Council Meeting 1.9.25

To consider any Members reasons of absence

To note and approve the appointment of Rebecca Burnham as the new Parish Clerk to Pebworth

Parish Council at SCP14. To approve the retention of Donna Bowles for a period of settlement for

the new Clerk at a set hourly rate.

Members are reminded of the need to keep their register of interests up to date.

Members are reminded that they must act solely in the public interest and should never

improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person or act to gain financial or other

material benefits for themselves, their family, a friend, or close associate.

Disclosure of Interests
Members to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interests in items on the agenda and their nature.

Chairman to Move: The Meeting & Standing Orders be now adjourned:

At the Chairman’s discretion residents are invited to give their views and question the Parish Council on issues on this agenda or raise issues for future consideration.  Members of the public may not take part in the Parish Council Meeting.  There will be no discussion by members of the Council during this session but the views expressed may be considered later as part of particular agenda items.  During this period, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, members of the Council who have a disclosable interest (but not a disclosable pecuniary interest) in an item on the agenda may also make representations, answer questions, or give evidence relating to that item.

To receive Ward Member’s Reports.

County Cllr Robson

District Councillor Ciotti

District Councillor Robson

Chairman to Move: To close the adjournment and the suspension of Standing Orders

To consider and approve the wording of the Clerk’s Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 7^th July 2025 – circulated 8.7.25

a)       W/25/01610/FUL Location: Ashmead, Buckle Street, Ullington, Evesham, WR11 8QH Description of Proposal: Change of use of manege to stationing of storage containers. Alterations to access. Following consultation via email Clerk responded with “Pebworth Parish Council has concerns about access and highway safety relating to this proposal.

The submitted Access Appraisal states there have been no recorded personal injury collisions on Buckle Street or the surrounding highway network in the last five years, and concludes there is no apparent highways safety issue. The Parish Council do not believe this is an accurate reflection of the situation. To their knowledge, there have been accidents in the area (including one involving a Councillor), particularly at the Blake’s Hill / Buckle Street junction, which is in close proximity to the proposed site.

This is a relatively large-scale proposal to site 30 containers within what appears to be the garden of a standard house. A neighbour has noted that, while they are not objecting, the applicant operates a removals business. This raises questions about the potential commercial use of the site.

It is unclear what planning policies apply here, but we understand the site is within open countryside and we are not aware of it being zoned for industrial or commercial purposes. The scale and nature of this application seems unusual — if approved, it could set a precedent for similar large-scale storage use in residential gardens.”

b)      W/25/01718/HP & W/25/01717/LB Associated Ref:W/25/01717/LB Location: The Cottage, Friday Street, Pebworth, CV37 8XW Description of Proposal: Single storey extensions to rear and internal and external alterations

Decisions:

c)       W/25/01168/HP Proposal: Single storey extension to rear to provide a family kitchen, additional bedroom and boot room Location: The Coach House, Pebworth Road, Ullington, Pebworth, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8XG. Application Approved subject to Conditions.

a)       To note the External Audit report with no exceptions.

b)       To note new National Joint Council pay scales and back dated pay award to 1^st April 2025

c)       To retrospectively approve the payments made in August.

d)       To consider for approval the schedule of payments to be made by internet banking.

e)       To consider the appointment of an Internal Auditor.

f)        To receive an update from Cllr Mccluskey regarding the investment of funds in CCLA. To resolve to open Public Sector Deposit Fund and consider the transfer of an amount to the account.

g)       To note the Bank Account totals.

a)       To consider response to petition handed in during Open Forum 7.7.25 – “Consider making The Close an area where dogs must be walked on leads. This is due to the constant dog mess on the field, the dogs going to the toilet on the new play equipment and the concern for children using the play equipment who could fear dogs and taking away the risk of children being bitten by dogs. We have a Recreation Field opposite the pub which doesn’t get as much use as The Close, but doesn’t allow dogs – maybe the Parish Council would reconsider this decision.”

b)       To receive update regarding the clearance of the old fire station, Broad Marston Rd.

c)       To note update regarding the parking issues at Honeybourne Railway Station and an email from Great Western Railway advising of new charges at Honeybourne Station car park.

d)       To receive feedback regarding the First Aid for Children sessions.

e)       To note speed checks were carried out around Pebworth 22.7.25 by West Mercia Police, including Back Lane, Long Marston Road and Stratford Road. Pleased to report ZERO vehicles were seen going over the 30mph.

