Parish Council meeting minutes – 20th January 2026

BRAMLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:	Tuesday 20^th January 2026	Time: 7.30pm
Place:	Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall
Present:	Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)	Cllr Chris Tomblin
	Cllr Chris Flooks	Cllr Jan Wright
	Cllr Sue Howell	Cllr Malcolm Bell
	Cllr Alan Munday	Cllr Iain James
In attendance:	Maxta Thomas (Clerk)	0 members of the public
Apologies:	Cllr Keith Oborn	Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (HCC)

		*Action*
1	Apologies for Absence
	As listed above.
2	Declarations of Interest
	Cllr Durrant declared an interest in planning matters due to his position on the BDBC Development Control Committee. He took no part in any planning decisions.
3	Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting
3.1	The minutes of the council meeting held on 16^th December 2025 were proposed by Cllr Durrant and seconded by Cllr James and unanimously agreed as being a true record of the meeting. The Chairman duly signed the minutes of the meeting.
3.2	Matters arising
	· None.
3.3	Outstanding actions
	· Bus shelter near the Church – the Clerk has emailed the HCC ward councillors for guidance on this. · ‘No access’ signs for solar farm site traffic – the Clerk has emailed the HCC ward councillors for guidance on this. This should also be raised with Cero. · Granary structural survey – the Clerk has made contact with a recommended surveyor and should have more information by the end of this week.
4	Open Forum
	· None.
5.	County Councillor Report – see appendix A. · Nothing further to report.
6.	Borough Councillor Report · Local Plan consultation finishes this week. · Local Government reorganisation – might get a decision at end of January. BDBC do not want to postpone 2026 elections. · Waste services are back to normal this week. · Food waste – 600 tonnes recycled at end of October.
7.	Parish Environment
	A flood at the Parish Green was noted. Water was overflowing from a Thames Water manhole cover, and although there does not appear to be any sewage, there are a couple of waste pipes at this location. This has been reported to Thames Water – the Clerk is liaising with them to get more information. This has affected the poppy bed – this will need to be looked at when weather is drier. The graffiti on the fence has been resolved, and the paths and bridge are due to be cleared of wet leaves.
8	Clerk’s report & Administration
8.1	Parish magazine article – Cllr Munday is due to write the article for the March 2026 magazine. Copy is due by 15^th February 2026. Cllr Durrant noted that there has been much about planning procedure in recent articles, with a good summary of it for the February edition. He stated that any further mention of planning procedure and how to respond to planning applications should refer to the guidance on the Bramley PC website.	*Cllr Munday*
8.2	Policy Review None.
9	Reports
9.1	Planning – Cllr Flooks summarised the December Planning Committee meeting (see appendix B). Cllr Munday proposed accepting the Planning Committee’s recommendations, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward. i. Site traffic and enforcement issues – Bramley PC members have met with planning and enforcement officers to discuss the various issues that Bramley is facing. The notes from this meeting are at appendix C. It was noted that the contractor who sits in van at the Minchens Lane traffic lights all day is sitting there with engine running. This is in contravention of the Highway Code. ii. Planning Consultant – determination of PC requirement – Cllr Durrant outlined changes in planning process, and highlighted the need to strengthen the infrastructure survey done in 2019. It may need a ‘town planning’ aspect to it – where are the shortcomings in Bramley infrastructure, and what needs to be done? Points raised by councillors were as follows: · Does it come into an updated Neighbourhood Plan? The timing of this may mean that there is not enough time to do this with upcoming applications. · What does Bramley need to have to sustain up to 1000 more houses in the Parish? · What is the breaking point on the current infrastructure? Has Bramley already gone past it? · An evidence report would be useful in responding to planning applications, and talking to developers. · Stratfield Saye are conducting a traffic survey – this may be worth pursing for Bramley. Clerk to take forward. · HCC input on Bramley School – is it going to be extended or rebuilt? Cllrs to give the issue some thought and send thoughts to Clerk, who can construct a brief to take to a planning consultant. iii. Local Plan spatial strategy Regulation 18 consultation – Cllr Munday has amended his proposed response to this consultation. Cllr Durrant stated that the specific number of developments in Bramley since 2011 should be listed, as well at the strategic sites that have been built or received planning permission. Cllr Durrant suggested writing to Housing Minister stating Bramley’s case. This was unanimously agreed. Cllr Wright proposed submitting the response with the suggested inclusions, Cllr Howell seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to action by 23^rd January.	*All* *Clerk*
9.2	Allotments and Burial Ground – see appendix A i. Allotments – rent invoices and new tenancy agreements have been issued. Most of the tenants have paid their rent, and those outstanding will be chased this week. Some have signed the new tenancy agreement, but not all. Those outstanding will also be chased this week. There are currently 6 vacant plots. ii. Burial Ground – a conifer planted next a headstone needs to be removed as it is now damaging the headstone. The clerk has been informed that planning permission will be required as the tree is within the Conservation Area. The Clerk is checking this with BDBC.	*Clerk*
9.3	Village Hall Trust – see appendix A · Nothing further to report.
