June 2026 DRAFT Minutes

MINUTES OF BIERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON       

Monday 15th June 2026 at 7pm at the Jubilee Hall, Bierton

DRAFT

Present: Cllr S Cotton, Cllr L Fisher, Cllr S Knowles, Cllr C Monticolombi, Cllr S Kennedy, Cllr L Harridge, Cllr S Feeney,     Cllr J Ward (BC), Cllr K Gibbon (BC) 1 member of the public and the Clerk Mrs Wendy Tomlinson

  1. APOLOGIES – Cllr H Smith & Cllr M Grieves – Apologies were received and accepted.
  2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – None
  3. MATTERS/ACTIONS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
    • Cllr Feeney reported that Bucks Community Energy have carried out the energy assessments today. Several
    suggestions were made. Reports to follow. To be discussed further when the reports are received.
    • The old fire extinguisher brackets have been removed and the walls made good.
    • The contractor for the Jubilee Hall roof has been instructed. Cllr Cotton reported that the work is expected to be
    completed in July. The roof needs to be completely dry.
    • Cllr Cotton confirmed that the Sports Centre redecoration is planned for the Summer. Cllr Knowles confirmed the
    colour as Glacier for the Sound Absorption panels and the contractor has confirmed the dates for 1st & 2nd
    September. Risk assessment and method statements will be provided before the work is started.
    • Cllr Fisher reported that the Self Guided Mystery Walk is nearly complete and that she will add a map to it.
    • The Parish Council is now registered with Joy Marketplace.
  4. MINUTES – The minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on the 18th May 2026 were agreed as an accurate
    record and duly signed by the chair.
  5. PUBLIC FORUM – Nothing raised.
    REGULAR UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLORS
    • Cllr Gibbon reported that the Library flex hours have been increased at Aylesbury. The increased hours are from
    8am-8pm on weekdays from April until October.
    • Cllr Gibbon reported that if there is a problem with the water supply over the Summer, Thames Water have a
    Priority Services Register which provides additional help and bottled water supplies for vulnerable people. More
    information can be found at: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/get-extra-help/priority-services
    • Cllr Gibbon reported that an ePetition is expected to go live on the Buckinghamshire Council website on 16th June
    to review the A418, Aylesbury Road. The outcome of the Safety Audit is still awaited for the traffic calming.
    • Cllr Ward reported that the abandoned trailer in the layby on Burcott Lane has been reported to Thames Valley
    Police and Buckinghamshire Highways as it was seen with the hatch open and the door wedged open. Cllr Ward
    reported that there are gas canisters inside it. The hatch and door were still open today. Cllr Ward has
    subsequently reported it to Sgt Cowdrey and is awaiting a response.
  6. PLANNING APPLICATIONS & PLANNING MATTERS –
    • PL/26/02616/FA Full Planning Permission Grove Farm , 22 Rowsham Road, Bierton, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5DZ
    Proposed residential development including external and internal alterations to the existing farmhouse and dairy,
    demolition of existing outbuilding and new glazed link between farmhouse and dairy, conversion of 2 no. traditional
    farm outbuildings into 2 no. dwellings and erection of 5 no. new dwellings following the demolition of covered open
    fronted shed, garage, bull pen and modern agricultural buildings along with alteration to existing access and
    associated works Comment submitted 8th June 2026. Bierton Parish Council resolved to support this
    application.
    • PL/26/02617/HB Listed Building Consent for alterations, extension or demolition of a listed building Grove Farm ,
    22 Rowsham Road, Bierton, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5DZ Proposed residential development including external and
    internal alterations to the existing farmhouse and dairy, demolition of existing outbuilding and new glazed link
    between farmhouse and dairy, conversion of 2 no. traditional farm outbuildings into 2 no. dwellings and erection of
    5 no. new dwellings following the demolition of covered open-fronted shed, garage, bull pen and modern
    agricultural buildings along with alteration to existing access and associated work Comment submitted 8th JuneBierton Parish Council resolved to support this application.
    • PL/26/02275/FA Full Planning Permission Aylesbury Golf Centre Ltd , Hulcott Lane, Bierton, Buckinghamshire,
    HP22 5GA Installation of two purpose-built padel courts positioned back to back and running parallel to the existing
    12-hole Adventure Golf course – All agreed to support. Clerk to submit comment.
    • 23/01995/AOP | Outline planning application for up to 115 dwellings with access included for consideration and up
    to 4ha for sports pitches/recreational open space and informal open space including cricket pitch, youth football
    pitches, padel courts, clubhouse/changing room building and associated access car parking | Land To The South
    Of The A418, To The West Of Gib Lane And North Of Kingsbrook Village 4 Aylesbury Bucks – Cllr Cotton
    reported that outline permission has been approved from the Planning Officer’s recommendation. A
    discussion took place regarding what options we have as this is in the Parish of Bierton. Cllr Cotton will
    write to Buckinghamshire Council.
  7. CLERKS REPORT –
    • Kompan have carried out the works to the Wehopper. Cllr Smith has checked it and reports that it is much better.
    The Clerk will now pay the invoice.
    • The Clerk has contacted Community Payback to ask if they can clear around the Jubilee Hall again and also the
    footpath between Rowsham Road & Cane End Lane later in the year.
  8. FINANCE & ORDERS – Clerk reported 5 additional payments. Payments and receipts which had been circulated to
