Parish Council – 8th July 2026

The Parish Council meets at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Astbury Village Hall, Peel Lane, CW12 4RQ, though we sometimes don’t hold a meeting in December.

 

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting, Wednesday 8^th July 2026

Astbury Village Hall, 7.30 pm

Present:

• Councillor J Critchlow
• Councillor N Plant
• Councillor P Critchlow
• Councillor B Jelf
• Councillor I Parry
• Councillor M Bailey
• Councillor C Pear
• Councillor A Banks
• Councillor S Harrop
• Councillor T Potts (note taker in the Clerk’s absence)

Part 1 – Public and press Forum

No members of the public were present at this meeting.

085/26 – Declarations of Interest

Cllr Parry concerning planning application 26/2383/VOC (neighbour). Cllr Parry remained in the room but did not vote.

086/26 – Apologies for Absence

The Council resolved to receive and accept apologies from:

• Carlton Evans, Clerk to the Council (prior engagement)
• Cllr C Sutton (prior engagement)

087/26 Minutes

The Council resolved that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2026 are a true and accurate record.

 

088/26 – Accounts

The Council discussed and resolved to approve the accounts (see Annex 1 for details).

 

089/26 – Ward Councillor report

Cllr Wardlaw informed the meeting of a number of wider community updates. A further meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour in Mow Cop has taken place with feedback due to be shared. Residents are encouraged to check their electoral registration details to not lose their postal vote. Road Safety (CE) have confirmed no further action for A34 in Astbury. A “Community Voices” panel has been launched, open to residents aged 18 and over, with a recruitment form available on the council website. On waste collections, missed bin collections are being scheduled following an increase in complaints; food caddies are now being delivered and the council will move to weekly food waste collections and three-weekly general bin collections from the autumn. An interim director, Keith Townsend, has been appointed for a six-month period to lead on transformation and improvement. A town hall interactive workshop for carers, and those with experience of caring, will take place on Monday 13 July. Members also noted that, from 2026, publishing home addresses on declaration of interests is no longer a government requirement. Cllr Wardlaw agreed to escalate concerns raised regarding the bridge repairs and a caravan now parked on Dodds Lane.

 

090/26 – Planning Applications

26/2383/VOC

Variation of condition 2 on approval 25/2964/FUL: Extension and conversion of barns to create 1no. residential dwelling. Condition to be varied: to vary proposed boundary treatment.

The Council resolved to raise no objection to the application, but to note on the response that the temporary fencing must be removed once works are complete.

 

090A/26 – Additional Planning Matter: Land at Fence Lane

26/2411/PIP

Permission in principle for detached dwellinghouse. Land Off Bent Lane , Astbury , CW12 4RN.

The application seeks to reclassify the land from Green Belt to Grey Belt under the National Planning Framework.

The Council will note the application for information at this stage and give it full scrutiny if and when a full planning application is submitted.

 

091/26 – Business Plan

The Council discussed again the potential projects that it had previously identified and an outline of a refreshed Business Plan to deliver them. The aim is a single reference document that explains the Council’s roles, responsibilities (Cllr’s and Clerk) and financial position, including a breakdown of budgets and monies already allocated to specific projects. The Clerk has produced an initial draft which is work in progress.

 

092/26 – Highways

The council discussed fly-posting at both Chance Hall Lane and Wallhill as Cheshire East’s position is zero tolerance. Cllr Parry has chased gully clearing in Astbury village. The council discussed the village signs, options for additional signage are limited by the village’s heritage status. Members were asked to consider what form of slow-down reminder or marker might be appropriate, with a view to bringing suggestions to the next meeting. The council also discussed renovation/replacement of the village Cheshire railings, Cllr Pear will email Liz to confirm CE ownership and obtain quotes to repair/replace (project to be added to Business Plan for 2027). Cllr Plant has started to assemble the SID, Cllr Parry will assist installing on Peel Lane initially to calibrate.

The Council resolved to centralise fly-posting complaints to the Clerk who will then log with CE.

 

093/26 – Common Land

Chair J Critchlow reported on Streetscape feedback, a further meeting is required to plan the scope of works required as the central area has been advised to be cleared to start again with new planting. Trees already planted require topping to avoid light reduction. Plan required by autumn. Clerk to follow up with Streetscape.

 

094/26 – Chairman and Members’ reports

Cllr Harrop noted that all Village Hall roles have now been allocated following Sally’s departure. Cllr Plant noted further reports of fly-tipping at The Flash which will be escalated to the Environment Agency, all members reminded to continue reporting any instances witnessed. He also noted the ongoing situation regarding the caravan sited on Dodds Lane, with regular reports of disturbance from nearby residents. Cllr P Critchlow thanked Cllrs Pear and Potts for weedkilling efforts in the village.

 

095/26 – Additional poppies and daffodils

The Council discussed plans for future daffodil planting and additional Remembrance Day poppies and resolved to set aside a budget of £500 for this.

The Council also discussed making an application to the William Dean Trust to support tree planting on common land and daffodil planting and resolved to action this before their next meeting in September.

 

096/26 – Newsletter

Councillors discussed arrangements for production and distribution of the Newsletter now that the current print company had closed its business. The Clerk had been investigating both printing and distribution and had received some provisional estimates. The Council asked the Clerk to continue his investigations so that a decision could be reached at the August meeting.

 

097/26 – Clerk’s Report

Chair J Critchlow discussed feedback received from Clerk regarding defib cabinet requirements via Community Heartbeat Trust. Further quotes are required, Clerk to request a new quote for a heated cabinet, Cllr Pear to obtain a quote from Reliance Medical (will also incur engineer costs), and Clerk to revisit power supply requirements with Scottish Power.

 

The meeting ended at 2115 hrs.