Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 13^th October 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

Note: Meeting recorded for minute-taking purposes

Present:  Councillors Sandra Catley (Chair), Rachael Hansford (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Sam Dean, Clive Hazzard, Glen Ings, George Jeans, John Jordan & Steven Pester.

30+ members of public + Diccon Carpendale, Planning Partner of Brimble Lea.

Presentation from Mr. Diccon Carpendale, Planning Partner of Brimble Lea on Outline Planning Application PL/2025/07327

– Outline planning application for up to 28 dwellings.

– Approval sought for principle of development and access; other matters reserved.

– Indicative layout includes access, drainage, biodiversity net gain, and 30% affordable housing.

– Reports submitted: transport, ecology, drainage, heritage, odour, policy context.

– Wiltshire Council’s housing land supply below five years, triggering presumption in favour of sustainable development.

– Statutory consultee feedback includes archaeology survey request, affordable housing requirement, education contributions, and drainage support.

Public Session – Key Discussion Points

– Concerns about affordability and definition of affordable housing.

– Site suitability questioned due to waterlogging and drainage issues.

– Impact on local character and overshadowing of existing bungalows.

– Pressure on local infrastructure: surgery, dentist, schools, roads.

– Roads not built or suitable for extra traffic that further development will generate.

– Ecological concerns: biodiversity net gain, wildlife impact.

– Clarification that this is an outline application; detailed design to follow.

– Residents encouraged to submit comments to Wiltshire Council by 23 October.

77. Apologies for absence received from Councillors Philip Coward, Raymond Hill & Alan Mead.

78. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

• None received

79. Planning
80. a) Applications for consultation response:

Discussion:

– Site is outside settlement boundary and on greenfield land.

– Questioned public benefit and need for development given recent brownfield projects.

– Calls for more social/low-cost housing and bungalows.

– Concerns about urbanising rural edge and visual impact.

– Transport and access issues highlighted.

– Clarification requested on biodiversity net gain calculations.

Decision

– Council voted to object to the planning application on the following grounds.   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

• Site is outside the settlement boundary (greenfield).
• Overdevelopment and change to character of the area.
• Insufficient consideration of transport and traffic impacts.
• Concerns about sustainability of local infrastructure (doctors, dentists, schools).
• Visual and landscape impact.

Actions

1. Submit formal objection to Wiltshire Council citing the above grounds.
2. Encourage residents to submit individual comments to Wiltshire Council by 23 October.
3. Investigate land covenants and terms of previous owner’s will.
4. Consider requesting yellow lines or parking controls if development proceeds.

Meeting closed at 8.13 pm

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 6^th October 2025 at 7.00 pm in the Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

Note: Meeting recorded for minute-taking purposes

Present:  Councillors Sandra Catley (Chair), Rachael Hansford (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Raymond Hill, George Jeans &  John Jordan.

18 members of public + PC Tom Newman & PCSO Stewart Hunt.

Public Session

Carnival Committee Update

David Hytch reported that a Carnival Secretary had now been appointed although they are still looking for a Chairperson and a number of other roles within the committee.  Christmas lights event is to take place on 5^th December when Father Xmas will be in the Clock Tower.

Highways and traffic planning

David Hytch also raised concerns about outdated traffic data used in planning applications, increased traffic from new developments, and lack of pedestrian and disability access.

Graham Shephard added that Woodlands Road was not designed to take the level of traffic that is now using it and more development will increase that traffic.  He also added that there was a deep hole in the ground near the kissing gate at the bottom of Angel Lane leading onto The Meads footpath.

Street Lighting

James Hobhouse – been requesting repairs to street lighting in Oak Lane but contractors unable to access alleyway because they come with a cherry picker rather than a ladder.

Highways Improvement Request for Pettridge Lane, Edgebridge & Clements Lane

Nick Gosse read out a statement in support of his Highways Improvement Request regarding traffic issues on Clements Lane, Pettridge Lane, and Boar Street due to new developments.

