Minutes

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 5^th 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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 31^st March 2026

1. 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.

1. 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.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

TUESDAY 5^th MAY 2026 AT 7:25pm

AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

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

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

1. 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 17^th 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 17^th 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 1^st 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 1^st 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

For approval

Money Received

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

            No requests have been received.

©         To sign the bank reconciliations (Fin Regs 2.6)

            Cllr Toone is to review the bank reconciliations.

 (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 31^st 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 Regulations amended.

             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 27^th 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

18^th March 2026 – Online forum on reorganisation of Local Government (DALC) – no report was received.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting

            6^th 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 7^th 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 1^st 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.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

TUESDAY 17^th MARCH 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 Lowe, Cllr Benfield (from 7:33pm), Cllr Haines (from 7:33pm)

25/1234             Apologies

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

1. 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 12^th 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  1^st 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 26^th 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

For approval

Money Received

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 26^th 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.

24^th February 2026 – SDDC planning Forum – no report.

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

18^th 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 5^th 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.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH MEETING

TUESDAY 17^th 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

1. 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 16^th 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.

3. 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.

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

For approval

Money Received

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

For approval

Money Received

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

For approval

Money Received

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

                      For approval

Money Received

** – 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.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD

TUESDAY 6^th MAY 2025 AT 7:25 pm

AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

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

In Attendance: Mrs J Storer – Clerk, Cllr Haines, Cllr Lowe.

25/1150             Apologies

Apologies were noted from Cllr Ballington (personal) and accepted from Cllr Corner (health). As a quorum was established, the Chair commenced the meeting.

25/1151            Variation of Order of Business

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

25/1152             Declaration of Interests:

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

25/1153             Public Speaking

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

None were raised.

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

The licensing team is working with the police to curb underage drinking.

The National Forest Walking Festival will be held between 16-26 May 2025.

The planning dept has confirmed an appeal for the solar farm has been submitted, but the validation and start date have not released.

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

None were raised.

25/1154            To approve the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on 7^th April 2025

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

25/1155            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.

25/1156            To receive the Chairman’s Announcements

None were raised.

25/1157            To receive the Report of the Clerk

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

25/1158            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.   Discussions took place about how to encourage new Cllrs; the Chairman will write in the Church magazine to promote the parish council.

d)Website update – The Clerk had circulated information about the s5/26 AGAR where a new assertion about digital and data compliance will be included.  The various components to warrant a positive response were discussed.  The parish council currently meets the vast majority of these requirements, however to comply, a generic email address will be introduced and an IT policy will be drafted.

25/1159            Drainage, flooding and highway issues

No further matters were reported.

25/1160             Correspondence

1          DALC – Various circulars and information

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

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

25/1161          Finance

1. Accounts passed for payment

                      For approval

Money Received

Balance at bank @ 24.04.25

Deposit account                                    £3,085.81

Current account                                    £7,208.29

b)         Requests for funding via S137

No requests for funding have been received.

(c)        To accept the internal auditor’s report for the accounts for the year ending 31^st March 2025

RESOLVED to accept the internal auditor’s report as previously circulated.  No matters were raised and no issues reported by the internal auditor.

(d)        To complete the AGAR for the year ending 31^st March 2025

RESOLVED to approve the accounts for the year ending 31.03.25 with no amendments and the AGAR was completed with positive responses.

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

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

25/1162            To consider Planning Applications

DMPA/2025/0226: The erection of a single storey side extension, redesign of frontage to construct lower eaves level on existing canopy, Addition of new timber framed storm porch, Internal reconfiguration and replacement of flat roofs at rear to pitched roofs at 217 Bretby Lane, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QR (25/04/25)

RESOLVED No comments

 DMPA/2025/0363: Proposed two storey side and single storey rear extensions with new dormer extension to rear roof slope and flush-fitting rooflights to front roof slope at 88 Bretby Lane, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0QP (08/05/25)

RESOLVED No comments

DMPA/2024/1480: The erection of extension to existing club house to create a new entrance, toilet facilities and meeting rooms at Burton on Trent Golf Club, Ashby Road East, Bretby, Burton on Trent, DE15 0PS (22/05/25)

RESOLVED No comments

DMOT/2025/0340: The approval of details reserved by condition 2 (Landscaping Scheme) of permission ref. DMPA/2023/1579 for approval of reserved matters following outline planning permission DMPA/2022/1336 for the erection of one detached infill dwelling with garaging at 70 Ashby Road East, Bretby, Burton On Trent, DE15 0PT (14/04/25)

RESOLVED No comments

25/1163             Consultations

None received.

25/1164             Items for information only

(a)        To receive reports from Meetings attended

No meetings have been held.

Comments were received about the mowing of verges as Bretby Lane has received 3xcuts already this year.

(b)       Notification of Forthcoming meeting

10^th June 2025 – online meeting with Samantha Nibblett MP

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

6^th May 2025 –  Cllr Toone completed the Anti Harassment and bullying training

25/1165            Date of next meeting

The next Ordinary parish council meeting will be held on TUESDAY 8^th July 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 7:51pm.

BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH MEETING

TUESDAY 6^th MAY 2025 AT 7.00pm

  AT ST WYSTANS CHURCH, BRETBY

Present:  Cllr S Toone (Chairman),    

In Attendance: Cllr M Falder, Cllr L Meyrick, Cllr J Lowe, Cllr K Haines, Mrs J Storer – Clerk,

1. To receive apologies for absence

Apologies were noted from Cllr Ballington, Cllr Corner.

• To receive the Annual report for 2024/25 – Cllr Toone

An eventful year with a lot of issues affecting the Parish.

Firstly, the Planning Application for the solar farm on Newton Lane. Together with Newton Solney Parish Council, our District and County Councillors and objections from many residents the application was rejected. We are however still awaiting any appeals. Incidentally we are still awaiting the result of appeal made by Knights Lodges about the use of the leisure building. Conversely, we did assist Bretby Parochial Church Council in obtaining planning consent  for the extension of the church burial ground which had been bogged down in red tape at DCC and SDDC for years. We continue to have some issues with enforcement of planning conditions made by SDDC.

We have at last made some progress in improving the roads in the parish. Some stretches of Bretby Lane have been resurfaced but others, for example outside the Garden Centre, still remain in a precarious state. Potholes continue to be a problem. Some progress has also been made to eliminate flooding of lanes in the Parish, which has been the subject of many complaints to DCC over the years. Following visits by Highways engineers arranged by Councillor Muller and guided by Councillor Falder there has been improvements in the drainage on Knights Lane, and Newton Lane and further work promised for flooding on the  bend on Geary Lane. Residents have again expressed concern about traffic in the Parish. The quantity of traffic on Bretby Lane and Knights Lane has increased, particularly of HGVs. Speeding has also been highlighted as a concern, with several requests for further speed restriction measures forwarded to DCC with no real response. One resident has also requested funding from the SNT to start a Community Speedwatch Group but has had no response to the request after several months.

We still have two vacancies for Parish Councillors which we will strive to fill.

3. Public Questions and comments

Cllr Falder reported the repairs on the bend on ~Geary Lane is starting to crumble after only 6 months.

There being no further matters, Cllr Toone closed the meeting at 7:14pm.