Minutes - 23 February 2021
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD REMOTELY ON TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2021, AT 7.30PM.
Present: Councillors: J Evans (Chairman), P Jenkinson (Vice-Chairman), Mrs J Clayton, M Homer, P McNeill, D Newsam, J Barrett, J Radcliffe, C Higham, R Porter, Mrs A White
Also in attendance remotely: Mrs D Locker (Clerk), Cllr G. McNeill (WLDC) & 3 members of public.
Councillors not present: Cllr A Henderson. Apologies were received for Cllr Mrs J Brockway (LCC)
Commencing at 7.35pm
The Chairman welcomed those in attendance remotely, advised that the meeting would commence with the opening of the public session and asked if anyone wanted to raise a matter on the agenda or otherwise.
Public Forum
Police Report – The Police newsletter was circulated prior to the meeting.
Councillor G McNeill’s (WLDC) experienced some connection issues. His report had been circulated.
Councillor Mrs White (WLDC) advised:
- Her report had already been circulated;
- WLDC Councillors are to attend 4 x Local Government Finance training;
- Approximately 6 trees have been planted on the ridge & furrow field, off Deepdale Lane, by the developer that are not in keeping with the planning conditions and these now need removing. However, additional hedging/planting is required to screen the electricity supply box.
It was raised that the planning condition required an in perpetuity open space management plan for the ridge & furrow site. Cllr Mrs White agreed to make some further enquiries with WLDC planning team for clarity about the content of this plan.
The Chairman welcomed Stephanie Marwood from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Safer Together Team, who proceeded to provide the following update:
- The Safer Together Team has recently been established by the Police and Crime Commissioner (in place approximately 3 weeks ago);
- The team will engage with communities and partners and be visibly active at a local level.
The team’s key aims are to:
- Empower and involve communities, working with them and partners to prevent and reduce harm;
- Ensure communities are given the opportunity to participate to the fullest possible extent in the decisions that affect their lives;
- Actively engage to better understand the issues, concerns and needs of the public, partners and stakeholders at a local level;
- Recognise and respect the various cultures and diversity of communities and other factors that influence how different members of the public will engage;
- Directly address issues raised by those representing different sectors and use their feedback to inform decisions.
There are 4 co-ordinators across the county and Nettleham’s Coordinator (Stephanie Marwood) will be based at South Park Station, Lincoln and also covers Lincoln and all of West Lindsey.
The team want to also:
- Raise awareness of Police force and Police & Crime Commissioner initiatives;
- Promote funding opportunities;
- Assist in creating partnerships with community to tackle and reduce crime & harm to fit each community;
- Work closely with neighbourhood Policing teams rather than separately to help address things quicker.
The Chairman asked if this role was the key link for reporting recurring issues if they remain unresolved which in turn will be raised with the Police.
Also some other concerns relate to:
- Serious and violent crime are recorded as having occurred in the parish, when haven’t, because of coding issues at the Police HQ, which in turn are published and included in the national crime figures for the parish;
- Some anti-social behaviour and breach of Covid-19 regulations continue to occur at Mulsanne Park, despite regular Police presence, at the Park.
Stephanie to be invited to future meetings of the Parish Council – initially quarterly.
The Meeting opened at 7.58pm
018/21. To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting
The Clerk advised that no apologies had been received from Cllr Henderson
019/21. Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
None received.
020/21. Notes of the Council’s meeting held on 19 January 2021 to be approved as minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council, held on 19 January 2021, be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman. Unanimous - (by those that had been in attendance at that meeting).
021/21. Clerk’s Report (for information only)
The Clerk updated Council as follows:
- Business closure grants received, by the Parish Council to date total £18,971.21. These grants have also been paid out promptly, by WLDC;
- Our insurers have again advised that the Council do not qualify for an insurance payment under the business interruption clause, despite the Supreme Court ruling against the 8 insurers taking the case;
- Mulsanne Pavilion has encountered external damage to include: a smashed window and to an external grill, thought to be from footballs. Also some damage to a wall at the football stand, although the stand is maintained by the football club;
- A resident, living near the Village Green had expressed some concerns that there has been local talk about local pub customers wanting to use the Green for consumption of pub sales. Relevant information was provided along with signposting to WLDC Licensing team for further guidance.
