Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 2^nd February 2026 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), Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Philip Coward, Rodney Coward, Sam Dean, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, John Jordan & Steven Pester.

5+ members of public.

 

Public Participation Session (15 minutes)

Town Culture and Heritage Project
Mr David Hytch addressed the Council in support of the proposed town culture project. He emphasised that local culture extends beyond arts and literature to include the town’s social, industrial and economic history over many centuries, including former industries such as silk production and the influence of inward migration. He highlighted the importance of recognising contributions from all sections of the community and supported the use of digital methods to collect, store and make cultural material accessible to all ages and abilities. Mr Hytch encouraged the Council to support the project as a means of sustaining the town’s vitality.

Public Rights of Way Signage (Monarch’s Way)
A resident of Blanchflower House, Castle Street, reported missing and damaged way‑marker signage on the Monarch’s Way and queried whether signage could be renewed. Members noted that public rights of way signage is the responsibility of Wiltshire Council, but agreed the matter should be raised with the relevant officers.

The Chair thanked members of the public for their contributions. No formal decisions were required at this stage.

 

116. Reports from Local Police Representatives

Discussion:
The neighbourhood policing update was received, noting reported thefts, drug possession incidents, current policing priorities, and planned engagement and enforcement activities.

Members discussed concerns regarding under‑reporting of crime locally, difficulties experienced by residents when reporting incidents via 101 or online systems, and the impact this may have on official crime statistics and resource allocation.

RESOLVED: That the police report be noted.

 

117. Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr. Glen Ings

118. Declarations of Interest

• Cllr Nick Beale declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 5 [Minute No. 120].
• George Jeans declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Agenda Item 10a) [Minute No. 126a)

119. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th January 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record of proceedings.

120. Matters Arising

a) The Old Nursery site of A303 at Burton (Minute Ref: 107a)  – Multi‑Agency Meeting Update

Discussion

The Council received an update on the multi‑agency meeting held on 19 January 2026. Members noted:

• A lack of recent crime reports relating to the site and the importance of encouraging residents to report incidents via 101, online reporting or Crimestoppers.
• Difficulties encountered by SSE and other agencies in accessing the site.
• Concerns regarding potential environmental risks, particularly water contamination, and the need for involvement from the Environment Agency.
• Issues relating to large vehicle movements, access from the A303 and the limited powers of National Highways pending any planning application.
• Indications that a planning application may not be submitted until late February or March, with potential delays thereafter.

Further discussion highlighted the need to escalate concerns regarding barriers to crime reporting and the cumulative impact of under‑reporting.

Decision

It was RESOLVED that the Council write to the relevant authorities and elected representatives to raise concerns about the under‑reporting of crime and difficulties with current reporting mechanisms.

121. Wiltshire Councillor’s Report

Discussion

Updates were provided on:

• Public rights of way and Monarch’s Way signage, including liaison with local stewards.
• Orientation issues with maps recently installed by the Duchy of Cornwall on the Roman Road.
• Funding opportunities for tourism‑related signage.
• Proposed changes to parking policy in Salisbury and implications for residents.

Decision

The report was noted.

 

122.  Project Co-Ordinator’s Report

Discussion

Members noted progress on current projects, including confirmation that new bollards had been adopted by Wiltshire Council and receipt of a £2,800 refund from Southern Electric relating to a connection fee, to be returned to Section 106 funds.

 

123. Proposed fire station closures – further information in Clerks Report

Discussion

The Council considered recently published papers regarding proposed changes to fire station provision, including the potential closure of Mere Fire Station. Members expressed serious concern regarding:

• Reduced availability and response times, particularly for road traffic collisions and fires involving sleeping risk.
• The cumulative impact of previous service reductions, including ambulance response provision.
• The timing of public consultation and the need for clear, evidence‑based representations.

It was noted that a Fire Authority meeting would take place on 10 February 2026 to determine whether to proceed to public consultation.

Decision

It was AGREED that:

• No formal Council position would be finalised until after the Fire Authority meeting on 10 February 2026.
• Subject to the outcome, the Council would actively encourage public engagement in the consultation process and consider submitting a detailed response.

 

124. White Paper ‘From local to national: a new model for policing.’ – further information in Clerks Report

Members noted the information in the Clerks Report and the Clerk summarised that this paper proposed:

• Consolidating the current number of police forces to fewer regional police forces.
• Creating a new nationwide police force to tackle the most complex and serious crimes.
• New ministerial powers to ensure consistency of policing standards.
• Investment in technology, including the rollout of AI and live facial recognition to all forces.

