DEFFORD AND BESFORD PARISH COUNCIL: The Chairman Roger Price and Vice Chairman R Brookes and M Pegg were re-elected as was the planning committee.

Following the decision not to adopt the new Code of Practice as a matter of protest the code would be effective as from June 5. Five members completed the acceptance of office forms as one further member intended to while the remainder were still considering the matter.

Planning applications considered were as follows: Mr Campbell for a hardwood conservatory to the rear of 32 Besford Court Estate - no objections.

Mr J Hunt for change of use of land to equestrian plus the erection of an all weather exercise school on land at Church Farm, St Peters Lane - no objections.

Mrs M Walford for erection of two storey rear/side extension plus the demolition of a single storey outhouse and rear conservatory at the Villa, Harpley Road - no objections but comments regarding the provision of off-road parking.

Mr & Mrs Anderson for a single-storey conservatory extension at 7 Lower Drive, Besford Court Estate - no objections.

Messrs Coyne & Smith for the change of use of agricultural land to form part of domestic curtileges at 3 and 4 Rebecca Place, Severn Stoke Road - this was objected to most strongly as the piece of land in question was the subject of discussion during the planning process and its subsequent approval.

N J Robinson Farms Ltd for agricultural buildings for wintering of sheep on land at House Farm Besford - no objections. Russell Brookes declared his interest.

Mr M Smith for outline application for two dwellings land adjacent to 1 Church Farm Cottages, St Peters Lane - This was discussed in open session and Russell Brookes declared his interest. It was agreed that there was no objection in principal to development of the land. However full details would be required before acceptance could be considered and as the application was outline only there was no option than to object to it. The council would want to see full details of house type, confirmation that only two dwellings would be built and some form of timescale for cessation of manufacturing usage, together with restrictions on further development. Also clarification of WDC policy would be sought.

Planning Decisions notified by Wychavon were as follows:

Mr J Bolton approved subject to many conditions including re-locating the access and permanently stopping-up the exsisting access points onto the A4104.

RAF Defford Reunion Association approved subjects to materials.

The unveiling of the memorial had been deferred until September 10 when Sir Bernard Lovell would perform the ceremony.

It was reported by Mr David Lavender of Wychavon Highways Partnership Unit that work would be undertaken to resurface St Peters Lane Besford. The Council was hoping that they would make the same sort of job that had been completed at Ladywood Cross Roads which everyone thought was a vast improvement.

Work was also imminent on raised bus stops for the 382 route to Worcester at St Peters Lane, Besford Court Estate and Harpley Road outside the church. These would make it much easier for elderly people to enter the buses.