Parish Council Meeting held December 19th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Slater, Cllr Tuffley and Cllr Judge. Cllr Rand of Buckinghamshire Council and seven members of the public were in attendance.

The following updates and questions were presented by members of the Public:

Parking / traffic on the Firs

A resident addressed the Parish Council regarding a recent incident where a child was nearly struck by a car outside the school gates. The Clerk has been in contact with the school recently and the school has continued to reiterate its parking promise to parents, requesting parents to park at agreed locations in the village and not along the Firs or down by the school gates or garages.

Cllr Judge said that Buckinghamshire Council has recognised that traffic problems outside schools are a general issue in the county. A campaign is being launched to all schools. The Parish Council agreed to keep in close contact with the school, including considering options to help enforce guidance (see minutes below).

Touchbridge

Three residents from Touchbridge addressed the Parish Council for assistance in restricting Heavy Goods Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes from using the Touchbridge road, excluding agricultural and service vehicles. This is a safety issue, and the residents believe the structure of the road is thin and is currently being continually damaged by oversized vehicles.

Cllr Judge explained that this issue had been raised with the Buckinghamshire Transport Strategy Officer in February 2023. The officer reported that many of the HGVs are from the Sirens training centre; Buckinghamshire Council staff had already approached the owner but it was not possible to find a compromise (the owner correctly stated there was no restriction on HGVs along the road). However, Cllr Rand explained that a meeting had been held by Buckinghamshire Council on 18th December 2023 during which it was confirmed that a consultation on the use of HGVs on local roads was to be held early in 2024.  There will be two consultation days in January, in Ashendon, and will then be a consultation for a twelve-week period. The Westcott Venture Park will be exempt from the consultation. Residents can learn more about the consultation by following this link: 

https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/roads-parking/waddesdon-area-freight-zone-consultation/

It was also confirmed that Touchbridge has been scheduled for resurfacing in the near future.

The following updates and questions were presented to Cllr Rand of Bucks Council:

Trees on Thame Road

Q. Is there any update on the ownership of the Trees on Thame road?
A. Yes, I have spoken with Alison Poland, the LAT to ask a tree surgeon to come out to assess the trees on Thame Road on the verge. The majority in the opinion of the LAT are within the boundary of the Land Owner. There are some trees which will need further investigation to ascertain ownership.

Bucks Council action on refugees from the war in Gaza

Q. Cllr Springs asked if there had been any shift in Bucks Council planning for refugees from the fallout of the war in Gaza. 
A. Cllr Rand confirmed that he had no knowledge of any plan for this to be introduced by Bucks Council.

023/089 To receive apologies for absence.
No apologies were received

023/090 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding Brill with Ukraine

023/091 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2023.
Cllr Slater proposed the Minutes be approved as a true record of the meeting, seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously approved

023/092 Planning applications
Applications for review

Planning Ref 23/03735/APP
Address 11A Brae Hill Close Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9TE
Proposal Householder application for two storey side extension with carport and rear extension to ground floor bedrooms creating balcony above
PC Comments Brill Parish Council has No Objection to this planning application. However the Parish Council requests the comments below are taken into consideration during the determination of this application:

• A public footpath between Nos 10A and 11A (to the south of 11A) is not marked on plan S900/00.  This right of way must be added to the plan and must not be obstructed for the public during the works. 

• Brae Hill Close is narrow with an area used for parking by local residents by nos 10, 10A and 15 Brae Hill Close on the corner, and other residents also have to park on the Close. Parking and access for local residents must not be blocked by vehicles or building materials

• Any damage to the road due to the works must be repaired at the expense of the developer

• Brae Hill Close is a very quiet residential area and the work will be disruptive to residents. The developer must strictly adhere to conditions on working hours if planning permission is granted.

• The Planning Officer should also take into account planning application ref 18/02508/APP and the decision dated 13/9/2018. The Parish Council notes that permission was refused for the construction of a garage at no 15 Brae Hill Close, opposite 11A, as the planning officer considered that it was inappropriate for the area.

023/093 Communications Database

To review the recent communications 

Development on South Hills – A resident contacted the Parish Council regarding development to a neighbouring property and what the Parish Council could do to ensure that the development does not cause any damage.  The Council confirmed it is out of its jurisdiction (the Parish Council is consulted on proposed developments but currently has no enforcement powers) but recommended the residents should seek a party wall agreement which can be drawn up by a solicitor.

Action: The Clerk to send a letter to the residents recommending a Party Wall Agreement

It was noted that the same issue may also apply to the Parish Council as The Common which also neighbours the development. The Parish Council will engage a solicitor and take legal advice.

The Council received a letter from a member of the public who had been injured in an encounter with dogs out of control on the playing field. The Council confirmed it was not able to take action against the owners on the playing field but that the member of the public could contact the dog warden at Bucks Council.

Action: The Clerk to contact the member of the public

The Council received a communication from a resident regarding the mud on the Walks and the state of the area between the Fire Station and BT – The Council understood the residents’ concerns over the mud but as it is a rural location paths are maintained to a level suitable for outside footwear such as Wellington boots or walking boots. 

In regards to the are between BT and the Fire Station the Council confirmed this area is outside of its jurisdiction and that the resident will need to contact both bodies directly.

Action: The Clerk to contact the residents with the Council’s decisions

Procedure for sending communication from the Parish Council

023/082 King George V Field update

To receive an update on the King George V Field
Cllr Tuffley outlined that under the Pitch Power Agreement Brill Parish Council would pay a contribution of £200 / year to improve the pitch from a ‘basic’ standard to ‘good’.

• The benefits of the Agreement would improve the drainage attract more teams and bring up to a better standard.

• Cllr Tuffley proposed agreeing to contribute to the pitch upgrade under the condition that the BSSC takes ownership of the mower.

• The Council would also require in writing the commitment from other parties to contribute the funding for the full term of the agreement

• The Council resolved to delay the decision until the January meeting.

Trees in the Play Area
Cllr Springs provided the quote for the new trees for planting in junior Play Area and proposed the Council accept it. Cllr Slater seconded and the it was unanimously approved

`023/095 2024/25 Draft Budget / Precept Request

The expenditure in 2023/24 had been reviewed in detail by Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Judge and the Parish Clerk, taking both ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ approaches. Expenditure for the year 2023/24  was predicted to exceed the precept, repairs to the Windmill being a major item. Most of this (unexpected) cost had been covered by a higher than normal VAT refund. Maintenance of the windmill was not expected to be as high in 2024/25.

Village organisations (the Brill Society, the BVCAG, the Memorial Hall Committee, and the Brill Herd) had been contacted on their likely requests for funding from the precept.

The conclusion from the review was that the precept was broadly in line with the funds needed to maintain village amenities but should be increased to cover increased costs due to inflation.

To review and approve the 2024/25 Draft Budget
Cllr Tuffley, seconded by Cllr Judge proposed adopting the draft Budget for 2024/25, and unanimously approved. 

To review and approve the 2024/25 Precept Request
Cllr Tuffley proposed adopting the 2024/25 Precept request increase to match the increase by Bucks Council, however if this information is not available before the submission deadline the Council approved a precept increase request of 5% in line with current inflation figures. This was seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously approved.

023/096 Dropbox
To review the Parish Council Dropbox Membership : Due to time constraints this item was moved to the January meeting

023/097 Parish Council Meeting Frequency
Cllr Tuffley to propose a trial change in Parish Council Meeting Frequency for 2024/25 : Due to time constraints this item was moved to the January meeting

023/098 The Common 
To receive an update on the Common projects and the BVCAG December meeting.

• Cllr Slater extended her thanks to all who attended the BVCAG meeting. Representatives from all groups came. The Winter plan that has been agreed is being carried out and going according to plan.

• Thanks to BVCH, Common Volunteers, Friends of Brill Common for all the work that has been carried out over the winter.

• Oxford Oak Tree Surgery is preparing a quote for the ‘medium risk’ trees outlined in the Tree survey. 

• Improvements of Span Green are ongoing, though any work to be carried out would need to be done in later summer / early autumn when the weather is drier. The clerk is to meet the landowner of the adjacent field to discuss options going forward.

Action: The Clerk to speak with the neighbouring landowner and feedback to the Council

023/099 Road & Traffic
To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish

Bollards outside Brill Memorial Hall
Cllr Judge confirmed that Buckinghamshire Council had been contacted to arrange installation of the bollards, but there had been some confusion as Buckinghamshire Council had the wrong dimensions for the width of the pavement.  This was now resolved, and the Local Area Technician will visit the site on 25th January to check the exact location. 

Potholes on North Hills
Residents from North Hills had requested that the Parish Council funded the materials needed to repair potholes on the track on the Common to their properties. The cost would be about £2-3000. Cllr Judge said that he could not support funding the cost of the materials for the following main reasons: 

1. The cost was high and was a large percentage of the precept, for work that impacted only a few residents

2. There are many tracks across the Common and residents are expected to maintain them. It would set an expensive precedent for future Parish Councils

3. The issue is similar to unadopted roads in urban settings, where town councils have a strict policy that residents are responsible for repairs

Cllr Springs pointed out that the large cost is due to a lack of maintenance over a decade, and the annual cost to residents is very modest.