125. Planning Applications

Application No:	PL/2025/10033
Application Type:	Full planning permission
Proposal:	Proposed Change of Use from Vets to Dwelling
Site Address:	Southill Vets, Manor Road, Mere, BA12 6HZ
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000IkEvG

Discussion:

Members noted that the premises currently operates for limited hours (three hours weekly). Concerns were raised regarding the absence of off-street parking and disagreement expressed with the Highways Officer’s assessment, given the proposed full-time residential occupation.

Members also discussed:

• Whether adequate attempts had been made to market the property for continued commercial use.
• The shortage of small commercial premises within the town.
• The potential impact on parking and neighbouring amenity.
• The possibility that the dwelling may not contribute to primary residential occupation (e.g., second home/holiday let).
• A tree adjacent to the property noted as a significant visual amenity.

RESOLVED to object to the application on the basis of:

• Inaccurate Highways & Parking Assessment
• Loss of Commercial Space & insufficient evidence that the property has been actively marketed for continued commercial use.
• Impact on Visual Amenity and Greenery

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

 

Application No:	PL/2025/10009  & PL/2026/00144
Application Type:	Full planning permission & Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal:	Creation of a dedicated external trade area and refresh of internal trade area
Site Address:	The George Inn, The Square, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6DR
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000Ii0Er https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000IstgH

Discussion:

Members noted the proposals related to a listed building and considered the benefits of supporting viable town centre commercial premises and community vitality.

RESOLVED to support both the Full Planning Application and Listed Building Consent.

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

 

Application No:	PL/2026/00364
Application Type:	Householder planning permission
Proposal:	Single-storey side extension to form a porch and installation of a solar panel array.
Site Address:	26 Lordsmead Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BZ
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000J4TWj

 

Discussion:

Members noted the modest scale of development and absence of adverse impact on neighbouring amenity.

RESOLVED to support the application.

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

 

 

 

Application No:	PL/2026/00562
Application Type:	Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal:	T3 Cherry – Fell and treat stump with eco plugs (broadleaved). SG1 mixed species shrubs – Remove all vegetation within 3m of property.
Site Address:	MEREHAVEN, PETTRIDGE LANE, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DG
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000JDbEv

RESOLVED to support the above application.

Application No:	PL/2026/00563
Application Type:	Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal:	T9 Ash – Fell and treat stump with eco plugs (broadleaved) – Large wound to main stem from ground level to 1.5m.
Site Address:	THE OLD HUNTING LODGE, BOAR STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DD
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000JDbGX

 

RESOLVED to support the above application.

Application No:	PL/2026/00678
Application Type:	Consent under Tree Preservation Orders
Proposal:	T1 Acacia – Reduce height of dog legged stem by up to four meters. Reduce radial spread of remaining branches extending due north over garden boundary cutting back by up to 4m, to suitable secondary growth point. Crown lift to four meters. T2 Beech – Reduce radial spread of canopy, due north, by up to five meters cutting back to suitable secondary growth point. T3 Pine – Radial reduction of canopy extending due north over garden by up to two meters.
Site Address:	GREENACRES, CASTLE STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JW
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000JKKIz

Discussion:

Members noted works were limited to reduction and maintenance.

RESOLVED to raise no objection.  (Cllr. Hazzard abstained from voting or discussion.)

Application No:	PL/2025/06047
Application Type:	Approval of reserved matters
Proposal:	Reserved Matters Application for the Erection of 58 Residential Dwellings with Associated Amenities and Infrastructure Following Outline Planning Permission ref 20/07469/OUT
Site Address:	BEAUMONT BUSINESS CENTRE, WOODLANDS ROAD, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6BT
Planning Register Link:	https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000FTaSU

Discussion:

Members considered recent amendments relating to landscaping, elevations, layout and storage.

RESOLVED to raise no objection.

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

126. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport

 

1. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward and MyWiltshire reports- further information in Clerks Report

Discussion:

Members expressed concern regarding:

• Inflexibility in pothole repairs unless pre-listed via MyWiltshire.
• Apparent inefficiency in repair processes.
• Zebra crossing road markings in need of repainting.

Members agreed to pursue clarification on repair protocols and escalation routes.

RESOLVED that the Chair and Cllr Jeans write jointly to Wiltshire Council seeking clarification regarding pothole repair procedures and operational constraints of the Parish Steward scheme.

 

 

127. Finance, Policy & Resources

 

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

Having declared a pecuniary interest in this item, Cllr. Jeans left the room whilst this item was under discussion and took no part in voting.

