Bretby Website

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD
MONDAY 1^st JULY 2024 AT 7:30pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr Toone (Chairman), Cllr Meyrick, Cllr G Corner, Cllr Falder.

In Attendance: Cllr Lowe, Cllr Muller (to 8:10pm), 1 Member of the public, Mrs J Storer – Clerk.

24/1051             Apologies
Apologies were noted from Cllr Ballington and Cllr Haines.
As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

24/1052             Variation of Order of Business
There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.

24/10253          Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests.  No declarations were made.

24/1054             Public Speaking

a) Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter

A member of the public updated the meeting about the bus shelter close to the Stanhope Arms.  A new shelter was installed 3 months ago, the bus timetable is still sited above a readable height.

The installation of a litterbin on Ashby Road East near to the new bus shelter might be considered by SDDC – no definite answer has been provided by SDDC, but Cllr Lowe agreed to pursue with SDDC about the possibility of SDDC funding a new litterbin.

Part of the footpath on Ashby Road East was previously cleared of weeds by SDDC however the vegetation is now beginning to encroach again.

Water remains in a gully on Ashby Road East even in dry periods, the water comes up between the gully and the edge of the road.  South Staffs Water (SSW)  has carried out investigations via a test dig; the hole filled with water which upon testing, concluded the water is not mains water.  Cllrs noted that there are a lot of springs running now that have not run for many, many years and offered this as a possibility.

Many of the drains along Ashby Road East are clogged up and blocked.

b) County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter

Cllr Muller reported that the County Council boundary changes will be published very shortly.

Freeport – nothing new is happening, Cllr Muller reported hearing the delays may be connected with the forthcoming General Election.

A site meeting with Highways Dept is still to be arranged and Cllr Muller has raised it with the relevant Cabinet Member; as a result, repairs have been undertaken at Geary Lane.  Cllr Muller is still pushing for a visit and reported that DCC is very aware of the problems being experienced in the parish.

There has been an influx of diversion signs which are thought to be in relation to the sink hole in Repton.

Cllr Muller explained he has a community fund and offered to use some funds towards a new bin at the bus shelter mentioned earlier in the meeting. Cllr Lowe will continue to look if SDDC can install a bin.

In reply to a question raised by the Chair if DCC controlled the contractors who control traffic lights placed at roadworks, Cllr Muller informed DCC does control the issuing of permits and if there are any issues, these should be reported to DCC.

Cllr Lowe reported that there is a new housing maintenance contractor.  There is a housing review to take place, similar to that undertaken on the planning dept.  The outcomes and recommendations from the planning review are not expected to be known until the autumn.

SDDC former CEO, Mr F McArdle, has received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

In relation to Beat the Street project; the project was commended however no locations were available in Bretby.

c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
No representations were made.

8:10pm Cllr Muller left the meeting.

24/1055   To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 7^th May 2024
These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

24/1056   To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on 7^th May 2024
These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

24/1057   To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 7^th May 2024
These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

24/1058    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.

24/1059    To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
No particular announcements were made, other than to again raise the poor state of the roads which now need urgent major repairs.

24/1060  To receive the Report of the Clerk
The Clerk’s report as previously circulated was accepted with no further comments. 

24/1061   Governance
a) Risk Register update
There are no recommended changes to the risk register, this had been considered at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

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.  

d) Environment Act 2021 – to receive any updates and review of the Parish Council’s Plan
There were no reported updates to the parish council’s environmental plan.

e) To approve the new Financial Regulations
The new financial regulations were circulated with the meeting papers.
RESOLVED to adopt the new Financial Regulations.

f) To review and adopt Policies
The policies were circulated prior to the meeting
RESOLVED to adopt all the policies previously circulated.

Child Protection and vulnerable adults	Code of Conduct	Cllr co-operation
Consent Form	Complaints	Data Breach
Data Privacy	Dignity at work	Disciplinary
Dispensations	Equal Opportunities	Freedom of Information
IT & Internet	Press & Media	Privacy Notices
Recording on meetings	Scheme of Delegation	Social Media
Training	Vexatious complaints	Whistleblowing

24/1062   Drainage and flooding issues
Min 24/1044 – A request for a site visit with the Highways Dept has repeatedly been made, no response has been received and the matter was discussed earlier in the meeting.

