Meeting Minutes

The Parish council was very pleased with the turn-out for the first ‘Community Drop-In session’ held at the Sports Club on Friday, 21 August.  This was an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and opinions on traffic and highways issues in the parish.  County Councillor Ben Edwards was in attendance and was able to provide information on what the County Council is able to do to address highways issues and the costs of various interventions.  Individual roads and the problems encountered there were discussed.

Two particular issues were raised:

• Speeding cars down Hill Wootton Road in Leek Wootton.  Parish Councillors followed this up with Warwickshire Police and the Inspector for Traffic Enforcement was made aware of the problem.  Consequently, a police vehicle was posted in Hill Wootton Road on a subsequent morning, and evidence of traffic infringements obtained.  Obviously, this was just one occasion and will not in itself solve the problem.  Residents are encouraged to report any and all further incidences using the on-line reporting form at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ or by telephoning 101.

The Parish Council is keen to hear from any resident who would be prepared to join Community Speedwatch.

• Concerns were expressed by several drivers who had received penalty notices/ letters which seemingly related to driving too close to pedal cyclists, or overtaking them on double-white lines on the Warwick Road.  Parish Councillors consequently requested guidance from the Police and also from Bikeability on this matter.  The information obtained has been summarised and is available on the parish website.  If you have been affected by someone reporting you, or are concerned about this issue, and want to know that you are driving/ riding safely, do please read this and share the information with others.

The next Community Drop-In Session will take place on Thursday: 8 October at 7:45pm at the Village Hall when potential planning developments in and adjacent to the parish will be discussed.  Do come along so that Parish Councillors can hear your views.

Notes on the Highway Code

1. Since the revision of the Highway Code a few years ago, greater emphasis has been placed on the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.  If you haven’t read the Highway Code for some time, do please read the following sections:
   (a) Rules 127 – 132 re line markings
   (b) Rules 162 – 167 re overtaking
   (c) Rules 212 and 213 re cyclists
   
2. In relation to the double white lines on Warwick Road, while Rule 165 states “You MUST NOT overtake if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest to you”,  Rule 129 states “You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.”  At the same time, Rule 162 states that, "you should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph” (which is the speed limit on Warwick Road).  This is a greater distance than one might imagine (remember the 2-metre rule during Covid!) and Rule 163 states that drivers should “Give vulnerable road users at least as much space as you would a car” and Rule 167 explicitly states “DO NOT overtake …. on the approach to crossing facilities” (there is a crossing on Warwick Road).  Thus. residents might want to exercise extreme caution before overtaking on this stretch of road, particularly in bad weather or at night. The Highway Code
   
3. Children who undertake Bikeability training are taught about primary and secondary road positions.  As there is no reference to these in the Highway Code, we have sought further explanation to help both drivers and cyclists.  The information we have been given by Bikeability is as follows:
   
   “Although the Highway Code does not generally use the terms ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ position, the principles are reflected in the guidance provided to cyclists.  Rule 72 states that cyclists should either:
   
   - Ride in the centre of their lane where this improves visibility or where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake, such as when approaching junctions, road narrowings or other hazards.
   
   - Position themselves further left when it is safe and appropriate for vehicles to overtake, whilst maintaining a safe distance from the kerb.
   
   Within cycle training, these positions are often described as ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ position, including Bikeability training delivered in schools, to help cyclists understand how to position themselves safely and effectively on the road (www.bikeability.org.uk)
   
   We also use more child friendly language to describe these.  Our preferred terms are ‘follow me’ for primary and ‘pass me’ for secondary, as we find these are easier to understand.  We encourage the use of dynamic road positioning, meaning cyclists should continuously assess conditions and adjust their position according to the road environment, traffic speed, visibility and hazards.  In terms of driver awareness, the Highway Code changes introduced in 2022 placed greater emphasis on safe interaction with vulnerable road users.  The aim is not to give cyclists priority over other road users, but rather to help them position themselves in a way that maximises visibility, predictability and safety.  Drivers are expected to recognise that cyclists may ride in the centre of a lane where this is the safest position.  Increasing awareness amongst all road users of why cyclists sometimes ride centrally can help reduce misunderstanding and improve safety.  As the Highway Code evolves, there is increasing recognition that understanding these principles benefits both cyclists and drivers, particularly on rural roads where vehicle speeds may be higher and overtaking opportunities more limited.  How we effectively raise awareness of this is a constant challenge for us and other active travel organisations”.
   
