Tuesday 4th November 2025

Present:

The Town Mayor: Councillor J Thomas (Chairman)

Councillors: T Berry, M Freeman, J Griffiths, P Harrison, K Henderson, B Jones, D Little, N Martin, D Morris, C Rogers, I Schmeising-Barnes, T Schmeising-Barnes, A Sutton, H Williams.

88. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
    
    Apologies for absence were received from Councillors E Burnip, B Dawes, R Lloyd.
    
    
89. MINUTES
    
    It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 7th October 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.
    
    
90. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
    
    
    • Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 18 – Update on Civic Hall Working Party as he was an active supporter of “The Civic”.
      
      
    • Councillor Berry declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 9, Minutes of the Planning Committee of 28th October 2025, with regard to Planning Application WF.25/0615/PIP as the application had received an objection from a person with whom he was acquainted with. Councillor Berry resolved to discuss the relevant planning application with an open mind. He also declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 9, Minutes of the Planning Committee of 28th October 2025, with regard to Planning Applications WF.25/0762/LBC, WF.25/0769/LBC and WF.25/0770/LBC) as he worked as a volunteer for The Canal & River Trust. He would remain in the meeting but not take part in any debate.
      
      
    • Councillor I Schmeising-Barnes declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 18 – Update on Civic Hall Working Party as her husband had an interest in the Civic. She also declared an Other Disclosable Interest in Agenda Item No. 9, with regard to Planning Applications 25.0286/OUT and WF.25.0728/LPA as she had sent objection comments to Wyre Forest District Council and Malvern Hills District Council and would remain in the meeting but not take part in any debate.
91. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
    
    

    One member of the public attended the meeting and addressed Council as follows:

    My name in Tina Miltiadou and I am the owner of the Riverside at 13 Bridge Street, Stourport-on-Severn.  My family have owned this business for over 44 years.

    I am here today along with other local business owners to formally object to the closure of the Bridge Street pay and display car park.

    In the 44 years we have operated as a business, we face faced many challenges, endless recessions and a pandemic but the closure of the pay and display car park has been catastrophic for our business.  From the day the car park closed our takings have decreased by 60%.

    There was a high expectation demand for this car park.  It proved very popular with customers and visitors.  Many customers are elderly – this car park was very convenient – many individuals with disabilities or very young families struggled with alternative options, such as a car park that is situated further away.  They have also raised potential safety issues with alternative parking options, such as poor lighting or distance from Bridge Street, especially during evening hours and a high occupancy especially during the Summer months.

    The closure of the car park will be the final nail in the coffin for all the local businesses.  It has reduced footfall traffic and has made it harder for people to pop into shops.  It has deferred people from coming into the area to shop.

    The closure has resulted in customers and visitors, being pushed away and has bought great harm in to all the local businesses on Bridge Street.  I have a statement letter of impact to hand out. 

    We question the Councils justification especially as they have ignored local sentiment and the concerns of businesses.
    
    We implore you to reconsider the decision made and to see the real world impact and harm it has made to all the local businesses.  The car park MUST BE REOPENED with immediate effect.

92. MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS
    
    The Mayor’s engagements were circulated and noted.
    
    The Mayor informed Council that he had attended an event in Tewkesbury where he had won a fruit basket in the raffle which he had donated to Kemp Hospice.  He reminded Members that the Remembrance Sunday Service would be held on 9th November and Three Kings Parade & Christmas Light Switch-On on 21st November 2025.  There was also a retirement party on 27th November for the current Treasurer as he would be leaving the Town Council at the end of November 2025.
    
    
93. MOTIONS SUBMITTED UNDER STANDING ORDERS
    

    One motion had been received, in accordance with Section 9 and 10 of the Council’s Standing Orders and was as follows:

    Proposal to Request Wyre Forest District Council to initiate a District Boundary Review

    This Council notes:

    • The importance of ensuring that district boundaries reflect the current and future needs of our communities.
    • That recent housing developments and planning decisions have highlighted inconsistencies and pressures arising from the current boundary between Wyre Forest District and Malvern Hills District.
    • That the site known as The Snipes and further developments, such as the Areley Common site and Pearl Lane, have been approved or proposed within Malvern Hills District but rely heavily on infrastructure and services located in Stourport and Wyre Forest.
    • That Malvern Hills District Council has been unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, leading to increased development pressure on border areas.
    • That these developments place additional strain on Stourport’s roads, schools, healthcare, and other public services, without corresponding investment or planning control from Wyre Forest District Council.

