BRINDLEY HEATH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 27 JANUARY 2026
AT THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
MOUNT ROAD, ETCHING HILL
AT 7.30PM

PRESENT:

Parish Councillors:

P. Adams (Chairman)
R. Turville (Vice Chairman)
D. Cotton
M. Sutherland
A. Pearson
Mrs M. A. Turville
Mrs S. Pearson

IN ATTENDANCE:

County Councillor Paul Jones
Two members of the public
Mrs T. Williams (Clerk)

1. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from County Councillor Jon Pendleton, District Councillor Justin Johnson, and Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, Josh Maybury.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Member
None Interest
Type

3. POLICE REPORTS
The Neighbourhood Policing Team were unable to attend the meeting on this occasion.

The Council noted that the Local Policing Team will no longer be sending monthly Police reports as all the data was available online either via the Staffordshire Police or Police Uk websites.

Local Officers will continue to attend meetings where possible, and between meetings invite Parish Councillors to contact them with any queries or concerns.

Parish Councillors commented on how informative the Staffordshire Smart Alerts were which included a summary of crime breakdown.

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Two members of the public were present at the meeting but raised no questions or concerns.

5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETINGS
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 25 November 2025
be approved as a correct record.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Special Meeting on 25 November 2025 be approved as a correct record.

The draft minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 25 November 2025 were noted.

6. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
All updates were covered by the agenda items listed.

The Clerk advised the Council that instructions for the new email address set ups needed to be refined.

7. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Chairman thanked the Council for awarding him the status of Honorary Freeman of the Brindley Heath Parish and in celebration of this, the reception that had taken place prior to the meeting.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

a. Items of Post
Best Kept Village Awards
The Parish Council noted in an email from SPCA County Officer (dated 2 December 2025) details of the Best Kept Village & Community Awards which celebrate 70 years in 2026. The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire is encouraging as many communities as possible to be part of this milestone. They suggest the awards are more about community spirit, community involvement and community pride than about finding the most picturesque village.

The Community Foundation gave details of four online briefing sessions covering the entry process and benefits to the community. The last session was scheduled to take place on 28 January 2026.

The Council expressed its grateful thanks to Cannock Chase Council for its speedy action in removing a quantity of debris that had been tipped/deposited along several verges in Penkridge Bank Road, Stafford Brook Road and Bower Lane. The Parish Council asked that its thanks be conveyed to the District Council officer responsible for arranging the clear up.

Life Saving Bleed Kit Training
The Parish Council noted (from a press release issued on 26 November 2025) that 125 residents across Cannock Chase had been trained to use a bleed kit in an emergency thanks to funding from the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC). Six sessions had been held to equip people with the knowledge and confidence to response quickly and effectively in the event of a severe bleed.

The training had been delivered in partnership with Owen’s World, a charity established after 22-year-old Owen from Swindon was tragically fatally stabbed in 2022. An NHS trained paramedic had led the educational sessions, teaching participants how to correctly and safely use a bleed kit to help save lives while waiting for emergency services.

Councillor Sutherland shared information about a bleed kit training session he had attended.

The Parish Council expressed keenness for a bleed kit training session to be set up at a future meeting of the Parish Council and as a follow up to installation of bleed kits in the parish.

Government’s Road Safety Strategy
The Parish Council noted an email (dated 8 January 2026) from a Hanchurch resident who was challenging the value of the Government’s New Road Safety Strategy. He had included information about a two-year road safety campaign relating to the dangers of speeding vehicles on the A519 transiting the Conservation Area of Hanchurch, Stoke on Trent. The mailing had included evidence collected by his community of multiple serious accidents, many of which required the involvement of the rescue services.

Parish Councillors discussed road safety issues in the Brindley Heath Parish and the difficulties experienced in securing speed restrictions on the known race circuit across Cannock Chase. A speed restriction of 40mph had been introduced on Stafford Brook Road and a section of the Rugeley Road (near Fallow Lodge and the Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre), but there was much more to achieve.

The dangers of EV bikes in relation to their combined speed and silent transit was briefly discussed.

Woodland Trust’s Free Community Tree Packs
The Parish Council noted the Woodland Trust’s invitation to apply for free trees for planting in local communities. Packs were available for different types of planting including: hedges (to create natural boundaries or link habitats), a copse (ideal for small woodland or outdoor learning spaces), wild harvest (fruit and nut trees for community use), year round colour (seasonal interest through flowers, berries and autumn colour), working wood (small scale fuel or craft use), wild wood (hardy native species for exposed or wet sites), wildlife (trees and shrubs selected to support nature), urban trees (for residential areas with limited space).
Councillors noted the tree planting option types and application process through the Woodland Trust website.

