2 June 2026 – Minutes (draft)
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Thame Town Council held on 2 June 2026 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Town Hall, Thame.
Present:
Cllrs M Baines, D Bretherton, P Cowell, A Dite, M Dyer, L Emery, C Jones, S McGarry, P Swan, A Wainwright (Deputy Mayor) and W Wilde
Officers
M Sturdy, Town Clerk
J Doherty, Committee Services Officer
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
1) Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Dollman (personal), Gilbert (personal) and Richards (personal).
Cllr Dawson and Cllr Dodds absent without apologies.
RESOLVED:
i. To accept the apologies and reason given from Cllrs Dollman (personal), Gilbert (personal) and Richards (personal).
2) Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
There were no declarations of interest.
3) Civic Announcements
Cllr Gilbert provided a video update, which was played to members. Cllr Gilbert’s recovery is progressing, albeit a little slower than anticipated, energies are being absorbed by the recovery process. Cllr Gilbert thanked fellow Councillors for their support whilst absent from Council duties and Civic attendances. The support of fellow Councillors is appreciated and valued.
Cllr Wainwright provided a verbal update, thanked all involved with Taste of Thame, which was a very successful event. It was noted that the recent Memorial Service to commemorate the service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces during Operation TELIC was well attended. It is anticipated that June will be a busy month for Community and Civic events and attendances.
4) Public Participation and Public Questions
There were no applications to address the Council.
There were no questions put to the Council.
5) Reports from County Councillors
Cllr Swan entered the meeting during this item.
Cllr Gregory attended to highlight the information within the report. Cllr Gregory and Cllr Edwards are both Cabinet members at leadership level. It was highlighted that deaths and serious casualties form road traffic accidents are lower than neighbouring counties; this is attributed to the 20mph speed limits in place across the county. Healthy school snacks have been provided in schools across the county to benefit children who receive free school meals; those who have benefited have shown a marked improvement, with reduced exclusions and higher attendance.
The Councillor Priority Fund will close at the end of November.
Cllr Gregory advised the launch of a trial of rural Quiet Lanes, where if there is an alternative route which could be considered; there is an opportunity to make those roads accessible for other modes of transportation i.e. walkers, or cyclists.
Cllr Wainwright thanked Cllr Gregory for assistance to Thame in Cllr Edwards absence.
A Cllr asked if there was a policy or strategy for addressing the weeds and vegetation growing in gutters and pavements. During the recent rainfall there have been significant puddles due to the gutters and drains being blocked. Cllr Gregory advised that responsibility for gutter clearance is shared between the County and District councils. Gutter clearance for which SODC are responsible for will be attended to on an annual basis. Cllr Gregory advised adding specific drainage issues on Fix my Street. It was observed that North Street and Wellington Street need attention.
A Cllr asked whether there were any plans for pothole repairs on Tythrop Way, at the roundabout near the Football Club. They noted that, despite submitting multiple reports via FixMyStreet, these have been closed, and the deteriorating tarmac on the approach to the roundabout requires repair. Cllr Gregory will revert.
A Cllr asked whether the zebra crossing by Prezzo will be attended to, noting that many members of the public have raised concerns about the markings, which are badly worn and not visible to drivers. The road surface is also very uneven, and many residents have expressed concern about its condition. Despite reports being made via FixMyStreet, these have been closed. The area has recently been patched, which has exacerbated the issue, as repairs have further obscured the crossing markings and worsened the surface. Cllr Gregory had previously escalated this matter and will investigate and revert.
6) Reports from South Oxfordshire District Councillors
The report was noted.
7) The Thame Football Partnership (TFP) Lease
The Officer’s report was received, and the Clerk highlighted key information contained within it, following guidance from VAT experts. It was noted that, should the Council agree with the Officer’s recommendations, Thame Town Council can charge Thame Football Partnership the full value of rent which Thame Town Council pay to Oxfordshire County Council.
Members discussed the Officer recommendations within the report. Voting was unanimous.
RESOLVED that:
i. It is approved and agreed that Oxfordshire County Council’s Heads of Terms (paragraph 9 in the Officer report) in relation to variances to the Head Lease relating to the land at Church Farm and subsequently the Under Lease with Thame Town Council and Thame Football Partnership.
ii. It is approved that the 3G Pitch is incorporated into the Under Lease with the Thame Football Partnership at the same time as the variations are made for the Padel Courts.
iii. It is agreed that Thame Town Council opts to tax the Church Farm, Thame with effect from 3rd June 2026, and notifies HMRC of its decision.
iv. It is agreed that subject to all of the above to increase the rent to TFP to £1,500 + VAT per annum from 1 July 2026 until (if) the Padel Courts are built at which time the rent will increase to £4,000 + VAT per annum.
8) Green Spaces and Biodiversity Proposal for S106 Funding
The Officer report was received, the Clerk highlighted the report contents and members discussed the Officer recommendations within the report. The job description for the part-time Land Management Officer role will be presented to the Personnel Committee on 15 June 2026.
