Minutes - 23 November 2021
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT THE SMALL HALL, OLD SCHOOL, MILL HILL, NETTLEHAM
ON TUESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2021, AT 7.30PM.
Present: Councillors: Cllr J Evans (Chairman), Cllr P Jenkinson (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs J Clayton, Cllr M Homer, Cllr P McNeill, Cllr D Newsam, Cllr J Barrett, Cllr R Porter, Cllr A Henderson, Cllr J Radcliffe, Cllr C Higham.
Cllr Mrs A White joined the meeting at 8.19pm
Also in attendance: Mrs D Locker (Clerk/RFO) and 7 members of the public.
Councillors not present: Cllr Mrs A White – who joined the meeting later, at 8.19pm
Commencing at 7.30pm
Public Forum
The Chairman welcomed those in attendance and opened the public forum
Resident 1 – Advised:
- He was pleased to see that Health & Safety is on the agenda for discussion;
- He felt that some areas of work undertaken by staff are not included on the risk assessment he had seen;
- Although he felt that the policy was good he also felt that some of the contents of the policy were not being put in place on the ground;
- He hopes that a Councillor will be appointed to take on a lead role for Council health & safety matters.
Cllr Mrs J Brockway (LCC) advised:
- She has received a considerable number of complaints, from residents, about the Nettleham Hub’s external seating being left outside after closing time which had on numerous occasions resulted in unsupervised young people using it to meet up – with subsequent loud behaviour and smoking being witnessed. It is uncertain whether or not this type of behaviour has been reported to the Police;
- Residents continue to raise concerns about the long opening hours at the Hub takeaway and café and that the Hub has applied for alcohol licences. However, local residents remain concerned they have not been notified that Planning Permission has been sought or granted for the changes already undertaken at the Hub;
- She is aware that Parish Councillors have met with prospective purchasers of the Linelands site to hear their ideas about development proposals;
- LCC continue to operate hybrid working with use of Zoom to hold meetings rather than travel to meet up across and outside of Lincolnshire;
- Some residents have reported that some rain water is draining onto their gardens/driveways following resurfacing works to local roads rather than moving along the road drainage systems.
Police Report – had also been circulated, prior to the meeting. The Clerk advised that the Police had also been invited to attend a future meeting of the Parish Council, meeting dates had been provided and feedback received was that PCSO Jackie Parker is hoping to attend, in the near future.
The Meeting opened at 7.54pm.
155/21. To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting.
Apologies had been received from Cllr Mrs A White. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To accept apologies and reason for absence from Cllr Mrs White. Unanimous
156/21. Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
None received
157/21. Notes of the Parish Council’s meeting held on 19 October 2021 to be approved and to authorise the Chairman to sign as the official minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 19 October 2021 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman. Unanimous
158/21. Clerk’s Report (for information only)
The Clerk updated Council as follows:
- West Lindsey District Council opened up their Platinum Jubilee fund today - with grants available between £70 and £700 to community groups, charities & Parish Councils for Jubilee related projects. This initiative will be publicised via Council’s usual publicity arrangements;
- The election for the Nettleham District Councillor vacancy is being held on 16/12/21 – with polling stations located at the Large Hall, Old School and the Village Hall;
- One of the four un-used graves purchased in 1975, by the RAF to accommodate close relatives of the RAF Vulcan crash victims has now been transferred over to one of the widow. Discussions about future ownership of the remaining 3 un-used graves is ongoing;
- Council awaits confirmation of the outcome of the grant application submitted to the Football Association to assist with the planned internal modernisation works to Mulsanne Pavilion.
159/21. Financial Matters
a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/010/21 – 31/10/21
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made during October 2021. Unanimous
b) To consider the income & expenditure report as at 31/10/21
The contents were noted.
c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/10/21
The bank account statement balances were checked against statements and signed off by the Chairman.
d) To consider request for rent reduction for 2021, from Nettleham Cricket Club
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve a reduction of £500 to the existing agreed rent charged for 2021 for Nettleham Cricket Club. For 7; Against 3; Abstention 1
Councillor Mrs A White joined the meeting at 8.19pm
160/21. Planning Matters
a) To receive/ratify recommendations or observations on the following planning applications:-
1. Plot 3 Land to rear of 38 Lodge Lane - Mr & Mrs H Dhindsa - 143948 Planning application to erect 1no. dwelling, amendment to Plot 3, previously approved under application 139054 for 3no. dwellings granted 26 March 2019.
Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – No Comment
2. 24 Cliff Avenue - Ann-Marie Davidson – 143868. Planning application to change flat roof on garage to pitched roof and render dwelling
Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – No Comment
3. Land rear of 72 Scothern Road - Miss Truelove – 143824. Planning application to erect 2no. dwellings
Comments from Planning Liaison Panel –
This additional 2 new houses comes on top of the 68 originally approved for the site plus an additional 7 approved recently. The Parish council object to this continuous creep in housing numbers for this site which will change the whole character of the originally approved and supported development from a spacious open development to one which is more appropriate for an urban area. The Parish Council STRONGLY objects to this continuous creep in housing numbers for this site and gradual change in character contrary to D6 of Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan.
