Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 17th September 2025 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU (///upon.surfacing.outfit)
Minutes 09/2025
Present: Clive Brazier (Vice-Chair), Gwen Dumpleton, Pete Stoddart (Ward and Parish Councillor), George Johnson
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk), James Hawkins (BDCA), PCSO Stephenson (Police)
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Clive Brazier opened the meeting as Vice-Chair and welcomed attendees.
2. To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Viv Burdon and 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 9.1 (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.
It was RESOLVED to grant a dispensation to Viv Burdon for a period of four years to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Linton Rail and Trail project.
4. Co-option: To consider applications received to fill the councillor vacancies.
It was RESOLVED to co-opt Peter Lane onto the parish council and it was RESOLVED to defer signing the declaration of acceptance of office until a future meeting.
It was RESOLVED to co-opt Annie Grocott onto the parish council and it was RESOLVED to defer signing the declaration of acceptance of office until a future meeting.
5. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
5.1. Public participation
No questions were received.
5.2. Police
PCSO Stephenson provided an update on local policing issues and priorities, including:
• Cars being broken into and stolen in the area
• Rural break-ins, including an outbuilding on Bromyard Downs
Replacement SmartWater signs were requested and would be investigated.
5.3. Ward Councillor
Pete Stoddart provided a report as follows:
At the end of August, Herefordshire Council’s “long year of delivery” — an ambitious 18-month programme of multi-million-pound investment designed to bring lasting benefits to families, businesses and communities across the county — commenced with the ground-breaking of the Hereford Transport Hub. The £11 million Hub will integrate key travel connections, making it easier to move around by train, bus, car, bike, taxi, or on foot. This forms part of a wider Local Transport Plan shaped by public input, with strong support for better bus services, active travel options, and the Bypass. The Hub will enhance the area around the station, providing new bus stands and layovers, taxi and car parking areas (including commuter and short-term parking), indoor welfare facilities for passengers, and covered cycle facilities with lockers.
You will have noticed flags appearing on buildings and highways infrastructure in Herefordshire. Herefordshire Council subsequently wrote to all Town and Parish Councils and in doing so set out the Council’s position on this matter. Herefordshire Council is proud to fly the Union Flag from our headquarters at Plough Lane, and we support communities who wish to express their patriotism but done so safely and within the law. As a highways authority, we must follow central government guidance on how infrastructure is presented and maintained. We are required to remove or paint over such markings to remain legally compliant. Where public safety is at risk, we will act immediately; otherwise, any remedial work will be carried out during routine maintenance. This approach balances respect for residents’ patriotism with our duty to maintain safe, compliant roads and use council resources efficiently.
Herefordshire Council are very aware that the public unrest surrounding immigration, identity and economic uncertainty could prove unsettling for some. We are working with partners at West Mercia Police, NHS and voluntary and community sector organisations to better understand how Herefordshire is being affected. Herefordshire prides itself in being a warm and welcoming place and we will do all we can to ensure it stays that way by acting swiftly should tensions arise. If anyone has any concerns across the ward then please contact West Mercia police on 111.
The Baton of Hope is the largest suicide prevention charity in the UK and it is coming through Herefordshire on 2 October. We are the only stop in the West Midlands! The Baton will be carried through the city by 68 local baton bearers, each with a personal connection to suicide or mental health. The day will begin with a special launch at the Farmers’ Market, before travelling on tractors to the colleges, then moving through key venues including the Cathedral, NMITE, the Courtyard, Hereford FA, Halo Leisure, the Police Station, the Kindle Centre and Hinton Community Centre finishing with a finale at the Town Hall. Alongside the relay there will be community stalls, music, and opportunities to connect with suicide prevention support such as the Orange Button scheme. It’s a unique opportunity for us as a community to come together, raise awareness, tackle stigma, and show support for residents, families and colleagues affected by suicide.
Please remember to inform Herefordshire Council of the location of non-emergency potholes, 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 of Parish Councils.
I am pleased to say that the issue with regarding grazing on Bringsty common has now been resolved to the satisfaction of the Chair of Bringsty Common Manorial Court.
I am present at the Surgery in the Foyer of the Conquest Theatre on the first Saturday of the month from 10:30 – 12:00 for residents to meet with me in person.
5.4. Bromyard Downs Common Association
James Hawkins provided a report, including:
• Four new gates have been installed across Bromyard Downs (not five as stated in previous minutes)
• Issues with the padlock on Malvern Road had been resolved
• There had been a recent talk on the trees of Herefordshire
• Bromyard Festival of Speed had been a success
• Fire emergency routes were under review
• Ongoing roadside ash tree problems were under review
5.5. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
No matters were reported.
5.6. Footpaths Officer
A short update was received. A leaflet and website were being produced by ‘Bromyard Walkers are Welcome’ to encourage tourism and walking in the area.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
6. To consider and adopt the minutes from the parish council meeting on the 16th July 2025
It was RESOLVED to adopt the minutes as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.