Maggie Philips said that she had nearly been knocked down twice when traffic had mounted the pavement and said she supported the request for a 20mph speed limit

Graham Avory & Charmain Stone pointed out that there were a number of objections to the planning application for The Red House on the basis that another vehicular entrance off this road in this vicinity would be hazardous and inappropriate.

Sharon Hollick – was hoping to have little rectangular sign that says ’No Footway’ underneath the warning signs (similar to Tisbury)  – can we ask for these to be added as an extra on both signs at Edgebridge.

Aubrey Colman reported that the Macmillan Cancer Coffee Morning raised £700 two weeks ago.

Police Update

PC Tom Newman & PCSO Stewart Hunt attended the meeting and PC Tom Newman introduced himself as the new local officer for Mere.  Discussion of data-driven police speed enforcement, and options for police speed enforcement: Police officers with speed guns; speed enforcement team (not officers but uniformed members of the police team); community speedwatch teams.   There was also a discussion on ANPR cameras and whether Town & Parish Councils could/should purchase them.

77. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Nick Beale, Sam Dean, Alan Mead & Steven Pester.
78. Declarations of Interest:

• George Jeans as a Trustee of Mere Social Club – Personal Interest – Minute No. 81d)
• Philip Coward – declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 85a) (Payments).

79. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 1^st September 2025 be approved as a correct record of proceedings.

80. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Last month’s public session: Salisbury Street Parking Restrictions (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Confusion over Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and property names & numbering. The Clerk confirmed that she had asked for official maps to clarify TRO boundaries.  Jeans confirmed that the zig-zag lines for the zebra crossing were not covered by the TRO.
• Action: Clerk to continue to pursue TRO maps from Wiltshire Council.

1. b) Tree Survey Report (squirrels)

• Discussion: Squirrel damage to Millennium trees on Long Hill; pest control options considered. The Clerk read out an extract from the recent tree inspection relating to the damage that is occurring to this young avenue of beech trees by the squirrels “without the control of the squirrel population the tree issue will continue, possibly resulting in the loss of this young avenue of trees, or at the least their loss of amenity value”. Hill said that he is in favour of letting the trees take their chances and proposed to take no action for one year and re-assess the situation in a year’s time.  Proposal carried with a vote of 5 in favour and 3 against.

*c) Minute No. 71b) i) Highway Improvement Request Forms for B3092 – dated 29.7.25 (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Funding and installation of speed indicator devices and traffic counters.
• Decision: Await quotes and allocate budget as appropriate.
• Actions: Cllr. Jordan to report on device costs & installation; Clerk to coordinate with Wiltshire Council regarding installation/location. Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey for Castle Street

*d) Report on SWW Area Board meeting held on Wednesday, 17^th September and Mere Town Council application for funding for solar panels on public toilets (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• Discussion: Rachael Hansford congratulated on achieving the funding for the Solar Panels via the Chamber of Trade

81. Reports & Consultations
82. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

• Cllr. Jeans reported that he has volunteered to sit on the Gypsy & Travellers Project Board which is in effect a scrutiny panel that helps bring forward policy.
• Stressed importance of the information that had been given at the Area Board meeting about flooding – that residents need to get prepared for potential of flooding given the climate change prediction of more intense rainfall. Property owners are responsible for protecting their homes from flooding. Residents are advised to fit protection measures like flood doors, rather than relying solely on sandbags.
• Reported that Unilateral Undertakings are causing high costs, delays and bureaucracy issues for developers and are causing delays for developments.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (report attached)

• Public Toilets – seems to be on track. Signage will be taken down when the toilets are fully opened. Cllr. Hill queried plans for cleaning the stonework and said that he didn’t think this had been previously agreed and felt it was an unnecessary expense as the building would look out of place.
• Footpaths 66/50 – members noted the information in the report and the Chair confirmed that we were on target for the lights to be on for the weekend that the clocks go back.

1. c) Wiltshire Towns Programme Activities update (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

• Noted information

*d) New Licence Application – Premises Licence and Club Certificate in respect of Mere Social Club.  Consultation between Mon 22^nd September to Mon 20^th October (redacted application forms attached)

• RESOLVED to approve the licence application.

