Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 18th March 2026 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU (///upon.surfacing.outfit)
Minutes 03/2026
Present: Viv Burdon (Chair), Annie Grocott, Clive Brazier, Nigel Shaw, Pete Stoddart (Parish and Ward Councillor), George Johnson
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk)
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 Gwen Dumpleton.
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 (Lengthsman).
3.3. Other Interests: To declare any Other Registerable Interests or Non-Registerable Interests in items on the agenda and their nature.
Viv Burdon declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 10 (Linton Rail and Trail).
Nigel Shaw declared an Other Registerable Interest in item 10 (Linton Rail and Trail).
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 Viv Burdon to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Linton Rail and Trail project.
A dispensation had previously been granted to Nigel Shaw to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Linton Rail and Trail project.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Public participation
No questions were received.
4.2. Ward Councillor
Pete Stoddart provided an update on parish matters as follows (a full report would be made available on the parish council’s website):
I am very pleased to report that the blocked-off layby on the A44 next to the cross Downs road junction which for the last eight years has been an eyesore, has been removed and the area restored back to its natural habitat.
In respect to the traffic situation at Brockhampton School, I am awaiting updates from Traffic Management Officers and others.
I have also contacted BBLP in regard to the drainage issue at the entrance to the Royal Oak pub. They are investigating the issue during March and I hope to have an update for residents in the next month.
Further to a request from a resident in respect to Ash Die Back affected trees I have requested that a Herefordshire Council officer visits her to look at the affected trees.
A local youth leader has requested my assistance in speaking with Herefordshire Council regarding the use of the Ashfields Depot site on A465 Hereford Rd as a youth centre for running Scouts, Guides and the Bromyard Youth Club.
Following a request from a resident in regard to damaged grit bins in the Parish I have had agreement from BBLP that they will replace the grit bin on the cross Downs Road next to White Railings cottage and also the two damaged grit bins on Burying lane.
4.3. Bromyard Downs Common Association
No matters were reported.
4.4. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
No matters were reported.
4.5. Footpaths Officer
Gwen Dumpleton (Footpaths Officer) provided a written report as follows:
The launch of the Bromyard Ring at the Royal Oak, Bromyard Downs on Friday 6 March was very well attended with over 50 people present. There was a very comprehensive display board that showed a large map of the route; background to how the circular route came about and was developed; and photos of places of interest and refreshment stops on the route.
Viv Burdon (PC chair) gave a short introduction to the route then handed over to Ellie Chowns MP who formally opened the walk (with a hokey cokey!) before attendees set off on a short walk on Bromyard Downs led by Bromyard Walkers are Welcome. On their return many stayed on to have lunch at the Royal Oak.
I have commenced my annual PROW checks within the parishes and will resume on my return from holiday.
4.6. Tree Warden
It was noted that two high-vis vests had been issued to the Tree Warden.
The meeting resumed following the open session.
5. To consider and adopt the minutes from the parish council meeting on the 21st January 2026
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.
7. Planning
7.1. To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Herefordshire Council:
7.1.1. Nil.
No new planning matters.
7.2. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
7.2.1. P260099/PIP: Land off Avenbury Lane Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LF. Application for permission in principle for up to 9 dwellings.
It was noted that the following objection had been submitted under delegated authority:
The parish council considered this application under their delegated authority arrangements and, whilst not opposed in principle to residential development, do wish to raise the following objections to this application.
The parish council objects to the scale of development proposed and considers it to represent overdevelopment in this predominantly low-density area. In the absence of layout or design information, the Council is not satisfied that the agricultural, sloping nature of the site can accommodate the proposed density without harm to local character. The proposal is therefore contrary to Core Strategy Policy LD1.
The parish council also objects on highway safety grounds. The site is served by a single-track narrow lane which is well used by pedestrians but lacks a dedicated footway. The parish council considers that the additional traffic generated by the proposed developments would increase risks to pedestrian safety. In addition, the junction of Avenbury Lane with the A44 has a recorded accident history, with four incidents identified via CrashMapUK. The parish council is concerned that the cumulative impact of additional vehicular movements arising from the proposed developments would exacerbate existing safety issues at this junction. This is contrary to Core Strategy Policy MT1, which requires development to be safe, appropriate to its location, and not to compromise highway safety.
The parish council also notes that the application site is not adjacent to the defined development boundary. As such, the proposal does not accord with Herefordshire Core Strategy Policies RA1 and RA2. The parish council therefore considers that granting planning permission in principle in this location would undermine the plan-led approach to development and should be refused.
7.2.2. P260100/PIP: Land off Highwell Lane Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4DG. Application for permission in principle for up to 9 residential dwellings.
It was noted that the following objection had been submitted under delegated authority:
The parish council considered this application under their delegated authority arrangements and, whilst not opposed in principle to residential development, do wish to raise the following objections to this application.
The parish council objects to the scale of development proposed and considers it to represent overdevelopment in this predominantly low-density area. In the absence of layout or design information, the parish council is not satisfied that the agricultural, sloping nature of the site can accommodate the proposed density without harm to local character, contrary to Core Strategy Policy LD1.
