Council Meeting – 8th December 2025 – 7pm The Meeting Room, The Prince of Wales Pub, Shippon
Agenda
1) To note apologies for absence
2) To receive any Declarations of Interest from Councillors relating to items on the Agenda
Members to declare any interests, including Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, they may have in agenda items that
accord with the requirements of the Parish Council’s Code of Conduct and to consider any prior requests from
members for dispensations that accord with the Localism Act 2011 s33(b-e). (NB this does not preclude any later
declarations)
3) To receive updates relating to airfield events and related issues – MOD Station Staff Officer,
David O’Hara & Cllr S Rusby
4) To receive reports from District and County Councillors
5) To note matters raised by members of the public
6) To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 29th October 2025
7) To receive the Clerk’s Report
8) Governance
a) To consider Health and Safety Issues
b) To appoint a Vice-Chair following the resignation of David Churchouse
c) To appoint an internal accounts checker following the resignation of David Churchouse
d) To approve the Staffing Committee Terms of Reference
e) To agree the appointment to the Staffing Committee
f) To agree that the clerk, in consultation with the Planning Working Group, is delegated
authority to respond to planning applications between meetings
g) To agree the membership of the Planning Working Group.
h) To consider any training requirements
9) To consider the proposed budget for 2026-27
10) To agree the precept requirement for the financial year to 31st March 2027
11) To consider the purchase of a Westcotec Automatic Speed Watch Camera (ASWC) at a cost of
£3845 ex VAT
12) To discuss establishing a community orchard on the Recreation Ground
13) To agree the details of the scam awareness talk in April
14) To note that the footpath from Lashford Lane to The Field has been diverted.
15) To consider any grant applications
16) Finance
a) To agree the list of payments and any additional invoices presented for payment in since the
circulation of the agenda:
Ref Date Payee Amount Method
B206 24/10/2025 Royal British Legion/Wreaths £ 49.98 card
B207 27/10/2025 Friends of Dry Sandford School £ 500.00 bacs
B208 11/11/2025 Charlton Park Garden Centre/Daffodils £ 90.00 card
B209 28/10/2025 OALC/Planning Training £ 78.00 bacs
B210 31/10/2025 Shield Maintenance Ltd/Bin Emptying £ 54.59 bacs
B211 29/10/2025 Abingdon Stone & Marble Ltd £ 1,422.00 bacs
B212 05/01/2025 HMRC/PAYE £ 626.54 bacs
B213 11/11/2025 Wootton Parish Council/Newsletter £ 150.00 bacs
B214 11/11/2025 Talk Home Mobile £ 2.74 card
B215 18/11/2025 Virtual Landline £ 8.75 card
B216 30/11/2025 Payroll £ 619.31 bacs
B217 30/11/2025 Nest Pension £ 124.10 DD
B218 30/11/2025 Unity Bank/Service Charge £ 6.00 DD
B219 30/11/2025 Lloyds Monthly Fee £ 3.00 card
B220 19/10/2025 Microsoft 365 £ 84.99 cards
B221 21/09/2025 MRH Services/SID sign relocation £ 38.50 bacs
B222 31/10/2025 MRH Services/PLAY Area Inspection £ 86.00 bacs
B223 28/11/2025 Shield Maintenance Ltd/Bin Emptying £ 54.59 bacs
B224 06/11/2025 Greenfield Farm Tree Barn £ 236.00 bacs
B225 28/11/2025 Oxfordshire County Council/Bollards £ 2,410.94 bacs
B226 28/10/2025 OALC Training – Planning VT £ 78.00 bacs
b) To note the list of receipts
None
17) To receive updates from Councillors:
a) Cllr Littleboy –
i) Sandleigh Road Recreation Ground
ii) Road Verges Grass Cutting
b) Cllr M Rusby
i) Highways Issues
ii) community use of Cothill School Sports Hall
c) Cllr S Rusby
i) Airfield Matters
ii) Fireworks Events
d) Cllr Bahu
i) Dalton Barracks Development
18) Planning:
a) To consider any Planning Applications received:
Reference
Location/Description
Date Registered
P25/V2536/T28
Opposite 1 Sycamore Close Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6ER
Installation of 1 x 9m light wooden pole
21 November 2025
P25/V2423/HH
11 November 2025
170 Cothill Road Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JW
Uplift extension and renovation to existing Bungalow
P25/V2400/HH
16 Rookery Close Shippon Abingdon OX13 6LY
Two storey side and single storey rear extensions
P25/V2337/T28
7 November 2025
Dunmore Court Wootton Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6BH
Removal of 6no. existing M1 MIMA antennas (2no. per sector) and the installation of 9no.