• Cllr Tuffley proposed making a nominal donation to contribute towards to the repair of the track on the Common. The purposes of the contribution were:
  To emphasise that ownership remains with the Parish Council as it is on common land

• To encourage other residents to gain prior agreement from the Parish Council before repairing tracks to their properties

• To set conditions on the repairs – Type 1 hardcore and grass to be allowed to grow in the centre of the track.
  In this case the proposed contribution would be £250. Cllr Judge said that this figure should apply to this request only and would not set a precedent for the future.  Cllr Slater seconded and the proposal was approved by three votes in favour and one objection from Cllr Springs.

Parking on the Common
Cllr Slater proposed a trial period of creating laminated signs for Cllrs to place on windscreens of cars parked illegally on the Common or near the school, informing them it was illegal to do so and to include the Parish Council email address for further information. This was seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved.

Parking near the School & on the Firs
Following the concern raised by the resident it was agreed to speak to the school regarding actions taken by the Parish Council they would support including the introduction of volunteer wardens to stop traffic coming to the school gates or the adjacent garages

Action: The Clerk to liaise with the school

023/100 Section 137 Request

To review the Section 137 request received from Brill Memorial Hall
The Council unanimously approved the Section 137 request from Brill Memorial Hall.

023/101 Income & Expenditure

December 2023 Payments

Bucks Council - Bins £43.50
Rob Timms – Bins / MUGA floodlight storage £165.00
Hannah Hunter - November website and newsletter £200.00
P Tawn – Brill With Ukraine teaching £490.00
N Misselbrook – War Memorial planting £126.00
Oxford Tree Services – Common Tree removal £650.00
Aspire – Grass Cutting £528.00
BT - Utilities £82.57
Sanders Electrical – MUGA floodlight charging £480.00
Svitlana Pimkina – Refreshment re-imbursement £45.00
Seagrave Nurseries – Junior Play Area Trees £549.36
R Damerell – Clerk Salary £1,443.01
Brill Memorial Hall – Section 137 Grant £2,500.00
Hannah Hunter - December website and newsletter £200.00
HMRC – PAYE £212.96
Jennifer Tuffley – BWU expenses £143.29
Drax – Street Lights £158.15

Income

Interest £24.11
Interest £24.93
Community Board payment for life saving equipment £458.82
Brill Sports Social Club (Bench re-imbursement) £1,022.50

Read the financial summary for December 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held November 21st 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Slater and Cllr Judge. Cllr Rand of Buckinghamshire Council and one member of the public were in attendance.

The following updates and questions were presented by Cllr Rand of Bucks Council:

Roads and Traffic 
Cllr Rand explained that last year there were only five teams carrying out road repairs, now there are twelve teams. This followed a period when repairs had been delayed while a new contractor was employed by Bucks Council. As a result, there has been an increase in road closures, and there have also been more closures by utility companies, particularly Thames Water. The Council has employed a team to monitor the diversions and to collect any signs not removed once the diversion has ended. If the traffic lights are not removed within four hours of completion, the company can face a fine. Thirty-five fines have been issued in the last month issued to utility companies.

Cllr Rand also explained why Oxfordshire Council is introducing 20 mph speed limits in many towns and villages, but Buckinghamshire is not providing funding. The policy in Buckinghamshire is that there must be physical speed restrictions such as speed humps or chicanes in addition to new signage. This is because the police will only enforce a 20mph limit if such barriers are in place, but it adds very significantly to the cost. 

Q. Has there been any discussion within Bucks Council about aid for Palestinian refugees
A. Cllr Rand said that no discussions have taken place as far as he was aware.

023/077 To receive apologies for absence.
Apologies were received from Cllr Tuffley

023/078 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding Brill with Ukraine

023/079 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2023.
Cllr Slater proposed the Minutes be approved as a true record of the meeting, seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously approved

023/080 Planning applications
Applications for review - none

023/081 Communications Database

To review the recent communications 
The Communications database was reviewed by the Council with the majority of correspondence relating to items on the Agenda.

Procedure for sending communication from the Parish Council
The Parish Council agreed that once a response to a query has been drafted, the Clerk will send the response after a period of five days if no further comments are received from Cllrs. The aim is to ensure a faster response to all enquiries to the council. 

023/082 King George V Field update
The Clerk updated the Council on the meeting held between Neil Shaw, Cllr Tuffley and the Clerk regarding the Pitchpower report for the football field. It was confirmed that Brill Sports & Social Club would be willing to contribute to the running cost. Cllr Tuffley to present fully once further queries have been answered by the FA.

Request for fireworks display on KGV field
The council resolved to refuse the request for permission to hold a private fireworks display for the following reasons:

• The event is not a nationally-recognised event for the use of fireworks (as opposed to Bonfire Night & New Years Eve)

• There are significant Health and Safety implications for users of the field and neighbouring properties.

• The noise would affect neighbouring properties and animals

• An area of the playing field would have to be cordoned off for safety reasons, restricting access for other members of the community 

Trees for junior play area
Cllr Springs to chase a quote for the trees in the junior play area

MUGA storage shed
The Parish Council approved for a padlock to be purchased for the storage shed adjacent to the MUGA

023/083 Community Energy Clinic
Following the recent increases in the cost of heating our homes, Cllr Judge proposed that the Parish Council organises a workshop about alternatives to expensive oil or bottled-gas heating systems. The clinic would include presentations from independent experts and an opportunity for local companies to set up exhibition stands. The cost would be about £300 to cover the cost of hiring the Memorial Hall and expenses for speakers, some of which would be recovered by charging a small fee to exhibitors. 

Cllr Slater seconded the proposal and it was unanimously approved. It was agreed to hold the event on a weekend in February 2024. Cllr Slater also proposed informing the oil buying club and the school about the initiative.

023/084 Trees

Overhanging branches, Windmill Street
A resident is concerned about branches from a tree on the Walks overhanging their property, with the risk of damage or injury if a branch should fall during high winds. The Clerk updated that the resident will obtain a quote for removing the overhanging branches, share this with the Council so that it can be confirmed that there will be minimum damage to the tree, along with the date for the work to be carried out. The cost of the work will be covered by the resident.

023/085 The Common & Village Green : To receive an update on the Common projects
The Parish Council congratulated BVCH on being awarded the Kings Award for volunteers.

023/086 Road & Traffic : To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish

Installing bollards outside the Memorial Hall
The Memorial Hall Committee have confirmed their agreement depending on the type of bollard, though this will be decided by Bucks Council. Cllr Judge to confirm with Elaine Hassell to proceed with the project.

Sun Corner
No update to report

Corner of Brae Hill
No update to report other than to confirm that the land in question is owned by Fairhive and a request to stop parking on this parcel of land will need to be through them.

Potholes on North Hills
Residents on North Hills have requested financial support for repairs to the track across the Common. No agreement was reached and it was decided to defer the item to the December 2023 meeting to allow time for further reflection.

023/087 Section 137 Request

To review the Section 137 request received from Brill Memorial Hall
The Council deferred the decision on the request until the December 2023 meeting

023/088 Income & Expenditure

November 2023 Payments

Murphy’s Wreaths – Purple Wreath for animals sacrificed in both World Wars : £25.00
E Slater – BWU English Lessons : £480.00
P Tawn – BWU English Lessons : £420.00
BT - Utlities : £82.57
Owlsworth – Windmill Repairs : £8,135.17
Truvelo – MVAS Installation : £480.00
Aspire Grass Cutting – Sept /Oct 23 : £1,056.00
Drax - Utilities : £163.44
H Hunter – Website Domain : £14.99
R Damerell – Clerk Salary : £1,780.01
HMRC - PAYE : £24.24

Income

Interest : £10.88
Heart of Bucks – BWU Grant : £1,200.00

Read the financial summary for November 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held October 24th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Slater and Cllr Judge. Cllr Rand of Buckinghamshire Council also attended as a member of the public.

The following questions and requests were presented to Cllr Rand of Bucks Council:

Q. Will there be a scheme for Palestinian or Israeli refugees arrive in the country, similar to the scheme for Ukrainian refugees?
A. No discussions have been shared currently.

Cllr Springs also raised the recent issue of Buckinghamshire Council not sharing contact details with bus companies so that parents can be informed of disruption to the school bus service. Cllr Rand agreed to chase this and will feedback to Buckinghamshire Highways.

023/067 To receive apologies for absence.
No apologies were received

023/068 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding Brill with Ukraine

023/069 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2023.
Cllr Springs proposed the Minutes be approved as a true record of the meeting, seconded by Cllr Slater and unanimously approved

023/070 Planning applications
Applications for review

Planning Ref 23/02891/ALB
Address 14 The Square Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RP
Proposal Listed building application for replacement rear kitchen window
PC Comments Neutral – No comments required

Planning Ref 23/02802/APP
Address Hillside Farm Oakley Road Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9SH
Proposal Conversion of three existing farm buildings to provide a total of four new dwellings and relocation of approved garage block to serve dwellings with associated demolitions, access, parking and hard and soft landscaping incorporating wider landscape and ecological enhancements
PC Comments Object – On the grounds based on the report from the Ecologist, and lack of information of evidence for bio-diversity net gain

023/071 Communications Database
To review the recent communications. The Communications database was reviewed by the Council with the majority of correspondence relating to items on the Agenda

• Fairhive – Cllr Springs updated that there has been an email from a resident regarding parking on Colley Close. Cllr Springs confirmed that the car park is privately owned and therefore would be outside of the Parish Council’s jurisdiction.

