MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

MONDAY 12^th JANUARY 2026 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 7:43pm onwards), 1 resident

The Chair paid tribute to Cllr Corner following his death on 14^th December 2025; his long service as a parish cllr and to the community was thanked.

25/1217            Apologies

Apologies were noted from Cllr Haines and Cllr Lowe, Cllr Benfield sent his apologies as he would be late as he was attending Repton parish council. As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

25/1218            Variation of Order of Business

The order of business was amended to allow reports from Cllr Benfield once he arrives.

25/1219             Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.

25/1220             Public Speaking

1. Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter

A resident presented a report on the following matters:

• The pavement along Ashby Road East
• Gullies require cleaning.
• The state of road signage
• Temporary traffic management during road lane closures

Cllrs noted these matters and provided further examples such as cones and signage being left when works have been completed.

• County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter.

This will be taken later in the meeting once the Cllrs arrived.

District Cllr Haines had sent an email reporting: –

Postal vote changes – these now need renewing every 3 years. SDDC have sent letters out to those who need to renew.

Podback coffee kerbside collection scheme is ending – apparently due to the expansion of Podback’s national drop-off network. Final kerbside collection week is w/c 2^nd February.

c)         Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation

None were raised.

25/1221             To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 10^th November 2025

These were circulated, read, approved, and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

7:43pm Cllr Benfield arrived.

Standing Orders were suspended to allow Cllr Benfield to address the meeting.

Cllr Benfield was provided with the resident’s report on highway matters earlier reported in the meeting.

Cllr Benefield reported on the very recent grading of pothole management released by Central Government.  Derbyshire is graded as RED, the data used was upto June 2025 and since then improvements have been made however the recent bad weather has reopened many potholes.  Part of this is due to poor management of the drainage systems which caused water to lie on the roads. Cllr Benfield will obtain a report to check the scheduled drainage works.

Highway budget for 2026/27 for Bretby Parish focuses on bus shelter upgrades along the A511 to install real time displays; no road repairs are scheduled in the next financial year.

The highway verges have only been mown once in the year and Cllr Benfield will request for mowing to be undertaken more frequently.

The lights at Bretby Nurseries are distracting motorists and a notification has been passed to the Highways Dept to undertake an investigation into the strength, direction and number of lights t the Nurseries.

On 17^th January 2026, Cllr Benefield and the District Cllrs are holding a surgery in Repton Village Hall.

Further congestion will occur when the A38 and A50 repairs are undertaken – these are anticipated to last 18 months and this raised concerns not only of the volume of traffic being diverted along the country lanes but also the impact upon and the deterioration of road surfaces.

 The Chair returned to Standing Orders.

25/1222            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.

25/1223            To receive the Chairman’s Announcements

The Chairman had contributed an article to the Church Newsletter.

25/1224            To receive the Report of the Clerk

This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.

25/1225            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 three 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.

f)  To adopt the IT policy in readiness to be 2.2AAA compliant

The policy was rewritten by Cllr Meyrick and brought to the meeting.

RESOLVED: to accept the policy without change.

The Council noted the Clerk is a remote worker and the parish council does not have an office.

RESOLVED a lockable cupboard will be purchased up to a value of £100 for the safe storage of parish council documents.

25/1226            Drainage, flooding, and highway issues

Knights Lane is now experiencing standing water, again due to the inability of water to drain due to blocked culverts and drains.

25/1227             Correspondence

1.         DALC – Various circulars and information

2.         DCC – Proposed road closure for Repton Road, Hartshorne to facilitate Open Reach pole testing.  The road closure will only be in place between 0930-1430hrs each day. 

3.         DCC – Derbyshire’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme: December 2025 

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

 

25/1228          Finance

(a)        Accounts for Payment

    Accounts passed for payment

BACS	Staffing – Dec	£163.98
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Dec)	£44.00
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Dec)	£57.89
Charges	Service charges (Nov)	£4.25
BACS	Staffing – Jan	£ 169.34
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Jan)	£ 58.40
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Jan)	£ 76.70
Charges	Service charges (Dec)	£4.25

For approval

Mrs J Storer	Expenses	£33.80
SDDC	Service litterbin for the year 2024-25	£236.08

Money Received

Deposit interest

Dec 2025

£ 1.48

Balance at bank @ 31.12.25

Deposit account                                    £3,100.07– interest rate 0.70%

Current account                                    £6,434.52

(b)        To consider any requests for funds made under S137 – none received

(c)        To set the budget for 2026/27 and set the precept.