82. Planning
83. a) Applications for consultation response:

• Discussion: Retrospective cladding application; concerns about materials

RESOLVED: Object on grounds of inappropriate materials which make the barn look visually intrusive in the landscape.   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

• Discussion: Relocation to avoid footpath obstruction.

RESOLVED: Support revised application.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

• Discussion: Concerns about agricultural status and parking provision.

RESOLVED: Object based on lack of agricultural use and parking concerns.   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

83. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
84. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward and MyWiltshire reports.

• Side out pavement along Castle Street to make it safer for pedestrians

*b) Highways Improvement Request Form – Clements Lane, Edgebridge, Pettridge Lane & Boar Street – Nick Gosse – 14.8.25 (Redacted form attached)

Discussion:

• Previous LHFIG request submitted by Town Council has resulted in warning signs being erected but SLOW markers on the road still to be installed. Rumble strips not now included as Highways Authority deem to be inappropriate.
• Request ‘No Footway’ signs to go on the warning signs
• Ask for traffic survey to be carried out in the vicinity of ‘The Red House’ Pettridge Lane
• Review 20mph speed limit request depending on results from the traffic survey.

84. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
85. a) Confirmation of receipt of RoSPA Annual Safety Inspection of Play Areas & Skate Park

• The Clerk confirmed that the inspection reports had been received and she was pleased to report that there were no ‘high risk’ issues identified other than the skate park which is ‘high risk’ due to its activity rather than its structure and therefore risk cannot be mitigated.

1. b) Lettings/hiring of Andy Young Pavilion

• Discussion: Increase in private hire requests for Andy Young Pavilion; concerns about insurance, staffing, and suitability.
• Decision: Cease private hires; restrict use to community groups.
• Action: Clerk to update booking policy.

RESOLVED not to permit private hire of the pavilion in future.

85. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

RESOLVED: Schedule of payments reviewed and approved.

*b) Conclusion of Audit of 2024/25 accounts (certificate attached)

• Clerk confirmed that certificate of audit had been received with the following ‘except for’ matter “Information has come to our attention from the internal auditor highlighting the fact that the 2023/24 external auditor report and certificate were not published on the authority’s website by the dates specified in the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.” Other matters not affecting the auditor’s opinion but which they drew to our attention are : “The smaller authority has confirmed that it has not complied with the governance Assertion in Section 1, Box 5, but it has provided the appointed auditor with an adequate explanation for non-compliance and details of the actions necessary to address weaknesses identified. This is consistent with the Internal Auditor’s response to Internal Control Objective C. “  With regards to the “except for” matter, the Clerk confirmed that this was an oversight and in fact the certificate had been published but had been put under the wrong year on the website by the webmaster.  She confirmed that she had checked that this year’s certificate had been published in the right place.  The “other matter” was something that the Town Council had previously discussed and now addressed.
• The Clerk explained her own experience and the general dissatisfaction amongst colleagues relating to the external auditors PKF Littlejohn and their tardiness in responding to AGARs that were submitted on 1st July (most responses received at the end of September with the sign off deadline being 30th September). Complaints about this were being submitted to SLCC & NALC.

1. c) To set date, time, venue and membership for Annual Budget Meeting

• Philip Coward, Aubrey Colman, Sam Dean, George Jeans, John Jordan, Clive Hazzard (if possible), Chair & Vice-Chair for the meeting on Wednesday, 19th November in the Andy Young Pavilion at 7.00 pm

*d) Assertion 10 of the AGAR for the 2025/26 accounts (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Members noted the information in the Clerks Report.  The Clerk said she was currently working on drafting an IT Policy and website domains and email addresses would be raised as a future agenda item.

86. General Items
87. a) The Old Nursery site off A303 at Burton

• Discussion: Change of ownership; travellers moved in; enforcement action ongoing.
• Decision: Monitor situation
• Action: Clerk to liaise with planning enforcement.

Briefing Notes: 

*25-07 New Bus Stop Infrastructure funding and emerging process for requests (attached)

• Discussion: Funding and repairs for bus stops; request for new shelter in town centre.
• Decision: Submit request for new shelter; monitor progress.
• Action: Clerk to submit request for new bus shelter to Wiltshire Council.