9.4	Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix A · Finances are on track. · Cleaning bill is high – looking at cost savings. · Kitchen refurbishment has been delayed – CMT are looking at rearranging the layout of the Pavilion. · BDBC is refurbishing the playground surface using s.106 funds. · CMT are looking at hiring shipping container as a storage container. This will be placed between existing storage shed and WI garden. Councillors raised concerns that this will not be in keeping with village setting. Cllr Flooks to suggest that this could be clad in wood, and also suggest a CIL application for extension to existing storage shed. · Fete will be 16h May. · Chase the Sun – 20^th June · Christmas lights – will check weather conditions 24 to 48 hours before to make sure event can go ahead. Scheduled for 4^th December. · Path work will start on 25^th February.	*Cllr Flooks*
9.5	Highways/Footpaths · Cllr Durrant urged everyone to keep reporting potholes via the HCC website – https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes. · The Clerk is awaiting confirmation of road closure that was cancelled. Clerk to check One.Network and with HCC Highways.	*Clerk*
9.6	Chairmans Report – nothing to report.
10	Events
10.1	Update on Parish Community Showcase · 19 organisations have been invited, including the PC. Two other organisations have found out about the event and want to join in (Bramley Volunteer Drivers and The Bramley and Romans Floral Society – 21 in total · 17 organisations have RSVP’d yes including 5 parish councillors and the two organisations that have invited themselves – Cllr Howell and Cllr Wright are not included in the PC numbers o Context, Cllr Howell represents 3 organisations, not including Bramley PC. o Some will share tables, o The Youth Club has offered to bring activities for children o Additional tables and a few floor standing display boards may be able to be borrowed from the other hall · No one has had no, they just have not responded · A poster has been placed on Facebook and on noticeboards, with the Clerk reposting the flyer at regular intervals until the event. · Organisations that are attending will be asked to post that they are attending on the community page to maintain interest in the lead up to the event. · Community Café will be providing refreshments, but pretty basic and assume a spend of less than £20, possibly more if we opt for fancier fayre – must remember that people will not be sitting and drinking and eating – not enough tables or space. · Other expenses are only the hire of the hall and printing costs for which Cllr Wright will be reimbursed. · Need information for the PC table too. Cllr Wright is happy to do that, but needs to know what Councillors want to promote on the table, possible ideas: o Village Green o Work on allotments o Remedial work near The Granary o Slideshow content? Need to look into the logistics of having the slideshow because it will take up wall space that we may need for a table, could have a laptop with a rolling slideshow on the PC table · What else does the PC want to let the village know, a flyer could be created for people to take away . The running order of the day is flexible, as it’s being advertised as a drop in. Suggest that Chair has a brief speech prepared and calls for order, when there is a suitable crowd. Budget for event – Cllr Bell proposed up to £500, Cllr James seconded, unanimously agreed.
11	Consultation documents requiring consideration
11.1	None.
12	Grant Applications
12.1	Bramley Speedwatch – an application has been received for £179+VAT to renew the speed camera data subscription. Cllr Tomblin proposed giving the grant, Cllr Munday seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to action.	*Clerk*
13	Applications for CIL funding
13.1	CIL Income & Expenditure update (see appendix D) The Clerk has circulated the latest update on CIL expenditure.
13.2	Bramley Village Hall Trustees – an application for CIL funding has been received, for £1175+VAT for a replacement fence. Cllr Bell proposed giving the grant, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to action.	*Clerk*
14	Finance
14.1	2026-27 Budget and Precept – the Clerk and the Chairman presented the 2026-27 budget. · Youth workers – Cllr Durrant proposed an application to the solar farm grant scheme for up to £5000. Cllr Munday seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward. · Cllr Bell proposed increasing the grant to Citizens Advice to £1000. Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. The final budget was proposed by Cllr Durrant, seconded by Cllr Tomblin and unanimously agreed. Clerk to finalise and put on website. The 2026/27 budget can be viewed at https://bramley-pc.gov.uk/budget/ Following on from the budget, Cllr Durrant proposed a 2% increase per band D household on the precept, suggesting a precept request of £105,732 Cllr Wright seconded the motion, unanimously agreed. Clerk to action.	*Clerk* *Clerk* *Clerk*
14.2	Approval of payments (see appendix E) – the Clerk has circulated the list of payments for approval. Cllr Wright proposed and Cllr Howell seconded that the January 2026 payments be approved. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
14.3	Receipts (see appendix E) These were noted.
15	Date of Next meeting
	The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 17^th February 2026.
16	Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings
	Cllr Durrant proposed the motion, unanimously agreed. The public and press were duly excluded.
17	Confidential Items
	· Budget – Cllr Durrant noted that union negotiations on the NJC salary scale increases are ongoing, and that these have in recent years taken until mid-year to be completed. The likely pay increase for local government staff for 2026/27 is around 3.2% (in line with recent years). Cllr Durrant proposed 3% increase in staff salaries from April 2026, to be updated when the final pay agreement comes though. Cllr James seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Clerk*

