17/10/2025
Greenhead Parish Council Meeting Report
Date: Monday 21st July 2025
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Village Hall
Chair: Cllr B Mason
Clerk: Susan Saunders
Present:
Cllrs H. Maxted, B. Mason, L. Whitington, S. Mason, and M. Wood
Cllr Sharp (County Councillor)
Clerk – Susan Saunders
1 Member of the Public
46/25 Apologies for Absence
None received.
47/25 Declarations of Interest
In accordance with Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011, no declarations of pecuniary interest were made.
48/25 Public Questions
No questions were raised by the public.
49/25 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on Monday 19th May 2025 were approved as a true record.
Proposed: Cllr H. Maxted | Seconded: Cllr S. Mason | Agreed.
50/25 Matters Arising
No matters arising not otherwise covered on the agenda.
51/25 Correspondence
Correspondence received since the last meeting was reviewed and discussed by members.
52/25 Northumberland County Council (NCC)
52/25.01 County Councillor’s Report:
• The yellow lines report has been submitted for approval.
• Some signage along Glen Whelt Bank has been repaired, with remaining works imminent.
• New warning signs for pedestrians at Longbyre have now been installed.
52/25.02 Local Transport Plan – No request for priorities has yet been received. Members agreed to consider this at the September meeting.
52/25.03 Bank Foot Drainage Issues – Cllr Sharp will inspect the site and report back.
53/25 Greenhead Matters
53/25.01 Play Area Inspection – The annual play inspection report has not yet been received. A rope supporting the bridge on the climbing frame has snapped. Insurers have advised that the play area must remain closed until repairs or removal are completed. Members agreed to await the inspection before deciding on the best course of action. Should a new piece of equipment be required, fundraising and grant opportunities will be explored.
53/25.02 New Bus Shelter – Highways have agreed to assess the proposed site and provide feedback on feasibility and costs. Members expressed concern that the original quotation may no longer be valid. The NCC grant funding has not yet been received.
53/25.03 Tree Inspection – Members agreed to obtain quotations for a tree inspection at The Millennium Green. Proposed: Cllr B. Mason | Seconded: Cllr M. Wood | Agreed.
53/25.04 Station Road Bridge – Network Rail has now completed the necessary works.
53/25.05 Village Hall Damage – The Village Hall and Council noticeboard were damaged by a van. Repairs are scheduled for September, and the noticeboard will be replaced via the insurance claim.
54/25 Annual Parish Meeting
Members discussed the format of future Annual Parish Meetings. While not a legal requirement, it was agreed to continue holding one for community engagement. As the meeting is not a formal Council meeting, attendance by councillors is optional. The Council will consider inviting guest speakers on topics of local interest.
55/25 Internal Audit Report
The Internal Auditor’s recommendations were reviewed and agreed as follows:
1. Invoice Stamp – to be purchased.
2. Debit Card – not required, as online banking is now operational.
3. Reserves Policy – adopted following review.
Proposed: Cllr B. Mason | Seconded: Cllr M. Wood | Agreed.
56/25 Planning Applications
For Determination:
- 25/01915/FUL – Change of use of function room to four en-suite bedrooms, Greenhead Hotel – No objection.
- 25/02199/COU – Burnside Cottage, conversion of outbuilding into two-pen cattery – No objection.
Proposed: Cllr B. Mason | Seconded: Cllr M. Wood | Agreed.
Determined Applications:
- 25/00036/FUL – Rose Cottage, two dwellings – Granted.
National Park Planning:
- 25NP0054 – Walltown Quarry Visitor Centre, change of use from car park to mixed use with up to five overnight motorhome spaces.
Members agreed to object due to competition with local campsites, unclear monitoring, enforcement concerns, fee collection, and waste management issues.
Proposed: Cllr L. Whitington | Seconded: Cllr M. Wood | Agreed.
57/25 Financial Matters
57/25.01 Income and Expenditure as at 30th June 2025 – Noted.
57/25.02 Accounts for Payment (as of 21st July 2025) – Invoices totalling £204.00 approved in principle.
Proposed: Cllr M. Wood | Seconded: Cllr B. Mason | Agreed.
57/25.03 Parish Online – Subscription to be discontinued.
58/25 Northumberland ALC – .gov.uk Website
From April 2026, all councils must operate using a .gov.uk domain and email system. Northumberland NALC will migrate hosting to a provider that supports this. The cost will be £9.99 per month, with a 50% discount matched by the County Committee, resulting in no cost for the first year.
Members approved the transition with one central council email account.
Proposed: Cllr M. Wood | Seconded: Cllr B. Mason | Agreed.
59/25 Haltwhistle & District Joint Burial Committee
Cllr Maxted provided a brief report on the Committee’s activities.
61/25 Any Other Business
This item was moved forward to precede the confidential session. No substantive issues were raised.
60/25 Staff Appraisal (Confidential Item)
A resolution was passed to exclude the public and press under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 due to the confidential nature of the item.
Proposed: Cllr B. Mason | Seconded: Cllr M. Wood | Agreed.
Following the clerk’s appraisal, members agreed to re-evaluate the role and increase to SCP 16 effective 1st April 2025. Annual hours to remain the same, with flexibility for emergencies. Pro-rata holiday pay to be included. Contract to be updated and signed by Chair and Clerk.
Proposed: Cllr M. Wood | Seconded: Cllr B. Mason | Agreed.
62/25 Date of Next Meeting
Monday 15th September 2025 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall. Meeting closed at 8.28pm.
