BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD
MONDAY 10th NOVEMBER AT 7:30 pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY
Present: Cllr Toone (Chairman), Cllr Falder, Cllr Ballington, Cllr Meyrick.
In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr Benfield (from 7:48pm onwards), Cllr Lowe, 1 resident
25/1201 Apologies
Apologies were noted from Cllr Haines (personal), Cllr Corner (personal). Cllr Benfield had sent his apologies as he would be late as they are attending Repton parish council. As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.
25/1202 Variation of Order of Business
There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.
25/1203 Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.
25/1204 Public Speaking
- Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter
A resident provided an update on several areas – including the overgrown footway along Ashby Road East, blocked gullies preventing the drainage of water off the A511, poor state of road signage on A511 and road restrictions during September which caused lengthy tailbacks. It is the frequency, the positioning of the restrictions and perceived lack of management of the process which causes frustrations for residents and motorists alike. Cllrs agreed with the issues relating to the road works along the A511 and along Bretby Lane, raising examples of the lack of access to pavements and to properties.
7:48pm Cllr Benfield arrived.
- County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter
Cllr Lowe explained SDDC held an extraordinary meeting last week to vote on the preferred option; this is to include Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) in the southern half of the two-council proposal.
A shortage of drivers for waste collection has resulted in agency staff being used, this is having an impact upon the District Council’s finances. Any issues relating to missed waste collections are to be addressed to Cllrs Lowe and Haines.
In response to the percentage of BNG to be incorporated on new build (residential and business), Cllr Lowe will make enquiries along with seeking the rules around the level of permitted exterior lighting both at residential and business properties. Cllr Lowe will seek advice from the tree officer about the pruning of the oak tree on the Green.
Cllr Benfield reported on the forthcoming DCC vote on Thursday 13th November 2025; he explained the change in stance to supporting a whole county authority under the local government review due to the projected cost of the reforms.
Cllr Benfield reported the condition of signage along A511 and hopes to have a resolution for the next meeting.
The planning application for the incinerator has been approved, and the Environment Agency has launched a consultation for residents; Cllr Benfield agreed to make further enquiries about the planning conditions and the outcome of the consultation and to provide a report to the next meeting.
A short stretch of road near Netherfield Hall has had temporary lights for 6-9 months. Cllrs requested action to build the road up, as it would be cheaper than the ongoing costs of hiring temporary lights.
No information has been received about the solar farm appeal.
c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
None were raised.
25/1205 To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 8th September 2025
These were circulated, read, approved, and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.
25/1206 To determine which items if any, should be taken with the public excluded.
No items were deemed necessary to be taken with the public excluded other than that listed on the agenda.
25/1207 To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
No matters were raised.
25/1208 To receive the Report of the Clerk
This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.
The Clerk reported due to delays from the police, the community speedwatch sessions along Bretby Lane have not yet started.
25/1209 Governance
a) Risk Register update
There are no recommended changes to the risk register.
b) General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
No changes are recommended and there are no reports of any breaches.
c) Parish Council elections, vacancies, and co-options
There are two vacancies on the parish council, and no expressions of interest have been received. An appeal was made in the parish magazine, but no responses have been received.
d) Martyn’s Law – no further information is available. The parish council has no assets which need to take Martyn’s Law into account, however Cllrs agreed to follow the spirit of the law. This matter will be removed from the agenda.
e) Community Governance Review by SDDC – the parish council has no comments.
f) To adopt the IT policy in readiness to be 2.2AAA compliant
Concerns were raised about the policy and its application to this parish council, the policy will be rewritten by Cllr Meyrick and brought to the next meeting.
25/1210 Drainage, flooding, and highway issues
No further matters were reported.
Min 25/1193 (Sept ’25) DCC have not returned to Knights Lane to undertake the promised remedial actions, this remains outstanding. Cllr Benfield agreed to take the mater forward.
1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. Resident – reporting traffic problems with Cadent
3. SDDC – Notification of outcome of review of s136 concurrent function
4. DCC – Slides from the Parish and County Councils liaison meeting held 15.09.25
5. SDDC – Local Government Reorganisation in Derbyshire – update for stakeholders
6. SDDC – Invite to Flood Liaison Meeting – 12th November 10 -12pm via TEAMs (invite sent to Cllrs 3.11.25)
All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.