    Councillors ahead of the meeting were agreed upon with the financial receipts, payments, and proposed payment
    schedule.
  9. ANNUAL GOVERNANCE REVIEW & ANNUAL RETURN
    • Annual Internal Audit Report was received and noted.
    • Annual Governance Statement was approved by the Council and duly signed by the Chair and RFO.
    • Annual Accounting Statements were approved by the Council and duly signed by the Chair and RFO.
    • The Explanation of Variances were approved by the Council.
    The Clerk will now submit the Annual Governance and Annual Return to the external auditor.
  10. MANAGEMENT OF HALLS – Cllr Knowles raised the trial of a hall booking system and suggested we recruit a student
    to look at this over the Summer holidays as the Clerk does not have the time. Cllr Cotton and the Clerk will need to be
    involved with providing information to put into the system before it can be tested. A discussion took place regarding the
    management of the halls and what is involved. Cllr Cotton has been managing both halls voluntarily for a number of
    years and wishes to relinquish this task. Cllr Ward suggested that it may need more than one person to manage the
    halls and respond to calls. Clerk to ask local students if they would like to set up and test the hall booking system.
  11. BIERTON EVENTS GROUP – The future of Bierton Events Group was discussed. Cllr Cotton proposed that the group
    be run in accordance with the constitution in terms of finance and decision making. Cllr Knowles reported that some
    members have left and there are possibly more members that wish to leave. Cllr Knowles reported that to progress
    further new volunteers will be needed and if the group continues, he would expect it to remain as a working party with
    the Parish Council. It was agreed that Cllr Knowles and Cllr Cotton will discuss further outside of the meeting. Clerk to
    add to the September agenda.     Cllr Knowles reported that Bierton Events have agreed to donate a further £250.00 to
    ‘Biertonfest’ as it is a community event.
  12. GIB LANE COMMUNITY FUND – Cllr Cotton suggested applying for a grant for an outside table tennis table which will
    cost approximately £1,000.00. Cllr Knowles pointed out that it would need to be installed properly and this will add to the
    cost. Cllr Cotton also suggested applying for a grant to provide planters which would be situated at either end of the
    village. A discussion took place around the maintenance of them. All agreed. Cllr Cotton to research prices for planters.
    Cllr Knowles will look for the best place to position a table tennis table at the recreation ground.
  13. NEW STREETLIGHT – ROWSHAM ROAD – An email from a Parishioner requesting a streetlight and the reasons for it
    by the new houses in Rowsham Road was circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting. The Clerk explained the
    research results relating to legal obligation and the cost involved. Cllr Knowles reported that he had also spoken to a
    Parishioner who lives in Rowsham Road. It was also pointed out that at the time of the planning application (2018), the
    Parish Council suggested that two streetlights be provided by the applicant and that the Parish Council would take over
    the maintenance of them. This was not mentioned in the approval document. It was agreed that due to the cost
    involved, the Parish Council are not in a position to provide a new streetlight. It was suggested that the Parishioner
    contact the developer directly. Cllr Knowles proposed that the Parish Council contact the local PCSO to patrol that area
    of Rowsham Road. Clerk to respond to Parishioner and contact PCSO.
  14. SIMPLY WALK – Simply Walk is a Buckinghamshire Council initiative which consists of organised walks which are
    volunteer-led. Cllr Cotton has been approached by a resident to ask to set one up in Bierton. There are several set up
    locally in Watermead, Bedgrove, Wing and Aston Clinton. Cllr Monticolombi suggested gauging interest first. Cllr
    Feeney would be happy to be part of a team leading the walks. Cllr Fisher will look at the website and publish
    something in the next newsletter.
  15. UPDATES – To receive any updates on the following (If any):
    • Bierton Events Group – Nothing further to report
    • Jubilee Hall & Sports Centre/Playground – The redecoration and sound absorption panels are organised for the Sports Centre.
    • Outside organisations virtual meetings attended by any Councillors – Nothing to report
    • Highways/Footpaths – • Cllr Cotton believes a gate has been installed in the field at the back of Cowley Close by the bridge. Cllr Fisher will check.
  16. MATTERS OF REPORT – For Councillors to report any outstanding issues. Items not included on the agenda which
    require decisions will need to be included on the next agenda.
    • Cllr Cotton has been given 10 free tickets for Kingsbrook Live and asked if anybody would like them. Cllr Feeney
    asked for 2 tickets. Cllr Cotton will also check with Councillors who were not present at the meeting.
    • Cllr Cotton reminded all that the defibrillator training is booked for 29th June, 7pm at the Jubilee Hall.
    • Cllr Knowles would like to have a discussion regarding our website and emails. Clerk to add to the July agenda.
    • Cllr Harridge is putting the finishing touches to the programme for the Open Gardens and enquired if they should
    charge for refreshments. It was agreed not to. Cllr Knowles suggested the Events Group would pay for it.
    Alzheimer’s Society boxes for donations will placed at each of the houses showing gardens. The programmes can
    be picked up from the Jubilee Hall beforehand and refreshments will be served at the Jubilee Hall after. The church
    will also be open between 12.30pm and 4pm.
  17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING – The meeting closed at 9pm. The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday 20th July
    2026, commencing at 7pm at the Jubilee Hall.