Minutes of the Meeting held at The Flyford’s Hall on Tuesday 19th November 2024

Present

David Waide
Andrew Short
Richard Davey
David Rhodes
Sadie Densham
Alison Crickmore Richard Croxton

Mark Broughton-Taylor attended as clerk

Linda Robinson - District and County Councillor attended on Zoom

1. Apologies

None

2. Declaration of Interest

None

3. Public Participation

One member of the public was in attendance to observe.

4. Minutes

The minutes of the meetings on September 10th were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Proposed: David Waide
Second: Alison Crickmore
All in favour

Alison reported that the new system of approving minutes had not worked quite according to plan. A further meeting will be held between herself, Miles Wheeler-Smith and the clerk.

5. Matter Arising

Climate change – the chairman to report to the next meeting concerning other parish council’s experiences.

ROSPA Inspection – the inspection of the play equipment had been completed. The chairman reported that a nut had come loose, and that tightness of these nuts will now be checked on the quarterly inspections.

Noticeboards – Ali Crickmore to put the clerk in touch with her contact for repairs. A notice is to be put on the boards to consult the public about removing them as most communication is via social media or the website.

6. Local Police Office and Neighbourhood Watch

No written report was on hand from the local police officer. Sadie Densham observed that there were 2 police officers covering 28 villages. The Rural crime officer had observed that the most common crimes in the area were poaching, lamping and car theft.

The event on The Green the previous Saturday had not been very well attended.

The following report was received from Jane Hand:

Our Smartwater Registration campaign is currently showing that 44 homes out of the required 80 homes have requested Smartwater, which is 55%.

Jane Hand has managed to gain commitment for a Home Security/Bike and Tool marking event for 9 November. We had hoped to fix this for September, but because of the problems getting someone from the Police to attend we've had to push it on to 9 November.

The breakdown is:
North Piddle — 32%
Libbery — 54%
Grafton Flyford — 52%

Total number of homes within the Parish: 100
80% Coverage: 80
Cost per Smartwater Kit: £8.90
Total Smartwater Kit Costs: £712.00
75% Funding required from Parish Council: £534.00
PCC will contribute 25%: £178.00

Number of kits to purchase: 60
PCC Contribution: 20

To secure the Signage Contribution, the Parish must register 56 households.

Please Note: Any home that has already received Smartwater from the police through being a victim of crime has NOT yet been included in this breakdown. Homes that are already registered with Smartwater are recognised as a “sign up” and will be included in the final totals to achieve the signage contribution.

7. Flyford Green

It was noted that the inside of the hedge had not been cut last year but Malcolm Jones had made a personal effort to trim it back. The management committee is in the process of arranging someone to undertake the work.

Cllr Robinson suggested that there might be some divisional funding to support a low level swing adjacent to the present playground. It was agreed that the clerk would provide the details of the Children’s Play Company who supplied the existing equipment for the Green Management to progress a proposal. The proposal needs to be submitted by early January.

The Dog poo dispenser is now in place.

Wild flower seeds will be sown next spring.

The Christmas tree for the Green will be donated by Grafton Nurseries this year.

It was agreed to spend up to £65 on Christmas tree lights.

Proposed: Alison Crickmore
Second: David Rhodes
All in favour

8. Flyford Pond

The fence had been erected and signs are to be attached.

Some Flyford residents had volunteered to clean up the pond. This to be considered once an environmental assessment was in place.

9. Climate Change

There was a short discussion about community energy projects which the parish council might be able to lead. It was agreed that some more research was required to find out what other parish council might have undertaken. The matter to be brought back to a future meeting.

10. Flyford Hall

All parish councillor have been invited to a Christmas Party on 5th December at 7.30pm. Carols will be at the hall on 19th December at 6.00pm.

10. District/ County Councillors Report

Flyford’s Parish Council County & District Cllr. report November 19th

NHS Covid & Flu vaccine has started to protect against a Winter Tripledemic

Eligible groups for the flu vaccine include pregnant women, children aged two or three years old, primary and secondary school children, and those aged 65 and over. Autumn Covid vaccine is available to care home residents, adults over 65 and front-line health and social care workers.

