Minutes of Langham Parish Council Meeting

held on 30 ^th June 2026 7.30 pm Langham Village Hall

 

2026/87 Parishioner’s representations.

There were no members of the public present at the meeting.

2026/88 Attendance register

Cllr. S Catlin (Chairman)

Cllr. M Appleby

Cllr. R Besant

Cllr. A Marshall

Cllr A Tilbrook

Cllr. P Viner

2026/89 Apologies and approval of absences

The absences of Cllr. Taylor and Cllr. Pickering were approved.

2026/90 Casual Vacancy

The Clerk informed the Council that, under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, Councillor Stewart Long ceased to hold office on 30th June 2026 following six consecutive months of non-attendance without approved absence. The Council noted that a casual vacancy had arisen. The Clerk would notify the Returning Officer and publish the statutory Notice of Casual Vacancy.

2026/91 Declaration of member’s interests and consideration of dispensations.

None.

2026/92 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 ^th May 2026

The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2026/93 Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 26 ^th May 2026

a. Community Park paint repairs – Cllr. Tilbrook has repainted the equipment and he was thanked for this.

b. Burial ground – Cllr. Tilbrook has undertaken work at the burial ground to tidy, weed and trim hedges. He was thanked for this. He proposed that areas be left uncut for a time to see what wildflowers grow.

c. Cllr. Tilbrook has been working on restoration of some damaged verges, and these appear to be in better order.

2026/94 Clerk’s report

a. Register of Member’s Interests – the published register, completed by Parish Councillors, must no longer contain home address details. Rutland County Council are currently redacting existing documents.

2026/95 Correspondence

a) Flood depth gauge, Melton Road – a response from Rutland County Council Highways, advising how the gauge can be made fully safety compliant, is awaited.

b) Speeding Statistics April 2026 – previously circulated

c) Parish Forum report – report from Cllr. Taylor circulated.

d) Overgrown hedges/trees – sites requiring cutting back advised to Parish Council. Letters will be sent to residents to request action.

e) Community Park waste bin collection contract renewal– quotations will be obtained.

 

2026/96 Finance

To approve financial summary and bank reconciliation to 15 ^th June 2026. Appendix 1.

Proposed Cllr. Cllr. Besant

Seconded Cllr. Cllr. Viner

All in favour

 

2026/97 To consider request for grant towards Langham Church Clock hammer

It was proposed that a donation of £576 be made to Langham Church for the cost of the new church clock hammer.

Proposed Cllr. Tilbrook

Seconded Cllr. Besant

All in favour

2026/98 Flooding - to consider creating a volunteer group to clear sections of Langham Brook of debris, silt and excess vegetation over the summer in conjunction with RCC providing skips to remove the waste.

It was agreed that a working party/volunteer group to undertake some brook clearance work should be formed. Permission to proceed will be sought from RCC with a request that skips/waste disposal is provided as suggested in the Flood Officers email of 21 ^st April. A request for volunteers will be circulated vis the village WhatsApp and Langham News. The intention will be to assist riparian owners who are willing but unable to attend to their own boundary.

An update on progress with proposed flood mitigation actions by RCC will also be requested.

2026/99 CIL projects

a. Village sign – installation in progress. It was agreed that an unveiling event will be held in July, attended by the High Sheriff of Rutland. Date and time to be arranged.

b. Rewilding – test beds have been successful. A decision will be made in Autumn on the mix/media most suitable for future use.

c. Community Park fencing – it was proposed that the quotation from Rutland Fencing £4495 to install a security fence along the Burley Road boundary of the Community Park be accepted.

Proposed Cllr. Catlin

Seconded Cllr. Besant

All in favour.

A planning application for the installation will be submitted.

2026/100 Planning

a. To receive planning applications and decisions since the last meeting. See appendix 2 below.

2026/101 AOB – items for the next meeting

Cllr. Tilbrook reported frequent use of the Community Park by dog owners to exercise their pets. Dogs are not allowed in the park and a notice confirming this will be placed in Langham News.