87. Future Meetings & Events

• Extra Town Council meeting – Monday, 13^th October
• Remembrance Day – Sunday, 9^th November
• Xmas Lights switch on – Friday, 5^th December
• Wiltshire Council Budget Consultation Events – Wednesday 8^th October to Thursday 30^th October (the last one is in Tisbury).
• Mere Literary Festival – reminder that tickets are available from their website.

Actions Summary

Summary of agreed actions:

Clerk to continue to pursue TRO maps from Wiltshire Council

Cllr. Jordan to report on ATC device costs & installation; Clerk to co-ordinate with Wiltshire Council regarding installation/location.

Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey for Castle Street

Clerk to submit consultation response on licence application in respect of Mere Social Club

Clerk to submit consultation responses on planning applications

Clerk to request Parish Steward to side out pavement along Castle Street & inspect hazards relating to kissing gate at Angel Lane.

Clerk to report faulty street lights

Clerk to request ‘No Footway’ signs to be added to the warning signs at Edgebridge

Clerk to ask Wiltshire Council for traffic survey outside The Red House, Pettridge Lane.

Clerk to update booking policy for Andy Young Pavilion

Clerk to liaise with planning enforcement over The Old Nursery site at Burton

Clerk to submit request for new bus shelter to Wiltshire Council

Minutes approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 3^rd November 2025

Signed……………………………………………….     ………………………………..Chair of meeting

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

For Trustees to consider the following:

36. Payment to Water2Business (water supply to old cricket club – now being used by MTFC) £36.39

RESOLVED to authorize payment

1. To approve amendments to lease for Youth Club Building to Seeds4Success (see Project Co-Ordinator’s report)

Cllr. Colman requested a review of the amendments which had been made by both solicitors and asked for another meeting to go through these.  There were concerns about the protracted amount of time being taken to agree the terms of this lease.  Agreed that Cllr. Colman would submit his comments on the lease to the Town Clerk by Monday 13^th October and that final decision is delegated to Chair and Vice-Chair after that.

Meeting closed at 9.13 pm

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 1^st September 2025 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

Note: Meeting recorded for minute-taking purposes

Present:  Councillors Sandra Catley (Chair), Rachael Hansford (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Sam Dean, Clive Hazzard, Ray Hill, Glen Ings, George Jeans, John Jordan, Alan Mead.

Roger Pipe (Project Co-Ordinator).

Members of Public: Andy Furmidge-Owen, Diccon Carpendale + Mr. Morton, Mary White.

Public Session (15 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker)

Traffic Safety Concerns – Andy Furmidge-Owen 

Location: B3092 from Hill Brush factory into Mere via Castle Street

Issues Raised:

• Excessive speeding on 30mph section
• 90% of vehicles observed exceeding speed limit
• Narrow footpath poses risk to pedestrians, especially children
• Wide road with no traffic calming measures
• Lack of law enforcement
• Boy racers drifting at junction

Requested Solutions:

• Regular police enforcement
• Traffic calming measures
• Speed cameras
• Improved signage
• Footpath widening
• Road narrowing

Parking Restrictions Issue – Mary White 

Location: Salisbury Street

Background:

• Historical parking arrangement with yellow line across Lecture Hall front
• Recent double yellow lines painted incorrectly without proper traffic order
• Creating difficulties for loading/unloading at Lecture Hall and local businesses
• Conflicting information about loading permissions on double yellow lines

Concerns:

• Invalid parking tickets being issued
• No clear traffic regulation order
• Impact on businesses and hall users
• Increased traffic speed due to reduced parking

Request: Investigation into legality of current yellow lines and potential solutions

Planning Application PL/2025-06806 – Mr. Diccon Carpendale from Brimble Lea said had attended the meeting in order to answer any questions that the Town Council may have relating to this planning application.  The applicant, Mr. Morton, was also present.

Mr. Morton – Planning applicant

64. Apologies for absence received from Councillors Philip Coward, Steven Pester & from the Town Clerk, Lindsey Wood.
65. Declarations of Interest – No pecuniary or personal interests declared although the following connections were stated for the sake of clarity.