The flu vaccine can also be booked at pharmacies, and there are walk-in sites for the Covid-19 vaccine.

The NHS has already invited more than 11 million people to come forward for vaccination.

GP practices and other NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both vaccines.

However, eligible individuals do not have to wait for an invitation to book.

Vaccinations will take place at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and pop-up clinics in the community.

Last year, the NHS vaccinated more than 3.3 million people in the Midlands with the flu vaccine and more than 2.2 million people with the Covid vaccine.

Roz Lindridge, Midlands NHS England director responsible for vaccinations, said: "With new figures showing thousands of deaths associated with Covid and flu in recent years, it is clear the threat of winter viruses is all too real and it is vital that anyone eligible takes up the offer to get vaccinated.

"There are many slots available with GP practices, pharmacies, and other NHS teams offering quick and easy appointments, so please do look at the NHS App, NHS websites, or call 119 to book your appointment.

"It could keep you out of hospital this winter."

County Planning

I have attached this flyer to give a flavour as to what applications County and its Planning Committee of which I am Vice- Chairman have to consider. As you can see it is quite different and generally more strategic than the applications that are dealt with at our District Council in Wychavon.

Have your say on planning in Worcestershire

We play a significant planning role across the whole of Worcestershire, including policies and strategies about minerals and waste and major infrastructure projects like new railway stations and bridges.

You can find out more, and how to sign up about the topics you are interested in, by visiting:
www.worcestershire.gov.uk/get-involved-planning

Bin lorries helping find mobile black spots in Worcestershire

MOBILE signal trackers are being fitted in bin lorries to help find Worcestershire’s mobile black spots.

Residents and businesses are also being asked to play their part by letting the council know when and where they experience poor connectivity.

Equipment being placed in bin lorries will measure mobile signals across the county over the next few weeks will allow Worcestershire County Council and network mapping company Streetwave to collect detailed street-level data.

This will then be used to lobby the government, network operators and telecoms watchdog Ofcom to improve connectivity in the county.

Bridges, Retaining Walls Crash Barriers and Culverts

We take care of most of the bridges, retaining walls, subways, crash barriers, and culverts on our public highways. If you notice any issues or potential hazards, don’t hesitate to report them!

School Admissions

A reminder that school admission applications are open for September 2025! The deadline for Primary, First, Infant, Junior and Middle applications is 15 January 2025. For information and guidance on how to apply, please visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Christmas Parking

Enjoy FREE parking from midday in some of our car parks on the dates below!

🚗 Saturday 23 November - all Wychavon long and short stay car parks in Evesham and Droitwich Spa
🚗 Saturday 30 November - all Wychavon long and short stay car parks in Pershore
🚗 Saturday 7 December - all Wychavon long and short stay car parks in Broadway

Parking is free after 6 pm in our car parks too! Check out our website to find the best spot for you: bit.ly/3AGfp3Q

11. Planning Matters

To report comment

W/24/01498/HP

Mr & Mrs Coopal
The Paddock
Bishampton Road
Flyford Flavell

Two-Storey Rear Extension

Following representation from the neighbour at Lilyvale and a visit by Linda

Robinson and Sadie Densham it was agreed that a further comment would be made. This was to be prepared by the clerk following the meeting and is attached as an addendum at the bottom of the minutes.

To report approvals

W/24/01254/HP

Mr Barratt
Haraway Cottage
North Piddle

Addition of dormer to roof of annex.

**To report Non-determination

W/24/00828/HP

Mr S Griffiths
Church Lane
Flyford Flavell

Extension and remodelling.

This matter is now subject to an appeal. It was delegated to the clerk to submit a comment emphasizing the objection previously made and to send a copy of the Village Design Statement.

Neighbourhood Planning Sadie Densham and Alison Crickmore reported on the neighbourhood Plan seminar that they attended on line. Funding is still available until next March but it seemed that such an exercise will require so many people that it would be unfeasible. A referendum would also be required. The outcome was also very uncertain and they both recommended that further action should not be taken.