Severn Trust Storm Flooding and Newsletter
The Parish Council noted several links to information within the clerk’s report from Severn Trent Water Authority in respect of: A public consultation entitled ‘Help Shape how Severn Trent Engage with the Community’, performance information, Severn Trent Community Fund opportunities, workshops and visiting, and saving on a metre.

Flooding wasn’t a particular issue in Brindley Heath which Councillors were thankful for.

b. Consultations
There were no public consultations on this occasion.

9. PARISH WARD ISSUES – CHASE SIDE

Permitted Development and Campervans

The Council was hoping to receive further clarification on permitted development rules and their application to the use and occupation of campervans within the Cannock Chase National Landscape.

The Cannock Chase SAC Project Officer has agreed in principle to attending a future meeting of the council to talk about protection and management of the SAC.

10. PARISH WARD ISSUES – BRINDLEY VILLAGE
The following item was considered:

Land off the Rugeley Road
Councillor Pearson hasn’t yet received clarification on the planning position relating to the use of agricultural land potentially for commercial purposes – from greenhouses (estimated to be 20 to 30) and similar structures.

The Development Control Manager has confirmed an investigation was in progress.

Councillor R. Turville thanked Councillor Pearson and County Councillor Paul Jones on behalf of someone who had made an enquiry about the fishing pool site off the Brindley Heath Road. The County has undertaken some work to surrounding trees which Councillor Jones had requested.

11. CANNOCK CHASE
The following items were considered:
Cannock Chase National Landscape
The Council noted in an email from Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership (dated 16 December 2025) that landscape architects had been appointed to prepare a strategy and design options to update the road gateway signs on the main driving routes into Cannock Chase National Landscape. The project was progressing one of the commitments in the AONB Management Plan 2025-2030 to invest in improvements to key visitor infrastructure on the Chase.

The current wooden totems that welcome drivers are over 20 years old and falling into disrepair. Investing in new signs will provide a clear and consistent welcome and remind people that the Landscape should be enjoyed with care and respect. Opinions on the design of the signs were requested via a short survey.

County Councillor Sutherland expressed his personal preferences as he had been sent the schedules and asked that the Parish Council be consulted directly.

Councillor Pearson made the point that Cannock Chase National Landscapes plan to introduce something in keeping with the area which was in contrast/contradiction with the large banners on Cannock Chase advertising the headline acts at the Forest Concerts.

Councillors concluded the gateway signs will be what they will be and the views of the Parish Council were not likely to influence the preferred outcome.

Historic Environment Strategy for Cannock Chase National Landscape

The Parish Council noted that Cannock Chase National Landscape was seeking views on its Consultation Draft Strategy containing a framework for understanding, enjoying and caring for the historic environment of Cannock Chase. It included a portfolio of projects which they plan to take forward with their partners and communities to deliver benefits for the historic environment for local people.

A link to an online survey had been enclosed with the agenda for the meeting. The close date is 5pm on Friday 30 January 2026.

Cannock Chase Joint Committee – Sign up for E-Newsletters

The process for signing up for e-newsletters for meetings of the Joint Committee for Cannock Chase National Landscape Partnership was noted.

12. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
Local Government at all tiers are awaiting information from the Government on its preferred options for local government reorganisation (expected in March 2026). A consultation was thought to be planned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in March 2026 with a decision on the LGR model for Staffordshire expected in the summer. The new unitary councils would go live in 2028.

Cannock Chase Council’s proposal for a unitary authority in Staffordshire is:

The creation of two unitary Councils: one for North Staffordshire (Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council) and one for Southern & Mid Staffordshire (led and approved by Cannock Chase District, East Staffordshire Borough and Stafford Borough Council). Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire are included in the proposal although they have put forward a different proposal for a three unitary Council split.

Staffordshire County Council’s proposal for a unitary authority arrangement (in Staffordshire) was a two unitary council east west division split.

County Councillor Jones updated the Parish Council on the County’s position, and a government challenge that was in progress.

13. INVITATION TO MEETINGS/EVENTS
The Council noted the following forthcoming (external) meetings with no specific members nominated as Parish Council representatives:

• Cannock Chase National Landscape – Invitation to workshop on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at the County Buildings, Stafford.
• Meeting of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB Board and the NHS Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent ICB Board on Thursday 29 January 2026 at the Beaconside Conference Centre, Weston Road, Stafford.

14. REPORTS ON MEETINGS ATTENDED
a. Parish Councillors were unable to attend the following occasions:

• Christmas Carol Service on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at St Luke’s Church
• Holocaust Memorial Day Service on Sunday 25 January 2026 at St Luke’s Church

15. REPORTS FROM PARISH REPRESENTATIVES ON MEETINGS OF OUTSIDE BODIES
a. The parish representatives to outside bodies gave reports on meetings they had attended:

Slitting Mill Village Hall (M. Sutherland)
Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that the management Committee was fully appointed, and they were busy getting the building fit for purpose with roofing work and a new heating system installed.