7. Progress reports
7.1. Councillor vacancies
It was noted that there were now only two vacancies on the parish council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
7.2. Defibrillators/funding
It was RESOLVED to make further enquiries with The Royal Oak as it was considered that this was the most suitable place for an additional defibrillator. If a suitable location could be identified a grant funding application would be submitted to London Hearts accordingly.
The Live and Let Live had expressed support for a defibrillator and it was RESOLVED that this could be explored in future as budgets allow.
8. Planning
8.1. To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Herefordshire Council:
8.1.1. P252502/U: Saltmarshe Castle Caravan Park Tedstone Wafre Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4PN. Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for existing use of land as a recreation field and to demonstrate that the use on the Application Site as a caravan site is lawful.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections provided it was not used in support of future planning applications.
8.2. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
8.2.1. P251199/F and P251200/L: Yearsett Court Farm, Linley Green, Whitbourne, Herefordshire, WR6 5RQ. Proposed conversion of traditional barn into holiday let and all associated works.
It was noted that the parish council had responded with the following comments:
Brockhampton Group Parish Council considered this application under their delegated authority arrangements and support the application which makes use of a redundant farm building to diversify the farming activities and bring visitors into the area. In view of the proposed size of the conversion, could a suitable condition be considered to ensure that future use is restricted to a holiday let and not a permanent residence.
8.2.2. P251885/F (re-consultation): Land at Malvern View Country Estate, Woodend Lane, Stanford Bishop, Worcester. Application for variation of condition 2 following grant of planning permission 172345 – 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 noted that the parish council had responded with no objections.
9. Highways, Public Rights of Way and Lengthsman
9.1. To receive an update on the lengthsman scheme and to consider any items for the work schedule
George Johnson provided an update on recent lengthsman activities.
It was RESOLVED to re-cut the grips on Malvern Road to aid drainage.
9.2. To consider an update on PRoW maintenance and grant funding (PRoW Grant Funding)
It was noted that £1,035.00 grant funding had been secured for PRoW maintenance activities. It was RESOLVED to approve a quote from KNJ Property Maintenance of £1,186.00 (plus VAT) to undertake the work.
9.3. To consider an update on traffic calming measures and grant funding (Bromyard Downs)
It was noted that the grant funding application to the Police and Crime Commissioner had been unsuccessful and it was RESOLVED to consider reapplying in future years.
9.4. To consider an update on drainage maintenance and grant funding (Local Drainage Fund)
It was RESOLVED that Pete Stoddart would make enquiries with Herefordshire Council to see if approval and grant funding could be secured to clear the A44 layby to restore drainage function. The rubble filled builders bags could be replaced with flexible bollards/marker posts to ensure that it is not used for parking.
9.5. To explore of funding / quotes for permanent closure of A44 layby
Discussed under item 9.4.
10. Linton Rail and Trail
10.1. To consider an update on the Linton Rail and Trail project and to consider support
An update was received on the proposed Linton Rail and Trail project.
10.2. To consider an application to the District Valuer for land associated with the project
It was RESOLVED to make enquiries with the District Valuer with a view to identifying costs and starting the process.
11. Correspondence for response or action
11.1. Ellie Chowns MP: Bromyard Public Meeting 24th September 2025
The above public meeting was noted.
It was RESOLVED that the parish council would continue to circulate similar events where they are of a non-political nature.
11.2. Herefordshire Council: Parish Council’s Charter and Parish Summit on Tuesday 7th October 2025
The date of the parish summit was noted.
12. Parish matters for discussion/decision
12.1. To consider membership of The Countryside Charity (CPRE)
It was RESOLVED that the parish council would apply for membership to The Countryside Charity for the next twelve months and would review thereafter.
13. Finance
13.1. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
13.2. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
13.3. To approve the following invoices for payment:
13.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
13.3.2. HMRC (PAYE)
13.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
13.3.4. Worcestershire County Council (training): £42.00
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
13.4. To note the following payments made between meetings under delegated authority:
13.4.1. 07/08/25 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses August)
13.4.2. 07/08/25 HMRC (PAYE August)
13.4.3. 07/08/25 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension August)
The above payments were noted.
13.5. To note the following Direct Debit payments made between meetings:
13.5.1. 21/07/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
13.5.2. 19/08/25 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
The above payments were noted.
14. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
No matters were reported.
15. Date of the next meeting
It was noted that the next scheduled meeting is at 7:30PM on Wednesday 19th November 2025.
A resolution was passed to exclude members of the public due to the confidential nature of the following item.
16. Clerk’s employment: To note the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) National Salary Award 2025-26.
It was noted that the 2025/26 salary award had been applied and backdated to 1st April 2025.
The meeting closed at 9:07PM.