Parish Council Minutes January 2025

Cllr Elliott due to a prior engagement, accepted.

None.

The minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council  held on 12^th November 2024 were approved for accuracy and adopted (proposed Cllr Lloyd , seconded Cllr Cole).

The minutes of a meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group held on 7^th November 2024 were duly adopted, having been approved for accuracy by the SG at the December NPSG meeting (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Franklin).

Members received reports on the following:

a)       Bratton Recreation Ground Committee – Mr Mike Manson (report previously circulated).  Mr Manson spoke to the circulated report, a copy of which is appended to the minutes and highlighted the following items:

a.       The pitch had been graded as Advanced by the Football Foundation, which was one down from the top level. This was very encouraging.

b.       The lack of rain during the autumn season would have permitted football matches to be played but unfortunately, the majority of the Bratton FC games had been away games.

c.       Celtic Rovers FC were returning the Rec Ground for the 2025 season.

d.       Clarification was given as to the legality of moving the proposed mower between the Rec Ground and the Village Green.  This was noted to be permissible as it was a short distance between land owned by the PC.  Mr Manson reported that, as a safety measure, any such movements would be supported by a vehicle travelling behind the mower.

e.       Members considered a recommendation from the BRGC to purchase hedging plants for the ground at a maximum cost of £200.  It was noted that the volunteers would carry out the planting.  This was resolved (proposed Cllr Ligo, seconded Cllr Lloyd).

f.        Members then considered a proposal from the BRGC to purchase a mower to enable volunteers to carry out the grass cutting at the Rec Ground (report previously circulated and noted).  Members discussed the proposal. The Clerk had provided members with information as to funding for the mower and the quotations received for the cutting of the ground (ranging from £3072 to £4650). Following debate, it was resolved to approve the proposal and resolved to purchase the mower as outlined in the report (proposed Cllr Whittaker, seconded Cllr Lloyd), with funding to be allocated from in year general balances which would be repaid during 2025-26 and 2026-27.

b)      Jubilee Hall Management Committee – Cllr Elliott had provided a report, which had been circulated to members, was noted and is appended to the minutes.

c)       Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group – Mr Robert Drummond reported that following the Reg 15 submission to WC in November 2024 WC had now commenced the Reg 16 consultation, which was due to close on 8^th February 2025. The responses to the consultation would be collated and the Plan then sent to an Examiner for Independent Examination.  WC had provided the SG with details of potential examiners; the SG did not have a preference. It was hoped that the Referendum would take place in May 2025, to tie in with the local council elections, however, this could be delayed should the Independent Examination raise any questions which required SG input. The NDP was therefore, at this stage, out of the hands of the SG and the PC resting with WC. The Chair thanked the SG for its hard work and dedication and Mr Drummond thanked the Chair for the huge amount of work he had put in.

d)      LHFIG and Highways matters – The Chair reported that he had circulated highway related information as and when it had come in between meetings.  Work was being carried out to look at feasible options for a safe way to cross Court Lane, bearing in mind the anticipated increase in residents at Site 321.  This was noted to be a complicated issue involving the PC, various departments at WC and the developer of site 321.  There were outstanding issues relating to the s106 works for BRAT24 and BRAT25 relating to surfacing and drainage, which needed to be resolved.  Cllr Wickham was supporting the PC in trying to resolve these issues and a further meeting might be arranged. Members then considered a Highway Improvement Form request from a resident re footpath safety along Westbury Road (copy previously circulated). Following debate, it was agreed to submit the form to LHFIG asking this to considered together with the Court Lane crossing issue reference above.

e)      Website Working Group – the Chair reported on the proposal for the appointment of an additional lay member to the Group and confirmed he would be presenting revised Terms of Reference to the Council at the March PC meeting.  Members approved the proposal to recruit an additional lay member to the working group (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Whittaker).  The Chair also reported on the forthcoming process to migrate the PC emails to a new system; he had provided members with instructions regarding the email cutover and offered assistance should it be required. A statement about the planned works would be posted on the Council website.