f)        To note information regarding the 20’s Plenty campaign – emailed 20.8.25

g)       Consider responding to the Town & Parish Council Survey from West Mercia Police. Closing date 14.10.25 emailed 20.8.25

h)       Consider responding to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Consultation. Closing date 26.9.25. emailed 20.8.25

a)       To receive update from Cllr Pearson regarding the planning application being drawn up by Persimmon relating to the Public Open Space proposals.

b)       To receive update from Cllr Mccluskey regarding the VAS position.

c)       To note various emails received from residents to Citizen Housing regarding anti-social behaviour and their responses.

a)       To note monthly report and consider any works required

b)       To consider quotes for the repairs around the perimeter of the MUGA.

c)       To receive update from Cllr Neal regarding the proposed fencing of the play equipment at The Close.

d)       To note the pétanque court has now been installed with some additional works to be carried out.

e)       To note repairs to the roundabout and carousel have still not been completed, the contractor is waiting for parts.

f)        To note the replacement slide has not yet been installed. Clerk has chased Kompan for an installation date.

g)       To note a sign has been installed at The Recreation Field stating that the gate must be closed and locked after use.

h)       To consider request to install more no dog fouling notices around The Close.

i)         To note and consider the request to hold two charity events – one for a Classic Car show and the other for a dog show on the Recreation Field.

To receive update regarding Wychavon District Council funding for Neighbourhood Plans.

To note one interment took place in July.

To note County Councillor Robson has authorised the repair works on Broad Marston Rd footway to be paid from her Highways fund. The work is being scheduled in.

a)       To note Lengthsman’s jobs issued from last Council meeting; comment on progress

b)       To consider future tasks to be issued to the Lengthsman

c)       To note VAS data

a)       To note emergency closure of PB-555 over Nolan Brook, behind Broad Marston Priory. This is closed until further notice.

b)       To consider response to PROW consultation (fwd 5.8.25)

a)       Asset Register – to note review carried out and to consider quotes for refurbishment of parish benches & burial ground noticeboard

b)      To consider the adoption of a Staff Absence Policy

Resolution to exclude members of the public to progress a confidential staffing matter

To confirm the date of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting at 7.00pm on Monday 6^th October 2025 at the Village Hall, Pebworth.

Cllrs Pearson, Neal & Cotton

To note and approve the appointment of Rebecca Burman as the new Parish Clerk to Pebworth Parish Council at SCP14. To approve the retention of Donna Bowles for a period of settlement for the new Clerk at a set hourly rate.

Disclosures of Interests:

Members were reminded of the need to keep their register of interests updated. Members were  asked to declare any Disclosable Pecuniary or other Interests in items considered in virtual meetings and their nature.

–          6b planning application Cllr Weller

–          6c planning amendment Cllr Shiers

a)      Member of public in attendance:  9

b)      Amendment for burial ground plot received

c)      Resident attended to discuss infestation of rats at the rear of their property. Wychavon contacted, been treated twice now but now refused to come out again as saying it is from the brook. Parish Council have the report and will investigate.

d)      Updating the NDP – resident attended enquiring on the progress of the NDP review.  The Chair advised that funding is available and when Cllr Pearson returns he will provide an update.

e)      Dog fouling reported on footpath along Friday Street.

f)        Bank Farm Barns – Planning Amendment
The proposal to reduce the barns from 5 to 4 raises concerns about informal negotiations with the Planning Officer. Cllr Robson will investigate

Wychavon District Councillor Report – September 2025

• Local Government Reorganisation: Consultations show strong support for two unitary councils (North & South). Voting takes place in early September across all districts and WCC.
• Station Car Parks: Charges to be introduced at Pershore and Honeybourne stations. Discussions with Network Rail continue regarding the footbridge.
• Demand Response Travel: Worcestershire On Demand launched in August in southern Wychavon, including our ward. Available via app or phone. More info to follow.
• Weed Reporting: Persistent weed issues can now be reported directly via the Wychavon website.
• Public Consultations: Have your say on cycling/walking plans, PROW improvements, EV charging for homes without driveways, and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy via Worcestershire County Council.

The Chairman closed the open forum and reconvened the meeting at 19.30

The Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 7^th July 2025 at the Village Hall, Pebworth were considered and approved by the Council to be a true record of the meeting and were signed by the Chairman.

a)      W/25/01610/FUL Location: Ashmead, Buckle Street, Ullington, Evesham, WR11 8QH Description of Proposal: Change of use of manege to stationing of storage containers. Alterations to access. As this application was received between Parish Council meetings consultation took place via email. Clerk responded with

“Pebworth Parish Council has concerns about access and highway safety relating to this proposal.

