Category: Minutes

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th JUNE 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter(part), Mr S Filer, Ms S Fluke, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 4 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident stated that the village is looking untidy and listed a number of areas that could be improved. Volunteers have offered to take care of the War memorial, install planters and provide plants. The footpath leading from Salters Brook past orchard leigh is overgrown and unstable with large stones falling off. TJ offered to report it to B&NES on Fix my street. There’s a tree growing out of Salters Brook stream wall by the bridge. TJ offered to report to B&NES on Fix my street. The Old bus shelter flower box needs tidying and maintaining. SP & SF offered to take it on. Children’s play area needs Maintenance – referred to Village Hall committee (Parish Council have funds set aside to help if Village Hall committee apply for a grant). Milestone main road – needs maintenance and weeding – Should be reported to B&NES, but TJ offered to pull the weeds out. Pavements leading south from War memorial crossroads need tidying – This should be reported to B&NES, but the Parish Council agreed to ask the Village Caretaker to look at it. Residents were encouraged to use Fix My Street to report maintenance issues to B&NES. A resident asked the Parish Council to consider a letter about a pre planning application but was informed it would be on the agenda next month. A resident asked for a tennis club sign to be removed.

77.1. Apologies for absence: Ms C Dinsdale, Mr C Curling

77.2. Declarations of Interest: None

77.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 11th May 2026 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

77.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) 26/00074/FUL: Coombe House, Church Street, Pensford. Change of use, restoration and extension from commercial /residential storage, to one dwelling (Retrospective). The Parish Council resolved to OBJECT to the application. Several original features, which were previously agreed to remain, have been destroyed. The Parish Council would ask B&NES to ensure that anything that could be restored, should be restored (Chimney, Forge, Lintels) and anything still there receives proper protection, including the bonding stone and cobbles in the front of the site.

ii) 26/01988/FUL: Belluton Farm, Stanton Road, Pensford. Erection of garage following demolition of existing garage. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application

iii) 26/02097/FUL: Old stables, Stanton Road, Pensford. Demolish stable block and replace with double garage. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application

b) Decision Notification:

i) 25/04412/OUT. 84 Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of 1no 3-bedroom dwelling with associated parking. PERMIT

77.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The results of the housing needs survey were circulated and it was reported that was no demonstrable need for new affordable housing. Sue Grimes would provide a summary of the results to be shared with B&NES via Paul May.

b) The Parish Council approved the draft response to submit in OBJECTION to the Bristol Airport expansion consultation (26/P/0686/OU2) to be sent to North Somerset Council.

c) The Parish Council reviewed the B&NES clean air strategy consultation and resolved to respond to ask for the clean air monitor to be reinstated on Pensford Hill as it continues to suffer from congestion and is adjacent to the school.

77.6. Financial Matters

a) The Internal auditors report was accepted and it was noted that there were no matters arising.

b) The Parish Council approved the Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 and agreed to tick ‘No’ to Assertion 10 as although all the measures were in progress, more action was needed to comply.

c) The Parish Council approved the Annual Return for Year End 31 March 2026 (Unaudited)

d) The Parish Council declared that there were no Conflicts of Interest with BDO Ltd.

e) Financial Report was accepted

f) June payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover
AED Locator (EU) Ltd -Defib (retrospective) £2,897.94 482.99 Y
Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £939.78 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 3 ) £358.94 £- N/A
Steve Fluke – Dog bin £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A
DPM Garden Contractors – Grass Cutting £50.00 £- N/A
J Gully – Reimburse for plants £18.00 £- N/A
KC Printing – Litter signs £12.00 £2.00 Y
Christine Wilkins – Internal Audit £200.00 £- N/A

 Cllr Baxter left the meeting

77.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor reported his concern for the changes in the planning system meaning that planning committee will only be dealing with major applications of 12 or more dwellings. He has been supporting the Parish council with their objection to the Bristol Airport expansion plans and been appointed to the Bristol Airport Consultative committee as B&NES representative to ensure that the views of the residents in B&NES are represented.

77.8. Reports

a) PCAA: AGM 9th July, public meeting on 9th June at Chew Valley School re planning application.
b) Village Hall – Nothing to report
c) Village Hall Car Park – Nothing to report.
d) Repair to War Memorial – No report.
e) Repair to Marquee – No report
f) Allotment – New tenants started – 4 vacant plots
g) Clerks Report – circulated.
h) Chairmans report – The Chairman reported that the new stickers for the Post office defibrillator cabinet would be arriving soon

77.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Alternative Car park, VH Car Park
77.10. To note Future Meetings:

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 13th July 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.34pm

Publow with Pensford Parish Council
Parish Clerk
10 Watts Corner, Glastonbury, BS6 8FD
Phone: 01458 741336. Mobile: 07899 970173
Email: clerk@publow-with-pensford-pc.gov.uk

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 11th MAY 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter, Ms C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Ms S Fluke, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, S Pattimore, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 7 Members of Public.