022/21. Financial Matters
a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/01/21 – 31/01/21
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made in January 2021. Unanimous
b) To consider the Income & Expenditure report as at 31/01/21
The contents of the report were noted.
c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/01/21
The bank account statement balances were checked against statements and signed off by the Chairman.
d) To consider renewal of the annual LALC & NALC memberships – total £725.14
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To renew the annual LALC & NALC subscription at £725.14. Unanimous
e) To consider renewal of membership to LALC annual core training scheme - £140 +vat
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To renew the annual LALC training scheme subscription at £140. Unanimous
f) To agree rent increase, to £95 w.e.f. 5/3/21, for Council’s use of land access strip (to Swathe)
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the rent increase to £95 for the land access strip. Unanimous
023/21. Planning Matters
a) To receive/ratify recommendations or observations on the following planning applications:-
1) Land east of Romangate Nettleham Rd (Riseholme) - LACE Housing Association – 142230
Planning application for erection of 24no. affordable flats to meet the necessary affordable housing requirement in association with previously approved application, ref: 124283.
Planning Liaison Panel comments
The Parish Council note this development is located on the edge of Nettleham Parish and not located in the rural setting of Nettleham village. Our only concern is the fact that it is on 3 floors and could be over dominant over the surrounding area and have concerns that the height of the building could impact the amenity value of adjacent properties contrary to LP26. However, development is located at the entrance to the City of Lincoln and is at a low point relative to the surrounding area. We therefore feel that it is not an inappropriate scale in this setting.
2) 12 Kingsway Nettleham – Mr & Mrs V Newton - 142287
Planning application for first floor extension, 2no. rear single storey extensions including replacement roof covering and extension to dormers.
Planning Liaison Panel comments submitted 2/2/21 – No objections
3) 48 Scothern Road – Mr & Mrs Marshall– 142329
Planning application for two storey side extension.
Planning Liaison Panel comments: No comments
4) 52 Scothern Road – Ben Cook – 141963 (re-application)
Planning application for a first floor rear extension with pitched roof and dormer windows and a single storey rear extension with flat roof.
Planning Liaison Panel comments submitted 2/2/21 from the Planning Liaison Panel: The Council’s original concerns and comments submitted still stand, as the modifications proposed do not make a significant change to the impact on the adjacent building. Council’s original comments submitted 9/12/20 were: “The Parish Council are concerned that the proposed second floor extension on the boundary of the plot would deprive the neighbouring property at No50 of natural light, contrary to LP26 of the CLLP, and negatively impacting the neighbouring property’s amenity value. On this basis we object to the application.
5) West View, Welton Road – Miss Nicola Giles - 142244
Planning application to erect garden room in rear garden to form Pilates/exercise studio.
Planning Liaison Panel Comments submitted 2/2/21 – No objections
6) Parkfield, Lincoln Road – Mr G Harrison - 142233
Planning application for single storey extension to rear to replace existing conservatory
Planning Liaison Panel Comments submitted 2/2/21 – No objections
7) 4 Ashtree Avenue – Ms A Peach - 142366
Planning application for single storey front and side extension
Planning Liaison Panel comments: The Parish Council have concern that the extension to the front of the property will extend the building some 3m in front of the building line to the adjacent house (no 2) and almost reaches the footpath. This could impact the character of the area contrary to D6 of the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan and LP26.
8) 22 Beckside – Mr M Spencer – 142327
Planning application to convert existing workshop into annexe to main dwelling with minor alterations to windows and door.
Planning Liaison Panel comments: The Parish Council note this is in the conservation area and do have concern that this planning application relates to conversion for residential use as there is no provision made for car parking relying on street parking which is already in short supply in this location.
9) 19 Highfields – S Lawson – 142388
Planning application for garage conversion and first floor extension above.
Planning Liaison Panel comments: The Parish Council have no observations to make on this application
10) 21 Cherry Tree Lane – Mr K O’Reilly – 142394
Planning application for single storey rear extension, first floor extension and creation of garage from existing carport.