Cllr Viner was presented with a card in thanks for her service to Langham Parish Council and Langham. Cllr. Viner resigned at the end of the meeting.

Community Park Inspection July - Cllr. Catlin

The meeting closed at 8.30pm

Action log:

1. Response to Highways Concern and request for action to lower speed limits awaited from RCC. Matter to be raised with portfolio holder for a response. (OH)

Request to RCC to consider roundabout and traffic calming measures A606. (OH)

2. Flood plan – to be completed and published. Copies to LLR Resilience and LLFA (RB). To be followed up with RCC by C. Cllr Hemsley (OH)

SIM card replaced in monitor. (SC)

3. Monthly review of website content. (PV)

4. Owners of property adjacent to Well Street verge to be contacted to discuss maintenance of planting. (RB)

5. Contact with RCC forestry & planning enforcement re replacement tree Squires Close Clerk

6. Community Park fence to be replaced. Planning permission to be obtained. Clerk

7. RCC instruction re flood depth gauge – contact RCC for response. Clerk

8. Letters to households with overhanging trees/overgrown hedges. Clerk

9. Community park bin collection service – quotations to be obtained for renewal. Clerk

10. RCC flood officer – request permission for volunteers to clear areas of brook, RCC provide skips/waste disposal and update on progress with RCC flood mitigation plans. Clerk.

11. Contact High Sheriff re village sign unveiling event. Clerk

12. Notice to be placed in Langham News re dogs not being allowed in Community Park. SC

 

Appendix 1

Langham Parish Council
Finances April 2026- March 2027
The financial year is divided into six two-month periods.
CURRENT PERIOD:	1
INCOME
Precept:	£34,825.00		£34,825.00
Grass Cutting:
Burial Ground:			£200.00
Sundries:
Allotments:			£1.00
VAT:
CIL payment:			£9,866.57
TOTAL:			£44,892.57
EXPENSES:
Clerk's Salary:	£13,150.00		£3,418.55
Clerk's Expenses:	£700.00		£180.00
N.I. Contributions:	£1,200.00		£193.06
Street Lights - electricity:	£1,750.00
Grounds & Open Space:	£13,000.00		£2,596.08
Insurance:	£2,100.00
Cllr training:	£200.00
Contingency:
Audit:	£320.00		£95.00
Subscriptions:	£730.00		£731.76
Hall rental:	£250.00
Chairmans Fund:	£100.00
Donations:	£100.00		£230.00
MCWG:	£500.00
Burial ground:	£500.00
VAT:
sundries:	£150.00		£0.80
Defibrillators:	£250.00
Website & IT:	£150.00		£138.68
Community Park:	£1,800.00		£33.97
CIL:	£21,626.24
TOTAL:	£36,950.00		£7,617.90
OVERALL SURPLUS/DEFICIT:
Current a/c: at 1 Apr 2026:	£38,583.86
Adjustments:
2026/27 opening balance:	£38,583.86		£38,583.86
Income to date:	£44,892.57
Expenditure to date:	(£7,617.90)
Surplus/deficit to date:	£37,274.67		£37,274.67
Bank balance at period end:			£75,858.53
CIL £11759.76 c/f

 

Appendix 2.

NEW APPLICATIONS

 

2026/0685/FUL 28 Ruddle Way

Remove 1no. Conifer from the garden and replace with a box

An appropriate replacement proposed for a tree too large for its site.

Recommend approval

 

2026/0584/FUL Old Hall Cottage 36 Burley Road

1 no. Norway Spruce - Fell.

The tree has outlived any useful life – and appears dead.

Recommend approval

 

2026/0584/LBA The Grange 46 Burley Road

Internal and external alterations to outbuilding, with the addition of a side canopy, and to the Stable Block in order to convert to gym/games room and office.

This is a thorough and well considered application to make sensible use of buildings that are otherwise decaying.

