15th May 2026

CASTLE COMBE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Thursday 15th May 2026 at 7.30p.m.

Members of the public are invited to attend.

Present. Cllrs. F. Winup, Cllr. J. Mackelden, Cllr. Blair, Cllr. J. Halliday Cllr. G.CleggLittler, Cllr. S. Bettles, Cllr. J. Atkey,  clerk S. Parker.   22 members of the public.

Apologies for absence.  None

2. Matters arising.  None

3. Chairman’s report.  Cllr. Winup Welcomed everyone and many thanks for attending!

It seems strange to be giving my final report as I enter my twentieth year as chairman, and after almost thirty years as a councillor, but the time has come for young (or at least younger) hands to take the village forward in the years ahead.  My final year has been a busy one and I am pleased to say that the council is on a very sound financial footing. This is due in large part due to income from filming, which has enabled us to maintain our per head precept charge at only 25% of the average for a Wiltshire parish, despite our annual outgoings being £4000 higher than our other income.  Cllr FW mentioned the film company that give the PC a donation which helps the income, and due to the sale of the car park the PC was able to give a large donation to the Church roof fund.  Cllr FW talked about the resident’s car parking scheme which is ongoing, the work of the Parish Steward and the vacancy that his retirement will leave on the PC.

Cllr. FW thanked Roger Munnings for kindly agreeing to be the internal auditor for the PC, to his fellow councillors Unitary Councillors Jane Scott, Nick Botterill and Jon Atkey, and to see that Nick and John are here this evening.  Thanks to the councillors for they work, help and support, and their continued work for the parish.  Lastly my special thanks to David Ryall, my colleague as clerk from the very outset. His knowledge and friendship over the years proved so invaluable, and it is such a delight that he too is here with us this evening.  Cllr. FW full report is available from the clerk.

4. Village Hall report.  Cllr. BB reported that the finances are down, they ended the year with a deficit is available.  Thanks was given to Anna Clark the booking secretary and to Roger Mullings for doing the Internal Audit.

5. Sports Field report.  Cllr. JM reported that the club has been going since 1977 and has over 260 players over 16 and teams for 7 -18-year-olds.  The Defibrillator in the playground has not been needed.  Cllr. JM thanks to the village and said it is the best asset for young people.

6. T.V. Committee report.  Cllr. GCL reported that the TV aerial had some issues but has now been resolved. The committee has a small pool of spare parts that are not made anymore. The figures are down, but people can now pay by bank transfer.  The TV committee proposed moving their bank account to a 45 Day Notice account with a higher interest rate.  Cllr. GCL thanked the committee and said if anyone would like to join them to a committee member for information.

7. Open Forum.  Cllr. FW asked Julie Hare for an update on the church roof.  She said they had to find £370,000 for the repairs, they did this by fundraising, and asking for donations, and thanked the PC for their donation of £10,000.  They had to pay £27,000 to the treasurer for tax purposes.  She gave her sincere thanks to Cllr. FW for all he has done for the parish.

Public toilets a resident asked if the sign could be moved nearer to the road to make it easier for people to see it.  It was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting.  Cllr. FW said the PC have told WC they do not want to take them over, as it would be too expensive due to the number of visitor and maintenance.  WC have agreed to keep them.  Check this is true.

The foliage in the river b y the bridge has been cleared.

Cllr. FW thanked David, ex-clerk for all of his help to the council and the parish as a whole.

Meeting closed.  After a short break the APC meeting started.

All full reports are available from the clerk.

1. Apologies for absence. None

2. Election of Chairman and Vice – Chairman.  The clerk asked for nominations for Chairman.

Cllr. SB nominated Cllr. JM, seconded by Cllr. BB.  All agreed.  Cllr. JM took over the meeting.

Cllr. JM thanked Fred Winup for all of his work in the parish, he will work with Cllr. GH and they will try and fill FW’s shoes.

Cllr. JM asked for nominations for Vice Chairman, Cllr. SB proposed Cllr. GH, seconded by Cllr. GCL.  All agreed.