76.1. Sue Grimes was elected as Chairman and Paul Baxter was elected as Vice Chairman.

76.2. The Chairman signed the declaration of acceptance of Office.

Public Participation: The Vice Chairman of the Village Hall addressed the council to confirm that the Village Hall Management committee was supportive of the proposal to investigate additional parking on the village hall playing fields.

76.3. Apologies for absence: Dr L Malt, Cllr Paul May (Late)

76.4. Declarations of Interest: None

76.5. Appointment of Representatives were agreed:
a) Memorial Hall Committee: Paul Baxter
b) Parish Council’s Airport Association: Steve Grimes
c) Parish Liaison Meetings: Sue Grimes
d) ALCA Meetings: Sue Grimes
e) B&NES Local Council Group: None
f) Chew Valley Forum: Tracy Jones
g) Flood Representative: Claire Dinsdale
h) Guardians for Defibrillators: Claire Dinsdale (Hillcrest), Layla Malt(Post office) Beth (Woollard
i) Staffing Panel: Tracy Jones, Steve Filer, Steve Grimes.
j) Allotments: Sonia & Stevie
k) Signatories for Unity Bank: Steve Filer, Paul Baxter, Steve Grimes, Tracy Jones, Claire Dinsdale.

76.6. The Standing orders were reviewed and adopted unchanged.

76.7. The 2026-27 schedule of meetings were approved.

76.8. The Parish Council Risk assessment was reviewed and adopted unchanged.

76.9. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13th April 2026 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

76.10. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:
i) 26/01312/FUL: 16 Hillcrest, Pensford: Re-siting of oil tank to front of house from rear with hard standing for plastic oil tank – double bunding. The Parish Council resolved that they have NO OBJECTION
ii) 26/01050/FUL: The Old Surgery, Wick Lane Pensford. Addition of low carbon technologies at the Old Surgery air source hear pump system, solar panels array and battery storage. The Parish Council resolved that they have NO OBJECTION.

b) Decision Notification:
i) 26/00983/TCA 26/00983/TCA: 4 Church Street, Pensford: Leylandi – reduce in height by approximately 8 feet. NO OBJECTION
ii) Application Reference: 26/00868/FUL: Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford. Proposal: Change of use of the upper floors of the public house to provide ancillary guest accommodation. PERMIT

76.11. Matters for Discussion

a) 31 Replies were received for the Housing Needs Survey – Cllr Sue Grimes will finalise the results to be discussed next meeting.
b) The Parish Council approved the insurance premium of £1069.39
 Paul May joined the meeting
c) The Parish council discussed the draft response to 26/P/0686/OU2: Bristol Airport expansion plans. Comments are due by 28th June. The approval was deferred to next meeting so that the response could incorporate information from Sarah Warrens comments to B&NES on air pollution and the briefing note due to be circulated by the PCAA.

76.12. Financial Matters

a) Financial Report was accepted
b) May payments were approved. CD & SF to sign.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover
Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £923.13 £- N/A
HMRC (Month2) £359.17 £- N/A
Steve Fluke – Dog bin £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A
DPM Garden Contractors £50.00 £- N/A
Zurich Insurance £1063.39 £- N/A
Easy Space – Secure hosting £51.12 £8.52 Y

76.13. The B&NES Ward Councillor apologised for not attending the annual village meeting as he had come straight from Chairing a B&NES meeting. He reported that the B&NES Local plan options document will be issued in July and comments will be invited by August. He is still concerned about the numbers of houses planned for Whitchurch although he has fought to have them reduced significantly. He met the Cabinet Member for highways recently and they agreed that the roads were not designed for high volumes of cars. He is meeting the leader of the Council this week when he will reiterate that a green strip is needed between Bristol and Whitchurch so that Whitchurch remains a village.