	The meeting closed at 9.17pm.

Signed: …………………………………………………………………. Date: ………………………………………

(Chairman)

Appendix A –Briefing notes

Community Speedwatch

December 2025 Parish Council Report

SIDs – All 4 SIDs were in operation throughout December. One SID (original) is failing.

Recent Local SpeedWatch Activity – 2 manned Deployments were undertaken during December. A total of 3 vehicles were reported to the Police from the 307 vehicles checked – hit rate 1%. Top speed recorded 37 mph.

We are seeing less offenders on the deployments.

Equipment:

Camera: AutoSpeedWatch – No issues, the camera continues to work well.

The subscription for camera is due in February; I have submitted a PC Grant application for consideration.

I have done some trending of the camera data and manned deployment data at the Village Hall, (see below). The graph shows the percentage of vehicles exceeding 35mph. The dotted line is the trend.

PCC Grant – The PC Clerk forwarded an application form for a PCC Grant Award in support of road safety. I have submitted a small grant request to the scheme for a set of SID batteries, new high viz vests and 30mph wheelie bins signs. We are 1 of the 60 applications received. Any grant awarded will be paid direct to the PC. Still awaiting the decision if we have been successful.

The PC Clerk has informed me that there is money remaining from the PCC ASF grant: I negotiated to purchase an ex-demo SID for a reduced price and a Calibration of the Laser SpeedGun (due August) which will use up some of the remaining money. I have forwarded the quotation to Maxta so that a PO can be raised. This will replace the SID that is failing.

PCC Equipment Grant – Still awaiting notification from the DPCC regarding the media shoot.

Table 1: Camera Data – The following camera data was downloaded on the 1^st of January 2026.

Month/Year	Verified Speeders =>35mph	Max Speed Recorded	Highest number of offences committed by one vehicle	Fastest Hour	Illegal Vehicles
May 2024	2752	58	15	7pm
June 2024	3338	60	17	10am
July 2024	3104	61	18	2pm
August 2024	2616	59	13	5am	73
September 2024	1087	54	7	5am	47
October 2024	1032	55	11	9am	34
November 2024	749	51	6	11am	20
December 2024	432	53	3	8am	11
January 2025	593	57	5	1pm	21
February 2025	963	50	9	12pm	32
March 2025	1931	55	13	6pm	37
April 2025	2656	56	13	7pm	85
May 2025	3169	57	13	7pm	37
June 2025	2635	57	12	8pm	68
July 2025	1544	60	10	5am	40
August 2025	2560	55	17	5am	78
September 2025	1953	52	15	5am	62
October 2025	1585	50	9	5pm	47
November 2025	793	55	7	12pm	26
December 2025	469	50	4	3pm	17
Total Verified speeders	35961

The Camera trigger and reporting speed are set at =>35mph. Illegal vehicles = no tax, no Mot, or no Tax and Mot.

Camera statistics for December 2025

*Note The Street was closed 15^th -19^th December

Table 2: Speed Indicator Device (SID) DATA December 2025:

SID Location	Days Deployed	Traffic Direction	% Exceeding 30mph	No Exceeding 60mph	Max Speed Recorded	V85*	Average speed
Bramley Corner	31	East bound	Data Corrupted	SID failing	–	–	–
Farriers	31	West bound	39%	3	63	34	30
The Street Beaurepaire	31	East bound	40%	2	61	34	29
The Forge**	31	West bound	67%	22	75	36	32

*V85: 85% of vehicles are driving slower or exactly this speed.