SWDP and NPPF

It was noted that there is now no timetable advertised for the Revised SWDP. This is an alarming state of affairs as the whole district is vulnerable to speculative development.

It was also noted that following the consultation on the new NPPF which closed in September the draft proposals are not likely to be published until the spring.

12. Transport and Highways Plan

It was agreed that Richard Croxton will present the petition to Worcestershire County Council Full Council Meeting on 9th January at Wychavon. The clerk will make the necessary arrangements to inform the council of the presentation.

Roy Fullee presented a working document into measures to be taken to implement the Parish Council Transport Plan in the villages. It was agreed to set up a working group to formulate an Implementation Plan to be presented to the next meeting. It was noted that funding needs to be considered as part of their remit.

Andrew Short, Richard Croxton, David Rhodes and Sadie Densham to be the working group.

13. Footpaths Officer

There was no further news on the appointment of a footpaths officer.

It was noted that work was being undertaken on the A422 to cut back and clear the footpath on the north side of the road between Libbery and Grafton Flyford. The clerk asked Linda Robinson if this was going to extend to the west on the other side of the road to link up with the Libbery turning as this was used by a school boy to catch the bus each day. Enquiries will be made with Barry Barnes.

14. Parking in Flyford Flavell

The parish council has received several reports of inconsiderate and dangerous parking by parents associated with the school. Complaints have also been dealt with by the headmistress and the governors. Although serval measures have been tried over the years this is still an unresolved problem which is likely to need a radical solution. The matter to be on the agenda for next meeting.

14. Treasurers Report

The clerk reported that the investment fund dividend had held up well this year and that the income had amounted to £4,232.77. The capital value of the investment had however dropped again to £81,366. It was agreed to monitor the situation closely in case the drop in capital value translated into a drop in revenue.

The clerk provide a financial report for the year to date so that councillors would be informed about current costs. The projections and precept need to be set at the next meeting in January.

Current Acc: £2,919.25
Deposit Acc: £13,863.47

Funds held within these balances
Planning Appeal Fund: £1,570
Cycling: £5,395.61

15. Any Other Business

The clerk noted that he had laid the wreath on behalf of the Parish Council at the Flyford Flavell Memorial at the Remembrance Service on 10th November and that the wreath was now on the memorial at the Flyfords Hall.

Linda Robinson enquired whether the red lights from the tomato farm were visible from the parish. It was reported that they could easily be seen from Flyford Flavell and North Piddle.

It was noted that the 80th anniversary of D-Day will be celebrated in May of next year. This to be discussed on the agenda in January. Alison Crickmore reported that the Flyford social group had already started to discuss some possibilities.

It was reported that one of the Royal Coach drivers was now proceeding along North Piddle Lane on a regular basis at an inappropriate speed. Alison Crickmore agreed to talk to the company and report the antisocial driving.

16. Date of Next Meeting

14th Janurary, 2025

Addendum:

W/24/01498/HP
Mr & Mrs Coopal
The Paddock
Bishampton Road
Flyford Flavell
Two-Storey Rear Extension

Further comment submitted:

The Parish Council has submitted a comment of ‘No objection’ to this application. This is based on the parish council having considered the effect the proposal will have on the public realm. It was based on the supposition that Wychavon would follow due diligence in respect to the conservation of the neighbouring listed building and involve the conservation department in the determination process and that a Statement of Significance would be required from the applicant to consider the setting of the listed building. We are disappointed to note that these fundamental requirements have not been asked for.

We would like to amend our statement to the effect that the parish council does not consider that the application can be fully considered without this appraisal. We therefore ask that the determination of this application is deferred while a suitable Statement of Significance is provided and a full conservation assessment is undertaken.

We also note from neighbours, that there are colonies of great crested newts in the adjoining gardens. We appreciate that this is a proposed first floor extension and so does not require any excavation, but we would none the less recommend that a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is provided and adhered to; to ensure that the environment and close neighbours are protected from unnecessary disturbance.

Comment submitted 21/11/24