76.14. Reports

PCAA: Paul May has said that it is highly likely that BANES will object to the Bristol Airport planning application and he has agreed to speak supporting our objections at the BANES meeting on 14th April. BANES councillor Sarah Warren has confirmed BANES already supports our position and it may be more relevant that the PCAA should speak at WECA’s public meetings (committee, scrutiny or audit panels), to try to influence the Mayor, who she thinks may be in favour of expansion.
Save Felton Common are planning a briefing opportunity on Felton Common for North Somerset, BANES and Bristol Councillors, and Councillors from surrounding Parish Councils in Felton Village Hall on Saturday 16th May from 11.00-13.00. Their Chair Debbie Johnson will lead and they will have an in situ simple version of the proposed fences, lights and columns that rise to 8.5M high and stretch over 240M into the common, virtually splitting it in half. Refreshments will be served before, during and after the event. Cllr Grimes is unable to attend but if any councillors wish to go, please just meet there. There will be ample parking by the hall and on the common by the church.

a) Village Hall – have had their annual meeting this month, the finances are in good order, but they would like more committee members. They are supporting of the car park project and have lots of events coming up.

b) Village Hall Car Park – Initial quotes received for £94,000, or £54,000 without steel bollards. Details would be circulated to councillors.

c) Repair to War Memorial – Still in progress.

d) Repair to Marquee – The Bike Joust has move to the 13th June and so the repair would be dealt with before then.

e) Allotment – Several new allotment holders.

f) Clerks Report – circulated.

g) Chairman’s report – Nothing to report.

76.15. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Additional Parking for residents, Housing needs survey.

76.16. To note Future Meetings:
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 8th June 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.28

Publow with Pensford Parish Council
Parish Clerk
10 Watts Corner, Glastonbury, BS6 8FD
Phone: 01458 741336. Mobile: 07899 970173
Email: clerk@publow-with-pensford-pc.gov.uk

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 13th APRIL 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter, Mr S Filer, Ms S Fluke, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 2 Members of Public.

Public Participation: None

75.1. Apologies for absence: Ms C Dinsdale

75.2. Declarations of Interest: Ms S Fluke (75.6b), Mr S Grimes (75.6b).

75.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8th March 2026 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

75.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) 26/01054/VAR: Camelot, 4 Station Approach, Pensford. Variation of condition 2 (Plans List (Compliance)) of application 23/04077/FUL (Refurbishment of existing property including modifications to primary elevation). No Comment, already approved by B&NES.
ii) 26/00910/FUL: All Saints Church, Publow Lane, Publow.: Creation of repaved area to the front of the West door to provide a level access. Installation of replacement high level window in the South porch. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.
iii) 26/00868/FUL: Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford. Change of use of the upper floors of the public house to provide ancillary guest accommodation. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.

b) Decision Notification:

i) 26/00840/NMA. Camelot , 4 Station Approach, Pensford. Non Material Amendment to application 23/04077/FUL (Refurbishment of existing property including modifications to primary elevation). WITHDRAWN
ii) 26/00311/FUL. 48 Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of 1no. 2 bed attached dwelling. PERMIT.
Iii) 26/00048/CLEU. Nursery Farm , New Road, Pensford: Erection of conservatory / orangery (Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use). LAWFUL
iv) 25/04670/AR; Rising Sun , Church Street, Pensford. Display of illuminated and non-illuminated signs to the exterior of the building and painted signwriting to the exterior walls. CONSENT

75.5 Matters for Discussion
a) The Parish Council resolved to Co-opt Chris Curling onto the Parish Council.
b) The Parish Council agreed to allow the Bike Joust use of the Marquee on 24th May
c) The Parish council agreed expenditure of up to £50 for a repair to the marquee. Cllr Baxter will be reimbursed for cost.
d) 31 Replies were received for the Housing Needs Survey – Cllr Sue Grimes will collate the results to be discussed next meeting.

75.6. Financial Matters
a) Financial Report was accepted
b) March payments were approved. TJ & PB to sign.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover
Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £918.38 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 12 ) £358.97 £- N/A
Steve Fluke – Dog bin £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A
DPM Garden Contractors £50.00 £- N/A
DM Payroll Services £249.60 £41.60 Y
ALCA Training (Assertion 10) £35.00 £- N/A
ALCA Subscription £342.01 £- N/A
Steve Grimes Reimburse (Noticeboards) £11.95 £- N/A

75.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor confirmed that there would be a 5% rise in Council Tax. The Local Plan Options document will be published in June. He is still fighting the 4,500 homes planned for Whitchurch. He will be distributing a leaflet around the village in which he will ask opinions about the traffic lights on Pensford Hill.

75.8. Reports
a) PCAA: report circulated
b) Village Hall – Nothing to report
c) Village Hall Car Park – Nothing to report.
d) Repair to War Memorial – Still in progress.
e) Allotment- Invoices will be sent out soon
f) Clerks Report – circulated.
g) Chairmans report – The Chairman visited Janette Stephenson, to pass on the Parish Councils’ thanks for many years of service as Councillor and Chair.

