HORTON PARISH COUNCIL

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

MINUTES

Cllr Fannon read the following announcement:-
Members, at the last meeting I indicated verbally that I would stand down as Chair. For the avoidance of doubt, a verbal statement has no effect in law. No written resignation has been received, and under section 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1972 the Chair remains in office until a successor is elected. Accordingly, there is no vacancy in the office of Chair, and tonight’s agenda item to elect a Chair is not required. I will therefore continue to preside, and we will withdraw that item and proceed to the next business.
It was resolved:
a.	That Council notes no written resignation from the office of Chair has been received.
b.	That, under s.15(6) Local Government Act 1972, the Chair remains in office until a successor is elected.
c.	That the agenda item ‘Election of Chair’ is withdrawn and the existing Chair presides for the remainder of the meeting.

PRESENT:  Cllrs Fannon, Harrison, Hatherell and Williams, Ward Cllrs Romaine and Rush.  7 Members of the public.
APOLOGIES:  There were none
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS – there were none
CO-OPTION:  An application was received from Simon Ebborn and councillors voted to co-opt. The letter of acceptance of office was duly signed by Mr Ebborn and the Clerk/RFO.
A further written letter of interest was received at the start of the meeting but was received after the closing date for applications.  The applicant was also absent, and so councillors were unable to consider this application.
MINUTES:  Minutes of the meeting held on 30th July were confirmed and signed as correct.
MATTERS ARISING: there were none.
Councillors – Anything to report.    Cllr Hatherell reported that although some repairs had been made to the surface of Vinney Lane, the repairs were very poor and that there was still a large section which remained to be fixed.  He advised that the remainder is due to be repaired by April next year at a cost of £90k.  
Ward Councillors – Anything to report.   Cllr Romaine advised that the school has signed up to Mode Shift Stars and that the 20mph scheme is definitely going ahead.  She couldn’t confirm a date.   She still feels that a petition would be helpful and again, councillors offered to help with this.   Cllr Romaine also confirmed that she would report the considerable subsidence in Mapleridge Lane and the poor state of Highfield Lane.
Cllr Rush reported that £3.5 million had been spent on road repairs but that there were many complaints about them.  He also confirmed that monies that have been set aside for road repairs can no longer be moved to other areas of expenditure.
 
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.
4 members of the public commented on planning application P25/02110/HH.  3 objected to the application and 1 spoke in favour.
Village Safety – Parking continues to be a problem at school pick up and drop off.  Clerk to write to the new Head of School, Mr Dean Hudd.
Additional defib – LS.   Clerk advised that a LS resident was looking into the possibility of an electric supply which did not require the drilling of the church walls.  There has been a suggestion that there may be a cabinet available which doesn’t require an electricity supply.  Clerk will investigate this.
The clerk reminded those present that the defibrillator will be funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy. Payment will be made once HPC receives confirmation of a suitable location and responsible individuals for installation, maintenance and regular checks.  It is understood that LSPCC will be responsible for checks and maintenance.
Bank Mandate – it was resolved that Cllr Craig would be removed from the bank mandate and that new Cllr Ebborn should be added.  Clerk to set up.
Saver Account – it was agreed that a second account be set up with Unity Bank which will allow instant access but will also provide some interest as suggested by the Internal Auditor.  Clerk to set up.
SGC have asked for a list of potential clearing up jobs for their next cycle – Suggestions were;
To remove/chip wood cleared on the land on the left hand bend ahead of Highfield Lane. Ditch clearing. Cutting back of trees/hedges on Mapleridge Lane.  Sign cleaning.   A note will go in tomorrow’s village newsletter asking villagers to send suggestions to the clerk.
Change of clerk email address – clerk advised that to comply with Assertion 10 that she would be changing her email address to a gov.uk address. She advised that in 2026, a gov.uk address must be used by all councillors but that this will come with a cost.  Clerk to investigate costs in order to include in the budget for 2026.        

RECENT CORRESPONDENCE:
An email was received re planning application P25/02110/HH and circulated to councillors for information when considering the application below. Noted.
PLANNING:
P25/02110/HH – To consider application for partial demolition of 2.6m of boundary wall to facilitate the creation of 1no. parking space. Erection of retaining wall. Installation of 1no. EV charging point at Yew House, Horton Hill, Horton.  After robust discussion, Cllrs voted that they had no objection to the application however it should be noted that they had some concerns over drainage and the aesthetics of the finished project.  Clerk to advise SGC.
P25/02136/HH – To consider application for the erection of a single storey rear/ side extension to form additional living accommodation. Erection of a single storey detached building for storage at Holly Cottage, Wood Lane, Horton.  No objections – clerk to advise SGC.
P25/02138/CLLB – To consider application for the removal of coping stones on entrance wall and replacement with like for like stones at Horton Court, Horton.  No objections – Clerk to advise SGC.
Details of all planning applications may be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/planning

FINANCE:

Payments In/Out:  
31/07/2025 Unity Bank £6.00	 - Service Charge
01/08/2025 Paul King £75.00 – Internal Audit
28/08/2025 South Glos Council £205.63 – Waste bin emptying
28/08/2025 J Baker £128.00 – Internet Access x 8 months
28/08/2025 ICO £52.00 – Information Commissioner’s Office Renewal
31/08/2025 Unity Bank £6.00 – Service Charge
Noted.

CONFIDENTIAL SESSION
It was agreed that a new standing order be set up with the bank to HMRC – Clerk to set up
Items for discussion at the next meeting:  there were none
Date of Next Meeting:  18th November subject to hall availability.