FLYFORD FLAVELL, GRAFTON FLYFORD & NORTH PIDDLE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held at The Flyford’s Hall on Tuesday 31st March 2026

Present David Waide (Chairman) Sadie Densham Andrew Short Richard Croxton Tim Doughty

Mark Broughton-Taylor attended as clerk

1. Apologies

Alison Crickmore Linda Robinson - District and County Councillor

2. Declaration of Interest:

   Andrew Short declared a pecuniary interest and David Waide declared an interest in item 11.

3. Public Participation

   Members of the public attended the meeting to discuss the Car Rallies which were due to start again at Toast next Tuesday. The chairman agreed to bring item 15 forward to discuss this matter at length.

   It was reported that some works had been carried out on the Green adjacent to the gas tanks and alongside No 16 adjacent to the gate to the swale. The clerk reported that no one had approached him for permission to carry out any works. It was agreed that the Green committee would inspect the works on Thursday morning at their meeting.

   The issue of speeding on New Hill was reported again. Despite efforts of the local residents to engage Highways in a discussion, no progress had been made in monitoring the speed on the road or moving the speed limit back to its original position.

   It was agreed that if it still worked, the old VAS would be mounted at the top of the hill on the old pole to capture the speed data. It was also agreed to invite Barry Barns to the next parish council meeting on 19th May.

4. Approval of Minutes of Meeting held on 20th January and 3rd March.

   The minutes of the meetings were approved with a minor amendment to the minutes of 3rd March where Andrew Short was reported both present and absent. The correction is to record his apologies.

   Proposed: David Waide 2nd: Sadie Densham All in favour

5. Matters Arising

   There were no matters arising that were not on the agenda.

6. Local Police and Neighbourhood Watch

A written report was provided by Jane Hand on behalf of Neighbourhood Watch. This had been circulated to councillors before the meeting and is transcribed in full below.

“Smartwater Sign:

Our Smartwater sign on the A422 opposite Hyatts garage broke off its post. The We Don’t Buy Crime team kindly visited and sent the sign off for repair, it has now been reinstalled.

Drop In Session:

Our local police held a series of Drop In sessions around the villages recently. A session was scheduled for “The village hall, Flyford Flavell”. I contacted the PCSO who advertised the event to ask for clarification on where the event would be held as our Village Hall was in Grafton Flyford. He later confirmed that he wasn’t aware we didn’t have a hall in Flyford and therefore rearranged the venue to Toast.

I attended along with a resident from Kington. No other residents attended. The PCSO felt this was a good sign, he felt that villagers obviously had no issues otherwise they would have attended. I pointed out that many residents are disillusioned with the lack of rural policing and were possibly not motivated to attend as they feel that nothing would actually change. The resident from Kington agreed that villagers, especially Farmers, have absolutely no confidence in our local police.

The PCSO explained that since merging with Evesham police, they now have 6 officers covering 72 villages. He stated that he was the only person on duty that particular day. He also told me that our Rural Crime team (which did consist of two people) has been cut to one person.

The overwhelming message was that the police have no money and no resources. It’s a case of responding to villages with the highest crime rates…or responding to villages who actually report crimes and suspicious behaviour.

Crime:

There was a theft of a live chicken from a home in Flyford on the A422 recently, the theft was reported to police. The images of the thieves and their car & registration have been circulated widely.

Thieves have also been active in Inkberrow, stealing a trailer and thousands of pounds worth of tools.”

Following discussion it was agreed that the meeting with the police had been arranged at the wrong time and wrong place. It was agreed to try and arrange another meeting at The Flyfords Hall at a more convenient time.

The clerk mentioned that a further online consultation was being arranged by Inspector Wise on 16th April. Sadie Densham, Richard Croxton and Tim Doughty agreed to attend.

7. Report from District and County Councillor

County

Worcestershire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has launched The transformative new plan sets out an ambitious yet practical roadmap to reverse biodiversity loss, restore vital habitats, and reconnect wildlife-rich spaces throughout Worcestershire.