• Brill With Ukraine – Cllr Tuffley requested BWU funding to support a Ukrainian family in need. It was agreed that the funding received from Bucks Council would be an appropriate source for this matter. However, the Council agreed to look into the possibility of creating a hardship fund for other possible future requests from the village

023/072 Playing Field

• ROSPA report new playground – Cllr Tuffley updated that the Play Area equipment is still under warranty from Discovery and that she will provide Discovery with the RoSPA report to identify the areas needing attention

• Path to BSSC from Fire Station Alley – Cllr Tuffley proposed clearing the path of weeds through Vinegar and water and if this is successful then to pay for this to be done on an annual basis.

• Football Field application form – Based on the quality of the pitch, the Council resolved to not pursue the Football Field application form. The Council did though agree for the pitch to be mowed weekly during the football season.

• Trees – The Council agreed to visit the resident regarding the installation of the trees in the play area bordering their properties.

023/073 Parish Council Budget Management
The Parish Clerk suggested a new approach to preparing and managing the parish budget, to improve transparency and accountability. 

Several parish assets, such as the Common and the Windmill, are managed by groups of volunteers. Some of the work organised by these groups is funded by the precept, with work items approved ad-hoc by the parish council. This process introduces delays and a lack of transparency on responsibilities. 

The Parish Clerk suggested that the groups should submit an estimate of the funding needed for the next financial year; if approved by the Parish Council, groups would be authorised to spend up to that limit without further consideration by the Parish Council. The Parish Council would continue to process invoices, so there would no need to establish new bank accounts. Groups would be responsible for responding to questions about the assets they manage. Additional funding could be made available but would have to be applied for as Section 137 funding.

Advantages of the new system include clarity to residents of how the precept is spent and enabling village groups to focus on outcomes. 

Cllr Tuffley proposed adopting the plan in principle for budget setting for 2024-25 and then in full from 25-26. Cllr Judge seconded and the motion was unanimously approved.

023/074 Policy regarding the Recording of Parish Council Meetings

Cllr Tuffley proposed adopting the policy for recording Parish Council meetings with the amendment The basic principle of the policy is, if people wish to make recordings of public Parish Council meetings, they will need to make it known to the Chair, in order for the Chair to inform all those  present, and allow any attendees to object or to have the opportunity to leave the meeting.

023/075 The Common & Village Green
To review the offer for Gigaclear for the proposed Wayleave over the Village Green.

• Gigaclear - The Council resolved to refuse to the route request from Gigaclear stating the route should not cross the centre of the Green, but around the border.

• Tree Survey – A quote for the work of the ‘medium-risk’ trees identified on the hazardous tree survey will be obtained.

• Ranger – Cllr Slater brought a tentative proposal to employ a part-time Ranger for the Common, to support the volunteer groups, help with scrub clearance and generally help protect this important village asset. It was agreed that this would be discussed further with the BCVAG Group and the costs estimated in detail. A proposal for inclusion in the 2024/25 budget may be put to the Parish Council by the BCVAG Group.

023/076 Road & Traffic
To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish

• Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) - The SIDs have both been installed. Cllr Judge and the Clerk to meet to download the data from the signs. 

• Bollards – Cllr Judge has received a quote to install permanent bollards outside the Memorial Hall which is approximately £1,000. The Memorial Hall Committee will be contacted to confirm they are happy with the work to proceed.

• Windmill Street – Cllr Judge has asked the LAT and Community Board about an alternative to double yellow lines and suggested in the short term to paint white lines on the Windmill Street T-Junction, avoiding the need for lengthy and expensive public consultation. Although unenforceable, this may deter some vehicles from parking in this area. The proposal is being considered by Buckinghamshire Council.

• Village Signs - Cllr Judge updated that there has been little progress from Bucks Council on the new Village sign, but that he would continue to chase.

023/077 Unsung Hero Award
To nominate a member of the Parish for an Unsung Hero Award.

Cllr Slater nominated Patrick Shorten for an Unsung Hero award Brill education endowment Trust, for his support for laptops for the school during Covid and work at the URC.

023/078 Income & Expenditure

October 2023 Payments
R Timms – Emptying Bins £105.00
Hannah Hulme – Website £200.00
R Damerell – Clerk Salary £1,001.65
HMRC – PAYE £65.04
AJ Gallagher – PC Liability Insurance £3,103.15
ESPO – Play Area Bin Bags £39.36
Frances Brooman – First Aid Training £200.00
Oakley Informer – Community Market Advert £9.00
Phillipa Tawn – Brill With Ukraine English Lessons £200.00
Bucks Council – Bin emptying £30.70
BT - Utilities £36.33

Income
Interest £10.88
RPA – HLS Payment £2,881.85

Read the financial summary for October 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held September 19th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Slater, and 5 members of the public.

Prior to the Meeting the Parish Council acknowledged the resignation of Cllrs Baker and Kent and expressed their thanks for the hard work that they carried out whilst in the role particularly in the Hartwell’s Barn project.

023/054 To receive apologies for absence.
Apologies were received for Cllr Judge

023/055 To receive any declarations of interest
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding Brill With Ukraine

023/056 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2023.
The Minutes were approved as a true record of the meeting

023/057 Planning applications
Applications for review

Planning Ref 23/02494/ATC
Address Kings Ride House High Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RP
Proposal Lime Tree - Fell For Information
PC Comments

Planning Ref 23/02645/APP
Address 10 High Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9ST
Proposal Erection of mounted refrigeration/ extraction unit on side of wall fixed with bracket (retrospective)
PC Comments Object – unsightly in a conservation area.

023/058 Communications Database

To review the recent communications 
The Communications database was reviewed by the Council with the majority of correspondence relating to items on the Agenda

023/059 Hartwell’s Barn

Progress report on the Hartwell’s Barn project in conjunction with the Brill Society

Cllr Springs proposed and addendum to the Memorandum Of Understanding with the Brill Society which would state that the site be owned in equal share by The Brill Society and Parish Council and that the proposed Hartwell’s Barn Trust is created to provide Management of the site in perpetuity. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Slater and unanimously approved. The addendum would also be subject to approval from The Brill Society.

Cllr Springs also proposed the preference of communication between The Brill Society and the Parish Council to be face to face meetings or via Teams. This would also provide the opportunity for minutes to be taken as true statement of the meetings and a historical record.

023/060 War Memorial

Update on the installation of chains on the memorial

The original chains were inspected and found to be too corroded to be reinstated. It was brought to the attention of the Council that the Memorial is a listed monument including the chains and as such the Council agreed for these to be reinstated. The Council registered its thanks to Andy Fisher for sourcing and fitting the chains.

Cllr Springs proposed to source a quote to refresh the names carved into the stone which have been weathered and eroded, seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved.

023/061 Playing Field

ROSPA report new playground 
Cllr Tuffley to feedback at the October Parish Council Meeting

Path to BSSC from Fire Station Alley
Following communication from the Brill Sports and Social Club, the Parish Council agreed to obtain a quote for hand weeding the path between the Fire station Alley and the Sports and Social Club.

MUGA 
The Council agreed to investigate the cost into installing floodlights on the MUGA.

Football Field application form 
Cllr Tuffley confirmed she is liaising with Aspire over the application and will feedback to the Council at the October meeting. 

023/062 Finance

To receive an update on the Bank switch from Santander to Lloyds

The Clerk updated that the Council’s new Lloyds Bank Account has been opened, with a facility for making online payments. The Clerk will contact Santander to transfer the funds to Lloyds before the next meeting.

It was agreed for Cllrs Springs, Tuffley and Slater to be signatories on the Lloyds account.

023/063 Policy regarding the Recording of Parish Council Meetings

Cllr Tuffley to propose a Policy regarding the recording Parish Council meetings.
Cllr Tuffley to feedback at the October meeting

023/064 Brill Common

Feedback from HLS Meeting with Alex Cruickshank
Cllr Slater updated the Council that she and the Clerk had met with Alex Cruickshank and discussed the future Countryside Stewardship Agreement (formerly Higher Level Stewardship Agreement), due for submission April 2025. The initial discussions are taking place over what could be included in the agreement and will continue to do so in the coming months.

 To receive feedback from the Brill Common and Village Greens Advisory Committee

• The Council unanimously agreed to obtain a quote to cut and collect the nettles on the walks prior to the Autumn. 

• The Council also agreed to obtain a quote for the disposal of the ragwort. Cllr Slater also proposed paying Tim Patrick at the same rate as last year (£240) for the clearance of the Ragwort. This was seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved

• Cllr Slater updated that a quote had been received for £650 to remove the sycamore scrub clearance and proposed the Council agree for the work to be carried out. This was seconded by Cllr Tuffley an unanimously approved.

• Cllr Slater proposed when drafting the 2024/24 Budget to include approximately £2,000 for scrub clearance for the next financial year. This was to be agreed at the Finance Committee meeting.

• The Council stated that the management of The Walks was lacking this summer, however the Council has been working closely with The Walks Committee to resolve this

• Cllr Slater proposed renewing the contract for Alex Cruickshank of BBOWT to assist with the work on the Common and the upcoming Countryside Stewardship Agreement

Common Warden

Cllr Slater proposed to start planning the advertisement and Job description for a qualified warden to carry out work on the Common for one day a week. It was estimated that the cost of the Warden would be  approximately £5,000/year. Cllr Springs seconded and was unanimously approved.

023/065 Village Green

To review the offer for Gigaclear for the proposed Wayleave over the Village Green.

Cllr Springs proposed accepting the wayleave proposal from Gigaclear under the proviso that the access chamber is moved to adjacent to the road and the current route is amended. The Village Green would also need to be returned to its original state after the work is complete.

