BRETBY PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY PARISH MEETING HELD
TUESDAY 5th 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
- 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
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 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 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 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.