• George Jeans: No significant interests declared regarding Mrs. Morton (former post office employee)
• Sandra Catley: Trustee of Lecture Hall along with Mrs. Morton

66. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7^th July 2025 were approved with the inclusion that Cllr. Colman had sent his apologies for absence. RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 4^th August were approved.
67. Matters Arising from Public Session

Salisbury Street Parking Restrictions – Cllr. Jeans said he was aware that the enforcement of parking restrictions relating to the zig-zag lines either side of the pedestrian crossing is carried out by the police and not by Wiltshire Council and you don’t need a Traffic Regulation Order for zig-zag lines.  However, with regard to the parking restrictions on the double-yellow lines near the Lecture Hall, he is aware that they have not been painted in the correct place and there is a stretch where parking restrictions are unenforceable because they are not covered by the respective TROs.  Cllr. Jeans said that he was in possession of the actual TROs which he would be happy to make available.  Agreed to investigate the matter further and to seek a resolution with Wiltshire Council in order to stop people from receiving parking tickets.

68. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) PCC Community Action Fund 2025 – update from Chair and report on meeting with Sgt. Lyndsey Smith (see Chair & Clerks Report)

Outcome: Not available to councils, only individuals and charities. Lyndsey Smith to return for further discussions.

*b) Report on SWW Area Board meeting held on Wednesday, 16^th July – report from Vice-Chair (see Chair & Clerks Report)

• £5,000 grants available quarterly (up to 50% project funding)
• Various categories: health/wellbeing, youth, general
• Vice-Chair Rachael applied for solar panel funding for public toilets which will be considered at the next Area Board meeting to be held on 17^th September

69. Reports & Consultations
70. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

• Bus Service Changes:
• New on-demand bus service implemented
• Scheduled service removed without notification
• Concerns about pickup times and waiting conditions
• Six-page response document to be circulated
• Dental Services Crisis:
• Local dentist closing to existing NHS patients from December 1^st 2025
• Only treating under-18s if at least one parent is on Denplan
• Emergency dental helpline number to be publicised with a 48-hour appointment system available
• Ring by 9 AM for same-day service
• Area Board Meetings schedules and venues announced.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (report attached)

• Public Toilets
• Project nearing completion, no launch event planned.
• Footpath Lighting
• Issue: Additional work required (£2,826.66) due to specification miscommunication Cause: Message not properly relayed between contractors Status: Rio contractor returning Thursday for crack assessment and remedial work Timeline: Lights expected operational by end of October.

*c) Wiltshire Towns Programme Activities update (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

• Halloween Project
• First meeting held with 6 participants
• More interested parties unable to attend
• Three age groups planned with appropriate activities
• Task allocation and planning in progress

70. Planning
71. a) Applications for consultation response:

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

Key Concerns Raised:

• Inadequate parking (14 spaces for 7 houses, many back-to-back)
• Two houses changed from 2-bedroom to 3-berdroom (reducing affordable housing)
• The larger houses will increase parking demand further.
• Retaining wall maintenance concerns
• Transport plan needed for construction
• Development no longer in keeping with conservation area
• The Council’s previous planning consultation submission was read out.

RESOLVED to object to the planning application for the following reasons:

The Town Council feels that the change of design replacing 2, two bedded properties with 2 three bedded properties requires a re-assessment of the parking requirements of the site, and therefore the scheme.  We have the following concerns

• The change to two 3 bedded properties will require additional parking to cater for those households and their visitors
• The parking bays may fail to meet minimum size requirements.
• The change from stone to a render finish is not in keeping with the typical local design
• The change to 2 three bedded properties is we believe an overdevelopment of the site and does not meet the local need for smaller properties

We would like to re-iterate our concerns previous expressed regarding the

• The need for a transport plan
• The installation of solar panel
• A clear strategy to ensure the site and in particular the retaining wall is managed by the residents and that the retaining wall does not become the responsibility of a management company.

