Test Valley Borough Council
Councillors:
43
Wards:
21
Committees:
17
Meetings (2026):
29
Meetings (2025):
92
Meeting
Council - Test Valley
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025
5:30 PM
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025
5:30 PM
End:
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025
9:30 PM
Wednesday, 23rd July 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
23 Jul 2025
23 Jul 2025
Location:
Conference Room 1, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover
Conference Room 1, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Planning Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Recycling and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Climate Emergency and Countryside Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Delivery Lead - Community Led Projects Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Leader and Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Democracy and Governance Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Housing and Enivronmental Health Portfolio Holder
Committee Member
Community, Leisure and Tourism (including Diversity and Inclusion) Portfolio Holder
Agenda
1
Prayers
Minutes
Prayers were led by Reverend Waako.
2
Apologies
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor N Adams-King, A Ford and Dr A Warnes.
3
Public Participation
Minutes
No members of the public had registered to speak.
4
Declarations of Interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
5
Minutes of the previous meetings
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 23 April, 14 May and 18 June 2025.
Attachments:
- Document Minutes 23 April 2025 15 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes 14 May 2025 15 Jul 2025
- Document Minutes 18 June 2025 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
Councillor C Dowden expressed concern regarding the accuracy of the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 June. Specifically, that the reasons for a recorded vote under minute number 88: Test Valley Borough Local Plan – Revised Regulation 18 Public Consultation, did not reflect the debate during the meeting and the reasons for a recorded vote being requested which were in summary, that some Councillors felt that the Local Plan required further work to ensure all possible options has been fully explored before being published for public consultation, had not been captured.
Councillor P North proposed an amendment to the recommendation to remove the approval of the minutes from the Council meeting on 18 June 2025 which would be reviewed and considered for approval at the next ordinary meeting of the Council. The meetings consent was signalled without discussion. The amended recommendation was seconded by Councillor C Dowden.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 23 April and 14 May be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
Councillor P North proposed an amendment to the recommendation to remove the approval of the minutes from the Council meeting on 18 June 2025 which would be reviewed and considered for approval at the next ordinary meeting of the Council. The meetings consent was signalled without discussion. The amended recommendation was seconded by Councillor C Dowden.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meetings of the Council held on 23 April and 14 May be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
6
Mayor's Announcements
Minutes
The Mayor was pleased to announce that his Mayoral Charities for the coming year would be Buttercup Dementia Services, The Abel Foundation, Unity, and Andover & Romsey Foodbanks.
7
To receive and adopt Committee reports
To receive and, where necessary, adopt reports of Committees.
Attachments:
- Document To receive and adopt committee reports 15 Jul 2025
- Document Item 7 - Annex 1 15 Jul 2025
- Document Item 7 - Annex 2 15 Jul 2025
- Document Item 7 - Annex 4 15 Jul 2025
- Document Item 7 - Annex 4 App 1 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
144.1 Minutes of Meetings
The minutes of meetings were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the following Committees and Cabinet meetings be received:
Southern Area Planning Committee – 8 April 2025
Cabinet – 9 April 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 16 April 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 24 April 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 29 April 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 15 May 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 20 May 2025
Cabinet – 28 May 2025
Licensing Committee – 29 May 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 4 June 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 10 June 2025
Audit Committee – 16 June 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 17 June 2025
General Purposes Committee – 26 June 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 1 July 2025
Cabinet – 9 July 2025
144.2 To adopt recommendations from the following:
The following recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood.
Cabinet – 9 April 2025
144.2.1 Delivering the Corporate Plan and community priorities over the next two years
1. That the strategic approach designed to ensure delivery of the Corporate Plan 2023-27 and community priorities during the second half of the current Corporate Plan period, outlined in section two of the report, be approved.
2. That the supporting financing strategy and the commitment of £10M, as summarised in sections three and nine of the report, be approved.
3. That £2M be allocated from this £10M commitment to create a new Community Delivery Fund (CDF), as set out in section four of the report.
4. That Cabinet be authorised to approve projects that achieve the aims of the Corporate Plan and deliver on community priorities as outlined in this report, up to a threshold of £500,000 for any individual project and for all project costs to remain within the overall commitment of £10M.
5. That the Head of Finance and Revenues be authorised to include the above projects in the revenue budget and Capital Programme, as appropriate.
144.2.2 Grant Funding for Affordable Homes in King’s Somborne
That grant funding of up to £500,000 from S106 affordable housing contributions to enable the delivery of 7 affordable homes in King’s Somborne, be approved.
144.2.3 Property Disposal
That the amount set out in paragraph 7.3 of the report be approved to develop options for the land to enable the maximum disposal receipt to be achieved. This sum will be funded from the Regeneration Reserve.
The following recommendations were proposed by Councillor Hasselmann and seconded by Councillor L Lashbrook.