Recommend approval.

 

DECISIONS

 

2026/0540/CAT The Maples, 9 Church Street

T246 Beech Remove x1 limb south over road at 2m to give clearance of 5.2m over highway, T247 Cherry - Fell, T248 Beech crown raise to 5.2m over highway. T249 Cherry Crown raise to 5.2m over highway. T250 Birch crown raise to 5.3m over highway and clear sign where needed. T237. Conifer Crown raise / cut back to 2.4m over path and 5.2m over highway

Granted 17/06/26

 

2026/0573/CAT 24 Harewood Close

T1 Birch felled to ground level as outgrown location.

Granted 17/06/26

 

2026/0563/CAT 4 The Rookery

Fell 1 no. Monterey Cypress

Granted 16/06/26

Minutes of Langham Parish Council Annual Meeting held on 26 ^th May 2026 8.15pm Langham Village Hall

2026/67 Election of Chairman

It was proposed that Steve Catlin be elected as Chairman

All in favour

2026/68 Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office

This was signed by the Chairman.

2026/69 Election of Vice Chairman

It was proposed that Penny Viner be elected as Vice Chairman

All in favour

2026/70 Parishioner’s representations.

There were no members of the public present at the meeting.

2026/71 Attendance register

Cllr. S Catlin (Chairman)

Cllr. M Appleby

Cllr. A Marshall

Cllr. S Pickering

Cllr. J Taylor

Cllr. A Tilbrook

Cllr. P Viner

C. Cllr. O Hemsley

2026/72 Apologies and approval of absences

The absence of Cllr. Besant was approved.

2026/73 Declaration of member’s interests and consideration of dispensations.

None.

2026/74 To adopt Standing Orders

It was proposed that the Standing Orders be adopted.

All in favour

2026/75 To adopt Code of Conduct

It was proposed that the Code of Conduct be adopted.

All in favour

2026/76 Election of Officers

 

Planning – Cllr. Viner, Cllr. Appleby, Cllr. Marshall, Cllr. Taylor

Finance – Cllr. Catlin, Cllr. Tilbrook, Cllr. Besant, Clerk.

IT & website – Cllr. Catlin, Cllr. Pickering

Parish Liaison – Cllr. Catlin, Cllr. Viner, Cllr. Taylor

Communication – Cllr. Viner

Allotment liaison – Cllr. Tilbrook

Tree Champion – Min Burdett

School liaison – Cllr. Pickering

Community park -Cllr. Tilbrook, Cllr. Besant

Flood committee – Cllr. Catlin, Cllr. Appleby, Cllr. Besant

Flood wardens – Cllr. Catlin, Cllr. Besant, Cllr. Appleby, Caroline Simpson.

Burial ground inspection – to be completed with park inspection.

2026/77 To agree dates for meetings 2026/27

 

30 ^th June

28 ^th July

29 ^th September

27 ^th October

24 ^th November

26 ^th January 2027

23 ^rd February

23 ^rd March

27 ^th April

25 ^th May

2026/74 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 28 ^th April 2026

The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2026/75 Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 28 ^th April 2026

a. A broken link on the website was noted and will be restored.

b. It has not been possible to order paint for the equipment direct from the suppliers. Cllr. Tilbrook agreed to obtain alternative supplies.

c. Cllr. Tilbrook has been working on restoration of some damaged verges.

2026/76 Clerk’s report

Nothing to report at this meeting.

2026/77 Correspondence

a. Burial ground mowing – letter received expressing concern that the burial ground mowing may not be completed frequently enough. Cuts are completed on a fortnightly basis as per the mowing schedule. It was agreed to introduce weekly inspections of the burial ground to ensure the maintenance is appropriate.

b. A606 verge – the verge adjacent to the exit from Ranksborough Drive has been cut back by the Munday’s Close Working Group.

c. A606 bank – construction of ‘wall’ by the bridge on the A606 Melton Road was noted. Enforcement against construction of an unauthorised structure lies with the local authority and is therefore being dealt with by Rutland County Council (RCC). C. Cllr. Hemsley will complete an inspection of the brook with the RCC Flood Officer and Highways, including this.

d. Burley Road mirror – report of a road traffic accident at the junction of Mickley Lane with the A606 Burley Road and request that consideration be given to installing a convex mirror. RCC policy specifically prohibits the installation of convex mirrors on the highway, due to insufficient evidence of effectiveness, therefore this request cannot be progressed.