25/1212 Finance
(a) Accounts for Payment
Accounts passed for payment
| BACS | Staffing – Oct | £163.98 |
| BACS | HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Oct) | £44.00 |
| BACS | DCC – Pension contribution (Oct) | £57.89 |
| Charges | Service charges (Sept) | £4.25 |
| BACS | Staffing – Nov | £163.98 |
| BACS | HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Nov) | £44.00 |
| BACS | DCC – Pension contribution (Nov) | £57.89 |
| Charges | Service charges (Oct) | £4.25 |
| BACS | Brooks – Hi Viz vests x 6 for Speedwatch | £38.33 |
| BACS | Protect Signs – signs for speedwatch | £268.53 |
| BACS | Mrs H Norton – case for the speed gun | £21.04 |
| BACS | Mrs H Norton – refund for the speedwatch speed gun | £169.00 |
For approval
| Mrs J Storer | Expenses | £33.80 |
| Mrs J Storer | Use of Home Oct – Dec | £81.00 |
| BACS | Donation for Remembrance Wreath | £50.00 |
Money Received
| Deposit interest | Oct 2025 | £1.53 |
Balance at bank @ 31.10.25
Deposit account £3,096.96– interest rate 0.70%
Current account £7,220.56
(b) To consider any requests for funds made under S137 – none received
(c) To consider t first draft of the budget for 2026/27 and the recommendation for the precept.
The Clerk had circulated the first draft of the 2026/27 budget with the meeting papers, together with an actual to budget report for the period to 31st October 2025. The actual to budget report was accepted. The first review of the 2026/27 budget was accepted; the budget and the precept for 2026/27 will be brought to the next meeting.
(d) Bank account move to Unity Trust
The Clerk explained that Unity Trust has introduced a £6 p/m service charge, but interest received will be insufficient to cover the monthly service charge and currently it is financially beneficial to retain the account with Lloyds than the move banks. Cllrs acknowledged this was a reversal of an earlier decision but with the new information, the parish council would, if it changed banks, be financially disadvantaged.
RESOLVED for the bank account to remain with Lloyds.
25/1213 To consider Planning Applications
DMPA/2025/0505: The variation of conditions no. 2 (approved plans) and 5 (window serving the northwest elevation) of permission ref. DMPA/2022/0683 for the erection of a detached dwelling at 2 Ashby Road East, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0PT (16/10/25).
RESOLVED: Noted, the time for comments has passed.
DMPA/2025/1304: Application for the erection of 9no. holiday cabins with associated access, parking and landscaping Land at Knights Lane, Knights Lane, Bretby, DE15 0RT (28/11/25)
Cllr Falder declared a pecuniary interest as he undertakes contract work for the applicant.
RESOLVED: objections to application on the grounds of light and noise pollution.
Cllrs observed that adding more lodges would bring increased visitors and tourism to the area. At present, many tourists walk along Knights Lane from the holiday park to Bretby Nurseries; since Knights Lane is fast and busy with no pavements, both walkers and drivers are at risk. With the expansion of holiday cabins and the new amenities of a gym and a swimming pool (open to non-residents), cllrs stressed that it is crucial to build a pavement connecting the holiday site to Bretby Nurseries for pedestrian safety.
The site frequently remains noisy late into the night—especially on Fridays—and further cabins would likely worsen existing noise issues. Lighting around the site stays on all night, contributing to light pollution that disturbs both residents and wildlife. If permission is granted for additional cabins, cllrs requested a reduction in the on-site lighting.
Given the site’s high visibility, additional tree planting is requested to help screen it.
Cllrs also noted that the area is very bright at night, with lights left on continuously at both the holiday cabin site and at Bretby Nurseries. This causes glare and temporary blindness for motorists, especially those driving along Newton Lane.
Cllr Falder returned to the meeting.
DMPA/2025/1395: Change of use of holiday let to residential extension at Vine Barn, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RB 7/11/25
RESOLVED: No comments
25/1214 Consultations
25/1215 Items for information only
(a)To receive reports from Meetings attended.
DCC – Parish and Town Council Liaison Forum which is being held from 5.00pm on Monday 15 September 2025.
Online meeting between SDDC and Chairs & Clerks of Parish Councils – 17th September 2025 at 6pm – CANCELLED by SDDC on 10th SEPTEMBER, and has not been
rearranged
Online meeting with SDDC Head of Planning and Samantha Nibblett MP – 22nd September AND 24th September 2025
Severn Trent Community Roadshow – Investment in Derbyshire @ Carsington Water – Tuesday 23rd September 2025 between 17:00 – 18:45
(b) Notification of Forthcoming meeting – none known
SDDC flood liaison meeting – Thursday 20th Nov 2025 at 10am-12. This will be on Teams.
(c) Training Sessions – All DALC circulars have been provided to all Cllrs
Cllrs are still to complete the training relating to Prevention of harassment and to provide certificates to the Clerk.
The Clerk attended the following training sessions: –
16th September 2025 DALC Website for complying with the new AGAR regulations.
23rd September 2025 DALC Update on Employment Bill
25/1216 Date of next meeting
The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on MONDAY 12th January 2026 at 7.30pm at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8:47 pm.