The County of Cambridgeshire Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 – Section 14(2) as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991 (Temporary Prohibition of Through Traffic) Notice 2025-2328 The County of Cambridgeshire hereby gives notice that from 00:00hrs on 18th November 2025, no vehicle shall proceed along Chapel End (D140), Great Gidding as lies between Mill Meadow and Mill Road. Access will be maintained to properties affected by this Order. The alternative route for vehicles is via Mill Road, Main Street, Chapel End, Chapel End (D140) and vice versa. This Notice is made in the interest of safety because of emergency carriageway repairs and will remain effective whilst there is a risk of public danger but not for more than 21 days. It is anticipated that these works will take place between 00:00hrs 18th November 2025 and 23:59 25th November 2025 The Notice shall not apply to any persons lawfully engaged in connection with any works for which it is made, any member of the Police Force, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance Service, a vehicle being used by Special Forces during the execution of their duties or to any person acting with the permission or upon the direction of a Police Officer in uniform. Frank Jordan, Executive Director, Place and Sustainability, New Shire Hall, Emery Crescent, Enterprise Campus, Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon, PE28 4YE 4 November 2025
This document is also posted on the noticeboard (on the approach to St Michael’s Church)
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
Response to an Application for Planning Consent
To: Cambridgeshire County Council
Ref.: CCC/25/107/FUL
Address: Hemington Lodge Road, Great Gidding, Cambridgeshire PE8 5QS
Description: Road linking the B660 (Main Street, Great Gidding) to Hemington Lodge Road replacing the existing junction; and passing places along Hemington Lodge Road
Response: The Parish Council wish to notify the planning authority that they object to the proposed development and, in this document, set out the reasons for their decision.
The contents of this objection were gathered at a Parish Council meeting held at the Great Gidding village hall on 21st October 2025.Members of the public chose to attend and share their views.
The Strategic View
Whilst there are concerns about the placement and location of the proposed Anaerobic Digester (AD) plant, we recognise that this is not the matter being addressed by the above application and we will refrain from any detailed comments on that matter. However, the proposed location in Northamptonshire, if granted planning consent, will throw up substantial long term maintenance costs for Cambridgeshire and burden the local villages.
The application is being presented as a straightforward road adjustment issue. If we go back to first principles, the functioning of the AD is totally dependent on the proximity of a main underground gas pipe and the supply and disposal of organic waste. The connecting gas line would be buried and would cause no harm and impact on the environment regardless of its length.
However, the logistics of collecting substantial amounts of material is highly impactful because it requires a fleet of HGV lorries undertaking many journeys. It would seem logical, if this scheme is to be sustainable, to minimise the distance that the lorries need to travel -especially once off the arterial road system.
It would seem sensible to locate the AD in a place where good HGV access is available alongside reasonably good access to the underground gas network.
It isdisappointing, therefore, that the chosen site for the AD is placed centrally in the rural pocket as defined by the A14, the A1 and the A605. The AD would not be close to any of these main roads and would require HGV traffic to utilise inadequate B roads. The AD logistic operation can be imagined as a radial pattern of routes with a capillary function at the edges and a robustly large arterial function at the centre where all the material load and impact is concentrated. In this case the proposal stands on its head where the hub of the operation is the approach through the winding B660, through several small villages to a quiet country track on the edge of Great Gidding known as Hemington Lodge Road (HLR).
Existing Highways
Hemington Lodge Road
Hemington Lodge Road (HLR) is a single track lane: 1.4Km in length. It is edged by drainage ditches and an almost continuous hedge. This track is not in good physical shape but its straight path, gentle gradients and distant views over high open countryside attracts locals.
It is regularly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders forming a network up to bridleways NK8 and NK9. It is also used as a recreational loop between Great Gidding and Luddington. There are occasional slow moving vehicles but there is an easy etiquette of co-usage. Item 4.2.3 records that there have been no recorded collisions in the period of 01 January 2017 and 28 February 2025 but this is because the interaction between non-motorised users and vehicles is balanced.
Main Street – B660
The B660 is a dual track road of 17.2Km linking the A14 and the A1 through four villages – Old Weston, Winwick, Great Gidding and Glatton. It is designated as a secondary route under the Cambridgeshire Advisory Freight Map. As a result it is used as a short cut between the A14 and the A1.
