Minutes of the Meeting 2nd June 2025
LONG BENNINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting
Held Monday 2nd June 2025
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Public Forum |
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1 member of the public attended. Phil Owen, on behalf of the Playing Field Management, briefed the PC on the proposed Pavilion improvement project. The need for the improvements was explained, funding summarised and what decision/approval is sought later in the meeting (agenda item 9). GF was thanked for his donation/contribution to the project. |
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Meeting commenced at 7.09pm |
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Present |
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Geoff Fearn (GF), David Kelly (DK), Mick Brooks (MB), John Leventhall (JL), Martin Rose (MR), Paul Wood (PW) Mick Walker (MW), Steven Maxwell (SM) and Jane Evans (Parish Clerk) |
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25/074 |
Apologies for Absence |
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Mark Newton, Carole Lee and Daryl Walton due to personal commitments. County Cllr Bamford sent his apologies. Apologies accepted. GF is Chair of the meeting in the absence of the Chairman. |
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25/075 |
Declarations of Interest. |
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To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012. None |
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25/076 |
Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 12th May 2025 |
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Matters Arising 24/186 the meeting with Roseland is still to be arranged ACTION CLERK 24/186 CCTV investigations still pending. ACTION CLERK 24/225 Witham Meadow. The sourcing of a shed is still pending. ACTION CLERK 25/060 JL to contact Ken Bamford re handover from Cllr Maughan ACTION JL 25/066 It was agreed to speak to the resident directly regarding the PC position. ACTION CLERK It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record. |
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25/077 |
County Council Report |
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Cllrs were referred to an email from KB circulated prior to the meeting. |
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25/078 |
District Councillor Report |
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PW advised the SKDC Prosperity Fund is now open for applications. Cllrs were advised that following SKDC’s decision not to determine another application for a traveller site at Valley Lane, the applicant has employed a London solicitor to challenge SKDC. This will, again, delay the enforcement at the illegal site. It was confirmed there has been a reshuffle of the Committees, with PW continuing to sit on the Planning Committee. |
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25/079 |
Planning |
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Applications - none Planning Approvals – see agenda. Planning Refusals – none Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none Other planning issues – none |
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25/080 |
Village Hall Ownership – to discuss current position. |
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JL confirmed he is still liaising with the Land Registry. Copies of the original documents have been made, and it is hoped they can be certified prior to submitting the originals. ACTION JL
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25/081 |
Insurance Renewal – to discuss |
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Cllrs were advised the renewal process is still ongoing. A two week extension in the cover has been provided by Hiscox. The renewal quote including the Pavilion and the Village Hall is £9201.43, being an approx. £3k increase in the combined insurances. Clear Council Insurance have been contacted and separate quotes have been received and are being discussed as amendments are required. It was confirmed the Clerk is liaising with the VHMC to ensure the cover is acceptable. |
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25/082 |
Pavilion Upgrade Project – to discuss current position/funding/costs/contractors |
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Cllrs were referred to the report on behalf of the PFMC circulated prior to the meeting. Cllrs were advised a brief meeting took place with GF,DK, JL and the Clerk attending, to discuss the viability of the proposals before submitting to the full Council. It was confirmed that for the project to go ahead at the end of June, a contingency plan needs to be approved if the Football Foundation Grant application is declined. Councillors were requested: - To approve the award of a JCT contract to Jonic Building Services for the planned Pavilion Improvement Works, at a projected maximum cost of £80k, with stage payments made every 2 weeks. Proposed JL, 2nd DK, All in Favour - To agree to allowing up to a further £15k of PFMC Sinking Fund money to be used as a Bridging Loan, if required. Proposed DK, 2nd MW, All in Favour - To agree to £10k of the Bridging Loan being used to fund the project, if the expected FF grant does not materialise. Proposed MR, 2nd JL, All in Favour |
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25/083 |
Danger of overdevelopment versus sewer capacity and Anglian Water responsibilities – to discuss |
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It was suggested and agreed to invite AW to speak with the PC to establish the current condition of the drainage in the village and the impact of further development. |
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25/084 |
Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report |
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Chairman’s Report No report Clerks Report Councillors referred to the attached report. No further comment. |
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25/085 |
Finance |
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Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £2811.74. 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.
It was confirmed Phil Owen has ordered wreathes for the Service of Remembrance and £47.50 is due in reimbursement. RESOLVED to approve, funds having been allocated in the budget. |
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25/086 |
Reports |
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Playing Fields Management Committee – Cllrs were advise the electricity capacity is being looked at, a 5 year electrical inspection to be completed following completion of the proposed building works. The car park is being looked at again and the future storage/security of the PC tactor is being considered again. Village Hall Management Committee – No report Emergency Planning Group – No report. Road Safety – MB advised he has investigated the cost of solar speed indication signs (like new ones installed in Great Gonerby) and it was agreed they are currently too expensive for the PC. Police Report – a Mercedes car has been stolen from The Pastures. The training of the new Speed Watch volunteers cannot taken place before the end of July. Footpaths & Streetlights – the 30MPH sign on Costa Row is overgrown. Clerk to report. ACTION CLERK Witham Meadow – it was confirmed SM is to help with the development of Witham Meadow |
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25/087 |
Correspondence |
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Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month. No further comments |
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25/088 |
Items for next agenda and Parish News Report. |
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Parish News – Pavilion upgrade project. |
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25/089 |
Date of next meeting – 7th July 2025 |
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Meeting Closed 8.37pm |
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Signed Mark Newton Designation Chair Date 7th July 2025 |