new VMO2 antennas (3no. per sector) mounted to new support poles on a reinforced
CommScope headframe. A total of 12no. RRUs (4no. per sector) will be installed on the new
headframe using FPKP pole brackets, together with 1no. 300 diameter transmission dish
mounted to a support pole below the headframe. The monopole will be structurally
strengthened to accommodate the new equipment, with its ladder and safety arrest system
refitted as part of the works.
30 October 2025
P25/V2125/HH
The Old Malt House 48 Church Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JP
Installation of a freestanding greenhouse in the front garden.
P25/V2251/DIS
23 October 2025
Land at Honeybottom Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon
Discharge of conditions 4 (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan), 6 (Features for
Protected and Priority Species) and 7 (Tree Protection) plus discharge of General Biodiversity
Gain Condition on planning application P25/V0642/FUL (Erection of an agricultural barn with
associated works.)
20 October 2025
b) To note Planning Applications decisions:
Reference
Location/Description
Date Registered
Decision
P25/V2027/FUL
80 Barrow Road Shippon Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6JQ
Detached carport and works to increase height of eastern stone boundary wall (amended
plan received 27 November 2025).
25 September 2025
Planning Permission
P25/V2536/T28
Opposite 1 Sycamore Close Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6ER
Installation of 1 x 9m light wooden pole
21 November 2025
Telcoms Development (28) Granted
P25/V2337/T28
Dunmore Court Wootton Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6BH
Removal of 6no. existing M1 MIMA antennas (2no. per sector) and the installation of 9no.
new VMO2 antennas (3no. per sector) mounted to new support poles on a reinforced
CommScope headframe. A total of 12no. RRUs (4no. per sector) will be installed on the new
headframe using FPKP pole brackets, together with 1no. 300 diameter transmission dish
mounted to a support pole below the headframe. The monopole will be structurally
strengthened to accommodate the new equipment, with its ladder and safety arrest system
refitted as part of the works.
30 October 2025
Telcoms Development (28) Granted
P25/V2251/DIS
Land at Honeybottom Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon
Discharge of conditions 4 (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan), 6 (Features for
Protected and Priority Species) and 7 (Tree Protection) plus discharge of General Biodiversity
Gain Condition on planning application P25/V0642/FUL (Erection of an agricultural barn with
associated works.)
20 October 2025
DIS Details Agreed
P25/V1790/S73
197 Cothill Road Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JW
Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of application P20/V2054/HH.
New roof configuration and internal layout proposed (additional information received 24
October 2025)- PART RETROSPECTIVE (Erection of a garden room for home office and
additional storage.)
3 September 2025
Planning Permission
19) To review and note Communications received and to consider any responses if required
20) To note matters raised by members of the Council and Clerk.
21) Date of next meeting:
To agree the dates of the Parish Council Meetings in 2026
Minutes
Present: Cllr. M. Page (Chair), Cllr R. Bahu, Cllr P. Lane-Evans, Cllr M. Littleboy, Cllr M Rusby, Cllr S. Rusby
Absent: Cllr V. Talbot, David O’Hara
Also in attendance: W Bates (Clerk), District Cllr Robert Clegg, County Cllr James Plumb
1) To note apologies for absence: Cllr V. Talbot, David O’Hara
2) To receive any Declarations of Interest from Councillors relating to items on the Agenda – none
3) To receive updates relating to airfield events and related issues – the calendar of events is still awaited. Car boot sale signs – the Station Staff Officer will be asked to remind the organisers to remove the signs after each sale.
4) To receive reports from District and County Councillors
County Cllr James Plumb – The County Council is consulting on proposals to change how the Fire and Rescue Service operates to better match demand. Some concerns have been raised over potential station closures. Changes to household waste recycling centres are being made which will require residents to book ahead and show ID proving residency within the county. It is likely that a decision will be made about the Local Government Reorganisation in Summer 2026. The resurfacing of Faringdon Road will take place on the 19th February 2026 with Barrow Road to be done at a later date. Improvements will be made to the junction of Faringdon Road and Barrow Road (west end) to make this safer.
