25/035 PRESENT
Councillors Hartley, Coan, Dalzell, Forrest, Gardiner, Gray, Johnson, Lowe, Mears, Robertson, Russell, Watson and Wood
In attendance: A Keppel-Green (Town Clerk)
25/036 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Banks (personal business).
25/037 DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
Cllr Harley declared a personal interest in the proposed Tabley Road path (25/045) as a near neighbour; Cllr Gardiner declared a personal interest in 25/045 as a member of the Cheshire East Council Strategic Planning Board.
25/038 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A resident spoke regarding the proliferation of weeds and growth around pavements and traffic islands, asking the council to take action if it was not undertaken by Cheshire East Council. The resident further noted the percentage growth in the council’s precept since 2017 contrasted to the single figure increases of Cheshire East Council.
A resident stated their support progressing the proposed CIL projects and congratulated the council on getting landowner agreement to the path.
The Town Clerk read letters of support from a resident, the Nether Ward Community Group and Knutsford Academy expressing support for the proposed Tabley Road link path.
25/039 CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It was RESOLVED to confirm the minutes of the meeting held 2nd June.
25/040 COMMITTEE MINUTES
The minutes of committee meetings were noted.
25/041 CHESHIRE EAST COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS
The written report of Cllrs Dean and Gardiner were noted.
Cllr Coan reported that the Cheshire Fire Authority was looking at options for upgrading fire stations, noting Knutsford had been completed recently.
Cllr Gardiner reported that the council currently forecasted an overspend of £3.1m, which was anticipated to increase by year end and that it was almost certain the council would raise its council tax by the maximum 4.99% and may seek approval for a higher increase from the government. Cllr Gardiner expressed that the council may need to reduce its non-statutory services and may seek to delegate/devolve more to parishes.
Cllr Gardiner undertook to confirm the confirm sum to be received by Cheshire East Council from disposal of land at Longridge. Cllr Gardiner explained the proposed change to revert back to a cabinet system at the council.
25/043 MEMBERS’ REPORTS
The written reports were noted. Cllr Johnson reported that Jubilee Hall had around 30 groups using it regularly and that it has capacity for more hire and that the committee expressed thanks to the council for signposting them to a grant which funded replacement lighting which has seen energy costs reduce by 50%.
Cllr Hartley reported on his ward walk, stating he spoke to around 15 people but did not think it an effective engagement endeavour.
25/044 WELCOME FUNDING 2025/26
The Chair of The Welcome took questions from the council.
It was RESOLVED to provide funding of £20,000 for the 2025/26 financial year on the same terms as 2024/25 and with the requirement to work together to improve communications between the parties.
25/045 CIL RECOMMENDATIONS
It was RESOLVED to:
- approve the addition of the Sparrow Lane lighting design project to the approved CIL Projects list
- approve the addition of the Tabley Road active ravel path project to the approved CIL Projects list
- release funds for both projects
25/046 CORPORATE PEER CHALLENGE ACTIONS
The progress on delivering the action plan was noted. The Town Clerk was requested to prioritise the lessons learnt review for the market hall project, and it was suggested that capitalising on existing engagement opportunities where members are attending events/activity would be better than seeking to create specific opportunities.
It was RESOLVED to endorse the guidance prepared by the working group in respect of improving the clarity of decision making at meetings and promoting challenge at meetings.
25/047 MAYORAL DUTIES
Cllr Hartley reported on mayoral duties as set out in the appendix.
25/048 PAYMENTS
The recent payment reports were noted, and it was suggested the Finance Committee should review the limit of the corporate credit card with a view to increasing it to remove the need for personal cards to be used.
25/049 OUTSTANDING ACTIONS, PROJECT UPDATES AND WORKPLAN REPORTS
The reports were noted.
25/050 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A resident suggested the council keeps a close eye on the financial transactions in respect of the disposal of the land at Longridge, challenged the lack of clear process in respect of the grant for the Welcome suggesting it sets a precedent for the council to award funding outside agreed funding routes and noted that the council will not have the CIL available to provide funding for Toft Cricket Clubs impending rebuild.
25/051 QUESTIONS TO THE TOWN CLERK
The Town Clerk responded to questions advising he has the contact information for the speaking residents and that further information has been received from Bruntwood in respect of 60 King Street.
25/052 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
It was noted that the next scheduled meeting will be held on 10th November 2025 at 7pm.