The Parish Council currently operates 3 standing committee’s and 2 sub-committees covering Policy and Resources, Planning, and Highways & Open Spaces. This committee system enables members to consider more complex issues in some detail at committee level, and to make recommendations to the full Council as to what the Parish Council’s response should be. Such recommendations are approved (or otherwise) by all members voting at the full Council meeting.
The roles of Chairmen of Committees are filled by councillors who have been nominated and voted for by their councillor colleagues.
Committee, Sub-committee and Working Party membership 2025-26 (PDF Download 192KB)
Policy and Resources Committee
The Policy and Resources Committee has an important role in our council work; many issues are discussed at committee which require in depth investigation and which require more time than would normally be available at full council meetings. The range of issues is quite varied and also covers staffing matters. The committee is also responsible for all financial matters, including preparing a budget for the annual precept from Somerset Council. The Committee meets once a month.
Planning Committee
The Planning Committee has delegated authority to make recommendations to Somerset Council on all planning applications affecting Cheddar. If the recommendation of this Council coincides with that of the Planning Authority, the case officer can deal with the matter under delegated authority. (There is an exception where the application is classed as major development).
The Committee meets to determine the application within twenty-one days of receipt, which in practice means on a two weekly basis, in order that our views can be put in writing to the Planning Authority if necessary.
Highways and Open Spaces Committee
The Highways and Open Spaces Committee meets once a month. Its main function is to ensure the footpaths belonging to the parish are maintained and that open spaces including Hannah More Park, the playing fields and areas covered by the village maintenance contractor are cared for, such as planters and bus shelters. The Committee also provides an interface with Somerset Council who are responsible for matters relating to the maintenance of the Public Highway in the village, and for matters such as litter and dog fouling. Allotments, the War memorial and bench seats also come under the committee’s remit.
HR Sub-committee
This sub-committee is responsible for all staffing matters including recruitment and reports to the Policy and Resources committee. It meets as required but at least once a year.
Premises Sub-committee
The Premises sub-committee considers matters relating to the parish councils buildings; the Parish Hall, Hannah More Cottage and the Community Pavilion. It meets as required.
Health and Safety Sub-committee
The Health and Safety sub-committee considers matters of health and safety across all council activities. It meets as required but at least once a year.
Working Parties
The parish council currently has an Environment and Climate Sustainability (ECS) Working Party, established in November 2023. The working party is responsible for developing a Sustainability Action Plan and overseeing a biodiversity assessment for the parish council.
ECS Working Party Terms of Reference (PDF Download 251KB)
A Community Engagement Working Party, was established in November 2024 to consider a community engagement strategy.
Community Engagement Working Party Terms of Reference (PDF Download 253KB)
Outside Bodies
The Parish Council appoints Councillors to act as representatives to organisations and groups within the village. Councillors’ involvement as representatives in the local community develops greater understanding within the Council of the role of these organisations and groups. Representatives are usually nominated at the request of a particular organisation/group.
Parish Council representatives are expected to regularly attend meetings of the organisation they represent and take an active part in its operations.
Council representatives on outside bodies 2025-26 (PDF Download 124KB)