Brief Notes – June 2025

Whitminster Parish Council – Meeting Notes (4 June)

Apologies: Councillor John Jones and Stephen Davis (County Councillor)
In attendance: Robert Brown (Stroud District Councillor)
Resignation: Councillor John Jones’ resignation was received and accepted with thanks.

District & County Council Reports

  • The District Councillor thanked Councillor John Jones for his long service.
  • Updates provided on the Rural Prosperity Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund, available for capital projects.
  • SDC website has resources for community groups.
  • Planning enforcement in the village is ongoing. The SDC Chair of Audit & Standards has been involved to ensure action is taken.
  • A by-election for the Severn Ward to elect a new District Councillor will be held on Wednesday 11th June.
  • The County Councillor’s report covered:
    • School placements: 98% of children were allocated their primary school choice, and 91% received their first choice.
    • Community grants are available to reduce carbon emissions and support climate change initiatives.

Village Updates

  • Thanks to the Gloucestershire Highways Community Team for installing the new Whitminster Village Gateway sign. A grant application has been submitted to the County Council for funding.
  • Police report: Two incidents of antisocial behaviour were reported in March.

Planning Matters

  • TPO (Tree Preservation Order): No comments made.
  • Local Plan:
    • Question raised regarding the current five-year land supply deficit.
    • The current Sharpness application would not resolve the deficit in land supply numbers.
    • WPC will set aside funds to secure professional support in opposing any large-scale development proposals.
    • It was agreed that early engagement should take place with developers or planning officers ahead of formal applications.

Highways & Maintenance

  • Village Gateway installed – DP to post on Facebook.
  • Upcoming road closures:
    • Jaxons Lane: 14–15 July for sewer lining repairs.
    • Grove Lane (from A38 Standish Lane to Whitminster Roundabout): One-day closure affecting approx. 305m near Woodfernal Cottage.
  • A38 railings:
    • The black wrought iron railings by the war memorial have been replaced after follow-up with SDC.
    • Replacement of Highways railings on the A38 is still pending – follow-up needed.
  • Paynes Meadow: Dangerous parking by large vehicles is blocking sightlines and disabled access. To be reported to the Neighbourhood Warden.
  • Quotes being requested to spray out weeds in Uptons, The Lagger, Paynes Meadow, and Rickyard Way.
  • Bramble clearance also needed at the entrance to Little Holbury.

Skate Ramp Project

  • Delays due to school exam period and container repositioning.
  • Newland Homes moved the container at short notice – many thanks to them.
  • Project is back on track – expected to complete by the end of next week.
  • WPC is considering engaging a graffiti artist to decorate the ramp.

Playing Field

  • Post and rail fencing next to the skate ramp needs repair – reported to the Housing Association for Schoolfield Close.
  • Bins are overflowing – to be monitored by the Village Playing Field Committee volunteers.
  • Outdoor gym equipment:
    • Needs signage for usage and emergency contact.
    • Some repairs needed – FreshAir Fitness to be contacted for servicing.
  • Solar farm construction nearing completion – WPC is engaging with Highways to ensure restoration of verges and planting.

Finance & Grants

  • £1,000 from the Solar Fund will be allocated for a pavilion security camera system.
  • Solar Fund Grant application form to be uploaded to the WPC website.
  • WPC is in contact with the women’s football team regarding new goal nets.
  • New Parish Council bank account mostly set up.
  • Parish Council accounts are being worked on.
  • Bus shelters: Urbaser is no longer responsible. WPC has requested a quote from Ace Shelters for replacements.

Parish Projects

  • Replacement bus shelters
  • Replacement village noticeboard
  • What other parish projects should be considered?

Events & Other Items

  • “Trees for Gloucestershire” – WPC to contact Pockets Orchard to see if they are interested in receiving trees.
  • Village Fête planned for 24 August on the playing field, including ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dennis Clarke’s memorial bench.
  • Church – A meeting with the Bishop is scheduled for Monday evening to confirm the church’s future. It remains available for weddings and local residents.

Meeting closed at 21:38.