The Meeting of North Wraxall Parish Council took place on 14th May 2026 at 7.00pm at North Wraxall Village Hall. The following members participated:
IN THE CHAIR: Cllr S Miller (SM),
PRESENT: Cllrs:) A Knight (AK), C.Trump (CT), T.Spearman (TS)
In attendance: Unitary Cllr J.Atkey (JA)
1. To Elect the Chairman of the Council and to receive the Chairman’s Declaration of Office – Sue Miller proposed as Chairwoman and seconded by Clinton Trump
2. To Elect the Vice Chairman of the Council and to receive the Vice Chairman’s Declaration of Office- Alexandra Knight proposed and seconded by Tom Spearman.
3. To receive and approve apologies for absence – Glenys Gill (GG)
4. To Receive any Declaration of Interest from Members – None
5. To Receive Appoint Lead Councillor to the following:
5.1 Highways (Parish Steward) – Alexandra Knight (AK)
5.2 Planning – All
5.3 Assets (Register/Risk Assessments) – Alexandra Knight (AK)
5.4 IT/Communications (Website/Social Media) – Sue Miller (SM)
5.5 Governance (Policies & Procedures) – Sue Miller (SM)
5.6 Finance / HR (Precept/Salaries/Funding/Staff) – Anne Godwin (AG)
6. To Appoint Councillor Representatives for:
6.1 Chippenham Rural Forum (CRF) – All
6.2 Chippenham Area Board (CAB) – All
6.3 Chippenham Area Local Highways and Footpaths Investment Group (LHFIG}- S Miller (SM) and Tom Spearman (TS)
6.4 Neighbourhood Watch – Sue Miller (SM)
6.5 Community Hall, North Wraxall – Anne Godwin (AG)
7. To Receive and Adopt North Wraxall Parish Council Assets Inventory and Risk Assessment – Adopted
7.1 AK to resubmit quotes for Noticeboards in Upper Wraxall, Mountain Bower and North Wraxall.
7.2 AK submitted costs of £84 for replacement posts & rails for UW pond fence. Quote to remove damaged & install new to be obtained.
7.3 AK submitted quote to remove silt from Silt Bed of £1468 + VAT. Further quotes to be obtained.
8. To Receive and Approve Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25 – 7.00pm on 2nd Thursday bi-monthly – Adopted and approved by ALL
9. To Adopt Chairman’s Report for 203/2523 (As reported at the Annual Parish Meeting & incorporated in the 2026 -2029 Strategic Plan – adopted and approved by ALL
10. To Adopt Existing:
10.1 Financial Regulations- adopted by ALL
10.2 Standing Orders – adopted by ALL
10.3 Current Policies and Procedures – adopted by ALL
11. To Receive & Adopt Power of General Competence – approved by ALL
12. To Approve the Appointment of Margaret Carey as Internal Auditor – approved by ALL
13. Public Question Time – Jon Atkey present
14. To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 12th March 2026 – approved by Sue Miller (SM)
15. To Receive & Act Upon Rolling Action List – received and acted upon.
16. Finance
16.1 To Receive & Approve Statement of Accounts Year End 31.03.2026 – received, approved and signed by SM
16.2 To Receive & Approve Statement of Account for 30.04.2026 – received, approved and signed by SM
16.3 To Receive Internal Audit Report – received
16.4 To Approve Certificate of Exemption 2025-26 – approved and signed by SM
16.5 To Receive & Approve Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2025-26 Section 1 – approved and signed by SM
16.6 To Receive & Approve Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2025-26 Section 2 – approved and signed by SM
16.7 To Approve Notice of Public Rights – approved
16.8 To Approve Payments for April/May/June 2026 – approved and signed by SM
16.9 To Approve Clerk’s Salary to be paid quarterly at SCP26 in line with Fellow level SLCC, Qualifications and 20 years’ experience. – approved
16.10 To Approve Direct Debit to Lloyds Bank re monthly charges – approved
17. Governance
17.1 To Receive and Approve Actions from Lead Office & Representatives Reports (reports circulated prior to meeting). Approved
17.2 To Receive for Discussion and Adoption North Wraxall Parish Council Strategic Plan 2026/27 -2028/29 – received
17.3 To Receive and Approve Actions on North Wraxall Parish: Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme – SM/TS. Acted upon.
17.4 To Receive and Approve Actions on Wiltshire Wildlife Natural Flood Management Walks – TS. Awaiting updates from Wilts Council.