75.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: None

75.10. To note Future Meetings: Annual Village Meeting Monday 11th May before the monthly meeting.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 11th May 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.44

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th MARCH 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter, Ms C Dinsdale Mr S Filer, Ms S Fluke, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs T Jones, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 2 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident commented on the recent temporary traffic lights on Pensford Hill and thought that they worked well, the traffic flowed and it felt safer as a pedestrian. They asked the Parish Council to consider making them a permanent feature. Other residents felt that the traffic lights caused congestion by the school, increased pollution and made the back lanes busier as traffic found alternative routes. The buses were running late.
Cllr Paul May offered to organise a survey, inviting residents to submit their views.
A resident was thankful that the railings on the Bridge had been repainted.

74.1. Apologies for absence: Mrs J Gully, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore.

74.2. Declarations of Interest: T Jones (73.4i)

74.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8th February 2026 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

74.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) The Parish Council ratified their delegated response to 26/00311/FUL: 48 Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of 1no. 2 bed attached dwelling. The Parish Council Support the application.
ii) 26/00676/FUL Knights Folly Farm, Woollard Lane, Publow, Erection of new dwelling in lieu of the conversion scheme recently approved by application reference 25/00656/ADCOU. The Parish Council had No Objection.
iii) 26/00556/FUL: Unregistered Farm Buildings Adjacent To Sandhills Birchwood Lane Publow: Erection of 2 no detached dwellings with associated works following demolition of 2 no existing agricultural buildings. The Parish Councill resolved to OBJECT to the application. The site is in the greenbelt, outside the Housing development boundary and contrary to the Neighbourhood plan. The new dwellings would be isolated from Village Amenities and access is via a dangerous junction with the A37. The new dwellings are not a direct replacement of the agricultural barns being demolished.
.
b) Decision Notification:

i) 26/00402/TCA: Hill House, Pensford Hill, Pensford. Yew T1 – reduce crown by 1m in height and 0.5m in radial spread, canopy lift to 6m over road and 2.5m over driveway. NO OBJECTION
ii) 25/03903/FUL. The Teasel Barn, Stanton Road, Pensford, Conversion of the existing detached domestic storage/garage building to a single dwellinghouse (C3 use class) together with erection of two dormer windows in the north-west roof plane and provision of parking and external amenity areas. PERMITTED

74.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The Parish Council approved expenditure of £2395+VAT for a replacement defibrillator for Woollard. This would be part-funded by the Ward Councillors empowerment fund(£1653) and the balance would be paid for by the Parish Council.
b) The Parish Council approved expenditure of £647 to purchase 4 large water butts and guttering for the allotments to help collect rainwater. This will be funded by the Ward Councillors Empowerment Fund.
c) The Parish Council asked the Clerk to Contact Defib4life regarding the recycling of our old defibrillators.
d) Following an enquiry from a volunteer litter picker, the Parish Council reviewed the litter pickers & provision of equipment and gold bags. It was reported that the Parish Council had previously purchased and donated 10 litter pickers to the volunteers, but that it was not organised by the Parish Council. More Gold bags could be requested from B&NES.
e) It was agreed that Councillors would undertake training in Data Protection and freedom of information to comply with Assertion 10. The clerk would circulate the training programmes.

74.6. Financial Matters

a) Financial Report was accepted
b) March payments were approved. TJ & PB to sign.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover

Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £917.73 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 12 ) £359.17 £- N/A
Steve Fluke – Dog bin £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A
Steve Grimes Reimburse for Latch £3.96 £- N/A

74.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor confirmed that there would be a 5% rise in Council Tax with no major cuts in the Budget. He has sent a formal complaint about the lack of activity repairing the wall by Chelwood roundabout yet the traffic lights have been operational. Work has now started,

74.8. Reports

a) PCAA: Next meeting on 26th March.
b) Village Hall – Nothing to report
c) Village Hall Car Park – Working group have held a meeting, and will gather quotes to get an idea of costs.
d) Repair to War Memorial – Still in progress.
e) Housing needs survey – Closing date 31st March. 30 surveys have been completed.
f) Allotment- Sonia is putting numbers on each plot and sending a list of current tenants to clerk.
g) Clerks Report – circulated.
h) Chairmans report – Confirming What.three.words to put on the defib at the post office and Woollard.

74.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Marquee needs repair, Request for Marquee for Jousting

74.10. To note Future Meetings

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 13th April 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 21.19pm

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter, Mr S Filer, Ms S Fluke, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 0 Members of Public.

Public Participation: None

The Parish Council received a presentation from Dan Brunton from the Avon Wildlife Trust Beaver Advice and Support Team. There had been many Beaver sightings along the River Avon and River Chew. There have been no sightings yet in the Parish but it is very likely that they will be in the Parish soon. In March they will be carrying out a detailed survey of the River Chew. There are many positive impacts of Beaver activity, but they can cause problems too, Beavers are a protected species and so landowners are encouraged to contact the Beaver Advice and Support Team if they see signs of Beavers on their land. The Parish council will publish more details on their website.

