2025-26 Minutes (Full Council)

Hogsthorpe Parish Council Meeting

Minutes of meeting held at 18:00 on Thursday 6th November 2025

Present: Cllrs F Wilson (Chair), D Hanson (Vice Chair), E Smith, P Perry, B Hornby

In attendance: Annie Maynard (Clerk/RFO), Mr G Ainsworth, Cllr R Dawson (ELDC)

Public Forum

A resident enquired about the local school using the playing field. It was reported that the Chair will attend a meeting with the school on 20th November and will report back to the Council at the next meeting.

A resident commented that the car boot signs were still displaying Sunday 10:00 – 2:00 pm. This will be changed to the new time of 1:00 pm. Cllr E Smith to action.

A resident asked why the meeting was held in the church, and not the Village Hall. They expressed the opinion that the Village Hall should be used for Parish Council meetings, as it is supposed to be a community building. The Chair stated that the Parish Council meetings can only be held on a Thursday due to members’ work commitments, and when the Village Hall were asked to accommodate us, they said that they had prior bookings that run until the end of 2026, and therefore we were left with no alternative options.

1. Apologies

Apologies were received and accepted for Cllrs M Banks and R Murray.

2. To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011

None

3. Approval of minutes of meeting 1st October 2025

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of 1st October 2025 be approved.

4. To receive reports from outside bodies and other meetings

Cllr Dawson (ELDC) reported that he had received two calls from residents of Hogsthorpe village, regarding Hill View planning application and concern regarding a footpath. Cllr Dawson had spoken to the planning officer at ELDC and an objection had been raised, but not regarding the footpath. There are ongoing concerns regarding access by foot to the village, but this does not come under planning, this is the Highways Department’s area of concern. They are working to find a solution as this needs adequate footpath approval.

A draft objection with policies involved and quotations from persons concerned will be send to Highways and Planning departments.

Cllr R Dawson left at 18:35.

5. Email migration to .gov email

The Clerk will action this next week.

6. General Correspondence

None

7. Financial Matters

Payment of accounts - It was RESOLVED to pay the following:

Balance at 1st October for account ending 5319 £18,802.36

8. Churchyard/cemetery maintenance update

1. Moving of oak tree – The Chair will action this when the leaves have stopped falling as the ground is slippery and dangerous at the moment.

2. Uneven ground notice – the Clerk will report further at the next meeting.

3. Memorial edging and railings – The Clerk is awaiting a quote for the work.

4. Cremation plot – The Chair asked the Clerk to contact the families of those already interred and of those with reserved plots to ask permission for movement, the Clerk will update at the next meeting.

5. It was noted the fence in the cemetery has been repaired and the invoice has been paid.

6. Remembrance wreaths – The Chair has had six wreaths delivered to her home! Two have been sent back, two are to be used on 11th November, and the other two are being kept for next year’s remembrance service. There is a service at the church on Remembrance Sunday, 9th November, and on Armistice Day, 11th November at 11:00, the Remembrance Service will take place with children from year six placing wooden crosses around the War Memorial, for villagers who have died in wars.

7. Christmas tree – The tree is due to be delivered week beginning 3rd December 2025.

9. Highways and Village maintenance updates

1. A52/Thames Street Junction – It was noted that the T-junction running into Thames Street has now been completed.

2. Public footpath – It was noted that the public footpaths are now accessible.

3. Update on S106 spending – It was noted that the requisition has been submitted, and the monies will be in our account on Friday 14th November, and that the Clerk will update at the next meeting.

4. School and the proposed purchase of a portion of the playing field – It was noted that the Chair will report back to the Parish Council once the meeting with the principal of the school has taken place on 20th November 2025.

10. Speeding data

This was deferred to the next meeting due to the absence of Cllr R Murray.

11. Planning

1. Planning Application 02356/25/FUL Hill View – 43 static caravans plus 3 wildlife ponds (update) – as reported above by Cllr R Dawson (ELDC), the Clerk is to invite Sam Hallett, Planning Officer, ELDC to give a report at a future public meeting of the Parish Council.

2. Planning Application 02383/25/FUL Ivy Lodge, Bracken Lane – 80 lodges/caravans plus fishing lakes and buildings (update) – APPROVED.

12. Date of next meeting

It was noted that the next meeting will be on Thursday 4th December at 18:00.

13. AOB for note only or next agenda

There were none.

The meeting concluded at 18:47.