The Clerk had circulated the amended draft of the 2026/27 budget with the meeting papers, together with an actual to budget report for the period to 31^st December 2025. The actual to budget report was accepted.

RESOLVED to accept the budget for 2026/27.

RESOLVED to set the precept for 2026/27 at £6,335.00.

25/1229.           NJC pay award 2025/26 – to apply the pay award and arrears due from 1/4/25 as per the NJC agreement at 3.25%. 

RESOLVED to apply the pay award of 3.25% back dated to 1^st April 2025.

25/1230            To consider Planning Applications

DMPA/2025/1422: The erection of a two-storey side extension and single storey rear extension at 19 Ashby Road East, Bretby, DE15 0PS (05/12/25)

RESOLVED: Noted, the time for comments has passed.

25/1231             Consultations

SDDC – Local Plan Part 2 Review Issues and Options consultation on Monday 24th November. The consultation will close on the 30th of January. 

East Midlands Combined County Authority: Mayor’s Transport Plan Consultation – no comments were made.

25/1232   Items for information only

(a)  To receive reports from Meetings attended.

Parish and Town Council Liaison Forum:  8th December 2025 at Matlock – no person from the parish council attended.

SDDC flood liaison meeting – Thursday 20^th Nov 2025 at 10am-12, via TEAMS- no person attended from the parish council.

Cllrs commended the Clean Team for the work undertaken recently to clear rubbish from along Watery Lane.  A thank you will be sent to the Clean Team.

A resident voluntarily litter picks along Knights Lane and Geary Lane and this resident too was commended.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting – Area Forum dates to include

Cllr Ballington will attend the DALC session on the reintroduction of beavers.

(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.

25/1233            Date of next meeting

The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on TUESDAY 17^th MARCH 2026 at 7.30pm at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby.

This will also be the Annual Meeting of the Parish which will commence at 7:15pm

There being no further business, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8:27 pm.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

MONDAY 10^th 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

1. 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 13^th 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 8^th 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.

25/1211             Correspondence

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 – 12^th 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 31^st 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

None received

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 – 17^th September 2025 at 6pm – CANCELLED by SDDC on 10^th SEPTEMBER, and has not been

rearranged

            Online meeting with SDDC Head of Planning and Samantha Nibblett MP – 22^nd September AND 24^th 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 20^th 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: –

16^th September 2025                  DALC              Website for complying with the new AGAR regulations.

23^rd September 2025                  DALC              Update on Employment Bill

25/1216            Date of next meeting

The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on MONDAY 12^th 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.

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

MONDAY 8^th SEPTEMBER AT 7:30 pm

AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

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

In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr Benfield (from 7:56pm), Cllr Haines (from 7:56pm),    

25/1184            Apologies

Apologies were noted from Cllr Corner (Personal). Cllr Lowe (personal).  Cllr Haines and Cllr Benfield had sent their apologies as they would be late as they are attending Repton  parish council. As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

25/1185            Variation of Order of Business

There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.

25/1186             Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.

25/1187             Public Speaking

1. Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter

No members of the public were in attendance.

AGREED to change the order of business to allow reports and discussions with both the County and District Cllrs to happen when the Cllrs arrive.

• County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter

This was taken on the arrival of Cllrs Haines and Benfield.

c)         Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation

None were raised.

25/1188            To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 8^th July 2025

These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

25/1189            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.

25/1190            To receive the Chairman’s Announcements

The Chairman reported on the long delays and tailbacks caused by roadworks on Ashby Road East and commented upon the lack of service/attention from the DCC Highways Dept to the roads around the parish.  Complaints have been made to DCC Highways Dept over a number of years but actions have never resulted.

Concerns were raised and discussed about the lack of parking space at Bretby Nurseries following the increase in size of the business.

Cllr Ballington reported on the installation of 2 double sets of traffic counter placed across Ashby Road East;  these are thought to record speed and the type of vehicle using the road. An increase in very heavy lorries using the road during the evening and over night has been observed.