73.1. Apologies for absence: Ms C Dinsdale.

It was reported that Janette Stephenson resigned from the Parish Council. The Parish Council wanted to send their thanks to Janette for many years of service as Councillor and Chairman.

73.2. Declarations of Interest: T Jones (73.4i)

73.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 12th January 2026 were agreed (with a small correction) as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

73.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:
i) 26/00048/CLEU. Nursery Farm, New Road, Pensford: Erection of conservatory / orangery (Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use). The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application

b) Decision Notification:
i) 25/04619/FUL. Hill House, Pensford Hill, Pensford: Erection of front porch, removal of render to front elevation to expose original natural rubblestone walling (Retrospective) PERMIT
ii) 25/04550/FUL. Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford. Minor external alterations to include addition of new windows, doorway to replace existing window, porch, external metal staircase with railings and enlargement of external landing. PERMIT

73.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The Parish Council agreed to apply to the Ward Councillor for the Empowerment Fund to support the provision of Water Butts and Guttering on the allotments to collect water and help with the watering of allotment plots. They also would ask the Ward Councillor to help with the cost of a new defibrillator for Woollard as the current one is out of warranty.

b) The Parish Council decided not to apply for a grant from the British Heart Foundation for a defibrillator as they wanted the same model as the other Defibrillators in the Parish,

c) The Parish Council approved the IT Policy

d) The Parish Council approved expenditure of up to £50 to print and laminate four A3 Fly tipping Signs.

e) The Parish council rejected a grant application from Crimestoppers for £200 towards marketing of the charity as they could not see the direct benefit to our residents.

f) Councillors agreed the distribution of the Housing Needs Survey to be delivered by 22nd February.
Hillcrest, Old Road as far as the Gospel Hall: Tracy & Stevie
North of the Gospel Hall to the Village Hall East of the A37: Sonia
Whitley Batts: Tracy
Church Street & Salters Brook and to the west of the A37 up to Station Approach: Layla
Station Approach & Belluton: Sue
Woollard, Publow, Blackrock & Parsonage Lane: Steve G
Additional Surveys would be available from the Post Office and to download from the Website.

73.6. Financial Matters

a) The 2026-2027 budget was approved.
b) The Parish Council resolved to set the Precept at £30,000 which represents a 7.45% increase and a cost of £4.16 per month per Band D Property.
c) Financial Report was accepted
d) February payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover

Mrs Helen Richardson (68.5i) – Salary £947.88 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 11) £358.97 £- N/A
Steve Fluke – Emptying Dog Bins £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A

73.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor reported that the budget had been agreed and a council tax rise of 5% had been agreed. Children’s services was still running with a massive overspend, but they are waiting for a government white paper to address that.
He has had assurances that the crossing at Belluton would be included in the 2026-2027 budget and the speed humps on Old Road will be included the following year.
The NPPF has been changed again to remove the Biodiversity net gain requirement to enable more houses to be built.
The Wall at the bottom of Short Lane has been completed by CURO and he was pleased to see that work had started on treating and repainting the railings on the bridge.

73.8. Reports

a) PCAA: No Update.
b) Village Hall – Looking for a new Chair, Vice Chair & Treasurer.
c) Village Hall Car Park – Working group meeting needs to be rearranged.
d) Repair to War Memorial – Paul has acquired some stone needed to get on with the job.
e) Allotment – Sonia was appointed as allotment rep along side Stevie
f) Clerks Report – circulated.
g) Chairmans report – No report

73.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Recycling defibrillators
73.10. To note Future Meetings

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 9th March 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.31pm

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12th JANUARY 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter (Chairman), Ms C Dinsdale, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor) (Part), Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 4 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident complained about the traffic lights beyond Chelwood Roundabout as it appears no work has taken place for 5 weeks.

72.1. Apologies for absence: Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Stephenson, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor) (Late).