Etching Hill Village Hall (D. Cotton)
Councillor Cotton advised the Council that the hall was well used with lots of activities. The next meeting will be held in February 2026.

Chetwynd Charity (P. Adams)
Councillor Adams advised the Council that the charity was looking to support a wider range of people living in the ancient parish of Rugeley rather than exclusively children who had not been making applications for the £100 grant funding.

Charity for the Recreation Ground (P. Adams & D. Cotton)
Councillor Adams reported that Staffordshire Wildlife Trust may well have secured funding for their work on the flat part of the Etching Hill site. He said the charity can only work within its financial means on the Hill itself (which was not funded through the Wildlife Trust).

Councillor Adams said that vandalism was continuing to occur and he was grateful to Councillor Cotton for clearing the rubbish/debris.

Charity for an Allotment for the Labouring Poor (P. Adams & D. Cotton)
Councillor Cotton advised the Council that the allotments and adjoining field were running well. There was still a waiting list, but it was anticipated that one or two applicants would soon be taken off.

The charity has an ongoing issue with an Oak tree (subject to a Tree Preservation Order) and a neighbouring resident had reported that it was causing damage to their property. The matter had been handed over to the Charity’s insurance company, but only certain risks were covered.

The Trustees were preparing to write to the Chief Executive of Cannock Chase Council along with the TPO Officer seeking a site visit with guidance on the work that could be done.

Longdon Cotton Alms-Houses (P. Adams to 2028)
Councillor Adams advised the Council that the Fire Officer had visited one of the homes to carry out an inspection and the situation was improving.

He said the houses were all let and the standard of decoration was good.

Cannock Chase Council’s Standards Committee (R. Turville)
Councillor Turville advised the Council that no meeting had been held.

SPCA Executive Committee (M. Sutherland)
Councillor Sutherland advised the Council that SPCA were looking at budgets and were offering great training opportunities.

16. COUNCILLOR REPORTS
The Chairman invited Councillor Jones to give a verbal report.

Councillor Jones advised the Council that there was a lot going on at present with Council Tax and leadership of the Council. He said there were also a lot of potholes to deal with in surrounding areas.

Councillor Pearson shared the regular issues discussed at parish meetings which included cars speeding over Cannock Chase and issues with motorists and their occupants parking up socially and leaving their rubbish behind. The speeding occurs along Penkridge Bank Road, Marquis Drive, Bevan’s Birches etc.

17. IT POLICY
The Parish Council considered a draft IT Policy based on the NALC draft IT policy which had been circulated electronically by email.
The Clerk advised the Council that the 2025 edition of the Practitioners Guide ‘Governance & Accountability’ contained a new Assertion 10 covering digital and data compliance. In addition to the requirements related to email management and website accessibility, there was a new requirement for smaller authorities to document their IT Policy.
To assist authorities in meeting this new requirement, the Government Digital Service had issued a template IT policy to be personalised for individual use.
Consideration of an IT Policy was brought forward to the next meeting of the Council.

18. FINANCIAL MATTERS
a) Financial Position of the Council
A breakdown of income and expenditure for the financial year to date was given in the Clerk’s Report (dated 27 January 2026). The budget statement showed the current financial position of the Council with reserves totalling £13,872.55.

The bank account balance on 2 January 2026 (taken from bank statement 176) was £15,136.25. A bank reconciliation (to 27 January 2026) included one unpresented cheque for the Clerk’s salary (£1,263.70)

Resolved: That the financial position of the Council is noted.

b) Projects for CIL funds
The Council considered locations for bleed kits, and a suggestion was made to install one at Slitting Mill Village Hall, although on the outside boundary of the parish.

The need for a SID on Stafford Brook Road near to Kinglsey Wood Road, was put forward although there would be ongoing maintenance issues.

c) Review of Council’s Risk Assessment
The Council considered the Review of the Council’s Risk Assessment which was taken forward to the next meeting.

d) To authorise cheques for payment
Resolved: To approve the following cheque payments:

100267   Church of the Holy Spirit   £37.50     Use of hall for parish meeting on 27 January 2026
100268   Wreaths x 2                           £39.98    Reimbursement following purchase from Royal British Legion

100268   Freedom Scroll                     £147.00  ReimbursemFollen Reimbursement following purchase from Clerks & Councils Direct

100268   Frame for Freedom Scroll  £60.00   Reimbursement following purchase from The Forest Gallery

Resolved: To authorise payment of the cheques listed.

19. ANY OTHER ITEMS FOR INFORMATION AND ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
No items

20. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Council will be held on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Mount Road, Rugeley.

Date……………………………………………………