4. Electric vehicles can be significantly quieter than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles, particularly at lower speeds.  As a result, some cyclists and pedestrians may have less auditory warning of an approaching vehicle.  To address this, regulations now require many electric and hybrid vehicles to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), which emits an artificial sound at lower speeds to help alert other road users to the vehicle's presence.  Bikeability say:
   
   “Cycle training generally encourages riders not to rely solely on hearing when assessing traffic.  Instead, cyclists are taught to make regular observations, including looking behind, checking over their shoulder before changing position, and maintaining awareness of the wider traffic environment.”
   
5. Residents, whether or not they are drivers, non-drivers or cyclists, may not be aware of Operation Snap.  As part of Operation Snap, members of the public can report and submit digital footage showing potential moving traffic offences.  This includes dangerous driving, using a mobile phone, driving without due care and attention, careless driving, overtaking on solid white lines, not in proper control, ignoring traffic lights or dangerous driving around other road users, such as horse riders and cyclists.  Incidents can be reported directly to the Force where the incident occurred but the public is encouraged to use the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP).  Footage can be uploaded from any dash cam, mobile phone or any other type of camera.  Submissions about moving traffic offences will be sent to the police force where the alleged offence occurred and will be reviewed by a road traffic police officer.  The options for police action following review are No Further Action, Driver Education Course, Fixed Penalty Notice or Summons to Court.  For more information about Operation Snap, go to https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/police-forces/warwickshire-police/areas/warwickshire-police/campaigns/campaigns/2019/operation-snap/
   
6. As with many road safety initiatives, Operation Snap reports involving cyclists can sometimes highlight differing perceptions between cyclists and drivers regarding road positioning and overtaking.  In recent years, some submissions have related to close passes, overtaking manoeuvres, or drivers attempting to pass cyclists where insufficient space was available.  As vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders are deemed to be at much greater risk of serious injury and death than those in cars, the priority will always be to protect those most vulnerable.

The Parish Council met on 2 September 2026. The DRAFT minutes are available to view here:

The Parish Council has responded to the South Warwickshire Local Plan Reg 19 Consultation as follows:

Leek Wootton & Guy’s Cliffe Parish Council objects to the allocation KEN.1 – Land to the South of Kenilworth.

The inclusion of this site at the scale proposed makes the South Warwickshire Local Plan unsound, failing multiple tests of soundness: justified, effective, and consistent with national policy.

1. The allocation is not justified
A plan is justified only if it is based on a proportionate evidence base and considers reasonable alternatives. KEN.1 fails this test for several reasons:

• Scale far exceeds the settlement’s functional capacity Kenilworth is a constrained historic town with limited transport capacity, limited employment land, and no realistic ability to absorb a strategic-scale new community without severe impacts on movement, landscape, and local services.
• Evidence base does not support a strategic expansion of this magnitude The Regulation 19 evidence does not demonstrate that Kenilworth is an appropriate or sustainable location for growth of this scale compared with other reasonable alternatives across South Warwickshire.
• Reasonable alternatives have not been properly assessed other locations with demonstrably better transport connectivity, employment proximity, and infrastructure capacity have not been fully explored or compared against KEN.1 in a transparent way.

2. The allocation is not effective
Effectiveness requires that the plan be deliverable over the plan period and based on effective joint working.

• Infrastructure requirements are unachievable within the plan period The level of transport, education, health, and utilities infrastructure required to support KEN.1 is not evidenced as deliverable. No funded or committed schemes exist to mitigate the impacts of hundreds of new dwellings.
• Transport impacts cannot be mitigated Kenilworth’s constrained road network, reliance on pinch points, and lack of strategic road capacity mean that the development would generate severe residual impacts—contrary to national policy.
• No credible phasing or delivery strategy the plan does not demonstrate how KEN.1 can be phased without causing unacceptable cumulative impacts on Kenilworth and surrounding settlements.

3. The allocation is not consistent with national policy
National policy requires plans to promote sustainable patterns of development, protect valued landscapes, and avoid severe transport impacts.

• Unsustainable pattern of development KEN.1 forces major growth into a location with limited employment opportunities, requiring significant out commuting and increasing car dependency.
• Landscape harm the site lies within sensitive landscape areas that contribute to the setting of Kenilworth and the wider South Warwickshire character and the separation of Kenilworth from the Villages and Hamlets of the adjacent Parishes. The scale proposed is incompatible with safeguarding landscape character, contrary to NPPF requirements.
• Failure to avoid severe transport impacts the evidence does not demonstrate that the impacts on the A46, local junctions, Kenilworth’s internal network, and the road system in and around Leek Wootton can be mitigated to acceptable levels.