023/066 Road & Traffic

To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish
Parking on Windmill Street: To consider actions required to tackle this problem
Both items were carried forward to the October meeting due to time constraints.

023/067 Income & Expenditure

September 2023 Payments

Bucks Council - Bins £30.70
Bucks Council - Dog Bins £254.38
BT - Utilities £89.16
Bucks Council - Bins £33.25
G Govvier - Walks Work £50.00
MP Printers - Hartwell's Barn Leaflet £42.00
HHH - Website & Comms £200.00
R Timms - Bins & Walks work £260.00
Philippa Tawn - BWU English Lessons £740.00
Aspire - Grass Cutting £528.00
R Damerell - Clerk Salary £1,001.65
HMRC - PAYE £65.04
Drax - Electricity £171.77

Income

Interest £35.26
Brill With Ukraine Donation £25.00
VAT Reclaim £24,886.75

Read the financial summary for August 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Read the financial summary for September 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held July 18th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Baker, Cllr Slater, Cllr Judge and 3 members of the public.

Prior to the Meeting the Parish Council acknowledged the resignation of Cllr Hulme Hunter and expressed their thanks for the dedication and hard work that she carried out whilst in the role and that she will be missed on the Council.

023/040 To receive apologies for absence
Apologies were received for Cllr Kent

023/041 To receive any declarations of interest
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding the Windmill

023/042 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023
The Minutes were approved as a true record of the meeting

023/043 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/01933/APP
Address The Old Stables Land Off Ludgershall Road Brill HP18 9TY
Proposal Erection of barn, sand and fibre equestrian area and access track
PC Comments Object – Until the applicant can demonstrate there is a Biodiversity net gain and an Ecology Survey, as stated by the Ecology Officer

Planning Ref 23/01993/ATC
Address 12 High Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9ST
Proposal G1 Leylandii fell to ground level
PC Comments Neutral

023/044 Playing Field
(1) ROSPA report new playground – Cllr Tuffley to feedback
The Council agreed for Cllr Tuffley to review the standards in the operating manual from Discovery and the RoSPA report to check whether the equipment has been made to the same as the RoSPA report. The Action going forward to be decided at the next Parish Council Meeting
The Council noted that there were no points to raise of significant risk to children from the RoSPA report.

(2) Query from Brill Sports & Social Club requesting the path between the path between the alley and BSSC be weeded with the use of weed killer
Cllr Springs proposed for the work on to be carried out without the use of weed killer and would be willing to contribute to the cost of the work. Cllr Slater seconded and was approved unanimously

023/045 Finance
The Clerk updated that Lloyds bank account is close to being completed. Once this is done, the Council will transfer the Money from the Santander Account and then will close the Santander Account

023/046 BPC Asset Register
To review the Asset Register to check it is up to date
The Asset Register was reviewed and approved by the Council as a working document.

023/047 BVCH Warden Request
To review the request from BVCH for an increase to the salary for the Warden
Cllr Slater proposed increasing the salary of the warden by £165 per quarter. Cllr Judge seconded and it was unanimously agreed.

023/048 Section 137
To review the Section 137 funding request from Brill Babysitters
Cllr Slater proposed approving the Section 137 request from the Brill Babysitters, Cllr Tuffley seconded and unanimously approved

023/049 Feedback from the Memorial Hall Committee Meeting
To receive feedback from the Memorial Hall Committee Meeting.
Cllr Springs fedback from the Memorial Hall Committee meeting. The BMH Committee have confirmed they are in agreement for the Old Library to become the Parish Council Office full time. Cllr Slater proposed agreeing to the Council paying a £100 per month for exclusivity for the Old Library. Cllr Tuffley seconded and the Council unanimously agreed. It was also agreed for the door key to the office to copied for each Cllr to have a copy.

Cllr Springs proposed purchasing a leaflet dispenser for the door of the Old Library. It was seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously approved.

023/050 Hartwell’s Barn
Implications of the sale of Hartwell’s Barn for Brill and the Common
It was agreed not to continue with registering the barn as an Asset of Community Value
Cllrs Judge, Tuffley & Baker are meeting with a company to help the Council to establish funding options.

Cllr Baker to create posters to set up a Public Meeting to outline to the public the plans for Hartwell’s barn and an email address for residents to send any questions. It was agreed for the date of the Village Meeting to be 5 August 2023 at 10am in the Village Hall

023/051 Tree Survey
To review the findings of the recent tree survey and make a decision on what actions to take
Four trees were identified as high risk and needing action. Cllr Slater proposed obtaining a quote to action the four High risk Trees, Cllr Tuffley seconded and unanimously agreed. 

023/052 Road & Traffic
(1) To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish
One SiD has been installed and the other site has been cleared and the sign will be erected this week.
The LAT coming to the village to talk about the location for the signs for the defibrillators
One resident has been in contact to inform the Council that a vehicle speeding in the village has caused damage to their porch. Cllr Judge to send the details to the PCSO.

(2) Parking on Windmill Street: To consider actions required to tackle this problem
Cllr Judge proposed communicating with Fairhive to have a discussion regarding the corner of Brae Hill and Windmill Street. Cllr Slater agreed and unanimously approved

023/053 Communications Database
To review the recent communications. The Communications database was reviewed by the Council with no outstanding matters

023/054 Income & Expenditure

July 2023 Payments

BT – Utilities £72.76
Drax - Electricity £166.22
Drax - Electricity 171.77
R Timms - Bins & Strimming MUGA weeds £135.00
HHH - Website & Comms £200.00
Bucks Council - Mattress Collection £40.95
Aspire - Grass Cutting £528.00
Briants - Notice Stakes £19.18
Truvello - SID Intallation £400.00
P Tawn - BWU English Lessons £320.45
BVCH Qrtrly payment £600.00
G Govier - Strimming / Rubbish Collection £60.00
Old Farm - Flood prevention £1,634.00
E Slater - BWU English Lessons £460.00
J Pugh - BWU English Lessons £60.00
R Damerell - Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC - PAYE £210.08

Income

Interest £27.62
Bucks Council – Devolved Services £1,876.28
Heart of Bucks – Brill with Ukraine Grant £2,000

Read the financial summary for July 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Extraordinary Meeting held July 6th 2023

Minutes

This meeting was called to discuss and vote on the this proposal: Should Brill Parish Council register Hartwell’s Barn and Saunder’s Field (HB and SF) as an Asset of Community Value (ACV)?

Definition of Asset of Community
A building or other land is an asset of community value if its main use has recently been or is presently used to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community and could do so in the future. The Localism Act states that ‘social interests’ include cultural, recreational and sporting interests.

PRESENT
Cllr Hannah Hulme Hunter, Cllr Liz Springs (Chair Person), Cllr Trent Baker, Cllr Jennifer Tuffley (MInutes)

APOLOGISES
Lisa Kent, Emi Slater, Steven Judge and Bobs Damerell (Clerk).

DISCUSSION
Trent acknowledged Elaine Hassell, Bucks Council, Andy Fisher from Brill Society, and Liz Springs’ input with regards to funding options.

Trent summed up funding options

• Community Ownership Fund – Grant from government up to £250,000 – you need to match fund 20%, so in our case it is likely to be £30,000.

• Community Benefit Society (CBS) – A social enterprise for the benefit of the community.  Sell shares in ownership.

• Plunkett Foundation (help to run a successful community-owned ‘business’).

• FCC Community Action Fund (grants for amenity projects)

• Rothschild Foundation (grants)

• Private Donations

• Public Works Loan (fixed interest rate – against parish council income: precept).  Unless a profit, no need to pay loan back.

Liz highlighted that we may need more than cost price to account for legal fees plus extra for ancillary costs (any works on it in the future e.g. toilet facility).

Liz outlined Oakley’s path to acquiring the Chandos pub; a loan and then Community Benefit Society (community members buy one share and gain one vote in the society, regardless of how many shares an individual purchases).  PC could be part of this and buy a share.  It would have a steering group, rather than managed by the parish council, or any one community/charity group.

Trent outlined that the groups involved (BEG, Fat Daddies, Brill Society) had always expected the building and field to be part of the community, so would support the purchase of this by the Parish Council.

Bucks Council guidance is to consider registering the building and field as an Asset of Community Value. Registering an ACV gives the parish council the right to bid to purchase at market value and is the gateway to funding, so prudent to take this step.

We will be transparent with the community about spending public money - the costs/what it means/where the money comes from/how much it will be in total – long-term.

Hannah emphasised that the parish council must make sure there is strong public support in the village for this area to continue to be a community asset into the long term. She also fed back the Clerk Bob Damerell’s advice that we proceed with caution in terms of deciding how we fund this; we need to make sure we have the community on board. This issue will be part of the wider picture, consulted on and agreed with Brill residents.

Jennifer stated that she believed acquiring this asset for the village is something Brill residents would support. 

Trent was keen to liaise further with Luke (the seller) on this and be honest about our intentions.  All discussed the Croydons and the wish not to frustrate the sale and to maintain a good relationship with them and work with them to make this happen.

PROPOSAL & VOTE
Jennifer proposed “that we register Hartwell’s Barn and Saunder’s Field as an Asset of Community Value” and Liz seconded the motion. All present voted unanimously in favour.*

ACTIONS

• Trent to call Luke and discuss our intentions.

• Jennifer to prepare the ACV paperwork, possibly with help from community groups involved.

• Meeting closed at 20:55.

