Agenda
Minutes
Held on Tuesday 11th November 2025 @ 7:30pm at Elberton Village Hall
Present: Councillors Steve Meredith (chairman), Heather Bayston, Ian Jenkins, David Spratt, Jeremy Warren, Anne Wiseman
In attendance: Ward Councillor Matthew Riddle (SGC), no members of the public
Clerk: Emma Pattullo
Approved at the subsequent meeting held on 13th January 2026.
Signed copy held by the Clerk.
2025-11-1 To receive apologies
Apologies were received from Cllr Julian Cooper.
2025-11-2 To receive declarations of Interest and requests for dispensations
There were no declarations of interest or dispensation requests.
2025-11-3 Public Forum
No members of the public were present.
2025-11-4 To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 14th October 2025
It was resolved that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14th October 2025 be approved as a correct record. The minutes were signed by the Chairman.
2025-11-5 Parish matters for decision
2025-11-5.1 To consider possible action re: overnight parking of camper vans at Whale Wharf
Cllr. Riddle confirmed that the verge is adopted highway and therefore there are no planning-related implications of vehicles parking there overnight. Land ownership is uncertain, but the owner of the adjacent property has confirmed he did not give permission for the area to be used for camping, as stated by some of those doing so. Cllr Riddle has asked SGC to consider erecting posts between the existing trees to prevent access.
2025-11-5.2 To consider requesting a reduction in the speed limit in Littleton
Cllrs Warren & Cooper have been consulting residents on their views about speed of traffic in Littleton and their preferred methods of speed reduction measures, if any. Their consultation closes at the end of November.
The clerk has checked the SGC list of highway improvement schemes and found that there is already a scheme for implementation of 20mph and/or 30mhp speed limits throughout Littleton. This was put forward by a resident and is expected to be put forward for implementation during the 2026/27 financial year. There will be public consultation before any scheme is put in place, the parish council will be included in the consultation.
2025-11-5.3 To receive report of recent meeting with National Highways re: filtering of HGVs onto the Severn Bridge, and consider sending further feedback
On October 16th, several councillors met with representatives from National Highways (NH) to discuss their proposals for reopening the M48 Severn Bridge to heavy goods vehicles. This requires a method of holding back HGVs from going onto the bridge when the safe weight limits would otherwise be exceeded. NH plan to introduce a filter system whereby all HGV traffic is required to pass through Aust roundabout on approach to the bridge. Traffic lights on the ‘on’ slip from the roundabout will then be used to hold traffic from entering the bridge when needed.
During that meeting councillors questioned whether alternative solutions had been considered and how NH propose to address problems raised including queueing traffic on the roundabout and approach roads, noise impacts and increased air pollution. NH responded that they have considered alternative solutions but these have been discounted due to safety or the time it would take to implement. They are carrying out mathematical modelling of traffic flows to better understand how often the traffic light holding system is likely to operate and what impacts there may be on the roundabout and the wider road network. An environmental impact assessment will also be carried out. The results of these will be shared with the parish council once available. The council will meet with NH again once the modelling data is complete.
NH have a steering group which includes SGC and haulage companies but does not include the parish council or any residents. They produce a regular newsletter.
Since the October 16th meeting, NH have also put out a press release confirming that this is their preferred solution.
Following discussion during the council meeting, it was RESOLVED that the council will write to Claire Young MP to put forward concerns about the likely impact of this plan on residents of Aust parish.
It was further RESOLVED that Cllr Wiseman (who contacted NH in a private capacity following the meeting to further express her concerns) will reply to NH officers’ response on behalf of the council.
Cllr. Riddle will find out who is the SGC representative on the steering group so that the council can also raise concerns to them.
** Cllr. Wiseman left the meeting **
2025-11-5.4 To consider update received from Severnvale Flood Defence Group and determine whether to write to SGC as suggested to enquire about plans for improving community resilience against flooding
The Environment Agency recommends that any property owners within floodplain locations, even behind defences, consider resilience and emergency procedures so that they are better prepared in the event of flood.
