Kibworth Beauchamp Parish Council 26th May 2026
The public annual parish council monthly meeting was held on 26 May in the Studio at the Kibworth Community Hub.
Leadership and Governance
Andrew Munro was re-elected Chair (6–3 vote). Pat Copson was re-elected Vice Chair. Representatives were appointed to Recreation, Burial, HR, Planning, Allotments, Village Hall, Heritage, and Tree Warden roles.
Council Membership
Councillor Christopher Beesley-Reynolds resigned and the resignation was accepted.
No applications for co-option have been received.
Chair’s Annual Report – Main Themes
Successful opening of the relocated Kibworth Community Library in the Hub, transfer of Hub administration to the Parish Council. Future aspirations include additional meeting space, subject to funding, and ongoing discussions about possible merger of the two parish councils.
Concerns over future transfer of assets and responsibilities from HDC especially avoiding increased costs for residents.
Recreation and Burial Boards’ Annual Highlights
Over £70,000 of grant funding secured for parks and open-space improvements, heritage panels, playground upgrades, fencing path improvements completed or funded.
Cemetery improvements included wildflower corridors, new bins, plot markers, and digital record preservation.
Key Projects and Community Matters
The Parish Council expressed support for Kibworth Football Club’s expansion plans, including pitch relocation and a new access road.
Repair work to Warwick Park’s climbing wall was completed at a revised cost of £1,511, shared with Kibworth Harcourt Parish Council.
Finance
Payments totalling £19,845.71 were approved. The Council approved the 2025–26 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), including governance statements, accounts, reserves, and audit documentation, to be sent to the external auditor. Public inspection rights to the accounts were set for 3 June–14 July 2026.
Planning
Supported a self-build dwelling application on Fleckney Road. Deferred final comments on a 10-dwelling development at St Wilfrid’s Close pending ecological advice regarding badger setts.
Assets and Open Spaces
Agreed in principle to take responsibility for land on St Wilfrid’sClose, but declined transfer of land east of Smeeton Road from HDC. Approved a new granite plinth for the Smeeton Road Park sundial.
Grants and Infrastructure
A Section 106 grant has been successfully secured for Church Road entrance slope and pathway improvements in The Rookery.
Awaiting decisions of Community Grant funding for the Rookery pathway, and the Environmental Grant application for Community Hub solar panels.
Community Hub
Approved revised room hire rates and updated hirer terms and conditions, effective from 1 September 2026.
Youth Services
The HCYC Youth Group closed on 26 May following loss of National Lottery funding. The Parish Council would not meet the annual operating cost of £13,494.
The next monthly public council meetings are on 23 June and 28 July at 7pm and will be reported in due course.
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Maria Smith
(clerk@kibworthbeauchamp-pc.gov.uk)
Kibworth Village Hall Cinema