Planning Liaison Panel comments: The Parish Council have no observations to make on this application
It was proposed, seconded & RESOLVED: To approve/ratify the comments received from the Planning Liaison Panel and submission to West Lindsey District Council. Unanimous
b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals & withdrawals, Decisions received
i) Decisions
- Tree preservation order application, 11 The Crescent – Mr Sanderson - 142076. Fell 2 x Rowan trees. Application granted & determined 29/01/21
- Land off Deepdale Lane – Mr M Mann – 142065. Planning application for construction of 30no. Entry Level homes and associated infrastructure resubmission of 140938. Permission refused 04/02/21
- 64 Washdyke Lane – Mr & Mrs Thorp – 142241. Application for non-material amendment to planning permission 139982 granted 25 October 2019 - single storey extension. Granted without conditions – 21.01.21
ii) Refusals
- Land off, Deepdale Lane - Mr M Mann – 142065. Planning application for construction of 30no. Entry Level homes and associated infrastructure - resubmission of 140938. Application refused – 04.02.21
iii) Appeals - None
c) Tree Application –
1) Trees in conservation area (1 East Street) – LCC – 142307. Work to 4 x trees (1 x Yew, 3 x Cotoneaster)
d) Update on outstanding planning matters - none
024/21. Council Matters
a) To discuss formation of new ’Sustainable Travel to Lincoln’ Working Group and agree Terms of Reference
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the formation of a new Sustainable Travel Working Group for travel from Lincoln to Nettleham and associated Terms of Reference. Unanimous
b) To receive nominations to the new Sustainable Travel Working Group
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To appoint Councillor Porter as Chairman of the Sustainable Travel Working Group. Unanimous
c) To consider the Council’s requirement for mapping assets
The Chairman advised that he and the Clerk had attended an online demonstration of the Parish Online mapping software, designed for mapping council assets. He also recommended that Council take up the offer of a free 30-day trial to investigate further.
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council sign up for a free 30-day trial of the Parish Online software with the option to sign up to an annual agreement, costing approximately £200, following review of its benefits to the Council. Unanimous
d) Covid-19 update
Following the government’s roadmap out of lockdown announcement the following likely to apply from:
- 29/3/21 outdoor sports can commence,
- 12/4/21 community centres can open (children indoor activities allowed – but no other groups)
- 17/5/21 the rule of 6 or 2 households applies indoors
- 21/6/21 no legal limits on social contact so normal hiring arrangements may apply
- Parish staff to liaise with hirers to set out proposed timetable for them to return to clubs & activities
The Football Association has announced that they will be extending the season to enable clubs to catch up on fixtures, although this will extend into the start of the cricket season.
e) Tribute to the late Nigel Kingston
The Chairman paid tribute to the late Nigel Kingston who had supported the village and the council, over a number of years. Having put together the Nettleham news publication, as the producer and editor from the 1980’s through to 2016, Nigel had also provided the graphics and photography for a whole range of council publications including: plans, signage, village leaflets and other publicity materials. An article has been submitted, on behalf of the Parish Council, recognising his contribution to the parish, for inclusion in the next edition of Nettleham Matters.
025/21. To consider a Swathe Development Report & potential consequential policy changes
The Swathe Working Group met remotely on 18 February 2021 to:
- To discuss progress relating to the plans to extend the existing burial ground into the Swathe;
- To review the impact of the changes to burial policy made during 2019 in response to feedback received;
- Provide any recommendations, for policy amendment, to the Parish Council;
Following lengthy consideration and discussion, the Working Group’s recommendations to Council were:
- To undertake further investigations relating to the composition of the sub soil at the Swathe and engage a local grave digger to assist with the dig of one or possibly two trial pits, as required;
- To amend the burial policy wording to allow for pre-purchase of graves, in limited circumstances and to agree wording developed by the Working Group.
Following consideration and discussion, by Councillors about the recommendations.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve expenditure of up to £400 to engage a grave digger to dig trial pit(s), as required and approve amendment of the burial policy to now read: - ‘A burial plot for interment may only be purchased for the burial of a deceased resident of the parish or for a deceased person who otherwise had a close association* with the parish at the time of death.