This is an ancient route containing many sharp bends and gradient changes as it traverses the topography of ridges and valleys. Its challenging character make it a favourite route for large groups of cyclists and motor bikes throughout summer. It is a challenging road, especially in the winter, for larger vehicles and for drivers unfamiliar with the route. The statistics record, during the same period (Jan 2017 to Feb 2025 – as that reported for HLR) a total of 47 accidents of varying degrees of seriousness.
The volume of traffic (especially through the villages) has been of particular concern for many years and some traffic calming restrictions are in place. Despite this there are regular ‘near misses’ and many reports of vehicles embedded in hedges, dead domestic animals and wildlife.
This area is largely agricultural with grain production at its heart. Throughout the year, but especially at harvest time, the roads are busy with large agricultural machinery. Being an agricultural area, this type of traffic is expected and essential.
The Proposal
The applicant’s Transport Statement (TS) takes a myopic view on the issue of anticipated traffic impact because it is restricted to the HLR and the junction with the B660. It is understandable that the document (TS 2.2.10)is concerned with efforts to convince that “…the scheme would address the modest additional travel demands associated with the AD plant satisfactorily.” This assertion of only “modest increases in traffic movements” are scattered in the text despite the alarming statistics on future use.
There are several problems with the TS analysis and the ameliorating efforts proposed.
The existing road bed of HLR is insufficient to bear the current traffic let alone a significant increase. It would need to be completely rebuilt, widened and metalled to accommodate the substantial increase in heavy vehicles.
We are deeply sceptical about usefulness of the ATC survey on HLR as posited in section 4.0. A 7 day survey in the late January countryside cannot be used as a representation of average use patterns. January is a quieter time in the farming year so agricultural traffic is reduced. Also, the weather is less conducive for outdoor activities such as walking, bikes etc. This survey is therefore insufficient to allow a safe planning decision.
We understand that the black boxes counting traffic on the B660 were attached high on the lamp post at Townsend Pond and another on the road sign further towards Glatton. It was observed that the black box on the lamp post was too high to record the majority of vehicles so, potentially,did not produce an accurate reflection of traffic flow.
We would also seek some clarification of the type of vehicles recorded during the January 2025 survey. TS 4.1.3 claims that this information was recorded but why was it not included in the TS?The type of vehicle is important because a car does not represent the same impact as an additional HGV.
At present, all users of HLR accommodate each other with few larger vehicles. The proposed passing places, to accommodate HGV’s are not wide enough at 5.5m (TS 6.4.5). This is insufficient to allow a HGV to pass a horse and rider requiring a 3m (not 2m as in TS 5.3.3) safety gap. It should be noted that even these works are not guaranteed as TS 5.3.3 caveats itself by stating,
“It should be noted that whilst the scheme seeks to avoid impacts on the drainage ditches to each side of Hemington Lodge Road, the extent and deliverability of widening within highway land would need to be confirmed by further engineeringand geotechnical investigations.”
The restricted analysis presented in the TS constitutes a failure to address the impact of the additional HGV traffic on the villages of Great Gidding, Glatton, Winwick, Old Weston and B660 in general. This road is designated as a secondary route with layout limitations described above and it is coming under ever increasing load from ‘short cut’ traffic. The TS has not considered the impact of the additional heavy vehicle traffic once it reaches the B660.For example, Great Giddingis protected by being a Conservation Area and has many houses close to Main Street, including a 17th clisted cottage on the roadside. Manyof the cottages are built up to the pavement or verge. It is reasonable to assume thatunrelenting HGV traffic could do structural damage but, more importantly, it will cause distress and nuisance to the occupants as well as pedestrians and horse riders who regularly use Main Street.
Our objections are,
That the logistics of feeding the inappropriately placed BD are fundamentally miss judged. The Parish Council and the residents of Great Gidding do not see why we should bear the environmental consequences of this poorly thought-out proposal.
We don’t see why our local highways authority (CCC) should bear the cost (through our taxes) of the ongoing additional maintenance of our overstretched rural road system to facilitate a dangerous and polluting logistical proposal.
The proposal does not sufficiently address the practical issues of making co-usage of HLR & B660 safe. We are concerned that, should the proposed changes to HLR proceed, the adjoining community would be pushed off the road for their own safety. HLR is a public thoroughfare and a valued route as described above. The people of the village would lose something cherished without any positive benefit to the community.
It is clear that the application is not taking seriously the demands of NPPF 116 (TS 2.2.7)suggesting that developments should only be “…refused on highways grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would be severe, taking into account all reasonable future scenarios.”
It is clear that the application is not taking seriously the demands of NPPF(115 TS 2.2.6 &117c – TS 2.2.8)which goes further by demanding that developments “create places that are safe, secure and attractive – which minimise the scope for conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles,…and respond to local character…”
It is clear that the application is not taking seriously the demands of CCC Local Transport and Connectivity Plan [LTCP](TS 2.3.2) which states that “…improving freight operations will help reduce conflicts with other modes of transport, pedestrians, and cyclists.”
The LTCP goes on to say that freight should be moved on the “right routes”. It is not unreasonable to suggest that HLR is not the “right” route to a logistics hub.
We are concerned that, should the AD plant be successful, there would be a natural impetus to increase production with increased HGV traffic flow. Once planning consent is granted it will be impossible to control this.
Possible amelioration for discussion
The Parish Council meeting held on the 21st October 2025 is resolved in its opposition to the proposed highway and logistical re-arrangements. The Parish Council took the opportunity of the meeting to discuss any measures that would be imperative to include as part of a consent should it be granted.
That the applicant agrees to leave HLR as is (under the care of CCC) and, as a consortium with adjoining businesses, constructs a new purpose made private service road and junction to the B660 to the north of the HLR and adjoining hedge.
That HGV traffic on the B660 – Main Street should be controlled. It should be dispersed, possibly by the installation of a ‘no right turn’ when exiting the proposed new junction onto B660 or other measures. This should dilute the HGV traffic flow in the villages.
That the applicant agrees to the implementation of traffic calming measures in Great Gidding and Winwick (to be considered and agreed with CCC) under a Section 106 agreement.
We trust you will consider the objections of the residents and the Parish Council who would be most impacted by this proposal. Please help us protect our valued and cherished village and surroundings from avoidable long term damage.
BACKGROUND: Northamptonshire Council (NNC) are considering a planning permission under reference NN/23/0006/WASFUL for a Proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plant, Associated Infrastructure, Lagoons and Feedstock Clamps at Rectory Farm, Luddington.
The application to North Northants for the AD plant has not yet been decided and the public can still comment on it. You can find details of the application on their website: https://www.northnorthants.gov.uk/minerals-and-waste-planning/current-minerals-and-wasteplanning- applications The main part of the Anaerobic Digestion (or AD) plant would sit in North Northamptonshire, and their Council will make the decision on this. However, the gas pipe line and the National Transmission Service compound needed for the plant would be in Cambridgeshire and so in March 2024, the County Council granted permission for those minor parts of the development that would be located in the County – under planning permission reference CCC/23/125/FUL. CURRENT PLANNING APPLICATION: reference CCC/25/107/FUL A new planning application has been submitted to the County Council which seeks permission for a road to serve the AD plant which would link the B660 (Main Street, Great Gidding) to Hemington Lodge Road. The proposed road is needed to give better access to the AD plant, it would replace the existing junction and passing places are also proposed along Hemington Lodge Road. If the AD plant is approved there will need to be these road improvements. However, if the AD plant is not approved or not built then the proposed road will not be built. The County Council understands that an application has also been submitted to Northamptonshire for a very small part of the road that would sit in their area, that application is not yet valid and it will not appear on their public access system until it is. When considering CCC/25/107/FUL, the Council are only able to assess the impact of the part of the proposed new road that sits within the County and officers cannot consider the AD plant itself, or the traffic generated by the proposed plant or the traffic routing. Any comments on these matters should be submitted to North Northamptonshire Council, along with any other concerns that they may have about the AD plant. The comments from the County Council’s Highway Development Management team on the application for the road withing Cambridgeshire are available on our public access system: https://planning.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/online-applications/ Please direct any queries about the proposed road and highway improvements to planningdc@cambridgeshire.gov.uk and all other queries to North Northamptonshire Council.
Present: Councillors Maciag, Hodson, Hargrave, Downer and the Clerk and 3 members of the public (LJ and SH, and PH)
043.25 Councillor Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting.
044.25 Apologies received from:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
Cllr Bolton – holiday
Cllr Nankivell – holiday
0045.25 There were no member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0046.25 2 x members of the Public (LJ and SH) were present in respect of the request for funding of the defibrillator (see 0052.25 below). 1 member of the Neighbourhood Plan team was present to update the Parish Council (see 0050.25b below)
0047.25 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 15th July 2025 including the amendment to Minutes submitted by Cllr Downer . Minutes were approved by Cllrs Hodson and Hargrave.
0048.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
District Councillor Alban had emailed to advise that the solar farm at Haddon had gone to Appeal and was refused. Nothing further heard from North Northants about the Anaerobic Digester unit.