24/1063  Correspondence

1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. DALC – advice on pre election period
3. SDDC – Gambling Act 2005 Statement Licencing Policy and Local Area Profile Plan deadline 16.08.24
4. Local Government Boundary Commission for England – Extension of deadline on draft recommendations on review of Derbyshire to 21^st June 2024
5. DCC – Parish and Town Liaison meeting – Highway Development Control
   circulated to Cllrs 30.05.24

All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.

24/1064             Finance

BACS	Staffing – Jun	£158.05
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (Jun)	£42.20
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Jun)	£53.62

Mrs J Storer	Expenses	£18.57
BACS	Staffing – July	£157.85
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (July)	£42.40
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (July)	£53.62
Mrs J Storer	Clerk use of home (Apr-Jun 24)	£81.00

Money Received

Deposit account interest (May 24)	£3.26
Deposit account interest (Jun 24)	£3.48
HMRC  – Refund VAT 2023/24	£512.12

Balance at bank @ 20.06.24

Deposit account	£3,059.16
Current account	£4,889.88

(b) to consider any requests for funding made under s137 LGA 1971
None received

(c)  To receive the actual t budget report to 20^th June 2024
The report had been circulated with the meeting papers.
RESOLVED to accept the financial report with no questions.

24/1065 To consider Planning Applications and to agree the response to SDDC’s comments to the parish council’s complaint including to planning application – DMPA/2023/1579 at 70 Ashby Road East

No planning applications were considered. A request was made for an update relating to the potential solar panel farm in Newton Solney.  The possible application and location was discussed, no actions were agreed as no application has been received.

DMPA/2023/1579 – Ashby Road East application – Cllrs expressed discontent and dismay about the response to its complaint lodged with SDDC, Cllrs noted that work continues at the site and no actions have been taken by the Enforcement Team in relation to what Cllrs perceived to be blatant breaches of the planning conditions.

The application for a leisure centre at Knights Lodge  – Cllr Lowe reported that statutory consultees have no objections so officer’s recommendation is to remove the condition but not to fall back onto the Shades Farm application. However, the planning application is not listed for the Planning Committee meeting next week due to an irregularity noted in relation to the car park.  Planning officers noted the irregularity and have informed the applicant, which as a result, the application will be considered by the Planning Committee at its meeting at the end of July.  Cllrs requested the exercise of control of the conditions previously imposed e.g. lighting and music continues past the curfew times and the landscaping is still outstanding.  These areas were some examples provided at the meeting that parish cllrs urge the Planning and Enforcement Officers to enforce.

SDDC’s reply to the parish council’s complaint and concerns surrounding the planning processes utilised by SDDC were considered to be dismissive and failed to address the concerns raised. 

RESOLVED for Cllr Toone to draft a response based on Cllrs comments made at this meeting.

24/1066 Consultations

National Grid – Chesterfield to Willington Upgrade Phase 1 – deadline 17^th September 2024.  This includes the invitation from South Wingfield to join in a meeting to consider the impact and implications of the upgrade.
Cllrs discussed the upgrade and if there will be any impact upon the parish; none were perceived.
RESOLVED no comments will be made and  which the invitation to attend a meeting organised by South Wingfield parish council was noted; no cllr will attend the meeting.

23/1067 Items for information only
(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended
None received.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting
None known.

 (c)       Training Sessions – See DALC circulars which have been provided to all Cllrs
No training sessions have taken place since the last meeting. 

23/1068           Date of next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on MONDAY 2^nd SEPTEMBER 2024 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 8:41pm.

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 7^th MAY 2024 AT 7:39pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr Toone (Chairman), Cllr Meyrick, Cllr T Ballington, Cllr Falder.

In Attendance:  Cllr Haines, 1 Member of the public, Mrs J Storer – Clerk.

24/1036             Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Muller and Cllr Corner.
As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

24/1037             Variation of Order of Business
There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.

24/10238          Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests.  No declarations were made.