Audit Committee – 16 June 2025
144.2.4 Annual Governance Statement
That the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 (with minor amendments) be approved and that the Leader and Chief Executive be authorised to sign it on behalf of the Council.
The minutes of meetings were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood.
Resolved:
That the minutes of the following Committees and Cabinet meetings be received:
Southern Area Planning Committee – 8 April 2025
Cabinet – 9 April 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 16 April 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 24 April 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 29 April 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 15 May 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 20 May 2025
Cabinet – 28 May 2025
Licensing Committee – 29 May 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 4 June 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 10 June 2025
Audit Committee – 16 June 2025
Northern Area Planning Committee – 17 June 2025
General Purposes Committee – 26 June 2025
Southern Area Planning Committee – 1 July 2025
Cabinet – 9 July 2025
144.2 To adopt recommendations from the following:
The following recommendations were proposed by Councillor P North and seconded by Councillor Flood.
Cabinet – 9 April 2025
144.2.1 Delivering the Corporate Plan and community priorities over the next two years
1. That the strategic approach designed to ensure delivery of the Corporate Plan 2023-27 and community priorities during the second half of the current Corporate Plan period, outlined in section two of the report, be approved.
2. That the supporting financing strategy and the commitment of £10M, as summarised in sections three and nine of the report, be approved.
3. That £2M be allocated from this £10M commitment to create a new Community Delivery Fund (CDF), as set out in section four of the report.
4. That Cabinet be authorised to approve projects that achieve the aims of the Corporate Plan and deliver on community priorities as outlined in this report, up to a threshold of £500,000 for any individual project and for all project costs to remain within the overall commitment of £10M.
5. That the Head of Finance and Revenues be authorised to include the above projects in the revenue budget and Capital Programme, as appropriate.
144.2.2 Grant Funding for Affordable Homes in King’s Somborne
That grant funding of up to £500,000 from S106 affordable housing contributions to enable the delivery of 7 affordable homes in King’s Somborne, be approved.
144.2.3 Property Disposal
That the amount set out in paragraph 7.3 of the report be approved to develop options for the land to enable the maximum disposal receipt to be achieved. This sum will be funded from the Regeneration Reserve.
The following recommendations were proposed by Councillor Hasselmann and seconded by Councillor L Lashbrook.
Audit Committee – 16 June 2025
144.2.4 Annual Governance Statement
That the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 (with minor amendments) be approved and that the Leader and Chief Executive be authorised to sign it on behalf of the Council.
8
Questions under Rule 11.1
Minutes
There were no questions from Councillors under Procedure Rule 11.1
9
Questions under Rule 11.2
Minutes
Councillor Daas asked the Planning Portfolio Holder the following question:
‘Residents who live in the Romsey conservation area have to apply for planning permission to install solar panels and pay £528 for the planning application. Does the portfolio holder believe this lengthened process and the cost implication encourages residents to undertake green investment in their own homes?’
Councillor Bundy responded to advise that the planning rules which governed whether solar panels could be installed on homes in the Romsey Conservation Area, without applying for permission, were set nationally by Government.
Under those permitted development rights, it was often possible for solar panels to be installed without having to make an application to Test Valley Borough Council. There could be some situations where permission would be needed, because panels would not meet the conditions imposed by the national regulations, but he was not aware that this has been a particular issue in the town.
Properties within the conservation areas can install solar panels without having first to submit a planning application. The circumstances where planning permission would be needed were where solar panels or associated equipment would be installed on a wall or roof which fronts onto a highway. Since 2023 only one application had been received under these circumstances which was allowed under permitted development.
‘Residents who live in the Romsey conservation area have to apply for planning permission to install solar panels and pay £528 for the planning application. Does the portfolio holder believe this lengthened process and the cost implication encourages residents to undertake green investment in their own homes?’
Councillor Bundy responded to advise that the planning rules which governed whether solar panels could be installed on homes in the Romsey Conservation Area, without applying for permission, were set nationally by Government.
Under those permitted development rights, it was often possible for solar panels to be installed without having to make an application to Test Valley Borough Council. There could be some situations where permission would be needed, because panels would not meet the conditions imposed by the national regulations, but he was not aware that this has been a particular issue in the town.
Properties within the conservation areas can install solar panels without having first to submit a planning application. The circumstances where planning permission would be needed were where solar panels or associated equipment would be installed on a wall or roof which fronts onto a highway. Since 2023 only one application had been received under these circumstances which was allowed under permitted development.
10
Council Insulation Motion
To respond to the motion approved on 11 December 2024 to support vulnerable residents in Test Valley to insulate their homes to help reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions.
