Agendas and Minutes 2025

Public Forum

4 members of the public attended.

A resident referred to the public consultation on the proposed parking restrictions on Main Road/Valley Lane/Costa Row junction. The resident proposed that the restrictions should not be installed arguing they were not needed. It was confirmed by Cllrs that the proposals were following a traffic study undertaken by consultants, on behalf of LCC, because of road safety concerns in this area. It was further confirmed that the PC had already commented on the proposals (in June), recommending that the restrictions at the small layby are not required, retention being important for customers of the hairdressers.

It was suggested that the post box could be relocated (possibly to the Village Hall) improve access and it was agreed to investigate with the Post Office. ACTION CLERK

The second TRO proposal at he school was also discussed where the potential restrictions are possibly confusing regarding the option to drop off. It was agreed to address this with the school if the restrictions are installed as proposed.

Meeting commenced at 7.08pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chair, Geoff Fearn (GF), Daryl Walton (DW), David Kelly (DK),  Mick Walker (MW), Paul Woods (PW), Ken Bamford (KB) and Jane Evans (Clerk)

25/138

Apologies for Absence

Martin Rose due to work commitments, Carole Lee due to illness, Steven Maxwell and John Leventhall due to personal commitments. Apologies accepted.

25/139

Declarations of Interest.

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

GR declared an interest in Item 7, Planning Application S25/1635

25/140

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 1st Sepember 2025

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

25/128 – following SKDC Planning Dept not adequately monitoring the conditions of sanction, it was decided no further action can be taken regarding the footpath on Lodge Close to Vicarage Lane.

25/130 – deferred to November ACTION JL/SM

25/131 – it was confirmed the cutting of Witham Meadow has been completed and thanks was offered to Geoff Fearn. This was a huge job and has been completed at no cost to the PC.

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

25/141

Co-option of new Councillor – to discuss application received and vote.

Cllrs discussed the application from Andrew Taylor (being the sole application) and following a vote, it was resolved to approve his co-option to the Parish Council. Andy Taylor joined the meeting.

25/142

County Council Report

Cllrs were referred to the attached report, and this was summarised. KB advised that he would arrange a walk around the village with a representative from LCC, Highways to assess everything that is currently outstanding, incl TROs. Footpaths etc.

The proposed solution, to an issue of the verge at Church St near Woods Close, was referred to and Cllrs agreed the proposal is an acceptable solution. KB agreed to take this forward with Rowan Smith. ACTION KB

KB left the meeting.

Cllrs referred to an email from Gonerby PC and the suggestion for a combined parish partnership. Cllrs decided not to explore this further, agreeing to remain independent.

25/143

District Councillor Report

Cllrs were advised that SKDC are still waiting for a court hearing regarding the traveller site on Valley Lane. It was confirmed the new arrangements for bin collection days has been successful and there is a slight delay in the opening of the new depot. The Local Plan is in progress with an interim member of staff overseeing it following resignation and consultation is expected next year some time. The plans for changes in Local Government/Councils were discussed briefly and Cllrs were advised consultation is expected next year.

25/144

Planning

Applications - S25/1569 Toole. Application for side extension to incorporate

utility room, bedroom, and bathroom. Small rear extension off existing living room for a conservatory/garden room at 37 Winters Lane, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no comments

S25/1596 Scott Application for single storey side and rear extension and detached outbuilding at 1 Oliver Road, Long Bennington RESOLVED no comments

S25/1635 Fearn. Application for prior approval (Prior Notification Part 3 Class Q) for conversion of barns to three dwellings at Sewstern Lane, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no comments

S25/1571 Hill. Application to demolish the rear conservatory and erect a rear extension, and convert the loft space to one section with a new roof light at 15, Wheatsheaf Lane, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no comments

Planning Approvals – see agenda.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none

Other planning issues –

25/145

Pavilion Upgrade Project – to discuss current position.

It was confirmed the Football Foundation Grant has been approved with funds expected imminently. A small roof leak has delayed the project slightly with handover now 9th October. Some minor external works are outstanding. It was confirmed the project is on budget.

GF asked about the storage of the tractor and it was confirmed a grant has been submitted to assist with the purchase of a new storage container and increased security. It was agreed to express the need for the return of the tractor to the Playing Field and DK agreed to take this forward to the PFMC. ACTION DK

25/146

Solar Panels at Pavilion – to discuss/approve Greener Game Investment

Councillors were referred to the offer of a grant for a maximum of £17,062.34 plus VAT to cover the cost of Solar Panel installation to the Pavilion roof. This was formally accepted by the PC as land owner.

25/147

LCC offer of support for winter salt bags – to discuss.

Clls were referred to an email from LCC offering one tonne bags of salt to support local winter maintenance efforts. It was agreed to accept the offer and GF agreed to take delivery at Gablestock. ACTION CLERK

25/148

Replacement defibrillator at Woods Close – to discuss.

Cllrs were referred to lock on the Woods Close defibrillator cabinet, that has been sticking. Following some local maintenance efforts it is now opening without issue. It was agreed that given the age of the defibrillator and the recommended lifespan, a replacement is to be purchased now. Provision in the budget next year is to provide for replacement of the defib at the Police Office. ACTION CLERK

Cllrs were advised that the pads at the Police Office defib need replacing (approx. cost £50 +VAT each plus delivery £10 approx) and this was approved. ACTION CLERK

25/149

Grass Verges – to discuss additional cut per recommendation.

Cllrs were referred to an email from Steve Rowley advising at the last cut has been made under the contract but suggesting another cut might be needed given the grass is still growing. It was confirmed there are funds available in the budget. RESOLVED to approve and arrange a further cut of the village verges. ACTION CLERK

25/150

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

MN referred to an email from MR, expressing thanks to GF on behalf of flood affected residents, for his efforts and support installing the flood defense bund.

Clerks Report

Councillors referred to the attached report.

No further comment.

25/151

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £47,780.80   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.

25/152

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – covered above in 25/145

Village Hall Management Committee – Cllrs were advised improvements to the electricity usage have already been seen since the solar panels’ installation. It was confirmed there has been some minor maintenance to the roof and details of upcoming events were given.

Emergency Planning Group – no report

Road Safety – No report

Police Report – MN asked new Cllr Andy Taylor for support in this going forward.

Footpaths & Streetlights – it was reported that the chevrons around the bend at Vicarage Lane are becoming overgrown and therefore less visible. Agreed to report. ACTION CLERK

Witham Meadow – it was agreed to contact either Kristian Lenon or Tony Mills to undertake strimming around the trees. ACTION CLERK Councillors acknowledged the significant contribution by GF in cutting the Meadow and thanked him for this and for cutting the hedge at the Memorial Gardens.

25/153

Correspondence

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

No further comments raised.

25/154

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Agenda - PC Communications

25/155

Date of next meeting – 3rd November 2025

Meeting Closed 8.28pm

Signed    Mark Newton      Designation  Chair

Date 03/11/2025