2026/78 Finance

a. To receive the Annual Internal Auditor’s Report 2025/26

This was received.

b. To complete and sign the Annual Governance Statement 2025-2026

This was signed by The Chairman and Clerk

c. To receive and sign the Accounting Statements 2025-2026.

This was received and signed by the Chairman and Clerk.

d. To receive and consider the bank reconciliation 2025-2026.

This was received.

e. To receive and consider the explanation of variances.

This was received

f. To receive and consider the breakdown of reserves held.

This was received.

g. To agree the dates for the period of public rights.

These were agreed.

Proposed Cllr. Tilbrook

Seconded Cllr. Taylor

All in favour

h. CIL return – completed and returned to RCC.

 

2026/79 Flooding

Cllr. Pickering reported having identified the ditch on the brook close to Ranksborough Drive which requires clearing. He will ask the landowners to clear this and this area will be included in a proposed inspection to be carried out jointly by RCC flood officer and C. Cllr. Hemsley.

2026/80 CIL projects

a. Village sign – it was proposed that the quotation to erect a 2-tier stone plinth with additional aluminium fabrication for post mounting £4118.98 plus £90 be accepted. All in favour.

b. Rewilding – nothing further to report at this meeting.

c. Community Park fencing – one detailed quotation received. More detail of the second being requested and a third quotation for fencing is being obtained.

2026/81 Planning

a. To receive planning applications and decisions since the last meeting. See appendix 1 below.

2026/66 AOB – items for the next meeting

The meeting closed at 8.20pm

Action log:

1.Response to Highways Concern and request for action to lower speed limits awaited from RCC. Matter to be raised with portfolio holder for a response. (OH)

Request to RCC to consider roundabout and traffic calming measures A606. (OH)

2. Flood plan – to be completed and published. Copies to LLR Resilience and LLFA (RB). To be followed up with RCC by C. Cllr Hemsley (OH)

SIM card replaced in monitor. (SC)

3. Monthly review of website content. (PV)

4. Paint repairs to be completed at Community Park (AT). Paint to be ordered.

5. Owners of property adjacent to Well Street verge to be contacted to discuss maintenance of planting. (RB)

6. Contact with RCC forestry & planning enforcement re replacement tree Squires Close Clerk

8. Community Park fence to be replaced. Quotations for metal/mesh fencing to be obtained (Clerk)

10. Damage to verges to be reported. OH & Clerk

Appendix 1.

2026/0540/CAT The Maples, 9 Church Street

T246 Beech Remove x1 limb south over road at 2m to give clearance of 5.2m over highway, T247 Cherry - Fell, T248 Beech crown raise to 5.2m over highway. T249 Cherry Crown raise to 5.2m over highway. T250 Birch crown raise to 5.3m over highway and clear sign where needed. T237. Conifer Crown raise / cut back to 2.4m over path and 5.2m over highway

Recommend approval.

2026/0322/ CAT 3 Fairfield Close

Fell 1 No. Oak tree.

An apparently healthy tree which will grow considerably larger, planted in an inappropriate place for its eventual size. A solution other than felling would be preferable, if there is one

20026/0569/FUL Angel Cottage 14 Church Street

Proposed New Timber Porch to Front elevation, new canopies to rear elevations, new rooflights, replacement flat roof, removal of existing Sitting Room door to be replaced with new window, removal of Kitchen window to be replaced with new double doors, timber cladding, new 1.8m high feather edge boarded fence, proposed replacement gate 300mm wider and repositioned & garage conversion

This application seems well-considered with appropriate materials being used – and should provide the improvements the family seeks while also improving the appearance of the property.