From simple steps like creating hedgehog highways and wildlife-friendly ponds in your garden, to larger projects such as planting traditional orchards and restoring natural river meanders, everyone can make a difference. Together, these actions will help tackle habitat and species decline while also delivering cleaner air and water, healthier soils, and improved natural flood management.

Developed through extensive collaboration with local stakeholders, environmental organisations, land managers and community representatives, this strategy reflects a shared commitment to a greener, more resilient future. Explore the strategy and find out how you can play your part:

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/lnrs

Switch Together Worcestershire deadline has been extended. The deadline for residents, community groups and businesses across Worcestershire to sign up for Switch Together Worcestershire has been extended by a month. Over 1,100 people have already registered their interest in the group-buying scheme, formerly known as Solar Together, which aims to make switching to solar energy simpler and more affordable.

Registration is now open until 26 April. After signing up, participants will receive a personalised recommendation following a competitive auction between vetted installers. There is no obligation to accept the offer.

The scheme is delivered by Worcestershire County Council in partnership with district councils and independent specialists iChoosr and includes solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points.

Previous schemes have seen 8,242 registrations and 855 completed solar installations across Worcestershire.

New deadline: 26 April.

Find out more and sign up here: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/switchtogether “Charge into Change”: Residents urged to recycle electricals, batteries and vapes safely to prevent fires

Residents across Worcestershire are being urged to “Charge into Change” and recycle electrical items, batteries and vapes safely, as Worcestershire County Council launches a new drive to tackle the growing risk of fires in bin lorries and recycling facilities. The initiative is in response to a sharp rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries hidden inside everyday items. When these batteries are thrown into household bins and crushed in bin lorries or sorting machinery, they may ignite, creating dangerous situations for staff, damaging vehicles and disrupting waste services. Fires in waste vehicles and recycling facilities have risen by 71% since 2022, with more than 1,200 recorded in 2025 alone.

Many common household items contain batteries, including mobile phones, toys, power tools, chargers, kitchen gadgets and vapes. Even “empty” disposable vapes and broken devices still contain lithium-ion batteries that pose a fire risk if placed in general waste or recycling bins.

Instead, residents are encouraged to recycle these items at appropriate collection points:

• Small electrical items such as phones, hairdryers, chargers, toys and cables should be taken to Household Recycling Centres or returned to participating electrical retailers.

• Loose batteries, including AA, AAA, button batteries and rechargeable packs, are widely accepted at supermarkets, electrical retailers and Household Recycling Centres.

• Disposable, rechargeable and refillable vapes should be returned through vape take-back points available in many shops or taken to Household Recycling Centres.

By recycling these items safely, residents help reduce the risk of fires, protect waste crews and ensure valuable materials are recovered. For more information about recycling electrical items, batteries and vapes visit the Recycle Your Electricals website.

To find your nearest Household Recycling Centre visit the Let's Waste Less website.

Wychavon

WYCHRewards platform launched WYCHRewards is an online platform available to all Wychavon residents to help you make more sustainable choices and reduce carbon emissions in the district. Take part in activities to boost sustainability and well-being, earn Green Points, and even win prizes for all your positive efforts!

For more information and to register visit: wychrewards.co.uk or download the WYCHRewards app from the App store or Google Play.

8. Footpaths Officer Enquiries with the Parish Council insurance company concerning the employment or appointment of a voluntary Footpaths Officer have been positive. The proposition of appointing Sarah Doughty as a Footpaths Officer directly responsible to the Parish Council has now been offered and accepted in principle. The clerk will now work with Sarah to draw up the full details of the appointment.

9. Flyford Green and Pond

A meeting of the Green committee will take place on Thursday 2nd April. Malcolm Jones has calculated the budget for 2026 on the basis of the formula agreed in January and the clerk was asked to provide confirmation of this figure for the Thursday meeting.

The clerk was asked to provide the full cost of the boules court for Malcolm Jones.

