Introduction
St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council is committed to serving and improving the quality of life for residents across the parish.
This strategic plan sets out the Council’s vision, priorities, and goals for the next three years, providing a framework for decision-making and resource allocation.
This plan outlines key areas of focus and actions to be undertaken to ensure effective service delivery, sustainable development, and enhanced community engagement.
The strategy is a living document that will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Background
St Stephen in Brannel (Eglosstefan yn Branel) is a civil parish located on the southern edge of Cornwall’s china clay district. The parish encompasses the villages of Coombe, Foxhole, High Street, Lanjeth, Nanpean, St Stephen, Treviscoe, and Whitemoor, along with their associated hamlets.
St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council was established in 1894 following the Local Government Act 1894, which created parish councils across England and Wales to manage local affairs and represent their communities. The council has since evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the parish while continuing to serve and support residents across its villages.
The Parish Council is composed of fifteen councillors, supported by a team of twelve staff members. Councillors serve a four-year term, with elections taking place every four years in line with local government electoral cycles.
The next Parish Council elections will be held in May 2029, when all council seats will be open for election. Following the election, councillors will serve until May 2033, unless a resignation or by-election occurs.
For electoral purposes, the parish is divided into two wards and has a growing population of 7,697 residents, with 5,750 registered electors, distributed as follows:
| Divisional Ward | Electors |
| St Stephen (Covers Coombe, Foxhole, High Street, Lanjeth, Nanpean, St Stephen, and Treviscoe) | 5,305 |
| Roche & Bugle (Covers Whitemoor) | 445 |
The Parish Council remains committed to representing and supporting all residents, ensuring that each village and settlement keeps its unique character while fostering a thriving and sustainable community. The Council encourages residents to engage in the democratic process, whether by voting, attending meetings, or standing for election to help shape the future of the parish.
Vision Statement
Recognise and respect the distinctive characteristics of the Parish community, including its individual villages and settlements, whilst providing for the future success and ambitions of all who reside within it, as a key part of the ‘Green Capital’.
Council Structure
St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council operates under a structured governance model designed to ensure efficient decision-making, transparency, and accountability.
Full Council
The Full Council is the overarching decision-making body of the Parish Council. It meets regularly to discuss and approve key policies, budgets, and strategic initiatives affecting the parish. All councillors attend Full Council meetings, which provide a forum for debate and community engagement.
Committees
Each committee runs under a defined Terms of Reference, outlining its responsibilities, authority, and scope of work. Membership of committees is reviewed annually, with councillors appointed based on their skills, experience, and areas of interest.
The Parish Council currently has the following standing committees:
Events & Communications Committee
- Plan, run and review council events
- Oversee council communications, including the website, newsletter, social media, noticeboards
- Support community engagement and democracy, such as school engagement, youth involvement and councillor meet and greets
Finance & Policy Committee
- Oversees financial management, budget setting, and financial planning.
- Ensures compliance with financial regulations and governance best practices.
- Reviews and awards grants and community funding applications.
- Monitors risk management and internal control processes.
- Develops and reviews council policies and procedures.
Human Resources Committee
- Oversees the recruitment, staff welfare and performance management of staff.
- Ensures compliance with employment laws, policies, and procedures.
- Ensures compliance with health and safety legislation.
Planning and Licensing Committee
- Reviews and provides responses on planning applications submitted to Cornwall Council.
- Ensures that development aligns with the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP)
- Engages with Cornwall Council and developers to advocate for appropriate and sustainable development.
Property and Services Committee
- Oversees the maintenance, management, and development of council-owned assets.
- Manages public buildings, cemeteries, and open spaces.
- Ensures that assets are maintained to a high standard and remain accessible.
- Oversees the management of council services.
- Ensures council services are of a high standard.
Finances
Income
The total income for the Parish Council is budgeted at £625,939 for 2026/27. The majority of the income comes from the precept issued to Cornwall Council as the local authority. The precept for 2026/27 is £517,190. Other sources of income include –
- Burial fees.
- Rent
- Room hire (Brannel Room).
- Service agreements with Cornwall Council.
- Grant funding; and
- Community Infrastructure Levy.
Expenditure
The total expenditure for the Parish Council is budgeted at £582,469 for 2026/27. A breakdown of expenditure can be found on the Parish Council website – https://ststepheninbrannel-pc.gov.uk/council/council-finances/
The budget is completely allocated except for a contingency amount which ensures the general reserve is of an adequate level.
General Reserve
The Parish Council needs to hold an amount in reserves to meet unexpected expenditure, otherwise it could run out of money before the end of the fiscal year. In line with proper practices, it was budgeted that the general reserve be maintained at approximately 4 months net revenue expenditure with a figure of £194,156 at the beginning of 2026/27 and a predicted figure of £205,255 for the start of 2026/27.
Earmarked Reserves
Earmarked reserves are funds that are held for specific projects, where money is allocated for a specific purpose but may not be spent in that fiscal year. A breakdown of earmarked reserves can be found on the Parish Council website. The total amount held in earmarked reserves at the beginning of 2025/26 was £175,009. Much of this amount was monies allocated to additional cemetery land, community benefit funding and projects/assets. At the start of 2026/27, the amount in earmarked reserves was £201,952.
Assets
Assets are defined as land, buildings, machines, equipment, furniture, fixtures and vehicles of significant value that are owned by the Parish Council. A copy of the asset register can be obtained from the parish council office. At the beginning of 2026/27, the Parish Council had assets to the value of £991,272.
Assets & Services
St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council own the following major assets and run the following services –
- Air Quality Monitoring x 4
- Allotments
- Burial Authority
- Bus Shelters x 8
- Car Park x 5
- Brannel Room Private Car Park
- Nanpean Short Stay Car Park – St Georges Road
- Nanpean Long Stay Car Park – Fore Street
- St Stephen Short Stay Car Park – Fore Street
- St Stephen Long Stay Car Park – Fore Street
- CCTV
- Cemetery x 2
- Nanpean Cemetery
- St Stephen Churchtown Cemetery
- Chairman Community Event
- Closed Churchyard – St Stephen Parish Church
- Councillor Meet and Greet Events
- Commercial Premises x 5
- Brannel Room
- Former Church Rooms, Nanpean
- Parish Council Office
- Unit 1, Churchtown Craft workshops
- Unit 2/3/4, Churchtown Craft workshops
- Community Hall
- Community Lounge
- Community Speed Watch
- Defibrillators x 7
- Democracy Days with primary schools
- Footpaths – Local Maintenance Partnership with Cornwall Council
- Footpaths – Owner
- Grant Funding
- Highway Signage
- Highway Verge Maintenance – Service Level Agreement with Cornwall Council
- Litter bins x 19 (Plus 10 in cemeteries)
- Market Event
- Newsletter
- Noticeboard x 8
- Off road parking – The Square, St Stephen
- Outside Body Representatives
- Public Toilets x 2
- Fore Street, Nanpean
- St Stephen Recreation Ground, St Stephen
- Remembrance Day Parade
- Salt/Grit bins x 9
- Seating (Roadside and Memorial)
- Street Lighting x 3
- St Pirans Day Event
- Traffic Calming – Speed Indication Devices x 6 (over 22 locations)
- War Memorials x 2
- Nanpean cemetery
- St Stephen cemetery
- Weed Treatment
- Youth Council
Community Engagement
The Parish Council recognises that engagement is fundamental to achieving the goals set out in its Strategic Plan. A strong, inclusive, and well-informed community enables the Council to make decisions that reflect local needs and priorities, ensuring that resources are directed effectively to benefit residents, businesses, and community organisations.
As part of this commitment, the Parish Council regularly reviews its Community Engagement Policy to align this document and future plans. The policy supports the delivery of key strategic aims by ensuring transparency, accessibility, and active participation from the community.
Engagement methods include:
- Public Meetings & Consultations – Opportunities for residents to contribute to discussions on key projects and decisions that shape the future of the parish.
- Online & Digital Communication – Regular updates via the Parish Council’s website and social media platforms to ensure residents remain informed about strategic initiatives.
- Newsletters & Public Notices – Periodic updates to provide insight into the Council’s progress on strategic goals and upcoming developments.
- Collaboration with Local Groups & Organisations – Strengthening partnerships to support the delivery of shared priorities, enhance services, and improve community well-being.