24/1039             Public Speaking

a) Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter
A resident raised a query about the website and the normal practise to keep it up to date.
The resident provided further information about the lack of a timetable and litter bin at the newly replaced bus shelter o Ashby Road East and made a request for the parish council to liaise with the bus company for a timetable to be installed at a readable height and for a litter bin to be installed.
The road gutter between 70 and 76 Ashby Road East has been poorly cleaned over many years and a request was made for the parish council to request the footway to be cleared and reinstated.

b) County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter
Cllr Haines requested responses are made to the Statement of Community Involvement.
The Local Plan sustainability appraisal is an important piece of evidence to help with the assessment of Derby City Council’s unmet need.  By the summer there should be an indication of the sites identified.

c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
No representations were made.

24/1040   To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 4^th March 2024
These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

24/1041    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.

24/1042    To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
No announcements were made.

24/1043   To receive the Report of the Clerk
The Clerk’s report as previously circulated was accepted with no further comments. 

24/1043   Governance

a)   Risk Register update
There are no recommended changes to the risk register, this had been considered at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council.

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.   The notice of a casual vacancy occurred within LGA 1972 sec 8 created by the sudden and unexpected death of Cllr Bridges has been displayed

d) Environment Act 2021 – to receive any updates and review of the Parish Council’s Plan
There were no reported updates to the parish council’s environmental plan

24/1044   Drainage and flooding issues
The state of some of the roads are causing serious problems, particularly at the bend on Geary Lane which floods regularly.  With this location being so close to the Crematorium and with so many people not aware of the problems, Cllrs expressed concerns that there is an accident waiting to happen.
Over the winter, several vehicles have left Knights Lane and have gone into the ditch; the road at this section slopes down which draws vehicles towards and into the ditch.
A site visit with the Highways Dept will be requested for Watery Lane, Knights Lane, Geary Lane and Bretby Lane; the purpose being to demonstrate the issues faced by motorists and to seek remedial works to avoid accidents or worse, from happening.

24/1045   Correspondence

1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. SDDC – Revising Flood Warden scheme – volunteers are sought, either cllrs or members of the public.

All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.

24/1046             Finance

a) RESOLVED The following accounts were passed for payment

BACS	Staffing – Apr	£158.05
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (Apr)	£42.20
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Apr)	£53.62

For approval

Mrs J Storer	Expenses	£51.38
BACS	Staffing – May	£157.85
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (May)	£42.40
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (May)	£53.62
BACS	Clerk use of home (Apr-Jun 24)	£81.00
SDDC	Service Litterbins	£283.30
East Midlands Audit Services Ltd	internal audit 23/24	£52.50
DALC	Subscription for 24/25	£347.23
Clear Council	Insurance 1/6/24-31/5/24 Last year’s premium = £680.28 Budget = £644	£680.28

Money Received

Deposit account interest (March 24)	£3.36
Deposit account interest (April 24)	£3.15
SDDC – s136 refund for 23/24	£3,083.29
SDDC – first half of precept	£2807.00
SDDC – Housing Relief Grant	£73.00

The request for a bin at the bus stop made by a resident in the public section of the meeting was discussed. The Clerk was instructed to make enquiries of the bus company to provide a bin.

Balance at bank @ 29.04.24

Deposit account	£3,052.42
Current account	£6,082.23

(b) to consider any requests for funding made under s137 LGA 1971
None received

(c)  To accept the internal auditor’s report for the accounts for the year ending 31^st March 2024
The internal audit has been completed and no areas of concern have been raised.
The audit invoice for 2023/24 is £52.50 and should the parish council wish to retain the services of the internal auditor (East Midlands Audit Services Ltd) the fee next year will be £57.00.
Cllrs were circulated with the internal audit report with the meeting papers.
RESOLVED to accept the internal auditor’s report as previously circulated and considered.
RESOLVED  to appoint East Midlands Audit Services Ltd to undertake the  internal audit for the year ending 31^st March 2025.

(d)  To complete the AGAR for the year ending 31^st March 2024
RESOLVED to approve the accounts for the year ending 31.03.24 with no amendments.
RESOLVED to complete the AGAR for the year ending 31.03.24; no matters of concern were raised.