POSTSCRIPT
After Trent discussed this decision with Luke and further discussion during a non-public Brill Parish Council Working Together meeting on July 17th 2023, it was decided not to pursue the Asset of Community Value registration.

Parish Council Meeting held June 20th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Hulme Hunter, Cllr Baker, Cllr Slater, Cllr Judge and 3 members of the public.

023/024 To receive apologies for absence.
Apologies were received for Cllr Kent

023/025 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared a Standing Interest regarding the Windmill

023/026 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 May 2023.
The Minutes were approved as a true record of the meeting

023/027 Planning applications
Applications for review

Planning Ref 20/A3786/DIS
Address The Old Station Yard Ludgershall Road Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9TY
Proposal Application for approval of details subject to condition 4 (Hard and soft Landscaping), 8 (Boundary treatment), 10 (Bat box detail) and 11 (Ecology statement) of planning approval 20/03786/APP
Comments Deadline June 24th 2023
PC Comments No comments

 023/028 Annual Audit

To approve the annual accounts including receipts & payments account and bank reconciliation for year ended 31st March 2023
The Annual Accounts for the year ending 31st March 2023 were reviewed and approved

To approve and sign the Annual Governance Statement 2022/23
The Annual Governance Statement was approved and Signed

To approve and sign the Accounting Statements in the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2022/23
The Accounting Statements were reviewed and approved

023/029 Councillor roles

Discuss and confirm: present roles; new roles; any additional roles needed
The Council resolved to continue with their current roles. 

It was agreed for Cllr Tuffley to draft a Play Area Maintenance Schedule to review at the next meeting based on the advice received from Discovery and the RoSPA Report.

It was also agreed for Cllr Tuffley to be named the Benches representative taking over from Cllr Springs.

Cllr Hulme Hunter requested to relinquish her role in co-ordinating the Village Litter Pick. Paul Norman volunteered to assume this role to which the Council agreed. Cllr Hulme Hunter agreed to continue to help with the publicity of the event.

023/030 Amendment to Standing Orders

To determine process for agreement on small items of expenditure between meetings 
Cllr Tuffley proposed amending the Standing Orders to state that a minimum of four Councillors can agree an expenditure of up to £1,000 between the meetings. It was confirmed that orders should normally be placed by the Parish Clerk or the designated Cllr. This was Seconded by Cllr Slater and unanimously approved

Action: Cllr Tuffley to amend the Standing Orders on Dropbox and Cllr Hulme Hunter to amend the website.

Proposal to change wording of ‘Chair’ to ‘Chair Person’
It was agreed that the word Chair will be changed to Chair Person and he/she to be changed to ‘they’

Action: Cllr Tuffley to amend the Standing Orders on Dropbox and Cllr Hulme Hunter to amend the website.

023/031 Playing Field

Proposal to spend approximately £400 on supplementary rubbish bin
Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed purchasing a new larger green ‘Hippo’ bin for the Play area to replace the current bins. This was seconded by Cllr Springs and unanimously approved

Update on response regarding on-going maintenance and decision on way forward
The response from BEG has been received to confirm that there is not currently a formal maintenance plan for the trees on the Playing Field.

Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed the area around the trees be cut back and mulched to stop the weeds from strangling the trees. It was also resolved to ask Rob Timms and Gordon Govier to carry out the work and water the trees on a regular basis. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved.

Action: Cllr Tuffley to contact Gordon Govier to enquire about carrying out the work on the trees

Action: Clerk to contact JGH and school to inform them of the decision made.

023/032 BPC Asset Register

To review the Asset Register to check it is up to date
The Clerk to send the Asset register for review at the July meeting

023/033 The Common, Village Greens & Bio-Diversity

Management of Brill Common - Report from recent Brill Common & Village Greens Advisory Group. Any actions or decisions required
Thanks to Cllr Springs for drafting the minutes, Cllr Slater fed back from the meeting and will circulate the minutes which will also be placed on the website.

Cllr Springs proposed having the BCAVGAG meeting in the Memorial Hall for residents to be able to attend in a viewing capacity. Any questions to be raised would have to be submitted prior to the meeting via Cllr Slater. Cllr Hulme Hunter Seconded and unanimously approved

Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed adding The Brill Society to the BCAVGAG, seconded by Cllr Springs and unanimously approved.

Action: Cllr Hulme Hunter to upload the minutes of the meeting onto the website.

Proposal to set aside two sign-posted parking spaces by the windmill
Cllr Springs proposed installing two disabled parking bays on the Common Car Park with further thought into demarcation of the bays. This was seconded by Cllr Slater and unanimously approved.

Feedback from Beating the Bounds
The event was very successful, with approximately 25 people attending. The Council expressed its thanks to Tim Patrick and Sarah Frewin for leading some of the groups. It was agreed to discuss possible encroachments which were raised at the event at the Working Together meeting in July.

Cllr Slater proposed having the Beating the Bounds as an annual event seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved

Update on resident’s concerns re nettles 
Cllr Slater updated that she has been in contact with the Walks Committee and has requested the nettles be removed and that a maintenance schedule to be drafted for the future. 

The Parish Council confirmed there is no plans for rewilding the Walks.

Concerns about grazing on The Walks
It was agreed following an incident of a resident being chased by a sheep to contact the owner of the flock to inform them. The broader topic of sheep on the Walks to be carried forward to the July meeting.

Sign on the Common 
It was agreed for Cllr Baker to create a sign on for the Common for explanation of the current work being carried out on the Windmill

Action: Cllr Baker to contact MP Printers for the sign.

Action: The Clerk to contact the owner of the sheep regarding the incident on the Walks

023/034 Hartwell’s Barn
Implications of the sale of Hartwells Barn for Brill and the Common
This item was removed from the Agenda.

023/035 Community Land Trust 
To receive feedback from the meeting with David Dilly on Community Land Trust

The Councillors agreed to postpone the decision until the Cllrs had been able to read the information further. Cllrs Baker and Judge to meet to further interpret the information.

023/036 War Memorial
Update on resident’s concerns about children playing on war memorial and possible harm to fledgling garden, including action already taken. 

It was agreed for the War Memorial to remain without chains for the time being but will keep the situation under review.

023/037 Section 137
To review the Section 137 request from Big Brill Camp.

This request was withdrawn prior to the meeting.

023/038 Road & Traffic
To receive an update on the current projects in the Parish

Charge Points – Cllr Judge spoke to Bucks Council who are going through lengthy bidding and contractual process. The target date for installation of charge points across the county is May 2024. 

Speed Indicator Device – The contractors are coming to install the devices on the either the 11th or 12th July. Both the Clerk and Cllr Springs are available if necessary to  meet with the Contractors.

There have been some problems with the locations where the Local Area Technician to install extra posts.

Bollards: Cllr Judge has spoken to the Co-ordinator at the Community Board for Bollards outside the Memorial Hall specifically around the arrangements for installation.

Sun Corner – There have been difficulties regarding the transfer of work from Ringway Jacobs to Balfour Beatty particularly in regards to scheduling work, which is delaying the process.

Brill will be hosting the Community Board Local Parishes networking group on the week commencing the 4th September, most likely in the School Hall.

Memorial Hall Car Park Drainage – It was agreed to raise the drainage of the Memorial Hall Car Park with Memorial Hall Committee.

023/039 Communications Database
Cllr Hulme Hunter shared the database with the Council for update and review.

023/040 Income & Expenditure
June 2023 Payments

BT – Utilities £72.76
Drax - Electricity £166.22
Drax - Electricity £171.77
R Timms - Bins & Strimming MUGA weeds £135.00
HHH - Website & Comms £200.00
Bucks Council - Mattress Collection £40.95
Aspire - Grass Cutting £528.00
Briants - Notice Stakes £19.18
Truvello - SID Intallation £400.00
P Tawn - BWU English Lessons £320.45
BVCH Qrtrly payment £600.00
G Govier - Strimming / Rubbish Collection £60.00
Old Farm - Flood prevention £1,634.00
E Slater - BWU English Lessons £460.00
J Pugh - BWU English Lessons £60.00
R Damerell - Clerk Salary £856.61

HMRC - PAYE £210.08

Income

Interest £27.62
Bucks Council – Devolved Services £1,876.28
Heart of Bucks – Brill with Ukraine Grant £2,000

Read the financial summary for June 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held May 16th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Chair), Cllr Tuffley, Cllr Hulme Hunter, Cllr Baker, Cllr Judge and 2 members of the public.

023/001 To appoint the Chair of the Parish Council
Cllr Tuffley proposed Cllr Springs as the Chair of the Parish Council, seconded by Cllr Hulme Hunter and unanimously approved

023/002 To appoint the Vice-Chair of the Parish Council
Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed Cllr Judge as Vice Chair of the Parish Council, seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved

023/003 To sign Councillors Declaration of Acceptance
The Cllrs signed the Declaration of Acceptance Document

023/004 To receive apologies for absence 
Apologies were received for Cllr Slater and Cllr Kent

023/005 To receive any Declarations of Interest.
No Interests were declared by Councillors

023/006 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18 April 2023.
Cllr Springs proposed that the minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record of meeting. Cllr Hulme Hunter seconded and unanimously agreed

023/007 To approve the Council’s Standing Orders
Cllr Springs proposed adopting the Standing Orders, seconded by Cllr Tuffley and unanimously approved with the caveat.