** The data from the SID at the Forge is only using data from vehicles leaving the SID, they will all be in the 30mph Zone

Graham White Bramley Speedwatch Coordinator

white-g8@sky.com 2^nd January 2026

ALLOTMENTS/BURIAL GROUND

No written report received.

VILLAGE HALL TRUST

IT upgrade and installation is complete
Frith room roof – the architect has confirmed that the builders deviated extensively from the original plans. This has resulted in the current issues. BVHT to contact original builders.
A PC grant application for replacement fencing has been submitted. A PC grant application for replacement stage curtains will be submitted once a quote has been obtained.
Two new trustees have joined to replaces those who left.

CLIFT MEADOW TRUST

No written report received.

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR REPORT

No written report received.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT

Dear All

Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoyed the festive season. Back to work now that we have reached 2026. Here’s my update covering November and December and into January and looking forward to the new year:

Here’s the latest update.

New Year’s Message from Nick Adams-King, Leader of HCC – As usual I was asked by the Hampshire Chronicle to provide a New Year Message, so here it is:

As we turn the page on 2025 and look ahead to the promise of 2026, I want to begin with a simple thank you. Public service is a team sport, and nothing we achieve in Hampshire happens because of one person, one department, or one council chamber speech. It happens because residents, volunteers, community groups, officers, councillors, and countless unsung heroes quietly get on with the business of making our county a better place to live. If there’s a theme that has run through this past year, it’s that Hampshire works best when Hampshire works together.

And what a year it has been. We’ve opened new school places, expanded support for children with special educational needs, and continued the long, patient work of improving the services families rely on. We’ve pushed forward on infrastructure—sometimes celebrated, sometimes cursed when it involves roadworks—but always with the aim of keeping our county moving. Best illustrated by the fantastic work ongoing at the moment to build the new underpass at Junction 10 of the M27 in Fareham. Standing watching the work earlier this week was a reminder that progress is rarely glamorous, but it is always worth it.

Of course, 2025 wasn’t without its challenges. Local government continues to face financial pressures that would make even the most seasoned accountant reach for a strong drink. Yet despite the strain, we’ve kept our focus on what matters: delivering essential services, protecting the vulnerable, and planning responsibly for the future. Hampshire has a long tradition of resilience, and this year proved once again that we don’t shy away from difficult decisions when they are the right ones.

As we step into 2026, I’m hopeful—not because the challenges have vanished, but because our capacity to meet them has never been stronger. We will continue to push for sustainable funding for local government, because residents deserve services that are secure, reliable, and fit for the future. We will keep investing in the infrastructure that underpins daily life. And we will carry on championing the values that make Hampshire a place people are proud to call home.

But perhaps most importantly, we will do all this together. At a time when national and global debates can feel increasingly polarised, and as we enter what I very much hope is an election year for the county council, it is worth restating something I have said many times: no one enters politics to do harm; we simply disagree about how we should do good. That belief has guided me throughout my years in public life, and it remains the foundation of how I try to lead—collegiately, respectfully, and with a sense of humour whenever possible. (If you’ve ever tried explaining local government reorganisation and devolution on Facebook, you’ll know humour is sometimes essential.)

Division is easy. Unity takes work. But Hampshire has never been afraid of hard work. In 2026, let’s continue to choose cooperation over conflict, shared purpose over point‑scoring, and kindness over cynicism. If we do that, I’m confident the year ahead will bring not just progress, but pride.

Thank you for your support, your patience, your ideas, and your commitment to our county. I wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, healthy, and hopeful New Year.

End

Highways Information

M27 J10 update – Great news to start the New Year.

The M27 between Junctions 9 and 11 reopened a full 24 hours ahead of schedule, at 4am, Saturday 3 January — an extraordinary achievement after one of the most complex engineering operations Hampshire has ever delivered.

Over ten days, around 130 people worked day and night through the Christmas period to install a brand‑new underpass at Junction 10 using an innovative “box slide” technique. A 60‑metre concrete structure — weighing 8,500 tonnes — was slid 65 metres into place with millimetre precision, avoiding months of lane closures and disruption.

We wish to pay particular tribute to:

Our outstanding Hampshire County Council highways and engineering teams
The main contractor, VolkerFitzpatrick
The many skilled local subcontractors who brought their expertise, machinery, and sheer determination to the job

Their professionalism, teamwork, and relentless effort — in all weathers, at all hours — are the reason the motorway can reopen earlier than planned.

This phase of work is a major milestone toward the new, free‑flowing, all‑moves Junction 10, which will support the Welborne Garden Village development and strengthen Hampshire’s infrastructure for years to come.

