CPRE Cheshire AGM 2025 at Lion Salt Works Northwich

On Wednesday 14th May 2025, CPRE Cheshire held their annual AGM at The Lion Salt Works in Northwich.

Summary

The meeting was a success, with many members present. It discussed matters arising since our previous AGM in the Wirral, the Chairman’s report, Treasurer’s report, and discussion of the proposal for CPRE Cheshire to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Introduction

Within the Chairman’s report Jonathan Clarke thanked members for their continued support, as well as volunteers, trustees and staff for their valued contributions. During the meeting, we looked back on the year’s achievements as well as our plans going forward. These achievements included supporting a 100 meters of hedge planting at the Countess of Chester Country Park in 2023, and participating in the Warrington Local Plan Examination.

The meeting also highlighted the recruitment of two PR and communications volunteers during the year, helping us sharing news and information, boost our profile, and hopefully increase engagement and membership.

The Treasurer’s report detailed expenditure, followed by an update on the Wirral Local Plan. Election of Officer’s and Trustees than occurred, as well as acceptance of the 2023 Trustees’ Annual report.

Reminder of our aims

At this point in the meeting, our Chair took the time to remind those present of the four current priorities that unite CPRE nationally and locally:

• A planning system that works for people, nature and the climate
• Supporting ‘The Countryside Next-door’
• Addressing the housing crisis, highlighting the need for affordable and social housing
• Backing the need for solar and wind powered energy, with emphasis on building them in the right places and promoting rooftop solar.

Topics for proposal

The next topic for proposal was for CPRE Cheshire Branch to convert to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This was following a meeting on 16th July 2024, where the Branch Executive Committee agreed in principle on this decision.

Jonathan Clarke then highlighted the advantages of this conversion, including ensuring greater protection for Trustee’s and meaning that CPRE Cheshire Branch would be a legal personality on its own. This would mean CPRE Cheshire could conduct business and employ staff in its own name, rather than that of the Trustee’s.

Other options such as CPRE Cheshire converting to Charitable Company Status (CCS) were discussed, however converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation CIO was deemed the better option for the branch. This is due to its simpler structure, with fewer registration requirements and associated costs.

Talk and tour

Following the meeting agenda, refreshments were served and attendees enjoyed a short talk about the Lion Salt Works by Andrew Needham (Trustee) followed by a tour of the site.