Malcolm reported that 3 apple trees donated by Grafton Nursery had now been planted. Thanks were recorded to Flyford Nursery for their kind donation.

120 wild flower plugs have now been planted along the Bishampton side of the Green.

The new store is in place and the boules equipment provided.

The publicity, opening and control of the court will be discussed on Thursday.

The clerk reported that the legal arrangements with Fields In Trust have now been completed. The documents now need to be deposited at the Land Registry.

It has been determined that the trees overhanging the pond are in the grounds of Church Mead. It was agreed to chase up the tree and environment report on the pond and write to the owners of Church Mead to ask them to cut the trees down as they are dangerous. 10. Flyfords Hall The first of the two toilets has now been completed and is in working order.

The hall had received an enquiry for a four day per week booking but the committee had decided that at least two days a week should be kept for community bookings and it appears that this does not meet the business requirements of the venture and it will not proceed.

Weekend and evening bookings are now picking up for the summer months but the hall does not quite break even.

11. Review of Planning Comment – Stedefield, Flyford Flavell

    Tim Doughty took the chair for this item and David Waide vacated the room. Andrew Short had sent an email to councillors prior to the meeting indicating that he thought the comment made by the council concerning a planning application on 3rd March was inconsistent and inaccurate.

    He stressed that he was not trying to change the comment that had been submitted but wanted to understand the reason for the comment. In particular, he expressed concern on four points of principle:

1/ Should no weight be afforded to recent or lapsed applications? In this instance a former PIP application had expired only a month before the present application was made. 2/ Should the PC , in its response, differentiate between an application which has widespread community opposition and one with very localized objections. 3/ Should the PC sate that it “ supports objections on the website” or should it be specific regarding which points are supported- particularly if the PC appears to be contradicting previous comments for similar applications. 4/. Whether there is or should be guidance as to when it is appropriate to ask for planning decisions to go to committee.

A short discussion ensued following these remarks and it was agreed that the points should be debated in more detail at a subsequent meeting when all the councillors involved in the previous discussion were available.  It was also suggested that even though councillors are required to declare an interest in matters concerning themselves, family and associates this should not bar them from participating in discussion and that a more rounded discussion might have been had if all members of the council had participated.

The clerk agreed to ask Linda Robinson if there was any District Council policy concerning referral to planning committee to inform the subsequent discussion.

12. Planning Matters

    Mr Robert Giles W/26/00192/HP

Oakland View Bishampton Road Flyford Flavell

Application approved

Sandpiper TKL Ltd c/o Lockley Homes W/25/01891/FUL

Land At (Os 9830 5490), Radford Road, Flyford Flavell Erection of 14no. dwellings including 4no. affordable homes, together with a new access and new orchard, tree and hedge planting.

Application approved. It was noted that the decision notice has now been issued and the S106 agreement had been published. This requires the developer to approach the parish council to manage the public open space. Despite the best efforts of the parish council to engage in a dialogue with the developer he has not yet responded. It was agreed to set up a working group to deal with arrangements. Tim Doughty, Sadie Densham and Richard Croxton agreed to make up the group and Richard would be the convener.

There was a discussion concerning a challenge to the planning approval but it was considered that there was insufficient grounds for a Judicial Review. However, it was agreed to pursue a referral to the Ombudsman to review the inconsistent approach by the planning authority.

Concern was raised about the proposal for the footway along Radford Road. It was universally agreed that this would exacerbate the parking problems at school times and would lead to a complete choking up of the village. It was agreed that this decision should be challenged as a matter of urgency.

