External auditor certificate 2025/26




PARISH COUNCIL OFFICIAL WEBSITE
If you live in our parish, look out for the latest edition of the monthly Parish News magazine which is on its way through your letterbox! Or you can read the latest edition on-line on the Parish Council website. The Parish News Magazine includes information for residents and visitors such as announcements, events and information related to the community of Publow with Pensford. If you would like to contribute news to the Parish Magazine or place an advertisement please contact the Parish News Team, Judith Hillman on 07802 662291 or email: pensford@gmail.com. Many thanks to the volunteers who deliver Parish News to all households in our villages every month.
Visit the Parish Council website to view archived past editions here
The Bath & North East Somerset Council Draft Local Plan has now been agreed.
It now goes to a final six-week public consultation before it goes to the Planning Inspectorate for an independent examination.
The Local Plan (once it comes into force) will help shape where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered across BANES until 2043.
You now have one last opportunity to review the plan and comment on whether it has been prepared properly, is supported by evidence, is legally compliant and ‘sound’. You are also able to support, challenge or suggest changes to the proposals.
The Consultation closes on 30th October 2026. To view the Draft Local Plan and Have Your Say read more here: https://haveyoursay.bathnes.gov.uk/localplan/
PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL
AGENDA
MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2026 at 7PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL
TO ALL PARISH COUNCILLORS:
You are summoned to attend a meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 14th September 2026 at 7pm in the Village Hall.
H Richardson (Mrs) – Clerk to the Parish Council Date: 9th September 2026
Public Participation – Members of Public are asked to inform the Clerk if you wish to attend. (15 minutes Maximum): Please note that prior to the official business of the meeting; members of the Parish are welcome to raise any Parish issues. Please inform the Clerk providing name, address and subject matter no later than 24 hrs prior to the meeting if you wish to arrange a speaking slot. Please keep your speech to a maximum of 3 minutes. Additionally, the applicant or their agent may verbally present planning applications. You are not guaranteed a slot if you do not book in advance. Please note the Parish Council cannot make a decision on items that are not on the agenda, but items may be put forward for the agenda for the next meeting.
The Draft Local Plan sets out how Bath & North East Somerset council will accommodate its future housing, employment and infrastructure needs to 2043. Subject to approval, a six-week Regulation 19 consultation is expected to commence in the week beginning 14 September 2026. The consultation will run to 26th October. Everyone can have their say on the Local Plan.
There will be briefing events throughout Bath & North East Somerset which will take place during the consultation period. Area Forums | Bath and North East Somerset Council. There is also a consultation in Whitchurch, which is NOT a Bath and North East Somerset event but is being organised by Councillor Paul May. https://www.facebook.com/groups/wrongroad/posts/2290385668373836
The plan has been informed by the 2024 Options Consultation and subsequent evidence work.
Further information can be found at:
Local Plan webpage: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/local-plan
Further publicity will follow through the Area Forum mailing lists following publication of the press release and Cabinet papers.
Impact on adjacent communities
Our villages will likely be impacted by further expansion in Whitchurch and Clutton mainly but also further growth south of Clutton in other villages on the A37. More information will be added when known.
Invitation to attend the BANES Community Resilience Day, organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and hosted at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Hicks Gate Fire Station.
This year’s event will take a different format from previous years, operating as an open day where attendees are welcome to arrive and leave at their convenience. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore information stands, view emergency response vehicles, and attend the People’s Emergency Briefing at 12:00pm.
Refreshments and catering will be provided throughout the day.
Please note that parking is not available on site. Please use public transport where possible.

If you live in our parish, look out for the latest edition of the monthly Parish News magazine which is on its way through your letterbox! Or you can read the latest edition on-line on the Parish Council website. The Parish News Magazine includes information for residents and visitors such as announcements, events and information related to the community of Publow with Pensford. If you would like to contribute news to the Parish Magazine or place an advertisement please contact the Parish News Team, Judith Hillman on 07802 662291 or email: pensford@gmail.com. Many thanks to the volunteers who deliver Parish News to all households in our villages every month.
Visit the Parish Council website to view archived past editions here
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 13th JULY 2026 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD
– Children’s Play area – Claire will take this on board when she has an event at the hall – may not be straight away. There is money available from the Parish Council
– Jane Flower reported issues with Salters Brook to Fix my Street
– Thanks to Geoff Hunt for clearing the Salters Brooks
– It was reported by Jane Flower that the telephone box is being well used.
– Village Green – Emily Carboni has an idea for the village green and has costings of £180.00. She needs to send in her costings and design plans to the Parish Council ready for the next meeting
– Wick Lane – wall collapsing Tracy Jones to report it on Fix my Street on behalf of the Parish Council
– Parking on the A37 to the left of the junction where High Street meets the A37 – everyone should take photos and send it to BANES highways. It was agreed to put this item on the next agenda for discussion
– Birchwood Lane bridle path needs cutting back and footpath from Old Road to Birchwood Lane footpath
– Dog bins – What are the chances to get another bin at the Memorial Hall. Paul will speak to Memorial Hall.