Recommend approval

2026/0563/CAT 4 The Rookery

Fell 1 no. Monterey Cypress

The tree is apparently healthy but has grown very large and is causing the problems to which the applicant refers. As there is no recommendation from a tree professional, it is difficult to know whether the tree could be reduced in size rather than felled.

2026/0445/FUL 25 Lonsborough Gardens

New brickwork to raise top platform and all current steps creating an additional 4th step. Installation of a galvanised handrail along the four steps and on two sides of the top platform (side opposite the door, and side right side to the door when facing the entrance).

Although the application does not say so, presumably the proposed alterations are to increase the safety of the occupant(s} of no 25. On that basis the proposed alterations seem appropriate and will not unduly alter the appearance of the building.

2026/0539/CAT 11 Melton Rd.

Birch tree – fell to ground – outgrown site and light issues.

The tree in question, although apparently healthy, has grown unduly large for its position.

2026/0573/CAT 24 Harewood Close

T1 Birch felled to ground level as outgrown location.

The tree has grown very large in relation to the size of the garden.

Draft Minutes of Langham Annual Parish Meeting held on 26 ^th May 2026 7.30pm Langham Village Hall

 

1. Attendance

Cllr. S Catlin – Chairman

Cllr. M Appleby

Cllr. A Marshall

Cllr. S Pickering

Cllr. J Taylor

Cllr. A Tilbrook

Cllr. P Viner

C. Cllr O Hemsley

Terry Manning

Nigel Coomber

Debbie Sowter

Mr & Mrs Braithwaite

2. Apologies

Cllr. R Besant

Jonathan Peacock

3. To approve the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting 27 ^th May 2025

These were approved by the meeting.

Proposed Cllr. Viner

Seconded Cllr. Tilbrook

4. Annual report from the Chairman of Langham Parish Council

Cllr. Catlin read a report – Appendix 1.

5. Parish Council finances

A summary of the previous year’s income and expenditure was circulated. Appendix 2.

6. Flooding – progress on development of flood plan

Cllr. Catlin briefly reported on the completion of the Langham Flood Plan, creation of a flood refuge at the village hall and continued attempts to engage with Rutland County Council (RCC) Flood Officer and Highways. RCC are expected to complete some clearance work to the brook under bridges. Fortunately, Langham has not experienced a flood this year, but some run off which RCC are investigating.

7. Ward Member

C. Cllr. Hemsley confirmed his appointment as Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport. He confirmed that he will complete an inspection of the brook and flood points around the village with the RCC Flood Officer. He encouraged residents to advise him directly of any areas of concern for inclusion on the inspection.

Local Government Reorganisation is currently under consideration with any changes to be implemented in 2 years’ time. The responsibility for the maintenance of the closed churchyard would be passed to the new unitary authority.

8. Report from the Trustee of the Charity – Langham Parochial Charities

Terry Manning gave a short report on the Charity and its accounts. Appendix 3.

The process to identify widows and widowers to receive a gift from the charity was discussed. This is achieved by discussion with the church and residents are encouraged to make the trustees aware of any residents who should be included.

The re-election of the existing trustees, Jonathan Peacock and Terry Manning was unanimously agreed.

9. Reports from Village Groups

i. Langham Gardeners Association – Nigel Coomber gave a report. Appendix 4.

The Chairman thanked Oliver Hemsley for repairing the allotment gate.

ii. St Peter & St Paul Church, Langham – Debbie Sowter Churchwarden.

The meeting was directed to the Parochial Church Council’s annual report and the following was briefly summarised:

The church boiler broke down shortly before Christmas. The PCC is currently applying to the Faculty and obtaining quotations for repairs or replacement. Quotations are c. £30,000. The proposed project to instal a toilet in the church is currently on hold due to escalating costs and prioritising of the boiler repair. The bell hammer has been repaired at a cost of £576.

