23 June 2026 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Thame Town Council held on 23 June 2026 at 6:30pm in the Upper Chamber, Town Hall, Thame.
Present:
Cllrs M Baines, D Bretherton, D Dawson, A Dite, H Dollman, M Dyer, L Emery, H Richards, P Swan, A Wainwright (Deputy Mayor) and W Wilde
Officers
M Sturdy, Town Clerk
J Doherty, Committee Services Officer
L Fuller, Communications Manager
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
1) Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Cowell (personal), Gilbert (personal), Jones (personal) and McGarry (personal).
Cllr Dodds was absent without apology.
RESOLVED:
i. To accept the apologies and reason given from Cllrs Cowell (personal), Gilbert (personal), Jones (personal) and McGarry (personal).
Due to the extreme heat, it was agreed that the following items would be deferred to the Full Council meeting on 28 July 2026.
RESOLVED to:
i. Defer item 10, 12 and 13 to the Full Council meeting on 28 July 2026.
2) Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
There were no declarations of interest.
3) Civic Announcements
The Deputy Mayor commented that June had been another busy month, with a number of community events taking place. The Thame Sportive attracted more cyclists than last year, the Round Table Duck Race was a great success, and Thame Pride was a vibrant and well-attended event.
Announcements regarding the Mayor’s charities and the Mayor’s cadets will be deferred until 28 July.
Councillor Richards was wished a happy birthday.
4) Public Participation and Public Questions
A representative from Teleaura and Oxfordshire County Council attended to speak regarding Item 5.
A representative from Thame Churches attended to speak regarding Item 6.
A representative attended to speak to support Item 16.
There were no questions put to the Council.
5) Digital Infrastructure – Thame High Street (Presentation)
The Officer provided an overview of the proposal to improve internet connectivity in Thame town centre and clarified discussions and action to date. It was noted that many smaller towns experience connectivity issues, particularly where historic buildings complicate the introduction of modern infrastructure. Councillors were reminded that Oxfordshire County Council outlined a potential solution to Full Council in August 2025 that did not involve providing fibre to each premise. Members were reminded that the solution involved wired fibre to a small number of wireless antenna serving properties and businesses. Similar technology is widely used across the world. When OCC gave their presentation, it was thought that existing street furniture could be used to maximise the number of town centre businesses and residents who could connect.
Thame has been chosen as the pilot location in Oxfordshire. Following a detailed site survey by Teleauora, the company has instead proposed that the Town Hall be selected as the installation site for six antennae. Thame Town Council officers had met with Teleauora and OCC to discuss how this could be achieved. The proposal would involve three antennae and associated cabling being attached to two corners of the building. Each unit would require two cables: one combined power and data cable, and one separate lightning earth cable. The units would be matched to the colour of the brickwork, and cabling would be concealed where possible.
Thame Town Council and Oxfordshire County Council Officers have advised Teleauora to submit detailed plans showing the exact dimensions of the proposed infrastructure and cabling. Members were advised that the Electronic Communications Code is a legal framework in the UK which gives rights to telecommunications operators to install and maintain infrastructure on public and private land, subject to wayleaves and agreements. Where agreement cannot be reached, matters may be referred to the courts. It was noted that Teleauora had not suggested that it intended to pursue this route.
It was highlighted that, during the application process, alternatives to the use of the Town Hall would need to be explored and would be considered in the planning balance. Any approval in principle given by the Town Council would not prejudice its decision on any subsequent planning applications.
The Digital Infrastructure Project Manager at Oxfordshire County Council and the Chief Operating Officer at Teleauora attended the meeting to describe their proposal to improve broadband and wireless connectivity on Thame High Street.
It was explained that Thame had been chosen to showcase what could be achieved without creating disruption. The aim was to improve connectivity for customers, avoid visual intrusion and work collaboratively with local partners.
The type of antennae to be fitted to the Town Hall was shown. Each unit would be colour-matched to the brickwork colour prior to installation. The antennae would transmit a signal to much smaller receiving routers, attached to each property, to provide broadband. The antennae can both connect premises and other types of equipment, including that for public Wi-Fi for Market Square, to support use by businesses, tourists and residents. It was also noted that there may be future opportunities to support Tier 2 carrier services for networks such as O2 and EE to help them fill in low signal areas. The initial priority is, however, to address the connectivity issues currently experienced by residents and business owners.