3. Acceptance of Office Cllr. JM and Cllr. GH signed the Declaration of Acceptance.

4. Declarations of interest.  None

5. Minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2026 and the Minutes of the Extra Meeting on the 12th of May 2026.

6. Matters arising (numbered as minutes):

          4A. Area Board and Parish Forum meetings

(i) Area Board – the next meeting is 1st of July.  Cllr. JM or GH will attend.

(ii) Parish Forum – Cllr. JM will attend.

4B.Parking Review (to include update on resident only parking) Cllr. JM said that it appears that the traffic wardens just do a drive through and do not give out tickets.

Cllr JM said he will contact WC for an update on the residents parking permits and the TRO.  He said this is the first stage to further action will be needed to stop parking congestion in the parish.  The congestion and air pollution is the reason to stop people parking in the village.  A resident asked how much these actions will cost the parish.   Cllr. JM said their may be some costs but does not thinkvillagers should pay for them.  FW said there has been not mention of charges to the PC at meetings with WC.

Barry Sennick asked if workmen will need a parking permit from residents if they are doing any work on their property.  Cllr. GH said they should have a permit now to if parking in the village.

 4C. Footpaths.  Lower Colham Mill – Environment Agency closed the footpath in 2013 to 2016.  Cllr. GH will talk to JA re the situation on the footpath.

4N.     Congregational Chapel Car Park – sold remove from agenda.

Balance at Lloyds Bank on 30th April 2026 £6907.32

Shawbrook 100 day notice                         £49883.95

Shawbrook  one year bond                        £16445.72

Income:

WC Precept                                                 £7300.00

             Expenditure:

S. Parker ¼ wages incl. backpay                                         £992.65

Cllr. F Winup Digiprint                                                       £  68. 00

Bowan Accounts payroll for year                                        £213.60

P. Marsh grant for Defibrillator electric                              £  30. 00

Cllr. Winup refund domain registration                               £ 15.59

HMRC £317.78

Lloyds Bank service charge £    4.67

7A. Proposed opening of new 45-day notice account with Shawbrook Bank paying 3.51% interest via closure of Lloyds TV Association account on which charges are levied and no interest received.  All Agreed to this proposal.

7B. Review signatories on Shawbrook accounts following retirement of former chairman. The signatories were agreed and after a short period FW will be removed from the accounts.

7C. Agree amount of chair expenses for coming year.  It was agreed to increase the amount to £150.00

7D. Confirmation of filming within lower village during the period 15-17 June with a donation of £28750 Cllr. JM reported that the film company’s donation will have with the budget for the coming year.  Cllr. JM thanked FW for leaving the PC funding in a healthy position.

8a.) Zurich – Insurance policy renewal. To approve the offer of a 3-yr fixed contract for £1356.00 a year, not including necessary increases.  Cllrs. agreed to the 3-year fixed contract

8b) Complaint from Mr Tanner. Cllr. JM explained the reason for Mr Tanners complaint; it was about the video at a previous meeting and the PC comments about the work he does.  No further action has been taken.

PL/2026/01527 – Permission in Principle.   Land at Upper Castle Combe, Permission in Principle for the construction of 2 dwellings WC decision Refuse.  PC. Comments were not to Support it in principle

PL/2026/01389 – Prior notification: Building Lower Colham Mill, Castle Combe Agricultural      building for storage of farm equipment, plant, produce and farm office WC decision Refuse.  PC comments were that the building appeared large for the intended purpose.

 9a   Planning Applications Received.  PL/2026/02785 Full planning permission The Weavers House, Waterside.  Proposed Change of use from residential dwelling to flexible use as holiday let or long term let.  It was agreed that the clerk will raise the following with the officer – other house doing the same, to ask for any rules they must follow.  The owner is happy to answer questions, and they do have their own parking.