Concerns Discussed:

• Agricultural use history unclear (enforcement action 2020-2021)
• Access via Monarch’s Way footpath
• Sewage treatment arrangements
• Bin collection access issues
• Impact on rural character
• Highway access suitability

Applicant Response: Representative present to answer questions

• Building used for agricultural storage with tractors/equipment
• Sewage treatment works proposed (not septic tank)
• Access road confirmed as adopted highway

RESOLVED to object to the planning application for the following reasons:

• The access lane is unsuitable to support the traffic that will be generated by three new dwellings.
• The access lane is currently part of the Monarch’s way long distance footpath; hence provision should be made to preserve its integrity and provide for safe passage for the pedestrians who use it.
• The Town Council has concerns regarding the treatment and management of sewage from the site
• We are concerned that the site does not allow for enough space to safely store the bins needed for such are large development.

Vote: 7 objections, 6 abstentions

 *b) Pre-planning engagement event for Fives Court (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Main Concerns:

• Insufficient parking provision (approximately 15 spaces for significant residential development)
• Overflow parking will impact Angel Lane and town centre
• Age restriction policy unclear (over-60s vs. potential changes)

Observations:

• Some design improvements made to upper floors
• Parking concerns remain primary issue
• Need for age restriction clarity

71. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
72. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward and MyWiltshire reports.

• Parish Steward does not do community work during August

Future work required:  Clean road signs

NB – A303 due for a night-time closure (1^st October) – submit request to National Highways for removal of graffiti on bridge.

*b) Highway Improvement Request Forms:

29. i) for B3092 – dated 29.7.25 (Redacted form attached).

Discussion: Data on speeds may help to get further action. Could ask Parish Steward to clear back growth and widen footpath. Build-outs and traffic priority systems would be very expensive and not likely to achieve funding.  Similar schemes in Zeals not been effective.  Developers of new Care Home have been required to provide funds to carry out some pedestrian improvements for the Gillingham Corner junction to the Care Home.

Resolved:

• Delegate Chair & Vice-Chair to purchase suitable SID device (budget pre-approved & funds allocated)
• Request traffic speed survey from Highways
• Request direct police speed enforcement attention

19. ii) for North Road – dated 19.8.25 (Redacted form attached)

Discussion: Concerns raised about 20mph limits on narrow residential streets

Resolved: No action required – streets too narrow for speeding to be practical concern

*c) Wiltshire Connect ‘on-demand’ bus service for south-west Wiltshire – email attached.

Members noted information distributed and the information in the Wiltshire Councillors Report (Minute Ref: 69a) above)

*d) Information relating to highway maintenance works past and pending along Manor Road (information in Chair & Clerks Report) – Information noted.

72. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Tree Survey Report (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Urgent Issue: Tree bark damage from grey squirrel population

Timeline: Action needed within one month to prevent tree loss

Proposed Solution: Spring traps in trees (live trapping not viable due to public interference)

Status: Awaiting quote from pest control contractor

Resolved: Proceed with professional pest control when quotation received.

*b) Notice to end tenancy for Mere Croquet & Boules Club at Steep Street & request to use a part of Duchy Manor Sports Field for a croquet lawn. (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Background: Club ending tenancy at Steep Street, requesting use of sports field

Considerations:

• Standard croquet court size requirements.
• Location options on sports field
• Current site security concerns
• Better maintenance solution than existing facility

Status: Further investigation required with Lindsey’s involvement when she returns from holiday.

73. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

Resolved: Schedule of payments reviewed and approved.

Query: “various staff costs” clarified as salary payments.

1. b) To note the bank and accounts reconciliations for June and July 2025

Chair confirmed that she had verified that the bank statements accord with the reconciliation for June and July 2025 and had signed the reconciliation accordingly.

74. General Items

*a) Closing of Mere Police Station (information in Chair and Clerks Report)

Issue: Mere police station closed without consultation

Action: Complaint to be raised with inspector

Context: £6,000 annual cost for facility rarely used by police

*b) Wiltshire Council Plan 2025-2035 Drop-in sessions/community engagement (information in Chair & Clerks Report)

Noted.  Chair said that she would be attending the session at Tisbury.