Mr Michael Kember W/26/00421/AGR

Lower Church Farm Bishampton Road Flyford Flavell

Prior notification for a new Agricultural Building

Application approved

To Update on action

iv.	Hill Top Farm
Enforcement action concerning new gateway

No further action had been noted

Mrs Jean Goff

Briary House Farm, North Piddle Lane, North Piddle, W/25/02427/PIP Worcester, WR7 4PR Permission in Principle for self-build Live Work unit with associated garage and landscaping

The chairman and clerk are still pursuing a meeting with Carl Brace - head of planning concerning this application. A meeting was held back in February but it proved very unsatisfactory as the head of panning pleaded ‘without prejudice” due to a threat of legal action by the parish council. In the event no action has been taken and a follow up meeting was arranged but cancelled by Mr Brace an hour before it was due to take place. Mr Brace has offered to deal with any questions by email but the chairman considers that the matter is best discussed face to face. Since February, emails have been unanswered. It was agreed that the clerk should write to the Chief Executive at Wychavon for an explanation.

Planning Policy

NPPF & SWDP Development Plan

The Revised South Worcestershire Development Plan has now been approved by all three councils. The Five Year Land Supply has now been reinstated but it is noted that The Wychavon Town has not been supported by the government and the timing and extent of the development has to now be in doubt.

i. 13. Highways and Footpaths The subsidence on Bishampton Lane was reported again. The clerk agreed to report this again. It was agreed that a litter pick would take place over the weekend of 10th – 12th April. The original litter picking equipment has still not been found but the clerk had acquired some more pickers and bags. There are no waistcoats available at the moment. Richard Croxton will coordinate in Flyford Flavell, Saide Densham in North Piddle and David Waide in Grafton Flyford. 14. Treasurer’s Report Balances Current Account £896.08 Deposit Account £3,104.26

15. Car Rallies at Toast Several members of the public expressed their concerns about the new series of car rallies to be held at Toast starting next Tuesday. Correspondence had been shared with the Parish Council which indicated that Worcestershire Regulatory Services had no record of the complaints made last year. It was reported that photographs of the event can be seen on the Toast website and that these show that up to 300 cars are involved with an outside DJ, stalls and a bar on the field. Several local residents shared their experiences including a recording by phone. Motorbikes and mobile homes will be added to the event this year and it is believed that outdoor weddings are due to be held. It was agreed that:
16. Photos and accounts of the events will be sent to Jane Hand to be included on the Neighbourhood Watch website.
17. Similar information will be provided by the local residents to Neighbourhood Matters.
18. The clerk will inform the Police of the times and dates of the events so that a patrol can be sent to check casual parking on Old Hill and the surrounding area.
19. The clerk will inform Highways of the events and raise concern about Highway safety.
20. The clerk will enquire about the terms of the existing licence and how to make a complaint to the licencing authority.
21. The clerk will inform John Campion of the residents concerns.
22. The health and safety aspects of the event will be investigated and compliance with “Martin’s Law” checked.
23. The matter will be reported to our Highways liaison officer.
24. It was noted that the bus stop sign has disappeared. This will be reported by the clerk.
25. The clerk to check what marshalling should be provided and whether the footpath is being obstructed.
26. Comment was made about the illuminated signs and flood lights on the premises and that these were a distraction to the neighbours. Comment was also made about the sign on the north side of the A422 which is considered distracting for motorists.

27. Website
    

A full set of compliance documents have now been provided for the webmaster and these will be edited for accessibility and suitably filed on the website.
The War Memorial file is held by the clerk. It was agreed to mount a link on the website asking anyone interested in the file to contact the clerk.

17. Review Action Plan The action plan has not been reviewed for this meeting. The clerk reported that he had been looking at other ways to present the information.
18. Any Other Business Resignations were received from Tracie Bluck and Andrew Short. These will be reported to Wychavon District Council who will advertise the vacancies. The clerk was asked to convey the thanks for the parish council to both councillors for their contributions over the past few months and years. The resignation of Andrew Short also creates vacancies on the Green Committee and Flyfords Hall committee which will need to be filled at the next meeting. The clerk noted that a new block plan had been submitted for the Meadowcroft development. The documentation was reviewed and it was agreed to write to the planning officer stating that the changes were not immaterial and it constituted a new planning application. A new consultation has been launched by Wychavon Planning Department concerning their supplementary planning policies. The clerk will inform councillors of the details in due course. Date of Next Meeting 19th May 2026 Signed: Date: