Parish Council Minutes
LONGWICK-CUM-ILMER PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 15th JULY 2025 AT 7.30PM AT LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Cllr Smith (Chairman), Cllr Livingston (Vice-Chair), Cllr van Apeldoorn, Cllr Gummer, Cllr Greengrass, Cllr Goodchild, Cllr Atkinson and Cllr Pennell
Buckinghamshire Councillor: Matthew Walsh
5 members of the public present at the start of the meeting
Representative from Children's Memorial Garden
71. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Smith welcomed all to the meeting. Apologies were received from Cllr Ayre and Buckinghamshire Councillor Cllr Hall.
72. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: No interests were declared.
73. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY 17th JUNE 2025: It was proposed by Cllr van Apeldoorn seconded by Cllr Goodchild and it was resolved by all those present to approve the minutes and the minutes were signed.
74. UPDATE FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNCILLOR MATTHEW WALSH:
- Cllr Walsh advised that the Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister has released plans for a full and fair funding settlement. However, these proposals may have adverse implications for Buckinghamshire Council, which is actively addressing the issue.
- A government announcement regarding the location of new homes is anticipated in August, with a projected minimum of 125,000 dwellings expected.
- The Bloor Homes planning application is likely to be considered by the Strategic Planning Committee in July. Cllr Hall and Cllr Walsh confirmed their intention to object to the proposal.
- Buckinghamshire Ward Councillors are aware of speculative developments within the Parish. Cllr Walsh noted that both he and Cllr Hall are eager to collaborate with the Parish Council on these matters.
- The condition of the Walkers Road junction has deteriorated further since its assessment earlier this year by the Local Area Technician (LAT). A follow-up inspection will be requested to address the issue.
- Cllr Walsh highlighted the availability of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, which have previously received an extension but are now set to expire in March 2026. It is essential that these funds are allocated and spent prior to the deadline.
- Regarding Section 106 funds, Cllr Walsh mentioned that some parishes are compiling wish lists to help Officers better understand local priorities.
- Cllr Pennell enquired about previously identified funding for improvements to the footpath between Walnut Tree Lane and the Phoenix Trail. Cllr Walsh confirmed this could certainly be explored further.
- Following a recent Parish Liaison Meeting attended by Cllr Livingston, it was noted that 20mph speed limits in small hamlets may now be considered more favourably. Cllr Walsh supported this view and noted that speed reduction was a key concern raised at the recent Community Meeting.
- In response to a question from Cllr Pennell regarding sewage issues in Princes Risborough, Cllr Walsh confirmed similar challenges exist there. He and Cllr Hall have met with Thames Water, and a detailed report is expected.
- Cllr Walsh reported that MP Greg Smith has followed up on the land transfer relating to Owlswick Village Green.
- Cllr Walsh asked whether the Remembrance Service would follow the same format as previous years. Cllr van Apeldoorn confirmed this, including the arrangement for a road closure.
Cllr Walsh left the meeting at 7.49pm
Members of the public invited to speak:
- Concerns were raised about the previously approved Certificate of Lawfulness in Ivy Close.
- The Children's Memorial Garden representative stated they were happy to answer any questions and a couple of Councillors expressed their interest in arranging a visit.
- It was asked whether Councillors will be adding an additional comment on the APP/K0425/W/25/3364223.
75. TO CONSIDER ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:
- Request for bench outside post office: The Clerk has discussed with the LAT. Unfortunately, there is not room for a bench on the highway. The only space available would be on the shops land who already have a picnic bench in situ.
- Write to ODBST confirming outcome of grant discussions (50): Clerk has written to ODBST.
- Write to preschool informing them of the outcome of their grant discussions (51c): Clerk has written to the preschool.
- Arrange meeting with Buckinghamshire Councillors and MP (52a): Clerk has written asking for dates / availability. Confirmed receipt of email but no dates supplied as yet. Clerk to follow up. Action: Clerk
- Review of playing field hire regulations and charges (60): Clerk added to agenda but Cllr Smith has deferred the item to the September meeting. Action: Cllr Smith
- Write to resident with outcome of noise complaints from the MUGA (61): Clerk has responded with outcome.
