HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE 
MEETING OF HORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Which was held on Wednesday 30th July 2025
At Horton Village Hall at 7.45pm 

AGENDA

PRESENT: Cllrs Fannon, Hatherell and Williams, Ward Cllr Rush, Mr David Eaton of The Sodbury Commons Allotment Committee, 2 members of the public 
APOLOGIES:  Cllr Harrison, Ward Cllr Romaine, Andy Hiscock Village Agent
The clerk advised that she had received a letter of resignation from Cllr Craig.  Cllr Fannon gave a note of thanks to Cllr Craig for all the good work she had done for HPC whilst a councillor.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – there were none
MINUTES:  Minutes of the meetings held 13th May were confirmed and signed as correct.
MATTERS ARISING:
Councillors – there were none
Ward Councillors – Ward Cllr Rush reported that there was an app being launched by SGC which will give information on rubbish collection.  He advised that it will need time to bed in.
Fly tippers – fines are not being paid and therefore SGC are not receiving the fines but paying to take the collection of fines through the courts.
 
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.
P25/01314/CLP - Two members  of the public gave their objections to the planning application at Yew House for which SGC have made their decision.  Their objections were that there is a covenant on the properties which states that you cannot park on your garden; they felt that it was fine to park on the garden whilst cars were small but now that they are very much bigger and that there will be more noise from vehicles/passengers being parked so close to the neighbouring property directly in front of their window.  There was also concern of safety of children playing in the area and also the lack of information on the drainage and it’s potential impact on the neighbouring property.
Ward Cllr Rush advised that this application was for a Certificate of Lawfulness and not a Planning application.  He advised that there had been a split decision. A Certificate of Lawfulness had been approved for creation of a parking space and installation of an EV charging point.   Refusal was given to the application for the removal of 2.6m of boundary wall and the erection of retaining wall.  He advised that a further application would be made and that consultees should wait until then to make further comment.
The MOPs were advised that if they have further objections/comments for the PC on the new application then they should send them directly to the Clerk.

Village Safety – Cllr Williams voiced concern over the speeding at Totteroak and that it should be reduced.  Ward Cllr Ward advised that this long-standing issue was still on the task register and had been for at least 8 years, however there is currently no funding available to implement the change in speed limit.
Cllr Hatherell advised that whilst lots of potholes had been filled along Vinney Lane, there were still others further on down the lane.  Clerk advised Cllr Hatherell as most familiar with the area to continue to report using the SGC reporting portal.
New Village Agent – The new agent, Andy Hiscock sent his apologies as he is unable to drive at night.
Appointment of committee member – Sodbury Field Allotments.  Mr Eaton confirmed that he was very happy to continue with this position.   He reported that the allotments were in good order and that a new group of trees had been planted.  He also advised that there was a protected wild growing area which was doing well.
Additional defib – LS.  The location suggested by residents and supported by the PCC, will be  on, or near, the notice board in the corner of the churchyard beside Portway Lane. The defib case however, may need a power supply in order to maintain temperature and humidity. Any power supply that requires holes to be drilled in Church walls would need a faculty.  Residents are investigating further and will report back.   
Y8 Bus Service Update – this has been a trial service, but the new Metro Mayor has agreed to fund long term from March 2026.  There is now also a bus from Wotton to Yate which is good for KLB students.  

RECENT CORRESPONDENCE:
Report received from the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Neighbourhood Policing Officer
Clerk read the report which, for Horton, advised that there have been reports of Anti-Social Behaviour reported in the local church of a person showing obvious signs of sleeping in the Church and using the Church floors as a toilet.  This behaviour has also been reported in two other churches around the area, inside and outside the Church grounds.  All churches are now having to be locked at night times.  
This person has not been identified, therefore if anyone does have any information regarding these incidents, please do report it online or contact 101.  
Cllr Rush also advised that there was a big problem with anti-social behaviour in 12-17yr olds in Yate and Chipping Sodbury.  The public facilities in Chipping Sodbury had been vandalised and cost in the region of £25-£30.
PLANNING:
P25/01314/CLP – An application was received and circulated to councillors re Removal of 2.6m boundary wall to facilitate the creation of 1no. parking space. Erection of retaining wall. Installation of 1no. EV charging point at Yew Tree Cottage. Councillors had no objections.  
24.7.25 the Notice of Decision received from SGC who advised a split decision.  
See also Public Participation above.
Details of all planning applications may be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/planning

FINANCE:
Cllrs approved Clerk’s expenses invoice - £128.00, 8 months internet access Dec 24-Jul 25 @ £16 pm

Payments In/Out
22.5.25 - £418.92 Zurich Insurance – Annual Insurance Policy
22.5.25 – £1200.00 Horton & LS Village Hall - Grass Cutting
22.5.25 - £205.63 SGC - Waste Bin Emptying
22.5.25 - £50.00 Citizens Advice Bureau – Donation
31.5.25 - £6.00 Unity Bank – Service Charge
02.06.25 - £687.22 SGC – Purchase and Installation Waste Bin (CiL)
30.06.22 - £6.00 Unity Bank – Service Charge
07.07.25 - £185.76 – Scribe Accounting 
09.07.25 - £48.00 – Web Hosting, Update to Gov.UK address
Above all noted.
Items for discussion at the next meeting:  Cllr Williams reported that the internet speed at LS was too slow and wondered if the PC could support a campaign to rectify this.  Ward Cllr Rush will advise clerk of the officer who could help with this.
Date of Next Meeting: 30th September subject to the availability of the VH