72.2. Declarations of Interest: Ms S Pattimore (72.4i & 72.4v)

72.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8th December 2025 were agreed (with a small correction) as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

72.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:
i) To ratify response to 25/04550/FUL. Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford. Minor external alterations to include addition of new windows, doorway to replace existing window, porch, external metal staircase with railings and enlargement of external landing.
The Parish Council ratified their response to SUPPORT the application.
ii) To ratify response to 25/04534/FUL. Whitley Villa, Wells Road, Pensford: Creation of vehicular access with dropped kerb.
The Parish Council ratified their response to SUPPORT the application.
iii) To ratify response to 25/04596/TPO. 15 Station Approach, Pensford. Ash (15) – Fell. Ash (16) – Fell. Group of 6 Lawson Cypress (13) forming a hedge – Fell.
The Parish Council ratified their response to SUPPORT the application.
iv) 25/04619/FUL. Hill House, Pensford Hill, Pensford: Erection of front porch, removal of render to front elevation to expose original natural rubblestone walling (Retrospective)
The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application as it will improve the appearance of the property.
v) 25/04670/AR. Rising Sun, Church Street, Pensford: Display of illuminated and non-illuminated signs to the exterior of the building and painted signwriting to the exterior walls.
The Parish Council resolved to OBJECT in its current form. Although supportive of the changes in principle the Parish Council would be minded to support the proposals, if the lighting could be made softer to reduce the impact on the neighbours.
vi) 25/04412/OUT. 84 Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of 1no 3-bedroom dwelling with associated parking
The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application as this is an infill plot, which follows the existing building line with minimal impact on nearby residents.

b) Decision Notification:
i) 25/04594/NMA: Kensington House , Pensford Hill, Pensford. Non material amendment to application 25/00605/FUL (Raising of roof in upstairs eaves room with hipped roof and lower ground floor side extension with roof terrace, glazed aluminium veranda and steps). REFUSED
ii) 25/04596/TPO: 15 Station Approach, Pensford. Ash (15) – Fell. Ash (16) – Fell. Group of 6 Lawson Cypress (13) forming a hedge – Fell.
CONSENT
iii) 25/04534/FUL: Whitley Villa, Wells Road, Pensford. Creation of vehicular access with dropped kerb. PERMITTED
iv) 25/04201/TCA: 143 High Street, Pensford. Sycamore T1 – crown lift to 5m. Oak T2 – crown lift to 5m. Horse Chestnut T3 – remove 1x lowest limb. Ash G1 – fell. Yew T4 – crown lift to 3-4m. Eucalyptus T5 – remove lowest limb overhanging garden. NO OBJECTION
v) 25/04070/LBA. Parsonage Farm , Parsonage Lane, Publow: External works for installation an electric vehicle (EV) charger in in the garage. The garage is the most north-western building at the back of the main house. CONSENT
vi) 25/02683/FUL: Cottles Farm House , Blackrock Lane, Publow: Erection of residential annexe and replacement of porch. PERMITTED
vii) 25/02684/LBA. Cottles Farm House , Blackrock Lane, Publow. Internal and external alterations for erection of residential annexe and replacement of porch. CONSENT

72.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The Parish Council resolved to co-opt Sonia Fluke onto the Parish Council.
b) The Parish Council discussed the application for the Ward Councillors fund. It was agreed that the Allotment representative will circulate quotes she had received to install guttering and water butts to collect water to help allotment holders to water their plots. The proposal would be finalised for the next meeting.
c) It was agreed that the Wall behind the War Memorial was in need of repair. PB hoped to repair it this month, once he had sourced one piece of Blue Lias stone.
d) It was reported that Cllr Dinsdale had presented the proposal for Village Car Park to the Village Hall committee and they had agreed to further investigations taking place. A Parish Council working group would meet on January 29th at 7pm to discuss what should be done next.
e) The Parish Council discussed a request from a resident, to install a Skate Park. It was agreed that the Parish Council did not own any suitable land to enable this project but would direct the resident to the Village Hall Committee.
f) The Parish Council approved expenditure of £48.98+VAT for Bin Bags
g) The Parish Council approved expenditure of £200+VAT for the renewal of Titan WordPress hosting the Website.

72.6. Financial Matters

a) It was agreed that the final budget would be approved next month when hopefully more Councillors would be present.
b) It was agreed that the Precept Request would be approved next month when hopefully more Councillors would be present.
c) Financial Report was accepted
d) January payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover

Mrs Helen Richardson (68.5i) – Salary £918.18 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 10) £359.17 £- N/A
Nisbets Bin Bags (reimburse Steve Fluke) £49.17 £- N/A
Easy Space, Titan Internet Domain Renewal £240 £40 Y
Steve Fluke – Emptying Dog Bins £116.67 £- N/A
Frank Scholfield – Footpath Officer £85.00 £- N/A
KC Printing – Housing Needs Survey £146.40 £24.40 Y

 Paul May (Ward Councillor) joined the meeting

72.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor apologised for being late as he had been chairing a Lib Dems Budget meeting. He reported that following a government fair funding review, B&NES had lost £12million of Government funding over the next three years, so the budget was very tight, but most services will be continuing.
They were expecting more details of any development planned for Whitchurch in May, but he was keeping a close eye on them.
He updated the parish Council that he had requested three highways schemes and the 20 mph limit on the A37 had been include in the 2026/2027 programme, a crossing for Belluton had been included in the 2026/2027 programme and speed humps for Old Road had been included in the 2027/2028 programme.

