Minutes of the Meeting 6th February 2023
LONG BENNINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Approved MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting
Held Monday 6th February 2023
Public Forum
Two members of the public was in attendance.
A representative of the PFMC provided an update on the proposed car park. The size has been reduced to 20 spaces and the estimated cost of installation is £20k resulting in a £3k funding shortfall. It was RESOLVED to support the £3k deficit from the Sinking Fund.
Meeting commenced at 7.42 pm
Present
Martin Wright (MMW) Chairman, Geoff Fearn (GF), John Leventhall (JL), Mick Walker (MW), Mark Newton (MN), Carole Lee (CL), Daryl Walton (DW), Mick Brooks (MB), Paul Wood (PW), Ross Warman (RW) and Jane Evans (Clerk).
23/019 Apologies for Absence
Iain Lyon (IL) and County Cllr Alex Maughan (AM) due to work commitments – apologies accepted.
23/020 Declarations of Interest.
RW declared a personal interest in Item 6 S23/0095 Alvey.
23/021 Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 9th January 2023
Matters Arising
23/003 An update remains outstanding regarding potential improvements to Costa Row road surface. ACTION AM.
It was RESOLVED that the minutes and confidential minutes be signed as a true record.
23/022 County Council Report
An update was provided via email. No questions were raised.
23/023 District Council Report
PW advised that the Local Plan is under review. It was further confirmed Levelling Up is being discussed and the financial implication locally..
Further to a request on behalf of the PC, the rubbish at the northern end of the village and the A1 slip road has been reported.
The PC was informed the Independent Councillors have disagreed regarding Council proposals for the Deepings Leisure Centre, PW supporting the Conservative views that further expenditure on the facility is not a good use of Council funds.
23/024 Planning
Applications – S22/2460 Jones. Application for alterations to front gable and re-
configuring rear UPVC conservatory at 24 The Pastures, Long Bennington. RESOLVED No objections.
S23/0036 Heaton. Application for a single storey rear extension and single storey front porch extension to dwelling at 11 Sparrow Lane, Long Bennington. RESOLVED No objections
S23/0125 Barlow. Section 73 application to Ref. S21/2281 to vary condition 2 (approved plans) removing the left hand double extension and amendments to the design of the extension at 28 Church Street, Long Bennington. RESOLVED to comment on concerns over negative impact on neighbours as a result of the proposed extension extending further out from the current house. ACTION CLERK
S22/2453 Harlaxton Estates. Application for the erection of 5no. commercial units (as one building - 475m2), new storage container, cycle and bin store and alterations to the parking provision at Windsor House Long Bennington Business Park Main Road Long Bennington. RESOLVED to support the proposal but request that the increased safety issues are offset by moving the 30MPH signs further out, to cover the entrance to the business park. ACTION CLERK
S23/0095 Alvey. Application for the erection of two semi-detached dwellings to the rear 90-94 Main Road at Land To The Rear Of, 94 Main Road, Long Bennington. RESOLVED to object, welcoming the proposal for a bungalow but two properties still represent overdevelopment. ACTION CLERK.
Planning Approvals – see agenda
Planning Refusals – none
Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none
Other planning issues – none
23/025 Parish Policing Priority Setting Meeting Feedback – to discuss and agree priorities for feedback
It was agreed to submit speeding, anti-social behavior and active policing in the village as priorities for Long Bennington. ACTION CLERK
23/026 Section 106 monies re Park View – to provide update on request for funding for car park
PW advised that SKDC has requested the S106 monies from Able Homes but they have yet to receive the funds. Agreed to chase Phil Jordan at SKDC and also ask for a copy of the S106 agreement. ACTION CLERK
23/027 Litter Bin – to discuss cost and potential location for new bin
Following discussion regarding cost and lack of formal arrangements for emptying, it was RESOLVED to postpone any further action.
23/028 Support End Polio Now – to discuss request for support via purchase of crocus bulbs in Autumn
Following discussion regarding support and practicalities for planting crocuses, it was RESOLVED, at this time, not to provide financial support.
23/029 Village Hall Ownership Structure – to discuss current position
It was confirmed the Charities Commission has a 6 week backlog for looking at new cases.
Following a meeting with representatives from the VHMC, it was agreed to consult the residents of the village on the proposed changes in ownership. An article for the Parish News and local social media if to be drafted and circulated to Councillors before publication. ACTION JL
23/030 Flood Alleviation Scheme – to discuss current position
A summary of the current position has been received from LCC and a drop in session is to be arranged to provide information for residents. Details of removal of a tree and works to others on Main Road are to be communicated to residents prior to 14th February when works are planned. ACTION CLERK
23/031 Cycle Lane – to discuss current position
See County Councillor report
23/032 Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report
Chairman’s Report
No Report
Clerks Report
Councillors were referred to the attached report. No questions.
Item 5 – it was suggested some red white and blue flowers could be displayed for the King’s coronation. The PC is to liaise with the VPA. ACTION CLERK
23/033 Finance
Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £2396.56
RESOLVED – to pay the invoices.
Monthly financial reports were provided, and no questions were raised.
Community Cleaner hours worked and payment – approved.
23/034 Reports
Playing Fields Management Committee – it was confirmed a proposed car park has been discussed, a further CCTV camera has been proposed, discussions are taking place with Lincs FA and the Football Foundation regarding Pavilion extension with grant funding up to 60/70% possibly being available. It was confirmed a disability review of the facility has been completed with the intention to incorporate the recommendations into the Pavilion Improvement Programme. A field management proposal has been submitted with associated costing for 2023. Councillors were advised that an independent report on the football pitches has confirmed they are being maintained to a high standard.
Village Hall Management Committee – following a recent successful event, further events are being considered. A maintenance list is being compiled and quotes are being sought for improvements to the floor in the hall and foyer.
School Liaison – the PC has contacted school regarding making and throwing seed bombs at Witham Meadow.
Emergency Planning Group Report – no report
Road Safety – it was confirmed Police cars have been undertaking checks in the village.
Police Report – a burglary took place on Witham Road, the culprits being identified on CCTV and subsequently charged. There have been three incidents of shoplifting at the Co-op with one arrest.
Footpaths & Streetlights – no report
Witham Meadow – a few ideas/suggestions have been discussed during a meeting with Kristian from Womble Gardening. Trees obtained from LCC Treescapes scheme have been planted and some hedging has been planted near the riverbank. Some fruit and nut trees have been ordered and the school has been invited to be involved in wildflower seed scattering and building a bug hotel.
23/035 Correspondence
Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month. No questions raised.
23/036 Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.
Next agenda – Update on cycle lane, Local Elections, S106 monies, Village Hall transfer of title.
Parish News – flood alleviation scheme, Witham Meadow
23/037 Date of next meeting – 6th March 2023
Meeting Closed 9.10pm
Signed Martin Wright Designation Chairman
Date 6th March 2023