Updates from Council and Committee Meetings

Here is a summary of the updates and decisions taken at the latest Council meetings. You can click on the links below to read the minutes from the respective meetings. Our website has the latest meeting agendas, reports and minutes and information on how to speak at council meetings.
 

Corporate Governance Committee – 17 December

The main agenda item was receiving the annual presentation from the council’s investment portfolio managers. Various financial updates were noted.
 

Full Council – 21 January

The council approved a 6.17% increase in its budget and the precept for 2025-26 (click here to view the precept leaflet). Following a largely supportive public consultation, the council approved to apply for a public loan for the Community Youth Centre project. The loan application will be subject to scrutiny by the council in due course. The council also unanimously supported the need for a banking hub in Thame, with thanks to the research undertaken by a local resident.
 

Environment & Assets Committee – 28 January

The committee approved the Cuttle Brook Local Nature Reserve’s management plan 2025-29, made a recommendation to council for Thame to become a plastic-free community, created a new Asset Management Working Group, and supported a creative proposal for upcycling wood from felled trees in Elms Park. Various updates on the council’s assets and work of the Maintenance Team were noted.
 

Community Services Committee – 4 February

The committee received reports on recent and upcoming events in Thame and council communications, and praised the work of the Community Services staff team. The committee discussed options to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and approved that the Town Council takes on the management of eight defibrillators in Thame. Various other community updates were noted. 

Planning Committee – 14 January and 11 February

At the 14 January meeting, the committee objected to proposals to convert offices to residential at Unit 5, Goodson Industrial Mews (Wellington Street). Seven other applications were considered alongside updates from the Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Working Group.

The 11 February meeting was the first meeting where Thame Neighbourhood Plan 2 (TNP2) policies could be given full weight following its adoption at referendum. The committee objected to two applications that did not comply with TNP2 policies and design codes. The committee considered its response to a planning appeal at St Andrew’s Court and received a verbal update on TNP2.