Thank you to residents and drivers for your patience during the closure. And an enormous thank you to every member of the team who made this possible. This is Hampshire engineering at its best — public and private partners working together to deliver for our county.

Reporting Highway Problems – Links to report road issues are here:

Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a –problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a –problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/road –markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproble m

When reporting an issue, you’ll be sent an email confirming a reference number for the report. If you would like me to follow this up for you then do please forward that message to me and I will chase for you.

Election Postponements – Two successive reports of election postponements in the last month.

You may have seen reports suggesting that next year’s Mayoral elections will be postponed for two years, until 2028.

It is massively disappointing. It’s important to note that this does not affect the County Council and other local elections which ought still to go ahead on May 7th 2026.

We spoke with the Devolution Minister to obtain clarity on these reports. and a formal statement will be made later.

It is important to separate two distinct issues here. While the election of a Mayor may be delayed, the creation of the Combined Authority — and the transfer of powers and funding from Westminster that comes with it — remains vital.

We are reassured that this process will continue as planned, and that the delay to the Mayoral election will not affect the establishment of the Combined Authority, the commencement of devolution, or our ability to begin exercising those powers for the benefit of Hampshire and the Solent.

Of course, it is disappointing that the Mayoral election has been postponed — not least for those candidates who have already declared. But the real prize here is devolution, and that must be delivered next year. We therefore await confirmation in the coming days of both the statutory instrument to create the Combined Authority and the announcement of the infrastructure funding that will underpin it.

Where the delay to the Mayoral election intersects with the creation of the Combined Authority is in our ability to influence national policy. The Mayor would normally sit on the Council of Nations and Regions. Given the size and importance of Hampshire and the Solent, it is vital that whoever chairs the Authority should take that seat until such time as a Mayor is elected.

Our economy contributes as much to the UK as Wales, and our population is comparable to Northern Ireland. We deserve — and must have — that influence and voice at the national level as soon as possible. While it is deeply regrettable that this role will not initially be exercised by a directly elected Mayor, the council leaders who will form the Combined Authority board are equally capable of representing our area until the election is held.

And then, the Government suggested Councils should consider whether the local elections scheduled for May should proceed, given Labour’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation.

You are by now probably as bored of this merry go round as we are.

For clarity, our Leader’s statement in response to this announcement is this:

“I have been clear that County elections are vital for local democracy and accountability. They ensure strong local representation for our 1.4 million residents across Hampshire in how we use over £3 billion of public funds to serve our local communities each year.

The Government have set the timeline for Local Government Reorganisation, it is they who need to decide whether their plans can be delivered to that schedule. I have not, and will not, ask for an election postponement. We are working towards our elections taking place, as planned, in Hampshire on 7 May 2026.”

Winter Fuel Payment Scam Warning – As Winter Fuel Payments of £100–£300 are being sent out across Hampshire and the UK, criminals are trying to take advantage. Please be on your guard:

Payments are automatic – if you’re eligible, the money goes straight into your bank account.

No need to apply – you’ll get a letter in October/November confirming the amount.
The Government will never ask for your bank details by text, email or phone.
Don’t click links or reply to suspicious messages.
Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (free of charge).

If you receive a message asking you to “confirm” or “update” your details, it’s a scam. Delete it and tell friends and family so they don’t get caught out.

Let’s keep Hampshire safe this winter — please share this warning widely.

Securing a Greener, Healthier Hampshire – Last week we launched Hampshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy — a shared blueprint for restoring and protecting the natural environment that makes our county such a special place to live.

Like the rest of the UK, Hampshire has seen a significant decline in biodiversity over the past 50 years. This strategy brings together the expertise of partners across the region and sets out practical steps to reverse that decline and ensure that at least 30% of our land and sea is secured for nature by 2030.

We are incredibly grateful to all the organisations, landowners, community groups and residents who helped shape this plan. It reflects the views and ambitions of people right across Hampshire.

As part of our Hampshire Pledge, we’re committed to looking after and enhancing our rich natural environment — and making sure our countryside remains open and accessible for everyone to enjoy. But this is something we can only achieve together.

Making nature‑friendly choices at home
Getting involved in local conservation
Simply spending time outdoors and valuing the landscapes around us

Every action, big or small, helps build a greener Hampshire.

This strategy will guide land‑use decisions, support planning, and encourage investment in nature‑based solutions to challenges like climate change and flooding. Most importantly, it gives us a clear, shared path to restoring habitats, reversing wildlife decline, and protecting Hampshire’s natural heritage for future generations.