District Cllr Robert Clegg – sent in a report covering issues around the Joint Local Plan, Local Government Reorganisation and the Town and Parish Council Cleaning Survey. The Community Use Agreement between Sport England and Cothill School was raised. Under the Agreement, the facility should be made available for use by the Community. This was a condition of planning. Clarification about this is required.
5) To note matters raised by members of the public – issues with speeds on Honeybottom Lane were raised; the traffic caused by the fireworks event resulting in residents not being able to get in or out of the properties at the top of Honeybottom Lane for the duration of the evening was raised.
6) To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 27th October 2025 – it was resolved to approve the minutes.
7) To receive the Clerk’s Report – the Christmas trees in Shippon and Cothill have both been delivered and put up. The Hi-Viz Jackets and bin are yet to be ordered.
8) Governance
a. To consider Health and Safety Issues – consideration was given to safety when planting the bulbs.
b. To appoint a Vice-Chair following the resignation of David Churchouse – It was resolved to appoint Cllr S Rusby as the Vice Chair.
c. To appoint an internal accounts checker following the resignation of David Churchouse – It was resolved to appoint Cllr Littleboy as internal accounts checker.
d. To approve the Staffing Committee Terms of Reference – it was resolved to approve the proposed terms of reference.
e. To agree the appointment to the Staffing Committee – it was resolved to appoint the Chair of the Council, Cllr Bahu and Cllr S Rusby.
f. To agree that the clerk, in consultation with the Planning Working Group, is delegated authority to respond to planning applications between meetings – it was agreed that the Clerk would have delegated authority to respond to planning applications on behalf of the Parish Council.
g. To agree the membership of the Planning Working Group – Cllr M Rusby to oversee the Cothill area, Cllr Talbot to oversee the Shippon area and Cllr Lane-Evans to oversee the Dry Sandford area. These Councillors will be responsible for sending the initial response to a planning application in their area to the other members of the working group. The lead will ask for a reply by a certain date. At least seven days before the deadline to respond to the Planning Authority the area lead Councillor will send the agreed response to the Clerk for submission. The Clerk will discuss any required amendments with the lead Councillor. Where large scale, major applications are received, a full Council meeting may be required. It was agreed that the Clerk would only forward planning applications to members of the Planning Group.
h. To consider any training requirements – Cllr M Rusby and Cllr Lane Evans would like planning training. The Clerk will provide available options.
9) To consider the proposed budget for 2026-27 – It was resolved to approve the proposed budget:
2026/27
Budget
Income Bank Interest 500.00
Grants & Donations Received
OCC- Grass Cutting 1,302.77
Precept 55,237.00
Section 106 & CIL
VAT Refund
57,039.77
Expenditure Administration Bank Charges 132.00
Chair’s Allowance 200.00
Communications incl Website 1,320.00
Election Costs –
Insurance 1,138.00
IT Costs 195.00
Meeting Costs 480.00
Members Expenses 400.00
Membership Fees/Subs 830.00
Office Costs 564.00
Printing, Postage, Stationery 529.00
Professional Fees 950.00
Telephone 130.80
Training/Conferences 1,800.00
Total Administration 8,668.80
Staff Costs Staff Costs 12,005.00
Total Staff Costs 12,005.00
Rec Ground Costs Recreation Ground Maintenance 3,000.00
Adult Exercise Equipment 500.00
Children’s Play Area 948.00
Total Rec Ground Costs 4,448.00
Maintenance Costs Asset Maintenance 500.00
Defibrillator Maintenance 300.00
Litter Disposal 629.88
Speed Indication Device Maintenance 498.00
Verge Cutting 3,200.00
Total Maintenance Costs 5,127.88
Projects Biodiversity 2,000.00
Defibrillator Provision 1,800.00
Community Projects 2,500.00
Professional Advice
Road Safety 6,040.00
Street Furniture Additions
War Memorial Refurbishment
Total Projects 12,340.00
Grants (S137) Grants (S137) 2,000.00
Total Expenditure 44,589.68
Additions to reserves Funds Additions
Chair’s Allowance
CIL
Clerk Sickness Budget
Community Projects
Training/Conferences Provision 1,000.00
Defibrillator
Election Fund
Asset Maintenance – 500.00
Highway Fund 14,500.00
Insurance Excess
Office Equipment – 100.00
Professional Advice incl NP
Recreation Ground Equipment Repairs
Street Furniture (incl noticeboards) – 500.00
Street Lighting
War Memorial Refurbishment 50.00
General Surplus – 2,000.00
Total 12,450.00
Total Expenditure plus additions to funds 57,039.68
10) To agree the precept requirement for the financial year to 31st March 2027 – it was resolved to approve the precept at £55,237.00. This will be an annual sum of £65.08 for a band D property. This is an increase of £3.11 for a band D property compared with the 2025-26 financial year; (this is a 5% increase).
