MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELDTUESDAY 5th MAY 2026 AT 7:15 pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY
Present: Cllr S Toone (Chairman), Cllr M Falder, Cllr Ballington.
In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr M Belfield, 2 members of the public.
Election of Chairman
RESOLVED Cllr Toone was elected as Chairman for 2026/27
Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
Cllr Toone took and signed the Declaration of Office of Chair of the Parish Council.
Election of Vice Chairman
RESOLVED Cllr Meyrick was elected as Vice Chairman for 2026/27
Vice Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
Cllr Meyrick will take and sign the Declaration of Office of Vice Chair prior to the next meeting.
Review/Completion of Register of Interests
Cllrs had been earlier been reminded by SDDC of the requirement to review and update their individual Register of Interest. No changes were made to the Register of Interests.
Appointment of Committees – if required
RESOLVED no committees were formed.
Appointment of Cllrs to External Bodies and arrangements for reporting back
RESOLVED any Cllr will attend any meetings.
To review the Standing Orders
RESOLVED to accept the latest version of the Standing Orders from NALC which had previously been circulated.
To review the Financial Regulations
RESOLVED to accept the changes made to the Financial Regulations.
Review of polices.
RESOLVED no changes are to be made to the Council’s policies however both Cllrs and the Clerk will monitor correspondence and guidance and will make recommendations to change policies if required.
Review of inventory of land and assets.
The inventory of land and assets had been circulated with the accounts for the year ending 31.03.26 and with the agenda for this meeting. The inventory was accepted.
The parish council has the following assets at 31st March 2026
PC laptop (new laptop)
£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
Review and confirmation of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insured risks.
The quote for the insurance cover for 2026/27 has not been received; the Clerk has been chasing for the quotation.
At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held in May 2025, it was resolved to accept the 3 year fixed term for the insurance; the year 2026/27 will be the second year of the fixed agreement.
Review of the Council’s and/or employees’ memberships of other bodies.
RESOLVED to continue with membership of DALC and SLCC.
The Clerk confirmed the DALC subscription fee was purely for Bretby Parish Council whilst the SLCC fee has been pro- rated between the three parish councils the Clerk works for.
There being no other business, the Chair closed the meeting at 7:24pm.
In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Cllr Benfield, Cllr Haines (from 8:00 pm onwards), 2 members of the public.
26/1250 Apologies
Apologies were noted from Cllr Meyrick (Personal) and from Cllr Lowe. Cllr Haines advised in advance of her late attendance due to a planning committee meeting.
As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.
26/1251 Variation of Order of Business
No variation to the order of the business was noted.
26/1252 Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.
26/1253 Public Speaking
Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter
No comments were raised.
County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter.
Cllr Belfield report on his efforts with DCC in relation to repairs to the carriageway on Knights Lane following damage caused by a car fire.
He has also received a complaint from a resident about lorries waiting to access the Bretby Nurseries; this complaint related to noise disturbance and has been logged with DCC and with SDDC Planning Dept.
A DCC officer related to drainage issues has looked at the flooding on Newton Lane and noted half the drains are not logged onto DCC system, the system has now been updated and the drains scheduled for a clean. An additional drain has been installed. DCC will ask the landowners to dig trenches in their fields to help prevent the lane from flooding.
After the last meeting, Cllr Belfield requested a grass cutting schedule, this is still outstanding and he informed the meeting that he will continue to chase for the schedule.
Cllr Falder commented the cutting of verges was not the main priority, Bretby Lane does not require cutting as residents cut outside their property and therefore resources should be allocated elsewhere, citing it was more important to have good visibility on Knights Lane, Newton Lane and Watery Lane.
The Willington bridge may close for 4 weeks in August whilst repairs are undertaken, this includes being closed to pedestrians. There remains some uncertainty whether the works will take place as the diversion routes are also scheduled for repairs but DCC is working with Staffs CC to find alternative routes. A request was made for diversion signs to be erected earlier along routes to notify motorists of the road closures. It was noted that should the repairs not take place over the summer, the repairs will most likely be pushed back for another 12 months in order to avoid major traffic disruption during school times.
