Minutes of the Meeting 5th August 2024
LONG BENNINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting
Held Monday 5th August 2024
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Public Forum |
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2 members of the public attended. No questions/issue were raised. |
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Meeting commenced at 7.01 pm |
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Present |
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Mark Newton (MN), Geoff Fearn (GF) Jane Bell (JB), Mick Walker (MW), Mick Brooks (MB), Carole Lee (CL), David Kelly (DK), Paul Wood (PW) and Jane Evans, Parish Clerk |
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24/133 |
Apologies for Absence |
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Apologies received from Daryl Walton (DW) John Leventhall (JL) and Ross Warman (RW) due to personal commitments. Apologies accepted. |
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24/134 |
Declarations of Interest. |
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To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012. None declared.
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24/135 |
Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 1st July 2024 |
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Matters Arising None
It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record. |
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24/136 |
County Council Report |
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No Report. Summer Newsletter circulated via email in July. |
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24/137 |
District Council Report |
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PW gave a summary update regarding planning. The new Government has increased the housing supply targets that will impact the Local Plan and housing allocations. Following a number of complaints locally regarding missed bin collections, PW advised he would be following this up with SKDC. Cllrs were advised that a copy of the plan for the proposed pedestrian refuge has been submitted to LCC, Highways and a realistic installation date is approx. November. |
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24/138 |
Planning |
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Planning Approvals – see agenda, no comment required. Planning Refusals – none Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – Withdrawal of application for demolition of existing dwelling and erection of 3(no.) 4 bedroom dwellings 47 Church Street, Long Bennington – noted. Other planning issues – S24/1109. Application for discharge of Condition 19 of S21/0655 Pedestrian Refuge on Main Road – discussed in 24/137 |
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24/139 |
Theft of tractor/mower – to discuss progress of police investigation, insurance claim and interim arrangements for playing field maintenance |
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It was confirmed the total settlement of £26769.58 has been received from the insurer. Cllrs discussed the proposal to proceed with the purchase of the Kubota tractor per information provided prior to the meeting. The purchase of the Kubota will be value for money, being the cheapest while being an excellent replacement for the John Deere. Cllrs were advised this proposed course of action would result in a small surplus of funds from the insurance claim and this can be used to increase security and the probable premium increase next year. RESOLVED to proceed with the purchase of the Kubota Compact Tractor at £17,275.98 +vat plus agreed extras and a cutting deck(max £5745+vat for cutting deck) per the quote dated 2/8/24. This will be subject to receipt of a third quote that has been requested by Steve Rowley. It was agreed the surplus will be used to improve security. Geoff Fearn has offered to store the new tractor at Gablestock as an interim arrangement.
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24/140 |
LCC Traffic Study – to discuss upcoming meeting objectives and confirm attendees. |
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Cllrs discussed the report circulated prior to the meeting. It was agreed to raise the following points at the meeting with LCC Highways scheduled for Friday 9th August: Road calming not supported, HGV ban not deliverable, Restrictions incl outside Whitakers and double yellow lines near the school and Main Road/Valley Lane corner, Discuss improved signage and HGV access to and exit from Roseland.
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24/141 |
Footpaths – to discuss reported obstructions. |
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Cllrs referred to the report from a resident of inconsiderate parking at Whitakers, obstructing the footpath and agreed to include the issue at the proposed meeting Friday. |
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24/142 |
Witham Meadow – to discuss signage following incident of dog being attacked. |
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The incident was discussed, and it was RESOLVED, to improve safety, to request dogs are kept on leads. A sign is to be put on the gate with Cllrs authorising purchase of a sign up to maximum cost of £30. ACTION CLERK Cllrs were advised that the case is being investigated by the Police and this is to be followed up on behalf of the PC to ensure residents safety is maintained. |
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24/143 |
Gateway Project – to provide update. |
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No progress to report. |
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24/144 |
Review of Policies – to confirm review |
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Cllrs approved the review of the following policies and confirmation of the continued adoption of the SKDC Code of Conduct: CCTV Social Media and Electronic Communications Whistleblowing Complaints Equality and Diversity Grant Applications Data Protection Data Breach
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24/145 |
Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report |
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Chairman’s Report No report Clerks Report Councillors referred to the attached report. It was confirmed Geoff Fearn has cut the verge at the end of Vicarage Lane towards Costa Row. No questions were raised.
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24/146 |
Finance |
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Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £3284.09 RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. ACTION Clerk to arrange payment. Monthly financial reports were provided – no questions raised. Resolved to approve Community Cleaner hours worked and payment. Request from VHMC to pay invoice £3865+vat re small hall refurbishment – it was confirmed three quotes have been received prior to appointing a contractor. RESOLVED to pay the invoice on presentation and satisfactory completion of the works. It has been agreed with the VHMC that a donation of £1254.66 is to be transferred to the PC (being the difference between the this invoice and the expected cost of annual renewal of the village hall insurance in the budget but now to be covered by the VHMC). ACTION CLERK |
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24/147 |
Reports |
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Playing Fields Management Committee – the Pavilion improvement project steering group have agreed to proceed with plans including a side extension. A meeting with representative from the Football Foundation resulted in a recommendation to proceed, suggesting an application for the smaller fund grant (up to £250k) is submitted. The play equipment inspection is due on 19th Aug and a legionella inspection has been completed (results pending). Village Hall Management Committee – the bar refurbishment is complete, and the small hall refurbishment is currently underway. It was confirmed the VHMC are looking at introducing infrared heating in an attempt to reduce unaffordable energy bills. School Liaison – no report Emergency Planning Group - no report Road Safety – speed checks are to be reintroduced mid August. Police Report – MB is to challenge the local police regarding absence of contact with the PC. Footpaths & Streetlights –Witham Meadow – no report |
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24/148 |
Correspondence |
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Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month. No further questions |
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24/149 |
Items for next agenda and Parish News Report. |
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Next agenda – SKDC Local Plan and impact on LB Neighbourhood Plan and Employment / HR Sub-Committee Parish News – no September edition being published. |
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24/150 |
Date of next meeting – 2nd September 2024 |
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Meeting Closed 8.02pm |
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Signed Mark Newton Designation Chairman Date 2nd September 2024 |