Each carrier device can connect up to 500 devices, including CCTV networks and monitoring devices, using either physical SIMs or e-SIMs. The infrastructure could provide an entry point in the market, support conservation aims and create an immersive network to enable future digital strategies and services. Significant time and effort had been invested in Thame to look to improve infrastructure whilst working with the custodians of local buildings.
The Digital Infrastructure Project Manager at Oxfordshire County Council advised that OCC fully supports the project.
Questions from Councillors:
A Councillor asked whether line of sight was required between the transmitter and receiver.
It was explained that a true line of sight is not absolutely required as the signal is picked up between devices, creating an immersive network. The system operates and broadcasts on the 26–28 gigahertz spectrum.
A Councillor asked whether there had been successful installations elsewhere, particularly in rural towns.
It was clarified that Thame is the first pilot location. Similar fixed / wireless solutions have been tried and tested in Australia, Sweden and Japan, where the technology has demonstrated its resilience and robustness. Expertise is also available in the UK.
A Councillor asked whether the system collects information.
The broadband element only provides the signal and broadband connectivity. Any data collection would depend on the services being used and would be the relevant organisation’s data. Teleaura advised that Microsoft Azure is used by them for their customer information, and the company abides with the Ombudsman and internet service provider requirements, and compliance arrangements are in place.
A Councillor asked whether there would be a power supply separate from the Town Hall.
The listed building application would consider the power supply requirements. There may be potential to use the basement for the communications rack. The basement was preferred to an external cabinet, as cabinets can attract antisocial behaviour and the basement would help build resilience into the network.
A Councillor asked whether there would be any fire risk from installing the equipment in the basement.
It was confirmed that there would not be a fire risk. Network and cabling equipment would be installed, and while the equipment may become warm on a hot day, cooling and monitoring would be provided by Teleauora.
A Councillor asked what coverage would be provided if the units were based at the Town Hall, and whether this would adequately support those experiencing connectivity issues.
The radios would cover a distance of approximately 1.5km. Once installed, Teleauora would look to connect users to the Town Hall element and consider opportunities for expansion. An access agreement is in place with OCC, which could include the Market Place Wi-Fi network. Teleauora advised that there are steps for inclusion and that it would communicate with interested parties.
A Councillor asked whether there would be an aerial in addition to the radio unit.
No, there would not be a separate aerial. The radio unit includes GPS, and the unit itself would be the only visible equipment.
RESOLVED that:
i. Thame Town Council agree in principle to grant consent for the installation of Digital Infrastructure to be erected at the Town Hall subject to all necessary permissions, licences and regulatory approvals being obtained by the applicant and OCC.
6) Burial Space
RESOLVED to:
i. Defer to later in the meeting.
A representative from Thame Church attended to speak regarding burial space within St Mary’s churchyard.
It was advised that burial space is approaching a critical point. Under ecclesiastical law, there is a right to burial in the churchyard for anyone who was born in the town, is listed on the Electoral Roll, or dies in the town.
In 2018, the Town Council extended the churchyard. The churchyard is open to people of any faith or background.
Due to water levels, there are limitations on available burial space, and the extended area is now nearly at capacity.
It was understood that S106 funding from the Taylor Wimpey development had been allocated to investigate a town civic cemetery; however, those funds had not been made available for this purpose.
It has been advised that the expected burial space associated with the Thame Park Road extension also has water level issues.
Although there is space for cremation burials, it is likely that there will be no remaining space for grave burials beyond 2028.
A Councillor asked for clarification on the identified S106 Taylor Wimpey funds and whether any figures or dates were known. It was understood that this dated back to 2014 and had remained stagnant since that time. The NPCO advised that the S106 funds were believed to be for a study, rather than for the provision of burial sites. An initial study had been published, and a second follow-up study identified that further data was required. However, Taylor Wimpey had been slow to respond, and District enforcement action may be required.
A Councillor asked who was responsible for providing burial space. The Officer advised that Taylor Wimpey had been progressing this matter, which had been expected over the previous four years. If Thame Town Council were to take on burial space provision, it would have the necessary authority. However, as the Town Council does not currently have such space, it has no responsibility for providing burial space, and the matter falls to the District Council.
Officers are aware of the issues relating to burial grounds and are seeking further updates.