11) To consider the purchase of a Westcotec Automatic Speed Watch Camera (ASWC) at a cost of £3845 ex VAT – it was resolved to approve the purchase of the Westcotec Automatic Speed Watch Camera in the 2026-27 financial year.
12) To discuss establishing a community orchard on the Recreation Ground – it was agreed that the project should be pursued. It was suggested that a consultation should take place to gauge the views of residents. It was also suggested that the Council should approach the Manor School about their orchard.
13) To agree the details of the scam awareness talk in April – Age Concern and F1 of Wootton Community Centre have been booked for 14th April at 2pm. This will be publicised using the local Facebook Groups, websites, email newsletter and the various community newsletters.
14) To note that the footpath from Lashford Lane to The Field has been diverted – this was noted and will be investigated.
15) To consider any grant applications – it was agreed to provide a grant of £500 to the South and Vale Citizens’ Advice.
16) Finance
a. To agree the list of payments and any additional invoices presented for payment since the circulation of the agenda. The following payments were approved:
Ref Date Payee Amount Method
B206 24/10/2025 Royal British Legion/Wreaths £ 49.98 card
B207 27/10/2025 Friends of Dry Sandford School £ 500.00 bacs
B208 11/11/2025 Charlton Park Garden Centre/Daffodils £ 90.00 card
B209 28/10/2025 OALC/Planning Training £ 78.00 bacs
B210 31/10/2025 Shield Maintenance Ltd/Bin Emptying £ 54.59 bacs
B211 29/10/2025 Abingdon Stone & Marble Ltd £ 1,422.00 bacs
B212 05/01/2025 HMRC/PAYE £ 626.54 bacs
B213 11/11/2025 Wootton Parish Council/Newsletter £ 150.00 bacs
B214 11/11/2025 Talk Home Mobile £ 2.74 card
B215 18/11/2025 Virtual Landline £ 8.75 card
B216 30/11/2025 Payroll £ 619.31 bacs
B217 30/11/2025 Nest Pension £ 124.10 DD
B218 30/11/2025 Unity Bank/Service Charge £ 6.00 DD
B219 30/11/2025 Lloyds Monthly Fee £ 3.00 card
B220 19/10/2025 Microsoft 365 £ 84.99 cards
B221 21/09/2025 MRH Services/SID sign relocation £ 38.50 bacs
B222 31/10/2025 MRH Services/PLAY Area Inspection £ 86.00 bacs
B223 28/11/2025 Shield Maintenance Ltd/Bin Emptying £ 54.59 bacs
B224 06/11/2025 Greenfield Farm Tree Barn £ 236.00 bacs
B225 28/11/2025 Oxfordshire County Council/Bollards £ 2,410.94 bacs
B226 27/10/2025 Prince of Wales/Meeting Room £ 40.00 bacs
B227 08/12/2025 Prince of Wales/Shippon News £ 20.00 bacs
B228 31/12/2025 Payroll £ 619.51 bacs
B229 31/12/2025 Nest Pension £ 124.10 DD
b. To note the list of receipts – None
17) To receive updates from Councillors:
a. Cllr Littleboy –
• Sandleigh Road Recreation Ground – report submitted.
b. Cllr M Rusby
• Highways Issues – this has been covered.