The parish council also objects on highway safety grounds. Highwell Lane is a single-track narrow lane which already experiences difficulties serving Highwell House Nursing Home and nearby residential properties. The lane is also regularly used by pedestrians but lacks any dedicated footways. The additional traffic generated by the proposal would significantly increase risk to pedestrians and other road users. The parish council draws attention to appeal decision APP/W1850/W/15/3130841 (P143609/O), relating to land off Highwell Lane, where the Inspector dismissed an appeal for two dwellings due to highway safety concerns, concluding that “…the road already presents problems of highways safety; I consider that even a small intensification of its use would be unacceptable”. The appeal was refused as contrary to Core Strategy Policy MT1 and paragraph 32 of the NPPF. This decision is considered highly material; if two dwellings were unacceptable, the impact of nine dwellings would be substantially greater. On this basis, planning permission in principle should be refused as contrary to Policy MT1 and national policy.
The parish council would also draw attention to the Draft Bromyard and Winslow Design Guidance and Codes and encourages Herefordshire Council to give this document due weight in its assessment of the proposal: https://www.bromyardandwinslow-tc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2025/09/Bromyard-Design-Guidance-and-Codes-3.pdf
8. Highways, Public Rights of Way and Lengthsman
8.1. To receive an update on the 2026/27 lengthsman scheme and to consider any items for the work schedule
It was noted that the Lengthsman budget had been reduced to £888.00 for 2026/27.
It was RESOLVED to apply wood preservative to the parish council’s bus shelter before the end of the financial year.
8.2. To note availability of 2026/27 PRoW grant funding
The availability of grant funding was noted.
8.3. To note availability of 2026/27 drainage grant funding
The availability of grant funding was noted.
8.4. To review the Lengthsman contract for services
It was RESOLVED to renew the Lengthsman contract for services with George Johnson.
8.5. To note the permanent works to close the A44 layby and to consider seeding the bank
It was noted that the work had been completed and that wildflower seeding had already been undertaken.
8.6. To consider an update on Stonehouse Lane/A44 junction parking
It was noted that Herefordshire Council had investigated the issue and did not feel that waiting restrictions to protect the junction were warranted at this time.
It was RESOLVED to ask the Police to review parking at the junction.
8.7. To consider an update on a request for a lower speed limit on the A44
No update was available.
8.8. To consider an update on parking/traffic issues at Brockhampton Primary School
It was noted that a traffic speed and volume survey had been commissioned and the results were awaited. The existing school wig-wag lights were due to be fitted with accompanying signage ’20 when lights flash’. Discussions were ongoing with the school and bus companies.
9. Correspondence for response or action
9.1. Parishioner: Speed Limit request for Burying Lane
Pete Stoddart would request a traffic speed and volume survey to be undertaken.
9.2. Peter Cooks Bread: Request to support a defibrillator for Linton Industrial Estate
It was RESOLVED that the parish council were supportive of the installation of a defibrillator provided that it had unrestricted public access. The parish council would offer to cover the initial purchase costs (up to £950.00 via the London Hearts grant funding scheme), but would not cover ongoing inspection, maintenance costs and electrical supply liabilities.
10. Linton Rail and Trail
10.1. To consider an update on the Linton Rail and Trail project
An update was received.
10.2. To consider an update on the valuation of land associated with the project
An update was received.
10.3. To consider engagement of a structural engineer for reporting on condition of structural assets/bridges (utilising unspent grant funding)
It was noted that enquiries regarding the possible engagement of a Structural Engineer were ongoing. It was RESOLVED to utilise unspent Herefordshire Council grant funding of £965.00 to engage an engineer if it was possible within the short timeframe.
11. Parish matters for discussion/decision
11.1. To consider development of a formal Parish Plan (building on work undertaken for draft NDP)
It was RESOLVED that the parish council would investigate the possibility of developing a formal Parish Plan (building on work undertaken for draft NDP).
11.2. To consider arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting
It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Parish Meeting at 7:00PM on Wednesday 20th May 2026, immediately prior to the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.
12. Finance
12.1. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
12.2. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
12.3. To approve the following invoices for payment:
12.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses March)
12.3.2. HMRC (PAYE March)
12.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension March)
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
12.4. To note the following payments made between meetings under delegated authority:
12.4.1. 12/02/26 David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses February)
12.4.2. 12/02/26 HMRC (PAYE February)
12.4.3. 12/02/26 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension February)
12.4.4. 12/02/26 Elite Industrial Supplied (tree warden vests): £30.61
The above payments were noted.
12.5. To note the following Direct Debit payments made between meetings:
12.5.1. 19/01/26 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
12.5.2. 17/02/26 Lloyds Bank (service charge): £4.25
The above payments were noted.
13. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
No matters were reported.
14. Date of the next meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for 7:00PM on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is scheduled for 7:30PM on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
The meeting closed at 8:55PM.