Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 3rd November 2025
Mere Town Council
Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood
Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 3rd November 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, Philip Coward, Rodney Coward, Sam Dean, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, Glen Ings, George Jeans, John Jordan & Alan Mead.
16+ members of public.
Public Participation Session
Discussion
Members of the public raised concerns about:
- The revised planning application for the Red House in Pettridge Lane, noting no changes to the plans.
- The old nursery site at Burton and Wiltshire Council’s handling of gypsy and traveller site applications, enforcement notices, and planning conditions as well as safety concerns regarding access to the A303 and environmental risks.
- Issues at the old Beaumont industrial site, including delays to the determination of the planning application due to objections from highways and environmental departments.
- Speeding concerns on Castle Hill Lane.
- Appreciation for Halloween events and community efforts.
Decision
- Noted public concerns and appreciation.
- Agreed to forward concerns about the old nursery site and enforcement to relevant authorities.
Actions
- Council to draft and send letters to National Highways, Wiltshire Highways, Wiltshire Environmental, Wessex Water, emergency services, and the local MP (Andrew Murrison).
- Press to be informed about the safety and environmental issues.
- Request for a site meeting with the MP.
- Include Debbie’s note in correspondence to the MP.
Reports from police representatives
- None
Apologies for absence
- Apologies for absence received from Cllr. Steven Pester
79. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
· Cllr. Jeans declared an interest in Finance (recipient)
- Hazzard declared an interest in Finance (recipient)
- Rodney Coward declared a personal interest in planning application PL/2025/07929
- Rachael Hansford and Cllr. Raymond Hill declared personal interests in Planning Application PL/2025/08646
- Raymond Hill declared a personal interest in Planning Application PL/2025/06080
80. Minutes
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 6th October 2025 [with the amendment that Cllr. Philip Coward was present and Cllr. Rodney Coward was not present] and the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 13th October 2025 be approved as a correct record of proceedings.
81. Matters Arising from Public Session
- None
82. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
a) The Old Nursery site off A303 at Burton (Minute Ref: 86a) Further information in Clerks Report
Discussion
- Emphasis on requesting enforcement action on highway safety and environmental issues.
- Discussion on timing and approach for objections regarding the old nursery site.
- Noted that the MP is already aware and involved.
Decision
- Agreed to write letters requesting enforcement based on safety and environmental grounds.
Actions
- Write letters to National Highways, MP, Chief officers and elected members at Wiltshire Council as well as Wessex Water and Duchy of Cornwall.
- Prepare to involve the press if necessary.
83. Reports & Consultations
a) Wiltshire Councillors Report
Discussion
- Cllr. Jeans confirmed that parking for all Blue Badge holders in Wiltshire Council-operated car parks will be free once again, following a vote at the Full Council meeting held on Tuesday, 21st October.
b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report Report attached
Discussion
- Congratulate TC staff on clearing up following vandalism in the public toilets
- Stone cleaning was carried out under delegated authority and within budget
- Issues with cleaning and maintenance of public toilets.
- Grant received for solar panels on public toilets.
Decision
- Agreed to allocate additional funds for solar panels if needed.
Actions
- Proceed with solar panel installation, choosing the side that avoids planning delays
c) Wiltshire Towns Programme Activities update
Discussion
- Halloween event was extremely successful
- Thank you to everyone that helped
Decision
- Agreed to hold another Halloween event next year. (Wookey Hole Witch already booked)
- Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk & Cllr. Jordan to meet to discuss next event to take place in Wiltshire Towns Programme Activity Programme i.e. Walking Festival, and the appointment of administrator to publicise and manage the event.
d) Wiltshire Council Parking Plan engagement sessions Further information in Clerks Report
Decision
- Agreed that councillors would book themselves on sessions in locations and on dates that they are able to attend.
84. Planning
a) Applications for consultation response:
| Application No: | PL/2025/06080 |
| Application Type: | Full planning permission – Amended Plans/Additional Information **Re-start Application** |
| Proposal: | Erection of 2 no. new dwellings with associated vehicular entrance, car parking and landscaping |
| Site Address: | Red House, Pettridge Lane, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6DG |
| Planning Register: | https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000FVWCf |
Discussion
- It was explained that this is a ‘re-start application’ on the basis that the wrong owner of the site had been declared in the original application form. It was confirmed that all the previous comments of objection and/or support that have been submitted will still be taken into consideration.