023/008 To approve the Council’s Financial Regulations
Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed adopting, as a working document, the Financial regulations with the condition that these are reviewed by the Finance sub-committee. The sub-committee will then present any suggestions to the Council for discussion. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Tuffley and approved unanimously

023/009 To Review the Council’s Asset Register
The Council resolved to carry out a deeper review of the Asset Register and carry forward the item to the June meeting for approval.

023/010 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/01383/APP
Address 16 Temple Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9SX
Proposal Householder application for proposed loft extension to the existing house, to include a dormer window and rooflights
Comments Deadline 31 May 2023
Parish Council Decision No objection

023/011 Play Area Request regarding the Gateway to King George V Field
The Council resolved to carry forward this item until the June meeting in order for the Play Area committee to provide further clarification.

023/012 The Common & Wildlife

Encroachment Document : Cllr Tuffley proposed adopting the Encroachment Document and supporting letters as a working document, seconded by Cllr Hulme Hunter and unanimously approved.

Beating the Bounds : The Councillors agreed the routes that each Councillor who is attending the event will use.

The Windmill : The Council agreed to send a Works Order to the Contractor carrying out the inspection and repairs to confirm the Council’s agreement for the Sails to be lowered, and if found to be in good working order then re-installed and for the repair work to the brake wheel be commenced. The Council’s agreement though was also made with the condition that if the sails were found to be rotten then the work would cease at that point.

The Parish Council extended its thanks to the Brill Society for its hard work and dedication to the restoration of the Windmill. 

The Council expresses its thanks to the organisers of the ‘Dinner Dance and Auction’ event which raised, £5,000 towards the Windmill.

The Council expressed its support for the Brill Society to maintain the walkway to the windmill and curtilage to make this area more accessible once Common Groups had been consulted.

Action: The Clerk to send the Works Order agreement to the Brill Society following the meeting

023/013 Road & Traffic

Cllr Judge is still chasing for the Speed Indicator Devices to be installed.

The forms for the bollards to replace the cones outside the Memorial Hall have been submitted to Bucks Council, along with the application for work on Sun Corner which will most likely be double yellow lines as a first step.

Cllr Judge had contacted Buckinghamshire Council and confirmed that the Council was unable to fund the work needed to set up a 20mph speed limit in the village. Buckinghamshire Cllr Rand was in attendance and explained that Buckinghamshire Council had had to prioritise other issues for funding but supported the idea in principle. At present, the work would have to be funded by the Parish Council, the cost would be many tens of thousands of pounds and the Council does not have the funds.

The designs for the new village signs have been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council but we are still waiting for an update. 

023/014 Football Field Renovation and Maintenance
Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed approving Aspire to start the process for the funding application subject to any final decision on the commitment to be voted on the Parish Council. 

Action: The Clerk to contact Aspire to provide the approval of the Parish Council along with the proviso that any final decision will be decided by the Parish Council before any commitment is signed.

023/015 No Mow notices for residents
Cllr Hulme hunter updated that signs would be available to residents should they wish to have verges adjacent to their homes left to grow.

023/016 BT
Cllr Tuffley proposed approving the quote from BT to install wi-fi in the Memorial Hall. Cllr Springs seconded and unanimously approvedAction: The Clerk to contact BT to confirm the Council’s approval

023/017 Request from Big Brill Camp regarding Insurance cover for the event
Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed to decline the request for insurance cover for Big Brill Camp as no Risk Assessment has been received to be reviewed by the Council, this was seconded by Cllr Baker and unanimously agreed.

Action: The Clerk to inform Big Brill Camp Committee of the Council’s decision

023/018 Community Board ‘Building Communities Event’
It was agreed for Cllrs Tuffley and Slater to attend the ‘Building Communities Event’ with Cllr Springs and Cllr Baker also expressing an interest in attending.

023/019 Annual Parish Meeting
Cllr Hulme Hunter updated on the Annual Parish meeting on the 23 May at 7:30pm at the Sports & Social Club. All groups in the Parish have been invited to attend and reports will be posted on the website.

023/157 Communications Database
Cllr Hulme Hunter shared the database with the Council. 

Community Board – Cllr Tuffley to circulate the meeting date for the Community Board Parish Workshop Group

Community Land Trust – The Clerk to arrange a meeting for Cllrs Baker and Judge with David Dilly to discuss his Community Land Trust proposal. The Cllrs to then feedback on this meeting to the rest of the Council. 

Office Space Proposal – Cllr Springs circulated a proposal for the Old Library become the full-time office space for the Parish Council. The Council resolved to submit the proposal to the Memorial Hall Committee

Income & Expenditure

May 2023 Payments

Jill Pugh - Brill With Ukraine English Lessons £180.00
Cllr Springs – Additional items for now mow signs £9.00
Jo Hope – Play Area Plaque £74.00
MP Printers (Encroachment Letters) £99.00
BVCH – (2022-23 Overspend) £423.80
R Timms – Emptying Bins £105.00
E Slater – Brill With Ukraine English Lessons £410.00
Alice West - Brill With Ukraine English Lessons £100.00
Cllr Hulme Hunter Website Costs £200.00
Phillipa Tawn - Brill With Ukraine English Lessons £80.00
R Timms – Common Clearance & emptying Bins £230.00
Nicky Misselbank – War memorial plants £150.00
R Damerell – Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC – PAYE £210.08
Bridget Knight – Internal Audit £99.00
Cllr Tuffley – Dropbox £150.00
Bucks Council – New Dog bin £254.38
Gray Russ – Encroachment Letter delivery £265.16

Income

Interest £8.94
Precept 1st Installment £25,396.25
Bucks Council – Brill With Ukraine Teaching Grant £4,040.00
Interest £18.89

Read the financial summary for May 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held April 18th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Tuffley (Chair), Cllr Springs, Cllr Slater, Cllr Hulme Hunter, Cllr Kent, Cllr Baker and 3 members of the public.

023/146 To receive apologies for absence 
Apologies were received for Cllr Judge

023/147 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared an interest regarding the Grant being requested from Bucks Council for Teaching English as a Foreign Language as part of Brill with Ukraine
Cllr Slater declared an Interest in item 023/153 Brill Society Sub-Committee

023/148 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2023.
Cllr Slater proposed that the minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record of meeting. Cllr Hulme Hunter seconded and unanimously agreed

023/149 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/01152/APP
Address 28 The Green Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RU
Proposal Householder application for demolition of conservatory. Erection of part one and 1/2 storey and part single storey side extensions
Comments Deadline
Parish Council Decision No Objection

Planning Ref 23/01114/ATC
Address The Pointer PH The Pointer Ph 27 Church Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RT
Proposal T1 (cherry tree) cut back by 1.5m to allow clearance from building. T2 (sycamore) - pollard to just above phone cables. As been specified to fell for the survey but the land lord wants to keep the tree. And also fit cable brace. T3 (ash) fell
Parish Council Decision No Objection

Planning Ref
Address
Proposal
Comments Deadline Land off Ludgershall Road
Parish Council Decision No Objection

Planning Ref 23/00954/ATC
Address 1 Manor Cottages Oakley Road Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RS
Proposal T1 Weeping willow reduce pollard height to 1 foot above primary union 
Parish Council Decision No Objection

023/150 Confirmation of New Parish Councillors
Cllrs Baker and Kent were officially co-opted on to the Parish Council

023/151 The Common & Wildlife
Cllr Slater updated the Council on the meeting held with Ceras Rural on the 20th March 2023 and the report that was issued on the same date which outlined possible options the Parish Council could pursue when the Agreement expires on the 31 December 2025 and to start a new Agreement on the 1 January 2026. The Annual income for 2023/24 will be £3,207 due to payment rates increasing.

Cllr Slater also updated that the seed buckets have been placed by Hartwells Barn and these are proving successful in feeding the birds in the area.

The Clerk updated that he had enquired with Rob Timms if he would be able to remove the broken glass on The Walks and he had confirmed that it had already been removed when he went to check it. Rob Timms also confirmed that he will remove the mattress and other items of fly tipping on the Common taking these to the roadside to be collected by Bucks Council.

The Clerk to establish a date for the Encroachment letter to be delivered to all residents and confirm with Councillors.

Beating the Bounds was confirmed for 2pm on the 20th May 2023 with the starting point at the Windmill

Action: The Clerk to confirm the date with the distributors for delivering the Encroachment letter and feedback to Cllrs.

023/152 Road & Traffic
For the benefit of the two co-opted Councillors, Cllr Tuffley summarised the projects currently being carried out by Cllr Judge.

023/153 Brill Society sub-Committee
Cllr Tuffley fed back from the Sub-committee meeting with the Brill Society regarding the maintenance repair work to the Windmill following the Inspection report submitted in March 2023. 

Cllr Tuffley suspended the meeting to hear a report from the Chair of the Brill Society on the Inspection Report and costs involved at 21:08

Cllr Tuffley reinstated the meeting at 21:36

Cllr Tuffley proposed pledging the £5,070 to pay for the removal of the sails for inspection. Cllr Hulme Hunter and unanimously agreed with Cllr Slater abstaining.

Action: The Clerk to inform the Brill Society of the Parish Council’s resolution

023/154 BT
The Clerk to confirm with BT a quote for WiFi extension into the Main Hall.
Action: The Clerk to confirm the cost of the BT contract with the WiFi extension

023/155 Update from Meeting with Memorial Hall Committee
Cllr Springs updated the Council that the Caretaker vacancy has been filled. 

Quotes have been sought to resurface the Car Park.