A resident continues to rigorously pursue the clearing of the path raised at last meeting as SDDC only send out a mini road sweeper which is not making any impact.

Cllrs commented upon both the lack of verge mowing this year, and the inconsistency of the mowing schedule. The verges on the lanes (Watery, Geary, Newton) received a cut in April but nothing since which other areas, such as The Green have received 6 cuts.  Visibility at the junctions at Knights Lane and Hartshorne Road is atrocious and the vegetation along Newton Lane  is narrowing an already narrow lane.

The planning application for an incinerator and power generator at Stanton involving 200 daily vehicle movements, has been successful at appeal.  Cllrs raised concerns about traffic congestion but the major area of concern related to clouds of pollution which could cover a significant area, including Bretby.

The speedwatch scheme is about the start.

25/1191            To receive the Report of the Clerk

This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.

25/1192            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 – information and the advice sheet from SLCC has been circulated to all cllrs on 22/7/25, no further information is available.

e)  Community Governance Review by SDDC – the parish council has no comments.

25/1193            Drainage, flooding and highway issues

No further matters were reported.

DCC have not returned to Watery Lane to undertake the promised remedial actions but it is hoped the flooding issue on Geary Lane has been resolved with the clearing of the drain.

25/1194             Correspondence

1.         DALC – Various circulars and information

2.         DCC – Notification of road closure – Geary Lanre between 23/9/25 – 30/9/25 for the installation of fibre

3.         DCC – Notification of road closure – Watery Lane between 1/10/25 – 6/10/25 for the installation of fibre

4.         Cadent – Notification of gas works along Ashby Road with temporary lights from 18^th August 2025 onwards – no closing date has been provided.

5.         SDDC – Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust- South Derbyshire Buildings at Risk Project

6.          Resident – Requesting the parish council to seek enforcement of planning conditions at 60 Bretby Lane (DMOT/2020/0601). The removal of a temporary fence and the brick wall installed – this was reported to SDDC Enforcement and on  04.08.25 confirmation that Enforcement file ENF/2025/00203 has been raised.  On 12.08.25, Enforcement informed that their investigates revealed no breach of planning and the case is closed.

            Cllr Toone reported the conditions were imposed in 2018 and work has still not finished.

7.         DALC – Local Government Reorganisation in Derbyshire Forum 13^th August 2025

8.         DCC – Notification of road closure of Knights Lane between 1^st -12^th September 2025 for installation of fibre

9.         SDDC – update about the s136 funding review

10.       DCC – Parish and Town Council Liaison Forum which is being held from 5.00pm on Monday 15 September 2025.

11.       DCC – Notification of temporary Road Closure of Repton Road, Hartshorne between 14/10/2025 – 20/10/2025 for the installation of fibre.

12.       John Hallyar – requesting information about the water pump, his illustration of Bretby pump will be included with other illustrations of old preserved water pumps

13.       DCC – Notification of Temporary Road Closure | Repton Road, Hartshorne | 14/10/2025 – 20/10/2025

14.        DCC – Notification of Temporary Road Closure | Netherhall Road, Hartshorne | 14/10/2025 – 20/10/2025

15.       National Grid – Chesterfield to Willington – Community Project Update – August 2025

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

 

7:56pm  Cllrs Haines and Benfield arrived.

25/1195          Finance

(a)        Accounts for Payment

                         Accounts passed for payment

BACS	Staffing – Aug	£163.98
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Aug)	£44.00
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Aug)	£57.89
Charges	Service charges (July)	£4.25
BACS	Staffing – Sept	£163.98
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Sept)	£44.00
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (Sept)	£57.89
Charges	Service charges (July)	£4.25

For approval

Mrs J Storer	Expenses	£16.95
Mrs J Storer	Use of Home Jul – Sept	£81.00
PKF	External audit fee 24/25	£252.00
Royal Mail	Renewal of PO Box	£148.60

Money Received

Deposit interest	July 2025	£1.78
Deposit interest	Aug 2025	£1.96
SDDC	Balance of second half of precept for 25/26	£268.00
SDDC	Safer Neighbourhood – grant for Speed watch items	£500.00

Balance at bank @ 29.08.25

Deposit account                                    £3,093.72– interest rate 0.70%

Current account                                    £8,912.58

(b)        To consider any requests for funds made under S137 – none received

(c)        To receive the report from the external auditor – a clean audit report has been received, and no areas of concern have been identified

RESOLVED to accept the external auditors report.  The notice for the conclusion of the audit has been placed on the website.