RESOLVED to authorise the payments as listed in the schedule of payments.

 

*b) To note the reconciliations for December 2025; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen

 

The Chair confirmed that she had verified that the bank statements accord with the reconciliation for November 2025 and had signed the reconciliations accordingly.

 

1. c) Non-renewal of scribe subscription

It was agreed not to renew the subscription to Scribe.

 

1. d) Quotation to resurface an 85m long section (1.2m wide) footpath (Mere20/10) with from White Road to the start of Burton Path

Quotation received:

Discussion:

Members noted:

• The route is a private road.
• Safety concerns for schoolchildren.
• Need for long-term solution rather than short-term patch repair.
• Potential engagement with residents, school, club and Wiltshire Council.

RESOLVED to obtain three quotations, including:

• A specification for the narrow footpath section only; and
• A specification for full-width resurfacing to appropriate standard.

Further stakeholder engagement to follow once full costs are known.

 

1. e) IT Provision, website updates etc

Discussion:

Members received a report outlining a three-year IT and cyber security improvement programme. Estimated costs ranged between £4,843 and £9,859 over three years, within the allocated budget provision.  This programme will enable the Town Council to comply with Assertion 10 in the AGAR, the new requirement regarding digital and data compliance.

RESOLVED to authorise the Clerk to proceed with implementation of the IT upgrade programme within the approved budget.

 

127. General Items
128. a) Briefing Note No. 26-01 – Inviting participation in the Future Energy Landscapes (FEL) Project – attached

Information noted.

 

b) Local Nature Recovery Strategy – Webinars

Discussion:
Information on upcoming webinars was noted.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That councillors wishing to attend do so, with links to be circulated by the Town Clerk.

 

128. Future Meetings and Events
129. a) Great British Spring Clean

Discussion:
The Council discussed participation in the Great British Spring Clean.

Decision:
RESOLVED: To participate in the Great British Spring Clean on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 11.00 am, subject to confirmation of waste collection arrangements, and for the event to be publicised locally.

 

6. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board Meeting – Wednesday, 4^th February 2026 at 6.30 pm in The Grove Building, Church Street, Mere. BA12 6DS.

Discussion:
The Council noted its opportunity to raise local matters at the forthcoming Area Board meeting.

Decision:
RESOLVED: That the Chair and Town Clerk liaise to determine key issues to raise.

 

1. c) Invite to the 2026 Planning Town & Parish Council Forum – further information in Clerks Report

The Chair & Cllr. Nick Beale agreed to attend this event.

 

1. d) Date for Annual Town Meeting

It was RESOLVED to hold the Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday 22 April at Duchy Manor, following a broadly similar format to previous years, with minor refinements to structure.

 

1. e) Casual Vacancy

Discussion:
The Clerk advised that she had received notification from the Returning Officer that the Casual Vacancy can now be filled by co-option.  The vacancy would now be advertised asking those interested to submit an expression of interest.  Candidates would then be invited to submit an application form and personal statement and it is likely that the Town Council would be likely to co-opt at the April meeting.  Members asked that the Clerk send the advert to those candidates that missed being elected in May 2025.

 

Condolences

The Council recorded its condolences following the recent death of Adrienne Howell who was a former Town Councillor and made a huge contribution to the community of Mere in many ways. The Chair confirmed that correspondence had been sent and representation would be made at the funeral.

129. Future Agenda Items

• Consideration of inclusion within the National Landscape designation (AONB).

Closure of Meeting

The meeting closed at 9.35 pm.

Action Schedule

Minute Ref:	Action	By whom
120	Write to relevant authorities and elected representatives to raise concerns about the under-reporting of crime and difficulties with current reporting mechanisms.	Clerk & Chair
121	Assess signage for Monarchs Way	Footpath Group
125	Submit planning application consultation responses	Clerk
126	Draft and send letter to Wiltshire Council re pothole protocol	Clerk & Cllr. Jeans
126	Report Zebra Crossing repainting request via MyWiltshire	Clerk’s Assistant
127	Submit authorised payments	Clerk
127	Prepare specifications and obtain quotations for options on footpath and/or highway resurfacing and engage with residents, school, club and Wiltshire Council.	Clerk, Chair & Cllr. Jeans.
128	Confirm waste collection arrangements for Spring Clean, publicise event and seek volunteer participation	Clerk’s Assistant
128	Book Planning Forum places	Clerk

 

Signed: ……………………………………………. (Chair)
Date: …………………………………………….