The Committee will re-submit the Section 137 application to the Parish Council for consideration

The Committee has agreed to change the lock for the external Green door to the Memorial Hall along with the key safes, to which the Parish Council agreed to meet the cost.

023/156 Brill Community Market

Cllr Hulme Hunter to send through a copy of the Section 137 form to request £330 towards costs for a banner and table for the Brill Community Market.

Action: Cllr Hulme Hunter to submit the Section 137 form for consideration

023/157 Communications Database

Cllr Hulme Hunter shared the database with the Cllrs and gave a brief summary of the database for the benefit of the two co-opted Cllrs

Receipts & Payments

April 2023 Payments

Cllr Hulme Hunter – Website Expenses £200.00
Cllr Hulme Hunter (IT expenses: scheduling, e-newsletter etc) £265.68 
Bucks Council - MVAS £3,295.00
Emi Slater – Brill With Ukraine (English Lessons) £662.21
Rob Timms – War memorial work £37.50
BALC - Subscription £185.50
Brill Memorial Hall – Hall Hire £164.33
ND Rogers – War Memorial Steam Cleaning £350.00
Sarah Frewin – Garage Hire £15.00
Gordon Govier – War Memorial Clearance £60.00
Robert Damerell – Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC - PAYE £210.08
Aspire  - Grass Cutting £528.00
Emi Slater – Brill With Ukraine – BSSC Hire £31.50
Bucks Council - Electricity £215.75
BT – Utilities £57.76
Npower - Lights £85.14

Income

Interest £8.94
Precept 1st installment £25,396.25
Brill with Ukraine Grant £4,040.00

Read the financial summary for April 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held March 21st 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Springs (Acting-Chair), Cllr Judge, Cllr Slater, Cllr Hulme Hunter and 1 member of the public.

023/122 To receive apologies for absence 
Apologies were received for Cllr Tuffley 

022/123 To receive any declarations of interest
Cllr Slater declared an interest regarding the Grant being requested from Bucks Council for Teaching English as a Foreign Language as part of Brill with Ukraine

022/124 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 21 February 2023
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record of meeting.

022/102 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/00729/ATC
Address Gaia Temple Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9SU
Proposal T1 Silver birch - fell to ground level
Comments Deadline TBC
Parish Council Decision Cllrs agreed to view the site and to agree a response on email

023/126 The Common & Wildlife

To feedback from the Funding exploration meeting with CERAS Rural.
Cllr Slater updated the Council on the meeting with CERAS Rural on the 13th March 2023.

• The Current agreement expires on 31 December 2025. The Council needs to apply for another agreement by April 2025.

• The Council can withdraw from the agreement only if there can be a material benefit by entering another agreement. 

Span Green drainage – Cllr HHH emailed Alistair in The Rights of Way Team at Bucks CC over the responsibility for the maintenance of Span Green. It was confirmed that this is a high profile Right of Way and although ultimate responsibility lies with Bucks Council, the land owner (ie the Parish Council) is responsible for drainage.

Cllr Slater proposed asking if Rob Timms would be willing to remove the glass and fly-Tipping on The Common. This was seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously approved

Cllr Slater formally apologised for not liaising about the bench recently installed in the walks by the Brill Environment Group and in conjunction with the Walks Committee in commemoration of Peter Davis. Cllr Springs proposed Cllr Slater liaise with the Walks Committee requesting that the bench be anchored and levelled even if that means being moved. The Council also asks for all requests to go through the Clerk to be brought before the Council for discussion. To prevent any future confusion the Parish Council have discussed the situation and do not consider this bench encroachment.

Cllr Hulme Hunter has drafted another draft of the Encroachment Letter. The Clerk to forward the extract from Commons Register from Bucks Council.

The Clerk confirmed that the HLS Claim to the Rural Payments Agency has been submitted.

Action: The Clerk to contact Rob Timms regarding the Glass and Fly-Tipping on the Common
Action: Cllr Slater to Liaise with the Walks Committee regarding levelling and anchoring the bench in the Walks

023/127 Road & Traffic

Speed indicator devices: – Cllr Judge updated that there have been further delays in organising the training – Cllr Judge has contacted the supplier again directly to establish how to install them. 

Action: Cllr Judge to continue to chase the training

Speeding in the Village: Cllr Judge has contacted the Police about visiting the village with a mobile camera but won’t commit to this. They have suggested setting up a Community Speed Watch scheme. The Parish Council resolved not to enter the scheme until objective evidence from the SIDs can be reviewed. The Council also agreed to explore installing cut out of a ‘policeman’ to discourage speeding.

Action: Cllr Judge to contact Local Area Technician to ask about feasibility of a cut out of a ‘Policeman’.

Bollards outside Memorial Hall – Cllr Judge has edited the forma and this can now be submitted to Bucks Council

Action: Cllr Judge to submit the form to Bucks Council

Windmill Street junction – The first step is to request double yellow lines as recommended by Local Area Technician. The form has been completed and can be submitted to Bucks Council.

Action: Cllr Judge to submit the form to Bucks Council

Memorial Hall car park – The quote for repair or tarmac has been requested.

HGVs on The Spans. Cllr Judge has contacted the Highways Dept at Bucks Council who have been very helpful and have sent a checklist for consideration. The problem is the HGV Training Academy (Sirens) in the Rushbeds Industrial Estate. Bucks Council have spoken to them but they are not sympathetic to local concerns. The possible options are:

• Request a weight limit along the road. However, we have to identify a preferred route and show impact on that route, show evidence of damage, engage with other stakeholders including farmers

• Mark the road as ‘unsuitable for HGVs. However, we have to show that it is a frequent problem, the road is not used for local deliveries, and support from the Road Safety Team is needed. 

• The Parish Council agreed to draft a letter to the HGV Training Academy (Sirens) with an offer to meet with the Council to discuss concerns and possible solutions.

The Village Signs. The Parish Council resolved to use the Bernwode Area logo on the new village signs.

The Council recognised concerns that have been raised from residents regarding parking in the village. It was agreed to place this item onto the Agenda for the April Parish Council meeting.

023/129 Parish Council Priorities Survey

Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed forming a Task group consisting of Cllrs Hulme Hunter and Judge to draft a survey to present to the Parish Council for review and approval. This was seconded by Cllr Slater and unanimously approved.

Action: Cllrs Hulme Hunter & Judge to draft the Priorities Survey to present to the Council

023/143 Basic Life Saving Equipment and Training

Cllr Hulme Hunter proposed purchasing equipment for Life saving training at a maximum cost of £500. Cllr Judge seconded and unanimously approved. Cllr Hulme Hunter to circulate the Cost and Cllr Judge to enquire with the Community Board as to if there is any funding available.

Actions: Cllr Hulme Hunter to purchase Life Saving equipment

023/144 Section 137 Grants

The Parish Council agreed to grant £200 towards Art on the Hill following their Section 137 request. 

The Parish Council resolved to have a meeting with two / three members of the Memorial Hall Committee to gather further information regarding the specific areas where the grant would be spent.  

Action: The Clerk to arrange a meeting between the members of the Parish Council and representatives of the Brill Memorial Hall committee for further information.

Receipts & Payments

March 2023 Payments

E Slater – Brill With Ukraine (English Teaching) £360.00
Rob Timms – Emptying bins & Repair to the post on the Square £135.00
Steven Judge – New Memorial Hall parking sign £183.48
Liz Springs - Refreshments £2.83
BVCH - Quarterly Payment £600.00
Brill Memorial Hall – Hall hire £164.33
Brill Memorial Hall – Hall hire £20.00
Brill Memorial Hall – Hall hire (Jubilee) £15.00
Judith Longman – Ink Cartridges £69.63
Thames Water - Standpipe £195.80
R Damerell – Commons Register £34.89
Jennifer Tuffley - Laminator £85.00
R Damerell – Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC – PAYE £TBC
Nicky Misselbank – War Memorial gardening £123.00
Hannah Hulme Hunter IT expenses £188.86
Future Nature - BBOWT £1,531.32
E Slater – Brill With Ukraine (English Teaching) £440.00
Bucks Council – Bins £28.22
BT – Utilities £57.76
Npower - Lights £85.14

Income

Interest £7.50

A confidential session followed the conclusion of the public meeting

Read the financial summary for March 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held February 21st 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Tuffley (Chair), Cllr Springs, Cllr Judge, Cllr Slater, Cllr Hulme Hunter and 13 members of the public.

023/122 To receive apologies for absence 
No apologies were received 

022/123 To receive any declarations of interest.
Cllr Slater declared an interest regarding the Grant being requested from Bucks Council for Teaching English as a Foreign Language as part of Brill with Ukraine

022/124 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2023.
The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record of meeting.

022/102 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/00307/AOP-BRILL
Address 58 The Firs Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9RY
Proposal Outline application for erection of a two bed dwelling
Comments Deadline 7 March 2023
Parish Council Decision To be taken after other councillors have visited the site
Two councillors had visited the site, and recommended objecting to the development on the grounds that it was out of keeping with the area, and it overlooked the garden and rear windows of 56 The Firs (the proposed dwelling being very close to the boundary). Access to the site along the narrow track was also a concern. The Parish Council noted that a similar proposal (20/02251/APP) had been refused planning permission as it was out of keeping with the area, was cramped, too small for future occupiers and was of limited benefit. Other councillors had not yet visited the site, so it was agreed that the final decision on the Parish Council’s position would be discussed by email once site visits had been carried out.  