4. The scale of KEN.1 undermines the soundness of the entire plan
The SWLP relies heavily on KEN.1 as a major growth location. Because the allocation is neither justified nor deliverable, the plan’s overall spatial strategy collapses. The plan becomes:

• Over dependent on a single undeliverable site
• Unable to meet housing and employment needs in a sustainable pattern.
• Structurally unsound because its growth strategy is not achievable. If KEN.1 cannot be delivered at the scale proposed, the plan cannot meet its stated objectives or housing trajectory. This renders the entire SWLP unsound.

Action to Make Plan Sound
To render the Plan sound, the allocation must be either (a) removed or significantly reduced in scale, or (b) amended to include binding, enforceable policy requirements obliging developers to fully fund and deliver all necessary transport infrastructure upgrades prior to occupation, secured through legally binding mechanisms such as Section 106 agreements or other similar enforceable conditions.

The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner has arranged meetings with the Parish Council during the practical stages of the Police HQ External Transformation project. Please see the Meeting Record for the latest meeting here:

Previous Meeting Records are available to view here:

• 14 Jul 2026 - Community Meeting 4
• 8 Jun 2026 - Community Meeting 3
• 6 May 2026 - Community Meeting 2
• 4 Feb 2026 - Community Meeting 1

Application No: W/26/1172
Description: Proposed erection of a replacement front porch and single-storey side and rear extension, with changes in fenestration.
Address: The Old Barn, Hill Wootton Road, Hill Wootton, Warwick, CV35 7PP

LW&GC PC Comment: No objection
WDC Decision: Pending

Link to on-line application documents

Forecast data is showing the first signs of an unusually early warming of the Polar Stratosphere, suggesting the polar vortex that usually confines arctic winds may be weaker.  This has the potential to allow colder polar air tomove into mid-latitudes of North America and Europe.  In other words, we may expect lower temperatures with an increased chance of snow in the coming months.  Please make sure you are prepared.   

COLD WEATHER, SNOW AND ICE

Although many people enjoy the winter season, during periods of cold weather some people are at higher risk of illness if they become too cold, or can seriously hurt themselves if they slip and fall.

Severely cold weather can also cause disruption to road and rail transport. Car accidents also become more likely when road surfaces are icy and people are not used to driving in these conditions.

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Who is most at risk?

Cold weather can affect anyone, but some people may face a higher risk being impacted by cold. Some of the groups who may be most at risk are:

• Older adults.
• People with long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition.
• Pregnant people.
• Babies and young children.
• People with learning disabilities.
• People at risk of falls.
• People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves.
• People who are housebound or have low mobility.
• People experiencing homelessness or people sleeping rough.

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Actions to take to prepare for cold weather or if cold weather is forecast

• Read about the symptoms of hypothermia and understand the actions to take if you or someone else has them. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in hospital. 
• Plan ahead and check that you have enough medication and food in case it is harder than usual to leave the house. You could think about who might be able to help pick up food and medication on your behalf if you were unable to leave the house – let them know you might need them. 
• Prepare your vehicle for driving in cold weather. The RAC provides advice on preparing your vehicle for winter conditions at https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/top-10-ways-to-detect-a-breakdown/ and on how to drive in snow at https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/driving-in-snow/
• Consider packing a few essential items in your car’s boot to make sure you are ready in case of getting stuck in cold and wintry weather. The RAC recommends drivers carry the following: demisting pad, torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery), a hi-vis vest to make you’re visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screenwash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, shovel, phone charger, map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow.
• If you plan to cycle, The Met Office provides helpful advice on how to cycle in winter at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/cycling-in-winter

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Actions you can take during a spell of cold weather

• Check the weather forecasts and warnings, or download the Met Office Weather Forecast app where you can create alerts for your area. Pay particular attention to any National Severe Weather Warnings or Cold Health Alerts covering your area, and act on any advice issued. 
• Ensure that family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell are aware of, and following, actions to keep themselves safe. If you are worried about someone else’s health, contact your local pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, who will all be able to offer advice and support.
• Support those who might need extra help by checking how they are feeling, and offering practical support (e.g., help obtaining food or medication) if possible.
• Keep your home warm – try to heat rooms you spend the most time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C.
• Keep your windows closed, particularly at night and reduce draughts wherever possible. 
• Do what you can to stay active, indoors. 
• Wear several layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer. 
• Wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces when out and about. 

The Met Office’s WeatherReady pages at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/weatherready  provide regularly updated seasonal advice, and weather updates can be found at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

Did You Know?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join.  It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps them tailor their services to support households who need extra help with everyday energy matters like bills, and also in the unlikely event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.