Cllr Nankivel – written report submitted with an update about the softball team. Also a request via a resident to paint the exterior of the shipping container on the Rec Field – Councillors were in agreement but asked for a design/colour choice before work commences.
Cllr Hargrave, regarding the Village Hall committee
Games night, despite only 29 attending, went well.
Café at Open Studios was a financial success
Cllr Downer expressed thanks to the Committee.
Cllr Downer questioned the Clerk regarding the adding of Minutes to the village website and the Clerk will add them in the next week.
0049.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/8/2025 £11168.15 (includes £500 bequest and £2500 grant)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 20/6/2025 £21755.36
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/8/2025 – £210.81
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved.
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
Staff costs
Wages for June (32 hours) ***
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Information Commissioners Office
Annual subscription
52.00
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Maintenance
Grass cutting – invoice no 3113
253.03
42.17
*** Payslip was not available at the time of the meeting, but authorized up to £500.
c) Clerk’s working hours for July, a total of 28, were approved by Cllrs.
Payroll Services have confirmed that, due to a change in legislation, there are likely to be months when National Insurance payments are due on Clerk’s wages.
0050.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
a) There are no new applications, only a Biodiversity statement in respect of 41 Main Street (area planted is at Whitehall Farm, Steeple Gidding)
b) Neighbourhood Plan – update and public consultation. Paul Hargrave of the Neighbourhood Plan Group advised that the next stage of the project had been completed, the document had been sent out to 17 organisations as recommended by HuntsDC, and a further 62 copies has been sent out by email. Details had been shared on the village Facebook and WhatsApp sites, feedback can be made via the village website and there is a hard copy available in Winwick, Hamerton and Great Gidding (to view the Great Gidding copy please contact the Parish Clerk and it will be made available). An event will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 20th September at 10.30am, when questions can be asked about the document.
Paul Hargrave left the meeting after giving his update.
c) The Baptist Chapel – wall removed …. Conservation Area and Listed Building consent are required – nothing showing on Hunts DC website as at 15/8/2025 – email sent to Conservation Officer on 5/8/2025, no response yet. A number of residents have also corresponded with Planning Dept of Hunts DC regarding this site. Clerk has advised District Cllr Alban of concerns regarding the development. Clerk has a potential pecuniary interest in respect of the developer and advised she should be excluded from correspondence regarding this site.
0051.25 Village Maintenance –
a) The Jitty – Milton Estates have been asked to cut back vegetation (later in the year), also to change the gate latch at Mill Road entrance to Footpath 6, and to cut down and cut back vegetation along Main Street.
b) Footpath No 6 – the landowner of the gate on Chapel End entrance and other gates and access has been asked to carry out works. Footpath Officer at CambsCC has been updated. The landowner has started to cut back vegetation. The gate onto Chapel End remains unchanged.
c) Footbridge over Alconbury Brook, Right of Way – email sent to Footpath Officer, with email from British Horse Society, online CambsCC report completed, several residents have telephoned/reported/emailed – work on bridge completed and email of thanks sent to the Footpath Officer and his team for bringing this to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.
d) Noticeboard – quotes for both metal and wooden from 2 tradesmen were shared prior to the meeting. Proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr Hargrave
DECISION to appoint Ady Pendred to install a noticeboard.
e) Benches on Main Street – quote received. Proposed acceptance by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hargrave
DECISION to appoint Karl Morgan to refurbish 2 x benches
f) Clerk carried out Risk Assessment of the Rec Field on 22nd July – elder bush on Winwick Road was trimmed back. Clerk will purchase a NO Dog sign for Winwick Road entrance gate.
g) Junction of Hemington Lodge Road and Main Street – concern regarding the vegetation within the fenced boundary of the pond creating traffic hazard – Clerk has asked contractor to survey work required and carry out ASAP.
0052.25 Request for S137 funding for defibrillator – completed application form received.
DECISION £125.30 will be granted – approved by Councillors Hargrave and Maciag.
As pads and batteries will require replacing/updating at regular intervals, fundraising activities will be carried out to cover expenditure
0053.25 Correspondence received since 15th July 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for July, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events during coming months – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey, The Library Presents –Autumn 2025 brochure, Dr Bike sessions at various locations for bike checks, Flood and Water newsletter,
Food Waste volunteer required for each Parish in advance of introduction of weekly food collection.
Summer Holiday activities and food for children.