Attachments:
- Document 250723 Insulation Motion - Council Report v3 - Master Copy 15 Jul 2025
- Document 250723 Insulation Motion - Council Report Annex 1 15 Jul 2025
- Document 250723 Insulation Motion - Council Report Annex 2 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Climate Emergency and Countryside Portfolio Holder which presented the Climate Emergency Working Group’s response to the Council’s motion of December 2024 exploring the possibility of setting up an Insulation Fund for supporting vulnerable residents in Test Valley.
The Climate Emergency Working Group had met a number of times over the past six months through which the group sought the evidence to inform the response to the motion. Due to lack of robust data being available it had not been possible to pinpoint any firm evidence that there would be any benefit in establishing an Insulation Fund using Council reserves.
In relation to the households that were the focus as part of the Insulation Motion, there are numerous grants already available to residents who meet certain criteria. It is considered by the Climate Emergency Working Group to be more practical to use resources to improve the promotion and uptake of those grants, as well as to consider options around reviewing existing Council grants to widen the eligibility criteria.
Councillor Johston proposed, and Councillor Phil North seconded the recommendations.
Resolved:
That the findings of the Climate Emergency Working Group are endorsed and incorporated into the implementation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan. That the actions set out in paragraph 4.3 be implemented following the investigation of the Climate Emergency Working Group. That the Climate Emergency Working Group monitor the implementation of the actions as part of the monitoring process on the Climate Emergency Action Plan. A budget of £15,000 be approved to enable the implementation of actions set out in paragraph 4.3.
The Climate Emergency Working Group had met a number of times over the past six months through which the group sought the evidence to inform the response to the motion. Due to lack of robust data being available it had not been possible to pinpoint any firm evidence that there would be any benefit in establishing an Insulation Fund using Council reserves.
In relation to the households that were the focus as part of the Insulation Motion, there are numerous grants already available to residents who meet certain criteria. It is considered by the Climate Emergency Working Group to be more practical to use resources to improve the promotion and uptake of those grants, as well as to consider options around reviewing existing Council grants to widen the eligibility criteria.
Councillor Johston proposed, and Councillor Phil North seconded the recommendations.
Resolved:
That the findings of the Climate Emergency Working Group are endorsed and incorporated into the implementation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan. That the actions set out in paragraph 4.3 be implemented following the investigation of the Climate Emergency Working Group. That the Climate Emergency Working Group monitor the implementation of the actions as part of the monitoring process on the Climate Emergency Action Plan. A budget of £15,000 be approved to enable the implementation of actions set out in paragraph 4.3.
11
Annual Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman's Report
The Overview and Scrutiny Chairman will present the Committee’s Annual report.
Attachments:
- Document OSCOM Annual Report to Council 2024 25 15 Jul 2025
- Document OSCOM Chairmans Annual Report - Annex 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
Councillor Daas, as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in 2024/25, presented the Annual Report which set out an overview of work undertaken from May 2024 to May 2025.
Over the past year the Committee had grasped opportunities to add value and positively contribute to the Councils work in delivering against its corporate priorities; including regeneration of towns, vitality of villages and providing residents with the tools to improve their own lives. The action taken is poised to strike a positive balance of scrutinising critical decisions, in their infancy, but importantly utilising Overview and Scrutiny’s unique position in the Council to develop policy via evidence-based analysis.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Daas and seconded by Councillor Matthews.
Resolved:
That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/25 be received.
Over the past year the Committee had grasped opportunities to add value and positively contribute to the Councils work in delivering against its corporate priorities; including regeneration of towns, vitality of villages and providing residents with the tools to improve their own lives. The action taken is poised to strike a positive balance of scrutinising critical decisions, in their infancy, but importantly utilising Overview and Scrutiny’s unique position in the Council to develop policy via evidence-based analysis.
The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Daas and seconded by Councillor Matthews.
Resolved:
That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/25 be received.
12
Appointment of an Independent Member to the Audit Committee
To consider the appointment of an independent member to the Audit Committee.
Attachments:
- Document Independent Member report 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report of the Chair of the Audit Committee which provided an update on the recruitment of an independent member to the Audit Committee and recommended the appointment of a candidate to the role.
In January 2025, Council approved a recommendation from the Audit Committee that the size and composition of the Audit Committee be amended to include a non-voting independent member. Authority was given to the Head of Finance and Revenues, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Resources, to carry out an appropriate recruitment and selection process.
Councillor Hasselmann proposed, and Councillor L Lashbrook seconded the
recommendations.
Resolved:
That Mark Catlow be appointed as an independent, non-voting, member of the Audit Committee for a two-year period with effect from 1st August 2025.
In January 2025, Council approved a recommendation from the Audit Committee that the size and composition of the Audit Committee be amended to include a non-voting independent member. Authority was given to the Head of Finance and Revenues, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee and the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Resources, to carry out an appropriate recruitment and selection process.
Councillor Hasselmann proposed, and Councillor L Lashbrook seconded the
recommendations.