RESOLVED that:
i. It is agreed that Section 106 funds can be applied for to the value of £75,000 as follows
a. Up to £34,000 towards the costs of employing a part-time Land Management Officer at Thame Town Council.
b. Up to £40,000 towards a path resurfacing project at Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve.
ii. It is agreed that Councillors Jones, Dyer, Baines, Wainwright and Swan are authorised to sign any legal agreements or acceptance of conditions letter for the drawdown of this funding in the presence of the Town Clerk who will seal the document if required.
9) Pearce Way Play Area
Members discussed the requirement to agree and name at least 2 (but up to 6) Councillors who are authorised to sign any legal agreements for the drawdown of £9,781.61 s106 funding towards circa £41k project to improve Pearce Way play area.
RESOLVED that:
i. It is agreed that Councillors Jones, Wilde, Cowell, McGarry, Dyer and Swan are authorised to sign any legal agreements or acceptance of conditions letter for the drawdown of this £9,781.61 s106 funding in the presence of the Town Clerk who will seal the document if required.
10) Strategy for Thame 2050
Noted that the first draft of the Strategy for Thame has been created. The first draft has been reviewed by Officers and circulated to members of the Strategy Working Group for comment; this will be presented to Full Council on 23 June 2026 for discussion.
The CSO circulated the flyer which was produced and shared at Taste of Thame.
11) OCC Consultation on Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership Policy Public Consultation on a Draft Interim Policy for Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership for Low Carbon/Energy Projects
It was noted that in answer to the first question, prior to reading the consultation and Officer report, this initiative was not known to Councillors.
The Officer highlighted the report relating to the OCC Consultation regarding Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership Policy Public Consultation on a Draft Interim Policy for Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership for Low Carbon/Energy Projects. This is a voluntary scheme which might not affect Thame until a proposal is in the area. OCC are hoping to produce a strategic fund, and local benefit fund for community benefit. The report details further evaluation of the consultation.
A Cllr queried the scheme; if independence is compromised if schemes are subject to planning permissions which require Council consultation and decision making. The Officer noted that the consultation document advised that Parishes and communities have one team reviewing planning matters, and another reviewing schemes. However, this is not necessarily practical or possible for even larger Parishes, but it was believed that appropriate separation could be made in terms of decision making.
A Cllr queried that this could act as a deterrent to support planning applications, there are substantial pieces of good agricultural land which could be used for food security rather than energy security.
A Cllr queried whether, as these are for-profit ventures, allocating a proportion of profits to community schemes could increase the cost of energy generated by low-carbon projects. The Officer advised that the County Council is proposing this scheme to help identify appropriate community projects that could benefit from local funding. It was noted that any costs may be passed on to consumers, and that pricing will fluctuate depending on government policy and the need to identify an appropriate level of contribution for the national scheme.
A Cllr asked if any projects have provided benefit to date? Officer advised there is the Oxfordshire Low Carbon Hub, which operates for community benefit, and another example being the hydro schemes on the River Thames.
RESOLVED that:
i. It is agreed that the proposed Officer responses are considered by Members, and for Members to issue further responses by email to the NPCO by the 11 June 2026 for inclusion in the consultation response for the Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership Policy Public Consultation on a Draft Interim Policy for Community Benefit Contributions and Community Shared Ownership for Low Carbon/Energy Projects.
12) Project Link
The Clerk provided a verbal update regarding Project Link.
Communications: Ongoing activities including video messages of support from Councillors, local businesses and community groups with further videos planned. Brand guidelines have been produced which will ensure consistent communications across platforms and vital for collaboration and for the creation of the donor prospectus. Posters are on display around the town. Leaflets are available in the Information Centre. Further videos planned with Thame Youth Projects. The website is frequently updated. To note that Freddie van Mierlo MP for Henley & Thame has provided video for the Community & Youth Centre and this will be published shortly.
Stakeholders: Verbal update given to Thame Alliance Group. Meeting with anchor tenants scheduled for 23/06/26.
Upcoming communications planned: Changing Room demolition updates, once progressed tender outcomes and build timelines will be shared.
Demolition of the changing rooms at Southern Road Recreational Ground: works are scheduled for 29 June which will take approx. 2 weeks. Planning conditions are due to be discharged on 26 June; there will be an additional ecology survey planned before this time (noted that this is not a legal requirement). Statutory notifications are approved. Utility disconnections underway (gas imminent; electric and water pending dates). The principal contractor for demolition works is R Collards Ltd. Reiterating that no works to the lime tree will be undertaken at this stage.
Lighting: The Scouts have agreed that the lighting in the car park and the access road can be connected to their electricity supply. Three quotations of works will be obtained.
Tenders: The closing date for the tenders is 24 June; Full Council will be meeting on 28 July to consider recommendations arising from the Capital Project Working Group.
