This evening I spoke on the agenda item below. This was not about the bollard, it was about the process not being followed correctly. The first 4 minutes of the video clearly show that the new Clerk agrees that the process wasn’t followed properly.
Main Council Meeting of Bray Parish Council which was held at Braywood Memorial Hall, Fifield Road, Fifield SL6 2NX at 6:00pm on Monday 20th April 2026
- To receive a report from the Clerk regarding a bollard on BPC land next to The George on the Green.
- To note the error in following procedure to authorise works on BPC land.
- To review and decide on whether to allow the bollard to stay in place, or to request that it is removed.
Here are the words I read out earlier in the meeting.
I started by thanking Rachel, the Clerk, for trying to resolve this properly.
Holyport Community Trust Building Bollard
I have concerns regarding the metal bollard that has been installed outside the Holyport Community Trust building on Holyport Green. I believe the metal bollard, covered in hazard tape, was installed without the appropriate RBWM permissions. It’s certainly not in keeping with the Holyport Conservation Area guidelines.
I asked Holyport Community Trust and they said Bray Parish Council had given permission. It has not been an agenda item since the Land Management meeting I clerked, chaired by Cllr Korczak, on the 17th September 2025 where I advised it had not been introduced as an agenda item properly as Cllr Kneen had failed to declare her interest in Holyport Community Trust before introducing the item and neither did she ask the Clerk’s permission to present the item.
Land Management September 25
LM040/2025 Holyport Green – Holyport Community Trust Building The Committee considered a request to improve access to the building.
ACTION: This item will be re-presented due to declaration of interest issues
Within weeks an inappropriate bollard was installed. Who gave permission?
An individual Cllr cannot give permission, that would breach the Nolan Principles.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life
The following Acts clearly state permission should be sought.
Works on Common Land
- Planning Act 2008 (Section 38 – amending Commons Act 2006): In many cases, consent from the Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) is required.
Conservation Area Considerations
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Because the green is in a conservation area, the council has a statutory duty to ensure the installation preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the area.
- Compliance Requirement: The design and materials of the bollard (e.g., timber vs. metal, reflective vs. non-reflective) must be appropriate for the setting.
Highways Act 1980 (If near a Road)
- If the bollard is near a grass verge or pavement, the council must ensure it does not constitute an unlawful obstruction of the highway.
Other Considerations
- Planning Permission: While parish councils have some permitted development rights, it is advisable to consult the local planning authority regarding whether the installation constitutes “development” in a conservation area.
An experienced councillor should know better. If Cllr Kneen gave authority for the bollard to be installed, she has acted beyond her powers and there is a clear conflict of interest as she is on the management committee of the Holyport Community Trust.
Thank you for listening.
Jon Davey