Barry Turner, chair of the Severnvale Flood Defence Group, has advised member councils to contact SGC to ask about their plans for improving community resilience against flooding.
It was RESOLVED that the council should send a letter, based on the SFDG template.
2025-11-6 To note items of report
2025-11-6.1 To receive the clerk’s report
The clerk reported on various items not otherwise covered on the agenda.
• New website & emails have been set up. The clerk will send instructions and passwords for councillors to access their new email accounts. The website needs some further work before it is publicised
• SGC Local Plan has been submitted for examination. Details will be added to the PC website.
• Streetcare works team completed most tasks including wood treatment on Aust noticeboard, various road signs re-erected, cleared and/or cleaned, pavement clearance in Elberton, litter picking on B4461
• Attended training on the new audit Assertion 10 which covers data protection and data security
• Ponies on the grass by entrance to Aust services have been reported to SGC.
2025-11-6.2 To receive any reports from councillors
A parcel of land off Passage Road has been subject to unauthorised occupation and waste dumping activity. SGC is currently reviewing the matter under its planning enforcement procedures.
2025-11-7 Planning
2025-11-7.1 To note applications received and resolve response
The following applications were noted and responses resolved as recorded:
i. P25/02274/HH – Newhaven Village Road Littleton Upon Severn – Installation of 1 no. enlarged front dormer. RESOLVED: No objection.
2025-11-7.2 To note planning decisions received
i. APP/P0119/W/25/3367505 – Stables at Sweetwater Lane Elberton – Appeal against P24/01888/F – Conversion of partially completed stable block and barn into 1no. dwelling with garage (Class C3) and associated works. Planning Inspectorate decision: Appeal dismissed.
2025-11-8 Council administration
2025-11-8.1 To agree plans for Data Protection training for councillors
Following consideration of the costs of various training options in relation to the risk faced by the council, it was RESOLVED that the following training schedule should be adopted, to be repeated once per electoral cycle (four years):
• Clerk to attend Breakthrough Communications “Data Protection for Councils Part 1” training course (cost to be shared with Cromhall PC if they agree)
• Councillors to undertake the e-learning module “Data Protection Essentials”.
• Clerk & Councillors to view the ICO Module 1 Parts 1 & 2 videos and confirm this in a council meeting
• Introduction of quarterly “Data Protection Focus” item to council meetings in lieu of formal refresher training
2025-11-8.2 To review the Biodiversity Policy
It was RESOLVED that the Biodiversity Policy should be re-adopted with no amendments.
2025-11-9 Finance
2025-11-9.1 To note payments made under prior approval
The following payments, made under the given prior approval, were noted:
Item Amount Minute (where applicable)
Staff costs for month to 16th October 2025 £313.80 2025/09/9.4
Unity Trust – banking charge October £6.00 2025/05/10.9
2025-11-9.2 To approve payments
The following payments were resolved to be made. All will be paid via bank transfer. A record of authorisation will be held by the Clerk.
Item Amount Power to spend
Cromhall PC – Share of clerk training course £7.50 LGA 1972 s111
Parish Online – Set-up & 1 year hosting of website & emails £260.00 LGA 1972 s142
Nature Conservation Service – Tree popper £285.00 +VAT Open Spaces Act 1906 s9-10
2025-11-9.3 To approve renewal of membership of CPRE under Local Govt Act 1972 s.137
In accordance with the council’s powers under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, it was RESOLVED that the following expenditure is in the interests of the inhabitants of the council area and will benefit them in a manner commensurate with the expenditure, and hence that a donation of £50 should be made to CPRE.
2025-11-9.4 To consider & propose any amendments to the draft budget
The draft budget was reviewed and some amendments made. The final budget will be presented to the January meeting.
2025-11-10 To consider responses to consultations received
2025-11-10.1 SGC – Budget 2026/27 consultation
RESOLVED: No response.
2025-11-11 Any other minor matters for discussion (no decision required) or items for next agenda
No matters raised.
2025-11-12 Meeting closure
The meeting closed at 9:15pm.