If you’d like to read the full strategy, you can find it here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/…/nature…/hampshire-strategy

Together, we can make Hampshire a place where nature thrives and people thrive with it.

County Councillor Grants

The County Councillor Grant scheme is operating once more, with a lesser amount of £5,000 and new criteria as follows:

Hampshire County Councillor Grants – Updated Criteria (September 2025)

Following a comprehensive review, Hampshire County Council has revised its County Councillor Grants Scheme to reflect budget constraints and improve effectiveness. Key changes include:

Reduced Allocation: Each County Councillor now has an annual grant budget of £5,000, down from £8,000.
Eligibility Restrictions:
- Grants are only available to organisations, not individuals.
- Organisations cannot apply for the same projectin consecutive years.
- Applications must demonstrate community benefit, especially if from religious or statutory bodies.
Funding Limits:
- A maximum of £1,000 per projectis now in place.
- Grants for seasonal or time-specific eventsmust be awarded before the event date.
Transparency and Branding:
- All funded projects must acknowledge County Council supportin promotional materials.
Application Assessment:
- Previous grant awards (from the last two years) will be considered during evaluation.
- Preference may be given to organisations without access to other funding sources.

These changes aim to ensure the scheme remains fair, transparent, and aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities while managing financial pressures.

Grants already made to Sherfield English Netball club and Wellow Lunch Club, there is still funding available though so do please get in touch if I can help.

General Updates from HCC:

Could you give a child a safe home this winter? – This winter, Hampshire County Council is calling on residents to open their hearts and homes to vulnerable children through its new fostering campaign, which highlights the life-changing impact fostering can have – not only for children in care but for the families who welcome them

Could you give a child a safe home this winter? | Hampshire County Council

Standing strong for Hampshire’s most vulnerable residents – Children and adults at risk of harm in Hampshire continue to be protected and well cared for, thanks to the County Council’s strong safeguarding practices

Standing strong for Hampshire’s most vulnerable residents | Hampshire County Council

Have your say: Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan updates – Hampshire County Council and partner authorities responsible for Hampshire’s Minerals and Waste Plan are inviting people to have their say on proposed modifications to the Plan

Have your say: Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan updates | Hampshire County Council

Hampshire County Council welcomes national funding to improve bus travel –

People across Hampshire are set to benefit from a funding boost to bus travel, following the Government’s announcement of the Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG)

Hampshire County Council welcomes national funding to improve bus travel | Hampshire County Council

Happy New year.

Ciir Rhydian Vaughan MBE

Calleva Division

Hampshire County Council

Fb.com/tellrhydian

Appendix B –Planning Committee meeting minutes

Date:	13^th January 2026	Time: 8.00pm
Place:	Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall
Present:	Cllr Chris Flooks (Chair)	Cllr Malcolm Bell
	Cllr Jan Wright	Cllr Alan Munday
	Cllr Chris Tomblin
In attendance:	Maxta Thomas (Clerk)	0 members of the public
Apologies:

		*Action*
1	Apologies for Absence
	As listed above.
2	Declarations of Interest
	None.
3	Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting
3.1	The minutes of the meeting held on 9^th December 2025 were unanimously agreed to be a true record of the meeting and were signed by the Chairman.
3.2	Matters arising
	· Meeting with enforcement later this week to discuss various issues around Bramley.
4	Planning & Development
4.1	New Applications
	25/02934/OUT – Land West Of Upper Cufaude Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley Outline planning application for residential development, with vehicular access to be provided from the access approved under Outline permission: 19/00018/OUT and Phase 1 Reserved Matters permission: 23/02003/RES; and the provision of; cycle and pedestrian accesses, open space, landscaping, SuDS, and other associated infrastructure. All matters reserved except for access. · Highways – Proposing diverting cycle route through new estate, but northern exit onto Cufaude Lane will be onto a bend on a single track lane with poor visibility. · The proposal does not offer anything in the way of community facilities · All the usual infrastructure issues affect this application – lack of doctors surgery places, lack of school places, traffic issues and lack of road improvements, lack of bus routes. The location is not sustainable · There is historical localised flooding on the proposed site. · It appears that a high number of 2.5 storey houses are proposed – this is not in keeping with the Bramley Village setting. They also appear to have an excessively high ridgeline compared to other 2.5 storey buildings in the Parish. · No interconnectivity is planned between the open space for this development and Upper Cufaude Farm. · Objection unanimously agreed as outlined above. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
b.	Any other new applications
e	None.

