Agendas and Minutes 2026

Public Forum

4 members of the public attended.

A member of the public advised the PC that the speed warning sign at the southern end of the village was too far in and needed to be moved further out, especially when the 50 house development happens.  Also suggested it should show the actual speed.  Councillors advised cost of such a sign was too high at £3,000+, but we would liaise with LCC to try and get current sign moved and look at the option for the more expensive version when s106 monies from the development are available.  ACTION CLERK

Meeting commenced at 7.08pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chair, Geoff Fearn (GF), David Kelly (DK), John Leventhall (JL), Martin Rose (MR), Steven Maxwell (SM), Mick Walker (MW), Paul Wood (PW), Andy Taylor (AT), Daryl Walton (DW) and Jane Evans (Clerk)

26/019

Apologies for Absence

Carole Lee (CL) due to holidays. Apologies accepted.

26/020

Declarations of Interest.

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

GF – Planning Applications s25/2494

26/021

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 5th January 2026

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 referred to in Witham Meadows report also. ACTION SM

25/145 – it was confirmed a Football Foundation grant has been applied for the purpose of obtaining a container to house the tractor. Still pending

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

It was also RESOLVED that the minutes from the December meeting be signed as a true record, following an amendment to include referral to an accident at the Village Hall.

26/022

County Council Report

No report – ACTION MN to seek at least quarterly written reports

26/023

District Councillor Report

Cllrs were advised that the proposals for local government reorganisation were with the government and a response was expected later this month.  Given local elections in May 2027, it is possible these may be delayed.

Food waste collection will be introduced April 2026, being a central government directive.  The two bins per household to be delivered from this week, but not to be used until nearer the start date.

A £2m grant for Grantham town centre agreed by the previous LCC administration is in doubt under the new council.  But SKDC executive challenging and it could be reconfirmed.

PW referred to two planning matters:-

Valley Lane travellers site – Courts have thrown out the appeal against the enforcement notice issued by SKDC but has given the travellers 30 days to produce further evidence.

50 unit site at southern end of the village – planning agreed but further information requested on drainage issues.  Left with officers to sort and will liaise with PW as required and JL will be included.  See Planning comments below also.

26/024

Planning

Applications – S24/2214 – JL spoke at the planning committee meeting. Raised concerns regarding the foul water connections, given issues already exist on the Pastures where the connection is planned. ACTION JL contact AWA further.  Concerns re maintenance of the ditch. Developer not clear on this and still need to find body to take responsibility. Local internal drainage board suggested.  SKDC councillors were positive about the input. Developer has agreed to a 1.8 meter fence along the boundary with The Pastures, query outstanding on location of boundary.

S25/2494 Fearn – no objections on basis it formalises the route of current path.

S26/0042 Blackburn – no objection.  Previous proposal has been rejected by SKDC, but PC has no objection to current proposal.

S26/0070 Hemming – whilst neighbours have complained to planners on aspects impacting them, these are points for SKDC officers to consider.  Councillors have no objection merely comment on flat roof versus pitched.

Planning Approvals – S25/2354 Ruffle and S25/2092 Brown.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – S22/1590 Marris – withdrawal of planning to build 7 houses behind the 4 new ones off Vicarage Lane.

Other planning issues – none

26/025

Update re meeting with Anglian Water / Sewage Capacity – to discuss

Meeting on 13th January.  Ended up as a web call but the person on the call was not the correct person but knew who should be involved.  JL has followed up with a detailed email and will chase for an update ACTION JL.

26/026

LALC Annual Training Scheme

Clarity needed on benefits for Clerk and Councillors. ACTION CLERK to speak with LALC and report back.

26/027

Northfields Crescent – Grit Bin

Resident has requested one be provided.  ACTION CLERK – liaise LCC/ County Councillor

26/028

Parish Council Improved Communications – to update on discussions.

A pop up acknowledgement now in place when responses are received. Posters are to be put up and communicated via social media.

ACTION JL/ CLERK – switch the database to PC system.

Aim to have in place by end of February.

26/029

Speed Cameras and Community Speed Watch – to discuss

AT confirmed seven volunteers have now come forward and arrangements for training still being chased.

26/030

Project Groundwater Flood Sensors Onboarding

Discussed and agreed councillors need to know where sensors are that impact on LB.  ACTION CLERK

26/031

Internal Audit Report

Positive feedback from Peter Jordan for Jane’s work.

The comments Peter made regarding the cheque versus faster payments limits were discussed and councillors agreed they were happy with the previously minuted £5,000.

Confirmed that movements to and from Sinking fund needed authorising by councillors.

Omission on Charities Commission re the CIO owning the Village Hall property corrected by JL.

Councillors were appreciative of Peter Jordan’s hardwork and authorised a £100 payment as in previous years.  ACTION CLERK.

26/032

SKDC Walking Festival

MR advised that Rotary are in principle keen to help but are seeking more information and are keen to explore options for fund raising around the 5k walk.  ACTION CLERK – liaise with SKDC for more details

26/033

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

Clerks Report

Councillors referred to the attached report.  Additional comments:-

Decided to retain .org Domain rather than switch to gov.uk as acceptable and complex to move.

Confirmed SKDC were to clear waste dumped on Church Lane.  MN mentioned rubbish left after car accident near Foston roundabout.  ACTION CLERK – check if still there and report on FixmyStreet.

Residents complaint regarding the extra traffic on Acklands and resulting verge damage raised with Councillors and wholly supported.  ACTION CLERK – raise with LCC and see what action can be taken/ plan to rectify.

Bus Shelters on Main Rd discussed but this has featured before and erection of shelters means flexibility of stopping place lost.

Clerk attended SKDC Funding presentation on 28th January and to share details with Councillors and PFMC/ VHMC.  ACTION CLERK

26/034

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £2,508.66

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.

Resolved to approve and accept the 3.5% uplift in the Parks and Pitches grass cutting contract.

Ground Maintenance for Village Hall Gardens for 2026 – chased and awaiting response.  ACTION CLERK

Ground Maintenance for Memorial Gardens for 2026 – Confirmed on 27th January by email that Mills Maintenance happy to do again.  Agreed £200 per visit total £600 for year.  ACTION CLERK confirm back to Mills.

Switch of £11,000 to sinking fund and £1,600 from Sinking fund confirmed by Councillors.  £1,600 relates to Larken and Co Solicitors work for the Village Hall CIO.

26/035

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – Still to claim 5% retention and will be sorted when Gareth is back.  Solar panels installed and funded by Football Foundation.  No Summer Solstice run this year. 4 July will be Party in the Park.  MUGA will need upgrading very soon at a cost of £20-40k est.  Funds in Sinking Fund to support but also s106 monies available and grants.

Village Hall Management Committee – Some general maintenance work has been completed.  On 19 March Victor and Albert event being held.  Planning a new members day on 11 April.

Emergency Planning Group – Generally have adequate numbers of people but may seek a few more.  5 person management committee in place with 2 of those needing to activate an emergency response.

Road Safety – no report

Police Report – no report

Footpaths & Streetlights – Positive feedback on initial stages of redoing the paths on Church Street.

Witham Meadow – concern regarding adequacy of base for shed.  To revisit and could look at s106 monies idc.  Some tidying up of area will be required.

26/036

Correspondence

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

No further comments raised.

JL referred to a Beyond Precept course that LALC are running.  ACTION CLERK to investigate/ attend?

26/037

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Anglian Water Communication – to update following JL chasing

Annual Training Scheme – to discuss

26/038

Date of next meeting – 2nd March 2026

Meeting Closed 8.16pm

Signed………………………………….  Designation ……………………        

Date ……………………