Funding: Target aim is to raise c.£1.4m to reduce PWLB borrowing. Awaiting SODC capital grant decision (£250k, decision due July). Very sadly the Lottery bid was unsuccessful, and the reality is that Thame has a wealthy postcode compared to other areas of the Country which are also in need of funding for projects. Fundraising materials are in development.
Officers are working on other potential donors, trusts and foundations applications which would need to be submitted via our anchor delivery partners as the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registration will likely take another six months. Meeting arranged on 23/6 with anchor charities.
Individuals and companies likely to give to those who they know; if any Councillors of members of the public know of anyone who might like to support the Community & Youth Centre or has a wider network who can assist with our fundraising efforts please do let the Town Council know.
The NPCO left the meeting.
13) Members Questions (under Standing Order 11)
Cllr Cowell asked if there as any progression with the Thame Banking Hub. Is there an update?
Cllr Dyer responded that in early autumn in 2025, Thame was turned down for a Banking Hub. This was appealed, sadly rejected and the following independent assessment was also turned down. This was due to Nationwide offering full banking services to all its customers. However, since then two further significant updates have been published, which enable this to be assessed again, the treasury announced a new review relating to access to banking services, the original review was access to cash. This new review has wider evidence of scope including in person banking services, aimed at vulnerable residents and to meet banking needs of small independent business and charities. The Chair of the review is Richard Lloyd OBE who has regulatory and consumer experience, Cllr Dyer has already contacted asking for a review, seeking clarity to what Thame can provide to support the review and what further evidence is required. There are three cash hubs in the UK, which is a new concept, less than a banking hub and run by the post office to provide cash services including notes, coins, banking takings, but no further announcements or information available at this stage. Officers are compiling a questionnaire which will be issued to the community in the Newsletter to request for evidence regarding how residents have adapted to the lack of banks in Thame. If and when further updates are available, Banking Hub will be an agenda item at a future meeting.
Cllr Wainwright thanked Cllr Dyer for the update.
A Cllr reported that within the National Press Morrisons have advertised that a number of stores will be closed, this could put the Thame store in jeopardy.
A Cllr asked if Thame Town Council should have a policy regarding keeping the streets clear? Whilst this should be undertaken by District Council or SODC, can the Council develop a policy or process to do something about the condition of the streets which are looking scruffier by the week.
Cllr Wainwright advised that this question will be put to Officers and the Mayor; for review and discussion at a future meeting.
14) Minutes
The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 12 May 2026 were received.
RESOLVED that:
i. The minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2026 are confirmed as a correct record, and signed by the Chair.
15) Planning Committee
The minutes of the meetings held on 26 May 2026 were noted.
16) Exclusion of the Public
RESOLVED TO:
i. Move, that under Section 1, Paragraph 2 of The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
17) Funding Due Diligence
Members received officer reports relating to funding due diligence.
It was agreed that the Due Diligence Policy is reviewed further, either by Full Council or a working group as there is much information to consider and review.
RESOLVED that:
i. It is approved that the Officers of the Council approach specific foundations to ascertain if they would be open to discussing a donation to the building of the new Community & Youth Centre and in what form this donation may take.
ii. Officers are authorised to approach specific foundations to gather information about how the foundation is registered and to complete the ‘know your donor questionnaire’; to ascertain if the foundation is likely to be interested in granting funds to our Community and Youth Centre.
iii. Subject to a positive outcome from previous resolutions to formally apply for support from the specific foundation.
18) Community Governance Review
The Boundary Commission have reviewed the ward split for the Elections in May 2027 will be 15/1. SODC have requested that the Boundary Commission review this, and there is a consultation under review which proposes the split West (1) / North East (7) / South East (8). SODC cannot change warding arrangements. The consultation will be considered again; and a further meeting held in September with SODC and the Boundary Commission.
Whilst many Councillors do not agree with the proposed changes and commented that the electorate appears to be disproportionate, warding arrangements are not controlled by SODC, the Boundary Commission are responsible for warding proportion arrangements.
It is suggested that Councillors wishing to stand for re-election combine efforts with leafletting.
It is proposed that a Town Meeting is held to explain the election process, for those who may wish to Stand, noting that there are early communications plans in development to support including what is involved with being a Councillor, videos from existing Councillors and for this event to have been held and information available before the pre-election period. Noting that St Mary’s Church have held hustings before should this be preferred rather than leafletting, or in addition to leafletting for those who wish to stand. To note that this cannot involve support from Council Officers or resources. It was discussed that individuals should combine resources and be non-political.
It was noted that whilst Thame might not have enough candidates standing during Elections; when there are opportunities on the Council there are often many candidates who wish to be co-opted to the Council.
19) Charitable Organisation
Members discussed the council representative vacancy for the Thame Welfare Trust and the appointment of a suitable nominee to serve as the Council’s representative.
Resolved that:
i. Cllr McGarry to contact the proposed representative and invite them to attend the next Council meeting, at which the Council will formally appoint them as its representative to the Thame Welfare Trust.
The meeting concluded at 8.08pm.
Signed ………………………
Chair, 23 June 2026