f)        Emergency Planning Working Group– the Chair reported on the need to recruit members to the working group and Cllrs Cole and Whittaker offered to assist.  Cllr Cole reported that work had been done on emergency planning some years ago and he would pass the information to the Chair. The Chair reported that guidance had been received from Wiltshire Council and the measures established during the Covid crisis could be built upon.

g)       Village Green, including proposal for S106 funded youth shelter – The notes of an informal meeting of the Village Green Committee held on 7^th January 2025 had been circulated to members and were noted.  Members considered the proposal contained therein for the purchase of a youth shelter to be funded by s106 monies.  Following debate, it was resolved to support the proposal to install a youth shelter, in principle, subject to final costings, details on base required, approval of proposed location for the shelter and appropriate consultation with neighbouring properties (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr MacDuff).

h)      Tidy Bratton Group including proposal for a storage container (previously circulated) – Members noted information from the Clerk regarding the options for financing the project. Following debate, it was resolved to approve the proposal and allocate funding of up to £1,000 (subject to the receipt of the grant applied for to the Area Board).  An Earmarked Reserve would be created for the project by way of the virements suggested by the Clerk in her previously circulated report (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr MacDuff).

i)        Bratton Week – Cllr Jeff Ligo reported that no plans had yet been made.  Cllr Jolly reported on an event being planned in commemoration of VE Day over the weekend of 9^th and potentially the 10^th May.  It was noted that the Jubilee Players were planning a performance for the following weekend and members felt the two events could be positive ‘bookends’ to a Bratton Week.  However members noted the difficulty in arranging Bratton Week and the amount of work required, as well as the short lead time.  Cllr Jolly would consider the potential of arranging a Bratton Week further and report back to members. The Chair thanked Cllr Lloyd for his work in arranging for the installation of the Christmas lights.

Members received and noted the brought forward list as previously agreed for circulation (copy previously circulated) and received updates on the below listed project discussed at previous meetings:

a)       Castle Road bus shelter replacement – The Clerk reported that a proposal had now been received from Ashford Homes (developer Site 321) which had kindly agreed to assist with providing a new shelter.  This would be circulated to members post meeting.  The Clerk also reported that work with the insurance company had continued and liability had now finally been accepted by the vehicle owners insurer.

b)      Planning Application Capps Lane – Members noted and retrospectively approved the PC’s previously circulated submission to the Planning Inspectorate in relation to the Planning Appeal.

PL/2024/11141 – 16 Court Lane, Bratton, Westbury, BA13 4RE – Proposed removal of front boundary wall and widen existing vehicular access – Cllr MacDuff reported on concerns which had been raised with her by the owner of a neighbouring property.  Following debate, it was resolved to submit a comment on the application to bring the Case Officers attention to a potential risk of movement to the neighbouring property which may result from the planned works, especially in light of the proposed soakaway and drainage and the greensand environment.  The PC therefore asked the Case Officer to ensure that any such risks were investigated and measures for mitigation agreed prior to the grant of any planning permission (proposed Cllr MacDuff, seconded Cllr Lloyd).

PL/2024/10080 – Hedgerow Stables, Court Lane, Bratton, Westbury, Wilts, BA13 4RF – Removal of existing mobile home and erection of one single storey one bedroom dwelling – Members noted the previously circulated response to the application, which had been submitted under delegated authority as the comment was required by WC outside of the PC meeting schedule.

PL/2024/10939 and PL/2024/11199- Mulberry House, 10 The Butts, Bratton, Westbury, BA13 4SW – Alter existing extension, and add small new extension, at rear of building – No objection (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr MacDuff).

To receive and consider planning applications received after the issue of the agenda (where the response time falls outside of the meeting schedule and an extension cannot be obtained) – None.

Wiltshire Council Local Transport Plan consultation

Members considered whether the PC wished to make any response to the above consultation and Cllr MacDuff undertook to review the information and report back to members.