Local Highways Initiative – 2026/27 expression of interest
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –
press release regarding Community Health and Wealth Building Fund
press release regarding Combat Fraud Team and their success
press release regarding Civil Parking Enforcement
d) Cambs &Pboro Combined Authority –
7 x new Tiger bus routes, 1 of which is Huntingdon to Cambridge
Monthly newsletter
e) via SLCC – update on Devolution – MP’s briefing for August
h) Parish Online monthly newsletter includes FREE gov.uk website.
0054.25 Items for next meeting:
The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 16th September 2025 in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments for co-authorisation were approved by all
Present: Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson, and the Clerk. Also County Councillor Gardener and 2 members of the public.
Agenda of the Annual Parish CouncilMeeting
To elect Parish Council Chairman
To elect Parish Council Vice Chairman
Completion of Acceptance of Office forms and Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests forms
There were no other nominations for Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. Cllrs Hodson and Bolton proposed and seconded the following:
Cllr Maciag as Chairperson
Cllr Hargrave as Vice Chairperson
0001.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting
0002.25 Apologies and reasons for absence:
District Cllr Alban – at another meeting
0003.25 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0004.25 2 x members of the public were present to find out more about Parish Council, with a view to becoming a Councillor.
0005.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th April 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Maciag and Hargrave
0006.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
County Councillor Gardener:
He advised that the County Council was now Liberal Democrat controlled.
He had been re- elected and was now assigned to Highways/Planning/Staffing and Appeals and Fire Authority committees
The Local Government re-organisation is ongoing with the potential that all will be completed by 2028, with new unitary authorities in place by 2027. It is not known how boundaries will be redefined or if any changes will be made to election dates.
In response to the resident’s question regarding footpaths (at the Annual Parish Meeting), he will liaise with the Clerk and the Footpath Officer (Dan Wiggs) and Highways Officer (Sarah Budd) to assess these matters.
Councillor Gardener left to attend another meeting.
Cllr Hargrave:
The recent coffee morning had raised £476 for Dementia UK
Any items for the next newsletter are required by 27th May.
Cllr Hodson:
Soil improver for the allotments, delivered by Hunts DC, had been used within 48 hours and allotment holders are keen to receive a further supply. Clerk confirmed that she had made the request to Hunts DC, currently there is none available for delivery.
Clerk:
Notification of the resignation of Cllr Moody had been received, an email of thanks has been sent.
0007.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 2/5/2025 £12572.23 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 2/5/2025 £ 21676.65
Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/5/2025 – £102.59
b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
Staff costs
Wages for March (27 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Ecclesiastical Insurance
Parish Council insurance ***
842.38
NIL
Viking
Office supplies and telephone/answer machine
161.96
26.99
*** Clerk had checked with insurers and has been advised that there is no cover for Data Protection and this type of cover is not available.
Clerk’s working hours for April, a total of 27, were approved by Cllrs Maciag and Hargrave
The Precept for 2025/26 of £11837 has been paid into the bank account
VAT refund paperwork completed and refund received – £158.91
AGAR (annual audit) paperwork had been shared prior to the meeting.
DECISION TO approve the AGAR documents for the 2024/25 financial year
Proposed and seconded by Cllrs Hargrave and Bolton.
AGAR signed by Parish Council Chairman and the Clerk.
Independent internal auditor to be appointed – Clerk had emailed CANALBS, but no response. She hopes to resolve this in the next few days.
0008.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
Application 25/00749 HHFUL The Mill, Mill Road, Great Gidding – render outbuilding, internal alterations and replacement windows and doors.
There were no objections to the changes proposed (Listed building and Conservation Area)
School site – Parish Council’s response to the Section 77 notice was sent on 17th April 2025. Nothing further has been heard.
CIL funding – Huntingdonshire District Council are inviting applications for funding. Clerk is uncertain of the process and will make enquiries with Planning Department.
0009.25 Recreation Ground – Cllr Hodson proposed that a gate be inserted at the opposite corner to the entrance gate, to enable safer walking to Kings Wood on Winwick Road.
0010.25 Village Maintenance – Cllr Hargrave and Clerk compiled a grant application in respect of a replacement noticeboard – a grant of £2500 has been awarded. Quotes will be obtained.
0011.25 Donations to Charities – Cllr Moody had written a policy document and submitted for consideration. Questions arose, the Clerk will check out details.
0012.25 Correspondence received since 15th April 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (3 in Huntingdonshire during May), Highways events planned – none locally, Resurfacing of Bullock Road at Elton mid June.