Utility companies are working together to make sure that a property receives all the support services covered by the Priority Services Register. By telling them once, they update your PSR request with your energy supplier (the company you pay your bills to) and your regional network companies including electricity and gas. Since 31 March 2023 electricity companies are, where possible, sharing PSR information with water companies, so you can get vital help and support from them too if there's a break in your water supply.

The PSR promise is made by all participating energy companies in England, Wales and Scotland. They will always follow privacy laws and your PSR information will never be used for marketing.

You are eligible for free PSR services if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Are of pensionable age
• Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Have a disability
• Have a chronic illness
• Are blind or partially sighted
• Have loss or impairment of smell
• Have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition
• Temporarily need extra support
• Live with children under five
• Need documents translated into another format or language

The benefits of signing up for priority services are:

1. Support and information during a power or gas supply interruption

You can contact the network operators in the UK 24 hours a day, every day, and get priority updates in a power cut. If your electricity or gas needs to be temporarily switched off to carry out essential maintenance, you will get prior advance notice to allow you to plan ahead.

2.  Connection to local emergency services

Your electricity and gas companies work with local authorities, emergency services and agencies, like the British Red Cross, to provide extra support to people on the Priority Services Register.

3. Emergency power

If you use medical equipment/aids which use electricity or water the PSR helps to prioritise help during prolonged supply interruptions. Portable generators or bottled water can be delivered when necessary.

4. Emergency gas

If you are on mains gas and your supply is interrupted for a prolonged period, the PSR will aim to help you with emergency electrical heating and cooking appliances.

5. Communication tailored to your needs

You can request a format that suits your needs, e.g. Large Print, Braille, textphone, audio or a language other than English.

6. Nominated contact

If it helps, the PSR can contact a nominated carer, family member or friend on your behalf

7. Peace of mind

Joining the PSR allows you to set up a password to use when electricity or gas company employees call you or knock at your door. Registering a password helps protect your personal safety and home security

8. Emergency Contact

In a power cut, you can call 105

Register now at https://www.thepsr.co.uk/

A MEETING OF THE
PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE HELD 
ON
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
at 7:30 pm
at Leek Wootton Village Hall

15 minutes is allowed at the start of the meeting for members of the public to ask questions on any matter relating to the Parish Council’s responsibilities. Members of the public may not take part in the meeting itself and the Parish Council cannot pass a resolution on matters raised during public participation but upon restoration of the standing orders can discuss and agree actions to be taken.  Individual members may speak for up to 5 minutes.

THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

The agenda is available to view here:

The DRAFT minutes of the July meeting are available to view at:

Parish Council Meeting, 1 July 2026 (DRAFT MINUTES)

Application No: W/26/1203
Description: Variation of Condition 2 (approved drawings) of planning permission ref: W/25/1502 (Erection of first floor front and side extension, single storey rear extension and addition of render and cladding.) for amendments to increase the depth of the single storey rear extension.
Address: 2 The Hamlet, Leek Wootton, Warwick, CV35 7QW

LW&GC PC Comment: Pending
WDC Decision: Pending

Link to on-line application documents

Application No: W/26/1066 LB
Description: Installation of solar panels (pv) on south west rear roof of the south range of the former farm buildings at Goodrest Manor House.
Address: Goodrest Manor House, Rouncil Lane, Kenilworth, CV8 1NN

LW&GC PC Comment: No objection
WDC Decision: Pending

Link to on-line application documents

The project continues to progress well and remains on programme, with no delays anticipated.

Phase 2

• Establish perimeter fencing to works area
• Parking area along the entrance road
• Reduced level excavation under archaeological supervision
• Duct trenching under archaeological supervision
• Ducting to lamp posts, feeder pillars and barriers, including bases (unrestricted works)
• Kerbs and edgings
• Type 3 to parking bays
• Grid paving, including gravel infill

Existing Car Park & House Frontage

• Reduced level excavation under archaeological supervision
• Duct trenching under archaeological supervision
• Ducting to lamp post, feeder pillars and barriers including bases unrestricted works
• Kerbs and edgings
• Type 1 to all areas

Courtyard and Data/60's Building Area

• Path from the courtyard to the existing car park
• No-dig section, including edgings, grid paving, infill, topsoil, making good and gravel

Courtyard

• Reduced level excavation under archaeological supervision
• Duct runs to area, access chambers, lamp posts, bases, etc.
• Duct trenching under archaeological supervision
• Unrestricted works
• Kerbs and edgings
• Type 1 to all areas