Following the commencement of Wiltshire Council’s Regulation 16 consultation the Chair reported that WC had been very supportive of the Bratton NDP and had kept the SG well informed at each stage, including providing information on potential examiners.  The SG would continue until confirmation had been received as to whether any further work was required following the independent examination of the Plan.

Members noted the financial reports as circulated and items a) to d) were duly adopted (proposed Cllr Lloyd, seconded Cllr MacDuff):

a)     Schedule of payments and receipts to December 2024.

b)    Bank reconciliation statements as at 31^st December 2024.

c)     Consolidated Financial Position Statement as at December 2024.

d)    Budget Report as at 31^st December 2024.

e)    Members noted that the list of payments due for December 2024 would be circulated post meeting as the Clerk was still waiting for some expected invoices.

a)       Members reviewed the Council’s Reserves as at December 2024, which were approved (noting the amendments which would be made further to the decision made under agenda item 2024/83 h) and duly signed by the Chair (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Jolly).

b)      Members reviewed the level of General Reserve as at December 2024 and resolved that this would be increased to £12,475 with effect from 1^st April 2025, with the increase to be funded via the predicted current year under spend (proposed Cllr MacDuff, seconded Cllr Lloyd).

c)       Members considered the draft budget for 2025-2026 (previously considered in November 2024) and:

a.       Noted the tender responses for the grass cutting contract 2025-26 as listed, with the Clerk confirming that 5 contractors had been approached and 3 responses received:

i.      Contractor A – £1,650 for VG work and £4,650 for Rec Ground

ii.      Contractor B – £960 for VG work and £3,072 for Rec Ground

iii.      Contractor C – £6,507.50 for both areas

Following debate, it was resolved to award the contract to Contractor B for the works for the Village Green only (no contractor to be appointed for works at the Rec Ground further to the resolution passed under agenda item 2024/83 af), subject to due diligence including confirmation of the costs submitted and the supply of appropriate references (proposed Cllr Lloyd, seconded MacDuff).  In reaching this decision members had regard to the approval for the purchase of a mower for the Rec Ground (agenda item 2024/86a refers) and held the view that it would be prudent to allow a one year period to imbed the new volunteer system and review arrangements for the 2026-27 season.  It was noted that, should additional cuts of the Village Green be required, the mower could be tested during 2025-26.

b. Members approved the budget for 2025-26 as circulated (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Whittaker).

d)      Members set the Council’s precept for 2025-26 in the amount of £49,898; representing a Band D equivalent of £99.79 and an annual increase of £5.77 per annum per Band D household (proposed Cllr Jolly, seconded Cllr MacDuff).

The Chair and Clerk reported on anonymous correspondence received expressing concern about car cleaning taking place at Manor Fields.  It was agreed to advise the resident to log the incidents so that a report could be made to Wiltshire Council (as the responsible authority). Information on reporting a ‘nuisance’ to WC would be also be provided.

Members agreed the below items for inclusion in the next edition of the BPN (to include planning information:

·            Information on the budget and precept 2025-26

·            Tidy Bratton Group storage container project

·            In principle support for the provision of a youth shelter on the Village Green

The Chair asked for any other items for inclusion to be sent to him by close of play on Thursday 16^th January 2025.

Members noted the calendar of parish council meetings and events as circulated.

Tuesday 11^th March 2025 – 7.15 pm in the Jubilee Hall.

In view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted following Agenda Item 2024/93 members resolved that the press and public be excluded from this part of the meeting (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Lloyd). Such a resolution would be in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Sec 1 (2), which states “A body may, by resolution, exclude the public from a meeting (whether during the whole or part of the proceedings) whenever publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted or for other special reasons stated in the resolution and arising from the nature of that business or of the proceedings; and where such a resolution is passed, this Act shall not require the meeting to be open to the public during proceedings to which the resolution applies.’’ Reason for exclusion – Staffing matters

At this point the Parish Clerk left the meeting (9.00pm).

Members received a report from the Staffing Committee (minutes previously circulated) and considered the recommendations contained therein.  Following debate, the recommendations were duly resolved (proposed Cllr Cole, seconded Cllr Rayward).