Decision
- RESOLVED to reiterate the Town Council’s previous objection on the grounds that it is overdevelopment of the site and that the vehicular access is in an unsuitable location and inappropriate. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.] Furthermore, it was RESOLVED to ask Wiltshire Councillor Jeans to call this planning application into committee for consideration if the planning authority is included to recommend approval.
- Hill, having declared a personal interest, refrained from discussion and abstained from voting.
Action
- Submit response to planning authority.
- Request Cllr. Jeans to “call in” application as agreed.
| Application No: | PL/2025/06960 |
| Application Type: | Removal/variation of conditions |
| Proposal: | Variation of condition 2 of PL/2022/07937 to replace two approved car parks with single garage and carport |
| Site Address: | West Swainsford Farm, Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6JT |
| Planning Register: | https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000GGClZ |
Decision
- RESOLVED to support the above Variation of condition. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]
Action
- Submit response to planning authority.
| Application No: | PL/2025/07929 |
| Application Type: | Full planning permission |
| Proposal: | The construction of an agricultural dirty water above ground store (covered) and an extension to an existing agricultural building to be used for general storage use. |
| Site Address: | Manor Farm, Mere, BA12 6HR |
| Planning Register: | https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000GzDDd |
Decision:
- RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above planning application. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.] Rodney Coward, having declared a personal interest, refrained from discussion and abstained from voting.
Action
- Submit response to planning authority.
| Application No: | PL/2025/08646 |
| Application Type: | Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area |
| Proposal: | T1 Birch – One third reduction, shaping and target pruning. |
| Site Address: | THE HURDLES, WATER STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DZ |
| Planning Register: | https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000HXvFR |
Decision
- RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application. Rachael Hansford & Raymond Hill, having declared a personal interest in this application, refrained from discussion and abstained from voting.
Action
- Submit response to planning authority.
85. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward (PS) and MyWiltshire reports
Decision – ask Parish Steward to carry out the following
- Cutting back to widen footpath along Castle Street from bus stop to Gillingham Corner. Also cut back bits of hedge that have overgrown causing an obstruction along this route.
- Sweep leaves from any blocked drains, paying particular attention to Downside Close, Castle Street (opposite Bramley Hill), and Queens Road
- Maintenance issues raised, including blocked drains, overgrown hedges, and potholes.
- Reports of muddy footpaths and missing signage.
Action
- Issues to be reported to the parish steward and via “My Wiltshire” app.
- Follow up on missing signage and offer from local craftsman.
86. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
a) Solar panels for public toilets – grant funding, costings and elevation proposals – Cllr. Rachael Hansford
Discussion
- Grant of £2250 received via Mere Chamber of Trade but this leaves us with £500 additional funding to find in order to meet the quotation received of £2750 to do the whole array of panels which would save approx. £600 pa in electricity costs. Installing the panels on the elevation facing the car park would require planning consent as it is in a Conservation Area but there is no difference as to the effectiveness of the panels if they are installed on the other elevation, facing Jeans’s building. (Cllr. Jeans stated that he was not going to vote or speak on this matter but wanted members of the Council to be aware that he was not against the proposal to install the panels facing his building.)
Decision
- Allocate extra funds and proceed with installation.
Actions
- Install panels on the side facing Jeans building to avoid planning delays.
b) To set fee for card payment to use the toilet at night
Discussion
- Fee is currently set at 20p which was the default setting when they installed the machine. It was pointed out that anyone with a Radar Key can still use the disabled toilet free of charge during the night but others would have to use this toilet if they want to access a toilet at night and will have to pay to use it. Proposal to increase night access fee from 20p to 50p or £1.
Decision
- RESOLVED to set fee at £1.
Actions
- Update payment system accordingly.
c) Recent issues relating to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Discussion
- Consideration of installing external lighting and cameras whether real or dummy.
- GDPR implications of CCTV discussed.