A Councillor noted that Oxford City had recently received permission for a new burial space in Horspath. It was suggested that the S106 commitment to deliver was not an enforcement issue, but a matter for the District Council’s legal team to progress, which Cllr Bretherton will follow up.
The Church expressed concern that S106 monies were not contributing to burial sites where they could potentially be used. It was noted that the Environment Agency had suggested that some sites may not be suitable because of water levels and the requirements for burial spaces.
The Officer advised that the Environment Agency is likely to have ongoing concerns regarding water levels.
Councillors questioned whether there is a time limit on the use of a graveyard. It was commented that the churchyard is significant and that many graves have local connections. The position is complicated by the fact that historic parts of the churchyard are already closed; and once closed, they cannot be reopened.
RESOLVED to:
i. Continue discussions, and investigations at Environment & Assets Committee.
Moved to item 11.
7) Internal Audit
The final internal audit report was received and noted for 2025-2026.
8) External Audit / Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) / End of Year Accounts 2025-2026
The report was noted.
It was noted that this is not a deficit budget, it is a balanced budget and noted that monies in Earmarked reserve are mostly Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds.
A Cllr queried the status of loans and repayments and sought clarification on the loans outstanding. The Clerk advised that this information is within the reports, and this will be provided and circulated after the meeting.
Annual Governance Statement 205-2026
RESOLVED that:
i) The Annual Governance Statement for 2025-2026 be approved.
The Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2026 were received.
RESOLVED that:
ii) To receive the Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2026.
Accounting Statements for 2025-2026
RESOLVED that:
iii) The Accounting Statements for 2025-2026 be approved.
It was noted that the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return will be 24 June 2026 – 4 August 2026.
9) Planning Application P26/S1549/FUL – Rectory Pavilion, Chinnor Rugby Football Club
Construction of 8no floodlights with luminaires to provide floodlighting to existing rugby pitch following removal of existing lights.
The Officer highlighted that this is a minor application, which would normally be taken to Planning Committee, however this was not possible due to the deadlines for the application. The luminaires/light fittings will provide the lighting required for matches; the light spillage was discussed; the nearest residential properties will suffer less light pollution with the proposed luminaries, compared to the existing lights.
It was noted that the District Environmental Team have reviewed and requested that no bedroom windows would have a direct view of the luminaires, it was presumed the concern was regarding their lit faces.
Given that the proposed lights are more energy efficient, should help the Club flourish and help residents to continue to participate in the Club, the Officer would recommend approval.
A Cllr queried the accuracy of the predicted light spillage levels. Experience elsewhere had shown him these were not reliable. The Officer recommended including reference to the lux level plan within our response to ensure that the correct specification could be monitored and enforced.
A Cllr queried the number of consultees and residents which this might affect, and if Thame Town Council should share details of this planning application, and other such planning applications which might affect residents on social media and in the Town Council newsletter. It was noted the time for response is past and this planning application had been published on the agenda for the meeting.
A Cllr noted that SODC have not notified all nearby residents. A Cllr noted that it is not the Town Councils responsibility to inform residents, it is the District Council.
A Cllr asked if the District Council Planning Officer would visit the site? Whilst Chinnor Rugby Club are doing a fantastic job, the number of temporary buildings which have been at the rugby club have increased, with further site fencing surrounding structures including the well-used gym, at what point should the venture seek proper planning permission rather than the use of marques which have been erected and been present for some time.
A Cllr noted that the sound proofing in events held in marquee should be considered, and there are times which the applicant exceeds time limits.
RESOLVED that:
i) SUPPORTS subject to the following:
a. Subject to a condition limiting the use of the proposed lighting to Mondays – Fridays, 18:00 – 21:00 in line with use proposed within the submitted Planning, Design and Access Statement in order to reduce harm to neighbouring amenity and minimise the impact of the lighting on sensitive species.
b. Subject to light spillage being achieved in line with Drawing Chinnor RFC 200 LUX Proposed LED Spillage Results (ref:CRFC S3).
Agenda Item 6 was taken next.
10) Pedestrian Crossings
Deferred to Full Council on 28 July 2026
11) New Website
The NPCO left the meeting.
The Officer highlighted the reasons for the new website proposal as detailed within the Officer report.
The Chair thanked the Officer for the excellent report.