- Instruct contractor to go ahead with stream clearance (63): Clerk has instructed the contractor to carry out the work.
- Arrange one off grass cutting (64): This has been carried out by Blades at a cost of £1500 + VAT.
- Obtain updated quotes for grass cutting (64): Clerk approached companies but only one quote received.
- Add to the agenda policies which were deferred (65): Clerk has added to July agenda
- Clerk to invite resident who raised concerns about bus services in the Parish to the Community Meeting (67a): Clerk has invited the resident.
76. PLANNING - TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE COMMENTS:
25/06306/FUL: 12 Ivy Close Longwick: No objection
25/06354/CLE: Ilmer Meadow Ilmer Lane Ilmer: No objection
APP/K0425/W/25/3364223: Land Adjacent to Anderdons Farm Thame Road: Reinforce original objection
25/05791/FUL: Chadwell Cottage Owlswick Lane Owlswick (amended plans): No objection however, raise previous concerns about low level lighting.
25/06402/OUT: OS Parcel 3623 Thame Road Longwick: Objection
25/06613/HPDN: Tall Trees Lower Icknield Way: No objection
25/06384/FUL: Saddleback Barn Lower Icknield Way Longwick: No objection
Following a proposal by Cllr Goodchild seconded by Cllr Greengrass a vote was taken and it was resolved to approve the comments for submission.
The following applications status has changed:
25/06178/CTREE: Hawfinch House 6 Shepherd Meadow Owlswick: Not to make a Tree Preservation Order
25/06210/CTREE: Horsenden Manor Horsenden Lane Princes Risborough: Not to make a Tree Preservation Order
APP/K0425/W/24/3354530: Ivy Farm Lower Icknield Way Longwick: Appeal dismissed & Costs Refused
25/06102/CLP: 10 Ivy Close Longwick: Grant Certificate - Proposed Development
77. TO NOTE PAYMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET:
| Payee | Net | VAT | Gross | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracey Martin | £739.37 | £739.37 | Clerk Salary | |
| HMRC | £105.60 | £105.60 | PAYE | |
| Shield Maintenance | £169.22 | £33.84 | £203.06 | Bin Emptying |
| Keith Smith | £23.81 | £4.76 | £28.57 | Padlock |
| Print Now | £87.00 | £3.00 | £90.00 | Printing flyers |
| Wel Medical | £243.99 | £48.80 | £292.79 | Defib Battery Ilmer |
| BMKALC | £25.00 | £25.00 | Training - Cllr Livingston | |
| Oxford Oak | £300.00 | £60.00 | £360.00 | Tree Works BC |
| Blades | £1,500.00 | £300.00 | £1,800.00 | Grass cutting |
| Daniel Hounslow | £165.00 | £165.00 | Weed spray & latch |
Zempler Card Payments: GiffGaff £5.00 net, £1.00 VAT, £6.00 gross (Mobile Top Up).
Direct Debits / Standing orders: EDF £45.88 net, £2.12 VAT, £48.00 gross (Electricity); Nest £46.77 (Pension Contribution).
Receipts: Silverbird Entertainment £50.00 (Refund - VE Day); Lloyds Bank £40.00 (Complaint compensation).
78. TO APPROVE QUARTER 1 ACCOUNTS: The Quarter 1 accounts were noted by all present. As Cllr Ayre conducted the internal check but was unable to attend the meeting, confirmation of her review will be deferred to the September meeting.
79. TO CONSIDER QUOTES FOR GRASS CUTTING FOR THE REMAINING SEASON: Unfortunately, due to issues in obtaining quotes only one quote was received. It was resolved to approve the quote from Blades at a cost of £3,900 plus vat, monthly cost of £1,300 plus vat based on 3 months cutting between July and September. A cut has been recommended for October to maintain a suitable cut height for autumn into winter but this will be considered in September.
80. TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:
- Internal Controls Policy: Proposed by Cllr Atkinson, seconded by Cllr Gummer.
- Investment Policy: Proposed by Cllr Goodchild, seconded by Cllr Greengrass.
- Reserves Policy: Proposed by Cllr Goodchild, seconded by Cllr Greengrass.
- Review Of Effectiveness of Internal Audit: Proposed by Cllr Goodchild, seconded by Cllr Greengrass.
Following discussions and proposals the policies were unanimously approved.
81. TO APPOINT A COUNCILLOR AS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE COMMUNITY BOARDS: Following discussions it was resolved to appoint Cllr Livingston.
82. TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO PERMIT EXTERNAL ADVERTISING ON THE PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND NEWSLETTER: Following discussions it was resolved that external advertising will not be permitted on the Parish Council website due to limitations of the site however, external advertising will be permitted on the Parish Council Facebook page and newsletter.
83. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 10TH JULY 2025 AND CONSIDER ANY ASSOCIATED ACTIONS: Cllr Smith reported that there were 108 registrations but believe attendance to be more in the region of 150 which is around 10% of electoral roll. Representatives were mainly from Longwick however; there were also some from Meadle and Ilmer.
The key issues raised during the Community Event (note: the points below are not exhaustive):
- Footpaths: Residents expressed a desire for improved access to the Phoenix Trail for both walking and cycling. Suggestions included the installation of an all-weather surface from Walnut Tree Lane to the trail.
- Speedwatch: The Community Speedwatch initiative was discussed, with a proposal to display Speedwatch signs on household bins.
- Play Areas: A suggestion was made to link the Wickfields play area with the Longwick play area by creating an opening in the hedge and adding a gate. Cllr Gummer to provide photographs; Clerk to make enquiries. Action: Cllr Gummer and Clerk
- Village Land: There was interest in investing in additional land for recreational use, such as dog walking and sports activities.
- Village Hall Usage: Ideas included hosting regular community events, such as monthly film nights, to increase utilisation of the hall.
- Coffee Facilities: A pop-up coffee shop – potentially in the form of a portacabin or coffee van.
- Traffic and Speeding: Concerns were raised about speeding and traffic volumes. Requests included installing speed cameras and introducing chicanes to slow traffic.
- Cycle and Pedestrian Access: Several residents requested improved cycleways between Longwick, Princes Risborough, and the railway station, as well as enhanced pedestrian access to the station.
- Bus Services: Feedback included requests for better bus connectivity between Longwick, Princes Risborough, Princes Risborough station, and Thame.
- Planning and Neighbourhood Development: Many attendees expressed interest in supporting the Parish Council with the Neighbourhood Plan. Concerns around Thames Water and sewage infrastructure were frequently mentioned.
84. TO DISCUSS AND DECIDE ON ANY RESPONSES TO CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND/OR ISSUED BY THE PARISH COUNCIL:
- Cllr Smith reported receiving correspondence regarding the Anderson Farm development, highlighting significant concerns about the adequacy of local sewage infrastructure. He confirmed that such issues will be referenced in all future planning applications received. Clerk to respond to resident. Action: Clerk
- Cllr Smith reported receiving correspondence regarding a speculative proposal for 65 dwellings on land to the north-east of Thame Road, Longwick. The correspondence has been circulated to all Councillors. A formal response will be made once an official planning application is submitted, with specific attention given to sewage infrastructure concerns.
- Cllr Smith asked Councillors if the Housing Needs Survey which has now been finalised should be publicised on the Parish Council website. It was resolved to publish a summary document along with the report in its entirety.
85. TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM COUNCILLORS ON MEETINGS THAT THEY HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ON BEHALF OF THE PARISH COUNCIL: No reports received.
86. TO CONFIRM THE DATE AND TIME OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: As the Parish Council does not meet in August the next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday 16th September 2025 at 7.30pm at Longwick Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.06pm.