*c) A special request from CPRE Wiltshire (information in Chair and Clerks Report)

• Cllr. Jordan suggested that they be requested to highlight work of Mere Footpath Group

75. Future meetings and events
76. a)  LHFIG meeting 3.9.25 – Noted
77. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board Meeting, Wednesday, 17^th September 2025 at 6.30 pm – Hinton Hall, Church Street, Tisbury. – Noted

*b) Community First AGM Wednesday, 8^th October 2025 (information in Chair and Clerks Report) – Noted

18. c) Wiltshire Neighbourhood Watch Association AGM – Saturday, 18.10.25 between 10 am until 12 noon at Wiltshire Police HQ – Noted

Acknowledgments

• Seeds4Success praised for Castle Hill scrubland clearance work
• Alan Mead thanked for establishing “Mere Cemetery Buddies” volunteer group

76. Future agenda items

• None requested

Meeting concluded at 9.11 pm with thanks to Chair for managing complex session in absence of Town Clerk.

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

Action Items

1. Salisbury Street Parking: Investigate traffic regulation orders and report back to Mary White (within 2 weeks)

1. Speed Management: Purchase SID device, request highway monitoring, contact police (George/Lindsey)

1. Squirrel Control: Proceed with professional pest control quote (Lindsey)

1. Police Station: Raise formal complaint regarding closure (Sandra)

1. Dental Crisis: Publicise emergency dental helpline information (George)

1. Planning Objections: Submit formal responses for applications PL/2025/06526 and PL/2025/06806 (George)

1. Footpath Lighting: Monitor completion of remedial work (Roger)

1. Fives Court: Follow up on parking and age restriction concerns (Sandra/Lindsey)

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 4^th August 2025 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

Present:  Present:  Councillors Sandra Catley (Chair), Rachael Hansford (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Aubrey Colman, Sam Dean, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans & John Jordan

Public Participation Session

Robert Hopkins spoke in favour of his planning application PL/2025/05709

David Hytch pointed out that there was potential for various developments to take place at the same time along Pettridge Lane along with the development at Woodlands Road and said that if this were to happen then it could create a significant problem.

David Hytch also spoke about accessibility for people from Woodlands Road to get into the centre of town and said that it was difficult for people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities and felt that with the additional houses coming to Woodlands Road the Town Council might want to have a discussion with the Highways Authority about this.

Nick Gosse spoke about his concerns for traffic along Shaftesbury Road/Pettridge Lane and said that he would like to see a 20mph speed limit.

Reports from local police representatives

• None present

58. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Nick Beale, Philip Coward, Rodney Coward, Ray Hill, Glen Ings, Alan Mead and Steven Pester.

59. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

• Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in Minute Ref: 62 a) Payments (recipient)

60. Planning
61. a) Applications for consultation response:

Cllr. Hazzard said that although this bungalow might be a better build than the Class Q barn conversion that has approval, it should be remembered that permission was only granted under Class Q because it was for a barn that was built prior to 2015.  If you put an application in to build a house in the open countryside then it would not be permitted.  It was pointed out that this application is proposing to site the bungalow adjacent to the farmyard rather than being out in the open countryside as per the previous application.  It was also pointed out that the approval of the barn conversion was subject to an agricultural tie.

Cllr. Debbie Beale proposed that the application should be refused on the grounds that this is a proposed new build bungalow that will be in the countryside and not within the housing policy boundary of Mere and the planning application makes no mention of an agricultural occupancy.  This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Colman but received no further votes.

Cllr. Rachael Hansford proposed that the application is recommended for approval subject to the following conditions:

1. The occupation of the dwelling shall be limited to a person solely or mainly working or last working at the agricultural enterprise known as The Acorns, Barrow Street, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6AB or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.
2. This alternative scheme should only be approved if it is a replacement for the Class Q Barn Conversion and should therefore be subject to a condition that the barn is demolished.

Proposal seconded by Cllr. Sam Dean and carried with a vote of 3 for, 2 objections and 2 abstentions.

