BROCKHILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Minutes of Committee Meeting Monday 24^th August 2026

Those Present:

Outgoing Committee Members:  

Stephen Siddle                         SS                     Treasurer

Julie Vincent                            JV                     Secretary

Mike Vincent                           MV                  Assistant to the Secretary

Sylvia Collinson                       SC                    Social Media Manager

Mark Whitworth                     MW                 Wildlife Project Manager

New Incoming Committee Members:

Peter Merricks – Chairman

Erica McCarthy Stone– Secretary

Karen Baxter – Treasurer

Georgia Merricks – Social Media Manager & Events’ Organiser

The Agenda:

1. Welcome
2. Appointment of the new committee members and introduction
3. Update from the Council meeting on 14^th August with Planning Officer from Redditch Borough Council (RBC) and Bromsgrove District Council in relation to the Natural Burial Ground.
4. A.O.B.
   
   1. Welcome:
   
   

Welcome from JV – apologies about school not being open, thanked everyone for waiting outside.

Thank you to Doug Wilks for the BRA Constitution and new members have been sought using the guidelines within.

2. Appointment of the new committee members.

Peter Merricks – Chairman

Erica McCarthy Stone – Secretary

Karen Baxter – Treasurer

Georgia Merricks – Social Media Manager & Events’ Organiser

3. Natural Burial ground update:

• An update was provided regarding the recent council meeting with Ruth Bamford, Assistant Director – Planning, Leisure & Cultural Services at Bromsgrove District Council.
• Ruth Bamford advised that the online planning consultation portal will close on 18 September.
• Residents were strongly encouraged to access the online portal and submit their objections to the application before the deadline.
• Ruth Bamford advised that objections should reference relevant legislation, policies and planning considerations wherever possible, as these will be important factors considered when the application is determined.
• PM expressed disappointment that there has been no contact or communication from the local councillors – Jo Baker, Wanda King and Ashley Monk – regarding the ongoing situation.
• Attendees who are not currently members of the Natural Burial Ground WhatsApp group were encouraged to join to receive updates and remain informed about developments.
• Attendees were asked whether they were aware of any documented accidents or incidents on Brockhill Lane. Anyone with knowledge of such incidents was asked to get in touch and provide any relevant information or documentation that may assist with the planning objection.
  
  4. A.O.B.:

Attendees were invited to ask questions or raise any issues

Questions and Issues Raised by Attendees:

Attendees were invited to ask questions and raise any concerns or issues regarding the planning application.

1. What will happen if the planning application is approved?

• The timeline and next steps following approval were discussed, although these were not confirmed at the meeting.
• It was noted that the RBC on the grounds relating to the proximity to the ancient woodland had previously been declined for a solar farm application.
• WCC Highways Department has recommended refusal on the grounds of safety and access concerns.

2. What will happen if the planning application is refused?

• It was acknowledged that the next steps would depend on the outcome and any subsequent action taken by the applicant.
• Attendees agreed that, should the application be refused, the situation would be monitored, and the group would consider what further action may be required.
• The group remains committed to challenging and responding to any future developments where necessary.