    This Council resolves to:

    • Formally request that Wyre Forest District Council submit an application to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) to initiate a district boundary review.
    • Recommend that the review specifically consider the areas of Areley Kings, Astley Cross, and Pearl Lane, where development decisions by Malvern Hills District Council directly impact Stourport-on-Severn.
    • Advocate for a boundary that better reflects the functional geography and service usage patterns of the local population.
    • Encourage public consultation and engagement throughout the review process to ensure transparency and community input.

    Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes presented the motion. A discussion took place and the following was raised:

    • Schools and Highways were controlled by Worcestershire County Council.

    • At present, extra homes being built in a neighbouring district had an impact on Wyre Forest District Council as they used the services of the WFDC.

    Upon a vote, the motion was lost.

94. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLORS I CRESSWELL AND K PERKS (STOURPORT WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL COUNCILLORS)
    
    There was no update at this meeting.
    
    
95. UPDATE FROM LUCY BIRD, HEALTH & WELLBEING, WORC’S CALC
    

    Members received the following update from Lucy Bird.

    Since her last visit in April 2025, she had got to know the area and had met with ward councillors to discuss the Walshes area which had been highlighted as a priority neighbourhood due to cardiovascular disease and a lack of residents attending local GPs but attending the hospital instead. In May/June 2025, she had been introduced to the Community Café/Foodshare and had attended a walkabout around the area and had also been introduced to Active Youth Outreach Service (AYOS). She had attended Wyre Forest district collaborative meetings and in August, a placed based partnership meeting had been held for the Walshes and Foley Park areas which included attendees from Stourport-on-Severn Town Council, Community Housing Group, Community Café, GPs, Wyre Forest District Council and more.

    She stressed that she felt it was important for the town council to be involved and that local councillors were key for future projects. She had recently met with Councillor Lloyd and Abi Smith from Circle of Hope and it was hoped that she would be able to have a connection with local schools.

    A Health & Wellbeing newsletter had been issued by Worcestershire CALC, via email, on 4th November 2025.

    With regard to future meetings/projects, there was meeting at St Bartholomews School, Stourport on 18th November 2025 and Act On Energy and Citizens Advice would be attendance. A date was to be confirmed for a Public Health Partnership meeting. She also reported that a new hub would be opening by AYOS on Queens Road, on the Walshes, Stourport-on-Severn and it was hoped that daytime activities would take place. She was also meeting with Chief Inspector King to discuss The Walshes.

    She asked Members for their support with regard to engagement with residents on The Walshes.

    In response to a Members question, it was confirmed that data was being collected by public health for the area and a review would take place.

96. PLANNING COMMITTEE MINUTES OF 28th OCTOBER 2025
    

    The Chairman of the Planning Committee provided an overview of the applications which had been discussed at the most recent meeting of the Planning Committee and provided commentary on the applications which had been deferred.

    Members were informed that Planning Applications WF.25/0286/OUT and WF.25/0738/LPA had been “Recommend Refusal”, there had been numerous public objections and it was perceived that this would put more pressure on the district infrastructure.  Planning Application WF25.0569/FUL had also been “Recommend Refusal” for a takeaway.

    It was resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 28^th October 2025 be approved.

97. VERBAL UPDATE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STOURPORT FUTURE WORKING PARTY
    
    The Chairman of the Stourport Future Working Party advised that the Vision document had now been finalised following comments from Wyre Forest District Council (WDFC) and this would be presented for endorsement at their December 2025 Council meeting.  If any member wished to see the document, they were asked to contact the Town Clerk.  WFDC Officers were thanked for their help in producing the document.
    
    
98. FUTURE OF BRIDGE STREET CAR PARK DEVELOPMENT
    

    The Mayor informed Council that he had been approached by Stourport Civic Society asking if the Town Council would take the lead on the future of Bridge Street Car Park, Stourport-on-Severn. However, on the 4th November 2025, Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC) had issued a press release which stated they had proposals for a single-storey flexible market hall space on the site and this would be included in a report which would be on the agenda for their Cabinet meeting on 11th November 2025.

