Parish Council – 17 June 2026

Holmes Chapel Community Centre, 7.00pm

Present

• Councillor Geoff Bell (Chair)
• Councillor Jeanette Hardman (vice-Chair)
• Councillor Trevor Massey
• Councillor Simon Hughes
• Councillor Bill Chorlton
• Mr Carlton Evans – Clerk

Declarations of Interest

Cllrs Hardman and Chorlton for any discussion of the Loachbrook Estate.

Part 1 Public Forum

One member of the public was present, Congleton Town Councillor Robert Douglas. Cllr Douglas spoke about his further research on outstanding s106 monies, including that which should have been allocated in Somerford; maintenance of cherished fingerposts, and; the future location of polling stations.

067/26 – Apologies

The Council received and resolved to accept apologies from

• Councillor Jake Saxton

068/26 – Minutes

The Council resolved that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 20 May 2026 be agreed and signed as a true and accurate record.

069/26 – Accounts

See Annex 1

The Council resolved to transfer another £20,000 from the current account to the Council’s PSDF account and asked the Clerk to make the necessary arrangements.

070/26 – Internal Audit report for 2025/2026

The Council noted the report from the Internal Auditor

071/26 – Annual Governance Statement for 2025/2026

The Council considered, approved and resolved to sign the Annual Governance Statements.

072/26 – Annual Accounting Statements for 2025/2026

The Council considered, approved and resolved to sign the Annual Accounting Statement.

073/26 – Annual Bank Reconciliation for 2025/2026

The Council considered, approved and resolved to sign the Annual Bank Reconciliation.

074/26 – Explanation of Variances for 2025/2026

The Council considered, approved and resolved to sign the Annual Explanation of Variances.

075/26 – Notice of Public Rights

The Council noted the period for the exercise of public rights – 24 June to 4 August.

076/26 – Cheshire East Ward Councillor report

No report in Councillor Wray’s absence.

077/26 – Planning Applications

26/1850/HOUS

7 Blue Cedar Way, Somerford,

Construction of single storey rear extension

The Council resolved to raise no objection

078/26 – Policies to review

The Council resolved to approve the updated Financial Regulations based on the latest NALC model policy.

079/26 – Contractors for works at Rhead’s Meadows and Blackfirs Wood

The Council will return to this topic at a future meeting as additional contractor proposals are expected.

080/26 – Tree Planting Requests

Councillors discussed recent requests to plant memorial trees at Rhead’s Meadows. In principle they were amenable to the requests and asked the Clerk to make further enquiries into any preferences for type, style of plaques etc., but the parish Council will be retain responsible for sourcing and planting. They noted the plaque at the oak tree by the Chelford Road/Blackfirs Lane phone box may need replacing also.

081/26 – Highways

Councillor Hughes will rotate the SID on the Holmes Chapel Road. Councillors asked the Clerk to discuss the prospect of a zero tolerance policy to fly posting with Astbury Parish Council, recognising the proliferation of illegal signs at the Wallhill Roundabout.

082/26 – Housing Developments

Cllr Hardman noted she will seek a meeting once the new Bovis/Vistry regional director is in post to discuss all the outstanding remedial works that are needed around the estate.

083/26 – Chairman and Members’ Reports

Cllrs noted that United Utilities had left a large amount of stone and earth spoil on the verge at Chelford Road, and a report has been lodged with Cheshire East.

Councillors noted that we would need to find an alternative printer and distributor for the newsletter, and the Clerk will investigate options for future discussion.

084/26 – Clerk’s Report

The Clerk noted further investigations on replacement (larger) dog bins at Rhead’s Meadows are continuing with Cheshire East Council and suppliers.

The meeting ended at  2015 hrs.

Annex 1 – Accounts