A Cllr commented that Thame Town Council’s website is remarkedly user friendly and concerned that this distinction might be lost. Having reviewed other Council’s websites, Thame Town Council’s website is user friendly. The Officer advised that the search function is something which Officers would like to improve on and is a key criterion within the tender specification.
RESOLVED to:
i. Approve the Website Tender Specification (Appendix B), accompanying Tender Response Form (Appendix C) and scoring sheet (Appendix D).
ii. Approve the Terms of Reference (Appendix E) to form the Website Working Group.
iii. To appoint Cllrs Dawson, Dite, Dyer, Emery and Richards to the Website Working Group and to appoint remaining members via email.
12) Strategy for Thame 2050
Deferred to Full Council on 28 July 2026
13) Elections 2027 and Publicity
Deferred to Full Council on 28 July 2026
14) Public Art – S106 Funding Application
Full Council approved the drawdown of up to £83,342 of S106 funding for Public Art projects at Elms Park and Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve on 31 March 2026 (Minute 23a). The proposal remains unchanged; however, S106 procedures require named Councillors to sign the relevant legal agreements if the funding application is approved.
RESOLVED that:
i. Councillors Bretherton, Dyer and Swan are authorised to sign any legal agreements or acceptance of conditions for the drawdown of this funding in the presence of the Town Clerk who will seal the document if required.
15) Project Link
The Town Clerk provided a brief update. The changing rooms at Southern Road Recreation Ground are expected to have been demolished before Full Council next meet on 28 July 2026.
The electricity disconnection is due to take place on 6 July, which may also be the date demolition works commence. The demolition contractor is expected to complete the works within two weeks. The community will be informed once dates are finalised.
It was noted that the tender submission date for the main project had been extended to 1 July 2026. Tenders will be evaluated by the Capital Project Delivery Team and the design team. Once tenders have been shortlisted, a shortlist of contractors will be presented to Full Council for decision.
Officers are arranging a meeting with Councillors, anchor tenants and supporters to provide further information and support the successful delivery of the project.
16) Council Nominative Trustee for Thame Welfare Trust
Cllr Dyer introduced the recommendation, noting that the former Thame Town Councillor, Mr Champken-Woods had previously recommended Mr Turner for appointment as the Council’s nominative trustee, a recommendation which Cllr Dyer was pleased to support.
Mr Turner spoke in support of his nomination. Having spent his childhood in Thame, he returned to the town two years ago after graduating from university. He is currently employed as a trainee accountant and expects to qualify as a Chartered Accountant within the next 12 months.
Mr Turner believes that his professional skills and local knowledge would enable him to make a valuable contribution to the Thame Welfare Trust. Mr. Turner gave examples of some of the community groups and organisations he is involved with locally. Having discussed the role, duties, and responsibilities of a trustee with Cllr McGarry, Mr Turner confirmed that he was fully committed to the position and felt he could add value to the Trust.
RESOLVED that:
i. Harry Turner is appointed as the Town Council’s second representative to the Thame Welfare Trust for a four-year term.
17) S106 Funding for Thames Valley Police
The S106 funding application by Thames Valley Police for ANPR cameras was noted.
18) Members Questions (under Standing Order 11)
Question from Cllr Richards: Having attended the AGM of Thame Farmers Mart, Cllr Richards noted that the organisation is considering relocating in autumn 2027. It was asked if there is a strategy, committee, or redevelopment plan for the North Street site to ensure strong representation from Thame alongside South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) in shaping and developing future proposals.
It was noted that Thame Town Council is a key stakeholder and should therefore be involved in discussions with SODC regarding any future redevelopment plans.
The Deputy Mayor advised that this matter should be referred to the relevant Officers and the Environment & Assets Committee for consideration.
Question from Cllr Dite: Cllr Dite asked for an update on gutter clearance and progress regarding the policy review following the question raised on 2 June 2026.
The Town Clerk advised that Officers are reviewing the Service Level Agreements with SODC to evaluate the level of service that Thame should be receiving, to ensure that agreed services are being delivered, and to assess whether any additional services are required. The implications and associated costs will then be reported to the Council for consideration.
19) Minutes
The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 2 June 2026 were received.
RESOLVED that:
i. The minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026 are confirmed as a correct record, and signed by the Chair.
The meeting concluded at 7.50pm.
Signed ………………………
Chair, 28 July 2026