Parish Council Meeting 24-11-2025
1. Apologies for absence
2. Balance at bank
3. To decide the Precept bid for 2026-27 – projections previously circulated to PC
4. Update on submissions to CDC regarding application for change of use for largest barn at Evenlode Grounds to a Class 1 hotel
5. To decide nature of submissions to CDC regarding Local Plan Regulation 18 Consultation.
6. Report from CDC Ward Councillor David Cunningham
7. Report from GCC Councillor Daryl Corps
7. To note the existence of Publica Group which is the new CDC unit concerned with flood prevention.
8. A.O.B.
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 24th NOVEMBER 2026
PRESENT: Charles Watson, Rosie Northampton, Brad & Jamie Hooker, Tim & Judy Proger, Steve Ferris, Philly Faber, Angie Hunt Ben Peters
COUNCILLORS: Chris Johnston, Jamie Mackie, Wendy Dancer, John Homes, Jan Lesser
CLERK Jan Lesser:
MINUTES
1. Apologies for absence; John Latham, GCC Councillor Daryl Corps
2. Balance at bank; £ 9484-77
3. Precept Bid 2026-7: the Councillors considered the financial projections and unanimously agreed to ask for a 2% increase.
4. Evenlode Grounds – applications for Class Q and R changes of use to farm buildings.
CDC Ward Councillor David Cunningham gave his views on what basis the Parish Council and residents could submit objections to the Class R application for change of use of an agricultural barn to hotel use.. (1) Because Evenlode is not in the National Landscape its status as a SLA ( with fewer restrictions on development than NL) and it being in zone 1 lowest flood risk, means that those two topics could not realistically be used as a basis for objection. However, objections on Highways grounds should be made by us at this stage. (2) GCC Highways is not strictly permitted to object on sustainability of the site at this stage, but it had stated that it believes the site is unsustainable for the proposed use even though it had not identified any Highways grounds for objecting at this stage to the change of use. In this way it had laid down a marker regarding sustainability of the site as a proposed hotel vis a vis highways, for further more in-depth consideration as and when a full planning application for development of the site will be lodged. (3) Similarly, Evenlode PC and residents can indicate its objection to change of use on highways grounds at this stage, and then when the full planning application is lodged it can expand on this ground vis a vis sustainability of the local network of roads as well as impact on landscape; dark skies; views from the many PROWS, and amenity. It is clear that the vast majority of travel to and from any hotel would be by vehicle. With no pavements, white lines or lighting the viability of the local lanes network will be a significant and material consideration in any future planning application. Ben Peters said that, from his experience at Home Farm Barns, he felt GCC Highways were becoming more conservative and interventionist in planning applications.
There was then some discussion as to whether the Class Q application would require a full planning application for development, or whether Building Regulations in Permitted Development could be stretched to cover the nature of the changes likely to be needed to make these into 10 holiday lets. DC will ask the Planning Officer her view and let us know in due course.
5. Responses to the CDC Reg 18 Consultation on Moreton in Marsh development: CDC Ward |Councillor DC said that it would be a good idea for everyone to answer the questions posed in the Consultation document as well as submitting statements that it is untenable to propose to double the size of MiM in the absence of detailed plans and undertakings regarding infrastructure. This Consultation is abroad brush approach to assess the views of the people affected. DC stated that (1) the road network (which has no lighting no pavements and no white lines) deteriorates rapidly immediately outside the town centre and is insufficient to sustain large development. (2) Also the SLA immediately outside the town centre is still considered very important because it is unspoilt allowing flora and fauna to flourish. Its unspoilt aspect would be altered completely if excessive development is allowed and flooding would result. The Clerk and Steve Ferris will get together to come up with detailed submissions for the current consultation which specifically address issues affecting Evenlode and its immediate surroundings. Further details on infrastructure will not be available before the end of the Reg 18 consultation period. It will be given by CDC when the Reg 19 Consultation commences and obviously we should make submissions then as the results for the Call for Sites will be known then.
6. Already dealt with, and DC states he is always available for help on any of the topics covered this evening as well as any other issues residents have.
7. The report from GCC Councillor Daryl Corps will be circulated when it is received.
8. Publica Group’s responsibility for flood prevention is noted and discussions are going on between their representative and Parish Councillors.
9. AOB: the posts in front of the Martlett Public Footpath are in place and the swings have been refurbished.
The Clerk was authorised to employ anyone who could help her set up he new Parish email system. The new Parish Website had been created and the old one will be cancelled completely. The Clerk will advise all residents when the new gov.uk email commences and the old evenlodeclerk@gmail.com address is no longer available to use.
There being no further business the meeting concluded at 7-10p.m.