Meeting of Brockhampton Group Parish Council at 7:30PM on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at Bromyard & Winslow Town Council Offices, HR7 4DU (///upon.surfacing.outfit)
Minutes 03/2025
Present: Clive Brazier (Chair), Nigel Shaw, Viv Burdon, Pete Stoddart (Ward and Parish Councillor), George Johnson
In attendance: David Hunter-Miller (Clerk)
1. Chairman’s welcome and announcements
Clive Brazier opened the meeting and welcomed attendees.
2. To receive apologies and to approve reasons for absence
Apologies were noted from Peter Lane and 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.
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 6.3.
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 George Johnson for a period of four years to allow participation, but not voting, on all matters pertaining to the Lengthsman.
4. Open Session
The meeting was adjourned for the open session.
4.1. Police
No report was available.
4.2. Ward Councillor
Pete Stoddart provided a report as follows:
Update from Herefordshire Council as at 13 March 2025
The government published national planning reforms in December 2024, included the introduction of new mandatory housing targets. The figure that Herefordshire must plan for is 27,260 new homes over the next 20 years, compared with the 16,100 provided for in the present Local Plan. This housing will need to be accompanied with appropriate levels of employment, community facilities and infrastructure to accommodate the increase in population. This huge increase means that the Local Plan cannot progress in its current form. We have subsequently notified government in early March that we intend to begin production of a new-style local plan under the government’s revised plan-making system, as set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. This will allow for detailed additional assessments along with the production of robust evidence to guide the delivery of this increased growth.
Herefordshire has recently received £1.124m from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) capital fund. This is excellent news and another step forward for our electric vehicle strategy. This funding will be used to increase the number of charge-points across the county to help meet rapidly growing demand and support residents who do not have off-street parking.
Herefordshire Council continues to develop its thinking around what Devolution will mean in the county. The Leader and the Chief Executive, along with key directors, have been proactively engaging with central government to understand the potential impact on, and opportunities for, Herefordshire. We’re awaiting further announcements to help shape and inform our planning. Our neighbours Worcestershire and Gloucestershire County Councils need to undergo a programme of Local Government Reorganisation before they will be in a position to participate further in discussion around what a potential strategic mayoral authority footprint involving Herefordshire may look like. We will use this time to participate in regional and national working groups and networks to ensure that Herefordshire remains ahead. I will continue to share information and developments with you as I receive them.
On Tuesday 11th March as the Chairman of the Herefordshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, I led our Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Annual Review and Business Breakfast which was attended by over 90 individuals from across the county including the Lord Lieutenant. The theme this year was around employment and training for military spouses and female veterans, highlighting the unique and particular challenges they face and the support available to them.
The Talk Community Big Family WOW event on Tuesday 18th February was hugely successful, with more than 500 attendees. The day had a brilliant atmosphere, and it was great to see families trying and enjoying new things including cheerleading, circus skills, drumming, caving, and slime-making which received a big thumbs-up from the children. There was also the opportunity to connect with local services in a fun and informal setting to learn about healthy food, wellbeing support and local services.
The next Parish Council Summit will be held on Tuesday 8th April, at Plough Lane from 5.30pm. Please let your parish and town councillors know of your opinions for them to raise at this event.
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 of Parish Councils
I remain engaged with a number of local parish residents in respect to the resolution of various planning issues. I would like to commend Brockhampton Parish Council and their Lengthsman for the excellent job that they have done in regards to clearing the drainage ditch on the A44 from the Brockhampton School junction to Linton Villas. This is £2, 000 of local drainage funds well used.
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.
4.3. Bromyard Downs Common Association
A short update was received.
It was noted that a community litter pick had been arranged on the Bromyard Downs for 2:00PM on Saturday 5th April 2025.
4.4. Bringsty Common Manorial Court
No update was available.
4.5. Footpaths Officer
Gwen Dumpleton (Footpaths Officer) had inspected and placed way markers on the two new pedestrian gates that the landowner has installed at Humble Bee Hall, Stonehouse Lane.
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 15th January 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 three vacancies on the parish council and enquiries from parishioners were welcomed.
6.2. Memorial to Dr David Boddington
It was noted that a replacement memorial tree had been planted.
6.3. Local Transport Plan (LTP) and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)
It was noted that public engagement would start on the Local Transport Plan during May 2025 and it would go to Herefordshire Council Cabinet during November 2025.
It was noted that public engagement would start on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan during the summer 2025 and it would go to Herefordshire Council Cabinet during November 2025.
7. Planning
7.1. To receive an update on the Brockhampton Group Neighbourhood Development Plan
No update was available.
7.2. To consider the following planning applications to be determined by Herefordshire Council:
7.2.1. P250825: Land off Stonehouse Lane, Stonehouse Lane, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TG. Upgrade approx. 350 meters of existing 11kV overhead line from single phase (2 wire) to three phase (3 wire).