    A discussion ensued. A member felt that if this was the proposal, what could the Town Council do.

    Members stated that it was positive that something was being proposed on the site, including possible toilets.

    It was resolved that this item be taken forward at a Stourport Future Working Party meeting so they could explore the options going forward. It may be that stakeholders could be involved and engagement with WFDC.

    Councillor Sutton informed Members that he had been made aware of a government initiative “Town of Culture Competition”. It was agreed that this would be delegated to the Stourport Future Working Group to look into further.

99. UPDATE FROM COUNCILLOR C ROGERS: CABINET MEMBER OF WYRE FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL AND ON SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM
    

    Councillor Rogers informed Council that new a Head of Commercial Services had been appointed at Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC).  The piano building had now been completed and being advertised for new tenants.  

    A State of the Area debate had been held on 24th October 2025 which had been very well received.  There had also been a very successful Oktoberfest held in the old market hall, Kidderminster.

    He reported that there would shortly be a survey for privately rented properties being used for social purposes.  

    In the past, the Disabled Facilities Grant had been carried out by one contractor, WFDC had now been appointed to run it.  In response to a member question, it was confirmed that private renters required a licence.

100. UPDATES FROM COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATIVES ON OUTSIDE BODIES
     

     Council received the following updates which were all noted:

     Stourport Civic Society – no update.

     Areley Kings Village Hall – a Christmas event was being held late November 2025. The village hall had been selected by BBC R4 News to host “Any Questions” on 19th December 2025.

     Hartlebury Foundation – a new clerk was in place and updating all their systems. A visit had been made to Stourport High School to look at a new projector for which they had received a grant from the foundation. They were hoping to be success in obtaining another grant to purchase a 3D printer and laser cutter. They were also setting up a new library for SEN pupils.

     Worcestershire CALC – local neighbourhood communities had been discussed.

     Stourport Carnival – in the absence of Councillor Lloyd, the Town Clerk provided the following update:
     “At our last meeting we discussed the distribution of the monies which were received on the day of the carnival which this year raised a total of £2279.01 a big increase on the previous 2 years. It was decided to top this amount up to an amount of £8,000 from our existing funds to be split between the various groups who had applied for grants. This year we received a total of 23 applications, a big increase on the previous year.
     Each case was looked at and donations were awarded to the various applicants at a figure decided upon by the committee members. The secretary was then advised to notify the successful applicants and the monies would then be transferred into their bank accounts.
     This marked the end for the majority of the committee as they have decided to retire after many years of hard work in organising this very successful event.
     I have also decided to step down as one of the town council representatives but I'm sure both Ingrid and Dave will continue to support the new committee members when they come on board .
     I've enjoyed my time working with the team but now feel it's time to step away and get involved with my numerous other projects”.

101. ACCOUNTS
     
     It was reported that Accounts for October 2025 totalling £27,820.63 had been paid since the last meeting and it was RESOLVED that the report be noted and approved. A Schedule of the Accounts paid was appended at the end of these Minutes, in the Council’s Minute Book, and was available for general inspection.
     
102. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
     
     There was no other business.
     
     
103. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

     Decision: "Under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.
     

104. VERBAL UPDATE FROM THE TOWN CLERK AND CHAIRMAN OF THE LOCALISM WORKING PARTY
     

     Members were informed that Wyre Forest District Council would be presenting a report to their Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 6th November 2025 with a proposal that the following assets are transferred to the town council:

     • Bonemill Quarry, Minster Road, Stourport-on-Severn
     • Land at corner of Mitton Street/Lion Hill, Stourport-on-Severn
     • Public open space at Dunley Road, Stourport-on-Severn
     • Two pieces of public open space, Pearl Lane, Stourport-on-Severn
     • Stourport Sports Field (Walshes Meadow), Stourport-on-Severn

     There may be other assets for discussion in the future.

     Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes left the meeting at this point, (19.47pm).

105. VERBAL UPDATE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CIVIC HALL WORKING PARTY

     The Chairman of the Civic Hall Working Party informed members that The Civic AGM was to be held on 23^rd November 2025 at 6pm and encourage members to attend.  She also gave an update on discussions with trustees and reported that she would provide a further update to Council at the December 2025 meeting.

Town Mayor

The meeting closed at 19.57pm.