10. Any other business

It was reported that the 30mph sign entering Langham is only partially visible and requires cleaning. Subsequent to the meeting, Cllr. Tilbrook cut back the overhanging tree and cleaned the sign.

The meeting closed at 8.05pm

Appendix 1.

Chairman’s Annual Report

Thank you everybody for coming along to the meeting this evening. The aim of the meeting is to inform you about what the Parish Council has been doing over the last 12 months and also for you to inform the PC about things we should be doing and any feedback on what we have done.

Flooding is yet again the main focus for the past year. We have now set up the Village Hall as a refuge with stocks of emergency supplies and blankets should any future flood be bad enough to require evacuation. RCC issued their Section 19 Report last year and considering the almost 18 months it took to prepare told us nothing new or went into the causes of the flooding. We have had more engagement with the RCC Flood Officer over the last few months and it looks like some things may be progressing. We hope they will clear the silt from under all of our bridges during the summer.

Several residents have identified blockages downstream from the village, mostly fallen trees, they have identified the landowners and spoken to them and it looks like the landowners will be taking action to clear the trees.

RCC will be writing to all Riparian Owners and asking them to inspect and clear their sections of the brook. They have suggested supplying skips so that debris and excessive vegetation can be disposed of.

We have successfully planted some test beds to find the best method of rewilding the verges. We tried 5 different methods from seeds to matting pre-planted with wild flowers. It would seems that the most successful was the matting and the bulbs. We will review it after the summer so that all methods have a chance to show what is possible.

We installed a new climbing net in the Community Park which was chosen by the children at the Primary School.

There has been a lot of damage caused to the hedge along Burley Road, People seem to use this as a short cut rather than using the official entrances. The existing fence has been knocked down and the laid hedge damaged. It has been pointed out that small children could run straight out onto Burley Road which at that point has a 60mph speed limit. We will be looking to fence off the whole length of the park along Burley Road with wire V link fencing (as used around the allotments opposite Lidl)

The verge opposite The Range has been cleared and planted with grass and daffodils and now looks far tidier and we hope to plant more bulbs in the autumn.

We held a very successful Community Speedwatch last autumn which was organised by Cllr Cunningham with a total of 361 vehicles exceeding 36mph through the village, the vast majority on the A606.

We have been working on a village sign to be installed on the grassed area opposite the Burley Road / A606 junction. This should be installed within the next 6-8 weeks, and we will have a grand unveiling.

We also asked RCC Highways for a flood depth gauge to be placed on the lowest point of the A606 to deter vehicles trying to drive through floods. We have had no response from Highways and have decided to go ahead and install our own which should appear within the next few weeks.

We have also installed a street name sign at Mickley Lane, purchased a new defibrillator for Ranksborough as the existing one was faulty. We have purchased a number of poppies to be placed on the street furniture around the village in November.

We have said goodbye to Cllr Cunningham and welcome to Cllr Pickering.

I would also like to thank all the village groups and individuals who do so much to make life in Langham so pleasant.

As always, a very special thanks to our Parish Clerk, Helen Duckering, who goes far beyond her remit to help and advise us. We simply couldn’t function without her – Thank You.

Cllr. Stephen Catlin

Chairman, Langham Parish Council

Appendix 2

INCOME
	Precept:	£33,650.00
	Grass Cutting grant:	£2,125.00
	Burial Ground:	£3,288.00
	CIL:	£11,523.00
	Wayleave:	£15.00
	Allotments:	£1.00
	TOTAL:	£50,602.00
EXPENSES
	Salaries, PAYE, employment costs:	£14,562.00
	Street Lights:	£1,677.00
	Grass cutting, maintenance, treeworks:	£13,812.00
	Insurance:	£2,015.00
	Website & IT:	£156.00
	Audit:	£300.00
	Subscriptions:	£730.00
	Admin, stationery, bank charges, hall:	£1,326.00
	Donations (RCAB, RBL)	£245.00
	Community Park – repairs & maintenance:	£1,696.00
	VAT:	£2,300.00
	Projects:
	Munday’s Close	£221.00
	Re-wilding	£1,235.00
	Defibrillator - Ranksborough	£1,245.00
	Flood Plan	£877.00
	Community Park – play frame	£6,220.00
	TOTAL:	£48,617.00
Balance as at 31/03/26 £38,583.86

 

 

Appendix 3.

