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Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 1st September 2025

 

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 1st 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

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Councillors Philip Coward, Steven Pester & from the Town Clerk, Lindsey Wood.
  2. 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

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 7th 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, 4th August were approved.
  2. 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.

  1. 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, 16th 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 17th September

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. 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 1st 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

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2025/06462
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of conditions 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, and 19 relating to application 20/07469/OUT, to include the wording ‘Excluding Demolition’ in conditions
Site Address: Beaumont Business Centre, Woodlands Road, Mere, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 6BT
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000FqVwj

 

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.]

 

Application No: PL/2025/06709
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Crab Apple tree – Reduce crown by up to 1 metre in height and spread. Thin by 20%, remove major dead wood and Ivy.
Site Address: FLAT 2, NEWPORT HOUSE, SALISBURY STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000G2rBt

 

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 

Application No: PL/2025/06526
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) 4, 6 & 7 on PL/2022/06955 to allow for design changes
Site Address: Land North of St Marys Catholic Church, Pettridge Lane, Mere, BA12 6DGE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000FscIT

 

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.

 

Application No: PL/2025/06806
Site Location: LAND AT BURTON, MERE, WARMINSTER, WILTSHIRE, BA12 6BR
Proposal: Application for prior approval under Class Q of the GPDO 2015 (as amended), for change of use of agricultural building into 3 no. dwellinghouses (Class C3) with associated operational development.
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ300000G8IY1IAN/pl202506806

 

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

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. 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 (1st October) – submit request to National Highways for removal of graffiti on bridge.

 

*b) Highway Improvement Request Forms:

  1. 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
  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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
  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a)  LHFIG meeting 3.9.25 – Noted
  3. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board Meeting, Wednesday, 17th September 2025 at 6.30 pm – Hinton Hall, Church Street, Tisbury. – Noted

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

  1. 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

 

  1. 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)