Minutes Council Meeting May 20 2025
Minutes of Stoodleigh Parish Council Meeting, continuing immediately after the Annual Meeting 20th May 2025 in the Village Hall
1. Apologies – received from Cllrs D Wotton and Cllr C Payne
2. Declarations of Interest – none declared
3. The Public – none present
4. Minutes of the Meetings held 25/3/25 and 9/4/25 – were approved and signed as a true record
5. Planning Reports and Outcomes –
24/00285/FULL Erection of 7 workshops Use Class B) and café to serve development (use Class E) following demolition of general industrial buildings, Shadow Ponds – permitted with conditions to discharge, after appeal allowed in part. It was assumed that Building Control would supervise the development as it was thought that the site was originally classified as industrial and therefore there could be a possibility of residues and ground contamination.
24/01786/PNCOU Prior notification for change of an agricultural building to 1 dwelling under Class Q, Hazel’s Farm – approval of prior approval
25/00006/HOUSE Erection of 1 & 2 storey extensions, 3 Court Gardens – awaiting decision. Revised plans have been submitted which have gone some way to alleviate the neighbour’s concerns. The possibility of planting a screening hedge may raise other issues.
25/00149/HOUSE Erection of an open front garage and store, Moor Copse Barn – grant permission
25/00282/FULL Erection of an extension to building to create an office and worker apartment, Stud Thorne Farm – awaiting decision
25/00328/HOUSE replacement of side gates, Church Cottage – awaiting decision
25/00567/HOUSE and 25/00567/LBC listed building consent for lean-to-utility room to include reducing external levels between garage and installation of a French Drain, Church Cottage – awaiting decision
6. Reports
County and District Councillors Steve Lodge and Martyn Stratton are both newly elected and not yet in a position to give detailed reports. District Cllr Stratton is involved in progressing a combined Stoodleigh, Washfield and Cove Discussion regards Broadband and Digital Phone introduction, this had been delayed until after the May elections. Formulating the priority list for road repairs is ongoing. District Cllr Adcock had circulated a report beforehand and stressed that the continuing debate over newly erected buildings, unrelated to forestry needs on these small parcels of land had been highlighted yet again. The upcoming State of the District Debate was recommended for attendance as this would have direct relevance for town and parish councils in the future.
7. Swap Box – this has been revamped and ready for operation. Thanks for the financial contribution towards the painting etc from Trevor and Shirley Cope, and to Roger Hill for carrying out the work.
8. The Playground – the March official inspection had highlighted some minor items needing attention. These are yet to be addressed, pressure washing being one example.
9. The Parish Plan – bringing the plan up to date is still intended. Roger Hill was much involved when the existing plan was produced and it is hoped that he will be continue to do so again.
10. Village Fun Day/Dog Show – there were doubts whether this could feature in 2025 but the level of interest should be established at the Annual Parish Meeting. Cllr Parkman thought he could provide a possible site. It was hoped that the Church, Parish Hall and Parish Council could all act in unison to arrange such an event. The parish council would consider making a small financial contribution towards arrangements.
11. Digital Broadband and IT Upgrades – this is some what reliant on the feedback from the joint meeting mentioned under Item 6(i) Reports.
12. Highways – the pothole problem and the priority for repairs will feature on the Annual Parish Agenda. Finance is the major limiting factor. The white lines at Kissing Gate junction are eroded and potentially posing a danger, if photographs are sent to County Councillor Lodge he will take matter up with the authority. There is a volunteer Road Warden Scheme running to fix minor potholes. The Snow Warden scheme is still in existence but insurance cover is a problem.
13. Agenda for the Annual Parish meeting – was agreed.
14. Annual Auditor’s report – this is to be dealt with and the Annual Governance Papers signed off prior to the Annual Parish Meeting on May 28th at 6.45pm.
15. Finance
HSBC current account as at 12/5/25 £14.174.98
Unity Savings Bank as at 31/3/25 £2905.78
The Clerk will action moving some monies across from the current to savings account
Payments approved to R Hill £397.55 Village Hall £21 DALC £136.85 Clerk £360 HMRC £90 St Margaret’s £600 Insurance £310.61 (for a 3 year contract)