25/1196            To consider Planning Applications

DMPA/2024/1052: Notification of planning appeal  – Installation and operation of a renewable energy generation station comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic panels, inverter/transformer units, DNO substation, site

access, internal access tracks, security measures, landscaping, and other ancillary infrastructure on Land west of Newton Lane, Newton Solney, DE15 0RU  (Deadline for submissions – 27^th August 2025)

Appellant: Anesco Ltd

Appeal Ref. No: APP/F1040/W/25/3365887

Appeal Starting Date: 23/07/2025

RESOLVED the parish council’s comments have been submitted.

Cllr Toone asked for an update on the appeal at Knight’s Lane Lodges, no date has been given for the conclusion of the appeal.

Knights Lodges is openly advertising swimming lessons for children; Cllr Toone enquired how the various licences and regulations have been given for the swimming lessons  to be held when the conditions of planning were not complied with.  It was reiterated the first complaint was in Oct 2023 about none compliance at the site.

DMPA/2025/0505: The variation of conditions no. 2 (approved plans ) and 5 (window serving the south east 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 (09/08/25)

RESOLVED No comments as deadline passed

DMPA/2025/1044: The creation of two new openings for two painted timber double doors to match the existing as a change to existing planning permission DMPA/2023/1078 at 12 Park Row, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RL (22/09/25)

RESOLVED

 DMOT/2025/1049: The felling and pruning of various trees at Bretby Hall, Management Office, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QQ (24/09/25)

RESOLVED: objections as the reason for the request to fell and pruning trees was not given or stated.

25/1197             Consultations

DCC – Community Insights Survey – deadline for responses 31^st July 2025

RAD – Survey on Flooding – deadline for responses 29^th August 2025

SDDC – review of the Animal Welfare Licensing Policy responses by 17^th October 2025

25/1198    District and County Council reports       

Cllr Haines urged Cllrs to report planning issues to the meeting with SDDC on 17^th September.

The majority of responses to the Draft Local Plan Part 1 are in favour but developers are highly critical about the lack of allocation of sites across South Derbyshire.  Officers are working on Part 2 of the Local Plan; the initial consultation in November 2025 with 8 weeks consultation.  There is an appeal for a development at Kings Newton which will clarify the 5 year land supply. and if the appeal is successful then for the Local Plan Part 1, there are questionable implications for the plan going forward.

A resident has reported to Cllr Haines the ongoing matters relating to the clearing of the footpath as reported under Min 25.1190, Cllr Lowe will look into this and report back.

Cllr Benfield reported the road signs at Ashby Road East as raised at the July meeting, did not need replacing.  Parish cllrs provided details of the issues which Cllr Benfield agreed to take back to the Highways Dept.

Complaints have been received about the speed along Knights Lane and DCC submitted a response about why any upgrade at junctions cannot occur but the repainting of the road markings has been agreed.

Parking, specifically parking on the pavement at a property on Bretby Lane running music lessons, is creating problems for motorists and pedestrians; a review of the planning conditions needs to be looked at to see if any planning conditions are in force and Cllr Haines agreed to take this forward

Some confusion was expressed about which is the relevant authority, SDDC or the police, for abandoned vehicles and the confusion remained.

All gullies are to be cleared in South Derbyshire before the onset of winter.

Speed indicator device trial reintroduced by DCC were explained; this parish council will not participate.

Mention was made again of verge mowing and Cllr Benfield was requested to take this forward as Newton Lane was impassible in parts as were other lanes.

Roadworks undertaken by Cadent on Ashby Road East are creating major congestion with tail backs lasting miles.  A request was made for the control of the temporary lights to be tighter and to be more thoughtful about the scheduling of the works.

The firework display held last Friday was huge and very loud, and questions were raised if the necessary permissions had been sought for the event.

Cllr Haines was asked about the Finance & Management Committee meeting held 4^th September 2025 and the outcome of the decision on the continuation of the s136 refund; it was reported that the s136 refund will continue and be for the new authority to make any decisions about the future of s136.

A further question was asked seeking where council tax for new houses in the first year of occupancy goes – is this to SDDC and if the money is ringfence.  Cllr Haines will make enquiries.

Cllr Haines informed SDDC is undertaking a Community Governance Review with a view to parish the unparished areas (mainly the urban core).  DCC have voted for a north/south split.

25/1199   Items for information only

(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended

            31^st July 2025 – S Derbyshire and Erewash Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) stakeholders briefing

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting – none known

            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 – 17^th September 2025 at 6pm – POST MEETING NOTE; on 10^th September the meeting was cancelled by SDDC.

            Online meeting with SDDC Head of Planning and Samantha Nibblett MP – 22^nd September AND 24^th September 2025

            Severn Trent Community Roadshow – Investment in Derbyshire @ Carsington Water – Tuesday 23rd September 2025 between 17:00 – 18:45

(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.

(d)       Consideration needs to be given to the maintenance of the trees on the Green, this will be discussed at the next meeting.

25/1200            Date of next meeting

The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on MONDAY 10^th NOVEMBER  2025 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 8:39 pm.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD TUESDAY 8^th JULY AT 7:15 pm

AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

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

In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr Benfield (from 7:24pm to 8:39pm), Cllr Lowe (to 8:39pm), 9 members of the public, Carolyn Renwick – Community Engagement Officer for Connect Fibre. 

Carolyn Renwick informed the meeting, Connect Fibre has been awarded the Government contract to deliver full fibre to rural areas in parts of South Derbyshire and NE Staffordshire.  Connect Fibre will install the infrastructure using Open Reach infrastructure.  Work will start in the next few weeks to put full fibre from the cabinet to premises, with ambition for the works to be completed by the autumn.

Connect Fibre is told by Government as to the eligible properties to receive the upgrade and all eligible properties will receive a letter this week informing when work will commence.

Questions were raised and answered about specific locations.

Connect Fibre will make some contributions towards community engagement and the parish council was urged to consider projects for which funding can be sought.

25/1166             Apologies

Apologies were noted from Cllr Haines (personal). As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

25/1167            Variation of Order of Business

There was no alteration to the variation of the order of business.

25/1168             Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.

25/1169             Public Speaking

1. Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter

Mrs Gordan reported nothing has happened about the build up of soil along the footway at Ashby Road East – Cllr Lowe agreed to take the matter forward.

She also raised the continuing appalling state of road signage along the A511, all the signage is damaged between the Stanhope and The Chesterfield – Cllr Benfield agreed to take the matter forward.

Mrs Norton reported she has received confirmation of the SNT grant for the speed watch equipment.  Mrs Norton confirmed there are 10 volunteers to participate in the scheme along Bretby Lane and training will take place soon. 

It was agreed, for the purposes of continuity, that the grant will come to the parish council and for the parish council to purchase the equipment.

Residents at Blue Cedars, Ashby Road East attended the meeting to voice concerns about what they consider to be breaches of planning conditions and lack of enforcement of planning rules at 2 Ashby Road East.  They expressed frustrations about the service received from SDDC and provided specific examples of alleged breaches, plus numerous examples of the lack of engagement by SDDC.  The Chair explained the parish council has also made complaints to SDDC and received unsatisfactory responses.  It was agreed whilst the parish council has no power relating to planning matters, representations will be made to SDDC both about the lack of enforcement and the general lack of interest/engagement/ communication by SDDC.

A resident reported lorries are reversing out of Bretby Nurseries onto Knights Lane; this appears to be happening following the alterations at the site resulting in a lack of turning space within the nurseries site itself.  Lorries are also reported to wait on Mount Road until the nurseries open.  Representations are to be made to the nurseries. Cllr Benfield will also raise this with the Highways Dept.

The solar farm planning appeal has been lodged, but the details are not yet on the Planning Inspectorate website – the Planning Inspector is to make a decision about the type of appeal before any information is posted on the Inspectorate’s website.

There is no update on the Knights Lodges leisure centre planning appeal – Cllr Lowe will follow this up.

• County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter

Cllr Benfield reported on the temporary closure of public footpaths 14, 16 and 74 between 21^st and 25^th July for telecoms work

A full County Council meeting will take place tomorrow to discuss proposals for the Local Government reorganisation

The new SDDC Chair is Cllr Angela Archer.