Discussions took place relating to the number of roadworks and temporary traffic lights in place around the district, along with instances cited where no work appears to be happening. Cllr Belfield reported utility companies have a high level of statutory powers and the fines levied to utility companies who do not put out the correct signage or who delay works, are not large enough to deter delays in work being undertaken.
There are no further updates relating to the Local Government Review (LGR) but all acknowledged whatever the outcome of the review, there will be additional roles for parish councils.
c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
None were raised.
26/1254 To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 17th March 2026
These were circulated, read, approved, and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.
26/1255 To approve the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish held on 17th March 2026
These were circulated, read, approved, and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.
26/1256 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.
26/1257 To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
The appeal for the solar farm has been dismissed but there remains the option for the applicants to appeal to the Secretary of State.
The speed watch group continues and reports several motorists have been caught driving at over 50 mph along the lane; there are some repetitive repeat offenders.
Some residents on Bretby Lane have reported inconsiderate parking on pavements. Cllr Belfield has spoken with the Highways Dept and has been advised that unless a vehicle is blocking the access to a driveway, the Highways Dept will not become involved. The responsibility for parking enforcement lies with the police, with little or no action being taken. Parking has been reported to previous Area Forums but no action has followed.
26/1258 To receive the Report of the Clerk
This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.
26/1259 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, there is one expression of interest and this person will attend the next meeting.
d) To adopt the Retention list of documents
RESOLVED to adopt the retention of document list without any amendment.
26/1260 Drainage, flooding, and highway issues
The matter was discussed earlier in the meeting.
This item will be removed from future agenda items as discussions of these matters are raised in other sections of the meeting.
Cllr Ballington reported that on 1st April 2026, all drains on Ashby Road East were cleared and pavements swept.
The Enforcement Officer was reported to be content with the hedging at 70 Ashby Road East however following additional representations and reminders of planning conditions, more hedging has been planted this week and the Enforcement Officer will monitor the situation to ensure that hedging complies with planning conditions.
26/1261 Correspondence
1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. Findern parish council – Regulation 16 consultation on the NDP
3. MP – briefing guide to Martyn’s Law
4. SDDC – SDDC Civic Council Meeting – Thursday 21st May 2026
5. MP – copy of letter sent to The Right Hon. Steve Reed MP Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government relating to recent planning decisions
All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.
8:00pm Cllr Haines arrived.
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Cllr Haines to address the meeting.
Cllr Toone thanked Cllr Haines for her work on the solar farm appeal.
Cllr Haines reported the Local Plan has been revised to reflect a 5 year supply following the comments made by the Planning Inspector at the appeal for housing at Kings Newton. The Regulation 19 consultation on the revised Local Plan has commenced today.
Food waste caddies have been delivered to all properties in the district, with 1st June 2026 planned for the start of food waste collections. There is a separate team for food waste collections, this will go to a digestor.
The Chair returned to Standing Orders.
26/1262 Finance
(a) Accounts for Payment
Accounts passed for payment
BACS
Staffing – Apr
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Apr)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (Apr)
£59.77
Charges
Service charges (March)
£4.25
BACS
Staffing – May
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (May)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (May)
£59.77
Charges
Service charges (Apr)
£4.25
SLCC
Annual subscription
£86.02
For approval
Mrs J Storer
Expenses
£53.06
DALC
Inv SI-5022 – subscription for 2026/27
£416.16
EMAS Ltd
Inv CJC/26/49 – internal audit fee for 25/26
£60.00
Money Received
Deposit interest
April 2026
£1.32
VAT
Refund for 2025/26
£117.91
SDDC
First half of precept for 2026/27
£3,167.50
Balance at bank @ 27.04.26
Deposit account £3,105.56– interest rate 0.50%
Current account £8,161.82
(b) To consider any requests for funds made under S137
(d) To review the effectiveness of internal controls (Fin Regs 2.4 & 3.5)
Having reviewed the Financial Regulations, Cllrs considered the internal controls were effective and no changes were made.