The Parish Council welcomes feedback on both its engagement practices and this Strategic Plan. The Community Engagement Policy is available for public review on the Parish Council website, and residents are encouraged to share their ideas for improving communication and participation.
If you have suggestions on how the Council can enhance engagement or would like to discuss ways to contribute to the Strategic Plan’s aims, please contact the Parish Council office.
Your input is invaluable in shaping a parish that meets the evolving needs of the community.
Action Plan
This action plan will be regularly checked.
The Parish Council will
- Review progress at least annually and update, as necessary.
- Publish regular reports on achievements and challenges.
- Engage with the community for feedback on progress and future priorities.
| Activity | Responsibility | Finances | Timescale | Comment |
| A3058 Footpath | Property & Services | None | 2025/2028 | Work with Cornwall Council to create a footpath along the A3058 at High Street/Lanjeth |
| Air Quality Monitoring | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Continue monitoring air quality for public health protection. Publish quarterly reports for transparency. |
| Allotments | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Maintain and potentially expand allotment offerings to meet resident demand. |
| Annual Parish Meeting | Chairman & Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Engage residents by providing updates on council work and discussing local issues. |
| Annual Report | Events & Communications Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Communicate the previous years’ work to the residents of the parish |
| Biodiversity Initiatives | Property & Services | Budget Allocation | 2025-2026 | Implement projects that promote local biodiversity, green spaces, and wildlife corridors. |
| Brannel Good Citizen Award | Full Council | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Promote award to recognise individuals contributing to the community. |
| Brannel Room | Property & Services
Committee |
Grant Funding | 2025-2026 | Expand Council-led community support events to maximise the use of the room when not hired by local organisations, ensuring it serves as a valuable hub for residents. |
| Burials | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Continue to offer a well-maintained final resting place for residents and their families |
| Bus Shelter – Foxhole | Property & Services Committee | Grant Funding | 2025 | Install and maintain a new bus shelter in Foxhole to improve public transport facilities.
Completed – Project passed to Cornwall Council |
| Car Parks | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Continue offering free off-street parking for residents. Maintain and improve existing facilities. |
| CCTV Security | Property & Services Committee | Grant Funding | 2025-2028 | Maintain and potentially expand CCTV coverage to protect council assets and deter anti-social behaviour.
Completed – 2026 |
| Cemetery Extension | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Secure additional burial space at St Stephen Churchtown Cemetery for long-term needs. |
| Civility & Respect | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Ensure civility and respect is at the core of all Council business |
| Climate Change | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Consider declaring a climate emergency and develop a local action plan for sustainability. |
| Commercial Property | Property & Services
Committee |
Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Manage and review council-owned commercial properties for community benefit. |
| Community Businesses | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Support local community businesses and organisations in supporting services for residents. |
| Chairman Community Event | Events & Communications Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Organise an annual community event to encourage engagement and support a chosen local organisation. |
| Community Hub Development | Full Council | Grant Funding | 2025-2028 | Replace Brannel Room with a modern community hub incorporating a new parish council office. |
| Community Lounge | Property & Services Committee | None | 2025-2028 | Develop and promote the lounge as a welcoming, accessible space for residents to meet, connect and take part in activities that support wellbeing and reduce isolation |
| Community Speed Watch | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Set up a CSW team of councillors and residents |
| Community Well-Being & Safety | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Work with local policing teams to improve community safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. |
| Councillor Meet & Greet Events | Events & Communications Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Strengthen communication with residents and enhance council accessibility. |
| Defibrillators | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Ensure at least one council-owned defibrillator is installed in each village. |
| Democracy Days | Events & Communications Committee | None | 2025-2028 | Build relationships with local primary schools to promote democracy and civic engagement. |
| Devolution of Land – Allotments | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Complete transfer of allotment land from Cornwall Council to local ownership. |
| Devolution of Land – Creakavose | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Complete transfer from Cornwall Council for local management. |
| Devolution of Land – Gilbert Close | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Finalise transfer of land for community use. |
| Devolution of Property – Creakavose Play Area | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Secure transfer of play area from Cornwall Council and invest in improvements. |
| Devolution of Property – Nanpean Public Toilets | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Transfer leasehold from Cornwall Council and maintain facilities. |
| Elections 2025 | Clerk | Budget Allocation | May 2025 | Ensure all council seats are filled post-election to maintain democratic representation and General Power of Competence.