72.8. Reports

a) PCAA: No Update.
b) Village Hall – AGM Next month
c) Housing Needs Survey. Surveys had been printing – Stevie to arrange collection. Distribution will be arranged next meeting
d) Allotment – No update
e) Clerks Report – circulated.
f) Chairmans report – No report

72.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Housing Needs Survey, agree zones for Councillors to deliver. Precept & budget, Ward Councillors Fund.

72.10. To note Future Meetings

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 9th February 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.39pm

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th DECEMBER 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mrs S Grimes(Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 5 Members of Public.

Public Participation: The applicant from the Rising Sun presented their planning application and said that they would work with the Parish Council if that changes worsened the parking issue..

71.1. Apologies for absence: Ms C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Mrs J Stephenson, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor). The Chair received a letter of resignation from William Tantam.

71.2. Declarations of Interest:

71.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 10th November 2025 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

71.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) To ratify response to 25/04070/LBA: Parsonage Farm, Parsonage Lane, Publow. Works for installation an electric vehicle (EV) charger in in the garage. The garage is the most north-western building at the back of the main house. The Parish Council have No objection

b) Decision Notification:

i) 25/03794/TCA: River Bank, Mill Lane, Woollard. Rowan tree – dead. To fell. NO OBJECTION

ii) 25/01877/ADCOU: Knights Folly Farm, Woollard Lane, Publow: Prior approval request for change of use from Agricultural Building to 2no 3 bed Dwellings (C3) and associated operational development. APPROVE

71.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The Parish Council discussed the process for emptying the bins following the resignation of one of the volunteers. It was agreed that Steve Fluke would be taken on as a contractor to empty all the bins for £116.67 per month and will be reimbursed for buying bin bags.

b) Stevie Pattimore was appointed as allotment representative replacing William Tantam following his resignation from the Council.

c) Expenditure of £220 + VAT was approved for the electrical installation of the new defibrillator cabinet at the Post office.

d) The Parish Council discussed the application for the Ward Councillors fund. It was agreed that the Allotment representative would be asked to put forward a proposal to improve the water supply for allotment holders,

e) It was agreed that the Wall behind the War Memorial was in need of repair. PB would attend to the repair and inform the home owners of the property behind the wall of what he intended to do.

f) The councillor leading the Village Hall Car Park project sent her apologies and so it was suggested that councillors hold a working group meeting to agree how to progress the project and report back at the February Meeting.

g) It was agreed that following a request for a meeting from the Somerset Wildlife Trust they should be invited to attend a Parish Council meeting to brief councillors on the impact of Wild Beavers on stretches of the River Chew in the parish.

71.6. Financial Matters

a) The Third Draft of the budget was reviewed. B&NES Council will be issuing the Tax Base figure this month which will provide us with an estimate of the cost per household for a band D property. Final Precept request to be agreed next month.

b) Financial Report was accepted

c) December payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover

Mrs Helen Richardson (68.5i) – Salary £918.38 £- N/A

HMRC (Month 9) £358.97 £- N/A

DPM Lucas – Grass Cutting £50.00 £- N/A

Water2Business (allotment water) £100.88 £- N/A

RL Sharples (British Legion) £70 £- N/A

Mark Goulding £30 £- N/A

B Head – Reimburse for Child Defib Pads £149.94 £24.99 Y

SLCC £104.40 £- N/A

Frank Scholfield £85.00 £- N/A

Currys Laptop £381.94 £63.65 Y

71.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor sent his apologies.

71.8. Reports

a) PCAA: It was agreed to submit a letter to MP Dan Norris’ office and to the Bristol Airport consultation opposing the proposed approach lighting.

b) Village Hall – No report

c) Housing Needs Survey. Closing Date end of March, bring to Feb meeting to distribute.

d) Proposed 20 mph: No update

e) Clerks Report – circulated.

f) Chairmans report – Invitation to Carol Service in Publow church

71.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Housing Needs Survey, agree zones for Councillors to deliver.

71.10.To note Future Meetings

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 8th 12th January 2026 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall

The meeting closed at 20.32

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Ms C Dinsdale(part), Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes(Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, S Pattimore, Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), and 9 Members of Public.

Public Participation:

A resident said that the bins are still overflowing and the Parish Council should remove them all rather than pay someone to empty them.
The applicant for 25/03905/FUL asked the parish council to reconsider the delegated response and take into account the local need.