Cambridge Flood and Water – advice on flooding and use of water.
c)Huntingdonshire District Council –
LOCAL PLAN – Additional Sites Land Availability Assessments will be available for you to view and comment between the following dates:
Start date: 23/04/25 10:00
End date: 04/06/25 23:59
Please select the following link to view this event:
PRESENT: Cllrs Maciag, Bolton, Downer, Nankivell, Hargrave and Hodson, County Councillor Gardener and 1 member of the public
0028.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting
0029.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting, he has sent a report
0030.25 Declarations of Disclosable Interests received from Cllr Nankivell for 0037.25
0031.25 Member of the public present in respect of 0037.25
0032.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by all Cllrs.
0033.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
County Councillor Gardener advised that the Combined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor will take on extra responsibilities, possibly from March 2026.
Community Right to Buy, in respect of Community Assets, will be implemented at the time of the Council re-organisation – further details to follow.
County Council voted for an 11% increase in Councillor allowances at a recent meeting.
Cllr Downer thanked County Cllr Gardener and his colleague Dan Wiggs for attending and advising on footpath issues in the Parish.
County Cllr Gardener left the meeting at 20.09 and will next attend in October.
Clerk read out District Councillor Alban’s report re Anaerobic Digester planning application, Hunts DC parking enforcement, Local Government re-organisation, proposed date of 10th September for Districtwide Parish Council meeting with a Highways Officer in attendance.
Cllr Nankivell had reported (via telephone) damage to Black Bridge leading to the Gallops – it has not been repaired yet. Clerk advised that the reporting page on the CambsCC website has recently been completely changed – she intends to check that all outstanding issues are still recorded correctly and will add a report for the bridge if this is not listed.
Cllr Bolton asked if an Adobe Acrobat subscription could be purchased as agenda and documents are not appearing in the correct order, when sent on by the Clerk – Clerk will try and find another means of sending the agenda and documents prior to a meeting.
Cllr Hargrave gave a report of recent Village Hall Committee events and actions –
a recent pop-up café was very successful.
The front door of the Village Hall was difficult to close in very hot weather – will be checked out.
25 people have booked for the upcoming Games Night.
Investigating a hearing loop or similar system, and the working of the PA system
Cllr Hodson thanked the Village Hall committee for their activities.
Cllr Hodson declared an interest as an allotment holder – he advised that Gidding Charity, as owner of the allotment site, had been in dispute with Anglian Water/WAVE regarding invoices for water usage. A formal complaint has been raised, but the outcome is awaited. If it is proved that the invoices are correct due to a considerable increase in water use, it may be that rental fee of the allotments to the Parish Council will increase.
Cllr Maciag – Neighbourhood Plan interim report was ready to share with residents, prior to its next submission to the District Council, and it was agreed that this should be shared via the village website and 3 copies printed. A printed copy will be available to view in Great Gidding, Winwick and Hamerton and arrangements made to view it.
0034.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank (not received as at 11/7/2025 – website check)
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 11/7/2025 £9838.83 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025) – balance as at 20/6/2025 £21755.36
Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025 – £102.96
b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
Staff costs
Wages for MAY(36 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Catalyst
Website hosting
322.11
NIL
Bradgate Maintenance
Invoice no 3018
210.86
42.17
Milton Estates (Peterborough)
Invoice for access route to Rec. Field
1.00
NIL
Section 137 request
Payment at a future meeting
Clerk’s working hours for JUNE – a total of 32, approved by Cllrs Hargrave and Hodson.
Review of Financial Regulations – it was agreed that no further amendments were required.
Review of Standing Orders – it was agreed that no amendments were required.
0036.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
There are no new applications (as at 11/7/2025)
0037.25 Section 137 funding request in respect of softball team.
Member of the public confirmed that insurance was in place for the group, a constitution was being devised and a bank account applied for. 25 regular attendees, most of those from the village.
Cllr Hodson requested the constitution include a clause to state that all equipment and assets will be transferred to the Village Hall should the venture discontinue. Also some of the items listed in the budget are day to day expenses and will not be included as part of the Section 137 grant.
Cllr Hargrave proposed that the group be supported in principle and seconded Cllr Hodson’s proposal to donate £800 to enable the group to set up.