18. Highways
18.1 To Receive for Approval Highways Improvement Request for speed reduction to 20mph through Ford Village – TS. Approval and submission of request to Kirsty Rose granted by Parish Council.
18.2 A420 Traffic Calming & Drains Update – TS. Installation of signs by WC for Ford pedestrian crossing to be chased up. PC to erect SIDS on private land – permission granted by landowners. . SIDs on Highways to gain approval from Wilts Council.
18.2A C151 Traffic Calming Updates – TS. NWPC approved narrowing of road and signs on C151.Rport displacement of kerbstones via My wilts and direct to Kirsty Rose
18.3 The Shoe – Traffic Calming & Pedestrian Measurers Updates – SM. Chippenham Area Board to sign off 40mph zone on 1st June 2026. Pedestrian Crossing at The Shoe now off NWPC books.
19. Planning
19.1 To Receive Notification of Planning Applications Received:
19.1.1 PL/2026/02243 Rose Cottage, Lower North Wraxall, SN14 7AD
Proposal: T1 Horse Chestnut – Crown raise to 7 metres from ground level to remove ongoing impact and contact from high- sided vehicles; inspect entire crown to assess general condition; crown-clean and dead wood as necessary; further target prune laterally by up to a maximum of 3 metres, variable to maintain crown form and stability, terminating at appropriate pruning points. T2 Walnut – Reduce laterally by maximum 3 metres on eastern aspect to restore balance to crown after SSE have reduced on western aspect to maintain power line clearance. NO OBJECTION
19.1.2 PL2026/01001 Plough Farm, North Wraxall, SN14 7AR
Proposal: Demolition of existing single storey section and erection of two storey extension. NO OBJECTION
19.1.3 PL2026/02352 Home Farm, Upper North Wraxall, SN14 7AG
Proposal: Erection of Greenhouse – NO OBJECTION
19.1.4 PL2026/02529 SPRING LANE COTTAGE, LOWER NORTH WRAXALL, SN14 7AA
Proposal: Fell Cherry tree – NO OBJECTIONS
19.2 To receive Notification of Planning Applications Determined
19.2.1 PL/2026/00171 1 THE HOLLOW, LOWER NORTH WRAXALL, CHIPPENHAM, SN14 7AB
Proposal: Ash tree – Prune the branches to achieve 1-2 meter clearance of electricity lines. NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.2 PL2026/00530 Spring Lane Cottage, Lower North Wraxall, SN14 7AA
Proposal: Ash and horse Chestnut Trees (10 in number) – all suffering from a level of disease/ deterioration – fell. NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.3 PL2026/00631 Court Close Farm, Lower North Wraxall, SN14 7AF
Proposal: The erection of a covered structure for the farmyard manure (FYM) storage NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.4 PL2026/00735 Southwood Cottage, Lower North Wraxall, SN14 7AA
Proposal: T1 Ash – Fell NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.5 PL2026/00777 Fosse Barn, North Wraxall, SN14 7PQ
Proposal: Single storey extension to rear of existing dwelling – Resubmission on PL/2023/01109
NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.6 PL2025/01001 Plough Farm, North Wraxall, SN14 7AR
Proposal: Demolition of single storey section and erection of two storey extension NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.7 PL/2026/01250 Highfield House, Richards Drive, Upper North Wraxall, SN14 7AZ
Proposal: Single storey extension, internal and external alterations and associated external works. NO OBJECTIONS
19.2.8 PL/2026/01456 High Cross Barn, Upper North Wraxall, SN14 7AG
Proposal: T1 – Lime tree – 30% reduction NO OBJECTIONS
20. Clerks Report (for information only circulated prior to meeting)
WALC Training Bulletin
PCC Issue #16 Keeping Cllrs Informed
Wiltshire Future Energy Landscapes (FEL) Project
Attendance at Internal Audit Conference in Reading
Attendance at S106 & CIL Workshop. (Virtual)
Home Working Tax Allowance
Jon Atkey spoke. Interest from members of Wilts Council in supporting an Avon River Rights Charter with the support of local residents, businesses or those with an interest in looking after the river catchment area. Wiltshire Council to sign off on a new 15 year housing supply as requested by Central Government. The target has increased by 80% for Wiltshire Council.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 8.53pm
The next Meeting of North Wraxall Parish Council will be on Thursday 9th July at 7.00pm at North Wraxall Community Hall.