To review the Council’s response to planning applications in the village including working hours, disruption by professional developers in residential areas.
With working from home being increasingly common, building works in residential areas can be very disruptive to residents. Working hours are also restricted to Monday-Friday and Saturday mornings, but the PC has received reports that some contractors are not complying with these
The Parish Council resolved to draw these issues to the attention of the planning department, starting by commenting on planning applications, when appropriate. The Brill PC website would also be used to publicise the issue.
The Council agreed to post an additional comment for the planning application for: 23/00307/AOP-BRILL, due to the possible disruption of enjoyment of the Common during the building works. Cllr Judge to draft the comment and circulate.

023/126 Standing Orders
The Council approved the amendments to the Standing Orders and for it to be a Working Document to be reviewed in line with other Council policies 

023/127 The Common & Wildlife

To review and agree the formal letter to be sent out to all residents regarding the Common.
The Wording of the letter on Encroachment and Common Land to be sent out to all residents has been circulated and agreed in principle with some further amendments. The next stage is for letters to be sent out following legal advice on the draft wording.

Beating the Bounds – To review the arrangements for Beating the Bounds
It was agreed for the event to take place on 20 May 2023. The frequency of the event to be determined following this first event.
It was clarified that the event is a celebration of Common Land and each member of the Council who can attend will lead a group of people around a certain section of the Common at which if instances of encroachment are spotted these can be recorded. It will also inform residents of the boundaries and raise awareness of areas that are part of the Common that residents might not be aware of.

To vote on the first location in the village to ‘let the grass grow’
Cllr Springs proposed the Area of the Green adjacent to the Church. Cllr Slater seconded and it was unanimously agreed. The Clerk to contact Aspire to consult and inform them of the decision.

023/128 Road & Traffic
Cllr Judge updated that there had been no progress on installing the SID’s, there is no date yet for the training course.
Cllr Judge is meeting with the Local Area Technician this week (w/o 20th February 2023)
The commercial supplier has expressed concern with installing the new charging points in the Memorial Hall Car Park as it is ‘too hidden’. (Note: the commercial supplier has since confirmed that it considers the car park as suitable and the next step is a detailed survey.)
Cllr Judge is seeking quotes for refurbishing the car park and for ordering the new Car Park sign. It was suggested to contact Jon Vaile & Elaine Hassell to enquire about quotes for the car park and any regulations that need to be adhered to in resurfacing the car park.

023/129 Feedback from H&W Community Board
Cllr Judge suggested following advice from Bucks Council, placing signs on the Common discouraging barbecues and other open flames on the Common. It was agreed to review this at the March meeting.
Buckinghamshire Council has sent out a call to landowners for potential brownfield building sites. The results from the call can be seen on the Bucks Council planning site. The closest site to Brill appears to be the old airfield in Oakley.  Buckinghamshire Council is conducting a similar exercise to identify other potential building sites and the results will also be published. 

023/130 Play Area Sensory Equipment
Cllr Tuffley proposed leaving the Sensory equipment in the Play Area for a trial period over the spring and Summer and review this in September. Cllr Tuffley to periodically contact the resident who raised the original concerns. Cllr Slater seconded and it was agreed with three votes for, one against from Cllr Hulme Hunter and one abstention from Cllr Judge.

023/131 After School football club on King George V Playing Field
Cllr Tuffley updated that the Council approved for an after school football club with a caveat for half priced spaces for any children who may not be able to afford the full cost. It was agreed for anyone to contact the Clerk directly for further information.

023/132 Section 137 Grants
The Council resolved for Cllr Tuffley to ask for further information on the Section 137 Grant request from Art on the Hill in order to make a decision.

023/133 Brill Coffee Van
The Parish Council resolved to agree to the proposed changes to the trading hours and contingency location of the Village Green.

023/134 Communications Database

Update from Sports & Social Club
The club are looking to source two to three quotes to get the football pitch up to and then maintain to a higher standard. They are also looking for grants and other funding options.
The AGM will be held on the 4th March 2023.
Defibrillator – This has been installed and Cllr Hannah Hulme Hunter is looking into training. The PC has agreed to help meet the cost of training, which will be open to all residents.
A generous donation has been received for benches around the playing field.
The Club have asked if the Council has a copy of the original Lease between the land owner and the Parish Council so it can be reviewe

Co-option Vacancies
There have been three applications for the two current vacancies
It was agreed for two Councillors to meet with the three Councillor applicants ready for a vote at the March meeting. 

Receipts & Payments

February 2023 Payments

Jennifer Tuffley – Brill with Ukraine expenses £23.70
Aspire – Grass Cutting (January 2023) £528.00
Liz Springs – Annual Meeting refreshment expenses £13.48
Oxford Oak Tree Surgery – Tree Works (South Hills) £192.00
Emi Slater – Brill with Ukraine (English Teaching & Resources) £494.57
Bucks Council – Dog bins (Emptying) £926.02
Liz Springs - Stationery £17.99
Robert Damerell – Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC – PAYE £210.08
Aspire Grass Cutting (February 2023) £528.00
Rob Timms – Bins £105.00
BVCH – Quarterly Payment £600.00
E J Pugh – Brill with Ukraine (English Teaching) £140.00
Briants - Fencing £65.22
Bucks Council – Waste Bins £30.38
BT – Broadband & Phone £57.76

February 2023 Receipts

Interest £7.17
Brill with Ukraine £250.00
Bucks Council – Brill with Ukraine Grant (English Teaching) £2,100.00

There was no Confidential Session

Read the financial summary for February 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.

Parish Council Meeting held January 17th 2023

Minutes

Present: Cllr Tuffley (Chair), Cllr Springs, Cllr Judge, Cllr Slater and 1 member of the public.

022/099 To receive apologies for absence / Acknowledgment of the resignation of Cllr Keeping. 

The Parish Council accepted the resignation of Cllr Keeping from the Parish Council. The Council expressed its thanks to Cllr Keeping for his commitment and service to the Council. Apologies were received for Cllr Hulme Hunter

022/100 To receive any declarations of interest.

Cllr Slater declared an interest in the Grant being requested from Bucks Council for Teaching English as a Foreign Language as part of Brill with Ukraine

022/101 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2022.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as a true record of meeting.

022/102 Planning applications

Planning Ref 23/00002/CPL

Address 9 Temple Street Brill Buckinghamshire HP18 9SU

Proposal Certificate of lawfulness for proposed Installation of solar panels

Comments Deadline N/A

Parish Council Decision For Information only

023/116 Standing Orders

Cllr Tuffley updated that the amendments suggested have been added to the Standing Orders. Cllr Tuffley has asked all Councillors to check through the Standing Orders and assess the changes. It was agreed for the final draft to be signed off between the meeting and to be uploaded to the website.

022/117 Adoption of Encroachment Policy

Cllr Springs proposed adopting the Encroachment Policy. It was agreed for it to be classed as a working document in line with the Council’s other policies. Cllr Tuffley seconded this and the policy was unanimously agreed.

022/118 Road & Traffic

The Speed Indicator Devices have been delivered to the office. The next step is to attend the training on installing and using the devices. The Community Board are due to update about dates for training. The Council also need to erect two further poles for the new signs.

The Brill Society is currently drafting a new design for the sign to replace the vandalised village sign. Cllr Judge suggested the Parish Council takes its time with the signs to ensure it is done correctly, as they will be in place for many years.

The temporary parking sign for the Memorial has not met with any negative feedback. It was agreed for Cllr Springs to bring the suggested new permanent parking sign design to the next Village Hall Committee meeting. Cllr Judge to ask the Local Area Technicial to install a new parking sign on the lamppost by the entry to the allotments, to direct cars to the Memorial Hall car park .

More than 100 people have signed in support of having work done to discourage inconsiderate parking on the Windmill Street / Temple Street junction . Cllr Judge to meet with Cllr Hulme Hunter and submit the proposal to Bucks Council after April 2023. Cllr Judge to add in to the Case submission to take into consideration the knock on effect on parking in the immediate area such as the Brill Hill / Windmill Street corner.

023/119 Budget

Following robust discussion, the Parish Council resolved to adopt the draft Budget for 2023/24

023/120 Precept

Cllr Tuffley proposed submitting a precept request of £50,792.50 representing a 10% increase in line with inflation. This was seconded by Cllr Judge and unanimously agreed.

023/121 Communications Database

Cllr Slater updated that she had been approached by a resident about the entrance to the King George V playing field adjacent to GS Mechanical. The area has become excessively muddy due to the extra rainfall. In addition, the Council has also received a letter from a resident expressing concern about the mud around windmill side entrance to the Walks. The issue was discussed in detail but the Council resolved to not take any action in regards to the mud.

Cllr Tuffley updated the Council that Ross Tackley has obtained a grant from Bucks Council for TEFL lessons for Ukrainian refugees as part of Brill with Ukraine. These are designed as more intense lessons for Ukrainian refugees to help them to obtain employment. The grant will fund the lessons up until March 2023.

022/122 Receipts and Payments

January 2023 Payments

Rob Timms – Bins / Play Area Fence £555.00
Gordon Govier – Play Area Fence / Walks Fence £360.00
Robert Damerell – Clerk Salary £856.61
HMRC – PAYE £210.08
Sports & Social – Defib Grant £400.00
Jennifer Tuffley – Brill with Ukraine expenses £30.00
Bucks Council - Bins £28.22

January 2023 Receipts

Interest £5.83

A short confidential session followed the conclusion of the public meeting.     

Read the financial summary for January 2023 (PDF). Please email the Parish Clerk if you need help accessing this document.