The submitted Access Appraisal states there have been no recorded personal injury collisions on Buckle Street or the surrounding highway network in the last five years, and concludes there is no apparent highways safety issue. The Parish Council do not believe this is an accurate reflection of the situation. To their knowledge, there have been accidents in the area (including one involving a Councillor), particularly at the Blake’s Hill / Buckle Street junction, which is in close proximity to the proposed site.

This is a relatively large-scale proposal to site 30 containers within what appears to be the garden of a standard house. A neighbour has noted that, while they are not objecting, the applicant operates a removals business. This raises questions about the potential commercial use of the site.

It is unclear what planning policies apply here, but we understand the site is within open countryside and we are not aware of it being zoned for industrial or commercial purposes. The scale and nature of this application seems unusual — if approved, it could set a precedent for similar large-scale storage use in residential gardens.”

Comment made by email.

b)      W/25/01718/HP & W/25/01717/LB Associated Ref:W/25/01717/LB Location: The Cottage, Friday Street, Pebworth, CV37 8XW Description of Proposal: Single story extensions to rear and internal and external alteration.

The Heritage Statement contains inconsistencies regarding whether the site is located within a conservation area. For clarity, the property is situated within the Pebworth Conservation Area, as confirmed by the Conservation Area Appraisal, which also includes photographic evidence of the site. This discrepancy should be corrected. Aside from this point, no further comments.

c)      Amendment to W/25/01048/FUL Demolition of existing agricultural barns and replacement with 4no. dwellings and associated works Location: Bank Farm, Front Street, Pebworth, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8XQ.  Description of additional information/amendment: One dwelling has been removed from the development and revised elevations for plot 1 (previously plot 2) have been submitted. A Preliminary Ecological Survey and tree report have been submitted. Additional only comments required of which there were none. No additional comments from the Parish Council

Decisions:

d)      W/25/01168/HP Proposal: Single storey extension to rear to provide a family kitchen, additional bedroom and boot room Location: The Coach House, Pebworth Road, Ullington, Pebworth, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 8XG. Application Approved subject to Conditions.

a)      Members noted the external audit report –

On the basis of our review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), in our opinion the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR is in accordance with Proper Practices and no other matters have come to our attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met.

This information has been added to the website and placed in the village hall noticeboard.

b)      No payments made since the August payments were made.

c)      Members noted the new National Joint Council pay scales and backdated pay award to 1^st April 2025.

d)      Council approved the payments made in August (Appendix A).

e)      The Council gave consideration and unanimous approval of the payments listed in Appendix B, confirming the payments in Appendix B have been approved by full Council and there is provision within the budget, and that financial regulations and relevant policies have been followed. Cllr Weller to authorise the payments made by internet banking.

f)        Clerk advised a new Internal Auditor needs to be appointed following the retirement of DKE Audit Services. – Clerk to source new internal auditor.

g)       Cllr Mccluskey had investigated the investment of funds in CCLA. – Account has been opened nothing deposited yet. Awaiting Cllr Pearson’s return – roll over to next meeting to action.  Account opened with Clerk Donna as signatory – this now needs to be changed to new clerk Becky Burman as signatory.

a)      To consider response to petition handed in during Open Forum 7.7.25 – “Consider making The Close an area where dogs must be walked on leads. This is due to the constant dog mess on the field, the dogs going to the toilet on the new play equipment and the concern for children using the play equipment who could fear dogs and taking away the risk of children being bitten by dogs. We have a Recreation Field opposite the pub which doesn’t get as much use as The Close, but doesn’t allow dogs – maybe the Parish Council would reconsider this decision.”

Cllr Neal not in attendance, as yet no costing of fencing.  Suggested to contact Wychavon Park Officer for advice and report back at next meeting. If the decision to erect a fence is made, a resident has offered their time FOC to assist.  To stay on agenda.

b)      Members noted there are tonne bags still behind the old fire station, Broad Marston Rd as well as 2 car chassis at the front of the fire station and some household rubbish. Wychavon has sent a request for these materials to be moved.

c)      Members noted the update regarding the parking issues at Honeybourne Railway Station and an email from Great Western Railway advising of new charges at Honeybourne Station car park.

d)      The morning First Aid session was well attended, with 5 out of 7 children participating and engaging positively. The afternoon session did not proceed as planned, as only one child was available and they preferred not to take part alone. Another to be promoted next year via school etc. Check uptake of adult course. The defib is checked regularly.

