Minutes
WESTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on Monday 5th January 2026 at Weston Community Centre.
Commenced at 7.30pm
The chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and informed those present that the meeting was being recorded and asked that everyone refrain from using their mobile phones.
Present: - Cllrs, Dicks, Bellamy, Brotherton, Casson, Mather, Mews, Redman & the Clerk/RFO.
In Attendance: - Dist Cllr Woolf. No members of the public.
26.000 Apologies Cllrs Halgarth, Pennington & Walker.
Absent: - None
26.001 Declaration of interest in accordance with Localism Act 2011
Cllr Casson on all planning matters due to him being on SHDC planning committee.
Cllrs Mews on energy projects.
Cllr Bellamy on planning applications PL/0065/24 & PL/0066/24.
26.002 Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 1st December 2025
Minutes of the meeting having been circulated were taken as read by the Chairman and signed as a true record. Proposed PM seconded AC, unanimous vote in favour by those who were present at that meeting. The minutes of the closed session having been circulated were taken as read by the Chairman and signed as a true record. Proposed AB seconded PM, unanimous vote in favour by those who were present at that meeting.
26.003 Public Forum
Dist Cllr Woolf updated the meeting on proposed changes on how waste is to be collected in the future. While it is almost certain that wheelie bins will be introduced at some time in the future there are numerous concerns at district level on how the system will operate.
26.004 Matters Arising
Cllr Brotherton reported on the recent Christmas lights competition organised by the PC. It was agreed by all that the event was a total success and it was hoped that it could be repeated again in 2026. The chairman thanked all the councillors who organised the event. There were thirty-two entrants with four prizes awarded, two in Weston and two in Weston Hills with prizes donated by Baytree Nurseries, Highgrove Homes and an anonymous benefactor.
The matter of the PC’s Facebook page was discussed. It was agreed that the Facebook page should continue with the PC looking to include more information on such matters as waste collection and parish news. However it was decided that the Facebook group would be discontinued as it would seem to encourage negative comments.
26.005 Correspondence
email from a resident voicing their concerns as a coach is parking on a regular basis on the High Road Weston. Representations have been made to the coach company, the Chairman will wait to see if this has any effect before taking any further action.
26.006 Dispensation for Cllr Walker re. Allotments.
The PC received an application from Cllr Walker for a dispensation to speak on matters relating to the allotments as Cllr Walker is an allotment holder. After discussing the matter it was agreed to give the dispensation as it was agreed that her feedback on allotment matters was beneficial to the PC. However Cllr Walker would be expected to declare an interest and leave the room if finance or tenancy agreements are discussed. Proposed AC, seconded HR, unanimous decision in favour.
26.007 Energy Projects
None
26.008 CSW / SID / Police
The CSW is not operating during the winter period and the SID unit is not operating due to the cold weather. Cllr Redman reported that she had observed police speed checks on the High Road Weston and the chairman said a meeting is scheduled with LRSP on 12th January at 10:30am to look at suitable locations for speed surveys in both wards.
26.009 Weston Playing Field
Cllr Bellamy informed those present that now the zip wire was in place the next project was the installation of picnic benches. The location of the benches was discussed with some councillors feeling that they should be located closer to the play area. More funding would be required for a “climbing web” however the PC has funds should the council decided to look at pathways and installing fencing around the play area.
Cllr Brotherton commented on potholes in the car park at Weston playing field. Cllr Brotherton offered to have the pot holes filled with hard core and gravel surplus on the Highgrove development on the High Road.
26.010 Weston Hills Playing Field
Cllr Bellamy reported that some remedial work needs to be done by Kompan to repair edging around the trampoline and there are plans for a “rope bridge” to go through trees at the bottom end of the playing field.
26.011 Planning Matters
Notification of applications for consideration available via SHDC website:-
H22-0982-25, H22-0865-25, H22-1178-25 Approved by SHDC.
H22-1239-25 No objections.
PL/0065/24 & PL/0066/24. The Clerk to raise concerns with LCC on pollution due to noise and smell and highway concerns with regards traffic on Rangell Gate.
26.012 Finance Report
The financial report to 31st December (Please see accompanying report) having been circulated was taken as read and its contents noted. Proposed AC, seconded PM, unanimous vote in favour.
The matter of the 2026/27 budget and precept discussed in closed session.
26.013 Voting Protocols
Cllr Walker was not in attendance but the Clerk informed those present that Cllr Walker no longer wished for the matter to be discussed.
26.014 Standing Orders Review
The Clerk went through the document and explained the proposed changes and recommendations. After discussing the matter it was agreed that the Clerk would update the document to include the changes suggested. The council will then review the amended document at a future meeting.
26.015 Weston St Mary Burial Ground
Cllr Bellamy updated the meeting. The obstacle is the consecration of the land and the costs involved to the church and who is responsible for organising the consecration the Rural Dean or churchwardens. As no response has been received from the church it was agreed that Cllr Bellamy would contact the diocese.
26.016 Items for Discussions
Cllr Brotherton also commented that while work had been done by LCC on the Weston Hills Road leading into Weston Hills more repairs where needed. It was suggested that Cllr Brotherton might approach LCC through Cty Cllr Gibson.
26.017 Date of Next Meeting
Monday 2nd February 2026 7:30pm at Weston Hills village hall.
Dist Cllr Woolf then left the meeting and the meeting then went into closed session to discuss finance matters.
Chairman …………………………………………………