• Community use of Cothill School Sports Hall – this has been covered.
c. Cllr S Rusby
• Airfield Matters – this has been previously covered
• Fireworks Events – conversations have taken place about the concerns about the traffic caused by the event together with the through traffic. The Council will continue to engage with the Safety Advisory Group, the Organiser and the Station Staff Officer.
d. Cllr Bahu
• Dalton Barracks Development – there is no progress on this at this stage
18) Planning:
a. To consider any Planning Applications received. No comments were raised about any of the applications.
Reference
Location/Description Date Registered
P25/V2536/T28
Opposite 1 Sycamore Close Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6ER
Installation of 1 x 9m light wooden pole 2025 21 November 2025
P25/V2423/HH
170 Cothill Road Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JW
Uplift extension and renovation to existing Bungalow 11 November 2025
P25/V2400/HH
16 Rookery Close Shippon Abingdon OX13 6LY
Two storey side and single storey rear extensions 7 November 2025
P25/V2337/T28
Dunmore Court Wootton Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6BH
Removal of 6no. existing M1 MIMA antennas (2no. per sector) and the installation of 9no. new VMO2 antennas (3no. per sector) mounted to new support poles on a reinforced CommScope headframe. A total of 12no. RRUs (4no. per sector) will be installed on the new headframe using FPKP pole brackets, together with 1no. 300 diameter transmission dish mounted to a support pole below the headframe. The monopole will be structurally strengthened to accommodate the new equipment, with its ladder and safety arrest system refitted as part of the works.
30 October 2025
P25/V2125/HH
The Old Malt House 48 Church Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JP
Installation of a freestanding greenhouse in the front garden. 23 October 2025
P25/V2251/DIS
Land at Honeybottom Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon
Discharge of conditions 4 (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan), 6 (Features for Protected and Priority Species) and 7 (Tree Protection) plus discharge of General Biodiversity Gain Condition on planning application P25/V0642/FUL (Erection of an agricultural barn with associated works.)
20 October 2025
b. To note Planning Applications decisions. The following decisions were noted.
Reference
Location/Description
Date Registered
Decision
P25/V2027/FUL
80 Barrow Road Shippon Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6JQ
Detached carport and works to increase height of eastern stone boundary wall (amended plan received 27 November 2025).
25 September 2025
Planning Permission Granted
P25/V2536/T28
Opposite 1 Sycamore Close Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6ER
Installation of 1 x 9m light wooden pole
21 November 2025
Telcoms Development (28) Granted
P25/V2337/T28
Dunmore Court Wootton Road Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 6BH
Removal of 6no. existing M1 MIMA antennas (2no. per sector) and the installation of 9no. new VMO2 antennas (3no. per sector) mounted to new support poles on a reinforced CommScope headframe. A total of 12no. RRUs (4no. per sector) will be installed on the new headframe using FPKP pole brackets, together with 1no. 300 diameter transmission dish mounted to a support pole below the headframe. The monopole will be structurally strengthened to accommodate the new equipment, with its ladder and safety arrest system refitted as part of the works.
30 October 2025
Telcoms Development (28) Granted
P25/V2251/DIS
Land at Honeybottom Lane Dry Sandford Abingdon
Discharge of conditions 4 (Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan), 6 (Features for Protected and Priority Species) and 7 (Tree Protection) plus discharge of General Biodiversity Gain Condition on planning application P25/V0642/FUL (Erection of an agricultural barn with associated works.)
20 October 2025 DIS Details Agreed
P25/V1790/S73
197 Cothill Road Dry Sandford Abingdon OX13 6JW
Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans) and 3 (Materials) of application P20/V2054/HH. New roof configuration and internal layout proposed (additional information received 24 October 2025)- PART RETROSPECTIVE (Erection of a garden room for home office and additional storage.)
3 September 2025
Planning Permission Granted
19) To review and note Communications received and to consider any responses if required – an issue with lorries delivering to the airbase was received.
A resident raised the issue of the light pollution caused by the lights from the car park at the Manor School to local residents. The residents should contact the school to resolve this issue.
20) To note matters raised by members of the Council and Clerk – none.
21) Date of next meeting:
To agree the dates of the Parish Council Meetings in 2026:
12-Jan
16-Feb
30-Mar
11-May
22-Jun
03-Aug
21-Sep
02-Nov
14-Dec
The meeting closed at: 21:38