Rolling action list
| PC Dept | ||
| Item | Action | |
| Highways | Listed as LHFIGs Priority 2. GW met with WC Eng. 30.03.23 Work in hand due to commence Spring 2024 | |
| C151 Traffic 2024 | Improvement of C151 from White Hart to Lord Kings gate white lines at the edge will slow traffic plus warning signage notifying | |
| likelihood of pedestrians on the road. The total cost will be £3000, cost to NWPC will be £900 (ie 30%). The design will be by WC. | ||
| White lines do not allow for pedestrians and no signage in place. WC informed and have issued work notice.25.01.24 Payment witheld | GG | |
| until remedial work completed. Chairman & Clerk attended LHFIG Mtg 16.10.25 and asked when the work would | ||
| be completed as it is now 24mths since it was promised and it is no longer showing on the Tracker RK to follow up. | ||
| 30.01.26 | SM, TS,GG met with KR in Ford on 30th Jan. KR agreed to pedestrian stick figs when white lines remedial work carried out. TS asked about | |
| putting a pavement along the north side of C151 from The Dene to opposite the Kissing Gate. KR said this would be a major undertaking | ||
| equiring a Substantive bid and would provide details along with a topographical report of the area. | ||
| C151 Traffic | Give Way signage proposed at Mount Scylla Farm Gates and Mount Scylla Cottage to stop speeding traffic coming down the hill. | |
| GG applied to LHFIG and the scheme is under consideration. No costings available. LHFIG 16.10.25 have turned down this request | ||
| 30.01.26 | as they feel there is inssuficient waiting room for vehicles. A warning sign of oncoming traffic outside Mt Scylla agreed but no | |
| road markings. Costs £500 PC % contribution not specified. | ||
| TS preparing a Substantive bid for funding for pedestrian safety through Ford village. AGENDA ITEM 18.1 | TS | |
| (Ford Crossing) | The McMillan Walk is publicising the route for walker as crossing the road at the Castle Combe turning rather than walking up | |
| to the new crossing and using e the footpath. Clerk has contacted McMillan to change their route instructions. AGENDA Item 18.1 | GG | |
| The Shoe | SID now in situ and gathering information. Confirmation of speed reduction and costs tbc in April. AGENDA ITEM 18.3 | SM/CT |
| Mountain Bower | Village signage removed some years ago by WC. Clerk has chased replacement. Still no movement. | GG |
| A420 Horse Death | An LHFIG request made for Rider & Horse Signage on the A420 and a chicane installed to slow down horses exiting from the bridleway. | GG |
| Assets | ||
| UW stone plinth | 69% UW residents wish to reinstate the St Aldhelm cross. GG rec’d confirmation that the plinth is grade listed, pre planning form rec’d. | |
| Land Registry checked for ownership of land on which the plinth stands. C.G.Goodchild Ltd will be undertaking the plinth restoration | ||
| and installing the cross. Martin Elphick has designed a modern Saxon Cross sculpted with the Tree of Life. A plywood model has been | ||
| displayed at the Annuyal Parish Meeting for the local community to view. We are now in touch with Rev Ollie Ross (Malmsbury Abbey) | ||
| and interest from other St Aldheln Cross Villages on the Pilgrim Way. Pre-Planning submission has been made and funding is in place. | ||
| Now awaiting further instructions from the Conservation Officer at WC. | GH | |
| Defibrillator &Bleed | The Shoe Garage installed the defibrillator to the wall of the garage. The Clerk spoke to the Landlord of The White Hart | |
| Packs | Confirmation received from brewery happy to have the the defib installed at The White Hart but they cannot accept responsibility | |
| for the equipment TS following up. | ||
| Place | Item | Action |
| Assets Cont. | ||
| Upper Wraxall | Wooden fencing around the Pond Green, TS & SM to look into repair/replace funding from National Landscape Funds. | TS/SM |
| The Shoe | Heritage Noticeboard SM to obtain costs for installation at The Shoe. | SM |
| Governance | ||
| Roz Savage MP | SM toprepare a proposal to present to the MP to argue in parliament that speeding fines from cameras on local roads should go to local | SM |
| police. | ||
| Strategic Plan | Cllrs to attend a workshop to update the Plan. Date set 13th April 6.00pm at The White Hart, Ford. | ALL |
Year end bank reconcilliation