Cllr. Rachael Hansford’s proposal was then put forward as a substantive motion, seconded by Cllr. Sam Dean and carried with a vote of 3 for, 2 objections and 2 abstentions.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Cllr. Jordan said that he had looked at the site and confirmed that the extension was on the north side and therefore unlikely to cause a loss of light to neighbours.  Cllr. Colman expressed concern that this would create a 4-bedroom house with only 1 parking space.  Cllr. Jordan proposed that the application be recommended for approval.  Proposal seconded by Cllr. Rachael Hansford and carried with a vote of 4 for, 1 against and 2 abstentions.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Cllr. Jordan pointed out that accepting infill housing might prevent us from having to accept large developments on greenfield sites but I feel it might be overdevelopment to squeeze two dwellings in plus a new vehicular access off Pettridge Lane.  Cllr. Jeans pointed out that the footprint for the three houses on this site would be larger than the footprint of the three bungalows opposite.  Cllr. Hazzard said that the site is very large and there is enough space to accommodate the extra two houses without them appearing cramped. However, he felt that the new vehicular access was a major issue.  Cllr. Rachael Hansford felt that access would be created at a point where the lane is narrowed by a wall on the opposite side.  Cllr. Debbie Beale pointed out that there had been a lot of conversations about extra traffic coming along Pettridge Lane.

Cllr. Hazzard proposed that the application be recommended for approval subject to the Highways Authority being happy with the access.  Seconded by Chair but not carried with a vote of 2 for, 4 against and 2 abstentions.

Cllr. Colman proposed that the Town Council should object on the grounds that it is overdevelopment and the vehicular access is inappropriate.  Seconded by Cllr. Dean and carried with a vote of 3 for, 2 against and 3 abstentions. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Cllr. Debbie Beale said that she was disappointed to note that Redcliffe Homes had not included solar panels within the development despite the Town Council expressing its wish for this.  She also pointed out that houses have a lifespan of around 70 years because of their timber construction and she said that despite the fact that they had mentioned swift bricks, she was disappointed to find no mention of this in the documents submitted.  She felt that the design of the houses was not in keeping.  Cllr. Colman felt that the development was what Mere needed for its future with its mix of housing types, EV chargers, garages, bike sheds and heat pumps.  The Clerk pointed out that this was a Reserved Matters Application and therefore the Town Council could not impose any conditions or requirements upon the application relating to infrastructure as that would have been done during the Outline Planning stage.  Cllr. Hansford said that she was pleased that there was a mix of housing with 41 mixed dwellings to go on the open market and 17 mixed dwellings as affordable homes and felt that this was what Mere needed.  Cllr. Hazzard proposed that the application should be recommended for approval with the recommendation that a Routing & Traffic Management Plan for the construction is produced and that the Town Council is given the opportunity for liaison in this Routing & Traffic Management Plan.  Proposal seconded by Cllr. Colman and carried with a vote of 5 for, 1 against and 1 abstentions.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

61. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
62. a) Charitable & Community Lettings – Letters and terms of abatement from the Duchy of Cornwall reducing our rent for Castle Hill and Allotment Lands in Mere to one peppercorn [i.e. £nil] – The Clerk read out a letter written by the Duchy of Cornwall saying that they were reviewing their arrangements in relation to community and charity lettings. Members were very pleased to hear this and authorised the Chair and Vice-Chair to sign the formal agreements.
63. b) To authorise signature of Lease of office suite at Duchy Manor + Landlord’s warning notice and declaration. – RESOLVED to authorise the Chair and Vice-Chair to sign the formal documents.

62. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – RESOLVED to authorise payments as detailed in the schedule of payments (attached)

63. Future meetings and events
64. a) VJ Day – 15^th August – the Clerk confirmed that a small wreath laying event would be taking place at the War Memorial at 12 noon.
65. b) Health & Wellbeing Event Mere – from 12 pm on 25^th September in the Lecture Hall, Mere – The Clerk asked councillors to either confirm with her or with Karen Linaker direct whether or not they would be attending this event.

Meeting closed at 8.00 pm

Approved at Mere Town Council meeting held on 1^st September

2025

Signed:                                                                                                                                                                 Chair of meeting.

Signed by the Chair of the meeting