e)      Members noted speed checks were carried out around Pebworth 22.7.25 by West Mercia Police, including Back Lane, Long Marston Road and Stratford Road. Pleased to report ZERO vehicles were seen going over the 30mph.

f)        Members noted the information regarding the 20’s Plenty campaign – emailed 20.8.25 – consult resident opinions

g)       Consider responding to the Town & Parish Council Survey from West Mercia Police. Closing date 14.10.25 emailed 20.8.25 Cllr Weller to complete.

h)      Consider responding to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy Consultation. Closing date 26.9.25. emailed 20.8.25 – Cllr Shiers to action and report back at next meeting.

a)      a) Update from Cllr McCluskey regarding the VAS position
Persimmon initially maintained that the pole was correctly located. They have since confirmed it will be removed. Following discussion with the site manager and identification of a What3Words location, the pole will be repositioned around the corner, away from the chicane. Thanks were recorded to Cllr McCluskey for his assistance.

b)      Anti-Social Behaviour at Pettipher Mews
Members noted ongoing correspondence between residents and Citizen Housing regarding persistent anti-social behaviour at Pettipher Mews. The Clerk reported that a positive response had now been received, with Citizen Housing confirming that a Community Protection Warning (CPW) was due to be issued by the police on 28 August 2025, however it is understood that this did not occur. At present, there is no further action the Parish Council can take, and the matter will remain under review pending responses from the police, residents, and the council. The Parish Council recorded its thanks to residents for keeping them informed. Communication from the residents continues

a)      Members note the monthly reports with no additional works being required at present.

b)      Quotes for repairs around the perimeter of the MUGA were considered. The urgency of repair will be assessed due to the potential safety risk – item to remain on the agenda.

c)      To receive update from Cllr Neal regarding the proposed fencing of the play equipment at The Close – Cllr Neal not in attendance, to stay on the agenda.

d)      Members noted that the pétanque court has now been installed, with some additional works still to be carried out. A resident’s request for the installation of a gate was considered. Council agreed this could proceed if funded by others and provided the gate is in keeping with the existing fence by using an existing fence panel (including using the existing drop kerb).

e)      Members noted repairs to the roundabout and carousel have still not been completed, the contractor is waiting for parts. To be kept on agenda for October

f)        The replacement slide has not yet been installed. The Clerk has chased Kompan for an installation date (1.9.2025). An email has been received regarding an injury caused by the slide. Although taped over, the barrier has been removed three times. The Lengthsman will now block the top of the slide to prevent use until it is replaced.

g)       Members noted a sign to be installed at The Recreation Field stating that the gate must be closed and locked after use. Lengthsman has been asked to erect this.

h)      To consider request for more dog fouling signs to be installed at The Close. Agreed in principle but more info will be sought from the dog warden re costing.

i)        Members considered requests to hold two charity events on the Recreation Field – a Classic Car Show and a Dog Show. Approval was given for the Classic Car Show. The Dog Show was not permitted as dogs are not allowed on the Recreation Field; however, organisers were advised that The Close could be considered as an alternative venue.

Members noted one interment took place in July.

Members noted County Councillor Robson has authorised the repair works on Broad Marston Rd footway to be paid from her Highways fund. The work is being scheduled in.

a)      New and outstanding Lengthsman/Handyman matters:

b)      Future Tasks:

–          Erect sign recreation field

–          Block off slide due to safety concerns until replacement

c)      The VAS data was noted

a)      Members noted the emergency closure of PB-555 over Nolan Brook, behind Broad Marston Priory. This is closed until further notice.

b)      To consider response to PROW consultation (emailed 5.8.25) Clerk to contact Graham Fowles to request imput before Cllr Weller completes.

a)      Consider dog bin at Priory Lane where footpath exits.

b)      Far end of Meon Way Gardens nearing completion – green space waste bin would be desirable on the roadside.

a)      Asset Register – Members noted that a review of parish assets had been carried out. A quotation was considered for the refurbishment of parish benches (£75 each) and the burial ground noticeboard (£80). There are nine benches in total. The Parish Council agreed to proceed with the refurbishment, starting with the three benches in most need of repair.

b)      To consider the adoption of a Sickness Absence Policy  – Parish Council agreed.

It was resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting under the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960 on the grounds that it is not in the public interest to disclose discussion on the items below relating to contracts and staffing.

Council confirmed the date of the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting on Monday 6^th October 2025 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, Pebworth.