| North Wraxall Parish Council | ||||||
| Bank Reconciliation | ||||||
| Current Account | ||||||
| Balance Bfwd 01.04.25 |
700.32 |
Bank | 31.03.26 |
1508.26 |
||
| Income |
29607.21 |
|||||
| Expenditure |
-28799.27 |
|||||
|
1508.26 |
1508.26 |
|||||
| Reserve Account | ||||||
| Balance Bfwd 01.04.23 |
29,663.60 |
Bank | 31.03.26 |
22,709.67 |
||
| Income |
6326.05 |
|||||
| Expenditure |
-13279.98 |
|||||
|
22,709.67 |
22709.67 |
|||||
| Total |
24217.93 |
|||||
| Pond | Admin | Highways | CIL | Precept | control | |
| Bal Bfwd 01.04.24 |
4500.00 |
1909.80 |
21000.00 |
2253.80 |
29663.60 |
|
| 2025/26 |
96.00 |
203.87 |
-5375.98 |
-2253.80 |
-7329.91 |
|
| Bal Transfer |
375.98 |
375.98 |
||||
|
4596.00 |
2113.67 |
16000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
22709.67 |
|
Bank reconciliation until 30.04.2026
| North Wraxall Parish Council | |||||||||
| Bank Reconciliation | 30.04.26 | ||||||||
| Current Account | |||||||||
| Balance Bfwd 01.04.26 |
1508.26 |
Bank | 30.04.26 |
3598.42 |
|||||
| Income |
11125.74 |
-2240.02 |
|||||||
| Expenditure |
-11275.60 |
||||||||
|
1358.40 |
1358.40 |
||||||||
| Reserve Account | |||||||||
| Balance Bfwd 01.04.23 |
22,709.67 |
Bank | 30.04.26 |
31,719.43 |
|||||
| Income |
9009.76 |
||||||||
| Expenditure | |||||||||
|
31,719.43 |
31,719.43 |
||||||||
| Total |
33077.83 |
||||||||
| Pond | Admin | Highways | Precept | control | |||||
| Bal Bfwd 01.04.26 |
4596.00 |
2113.67 |
16000.00 |
0.00 |
22709.67 |
||||
| 30.04.26 |
3200.00 |
9.76 |
1000.00 |
4800.00 |
9009.76 |
||||
|
7796.00 |
2123.43 |
17000.00 |
4800.00 |
31719.43 |
|||||
| April-June Payments | |||||||||
| 10.04.26 | Community First | Insurance Update |
20.23 |
||||||
| Nettl | Printing |
11.10 |
|||||||
| 1.05.26 | WALC/NALC | Subscription |
172.24 |
||||||
| M.Carey | Internal Audit |
50.00 |
|||||||
| Lloyds Bank | 2 x Mthly Costs |
8.50 |
|||||||
| 28.06.26 | G A Gill/HMRC | 1st Quarter Salary |
2009.28 |
||||||
|
2271.35 |
|||||||||
Notice of public rights
NORTH WRAXALL PARISH COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (EXEMPT AUTHORITY)
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 25, 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)
|
NOTICE |
NOTES |
|
1. Date of announcement:___Tuesday 2nd June026_ (a) 2. Each year the smaller authority prepares an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). The AGAR has been published with this notice. It will not be reviewed by the appointed auditor, since the smaller authority has certified itself as exempt from the appointed auditor’s review. Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the AGAR, the accounting records for the financial year to which it relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2026, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to: (b) G.A.Gill Clerk/RFO, North Wraxall Parish Council 20, Fairview, Thickwood, Colerne Wiltshire SN14 8BS commencing on (c) __Wednesday 3 June 2026 _______________________
and ending on (d) ___Tuesday 14 July 2026 ________________________ 3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:
The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only. 4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is only subject to review by the appointed auditor if questions or objections raised under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 lead to the involvement of the auditor. The appointed auditor is: PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team) 30 Churchill Place London E14 5RE 5. This announcement is made by (e) Glenys A Gill Clerk/RFO |
(a) Insert date of placing of the notice which must be not less than 1 day before the date in (c) below (b) Insert name, position and address/telephone number/ email address, as appropriate, of the Clerk or other person to which any person may apply to inspect the accounts (c) Insert date, which must be at least 1 day after the date of announcement in (a) above and exactly 30 working days before the date appointed in (d) below (d) The inspection period between (c) and (d) must be 30 working days inclusive and must include the first 10 working days of July. (e) Insert name and position of person placing the notice – this person must be the responsible financial officer for the smaller authority |