THE LEIGH PARISH COUNCIL
: leighpc@hotmail.co.uk : theleighpc.org.uk
MINUTES OF THE ADDITIONAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 9thJuly 2025 AT 6.45PM AT THE LEIGH PARISH CHURCH
Present: Cllr. J. Arkell, Cllr A. Bowness (Chair), Cllr K. Morton and Cllr R. Theyer. Cllr L. Glazebrook arrived later.
Attendance: K. Tilling (Parish Clerk), and 3 members of the public.
1. Apologies:
Apologies were received from County Cllr Stanley.
2. Declarations of interest:
There were no declarations of interest.
3. To discuss the planning consultation request and consider responses for the following:
25/00459/FUL: Construction of a new three arm signalised junction, associated drainage, formation of foot way and cycle way, and associated sort landscaping. Location: Parcels 4239 5200 and part parcel 6100, Tewkesbury Road, Uckington.
Having looked at the information on the portal, Leigh Parish Councillors found it difficult to find definitive objections to the proposal as it stands but then this is not our parish. The future additional traffic from this location will affect our parish. The location is in a neighbouring parish and therefore whatever comments they make will be supported by this Parish Council. In the short term there will be no difference to this parish. This is likely to be the opening to a new major development which is in addition to the Elms Park site and the Golden Valley project, all on the same stretch of road. This is currently ‘reserved land’ and therefore will not come into the house building scenario until the other two developments have been completed. They are being a little premature. It appears that the land owners have been forced into applying for this new junction due to the emerging plans of the 360 interchange for the junction 10 improvements having a direct impact of this location. Why now? This should have been taken into consideration during the consultation periods for the junction improvement scheme. None of the local parishes like the prospect of more houses along this stretch of road. The clerk was asked to contact the Uckington Parish Council and uncover their feelings about this junction proposal.
4. Highways Issues update:
Cllr Theyer had little news to report. He explained that he has been in discussion with Max from GCC regarding the drains down by the Croft and Mr Walkers. There has been a meeting and Cllr Theyer is now waiting for a date. The area is currently clean, hard and dry, so perfect for the work to be done.
Cllr Theyer also discussed the drain by Brawn Farm with Max. Highways are going to take it over and will contact the current owners of Brawn Farm direct to explain what is happening.
The tree on the boundary wall of Mr Poulton’s house is growing again. Cllr Theyer has asked that Highways treat the greenery to prevent further growth.
Following an email from the owners of Tudor Cottage, Cllr Theyer went and had a look at the exposed cables/tubing. From experience, trying to get the cable companies to come out before the cables are damaged is impossible. They wait until the service is cut off before doing anything. With this is mind, Cllr Theyer has replaced soil back onto the bank and therefore covered the cables once more. However, they have been laid so close to the service this might not last.
Severn Trent have been called out yet again to the water leak close to the entrance of Cllr Glazebrook’s house. Hoping they will fix it properly this time.
5. To consider and approve any new CIL spending.
Bus Stops – more discussion about the various stops and types of bus shelters being considered.
By the caravan site on the A38 – southbound can accommodate a full one, northbound is not possible at all as the width is not sufficient.
Church Lane- OK both sides – 2 full ones.
Pancake Lane – OK both sides for 2 full ones.
Coombe Hill – Northbound by Villards close. Up and over one. Southbound by Lapwing – Up and over is possible
A4019 – Full one
A38 outside Evington Villa – still needs to be looked at
The installation of bus route stops seems to fall under the responsibility of Parish and Town Councils but is not mandatory. As long as they are installed on council land they do not need planning permission. The Parish Council will be responsible for searching for utilities. The installers need to be recognised by GCC, need a licence and have public liability.
Marcus has agreed to provide a quote.
Swift boxes – following on from the last council meeting where people in the Leigh also wished to have Swift boxes installed, the clerk made contact with the Wharf residents for further information. Residents in the Leigh will need to form a small working group and then a spokesperson can contact the Winchcombe Swift Support Group on wssgroup1@gmail.com Their website says that they make, supply and install swift boxes however, as this is outside Winchcombe they only offer a consultation service. They will advise where to site potential swift boxes. The Wharf swift boxes were purchased direct from the RSPB. The cost of these has grown substantially – a box is now £50.00 with £2 off if you two (or multiples of two) and free delivery.
The clerk has asked for the following items to aid with Parish Council business:
Some stamps, a portable hard drive and a mobile phone with a SIM. Parish Councillors approved all these requests and gave a budget of £200.00 to cover the mobile phone and SIM. The clerk with organise.
The Domain name change has already been approved in principle. Clerk was seeking Parish Councillors approval of the name since three had been offered. Chosen one is leighparishcouncil.gov.uk Together with this, the Parish Council needs an IT policy and the clerk will draft a policy using a blank IT policy provided by the website company that can be customised for this Parish Council.
The auditors bill will be bigger this year, due to the income derived from the CIL money.
6. To consider future agenda items for Full Council meetings.
Results from the Housing Needs survey – August meeting
Pond registration – November meeting
7. AOB.
Concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the proposed drainage from the two new houses being built by Tara Construction in Church Lane. Contractors on site have been telling local residents that the drainage from the two house was being changed and that permission to change this had been agreed. The Clerk contacted the planning officer and was given a copy of the agreed drainage layout as it was missing from the planning portal. There has no agreement to change the approved drainage plans and therefore this is what the builders must abide by. To move the drainage would require new permission, input from the drainage officer and delay the selling of these houses. Residents will be watching the site closely for any deviations to agreed planning permission.
Meeting closed 7.50pm