It was RESOLVED that the parish council had no objections.
7.3. To note responses made under delegated authority for the following applications:
7.3.1. P250287/L: Turnpike Cottage The Downs Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4QW. Proposed replacement of 3 no. inefficient, single glazed, timber windows, to the SE and SW elevations.
It was noted that the parish council had responded in support of the proposals.
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
Thanks were extended to George Johnson for his efforts in assisting clearing the drainage ditches on the A44.
It was RESOLVED to enquire with Whitbourne Parish Council regarding the Vehicular Activated Sign schedule and return of the sign.
8.2. To consider the Lengthsman contract for services
It was RESOLVED to renew a contract for services with George Johnson at £15.00 per hour.
8.3. To consider traffic calming measures Bromyard Downs
It was noted that the BDCA were supportive of white gate traffic calming features for Bromyard Downs; it was RESOLVED to defer further discussions until details of the Police and Crime Commissioner grant funding 2025-26 was released.
8.4. To note reporting of collapsing culvert under the lane between Linley Green and Nuttage Farm
It was noted that the collapsing culvert had been reported to Herefordshire Council.
8.5. To note vandalism of the bus shelters and to consider repair
It was noted that the bus shelter at Linton had been graffitied and it was proving difficult to remove; it was RESOLVED to make arrangements to repair/replace the damaged panel.
It was noted that the roof had been vandalised on the bus shelter at Bringsty; Nigel Shaw kindly offered to undertake the repairs free of charge and it was RESOLVED to approve up to £150.00 for materials.
8.6. To consider an update on drainage maintenance (Local Drainage Fund)
It was noted that the ditch maintenance work had been completed and an invoice had been submitted to Herefordshire Council accordingly.
It was RESOLVED to review potential future drainage improvement schemes in preparation for further grant funding 2025-26.
8.7. To consider an update on PRoW maintenance (Public Rights of Way Grant Funding)
It was noted that Gwen Dumpleton (Footpaths Officer) was due to undertake a full survey of the rights of way over the next few months in preparation for the next round of grant funding 2025-26.
9. Parish matters for discussion/decision
9.1. To note requested TPO on the Cider Orchard at Clater Lodge
It was noted that Herefordshire Council were considering a requested Tree Preservation Order for the Cider Orchard at Clater Lodge.
9.2. To consider the purchase of a replacement printer/scanner
It was RESOLVED to approve the purchase of a replacement printer/scanner up to £130.00.
9.3. To consider fibre broadband provision (Linton)
An update was received on broadband provision.
9.4. To consider arrangements for the Annual Parish Meetings
It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Parish Meetings at 7:00PM 21st May 2025.
10. Correspondence for response or action
10.1. Herefordshire Council: Grant Funding and Income Generation Support for Parish Councils
The above correspondence was noted.
10.2. Herefordshire Council: Civility and Respect Pledge
It was RESOLVED to sign up to the NALC Civility and Respect Pledge.
10.3. Herefordshire Council: Parish Summit, 5:30PM Tuesday 8th April 2025
It was RESOLVED to reserve a place for Viv Burdon to attend the Parish Summit.
10.4. Herefordshire Council: Herefordshire Council Local Plan & NPPF update – 10:00AM Monday 24th March 2025 or 7:00PM Wednesday 26th March 2025
It was noted that Viv Burdon was attending.
10.5. Balfour Beatty: Verge Cutting Season 2025
The above correspondence was noted.
11. Finance
11.1. To consider and approve the budget expenditure
It was RESOLVED to approve the budget expenditure.
11.2. To consider and approve the bank reconciliation
It was RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation.
11.3. To approve the following invoices for payment:
11.3.1. David Hunter-Miller (salary and expenses)
11.3.2. HMRC (PAYE)
11.3.3. Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (pension)
It was RESOLVED to settle the above invoices.
11.4. To note the following payments made between meetings under delegated authority:
11.4.1. 19/02/25 David Hunter-Miller (Feb salary and expenses)
11.4.2. 19/02/25 HMRC (Feb PAYE)
11.4.3. 19/02/25 Worcestershire County Council Pension Fund (Feb pension)
11.4.4. 25/02/25 J Poyner JCB Contractor (ditching A44): £1,248.00
11.4.5. 25/02/25 George Johnson (Lengthsman): £352.50
11.4.6. 10/03/25 George Johnson (Lengthsman): £75.00
The above payments were noted.
12. Councillors’ reports and items for the next agenda
It was RESOLVED to add the following items to the next agenda:
• Bank signatory review
• Grant funding for traffic calming measures at Bromyard Downs
• Drainage grant schemes 2025-26
• PRoW grant schemes 2025-26
13. Date of the next meeting
The Annual Parish Meetings are at 7:00PM on Wednesday 21st May 2025.
The Annual Council Meeting is at 7:30PM on Wednesday 21st May 2025.
The meeting closed at 9:05PM.