SDDC has secured £120,000 of funding from Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Further concerns were raised about the National Grid’s proposals for the upgrade of pylons; both Cllr Benfield and Cllr Lowe expressed the view, the pylons are likely to be installed as part of the Chesterfield/Willington pylon upgrade.

8:39pm Cllrs Benfield and Lowes and all members of the public left the meeting.

c)         Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation

None were raised.

25/1170             To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 6^th May 2025

These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

25/1171             To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on 6^th May 2025

These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

25/1172             To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 6^th May 2025

These were circulated, read, approved and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.

25/1173            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.

25/1174            To receive the Chairman’s Announcements

The Chairman’s comments had been discussed earlier in the meeting.

25/1175            To receive the Report of the Clerk

This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.

25/1176            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.

25/1177            Drainage, flooding and highway issues

No further matters were reported.

25/1178             Correspondence

1.         DALC – Various circulars and information

2.         Samantha Niblett MP – seeking to hold quarterly meetings with parish council.

3.         SDDC – Parklife event 2025

4.         SDDC – information about the transfer of gully cleansing back to DCC

5.         Samantha Niblett MP – information about funding for NDPs

6.         South Derbyshire Local Area Energy Plan Stakeholder Introductory

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

 

25/1179          Finance

1. Accounts passed for payment

BACS	Staffing – June	£163.98
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (June)	£44.00
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (June)	£57.89
Charges	Service charges	£4.25
BACS	Staffing – July	£163.98
BACS	HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (July)	£44.00
BACS	DCC – Pension contribution (July)	£57.89

                      For approval

Mrs J Storer

Expenses

£16.90

Money Received

Deposit interest	May 2025	£2.11
Deposit interest	June 2025	£2.06
SDDC	Second half of precept for 25/26	£2807.00**
SDDC	Second half of precept for 25/26 – difference	£268.00

** – this is an error and underpayment by SDDC of £268.00.  This amount is for 24/25.  The Clerk has raised this with SDDC.

Balance at bank @ 30.06.25

Deposit account                                    £3089.98

Current account                                    £5956.81

b)         Requests for funding via S137

No requests for funding have been received.

(c)        To receive the actual to budget report for the period ending 30^th June 2025

RESOLVED to accept the actual to budget report for the period  ending 30.06.25.  No matters were raised.

(d)       Change of bank accounts from Lloyds to Unity Trust

The Clerk has all the details from members and will complete the new bank mandate.

(e)        To receive the report from the external auditor

Nothing has been received from the external auditor.

25/1180            To consider Planning Applications

DMPA/2025/0505: The variation of conditions no. 2 (approved plans), 3 (approved materials) and 5 (window serving the south east 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 (29/5/25)

RESOLVED No comments as deadline passed

DMPA/2025/0560: Change of Use of Dwelling (Use Class C3) to Children’s Care Home (Use Class C2) at 3 Stanhope Glade, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QT (10/6/25)

RESOLVED No comments as deadline passed

DMOT/2025/0589:The pruning of three Hornbeam trees and the felling of a Sycamore, Lawson’s Cypress, Cypress and a Sawara Cypress tree at St Wystan’s Church, The Green, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RA (14/06/25)

RESOLVED No comments as deadline passed.

25/1181             Consultations

Licensing Act 2003 – Statement of Licensing Policy Review- deadline 1^st August 2025 – No comments are to be made

SDDC – The ‘One Derbyshire, Two Councils’ consultation –  deadline Sunday 10 August 2025. – Cllrs are to make their own observations

SDDC – Draft Green Spaces Strategy – This arrived on the day of the meeting, Cllrs are to consider the strategy  and to make representations.

25/1182            Items for information only

(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended

10^th June 2025 – online meeting with Samantha Nibblett MP – Cllrs Meyrick and Corner and the Clerk attended the meeting.  There were varying opinions about the value of the meeting, but it was considered beneficial to attend the next meeting.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting

Local Authority Energy Plan – 31^st July 2025

 (c)       Training Sessions – All Cllrs have been provided with the training information via the DALC circulars.

Cllrs are still to complete the training relating to prevention of harassment.

25/1183            Date of next meeting

The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on MONDAY 8^th September 2025 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 8:54 pm.