Agendas and Minutes 2024

Public Forum

2 members of the public attended.

No questions/issue were raised but Cllrs referred to issues raised by residents related to inconsiderate parking on Welbournes Close. It was agreed this is a Highways issue and following referral to Cllr Maughan, it was agreed that residents should contact him to discuss the situation further.

Meeting commenced at 7.03pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chairman, Geoff Fearn (GF) Vice-Chairman, Jane Bell (JB), Mick Walker (MW), Daryl Walton (DW), Paul Wood (PW), Mick Brooks (MB), Carole Lee (CL), David Kelly (DK) and Jane Evans, Parish Clerk

24/056

Apologies for Absence

Apologies from Ross Warman (RW) and John Leventhall (JL) due to personal commitments – apologies accepted.

Apologies from County Cllr Alexander Maughan – accepted.

24/057

Declarations of Interest.

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

None declared.

24/058

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 4th March 2024

Matters Arising

None

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

24/059

County Council Report

Cllrs were referred to an update relating to the traffic study report that the County Council has produced for the village – this is the report that the Parish have seen the scope for, covering parking, HGV traffic etc. An executive summary has been requested and this will be shared with the parish soon. A meeting will be arranged so that the draft findings and proposals can be viewed by the PC, with the option of having some input in the draft report before it is put forward for consideration with Highways.

24/060

District Council Report

PW referred to the unofficial traveller site at Foston, advising that the Planning Committee refused the application (officers had recommended approval), with officers bringing the application back to the next Planning Committee to discuss a S106 agreement.

Cllrs were referred to the unofficial traveller site on Valley Lane and PW advised that enforcement has been delayed due to one family claiming health issues.

Cllrs were informed, for information ahead of a formal application, of a proposal for a bungalow at the corner of Vicarage Lane.

PW referred to current issues with the Housing Dept at SKDC with a number of experienced staff having left the Council.

24/061

Planning

Applications  - none

Planning Approvals – see agenda, no comment required.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none

Other planning issues – S21/0655 and S23/0725 -Landscaping. PW advised he has raised the issue, on behalf of the resident, with Phil Jordan at SKDC who advised he would liaise with the resident. It was agreed that the PC does not need to be involved further at this stage.

24/062

SKDC Local Plan Consultation – to discuss Parish Council feedback.

Cllrs discussed the consultation document and the summary circulated prior to the meeting. Following discussion, the comments to be submitted were agreed. ACTION CLERK

24/063

Local Flooding – to discuss proposals to alleviate flooding on Church Street.

Gf advised proposals are underway to establish a bund to protect homes on Church St. Levels have been taken at the Church St Drain and plans are to be put forward to the Drainage Board.

Cllrs were referred to a report in the Grantham Journal regarding Anglian Water apologising for sewerage being discharged into the Witham, with Long Bennington being one of the local areas affected most - spilt 104.0 times for 1526.05 hours into River Witham. It was suggested and agreed to contact Anglian Water expressing concerns, asking what action is being taken. ACTION CLERK

24/064

Section 106 monies – to provide update regarding replacement of play equipment.

It was confirmed the order has been confirmed, the deposit paid, and installation is expected mid May.

24/065

Village Hall Ownership Structure – to discuss current position.

Cllrs RESOLVED to open the meeting, for this item only, to allow Jim Gould from the VHMC join the discussion. Cllrs were referred to the email from JL circulated prior to the meeting, providing details of further action following the discovery of new information regarding intended use of the village hall. It was confirmed the new information has been referred to the Charities Commission and next actions were summarised, with endorsement by the VHMC being confirmed.

24/066

Trees at corner of Manor Drive/Main Road – to discuss further

Cllrs were advised that SKDC have refused to assist with the trees but advised that if there is a imminent safety issue then they could offer some help. A request has been submitted to SKDC to assess the trees. A Cllr suggested that whoever adopted the road is legally responsible for the parcel of land.

24/067

Gateway Project – to provide update.

It was confirmed the approved Gates and signs have been ordered. Once delivered the exact positions can be agreed and installation then arranged.

24/068

LCC/SKDC Twin Recycling Scheme – to discuss

Following brief discussion it was agreed no further action is required by the PC

24/069

Bus Shelter Church Street – to discuss and approve wood treatment

The quote for £150 from Mills Maintenance was discussed and accepted. It was agreed that given the relatively small nature of the job and the fact Tony currently has the wood treatment following painting the Witham Meadow gate, no further quotes will be required. ACTION CLERK

24/070

Tree Policy– to approve policy and discuss progress with surveys

Ther proposed policy was approved by the PC

24/071

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

No report

Clerks Report

Councillors were referred to the attached report.

Item 16 – it was suggested and agreed to write to Rotary and Scouts, thanking both groups for support in bagging the sand for comm unity use in incidents of flooding. ACTION CLERK

24/072

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £24,191.60

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

Monthly financial reports were provided – no questions raised.

Community Cleaner hours worked and payment – approved.

Bank Mandate Review - current signing arrangements were discussed, with recent updates confirmed, and it was agreed no further amendments are required

Post Office provision and request for £250 donation to VHMC – Cllrs agreed to help support the ongoing provision, ensuring the current service remains available to residents. RESOLVED to donate £250 to the VHMC. ACTION CLERK

24/073

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – no meeting/no report

Village Hall Management Committee – no meeting/no report

School Liaison – no report

Emergency Planning Group - no report

Road Safety – Cllrs were referred back to the email from AM regarding the traffic study report, with further discussion proposed following receipt of the executive summary.

Police Report – Cllrs were referred to a recent request for feedback regarding local policing and it was confirmed comments have been submitted, highlighting the lack of rural police presence. Cllrs were informed a request has been submitted in relation to the recent accident on Main Road, asking if there have been any prosecutions. 

Footpaths & Streetlights – no report

Witham Meadow – no report

24/074

Correspondence

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

No questions were raised.

Cllrs were referred to the South Kesteven Village Services and Facilities Survey 2024, circulated before the meeting and it was confirmed the proposed submission is acceptable. ACTION CLERK

24/075

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Next agenda – Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

Parish News – inconsiderate parking, sandbags

24/076

Date of next meeting –13th April 2024

Meeting Closed 8.25pm

Signed Mark Newton  Designation Chairman

Date 13th May 2024