(e) To consider the internal auditor’s report on the year ending 31st March 2026 and consider appointment of internal auditor for 2026/27 (Fin Regs 3.8)
The internal auditor’s report was circulated with the meeting papers.
RESOLVED to accept the comments and recommendations contained within the internal auditor’s report. The new Standing Orders were adopted at tonight’s Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and the Financial Regulationsamended.
RESOLVED to continue with East Midlands Audit Services Ltd for the internal audit of the 2026/27 financial year.
(f) To complete the Annual Governance Statement for the year 2025/26
RESOLVED, all Cllrs approved the annual governance statement. The Chair and Clerk signed the statement.
(g) To approve the accounting statements
RESOLVED all Cllrs approved the accounting statements that the Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer had already signed. The Chairman signed the statement.
(h) To review bank signatures and to make amendments to the bank mandate (Fin Regs 6.1)
All Cllrs are signatories on the bank account, no changes are to be made to the bank mandate.
To approve transfer for funds from current account to deposit account
RESOLVED: To transfer £5,000 from the current account to the deposit account.
(j) To consider the installation of a speed indicator device (SID) on Bretby Lane
The capital costs of a SID were given to the meeting, Cllrs noting no grant funding is available and any purchase will be funded from the Parish Council funds. Cllrs discussed the effectiveness of
SIDs and possible locations along Bretby Lane.
RESOLVED to obtain full costings for the purchase, installation and ongoing maintenance of a SID.
26/1263 To consider Planning Applications
DMPA/2026/0305:The erection of extensions, roof alterations and the erection of a car port to the front of the detached garage along with the raising of the garage roof at 82A Ashby Road East, Bretby, DE15 0PT (09/04/26)
AMENDED plans submitted and circulated to Cllrs 29/04/25 with deadline of 20/05/26
No comments are made.
DMPA/2026/0260: Change of use from barn to residential (C3) with extension at The Sett, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RB (10/04/26)
No comments are made.
DMPA/2026/0327: Change of use of The Dower House for short term holiday letting at The Dower House, Hartshorne Road, Repton, Derby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RB (11/04/26)
No comments are made.
DMOT/2026/0390: The felling of trees at Cedar Court Nursing Home, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QX (24/04/26)
No comments are made.
DMPA/2026/0481: The erection of extensions, roof alterations and the erection of a car port to the front of the detached garage along with the raising of the garage roof at 82A Ashby Road East, Bretby, DE15 0PT (16/05/26)
The above application has been amended. The amendments are summarised as amended red line on location plan
No comments are made.
26/1264 Consultations
East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document – Consultation deadline 27th April 2026 – No comments are made.
Future format of Area Forum Meetings – circulated to Cllrs 10.03.26 – No comments are made.
26/1265 Items for information only
(a) To receive reports from Meetings attended
18th March 2026 – Online forum on reorganisation of Local Government (DALC) – no report was received.
(b) Notification of Forthcoming meeting
6th May 2026 – online forum with Samantha Nibblett MP
(c) Training Sessions – All DALC circulars have been provided to all Cllrs
26/1266 Date of next meeting
The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th July 2026 at 7.30pm at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby.
RESOLVED That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted (in respect of the personal situation of an employee which could result in legal proceedings or commercially sensitive information) it is advisable in the public interest, that the press and public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.
26/1267 Clerk – use of home
The Clerk explained the changes that came into effect on 1st April 2026 relating to use of home and that no advice has yet been received as to how this impact for Clerk will be mitigated. The matter was deferred to a later meeting.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8:29 pm.