Langham Parochial Charities

Trustees: Mr T.R. Manning & Mr J.R. Peacock

Registered Charity No. 217550

 

Statement of Accounts 1 ^st April 2025 – 31 ^st March 2026

Receipts		Payments
Balance Brought Forward	£417.76	Distribution	£0.00 *
Tallow Chandlers	£200.00
Rent from Billesdon Land	£260.00
Rent from Billesdon Land in advance for FY26-27	£260.00	Balance Carried Forward	£1,137.76
	£1,137.76		£1,137.76

Funds held at bank (Lloyds) on 31 ^st March 2026: £1,128.00

Funds held in petty cash on 31 ^st March 2026: £9.76

* Distributions paid on behalf of charity: £648.00 (owing to Trustee)

Report From the Trustees of Langham Parochial Charities for year 2025

In December 2025, 54 gifts of £12 were delivered to widows and widowers in accordance with tradition. Four fewer gifts than last year.

Due to difficulties withdrawing cash from the charity’s account, cash was withdrawn from a Trustee’s Account and that used for the distribution. This amount is now to be refunded.

Five messages of thanks were received.

Terrence R Manning

Jonathan R Peacock

Trustees

Registered Charity No. 217550

Appendix 4.

Langham Gardeners Association (Allotments)

Report to Langham Annual Parish Meeting – May 2026

The Langham Gardeners Association (LGA) continues to be well supported within the village. We have had a relatively stable membership over the past twelve months, with only two plots changing hands since our last annual report. Our membership has increased very slightly to 44 individuals, and we remain fully let, with 35 plots of varying sizes currently being cultivated.

In 2025 our use of water increased significantly due to the very dry weather conditions. As a result of this, and of the continued rise in prices by Severn Trent Water, we took the decision to propose an increase to allotment rents for 2026 onwards. The change to rents was agreed unanimously at our well attended AGM in March. Rents now range from £14 to £33 per year, depending on the size of plot.

These new rents still represent excellent value for money, and compare favourably to those charged by other allotment associations. We remain grateful to the Parish Council for leasing the land to us at a peppercorn rent, and for recently agreeing to a further 5 year extension to our lease. We would also wish to acknowledge with thanks the contribution towards our water bill made in respect of the Wildlife Area.

Over the last year several of our members have made improvements to the paths around and between their allotment plots. We are aiming to continue with this work during 2026, as and when materials (e.g. wood chippings) become available.

Our committee meets regularly to consider ideas for further improvements to the overall management of the allotments site. As ever, we are very happy to receive feedback and suggestions from the Parish Council, and from parishioners about this.

Nigel Coomber

On behalf of the LGA.

Minutes of Langham Parish Council Meeting held on 28 ^th April 2026 7.30pm Langham Village Hall

2026/51 Attendance

Cllr. S Catlin (Chairman)

Cllr. M Appleby

Cllr. S Pickering

Cllr. A Tilbrook

Cllr. P Viner

1 member of the public

2026/52 Parishioners’ representations.Carolyn Davis gave an update on conversations with RCC Flood Officer regarding progress with actions to alleviate flood risk in Langham and confirmed she will ask the RCC portfolio holder for Highways to press the executive officers to progress the statutory responsibilities.

2026/53 Apologies and approval of absences

The absence of Cllr. Besant was approved.

Apologies received from C. Cllr Hemsley

2026/54 Declaration of member’s interests and consideration of dispensations.

None.