Resolved:
That Mark Catlow be appointed as an independent, non-voting, member of the Audit Committee for a two-year period with effect from 1st August 2025.
13
Notice of Motion - Rule 12
Attachments:
- Document Notice of Motion 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor Daas and seconded by Councillor Geoff Cooper.
Reopen Romsey Police Station
The Romsey Police Station has been closed to the public being able to report crimes for many years.
This council requests to write to Hampshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner to request that they urgently review the reopening of the Romsey Police Station to the public.
Upon being put to the vote the Motion was carried.
Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor Geoff Cooper and seconded by Councillor Burnage.
Recognising and Protecting the Rights of Rivers in the Test Valley
This Council recognises that rivers are vital to the ecological health, cultural heritage, and future sustainability of the Test Valley. Our Borough is home to some of the most beautiful and precious rivers in the world, including The River Test a world-renowned SSSI chalk stream, providing habitats for unique and endangered species, supporting livelihoods, recreation, and the wellbeing of our residents.
Despite this, rivers across the UK and here in Test Valley face increasing pressures from pollution, over-abstraction, habitat degradation, and climate change.
To address these growing threats and to uphold our responsibilities to future generations, this Council resolves to formally recognise the Rights of Rivers, drawing inspiration from the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers. These include, but are not limited to:
The right to flow – unimpeded, seasonal, and natural. The right to perform essential functions within the ecosystem. The right to be free from pollution and contamination. The right to feed and be fed by sustainable aquifers and other freshwater sources. The right to native biodiversity and restoration of ecological integrity. The right to regeneration and restoration from environmental harm.
Council therefore resolves to:
1. Acknowledge the intrinsic rights of rivers within the jurisdiction of Test Valley Borough Council.
2. Work with community groups, river trusts and environmental experts to identify and support the legal and practical recognition of these rights.
3. Embed river rights principles into council policies, particularly those concerning planning, development, land use, water management, and biodiversity.
4. Advocate to national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, to adopt river rights frameworks and enhance protections for our freshwater ecosystems.
5. Support local initiatives and citizen monitoring efforts that protect and restore river health, such as citizen science water testing, riparian buffer planting, and sustainable agriculture partnerships.
6. Request that the Environment Agency publishes an annual "State of the Rivers" report to track progress in protecting river ecosystems and rights, in collaboration with local environmental organisations.
Upon being put to the vote the Motion was carried.
Reopen Romsey Police Station
The Romsey Police Station has been closed to the public being able to report crimes for many years.
This council requests to write to Hampshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner to request that they urgently review the reopening of the Romsey Police Station to the public.
Upon being put to the vote the Motion was carried.
Council considered the following motion moved by Councillor Geoff Cooper and seconded by Councillor Burnage.
Recognising and Protecting the Rights of Rivers in the Test Valley
This Council recognises that rivers are vital to the ecological health, cultural heritage, and future sustainability of the Test Valley. Our Borough is home to some of the most beautiful and precious rivers in the world, including The River Test a world-renowned SSSI chalk stream, providing habitats for unique and endangered species, supporting livelihoods, recreation, and the wellbeing of our residents.
Despite this, rivers across the UK and here in Test Valley face increasing pressures from pollution, over-abstraction, habitat degradation, and climate change.
To address these growing threats and to uphold our responsibilities to future generations, this Council resolves to formally recognise the Rights of Rivers, drawing inspiration from the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers. These include, but are not limited to:
The right to flow – unimpeded, seasonal, and natural. The right to perform essential functions within the ecosystem. The right to be free from pollution and contamination. The right to feed and be fed by sustainable aquifers and other freshwater sources. The right to native biodiversity and restoration of ecological integrity. The right to regeneration and restoration from environmental harm.
Council therefore resolves to:
1. Acknowledge the intrinsic rights of rivers within the jurisdiction of Test Valley Borough Council.
2. Work with community groups, river trusts and environmental experts to identify and support the legal and practical recognition of these rights.
3. Embed river rights principles into council policies, particularly those concerning planning, development, land use, water management, and biodiversity.
4. Advocate to national and regional bodies, including the Environment Agency, to adopt river rights frameworks and enhance protections for our freshwater ecosystems.
5. Support local initiatives and citizen monitoring efforts that protect and restore river health, such as citizen science water testing, riparian buffer planting, and sustainable agriculture partnerships.
6. Request that the Environment Agency publishes an annual "State of the Rivers" report to track progress in protecting river ecosystems and rights, in collaboration with local environmental organisations.
Upon being put to the vote the Motion was carried.
14
Exclusion of the Public
Attachments:
- Document Exclusion of the Public 15 Jul 2025
Minutes
No confidential information was referred to as part of consideration of agenda items 7.2.1.2 or 7.2.1.3 and therefore an exclusion of the public was not required.
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