4.2	Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A) These were noted.
5.	Appeals
	None.
6.	Water Issues
	· Sewerage pipe upgrade is confirmed as delayed until at least May 2026. · Bramley PC is informed by Thames Water that phasing occupation at Stocks Farm has been agreed, and the Thames Water Project Manager should be reaching out to Bramley PC to update. This has not yet happened. POST MEETING NOTE – BDBC planning officers have stated that the phasing plan has not been agreed. · Possible upcoming development West of Minchens Lane – Thames Water has confirmed that they have concerns about capacity for this development. · Bramley Meadows – Thames Water has said that their plant at Sherfield would need to be upsized to accommodate this development should it go ahead. It is unknown at this time if there are any plans to do so.
7.	Local Plan Update
	I. Regulation 18 consultation – this consultation is ongoing, with a closing date of 23^rd January 2026. A response from Bramley PC has been drafted and will be submitted pending final approval.
8.	Neighbourhood Plan
	No update at present.
9.	Date of Next Meeting
	The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 10^th February 2026, to be held at the Bramley Room at Bramley Village Hall. Meeting closed at 9.07pm.

Appendix A – Planning Summary

Approvals/Refusals*

24/02924/FUL – Locksbridge Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley

Reinstate existing site access/current building works access to be used as the permanent private residential access and repositioning of outbuilding. Outbuilding to be a garage rather than the previously approved car port (part retrospective).

Refused

Objection

25/02501/ENSC – Land West Of Minchens Lane Bramley

Request for a Screening Opinion for residential development of up to 100 no. dwellings, open space, landscaping and servicing

EIA not required

EIA requested

25/02627/HSE – Highbury Sherfield Road Bramley

Erection of a part single storey/part first floor loft extension to rear, construction of 2 no. loft dormer windows to front elevation and new porch.

Granted

No objection

Pending Applications*

1.	20/03204/VLA – Land At Minchens Lane Bramley Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 14/01075/OUT to enable the transfer of the Equipped play area, northern kick about and southern kick about areas to the existing management company instead of the Parish Council	No comment as PC has interest in application
2.	24/02019/OUT – Land At Goddards Farm Reading Road Sherfield-on-Loddon Outline planning (including access and strategic landscaping for approval) for up to 130 market and affordable homes, a commercial and/or community building, public open space, off-site highway improvements plus access from Reading Road.	Objection
3.	25/00260/VLA – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 21/03758/OUT to allow an amendment to the occupation trigger associated with the delivery and availability for use of the equipped play space as part of the development	No objection
4.	25/00322/ADV – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley Proposed non-illuminated signage comprising 2 Flag and pole signs, 1 Fascia Sign and 2 stand alone signs.	No objection, comments
5.	25/01019/FUL – Land Frog Lane Little London Proposed Battery Energy Storage System Facility and Substation Compound including ancillary equipment and infrastructure, together with landscaping and biodiversity enhancements	Objection
6.	25/01053/RET – Cufaude Cufaude Lane Bramley Erection of four no. poles with floodlighting and CCTV cameras and 3 no. poles with CCTV cameras. (retrospective).	Objection
7.	25/01291/LBC – Long Barn 1 Razors Farm Doric Avenue Chineham Installation of 20 no. solar panels on the roof at the rear west facing elevation	No objection
8.	25/01609/FUL – Land North East Of Withy Copse And South Of Minchens Lane Bramley Construction of access track to fishing pond, including car parking and associated works.	No objection
9.	25/01892/HSE – La Villetta The Street Bramley Installation of 2 no. heat pumps within the grounds, located on the south facing rear side of building, the other on east facing side	Objection
10.	25/02152/HSE – 50 Longbridge Road Bramley Two storey side extension & single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory	No objection
11.	25/02436/HSE & 25/02437/LBC – Middle Farm The Street Bramley Erection of replacement porch to front; erection of replacement porch to rear with pergola; Increase size of existing aperture to Living room to allow for installation of new doors to rear. Replacement door	Objection
12.	25/02416/HSE – 31 Moat Close Bramley Installation of fence, concrete pillars and metal gate (part retrospective).	Objection
13.	25/02672/HSE – 2 Burlington Way Bramley Proposed single storey side extension to form ancillary accommodation	No objection, comments
14.	25/02676/HSE – 8 Farriers Close Bramley Conversion of garage into habitable accommodation and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory.	Objection

*Objections/no objections listed are the decision of Bramley Parish Council only, and do not reflect any submissions placed by members of the public or other bodies with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

Appendix C – Meeting with Basingstoke & Deane Enforcement Officers – 15^th January 2026

Attendees

Katherine Fitzherbert-Green, Assistant Planning Manager, BDBC
Katharine Scardifield, Enforcement Officer, BDBC
Cllr Tony Durrant, Bramley PC and BDBC
Cllr Chris Tomblin, Bramley PC and BDBC
Cllr Chris Flooks, Bramley PC
Cllr Malcolm Bell, Bramley PC
Maxta Thomas, Bramley PC

Site traffic for Stocks Farm (21/03758/OUT and 23/02868/RES) and Bramley Solar Farm (20/03403/FUL) – Bramley PC gave a background to the issues that the Bramley Community are facing with the traffic for both of these sites.

