was suggested that a spraying contractor could be appointed to undertake work that would otherwise fall outside of the Lengthsman’s remit.
8.2. To consider an update on traffic calming measures and grant funding (Bromyard Downs)
It was noted that a grant application had been submitted for £2,796.00 to cover the supply of white traffic gates for Bromyard Downs.
8.3. To consider an update on drainage maintenance and grant funding (Local Drainage Fund)
It was RESOLVED to pursue quotes for drainage improvement works at Linton and to make an application to the Local Drainage Fund accordingly. It was RESOLVED to seek permission from the BDCA, as the work would be partially across common land.
8.4. To consider an update on PRoW maintenance and grant funding (PRoW Grant Funding)
It was noted that two stiles and two finger posts were awaiting installation and several stiles still required repair.
It was RESOLVED to resubmit last year’s application to Herefordshire Council and to arrange quotes for an additional contractor to undertake the work.
8.5. To explore funding / quotes for permanent closure of A44 layby
It was RESOLVED to propose a low-cost scheme to Herefordshire Council for closing the layby with flexible bollards (and removing the unsightly builder’s bags).
9. Parish matters for discussion/decision
9.1. To consider possible locations for installation of a defibrillator and to review funding
It was RESOLVED to approach the Royal Oak and Live and Let Live to see if they wanted to support the introduction of defibrillators, subject to funding being available.
9.2. To consider and adopt an IT policy
It was RESOLVED to adopt an IT policy.
10. Correspondence for response or action
10.1. Herefordshire Council: Local Plan Call for Sites update
An update on the Local Plan was received.
11. Finance
11.1. To receive an update on bank signatory changes
It was noted that Karen Rock had been removed as a signatory, and Nigel Shaw added as a full power signatory.
11.2. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
11.3. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
11.4. To approve the following invoices for payment:
11.4.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
11.4.2. HMRC (PAYE)
11.4.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
11.5. To note the following payments made between meetings under delegated authority:
11.5.1. 22/05/25 Bringsty Common Manorial Court (donation): £100.00
11.5.2. 17/06/25 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses June)
11.5.3. 17/06/25 HMRC (PAYE June)
11.5.4. 17/06/25 WCC Pension Fund (Clerk’s pension June)
The above payments were noted.
11.6. To note the following Direct Debit payments made between meetings:
11.6.1. 19/05/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
11.6.2. 17/06/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
The above payments were noted.
12. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to invite the Tree Warden Network to attend a future parish council meeting to give a talk.
13. Date of the next meeting
The next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Wednesday 17th September 2025.
A resolution was passed to exclude members of the public due to the confidential nature of the following item.
14. To review obligations for re-enrolment with The Pensions Regulator
It was noted that the re-enrolment duties had been completed on 1st July 2025.
The meeting closed at 9:07PM.