Minutes

Present:

Councillors Mr Richard Williams (Chairman), Ms Sandra Woodhouse, Ms Sally Watkins, Ms Sue Morris, Douglas Godwin, Andrew Croot, and David Nott

In attendance:

Mr S Clee, Clerk, Mr Clive Skidmore, David Smith, district councillor Nick Wilson and Worcestershire County Councillor Dan Morehead (from 7.25pm).

Apologies:

Councillor’s Isobel Hedges Ward, Nick Stones, Jim Baker and Ms Emily Bourne.

2430 Confirmation of the minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting held on 16 December 2024, as previously circulated, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2431 Declaration of Interest for a) The Meeting and b) Any Changes to be notified to the Registers of Interests and Gifts & Hospitality.

None

2432 Public participation:

There was none

2433 Planning applications:

038 24/0860/HOU Changes to external fenestration of outbuilding Holly Cottage, Pound Bank, Rock.

It was noted Wyre Forest had already approved this application prior to today’s meeting.

039 25/0004/PNR Change of use of an agricultural building to 2no. Residential dwellings and associated operational development Wylde Farm, Wylde Lane, High Oak, Heightington.

It was RESOLVED to support this application if it supersedes the previously approved application (23/0100/FUL) for the two Silos to be converted into dwellings and that application does not proceed.

040 25/0033/ADV Retrospective planning for 2no signs one of which Is illuminated Forest Stores and Post Office, Cleobury Road, Far Forest.

The Council RESOLVED to oppose this application because the banner signage along the hedgerow is totally inappropriate in this rural location. The Council wished to point out  they do not oppose the illuminated signage on the façade of the shop and would suggest the application be split.

034 24/0740/HOU Extension to form first floor Accommodation Clee View, Porchbrook Road, Rock Cross.

It was RESOLVED to support this application.

2434 Correspondence:

Councillor David Nott will write this month’s parish magazine report and Jim Baker in February 2025.

2435 County and District Reports:

District Councillor Nick Wilson reported on the recent Full Council Meeting where the Administration Group proposed a motion opposing the Governments intension to introduce an Inheritance Tax on Farmers and their land throughout the UK. When the vote was taken 31 Councillor’s supported the motion and only 2 Labour Councillor’s voted against it. The District Council’s decision will now be sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Office for consideration.

Members expressed concern to find out facts and information relating to progress on reported “planning enforcement issues” within our parish. Cllr Harris said he would raise this matter with the Enforcement Officer and the Clerk suggested the Parish Council receive a report showing how many Enforcement Actions have been reported to the Department and how much progress has been progressed for our Parish compared to the district as a whole. Cllr Wilson said he would take the matter up and report back to RPC.

County Councillor Dan Morehead said a similar motion and vote was taken at County Hall earlier this month. He also referred to the Deputy Prime Minister’s recent statement for her desire to disband all District and County Councils and replace them with New Unitary Councils who would have shadow elections in May 2026. In Worcestershire that would see the abolition of 6 Districts and the County Council and a new County Wide Unitary with a Cir 650,000 population.

Worcestershire County Council have written to the Secretary of State stating they would like to be part of the “Accelerated First Phase” of six Councils who would be in this phase of these changes. It is likely they would not have elections in May this year and more likely they would be held in the Autumn of 2025 for a new Worcestershire Unitary Council taking Office from 1 April 2026. There are 21 County Councils in England and 16 had written to the Secretary of State requesting to be considered in the “Accelerated First Phase”.

2436 Finances:

1. The Council approved invoices amounting to £1,212.87 for payment tonight.
2. The Council noted the Income and Expenditure Sheets to date.

2421 Date of the next meeting:

There being no other business, the meeting ended at 7.45pm. The next meeting will be held on Monday 24 February 2025.

Signed Chairman: 24 February 2025