HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF HORTON PARISH COUNCIL
held on Tuesday 7th May 2024
At Horton Village Hall at 7.30 pm 
Following on from the Annual Village Assembly

AGENDA

PRESENT: Cllrs Fannon, Harrison, Hatherell and Williams. 
      Mr David Eaton, Allotment Committee
                   3 x MOP

ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Cllr Hatherell proposed Cllr Fannon as Chair, this was seconded by Cllr Williams and agreed by all.  It was agreed that the election of VC should be postponed to the next meeting when all were present.
APOLOGIES: Cllr Craig
Absent:  Ward Cllr Becky Romaine and Ward Cllr Rush
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – there were none

MINUTES:  Minutes of the meeting held on 25th March and 15th April to be confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING:
Councillors – Cllr Harrison reported that new kissing gates had been installed in the Cotswold Way but that there was no signage for 2 miles resulting in lost walkers.  Cllr Harrison to send photos to clerk so that SGC can be made aware and re-install signs in the appropriate places.
Ward Councillors – Anything to report? – Not present.

AGENDA ITEM:

Public Participation – any member of the public wishing to speak will be given 3 minutes to speak on items on the agenda.  If they wish to raise any other matters, they should write to the clerk for inclusion in the next meeting or may do so at the Chair’s discretion.  NB no decisions can be made for matters raised which are not on the agenda – they may be added to the agenda for the next meeting if necessary.  There was none.

Village Safety – Cllr Harrison advised that a large, new potholes had appeared in New Tynings Lane.  Cllr Harrison to report on SGC portal.
Clerk reported that she had received notification from SGC that they would not be considering weight restrictions into Little Sodbury as “the majority of HGV vehicles are accessing fields, farms and other deliveries in which case they would be exempt from the restrictions.   There is an “Unsuitable for HGVs” sign on the A46 already.”   It was also pointed out that “Trading Standards are not actively working with the Police to enforce weight restrictions, who are the enforcing body”.
Appoint of committee member – Sodbury Field Allotments.   Mr David Eaton introduced himself and explained that the purpose of the committee was to decide how to make best use of the 14 acre field which was donated to the parishes for allotment use.  However there has been no take up for allotments as Badminton Estate have donated other land for this and so it has been decided to plant a wild flower field.  This will have limited public access for groups such as schools and conservation groups to study.     HPC were pleased re-elect Mr Eaton to the committee,  Clerk to advise Sodbury Town Council.

Road diversions – sewer repairs – Response received from SGC following our letter pointing out the unsuitability of the road diversions:
With regards to the diversion Wessex have to sign a diversion with the same classification of the road being closed. As the closure takes place vehicles will use other routes. It is always an inconvenience when a road is closed.
 
Roads are inspected in line with Council policy and defects repaired in line with that policy.

Cllrs very disappointed with this response however it was felt that there was little more that they can do.  Clerk has advised farms expecting milk tankers and will also write to the school to let them know.
 
Update on Banking – Nat West have confirmed that the clerk and Cllr Williams’s forms have been received for addition to the mandate.  These are now with the mandate team to process.  Once done the online banking form which was completed back in April can be actioned.
Update on Pound Bench & Bide a While – Cllr Fannon advised that he and Cllr Hatherell had tidied the Pound area and repaired the bench where needed.  Cllrs thanked them both for their time and efforts.
Cllr Fannon advised that he would be able to install the new Bide a While bench.  Clerk to organise purchase/delivery.

PLANNING:
To re-consider application of Land At Horwood Farm, Horwood Lane, Wickwar, South Glos, GL12 8NU.  Demolition of derelict farmhouse. Erection of 1no. agricultural building.  Ref: P24/00191/F.  There were no objections.  Clerk to advise SGC.
To consider application at Bushes Farm, Bushes Lane, Horton, South Glos BS37 6QL DESCRIPTION: Application for consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Upgrade 3 phase 11kv existing overhead line. Re-conductor approx 220m existing overhead line from 25 Aluminium to 3 wire 25copper and replace existing single pole mounted transformers apparatus with a new H Pole transformer at Bushes farm Transformer pole to feed Manor View Barn.  Ref: P24/00984/OHLE.  There were no objections.  Clerk to advise SGC.
Details of all planning applications may be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/planning

FINANCE:
Accounts for year ending March 2024 and audit paperwork – for checking and approval – Chair & RFO to sign audit papers as correct.
Internal Auditor – Paul King has agreed to audit our books as in previous years for the same sum of £75.00. Cllrs approved.
Certificate of Exemption – This certifies that Horton Parish Council has an annual gross income and annual gross expenditure of less than £25,000.00 and does not exceed this amount. The Chair and RFO signed the document as confirmation.  Clerk to return to BDO Auditors.
Approval of Governance Statement 2023/24 - Chair and RFO signed the statement after agreement that it was correct.    

Approval of Accounting Statement 2023/24 - Chair and RFO signed the statement after agreement that it was correct. 

Cheque No: 490 was signed between meetings in the sum of £150.60 to ALCA in respect of subs 2024-25.  Noted.
Cheque No: 491 was signed in the sum of £185.76 to Scribe Accounting for the PC accounting system. 
Cheque No: 493 was signed to Little Sodbury PCC in the sum of £400.00 in respect of grass cutting.
Clerk advised that a further £185.15 is to be received in respect of CiL money following development at Riding Mead Farm. Noted.
Date of Next Meeting:   Tues 9th July TBC