At the time of that purchase or within 1 Calendar month thereafter they may pre-purchase, if available, an adjacent burial plot for interment for the future use of a resident of the parish or for a person who otherwise has a close association* with the parish. *(Close association is to be taken as partner, parent or child). The effect of this policy change will be reviewed, by the Parish Council, within one year. Should there be any queries relating to the term ‘close association’ they will be referred to the Parish Council, for consideration. Unanimous
026/21. Property Committee Matters
a) To consider the Property Committee meeting notes from 02.02.21
The contents were noted.
b) To consider recommendations from the Property Committee:
i) Request to site a pizza food van on Mulsanne Park car park on a Friday evening
During discussion it was raised that the village is currently served by premises selling pizzas, in the centre of the village and also by a mobile pizza van selling from a local pub car park.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To refuse the request to site a mobile pizza food van at Mulsanne Park car park. Unanimous
ii) Request to donate a memorial bench for siting at the Bill Bailey’s Playing Field
During discussion it was raised that currently there are no benches within the play area, at Bill Bailey’s playing field.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To accept a donation for the cost of purchasing and siting a memorial bench at Bill Bailey’s playing field. Unanimous
027/21. Recommendations from Personnel & Standards Panel
a) To approve amendments to the following policies:
i) Financial Regulations
ii) Debt Recovery Policy
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To adopt the amendments to the Financial Regulations and Debt Recovery Policy. Unanimous
b) To approve amendments to the Safeguarding Policy
During discussion about the contents of the Safeguarding Policy, the Clerk raised concern that several individual residents that undertake work on Council assets/land have advised they do not wish to sign up to the current volunteer policy that was approved during April 2019. Further discussion to take place to try to resolve any concerns about the policy details, with these individuals.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To adopt the amendments to Safeguarding Policy. For - 10; Abstentions - 1
c) To receive an update – implementation of the Volunteer Policy
This item was deferred for consideration at a future meeting.
028/21. At 10pm, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To suspend Standing Orders to enable agenda items to be considered. Unanimous
029/21. To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Group
The Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group confirmed receipt of the completed `Character Assessment` from the Consultants, Austin Heritage, although it was noted that a few amendments are required due to discrepancies between figures on new housing from WLDC. A further report on `Character and Distinctiveness` has also been received from Luke Brown in response to the Character Assessment.
The Full NNP group met to discuss both documents last week and it was agreed to form 3 working groups to consider how we will address presenting issues for the NNP Review. These groups relate to:
1. `The Footprint of Nettleham and Green corridors` essentially to consider what is desirable develop-ment and how to achieve it;
2. `Trees, hedgerows and vegetation` how these contribute to the `character` of Nettleham and how this might be preserved;
3. `Facilities and amenities`, for listing and mapping these and in the light of current planning rules; also how these might preserve and develop the commercial and communal aspects of Nettleham.
Cllr Evans discussed:
- Of the need for timely invoicing having regard to the grant funding being available until 31/3/21;
- Grant funding will also be used to print 100 copies of the plan for Councillors and for circulation.
030/21. Correspondence Received (including general correspondence received for information)
a) To consider the offer of contribution towards a memorial bench in memory of the late Cllr Joe Siddall
The Clerk advised that the Nettleham Festive Market Committee had offered a donation of £100 and one of the Committee had also offered a personal donation of £50 towards the cost of purchase/siting of a bench in memory of the late Cllr Joe Siddall to commemorate his contribution to the parish. During discussions, it was suggested, by Cllr G McNeil and supported by Cllr Mrs White, that the Council submit a Community Grant application to each of the two West Lindsey District Councillors, requesting grant funding towards the cost of a memorial bench.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To accept the donations offered, from the Festive Market Committee and the personal donation (totalling £150); that the Clerk also submit an application to each of the two District Councillors requesting a combined WLDC Community grant of £300 towards the cost of a bench, in memory of Joe Siddall
b) Confirmation received that additional copies of Nettleham Matters for all parish householders
Tucann have advised that additional copies of the Nettleham Matters magazine will be printed and delivered, each month, to the newer housing developments, e.g. at: Lodge Lane, Baker Drive, Minster Fields areas.
031/21. Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items
- Update from CX Lace Housing – Linelands & consultation with residents
032/21. Date of Next Remote Meeting of the Parish Council.
The next meeting has been arranged for Tuesday 16 March 2021, commencing at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 10.10 pm