10 September 2026 DRAFT Minutes
DRAFT Minutes for the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 10 September 2026 at Great Carlton Village Hall
In the Chair: Cllr K Kade
Present: Cllrs P Hill, A Seigneury, J Morrison, and P Bennett
Parish Clerk: Mrs S Bristow
County Councillor: Bayleigh Robinson
Public Forum: No questions raised.
LCC Cllr Robinson noted the LGR pause, which was discussed in more detail during the Clerk’s report. He will also support the Council with a tree trimming request for the Little Carlton green. (Cllr Robinson left the room at 19:23 to attend other committee meetings.)
The meeting was opened at 19:02 and 2 members of the public were present.
1. Apologies: Apologies were accepted from Cllr Hesketh; unfortunately Cllr White gave her resignation prior to the meeting.
2. Declarations of Interest: None
3. Approval of the minutes of the 09 July 2026 meeting: RESOLVED and signed by the Chairman.
4. Chair’s Report: Cllr Kade commented that he had nothing to add outside of what will be discussed within the agenda.
5. Clerk’s Report: The Clerk noted she had chased up the Community Speedwatch training date. She also commented that her and Cllr Kade had been spending a lot of time regarding St Edith’s trees, including a very productive meeting on-site with ELDC’s new Arborist. Tree tags have been purchased to allow marking of the trees subject to TPOs, which were clarified by the Arborist, who has now been provided with a copy of the 2024 PCC funded tree survey. The LGR process was abruptly paused early in the week for legal reasons; outside of speculation, it was confirmed that the May 2027 elections will take place as normal for our Parish but that ELDC Councillors will stand for election as opposed to those intended for the Shadow Authority of the new Unitary. It is understood that the earliest vestment date of any new Authority would now be April/May 2029.
6. Councillor Reports and Matters Arising
i. To appoint Councillors to the following roles:
a. Wind Turbine Community Fund: unneeded as the committee already has one member over the minimum required.
b. (Trustees of the) Village Hall Committee: Cllr Hill asked that his role be reiterated to the Village Hall Board to ensure he is kept abreast of meetings and similar.
c. Parochial Church Council: Cllr Hill asked that his role be reiterated to the Parochial Church Council to ensure he is kept abreast of meetings and similar.
ii. To discuss applying to the WTCF for a replacement notice board for Little Carlton: background to this item was provided orally and three quotes were considered; RESOLVED that the Pelican Trust was the successful quote. This board will consist of three windows- one for the Council, one for the Social Club and one for non-commerical Community notices. An application will be made to the WTCF to fund this replacement in due course.
iii. To discuss a Community Tidy-up for St Edith’s vs a Commercial Tidy-up: RESOLVED to have a commercial Tidy-up, which will require a grant from the WTCF. Clerk to obtain two additional quotes prior to the grant application submission. Clerk will ask existing gardener to quote maintaining any Tidy-up as part of his annual contract, whether or not he is awarded the full clean up job. Discussions about Community members supporting ongoing maintenance were robust, but it was acknowledged this was unlikely the most practical ongoing solution.
iv. To consider removal of hedging within the St Edith’s footprint, separate from Item 6 (iii): RESOLVED to spend £220 on this effort, which is a major trimming back of the hedge, not a full removal. For the avoidance of doubt, this is referring to the hedge that is within the footprint of the church, running parallel lengthwise. The works will be undertaken by the Council’s existing gardener.
v. To consider whether or not an LCC supplied salt bag is required for the upcoming winter: the offer was declined.
vi. To consider implementation of the Clerk’s 26/27 NJC pay rise: RESOLVED to grant this annual increase, the Clerk remains on SCP15. Back pay in the amount of £52 was also included in the resolution.
7. Finance report:
i. To note Parish Council Account Balances and Councillor’s receipt of YTD accounts: Barclay’s Community Account £4551.59; Barclay’s StepSaver £441.44.
ii. To resolve payments according to payment sheet: RESOLVED
iii. To acknowledge receipt of the External Auditor’s exemption certificate, which was emailed to members on 10th July 2026: NOTED.
8. Planning Matters: None
9. Confirmation of next meeting as 12th November 2026: Confirmed
There being no additional business, the meeting was closed at 20:15.