DECISION to grant £800 to softball team – proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hargrave
0038.25 Village Maintenance – Clerk and Councillor Downer met with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener – discussion of Footpath No 6 (Mill Road to Chapel End) and The Jitty. The surface of the Jitty has since been swept since that meeting. Mr Weekes is to supply a definitive border of what is Highways responsibility and neighbouring landowner responsibility in respect of the Jitty. Clerk will write to landowners regarding specific issues and copy in Mr Weekes and Cllr Gardener.
Cllr Downer submitted the following amendment to this agenda item, to be approved at the meeting held on 19th August 2025:
I believe that in respect of minute 0038.25 the following should be recorded:
The CCC Fotpath Oficer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding the fallen tree blocking the pedestrian gate on Footpath 6.
The CC Footpath Officer has undertaken to contact the Landowner regarding replacing the gate, at the Chapel End of Footpath 6, with a more accessible one.
Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowner of the small gate, at the Mill Road End of Footpath 6, and ask the they replace the rope used to secure the gate with a removable chain.
Councilor Gardener has recommended that GGPC write to the Landowners of land on Footpath 6 seeking their permission for the overgrown vegetation impeding access, to be cut back.
Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation. Hunts DC have paid the grant monies and have supplied a logo for inclusion on the board.
0039.25 A recent email from CAPALC outlined the requirement for changes to Parish Council IT provision – dedicated email addresses (.gov.uk) for Clerk, councillors, use of gov.uk website etc. The email had been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting and, it was agreed that, until more is known about the reorganisation of Councils, it would be preferable to wait to see what requirements came from that exercise that may impact on parish councils, their IT requirements and not to incur additional expense etc.
0040.25Hunts DC survey on reorganisation proposals – Cllr Hodson had completed the survey and felt that the questions were tailored for responses from individuals. The Clerk has completed the form.
0041.25 Correspondence received since 17th June 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,
Food Waste volunteer required for each Parish in advance of introduction of weekly food collection.
Summer Holiday activities and food for children.
c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance services, Town and Parish Council newsletter for June, Road Closures in July – various in Huntingdon, nothing locally, Water system management event on 10th July,
PRESS RELEASES:
Civil Parking enforcement starts 28th July
Digital screens in local towns
Great Ouse valley Trust – study to explore landscape designation benefits
Waste Education newsletter – includes information about workshops and visits
Redevelopment of Hinchingbrooke Park – plans approved
Update on Net Zero Villages – Great Staughton Village Hall project
d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive
e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June, invitation to Rural Housing event
f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket
g) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.
h) Parish Online monthly newsletter
0042.25 Items for next meeting:
Neighbourhood Plan revised document – feedback and comments
The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 19th August 2025 in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments for co-authorisation were approved by all:
PRESENT: Cllrs Maciag, Hargrave, Hodson, Bolton and the Clerk. Also 2 members of the Public
0014.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting
0015.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence:
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
0016.25 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0017.25 There was no Public & Press participation – members of the public were present to be considered for co-option as Parish Councillors
0018.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th May 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllrs Bolton and Hargrave.
0019.25 Completed Co-option forms had been received and accepted. Cllr Hodson and Cllr Hargrave proposed and seconded Richard Downer and Melanie Nankivel as Parish Councillors. Acceptance of Office forms were completed.
0020.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
Clerk – email from HuntsDC outlining options for local Council reorganisation, 3 schemes are being considered, further details will be shared with Councillors over the coming weeks.
Clerk- our insurers no longer offer Data Protection cover, Clerk had confirmation from CAPALC on the day of the meeting that they could add DP cover to the annual subscription at a cost of £50 – it was agreed that this amount could be included with this month’s batch of payments.
There were no reports from Councillors
0021.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 2/6/2025 £11045.30 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account (Business Premium Account interest rate reduced to 1.2% from 12/8/2025) – balance as at 2/6/2025 £21755.36
Defibrillator account – balance as at 2/6/2025 – £102.96
b) PAYMENTS – approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
Staff costs
Wages for April (27 hours)
xxx
NIL
JRT
JRB Enterprises
Dog waste bags
110.52
18.42
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance
Invoice no 2852 + 2934
253.03 + 253.03 (506.06)
42.17 + 42.17 (84.34)
Milton Estates (Peterborough)
Invoice for access route to Rec. Field
1.00
NIL
LGS services
Internal Auditor report
126.00
21.00
CAPALC
Data Protection cover (added 17/6/2025)
50.00
NIL
Clerk’s working hours for May, approved by Cllrs Hodson and Maciag as a total of 36.
Budget for 2025/26 – Cllr Hodson had shared a document prior to the meeting and explained the budget headings, proposed budget spending and allocated reserves. All present agreed to the budget.