70.1. Apologies for absence: Mrs J Stephenson, Mr P Baxter, Mr W Tantam, Cllr Paul May (Ward Councillor)

70.2. Declarations of Interest: None

70.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13th October 2025 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

70.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) To ratify delegated response for 25/03903/FUL: The Teasel Barn, Stanton Road, Pensford. Conversion of the existing detached domestic storage/garage building to a single dwellinghouse (C3 use class) together with erection of two dormer windows in the north-west roof plane and provision of parking and external amenity areas. The Parish Council agreed to withdraw their objection and support the application because the harm of development outside the housing development boundary is outweighed by the benefit of providing a modest home for a local family and because it is a conversion of an existing building not a newbuild.

ii) 25/04201/TCA: 143 High Street, Pensford: Sycamore T1 – crown lift to 5m.

Oak T2 – crown lift to 5m. Horse Chestnut T3 – remove 1x lowest limb. Ash G1 – fell. Yew T4 – crown lift to 3-4m. Eucalyptus T5 – remove lowest limb overhanging garden. The Parish Council agreed to SUPPORT the application.

b) Decision Notification:

i) 25/03623/TCA. 1 Old School House , High Street, Pensford. Silver birch – diseased & in danger of falling branches, to take down the tree & leave a small stump NO OBJECTION

70.5. Matters for Discussion

a) The Parish Council discussed the process for emptying the bins following the resignation of one of the volunteers. The remaining volunteer had been invited to attend the meeting but sent his apologies as he was ill. The Parish Council agreed that if the volunteer was agreeable to taking on the emptying of all the bins that they would be offered remuneration to empty all bins.

b) It was agreed that Beth Head would be appointed as guardian for the Woollard Defibrillator

c) Expenditure of £179.94 was approved for replacement pads for the defibrillator

d) Expenditure of £150 was approved to purchase paediatric pads for the defibrillator.

e) It was reported that Remembrance Sunday was well attended, ETM Contractors were very good and would be recommended again for next year. The Vehicle blocking the road was effective and there should be one at the other end of the road closure for the same purpose. We will need more lamppost poppies next year and should order them earlier and consider purchasing some lorry poppies as they last longer. Some people asked about crochet poppies. The guide leaders stood in as first aiders as the first aider was unable to attend.

•  Claire Dinsdale left the meeting

f) The Parish Council discussed the application for the Ward Councillors fund. It was agreed that the Allotment representative would be asked to put forward a proposal to improve the water supply for allotment holders

70.6. Financial Matters

a) The Second Draft of the budget which had been updated with projects discussed last month, including a Speed indicator device, a basic projector for meetings, repairs to the War memorial and an increase to the Village Caretakers budget. This month it was agreed that we would increase the spend on emptying bins and to purchase more poppies for the village. To be reviewed next month.

b) Financial Report was accepted

c) November payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover

ETM Contractors – Traffic management £300.00 £50 Y
Mrs Helen Richardson (68.5i) – Salary £968.58 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 8) £359.17 £- N/A
DPM Lucas – Grass Cutting £50.00 £- N/A
Mr RL Sharples (British Legion) £120.00 £- N/A
LG Cooper – Reimburse for plants £49.97 £8.34 Y
B Head – Reimburse for Defib Pads £179.94 £29.99 Y
Frank Scholfield £85.00 £- N/A

70.7. The B&NES Ward Councillor sent his apologies.

70.8. Reports

a) PCAA: Slides on Sustainable Aircraft Fuel have been circulated. There is a current consultation on Bristol Airport Lighting which will impact Felton common

b) Village Hall – meeting on Tuesday11th November

c) Housing Needs Survey. Distribution is not possible through Parish magazine so councillors will distribute the survey. Deliver February, closing date end of March.

d) Proposed 20mph: Paul May sent reminder to Cabinet member and Paul Garrod to follow up

e) Clerks Report – circulated.

f) Chairmans report- Attended Parish Liaison

70.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Housing Needs Survey, agree zones for Councillors to deliver. Installation of cabinet for Defib, bins

70.10. To note Future Meetings

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 8th December 2025 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall

The meeting closed at 20.25pm

SCAN TO VIEW ON-LINE

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Present: Mr P Baxter, Ms C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes(Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mr W Tantam, Mrs H Richardson (Clerk), Mr Paul May (Ward Councillor) and 4 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident complained about an overgrown hedge, and ivy growing on the Lock up

69.1. Apologies for absence: Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson

69.2. Declarations of Interest: None Continue reading “Minutes – October 2025”

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2025 At 7:00PM IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD

Continue reading “Minutes – September 2025”