Solar Farm – BDBC stated that they are having fortnightly enforcement meetings with ENSO/CERO, who have been very proactive. They noted that they are aware that CERO are also meeting regularly with Bramley PC. The developer is trying very hard to adhere to what is agreed.

Wheel washing – why was this not in place at the start of the work? It was noted by BPC that what is there does not appear to be adequate for the job.

Traffic lights – these are still in place at times, and have caused considerable confusion with the lights on the C32 both showing green much of the time. There is a red and green combination only when lorries are turning into Minchens Lane. BDBC are to raise this with the developer. BPC also noted that signage for the lights is also in the road and on the pavement. This is reducing access to both, and has created the opportunity for accidents.

BPC noted the stacking on containers on site, which is against the conditions for the site. BDBC responded that this condition relates only to the battery storage containers, and not to containers at the building compound. BPC noted that this is not in the plans and conditions as published.

Stocks Farm – site traffic is still going over the level crossing occasionally. BPC noted that the contractors have been stacking site traffic in local side roads, although this situation does seem to have improved recently.

BPC questioned why the design of the temporary access to the site by the Village Hall was ever allowed, as the design of it is clearly inappropriate for the vehicles using it. BPC is aware that the proper site entrance should finally be open in February 2026 – why was this not completed before work on the development?

The upcoming road closure of the C32 in February was noted by BPC, which will affect the western entrance to the village. BPC stated that site traffic should still not be allowed to approach from the east over the level crossing during this time.

BPC also noted that drivers tend to follow their satnavs rather than the approved route – this problem is Borough wide.

Bramley has a ‘perfect storm’ of several developments all happening at once in a relatively small area. BDBC acknowledged this, and stated that they have no control over when developers begin building work.

Site traffic for 6 houses at Minchens Lane (22/03067/FUL) – BPC noted that site traffic for this development is parking on the verge in Minchens Lane, and verge has now virtually disintegrated as a result. It also appears that contractors are parking in the surgery car park. BDBC stated that there should be parking on site; however, BPC noted that this parking is inadequate. BDBC stated that the developer has undertaken to make good any damage to verges once the build is complete. BDBC to share the CEMP for this site.

Notification of changes in application and conditions, particularly the CEMP for Solar Farm – Bramley PC are aware of changes to traffic management plans, as well as some discharge of conditions which are not being uploaded to the BDBC planning portal. This makes it difficult to know when there are planning breaches. Concern was also raised on who reviews the traffic management plans in particular. BDBC stated that the onus is on developers to submit plans at the correct time, depending on the trigger points. BDBC will look at reasons for conditions. Any Highways matters go to HCC Highways for review, and other issues would go to the relevant BDBC officers. The Case Officer will then sign the documentation off. BDBC noted that all documents should go onto the planning portal, although this is a recent measure, and not everything is up to date as yet. BPC asked if items such as traffic management plans could be run past ward councillors, who would have the necessary local knowledge to assist with an informed decision. However, BDBC stated that this is unlikely to be something that they can do due to the number of applications Borough wide and staffing levels. They did not that traffic conditions are the hardest conditions to enforce.

Thames Water phasing plan for Stocks Farm – BPC noted the recent confirmation from Thames Water that a phasing plan has been agreed. BPC also highlighted the serious sewerage issues in Bramley, and that the planned upgrade to the main pipe will not happen until at least May 2026. BDBC said that condition 27 has not been discharged, and a phasing plan has not been agreed, and that they are awaiting further information on this. Condition 27 still applies.

Meadow View – BPC stated that work has begun on this site. The entrance should have been created properly before work began, and this has not happened, and has caused the verges to disintegrate, and caused minor flooding on the main road. BDBC requested information be sent to enforcement – MB to take further.

Appendix D –CIL Statement

Please click here for the January 2026 CIL Statement

Appendix E – Finance Statement

Please click here for the January 2026 Finance Statement