2026/55 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 31 ^st March 2026

The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2026/56 Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 31 ^st March 2026

a. The clerk agreed to order paint for the Community Park equipment

All other items completed, carried forward or dealt with separately on the agenda.

2026/57 Clerk’s report – for information only.

Fix My Street – an information session regarding improvements to Fix My Street was attended. The system will now provide improved updates on reports, but it appears that it will be necessary to re-report any historic items to ensure they are attended to by RCC.

2026/58 Correspondence

a. Receipt of CIL £9866.57 2021/1334/RES Land North of Cold Overton Road

b. Rutland High Sheriff - letter of introduction from newly appointed High Sheriff, Susannah Fish.

2026/59 Allotment lease

It was proposed that the current allotments lease (15years) be extended for a further 5 years at next renewal .

Proposed Cllr. Viner

Seconded Cllr. Appleby

All in favour

2026/60 To consider installation of replacement fence at Community Park, Burley Road .

Quotations to replace the fence with 5ft metal/wire fencing are now being obtained.

2026/61 To consider installation of a depth gauge on A606

It was proposed that D50 depth gauges be installed on the A606 at a cost of £778.22 from CIL funds.

Proposed Cllr. Catlin

Seconded Cllr. Tilbrook

All in favour.

2026/62 Flooding

Carried forward to the next meeting.

2026/63 CIL projects

a. Village sign – to consider quotation for installation. It was agreed that the use of local/Rutland stone, to construct the base will be investigated. A revised quotation will be obtained.

b. To consider opening ceremony for village sign – plans will be considered once an installation date is known.

c.Rewilding – carried forward.

2026/64 Planning

a.To receive planning applications and decisions since the last meeting:

2026/0120/FUL. The Old Bakehouse, 11 Melton Road

Raise walls on existing side extension to provide increase in headroom internally, rebuild roof over as before. Provision of an external canopy to shade GF windows linked to an existing canopy, elevation to front courtyard and driveway. Replacement of all existing doors and windows and the provision of 3 No. new windows in new openings. Renovation and repair of existing external render and the repainting of the whole external elevations. Demolition of an existing timber shed and erection of a new detached covered seating area, erection of a 1.8m high fence and gate between the drive and rear garden. Granted 17/04/26

2026/65 Community Park Inspections

May – Cllr. Tilbrook

June – Cllr. Viner

2026/66 AOB – items for the next meeting

Annual Parish meeting – 7.30pm 26 ^th May. The clerk will extend invitations to village groups.

Annual Litter pick completed on 11 ^th April. A very successful event with 20 plus volunteers. Litter mainly collected from A606 & Ashwell Road.

Ranksborough Drive verge overgrown and obstructing motorists view – the clerk agreed to contact MCWG to maintain.

Cllr. Pickering volunteered to take over liaison with Langham CofE Primary School.

The meeting closed at 8.20pm

Action log:

1.Response to Highways Concern and request for action to lower speed limits awaited from RCC. Matter to be raised with portfolio holder for a response. (OH)

Request to RCC to consider roundabout and traffic calming measures A606. (OH)

2. Flood plan – to be completed and published. Copies to LLR Resilience and LLFA (RB). To be followed up with RCC by C. Cllr Hemsley (OH)

SIM card replaced in monitor. (SC)

3. Monthly review of website content. (PV)

4. Paint repairs to be completed at Community Park (AT). Paint to be ordered from HAGS (Clerk)

5. Owners of property adjacent to Well Street verge to be contacted to discuss maintenance of planting. (RB)

6. Contact with RCC forestry & planning enforcement re replacement tree Squires Close Clerk

7. Contractor to instal Village sign to be instructed once complete.Additional quote for local stone construction. Clerk

8. Community Park fence to be replaced. Quotations for metal/mesh fencing to be obtained (Clerk)

9. Installation of a depth gauge A606 to be arranged (Clerk)

10. Damage to verges to be reported. OH & Clerk