Completed |
| Environmentally Friendly Weed Control | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Introduce sustainable methods for parish weed control. |
| Footpaths | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Work with Cornwall Council to maintain and improve definitive footpaths.
|
| Foxhole to Nanpean Footpath | Property & Services | None | 2025-2028 | Create a footpath that links Foxhole and Nanpean |
| Governance | Full Council & Clerk | None | 2025-2028 | Ensure adherence to governance best practices and regulations.
|
| Grant Funding | Finance & Policy Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Provide grants to local organisations supporting community activity and donate to local/national charities helping residents. |
| Grant Funding – External | Finance & Policy Committee | Grant Funding | 2025-2028 | Identify and apply for grant funding for future projects to minimise precept increases. |
| Grass Verge Maintenance | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Continue and expand grass verge maintenance to enhance local aesthetics and community pride. |
| Health & Safety | Human Resources Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Ensure all proper practices are adhered to ensuring the safety of staff, councillors and volunteers. |
| Inclusivity | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Encourage and promote participation from all members of the community. |
| Litter Bins | Property & Services
Committee |
Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Maintain existing litter bins. Consider requests to install and maintain additional litter bins to support cleanliness.
|
| Leadership | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Demonstrate clear and positive leadership when conducting council business with integrity and impartiality. |
| Local Council Award Scheme – Gold | Full Council | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Achieve Gold accreditation to show best practice governance and community service. |
| Market Event | Events & Communications Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Arrange and host a community market event |
| Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) | Planning & Licencing Committee | Grant Funding | 2028 | Review and update NDP to reflect future community needs. |
| Newsletter | Events & Communications Committee | None | 2025-2028 | Develop a dedicated publication to promote work of council and services. |
| Noticeboards | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Maintain and update Council noticeboards with information of interest to the local community. |
| Outside Body Representatives | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Appoint a councillor to attend outside body meetings to support local organisations where possible. |
| Partnership Working | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Collaborate with stakeholders, when possible, to share costs and to achieve mutual goals. To strengthen the working relation with external agencies such as Cornwall Council. |
| Planning Applications | Planning & Licensing Committee | None | 2025-2028 | Review and provide input on planning applications affecting the parish. |
| Promote the Profile of the Council | Full Council | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Increase resident awareness of Council services and how to access help. |
| Public Toilets – St Stephen | Property & Services Committee | Grant Funding | 2025-2026 | Upgrade and improve public toilet facilities in St Stephen to ensure accessibility and hygiene standards are met. |
| Relaunch of Youth Parish Council | Events & Communications Committee | Earmarked Reserves | 2025-2028 | Engage young residents in local democracy and decision-making. |
| Remembrance Day Parade | Events & Communications | Budget allocation | 2025-2028 | Arrange and host a parade on Remembrance Day |
| Speeding | Property & Services Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Address resident concerns by use of speed indication devices. Share the data with relevant stakeholders requesting action when required. |
| Salt/Grit Bins | Property & Services Committee | Grant Funding | 2025-2028 | Maintain and replenish grit bins for winter safety. Consider requests for additional bins.
|
| Staffing | Human Resources
Committee |
Budget allocation | 2025-2028 | Ensure adequate staffing levels and training for high-quality service delivery. |
| St Pirans Day Event | Events & Communications | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Arrange events on St Pirans Day to help bring the community together in celebrating |
| Street Lighting | Property & Services
Committee |
Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Maintain and improve lighting in council owned areas. |
| Training – Councillors & Staff | Human Resources Committee | Budget Allocation | 2025-2028 | Encourage participation in recognised training opportunities to ensure professional and lawful service delivery. |
| Transparency | Full Council | None | 2025-2028 | Ensure openness and accountability in decision making processes. |
Contact Details
If you have any queries on comments on this document, please contact the Parish Council.
Adopted by Full Council at the meeting held on Wednesday 12th August 2026 under minute number FPC150/26. Due for review in 2027.
[1] Document created by Linda Ranger BA (Hons), Fellow SLCC – Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer