HORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES 
MEETING OF HORTON PARISH COUNCIL
Which was held on Tuesday 18th November 2025
At Horton Village Hall at 7.45pm 

AGENDA

PRESENT:  Cllrs Fannon, Harrison, Ebborn, Williams, Ward Cllrs Romaine and Rush, 2 members of the public. 
APOLOGIES:  There were none
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS:  There were none.
MINUTES:  Minutes of the meeting held on 30th September were confirmed and signed as correct.
MATTERS ARISING:
Councillors – there were none.
Ward Councillors – Anything to report?  
Cllr Rush advised that the budget for 2026 is under consultation – proposed to go up 4.99% in line with most other councils.  He advised that times are extremely hard and so cuts must be made. SGC are looking at cutting costs for flooding, possibly meals on wheels.   65% of budget is currently spent on essential adult social care which is funded locally, so other services are being very much squeezed.   
The local plan has gone in to the inspector – there will be little impact to Horton but neighbouring areas such as Acton Turville and Wickwar will be impacted.  
Cllr Romaine asked about any recent flooding – Cllrs advised that Friday night (14.11.25) was very bad around Bushes Lane (possibly 4 feet deep in places) although the water dissipated by the following day. Cllrs were not aware of any houses flooded but some cars got stuck. Cllr Romaine advised that there were some possible issues with the flooding emergency line – BR to investigate.

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.
A member of the public thanked councillors for their support on a recent planning application.
A member of the public advised that they would be appealing the decision of the planning application at Yew House

Village Safety – Any safety issues to report? 
Cllr Harrison asked about the speed limit reduction.  Cllr Romaine advised that things are now moving forward.  There was an online meeting today (18.11.25) and that she will report back to HPC following receipt of the update from the meeting.  There will be a few more steps to complete and hopefully all will go ahead.  She also advised that the new Head of School is fully engaged and supportive of this reduction and that he has experience of the procedures.

Adoption of Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Data Protection, IT Policy, Risk Assessment – Cllrs resolved to adopt all the above.  Clerk to update the website.
Bank Mandate – papers were signed to update the mandate to include Cllr Ebborn and remove Cllr Craig.  Clerk to implement the changes.
Saver Account – Cllrs agreed to the set up of the new instant access savings account with Unity Bank. Clerk to implement.
Change of Councillor email addresses to comply with Assertion 10 requirements.  Clerk advised that Cloud Next who are a nationwide provider of gov.uk email addresses to city, town and parish councils provided a written quotation of £49.99 plus VAT per annum to provide all councillors and the clerk with the required email addresses.  Black Nova had quoted £6 per email address per month.  Cllrs therefore agreed that the new addresses be set up with Cloud Next but that the website and associated costs should stay with Black Nova. Clerk to implement.
Y8 Bus service representative  - Cllrs were asked if they wished to join this group to replace Cllr Craig but none wished to join.  Clerk to put a call out for a representative via the village newsletter.

RECENT CORRESPONDENCE:
Clerk read the report received by Avon and Somerset Constabulary for October 2025.
3 emails have been received regarding the removal of the post box from the wall at Bix Manor.
Cllr Rush advised that the removal of the box should be reported to the Planning Enforcement Officer.  Clerk to advise SGC Enforcement Officer.
PLANNING:
P25/02418/HH – To consider the application re the erection of 1.94m stone wall, 2.64m pillars and 2.26m gate at Bix Manor, Wood Lane, Horton, BS37 6PG.  Cllrs all objected to the application on the basis of it’s design and character – it is aesthetically very unappealing and not in keeping with the area. The height of the wall was also of great concern.  Clerk to advise SGC.
P25/02110/HH  – Notice of Decision letter received in respect of 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.  Decision is Refusal.  Noted.
P25/02136/HH – Notice of Decision letter received in respect of 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. Decision is approved with conditions.  Noted.
Details of all planning applications may be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/planning

FINANCE:

Payments In/Out – Noted.
30/10/2025 £11.99 Black Nova Designs – Domain Renewal
31/10/2025 Unity Bank £6.00 – Service Charge

Items for discussion at the next meeting:  Cllr Ebborn suggested an agenda item to discuss more community engagement at PC meetings.  Possibly the opening of the bar at the end of each meeting.
Date of Next Meeting:   A Tuesday is preferred by Cllrs as this enables both Ward Councillors to attend.  Clerk to Confirm date in January.