Agendas and Minutes 2023

Public Forum

4 members of the public attended.

A member of the public questioned whether a traffic survey was being done in the village and it was confirmed but it has not been instigated by the PC.

A member of the public advised the dyke at the rear of her garden was full of water again, at risk of overflowing. It was agreed that Anglian Water have responsibility for the overflow from the pumping station and contact is to be made to establish if this is fit for purpose. ACTION CLERK

Meeting commenced at 7.07 pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chairman, Geoff Fearn (GF) Vice-Chairman, Jane Bell (JB), Mick Walker (MW), Mick Brooks (MB), Carole Lee (CL), Ross Warman (RW), John Leventhall (JL), Paul Wood (PW) and Jane Evans, Parish Clerk

23/194

Apologies for Absence

Iain Lyon (IL) due to work commitments and Daryl Walton (DW) due to personal commitments -  apologies accepted.

23/195

Declarations of Interest.

To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012.

MW declared an interest in S23/2022

Dispensations held for all Councillors to allow Precept setting.

23/196

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 6th November 2023

Matters Arising

23/142 – contact with Whitakers about parking remains outstanding. ACTION CLERK

23/190 – footpath Lilley St. Cllrs were advise the trailer is no longer obstructing the footpath but the dropped kerb allowing disabled access is still being blocked by parked vehicles. It was agreed to consult with AM regarding potential action. ACTION CLERK

It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record.

23/197

County Council Report

Councillors were referred to updates circulated prior to the meeting. Cllrs referred to the traffic survey currently underway and it was agreed to ask AM if the raw results could be shared with the PC. ACTION CLERK/AM

It was accepted that more post completion information regarding the flood alleviation scheme will be available following a meeting Friday 8th December.

23/198

District Council Report

Councillors were advised the consultation regarding the Corporate Plan is underway. PW advised that the previously mentioned application for funding for Deepings Leisure Centre was not discussed at the Full Council meeting with some questions having been raised about the legality of the proposed funding. It is expected this will be referred back to the Council.

23/199

Planning

Applications – S23/2004 Steele Change of use from agricultural land to use as a residential caravan site for 1 gypsy /traveller family group on 7, comprising of 10 touring caravans and 10 static caravans, erection of 10 utility buildings and 7 stable blocks with ancillary paddock land; formation of new access, hardstanding for parking and the installation of a package sewage treatment plant. (Resubmission of S22/1022) at Marshall Way , Foston. It was RESOLVED to submit the same comments submitted for the previous application with reference to no evidence of the reasons for the previous decline having been addressed/overcome. ACTION CLERK

PW agreed to check if the previous reasons for decline have been overcome. ACTION PW

S23/2028 Pritchard Application for single storey rear extension at

15 Sparrow Lane Long Bennington. RESOLVED No objection/comment

S23/2022 Thompson Application for construction of a balcony on 4m extension and burner flue at Witham Bank Witham Road Long Bennington. RESOLVED No objection/comment

Planning Approvals – see agenda, no comment required.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none

Other planning issues – None

23/200

Gift of Land – to discuss change of situation and revised offer of cash donation instead of parcel of land.

It was confirmed that Geoff Fearn has now offered a cash donation to the Playing Field Management Committee, in place of the gift of land, and this has been formally accepted. An application has been submitted for Gift aid to maximise the opportunity. Cllrs expressed their appreciation and thanked GF for his generosity.

23/201

Flood Alleviation Scheme – to discuss any post completion issues and review overall project together with possible further works.

It was accepted the planned meeting for Friday 8th Dec will provide and update and more detail.

For information, Cllrs were advised the Royal Oak has been flooded again from surface water entering the foul drainage system.

23/201

Section 106 monies re Park View – to provide update on request for funding for car park

It was confirmed that request for release of the funds is awaiting sign-off. The funds will be available following completion of the works and receipt of the invoice for payment.

23/202

Village Hall Ownership Structure – to discuss current position and formally approve signing of the Deed of Assignment on behalf of the PC

Councillors formally approved signing of the Deed of Assignment. This interim measure will ensure the facility is insured properly, with a single insurable risk being established.

It was confirmed Janet Thurston has retired as Trustee for St James’s Hall and Phil Owen is now the new Trustee.

23/203

Gateway Project – to discuss current position with contractors for installation and possible solutions.

Following an email from the grant provider, changing the amount being approved, it was agreed to postpone discussion until January.

23/204

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

No report

Clerks Report

Councillors were referred to the attached report.

No further issues raised/comment

23/205

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £5738.06

RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. ACTION Clerk to arrange payment.

Councillors were referred to the overage charges and an email from Nublue regarding the Hosting fees. It was RESOLVED to upgrade to the S1 package at an expected cost of an extra £72 p.a. ACTION CLERK

Monthly financial reports were provided, Cllrs were referred to the List of Payments circulated before the meeting, highlighting the addition of VAT and subsequent net amounts quoted.

Community Cleaner hours worked and payment – approved.

To discuss proposal from PFMC to approve payment by PC for feasibility study for development of 3G pitch and pavilion improvements – to be covered by donation from PFMC fundraising. RESOLVED to pay the invoice for the feasibility study, assuming receipt of a fundraising donation to support the project.

To discuss and agree Precept Requirement 2024/25. It was RESOLVED to increase the Precept request to £54000, being and increase of £1050, representing a 1.3% increase for Band D council tax payers. ACTION CLERK

23/206

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – Cllrs were provided with a summary of the last meeting, including confirmation of the application for Gift Aid, a 10 year plan is to be started in January and trees on the west boundary are to be cut.

Village Hall Management Committee – work on the roof it to commence this week.

School Liaison – no report

Emergency Planning Group Report – a seminar was attended, and it was established that our plan needs to be revised. ACTION JL

Road Safety – MB confirmed he would be insisting Lincs Road Safety Partnership is contacted if there is no progress by the end of January, with installation of further yellow lines in the village. It was suggested and agreed to include in the next Parish news report, a request that motorists do not park on the verges around the village. They are causing damage and subsequently creating danger for pedestrians.

Police Report – no report

Footpaths & Streetlights – no report

Witham Meadow – the area is very wet but continues to be used by school and pre-school. It was confirmed some hedging trees have been obtained from the Woodland. These are to be planted, along with some lavender purchased, when the ground is suitable.

23/207

Correspondence

Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month.

Cllrs referred to Item 7 – Cllrs were advised the work to convert the property to a HMO for use by asylum seekers may have now ceased.

23/208

Salary Review – CLOSED SESSION

-           to review Clerk’s salary per Local Government Services Pay Agreement 2023

-           to review Community Cleaner hourly rate of pay.

23/209

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Next agenda – Village gateway, S106 monies/carpark tenders, Village Hall transfer of title

Parish News – no issue in December

23/210

Date of next meeting – 8th January 2024

Meeting Closed 8.29pm

Signed    Mark Newton.         Designation Chairman    

Date 8th January 2024