24/1047 To consider Planning Applications and the action to be taken with regards to planning application – DMPA/2023/1579 at 70 Ashby Road East
DMPA/2024/0345: The retention of a front boundary wall at 92 Bretby Lane, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QP (11/04/24)
RESOLVED No objections

In relation to planning application at Knights Lane lodges, there appear to be less vehicles attending the site, it was noted that the application is still to come before the planning committee.

Cllrs discussed the frustrations surrounding the late determination of planning applications, the discrepancies in decisions are of concern and the lack of enforcement and communication continues to be an issue.  The review of the planning dept is underway and feedback and complaints of this parish council about the frustrations surrounding its interactions with the SDDC Planning Dept will be relevant and useful.  Cllr Toone will draft the complaint, which the Clerk will submit to SDDC.

24/1048             Consultations
a) SDDC – Draft Statement of Community Involvement (Local Plan) 18^th March to 13^th May 2024
b) National Government – An accelerated planning system consultation –  closes 1^st May 2024
c) SDDC – Draft Cycle Network Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) – closes 28^th June 2024

23/1049 Items for information only

(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended
DCC and Parish Council Liaison Meeting – 16^th April 2024 at 5pm at County Hall – no Cllr attended the meeting.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting
SDDC – Civic Service 23^rd May 2024 – no Cllr was available to attend.

 (c)       Training Sessions – See DALC circulars which have been provided to all Cllrs
No training sessions have taken place since the last meeting. 

23/1050           Date of next meeting
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on  Monday 1^st July   2024 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 8:34 pm.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 7^TH MAY 2024 AT 7:30pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr S Toone (Chairman), Cllr M Falder, Cllr L Meyrick, Cllr T Ballington.

 In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr K Haines, 1 member of the public.

1. Election of Chairman
   RESOLVED Cllr Toone was elected as Chairman.
2. Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
   Cllr Toone took and signed the Declaration of Office of Chair of the Parish Council.
3. Election of Vice Chairman
   RESOLVED Cllr Meyrick was elected as Vice Chairman.
4. Vice Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
   Cllr Meyrick took and signed the Declaration of Office of Vice Chair.
5. Review/Completion of Register of Interests
   No changes were made to the Register of Interests.
6. Appointment of Committees – if required
   RESOLVED no committees were formed.
7. Appointment of Cllrs to External Bodies and arrangements for reporting back
   RESOLVED any Cllr will attend any meetings.
8. To review the Standing Orders
   RESOLVED no changes were made to the Standing Orders which had previously been circulated.
9. To review the Financial Regulations
   The Clerk had circulated the new NALC financial regulations.
   RESOLVED no changes are to be made to the existing Financial Regulations however the Clerk will highlight the changes in the new Financial Regulations and bring the changes and the draft regulations to the next meeting.
10. Review of policies.
    RESOLVED there are no changes to the parish council’s policies.
    The Clerk’s recommendation for a full review during the next 6-12 months and for these to be brought to future meetings will be followed.
11. Review of inventory of land and assets.
    The inventory of land and assets had been circulated with the accounts for the year ending 31.03.24.  The inventory was accepted.
12. Review and confirmation of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insured risks.
    The parish council insurance falls due for renewal on 1^st June 2024; Cllrs have been emailed the insurance renewal information on 24^th April 2024
    Insurance 1/6/24-31/5/24 has been quoted at £568.33, last year’s premium = £680.28 Budget = £644
    RESOLVED the level of insurance cover was agreed and will be taken with Clear Insurance.
13. Review of the Council’s and/or employees’ memberships of other bodies.
    RESOLVED to continue with membership of DALC and SLCC.
14. Reviewing the Council’s complaints procedure.
    RESOLVED to continue with the complaints procedure with no changes.

There being no other business, the Chair closed the meeting at 7:36 pm.

Min 11:  Review of inventory of land and assets.

                                 The parish council has the following assets at 31^st March 2024

PC laptop and scanner			£500
Noticeboard on Village Green			£1
Noticeboard on Bretby Lane			£1
Pump on Village Green			£1
Litter bin at Bretby Hall			£594.59
Litter bin on Bretby Lane and junction of Oldicote lane near to the noticeboard			£594.59
Total Fixed Assets			£1692.18

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH MEETING
TUESDAY 7^th MAY 2024 AT 7.00pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr S Toone (Chairman),    

In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, 6 members of the public

1. To receive apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from Cllr Muller, Cllr Corner.

2. To receive the Annual report for 2023/24 – Cllr Toone
It is just a year ago since we celebrated King Charles’s Coronation with a well attended barn dance organised by Martin Faulder and family. After a couple of failed attempts to organise a social event for the late Queen’s Jubilee year, it was good to see a large proportion of Parishioners getting together to enjoy this event. Thanks to Martin & co for organising.

In May we convened a new Parish Council with myself, Lee Meyrick, Martin Falder and Michael Bridges as Councillors. Graham Corner was co- opted to the council later in May and Tracey Ballington in September. It was with great sadness that in March we learned of the sudden and unexpected death of Michael Bridges who had been a Parish Councillor for over 30 years. His knowledge of the Parish and region will be greatly missed.

As a Council we now have regard to the Environment Act 2021 and should have an Environment and Sustainability Policy for actions by the Council.

Parish accounts showed that due to increasing costs and the fact that the increase in precept in the previous year was kept to a minimum due to cost of living rises, steps had to be taken to stop the accounts being in deficit. An unusually large increase in the precept of 34% was reluctantly made to avoid this.

Concerns have been expressed by residents this year on several planning applications which will have an impact on the local environment. The Parish Council has raised concerns with SDDC at the public’s use of the leisure facilities at Knights Lodges, proposed change of use of a barn at Shades Farm in the village, and extension of Planters Nursery. Premature and possibly illegal building on Ashby Road East has also been bought to the district council’s attention but in all these issues SDDC’s response to our concerns has been frustrating to say the least and lack of communication from the district council has become untenable. This will no doubt be discussed in the later parish council meeting.

Residents continue to complain about speeding traffic on Bretby Lane in particular 2 buses which appear to use the road daily as a rat run. Also, the amount of heavy goods vehicles which use the road even though there’s a weight restriction in force.

Approaches have been made to Bretby and Newton Solney Parish Councils to consider plans for a Solar farm on land off Newton Lane next to the garden centre. The company involved is planning a meeting with affected Parishes but nothing has yet materialised.

The major concern in the Parish for the last few months has been the appalling weather and ensuing floods. Geary Lane, Knights Lane, Newton Lane and Watery Lane have all had significant prolonged flooding and for a period in March when there was roadworks on Hartshorne Road and Bretby Lane at the junction with Ashby Road every road into the village was affected.

We must thank the County Council and District Council (and Councillors) who made tremendous efforts to alleviate these problems, especially when other areas experienced much worse effects from the floods.

Like everywhere else there has been the increase in vehicle damaging pot holes in roads in the Parish which again the Highways department has fought to contain. Although these pot holes have been exacerbated by the excess road water it has to be said that some of our roads were already in a dreadful state and sooner or later the County Council must do something to improve them, particularly in light of possible increase in road traffic due to proposed developments in the Parish.

One success story that has benefited the Parish is that the bus shelter opposite the Stanhope Arms has been replaced after it was demolished in a road traffic accident in 2022. This was due to the persistence of a resident of Stanhope Bretby who badgered various agencies including the police, the bus company, DCC and SDDC to firstly get the debris removed and then a replacement installed. The process took over 18 months and the resident should be congratulated on her perseverance.

3. Public Questions and comments
No questions were raised.

Mary Freeland from Connect Fibre informed the meeting that Connect Fibre has been awarded the Government contract to build the network for full fibre network in Government identified addresses in Derbyshire and for NE Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.  This parish is one of the build areas.  In coming months, Connect Fibre will be exploring the existing infrastructure and what other assets/resources are required.  This is a 3 year project; over coming months there will be testing, then the new cabinets or poles will go in and the build will take place some months later. When work is due to start, Mary Freeland will attend a meeting with the parish council and residents to explain what will happen.

The addresses identified by the Government for full fibre will be made available to Connect Fibre soon.

There being no further matters, Cllr Toone closed the meeting at 7.29pm.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 9^th JANUARY 2024 AT 7:30pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr Toone (Chairman), Cllr Meyrick, Cllr Corner, Cllr Ballington, Cllr Bridges, Cllr Falder.

In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk.

24/1004             Apologies
Apologies were noted from Cllr Muller (alternative meeting), Cllr Haines (alternative meeting), Cllr Lowe (alternative meeting).
As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

24/1005            Variation of Order of Business
There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.

24/1006             Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests.  No declarations were made.

24/1007             Public Speaking

a) Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter
Nothing was raised.

b) County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter
Cllr Muller’s report had been circulated to Parish Cllrs (Appendix 1).
Cllr Lowe’s report will be circulated to Parish Cllrs (Appendix 2)

c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
No representations were made.

24/1008             To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 13^th November 2023
These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

24/1009             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.

24/1010             To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
None were made.

24/1011             To receive the Report of the Clerk
The Clerk’s report as previously circulated was accepted with no further comments. 
Cllrs noted that an update is awaited on the inclusion of Brizlincote Farm in the Local Plan.

24/1012             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 is one vacancy on the parish council and no expressions of interest have been received.  

d) Environment Act 2021 – to create an action plan (circulated to Cllrs 27.11.23)
The Environmental and Sustainability policy was circulated to all parish Cllrs prior to Christmas.
RESOLVED to adopt the Environmental and Sustainability policy as circulated.
Parish Cllrs agreed to consider the environment in all decisions.

24/1013            Drainage and flooding issues
The recent flooding was discussed along with the resultant deep potholes which are known to have damaged at least five (5) vehicles.  Water continues to lie on the road on the bend of Geary Lane, this was specifically mentioned at the Flood Liaison Committee in November 2023 as an area of concern;  the parish council anticipates that action will be taken to resolve the problem as a matter of priority.

24/1014             Correspondence

1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. Special Constable Council Tax Discount – Commissioner Angelique Foster (circulated to cllrs 1/12/23)
3. DCC – notification of temporary closure of Greary Lane on 23^rd January 2024 for safe access to pole testing (circulated to cllrs on 11.12.23)
4. DALC – raising awareness of the decision of the District Council’s Finance Committee in relation to future s136 funding (circulated 27.11.23)
5. Cllr Haines response to concerns raised by this parish council regarding the possible loss of S136 funding (circulated to cllrs 4.12.23)

All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.

24/1015             Finance

a) RESOLVED The following accounts were passed for payment

BACS	Staffing – Dec	£157.85
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (Dec)	£42.40
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Dec)	£53.62

                                                                                        

BACS	Staffing – Jan	£157.85
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI & PAYE (Jan)	£42.40
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Jan)	£53.62

b) Money Received

Deposit account interest (Nov 23)	£3.35
Deposit account interest (Dec 23)	£3.46
Deposit account interest (Jan 24)	£3.14
SDDC s136 refund for the repairs to the war memorial	£790.00

Balance at bank @ 08.01.24

Deposit account	£3,042.55
Current account	£1,352.05*

*This balance includes earmarked reserves of £1,000 grant from Cllr Muller – this was ringfenced for the purchase of  a noticeboard.

Requests for funding via S137
No requests for funding have been received.

c) To consider and set the precept and budget for the year ending 31^st March 2025
The budget for 2024/25 was re-circulated. Regarding Min 23/998c (November 2023), no new information had been received and Cllrs being mindful of the consultation relating to the possible withdrawal of s136 funding to parish councils, considered it prudent to set a budget reflecting the future loss of s136 funding.
RESOLVED to set the precept at £5,614 for 2024/25 in order to set a nil budget.
RESOLVED to increase the room hire paid to the Church from £5 to £10 per meeting.

24/1026             To consider Planning Applications

DMPA/2023/1463: The variation of condition no.16 of permission ref. DMPA/2022/0683 (relating to Ecology) for the erection of a detached dwelling at 2 Ashby Road East, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0PT (19/12/23)
RESOLVED No objections

DMPA/2023/1579: Approval of reserved matters following outline planning permission DMPA/2022/1336 Outline application (matters of access and scale to be considered with matters of appearance, landscaping and layout reserved for later consideration) for the erection of one detached infill dwelling with garaging at 70 Ashby Road East, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0PT  (14/01/24)
RESOLVED Objections
The proposed building is far too big for the specified plot and has an overbearing impact on the surrounding area.  There is insufficient room for the parking of 5 vehicles and the Planning Dept is asked to inspect the site to see the restrictions.
Under the original application, the applicant stated that the removal of trees and hedges would be kept to a minimum and only where necessary; this application states only 2 trees have been removed however viewing the actual site shows the majority of vegetation has been removed and walls and fences constructed.
The conditions of the first application stated conditions of operation and working hours but these have not been abided by on occasions.
The parish council is concerned about the Planning Dept not fulfilling its duty to monitor planning permissions and to respond to concerns expressed by concerned residents; these concerns are to be made to the Planning Dept.

24/1017             Consultations
SDDC – Draft Plan deadline 8^th December (Circulated to Cllrs 14/11/23)
SDDC – Budget proposals 2024/25 (Circulated to Cllrs 18/12/23)
This had been considered at the setting of the precept (Min 24/1025); whilst the s136 income for this parish council is nominal, Cllrs agreed to make representations about the impact of any loss of s136 income on those councils where the s136 funding forms a significant percentage of their income.

23/1018            Items for information only

(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended
SDDC – flood Liaison meeting 22^nd November 2023, 10am – 12pm; Cllr Ballington gave a verbal report including that provided at Min 24/1013 when the lying water on Geary Lane was specifically raised.

(b)        Notification of Forthcoming meetings
The next Area Forum Meeting will be held on 24^th January 2024 at 6.30pm at the Newton Solney Village Hall.

(c)        Training Sessions – See DALC circulars which have been provided to all Cllrs
No training sessions have taken place since the last meeting. 

23/1019           Date of next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on MONDAY 4^th MARCH 2024 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 8:06 pm.

APPENDIX 1 – Report from Cllr Muller

You could say that the last few days have been challenging with the higher than average rain causing  extreme flooding in and around the District. As shown in my attached report pot holes are a huge issue and we have teams out day and night trying to catch up  with the thousands of complaints.  Let’s hope for some dry weather over the next few days.

Please find herewith my report for the meeting

1. The East Midlands Combined County Authority.  On Monday the  18th December the draft East Midlands Combined County Authority Regulations were laid in Parliament. Consideration is expected in the Spring.  The inaugural election for the East Midlands Mayor will take place on 2 May 2024.
   As known the EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billon of funding for the region alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education,  housing and environment and economic development.
   If legislation is passed in the coming weeks it would come into force by March 2024 meaning the EMCCA will officially come into existence.
2. The £2 single fare bus scheme.  This is funded by Government and will continue until 31^st December 2024.
3. No 20 MPH limits for two Derbyshire towns. I think its important to mention that two Derbyshire towns have rejected proposals for a 20 MPH speed limit. In Long Eaton a total of 306 responses were received with 63 in favour and 184 against.
4. Pot Holes.  Again I have received a considerable amount of complaints regarding pot holes, road surface conditions and of course flooding in and around the Melbourne District.
   So far I have reported everything I know about but please let me know of anything that come from the meeting.
5. Freeport. Nothing new to report.

APPENDIX 2 – Report from Cllr Lowe

Apologies for sending this out later but have now noted the 3pm request.

Please accept my apologies for tonight’s meeting – been quite busy with work!

Here’s a few things for our District Councillors report,

A Flood liaison meeting was held in November which was quite useful in getting people together and some useful discussions took place. Requested follow up on the issues from DCC affecting both Geary Lane and Newton lane, also noted Watery lane still dreadful! Guessing there will be quite a backlog with so many issues recently and a high workload in general.

With regards to Budgets and S136 Concurrent funding for Parish Councils – please send in your comments as this feedback is really useful for all concerned this ends on Jan 12^th. Feedback will be presented with final budgets next month.

A Hybrid Refuse vehicle running on a special Hydrogen fuel is in active service around the district and trials are underway – so let’s see how this progresses.

Bus shelter on A511 nr Stanhope Arms – await installation date but will keep on at them!

Have your say on the 2024/25 budget proposals – see SDDC website for a link to the survey this will close on 26^th Jan – the new council budget will be presented to a meeting of the full council for its approval in February.

Let us know if you have anything that needs our attention.