Attendees: Jenny Gully, Steve Grimes, Sue Grimes(Chairman), Paul Baxter, Claire Dinsdale, Layla Malt, Sonja Fluke, Stevie Pattimore Tracy Jones(Clerk), Steve Filer
78.1. Apologies for Absence Chris Curling and Helen Richardson (Clerk)
78.2. To receive notification of any Members’ personal or prejudicial interest in any item on the agenda. None
78.3. To confirm minutes of previous meeting on Monday 8th June 2026 as a true & fair record
Minutes confirmed as a true and accurate record.
78.4. Planning:
a) Applications to Consult (at the time of publication. – late consultations maybe discussed at the discretion of the Parish Council)
i) Pre-application consultation for the Proposed shelter at the Old Gospel Hall. The Parish Council were unable to comment on this as they have not seen a full application.
b) Decision Notification:
i) 26/00676/FUL. Knights Folly Farm, Woollard Lane, Publow. Change of use and conversion of agricultural building to a dwelling (C3 Use Class) alongside external alterations and extensions (as an alternative to the approved Class Q development (25/00656/ADCOU)). PERMIT
ii) 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. PERMIT
78.5. Planning: Matters for Discussion
a) To receive an update and agree next steps for the village Hall Car park proposal.
The next steps are for the Parish Councillors to agree a date for a meeting in August 2026 to discuss 3 proposals for the Village Car Park plus a further option of a future Community Area.
b) Notice of intent for NI – 26-030 Pensford Hill and New Road, Pensford – 20mph Speed Limit
Discuss possibility for 20mph up to the Speed Camera – The Parish Council voted for the Chair to speak to Paul May to ask for the 20mph speed limit to be extended to the speed camera on Pensford Hill. Also an extension of the length South bound
78.6. Financial Matters:
a) Payments authorised in June at the meeting. These are not showing as waiting to be authorised on the banking app so will need authorising upon Helen’s return.
Payee – Description – Amount – VAT TO RECLAIM
Helen Richardson Clerk Salary (JulY) TBC £939.78 N/A
HMRC Month 4 TBC £358.97 N/A
Steve Fluke Dog bins £116.67 N/A
Frank Schofield Footpath officer £85.00 N/A
DPM Garden Contractors Grass Cutting £50.00 N/A
Jenny Gully Reimburse Plants £18.00 N/A
PCAA Annual Subs £95.00 N/A
78.7. B&NES Ward Councillor: To receive an update on district matters from Cllr P May
78.8. To receive reports/updates on current matters:
a. PCAA – Steve Grimes Attended PCAA AGM and normal meeting held 9th July. The AGM voted to elect officers, topic leads and representatives. Received officers’ reports, financial report, and approved the secretary’s hourly pay rate. Agreed to review subscription fees for 2027 – 2028. These are currently £95 and 50% reduction for parishes with precepts under £15,000. No increase for 3 years. A new rate was agreed which is £100 for large councils and £50 for smaller councils with precepts under £20K. Number of parish councils in membership now 27 plus 2 town councils. 18 in North Somerset, 11 in BANES. Puxton Parish Council has just joined. Key points from the main meeting: Ring-fenced funding of £58,879 has reduced to £32,249 and this will reduce further due to cost of fighting airport expansion plans. Approximately £30k will be spent on the response to the planning application The PCAA’s response to the Bristol Airport planning application has been submitted. It is an extremely comprehensive response prepared by planning consultants engaged by PCAA and runs to 249 pages. (This has been circulated to councillors). Also the PCAA has responded robustly to the Felton Common Lighting Consultation. Following the consultation BA recently hosted meetings including a briefing meeting for NS, BANES and Bristol Councillors and Councillors from surrounding Parish Councils. Passenger numbers, air traffic movements and dispensations: There are currently 10.75 million passengers per annum. This is due to increase to 11mppa by the end of 2026. Total number of flights in 2025 was 78,169 and the movement limit is 85,990 per calendar year. The night movement limit is set at 4,000 movements but in 2025 there were 4,863.. A new password protected ‘Member Only Area’ has been created on the PCAA website, which can be accessed at www.pcaa.org.uk. This is to provide a section on the website where member-only messages and documents can be posted.
b. Village Hall – no meeting since the last Parish Council meeting. The hall have been hosting several events. They need people to take on the playground maintenance and they also need a new Chair Person and are looking for volunteers
c. Repair to War memorial Wall – still outstanding
d. Repair to Marquee – all completed
e. Allotments – lovely and blooming well.
f. Chairman’s Report – will put up the findings from the Housing Needs Survey. New Defib and cabinets have arrived – Sue will sort this. A farewell was given to Mr Barton and a new head will be starting in September. A new brownie group is starting in the village on Monday evenings.
78.9. Items of report to carry forward to the next meeting.
Possible double yellows on main road of A37 South Bound
Village Green – do we accept £180.00 request from Emily
78.10. To Note Future Meetings None
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: 14th September 2026 at 7pm in the village hall.
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