Wotton Town Council Meeting

17th August 2026

My informal notes and personal comment from last Monday's Town Council meeting that I attended along with SDC Cllr. Braun and GCC/SDC Cllr. Cohen.

Approval of the previous minutes was deferred to a future meeting as they weren't circulated in the meeting pack.

The council considered a candidate for co-option onto the Town Council. Chris is community-minded and was previously a magistrate. He has forty years of experience in business and wants to use his experience to improve the town. The council approved, and Chris took his seat—leaving no members of the public present for the public forum.

Councillors were invited to ask questions on the GCC and SDC councillors' reports.

There was dissatisfaction expressed about the two rubble bag and four-visits-in-4-weeks limits and charges at the Pyke Quarry tip. The proposal went to Cabinet for a decision on the 22nd July.

Dissatisfaction was also expressed regarding the refusal of McMurty Automotives planning application at New Mill. [I was disappointed too] However, the lack of a master-plan detailing how the land and infrastructure would be developed on the site as a whole seemed to be a key omission. Access onto the highway was discussed, and it was thought that access should have been at the roundabout, although GCC seemed content with the proposal as submitted.

Various accounting items were approved and noted, including some late additions, salaries, etc.

Two policies were due to be approved: Health and Safety Policy and the Grant Awarding Policy. Audits have been done on the H&S policy and a hefty document produced. However, councillors raised a number of concerns with the grant awarding policy—not least that organisations asking for support need audited accounts, etc. This seemed disproportionate, as smaller organisations in the town would be excluded. It was decided that both policies would go to the Special Purposes Committee for further consideration.

It was noted that the annual Allotment Tenants Meeting would be on 7th September 2026, and the Allotments Working Group report was circulated. Hannah is doing work contacting allotment holders. Talk of a water catchment system. The clerk also advised councillors to seek advice from the National Allotments Society.

Reports were given on various projects: Town Hall and Chipping Hall, Symn Lane Car Park which is ready for the developer to commence work, Swifts and House Martins Project has received 30 responses, Phase two of the Symn Lane Play Area. Space Hive may not be used due to excessive fees. Civic Centre Building Climate Change and the solar panels is waiting on a Carter Jonas report.

Bolster Wotton meeting on 10th August 2026 was discussed. Lots of businesses in attendance, mainly discussing upcoming events such as the Long Street Summer Social. But updates on the car park and discussion on EU tariffs. The local MP was in attendance too and was honest about gaps in his understanding of the issues affecting small businesses. He noted there is a business rate review underway. Important for small businesses to become members of the Chamber of Trade or FSB to ensure their voices are heard.

An item about council communications was discussed. A working group will be formed. Would feed into a strategic plan. Two years of consultation already carried out. I can't offer any more info on this as I don't have backing papers to refer to.

The council noted the letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government pointing out that as of 1st April 2028, the district councils will be dissolved and a new unitary created. The lack of any meaningful information coming out of central Govt regarding the impact on town and parish councils was raised.

It was noted that the Long Street Summer Social event to be held on 30th August 2026 would get the final go-ahead depending on the long-term weather forecast on Wednesday (today). It will be on Long St 12-6pm with a stage in Royal Oak, kids garden also. Forthcoming Wotton events were also noted: Blues Festival 17th-20th Sept, Ride Over the Edge 27th Sept, Remembrance Day 8th Nov, Xmas Under the Edge 5th Dec (website needs a refresh).

The clerk noted that they had attended a meeting organised by North Nibley Parish Council with many of the neighbouring parishes. A good forum to compare what other parishes are doing and compare notes. Bio-diversity, cross-boundary work. Comms. Resilience: emergency planning, drought, fires, floods, food security. Again, lack of info on LGR was mentioned. Next meeting in September in Kingswood at the village hall.

As always, if you have any questions or just want a chat, I'm easily contactable - phone numbers and email on my home page. Use my contact info if you spot errors or if I've got something completely wrong!

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