10. Unitary Councillor Report.  Cllr. JA reported that the ANPR has been installed in a secret location in Burton.  Lime Down consultation the Stop Team are impressed with comments from residents, the company applying for it now must do feedback on the meeting, and if the PC made a comment, they will be able to make another one at the next consultation meeting.  Cllr. JA spoke about the Carbon Dioxide impact from the concrete that will be used and from using the companies figures the impact will not be improved before 2058.  The Secretary of State will make the final decision on this application.  Cllr. JA reported that WC aare starting their LPPF after the Government increased the amount of houses councils have to build.  It leaves sites open for developers to put in applications for new houses.  WC are encouraging PCs to start a Neighbourhood Plan if they have not got one, but they also take approximately 4 years to be completed and approved.

 11. Playing Field & C.C. Circuit Reports. –  Cllr. JM reported the circuit will not be open for practice etc before 8.00 am and will stop at 5.00pm.  The sound system will only be used on race days. In September they will have their own team on the traffic lights.  They have paid police officers to be on site for club days.  The new Q entrance has lapsed but may start again.

12. Play Areas Report – Cllr. GH. Reported that the play area in the village is fine, but he is going to check the one at Whitegates as the seats on the spring horse need repairing.  The trees near the play areas will be checked in the autumn due to the danger of the Ash dieback ones falling.  Cllr. JM offered to talk to Mr Tanner about the trees near the Village playarea.

13 Highways Report – Cllr. JH said that the parish steward will be back on the 1st of July, and she will liaise with as she has a list of issues for him to look at.  The full list is available if you contact the clerk.  WC have repainted some white lines but not others.  Cllr. JH has cleared the grit bins of rubbish and they are all full.  Thanks to Cllr, GH and Sr B for their help on checking the footpaths.  The primary job is to keep the drains and gullies clear. Cllr. JH raised the problem of parking and the seemed lack of action from the traffic wardens.  N. Botterill said they have to observe the parked car for 10 minutes or so before issuing a ticket, and camera enforcement can only be used in private car parks.  Cllr. JH said some cars are parked in car park for 4-5 hrs and some overnight.  Cllr. JM asked for photos of these incidents so they can be passed to Cllr. JA to raise with WC.

14. The Village Environment Report – Cllr. GCL asked if there was a response from the WC re the Bybrook.  FW said WC responded saying it is the responsibility of the riparian owner, ie The Manor House.  There was a discussion on the vegetation problem in the river.  Cllr. GCL said we need permission from EA to clear it,.  Cllr. JA said he will action it and he will raise it with the flood group.  Sign for the toilets it was agreed to move the sign to make it more visible and to put another one further up the hill.

 15. Whitegates –  Cllr. GH said some work has been done up there but still more to be done.

 16. Village Hall – Cllr. BB reported that the finances are down, they ended the year with a deficit is available.  Thanks were given to Anna Clark the booking secretary and to Roger Mullings for doing the Internal Audit

17. TV Committee – Cllr. GCL reported that the TV aerial had some issues but has now been resolved. The committee has a small pool of spare parts that are not made anymore. The figures are down, but people can now pay by bank transfer.  The TV committee proposed moving their bank account to a 45 Day Notice account with a higher interest rate.  Cllr. GCL thanked the committee and said if anyone would like to join them to a committee member for information

18.   Procedure for co-option of new councillor.  The clerk explained that she will contact WC informing them of Cllr. FW retirement, they will send a Notice of Election for a sset duration.  If 10 people of more do not call an election, WC will inform the PC that they can now advertise for a Casual vacancy.  If anyone responds to that notice they will be asked to send in a short CV with the reason they wish to become a councillor.  The councillors will discuss it at their meeting and vote.  If accepted the candidate signs the Declaration of Acceptance.  The clerk will notify WC Election team with the name of the new councillor.

19.  Chairman’s long service award.  Cllr. JM went through the options for an award.  Cllrs agreed to presenting him with a Scroll.  Funding for a bottle of Champagne All agreed.

Cllr. JA mentioned the bigger presentation at the July meeting for FW and his wife.   It was agreed to discuss the gift and cost when FW was not present.

20. Date of next meeting – Thursday of 23rd of July 2025 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.