Regulation 19 Addendum: Proposed Modifications to South Derbyshire Local Plan Part 1 Review Publication Version (2022-2041) Consultation
Following on from the letter you will have received dated 05.05.2026, regarding the South Derbyshire District Council focused addendum consultation on proposed modifications to the Local Plan, the link to the consultation can be found here:https://southderbyshire.inconsult.uk/Regulation_19_Addendum/consultationHome
The consultation will run from Tuesday 5th May to 5pm on Tuesday 16th June 2026.
To: The Chairman and Members of Bretby Parish Council
ORDINARY PARISH MEETING
You are summoned to attend Council Meeting of Bretby Parish Council, which will be held at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby at 7.30pm on TUESDAY 5th MAY 2026.
Yours sincerely
J Storer
Jacqui Storer
Clerk
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING – AGENDA
1To receive apologies for absence.
2Variation of Order of Business
3Declaration of Members Interests.
Please Note:-
Members must ensure that they complete the Declarations of Interest sheet prior to the start of the meeting in respect of items other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and must indicate the action to be taken (i.e. to stay in the meeting, to leave the meeting or to stay in the meeting to make representations and then leave the meeting prior to any consideration or determination of the item)
Where a Member indicates that they have a prejudicial interest, but wish to make representations regarding the item before leaving the meeting, those representations must be made under item (c) of Public Speaking.
The Declarations of Interests for matters other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interests will be read out from the Declaration Sheet – Members will be asked to confirm that the record is correct.
4Public Speaking – (15 Minutes)
(a) A period of not more than 15 minutes in total will be made available for members of the public and Members of the Council to comment on any matter.
(b) If the Police Liaison Officer, a County Council or District Council Member is in attendance they will be given the opportunity to raise any relevant matter.
Members declaring an interest other than a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest who wish to make representations or give evidence under the National Association
of Local Councils’ (NALC) Code of Conduct shall do so at this stage.
5To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 17th March 2026
7To determine which items if any from Part 1 of the Agenda should be taken with the public excluded. If the Council decides to exclude the public it will be necessary to pass a resolution in the following terms: –
“In view of the confidential nature of item …. to consider a resolution to exclude
the press and public from the meeting in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, s1, in order to discuss the item.”
7. Chairman’s Announcements.
8. Report of the Clerk, to include an update on items from the last meeting
9. Governance
a) Risk Register update – no changes are recommended
b) Update on General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
No changes are recommended and there are no reports of any breaches.
c) Parish Council vacancies and co-options
There are 3 (three) vacancies to be filled by co-option
d) Adoption of Policies
Retention list of documents to be retained
10.Drainage, flooding and highways issues
11.Correspondence
1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. Findern parish council – Regulation 16 consultation on the NDP
3. MP – briefing guide to Martyn’s Law
4. SDDC – SDDC Civic Council Meeting – Thursday 21st May 2026
5. MP – copy of letter sent to The Right Hon. Steve Reed MP
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government relating to recent planning decisions
All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.
12.Finance
(a) Accounts for Payment
Accounts passed for payment
BACS
Staffing – Apr
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Apr)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (Apr)
£59.77
Charges
Service charges (March)
£4.25
BACS
Staffing – May
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (May)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (May)
£59.77
Charges
Service charges (Apr)
£4.25
SLCC
Annual subscription
£86.02
For approval
Mrs J Storer
Expenses
£TBA
DALC
Inv SI-5022 – subscription for 2026/27
£416.16
EMAS Ltd
Inv CJC/26/49 – internal audit fee for 25/26
£60.00
Money Received
Deposit interest
April 2026
£1.32
VAT
Refund for 2025/26
£117.91
SDDC
First half of precept for 2026/27
£3,167.50
Balance at bank @ 27.04.26
Deposit account £3,105.56– interest rate 0.50%
Current account £8,161.82
(b) To consider any requests for funds made under S137 – none received
To review the effectiveness of internal controls (Fin Regs 2.4 & 3.5)
To consider the internal auditor’s report on the year ending 31st March 2026
and consider appointment of internal auditor for 2026/27 (Fin Regs 3.8)
To complete the AGAR for the year 2025/26
To review bank signatures and to make amendments to the bank mandate (Fin
Regs 6.1)
(h) To approve transfer for funds from current account to deposit account
(i) To consider the installation of a speed indicator device (SID) on Bretby Lane
13.To consider Planning Applications, Decisions and Appeals
DMPA/2026/0305:The erection of extensions, roof alterations and the erection of a car port to the front of the detached garage along with the raising of the garage roof at 82A Ashby Road East, Bretby, DE15 0PT (09/04/26)
AMENDED plans submitted and circulated to Cllrs 29404/25 with deadline of 20/05/26
DMPA/2026/0260: Change of use from barn to residential (C3) with extension at The Sett, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RB (10/04/26)
DMPA/2026/0327: Change of use of The Dower House for short term holiday letting at The Dower House, Hartshorne Road, Repton, Derby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0RB (11/04/26)
DMOT/2026/0390: The felling of trees at Cedar Court Nursing Home, Unnamed Road Through Bretby Park, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QX (24/04/26)
DMPA/2026/0481: The erection of extensions, roof alterations and the erection of a car port to the front of the detached garage along with the raising of the garage roof at 82A Ashby Road East, Bretby, DE15 0PT (16/05/26)
The above application has been amended. The amendments are summarised as amended red line on location plan
14.To consider any Consultations received
East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document – Consultation deadline 27th April 2026
Future format of Area Forum Meetings – circulated to Cllrs 10.03.26
15.Items for information only
(a) To receive reports from Meetings attended
18th March 2026 – Online forum on reorganisation of Local Government (DALC)
(b) Notification of Forthcoming meeting – none known
(c) Training Sessions – All DALC circulars have been provided to all Cllrs
16. EXEMPT – To move the following resolution – “That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted (in respect of the personal situation of an employee which could result in legal proceedings or commercially sensitive information) it is advisable in the public interest, that the press and public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.”
Clerk – use of home
17.Date of next meetings for 2026 and items for inclusion for the next meeting – Proposed date for the next meeting is Tuesday 7th July 2026
To: The Chairman and Members of Bretby Parish Council
Dear Councillor,
ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
You are summoned to attend the Annual Parish Council meeting at 7.15pm followed by the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council meeting of Bretby Parish Council on TUESDAY 5th MAY 2026 at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby
Members are asked to complete the Declarations Sheet for items other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI). These will be available at the meeting.
Yours sincerely
J Storer
Jacqui Storer
Clerk
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL – 7.15pm
AGENDA
Election of Chairman
Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
Election of Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman to take and sign the Declaration of Office
Review/Completion of Register of Interests
Appointment of Committees – if required
Appointment of Cllrs to External Bodies and arrangements for reporting back
To review the Standing Orders
To review the Financial Regulations
Review of inventory of land and assets.
The parish council has the following assets at 31st March 2026
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
Review and confirmation of arrangements for insurance cover in respect of all insured risks.
The insurance quoted for 2025/26 is £621.95, last year’s premium was £568.33. there is the option of a 3 year fixed term to keep any increases to a minimum. Insurance budget for 25/26 = £625.00
Review of the Council’s and/or employees’ memberships of other bodies.
The Council currently is in membership with DALC
The Clerk is in membership with SLCC and ALC; of which the parish council makes a contribution
Reviewing the Council’s policies – all are listed on the parish council website
This training is free of charge and is available for all those working with the community, who may be at risk of being manipulated by a loan shark. It will also detail affordable, safe alternatives to illegal and high-cost lending.
The Illegal Money Lending Team (also known as Stop Loan Sharks) is a national organisation that investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides specialist support for people affected by this crime. When people are in desperate need of some quick cash, loan sharks may seem like the answer – but they’re not. Loan sharks are criminals. They don’t care about a person’s situation; they just want to make money out of them. They will pretend to be their friend and make them feel that they are helping them out, but they are not.
This awareness session is to help people understand the world of illegal money lending. The training also includes how to identify victims and signpost them to specialist support. This is especially important as the current financial climate is affecting so many people and putting them at an increased risk of falling victim to a loan shark.
Apologies were noted from Cllr Haines and Cllr Benfield who will be attending late.
As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.
25/1235 Variation of Order of Business
The order of business was amended to allow reports from Cllr Benfield and Cllr Haines once they arrive.
25/1236 Declaration of Interests:
Cllrs considered their obligations relating to declaration of interests, no declarations were received.
25/1237 Public Speaking
Members of the Public and Council to comment on any matter
None present.
A summary of when the footways were cleaned was provided by a resident and read to the meeting by Cllr Ballington. The carriageway remains covered in debris
All the gullies are full and Cllr Ballington has submitted a complaint about the lack of attention to the gullies.
County Council and District Council members to raise any relevant matter.
This will be taken later in the meeting once the Cllrs arrived.
c) Parish Council Members declaring an interest other than Disclosable Pecuniary Interest wishing to make representation
None were raised.
25/1238 To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 12th January 2026
These were circulated, read, approved, and signed as a correct record by Cllr Toone.
7:33pm Cllr Benfield and Cllr Haines arrived.
Standing Orders were suspended to allow Cllrs to address the meeting.
Cllr Benfield informed that the potholes on Bretby Lane has been fixed and he has written to Staffordshire County Council requesting repairs to be undertaken at the roundabout on Bretby Lane. Work has been undertaken but the condition of the road remains poor.
Newton Lane was closed for 2 week whilst the drains were cleared and temporary repairs have been undertaken, Cllr Benfield has complained to the CEO at DCC about the state of repairs, the timing and information of the works. Also noted that if the gullies were attended to in the autumn then much of the problems experienced over the winter could have been avoided.
He has also chased DCC about the ongoing concerns around the lights at nurseries, DCC visited the site at 7am when no lights were on, Cllr Benfield will try to get DCC back in the autumn to observe the concerns around the lighting.
Ashby Road road signs, DCC Highways reports they could not find the faults to the road signs reported at the last meeting. Cllr Ballington will provide further details and photos to Cllr Benfield.
Cllr Lowe informed the new food waste regulations come into effect on 1st June 2026 and food caddies will be issued to all households this April. SDDC anticipated a low take up and usage of the caddies of around 17%. SDDC has invested in smaller vehicles, and is hiring extra teams to carry out the food waste collections. No information has been received about the future of brown bins
Environmental Health has invested £50,000 in cameras in the campaign against rural fly tipping.
Street Cleansing and Street Scene have merged. Cllrs reported being impressed by the speed of the removal of flytipping on Watery Lane.
Tracy Bingham is now Asst CEO, as Dr Ives is working on the loca government review (LGR).
Cllr Haines reported the Local Plan Part1 is back for consultation due to modifications.
Mowing of Bretby Lane, the Green and other areas have already had the first cut but other areas such as Watery Lane, Knights Lane and Newton Lane are not mown in the summer when they requires it most, Cllr Benfield will obtain a mowing schedule and what is hoped to be achieved by SDDC by starting the mowing so early.
The Highways Dept is attending a meeting at Repton on 26th March to explain and to provide a rational why the works are scheduled and why diversions are as such.
The Chair returned to Standing Orders.
25/1239 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.
25/1240 To receive the Chairman’s Announcements
There was no report.
25/1241 To receive the Report of the Clerk
This had previously been circulated, and no matters were raised.
25/1242 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.
d) To adopt the following policies
Scheme of Delegation
Co-option
Grant awards policy and application form
RESOLVED to adopt the policies without any amendment.
e) To receive an update on the website’s readiness to be 2.2AAA compliant
Website is completed and compliant. Information about visits to the website will be provided to the next meeting.
25/1243 Drainage, flooding, and highway issues
The matter was discussed earlier in the meeting.
25/1244 Correspondence
1. DALC – Various circulars and information
2. Resident – copied into emails about sweeping of pavement
3. DALC – Webinar on Local Government Reorganisation (Wednesday 18 March 2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm) Online forum – free to attend.
All Cllrs have been circulated with the information prior to the meeting.
25/1245 Finance
(a) Accounts for Payment
Accounts passed for payment
BACS
Staffing – Feb
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (Feb)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (Feb)
£59.77
Charges
Service charges (Jan)
£4.25
BACS
Staffing – March
£169.34
BACS
HMRC – Staffing NI and PAYE (March)
£45.40
BACS
DCC – Pension contribution (March)
£59.22
Charges
Service charges (Feb)
£4.25
SLCC
Membership fee
£86.02
For approval
Mrs J Storer
Expenses
£42.48
Mrs J Storer
Reimburse software licence renewal for payroll
£72.00
Money Received
Deposit interest
Jan 2026
£1.58
Deposit interest
Feb 2026
£1.40
Balance at bank @ 28.02.26
Deposit account £3,103.05– interest rate 0.50%
Current account £5,634.43
(b) To consider any requests for funds made under S137 – none received
25/1246 To consider Planning Applications
No applications have been received.
A complaint about the felling of trees at 70A Ashby Road East has been submitted on 26th February 2026 but no response have been received.
Cllr Lowe explained Biodiversity Net Gain.
25/1247 Consultations
None received.
25/1248 Items for information only
(a) To receive reports from Meetings attended.
Cllr Ballington will attend the DALC session on the reintroduction of beavers.
24th February 2026 – SDDC planning Forum – no report.
(b) Notification of Forthcoming meeting – Area Forum dates to include
18th March 2026 – Online forum on reorganisation of Local Government (DALC)
(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.
25/1249 Date of next meeting
The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on TUESDAY 5th MAY 2026 at 7.30pm at St Wystan’s Church, Bretby.
This will also be the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council which will commence at 7:15pm
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8:12pm.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH MEETING
TUESDAY 17th MARCH 2026 AT 7.15pm
AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY
Present: Cllr S Toone (Chairman),
In Attendance: Cllr M Falder, Cllr L Meyrick, Cllr Ballington, Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr Lowe
To receive apologies for absence
Apologies were noted from Cllr Benfield and Cllr Haines.
To receive the Annual report for 2025/26 – Cllr Toone
Cllr Toone stated his report this year, is very similar to last year’s report as many items remain the same, many remain unresolved
The Solar Farm was a planning application last year which was refused by SDDC and this year there has been the planning appeal; which has subsequently been granted.
Last year there were some improvement in road conditions, but this year the condition of the roads is significantly worst; this is down to lack of planned maintenance. The local roads are being weakened due to the increase in number of road diversions, forcing heavy traffic along country lanes.
Knights Lodge – the planning application has been submitted with the decision date listed for 16th December 2025 and to date, the application remains outstanding with no firm day for the determination of the application. The proposed lighting and current lights at the site are of concern.
The lighting at Bretby Nurseries is also of concern and remains a distraction to motorists.
The volume of traffic using Bretby Lane has increased, particularly with HGVs and tractors. The new speedwatch group starts earlier this year and as the weather improves, more checks will be undertaken. The highest speed has been logged at 52mph in 30mph, with a number of motorists regularly caught in excess of 40mph.
Public Questions and comments
No questions were raised however Cllr Toone sought suggestions on how to engage and recruit new Cllrs.
No suggestions were made but other Cllrs considered it necessary to have someone representing the rural, farming community and it was essential to have a cllr/s who have knowledge of the history of the local infrastructure.
The Local Government reorganisation may raise the public’s interest in local councils and could bring new people to the parish council.
There being no further matters, Cllr Toone closed the meeting at 7: 29pm.
North West Leicestershire District Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and South Derbyshire District Council have published for consultation the draft East Midlands Freeport Strategic Infrastructure and Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The consultation is being run by Rushcliffe Borough Council on behalf of all three local authorities.
The consultation finishes at 5pm on Monday 27April 2026.
The SPD provides planning guidance on how contributions will be secured for necessary strategic infrastructure to support development at the East Midlands Freeport (EMF) sites:
East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster (EMAGIC) within North West Leicestershire
Former Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station within Rushcliffe
East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP) within South Derbyshire
The SPD will help ensure the coordinated and collaborative delivery and funding of necessary transport, energy, power and utility infrastructure for these sites. In addition, the SPD will help ensure that strategic allocations in adopted and emerging Local Plans, which are not within the EMF sites, make appropriate and proportionate contributions towards this strategic infrastructure where they will benefit from it. Further Information on the Freeport itself is available at www.emfreeport.com
A grant is any payment made by Bretby Parish Council to an organisation for a specific purpose that will benefit the Parish, or residents of the Parish, and which is not directly controlled or administered by Bretby Parish Council.
By documenting this policy, Bretby Parish Council aim to ensure that the process is:
Open
Transparent
Fair
Supports local organisations
2. Parish Council Powers and Section 137
The Localism Act 2011 allows Parish Councils more flexibility in how they spend money within the local community by use of the General Power of Competence. In order for the Council to use this power they must have a Certificate in Local Council Administration qualified clerk and at least two thirds of the Councillors have to be elected rather than co-opted or appointed. Bretby Parish Council does not hold the General Power of Competence.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has notified the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) that the appropriate sum for the purpose of section 137(4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) for local (parish and town) councils in England for 2025/26 is £11.10 per elector.[1] Amount for 2026/27 is £11.60 per elector[2].
Bretby Parish Council has no obligation to spend all or any of the money available under this power to them. The money will have come into them via the precept which has been made on South Derbyshire District Council and will have been reflected in the resident’s council tax bills.
3. Who Can Apply
Applications will be considered from any properly constituted, voluntary, not-for-profit organisations, charities, societies and clubs.
Grants will not be made to the following:
An individual
Commercial organisation
Political parties
Projects that are the prime responsibility of other statutory authorities
For projects that discriminate on any grounds
4. What can be funded
The project should be something that makes the local community a better place in which to live, work or visit
It should benefit the people who live in the parish
There should be evidence that local people support the project and are involved in carrying it out
Applications do not have to be from groups that already exist
Each group may only make one application per financial year
5. Conditions of Support
Applicants must demonstrate how the grant will bring benefit to all or part of the parish of Bretby.
The grant must be used for the purpose for which the application is made and within twelve months of receipt. If not, or the applicant is for any reason unable to use the grant for the stated purpose, then all monies must be returned to Bretby Parish Council.
The organisation must have a bank account in its own name into which payment can be made.
For all grants awarded the applicant must provide a written report to Bretby Parish Council on how the money has been used within twelve months of receiving the grant.
A public acknowledgement of any grant awarded should be made by the recipient.
6. Application Procedure
All applications must be made in writing to the Clerk; via email or post.
All applicants must complete an application form, available online or on request from the Clerk.
All requested information must be supplied for an application to be considered.
Bretby Parish Council may as it sees fit, request the following information from organisations applying for grants:
Copies of their last year end accounts (if appropriate)
The number, or percentage, of members that belong to the organisation and that live within the parish
Details of any restrictions placed on who can use/access their services.
7. Assessment Procedure
Grant applications will be considered at the Parish Council meeting following receipt of the application.
The Council’s decision on the application will be communicated to the applicant within two weeks of the Council meeting at which it was discussed.
Bretby Parish Council reserves the right to request any further information which it deems necessary in order to complete the decision making process.
Applications will not be considered retrospectively.
Process Review
This process will be reviewed annually by the Clerk and any changes noted below and when this has been agreed by the Council.
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