Our Internal Auditor has been taken ill and LGS Services have been appointed to undertake this year’s internal audit.
The AGAR was published on the village website and noticeboard at the Village Hall on 30th May, in accordance with the requirement for Public Rights, which extends to 14th July
The Internal Auditor’s report and recommendations had been received. There was an error on the AGAR paperwork due to oversight on a spreadsheet formula, this has been corrected and a revised Form 2 (page 3 of 6) had been completed and authorised at the meeting. Other changes to procedure were recommended and will be implemented.
0022.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
Purpose built agricultural building installed at Gidding Grove Farm – Planning Dept have not consulted for comment.
CIL funding – Huntingdonshire District Council are inviting applications for funding. Clerk has requested advice from “Implementation Team” at Hunts DC regarding CIL funds that might be due to our Parish in respect of recent developments. The response from Hunts DC was shared at the meeting and at present there is no CIL due to the Parish.
0023.25 Review of Parish Council Asset Register – the document was shared at the meeting and no changes were required.
0024.25 Village Maintenance – Clerk to meet with Dan Wiggs, Footpath Officer for CambsCC and Cllr Ian Gardener and discuss and view the issues regarding footpaths in the parish.
Cllr Downer asked to be present as he has concerns about Footpath No 6. Cllr Hargrave mentioned The Jitty (Footpath No 5) surface – both have been reported.
Noticeboard – quotes are being sought for the board + installation
0025.25 Donations to Charities – Clerk had researched the possibilities within Section 137. Cllr Hargrave proposed that any grant should be restricted to any group or activity within the Parish of Great and Little Gidding, this was seconded by Cllr Hodson
DECISION – future applications for a Grant or Loan will be restricted to any group or activity based within the parish of Great and Little Gidding, and will be subject to completion of an application form to be presented to the Parish Council.
0026.25Review of information sharing options, particularly social media.
Currently information is shared by the Parish Council via the noticeboard at the Village Hall, thegiddings.org website and occasional newsletters (also available via website and noticeboard and on request from the Parish Office). There are independently organised WhatsApp and Facebook platforms for the village. The administrator of the WhatsApp page will be asked to post events and notices for the Parish Council and Village Hall and/or to direct people to the website and noticeboard. Facebook will not be used.
0027.25 Correspondence received since 20 th May 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition for May, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (5 in Huntingdonshire during last month), Highways events planned – none locally, various emails about Public Rights of Way hierarchy survey,
c)Huntingdonshire District Council – offer their Pest Control Maintenance service, Press release – St Neots Whist Club, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Road Closures in July – Time Trial for cyclists around Upton area,
d) CAPALC – nothing received, their website is still inactive
e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for June
f) CPRE spring newsletter available
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – new TIGER bus routes announced – around Cambridge and Newmarket
h) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.
j) Upton and Coppingford Parish Council are looking for a Parish Clerk, as are Northstowe.
k) Barclays Bank – we are offered the opportunity to have a Select Cashback credit card. Village Hall committee will be informed and make their own arrangement if required.
l) Parish Online monthly newsletter
m) email from Sarah Marsh of Connecting Cambridge, + response from resident (SB) – Clerk has sent an email of thanks and await developments.
0028.25 Items for next meeting:
Requirement to implement IT Policy
Review of Standing Orders
Review of Financial Regulations
Review of Risk Assessment
The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 15th July 2025 in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments were approved by Cllrs Bolton and Maciag
Have your say on plans for the future of local councils
In December last year the Government announced plans to move towards a new system of local government, removing the two-tier system of district, city and county councils (town and parish councils are unaffected).
Since then, all seven existing county, district and city councils in Cambridgeshire have been working collaboratively to identify viable options for new single-tier councils across the region.
We now want to hear the views of residents, prior to proposals being developed further and submitted to Government in November.
The survey asks people what is important in terms of services, what they would like to see delivered by their new unitary authority, and where in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough they visit to socialise, work or access health services. A series of focus groups are also being arranged.
We want to reach as many people as possible with the survey, enabling them to share their opinions and help inform the future of local government in the area. As well as alerting you to the survey for your own completion, we are therefore also asking if you could share information with your residents and any other interested groups, such as businesses and community organisations.
There is both a public survey and one that is tailored for stakeholders, and these are available here on HDC’s website. Hard copies are also available at the reception desk in Pathfinder House, Huntingdon. The survey will close at midnight on 20 July 2025.