- Clerk relayed information regarding recent vandalism and debit card information which was used to gain entry into the toilets and this, along with other intel gained from members of the public was passed to the police who agreed to reopen & investigate the case.
Decision
- Install external lighting; consideration of real and dummy cameras to be weighed up.
Actions
- Obtain quotes and proceed with lighting installation.
d) Summary of actions identified within recent Tree Inspection Report – Report attached
Discussion
- A lot of tree work to be carried out but some are covered by a Tree Preservation Order and some are in a Conservation Area so any proposed works will require prior consent from the planning authority and there is the added complication that the volume of work may trigger a requirement for Forestry Commission approval.
Decision
- Clerk to proceed with seeking approval where necessary and obtaining quotations for tree surgery work required.
Action
- Apply for TPO consent, Conservation Area Consent, consider whether Forestry Commission approval required.
- Obtain quotations from Tree Surgeons.
87. Finance, Policy & Resources
*a) Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (Schedule of payments attached)
Discussion
- Reviewed and authorised scheduled payments, including additional Halloween expenses and hedge cutting.
- Discussed cost of contested election.
Decision
- Payments approved.
Action
- Submit payments
b) To note the reconciliations for August 2025; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen
Vice-Chair confirmed that she had verified that the bank statements accord with the reconciliation for August 2025 and had signed the reconciliation accordingly.
c) To consider and approve Budget Expenditure Report for Quarter ending 30.9.25 Report attached
Discussion
- The Clerk pointed out that the Budget/Expenditure Report for the quarter ending 30.9.25 revealed a shortfall of £20,629 but stated that this wasn’t really surprising since the Town Council had vired funds to the pubic toilet refurbishment project that hadn’t been allocated.
Decision
- Noted
Action
- None
d) To consider and adopt IT Policy for Mere Town Council (Draft attached)
Discussion
- Draft IT policy reviewed.
Decision
- Policy adopted.
Actions
- Implement policy as agreed.
e) Electricity contract for Clock Tower Further information in Clerks Report
Discussion
- Issues with unmetered supply and high tariffs.
Decision
- Seek new supply and meter installation.
Actions
- Request quotes and proceed as feasible.
88. General Items
Briefing Notes
Briefing Note No. 25-08 Gypsies & Travellers DPD – Update and Call for Sites Briefing Note attached
- Noted
89. Future meetings and events
- LHFIG meeting – 26th November 2025 2.00 pm at The Nadder Centre, Tisbury
- Remembrance Day Parade – Sunday 9th November
- Budget Meeting – Wednesday, 19th November
90. Future agenda items
- None
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 and Safety and Human Rights.
Meeting closed at 8.30 pm
Actions Summary
- Draft and send letters to National Highways, MP, Chief Officers and elected members at Wiltshire Council as well as Wessex Water and Duchy of Cornwall regarding safety and environmental concerns at the old nursery site.
- Inform the press about the safety and environmental issues at the old nursery site.
- Request a site meeting with the MP to discuss local concerns.
- Public Toilets – Proceed with solar panel installation, choosing the side that avoids planning delays
- Update the toilet payment system to set the night access fee at £1.
- Obtain quotes and install external lighting at public toilets to deter vandalism; consider dummy cameras as an additional deterrent.
- Wiltshire Towns Programme – Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk & Cllr. Jordan to meet to discuss next event to take place in Wiltshire Towns Programme Activity Programme i.e. Walking Festival
- Planning – Submit consultation submissions to planning authority and ask Cllr. Jeans to “call in” applications as agreed, ensuring committee scrutiny.
- Parish Steward & MyWilts reports – issues raised during the meeting to be reported to the parish steward and/or MyWiltshire app.
- Follow up on missing signage and coordinate with the local craftsman regarding a replacement.
- Trees – Apply for TPO Consent, Conservation Area Consent, consider whether Forestry Commission approval required. Obtain quotations from Tree Surgeons.
- Implement the adopted IT policy for the council.
- Request quotes for a new electricity supply and meter for the clock tower and proceed as feasible.
- Councillors to attend upcoming meetings and events as appropriate (LHFIG meeting, Remembrance Day, budget meeting).