4. 9 Ashtree Avenue – Mr P Truelove – 143964. Planning application for extension to side using existing carport roof
Comments from Planning Liaison Panel –
This proposal removes a car parking space from the property reducing it by 1 to 2 max, which contrary to the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan policy D3 which specifies a minimum car parking of 3 spaces for a 3 bed home. We also have concerns over the impact on access to the neighbouring property for maintenance purposes.
It was proposed, seconded and
RESOLVED: To approve and submit the Council’s comments to WLDC in respect of the planning applications considered. Unanimous
b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals & withdrawals, Decisions received
i) Withdrawn
- 5 Ambrose Court – Mr R Coulter - 142719 – Planning application for replacement doors and windows application, withdrawn 14.10.21
c) Tree Application
- 17 The Green – Sullivan – 143846 . T1 - Blue Cedar - Fell due to close proximity with the house which is grade 2 listed and concerns that it may cause damage in the future.
- 7 The Green – Sullivan – 143689. Application agreed 8/10/21. T1 - Magnolia Tree - Approx. height 18-20ft and Approx. Spread 20-25ft - Reduction as depicted in photograph, of no more than 3ft in height and no more than 5ft from the spread, also trimming of lower branches by no more than 2ft
- 4 Beckside – Mrs R Eastham – 143590. Application agreed 14/10/21. Cedrus Atlantica (T2) - fell because of excessive shading of own and neighbours garden and no amenity value.
d) Update on outstanding planning
i) To receive an update in relation to the Planning Inspector hearing – land off Deepdale Lane. This appeal application was heard today by the Planning Inspector and the Council’s response was put forward by the Council’s Chairman, included concerns about: impact the proposed development will have on the character of the area and the limited parking provision. The appeal decision is awaited. Councillors Evans and Mrs White were thanked for their attendance at the meeting and in the development and delivery of the Council’s response.
161/21. At 8.26pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To suspend standing orders to enable Cllr Mrs White to provide her West Lindsey District Councillor related report. Unanimous
Councillor Mrs White (WLDC) advised:
- She suggested that an invite be sent to the Police to request their attendance at a forthcoming meeting of the Parish Council;
- At the recent West Lindsey Health Scrutiny Panel, a Consultant put forward a case for delivery of centralised stroke treatment in Lincoln, although access to transport can be a difficult for some in Lincolnshire;
- During a visit to University campus at Riseholme it was noted that it provides some excellent facilities and some refurbishment has taken place, including to the walled garden.
- She continues to receive reports of concerns, from residents, about the Hub’s usage, about their application for an alcohol licence and that the building’s emphasis appears to be now dominated by the coffee & takeaway service rather than the original purpose of providing a library service.
162/21. At 8.33pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To resume the meeting. Unanimous
163/21. Property Committee Recommendations
a) To consider the contents of the Property Committee meeting notes - from 9 November 2021
The contents were noted.
b) To approve Committee’s recommendations for Council’s fees and charges, for 2022/23
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To retain the current hire charges and burial ground fees for 2022/23 with a new stand-alone charge being introduced for the hire of the large hall kitchen only at £10 per hour. Unanimous
c) To approve commencement of refurbishment work at Mulsanne Pavilion – following confirmation of the outcome of the grant application submitted to the Football Association
During discussion, it was clarified that replacement of some essential capital fittings is now urgently required at Mulsanne Pavilion. A grant application has also been submitted to the Football Association which if successful will enable the premises to also be refurbished to modern day standards and to improve energy efficiency. It was proposed, seconded and
RESOLVED: To approve expenditure of up to £24,000 from Earmarked Reserves to undertake Stage 1 capital works at Mulsanne Pavilion. Unanimous
d) To approve commencement of discussions with landowner to develop a field path from the A158 to enable join up of the existing path network, towards the south of parish, in liaison with Greetwell PC. Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To discuss with the landowner proposals to develop a new permissive field path from the A158 to join up to the existing network, south of the parish. Unanimous
164/21. Council Matters
a) To approve the proposed budget & precept requirement for 2022/23 & submit to West Lindsey DC
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the proposed budget and precept requirement of £188,750 for 2022/23 to be submitted to West Lindsey District Council. For 11; Against 1
b) To approve financial allocations to Earmarked Reserves from the proposed budget - 2022/23
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the proposed financial allocations to Earmarked reserves for 2022-23. Unanimous
c) To approve the Council’s Calendar of meetings for 2022
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the Council’s Calendar of meeting dates for 2022. Unanimous
d) To approve hand over of the new allotment site off Scothern Rd, to the Parish Council from the developer, upon completion
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To accept, in principle, the transfer in ownership of the off Scothern Road allotment site to the Parish Council, from the developer, on completion. Unanimous
e) To receive an update on proposals for re-development of the Linelands site
The Planning Liaison Panel met with the potential purchaser of the site who discussed their proposal for development of the site. Initial proposal is for 33 dwellings for the over 55’s age group, with a mix of 1 and 2 bedroomed apartments, built in a quadrangle around a grassed area. The Panel set out some initial concerns about inadequate parking in line with the designated number of parking spaces set out in the Neighbourhood plan. These proposals to be re-evaluated, by the proposed purchaser.
f) To discuss & re-assess Council’s current Covid-19 building protocols in response to local outbreak
Following discussion, it was concluded that in the absence of formal government instruction, all meeting attendees will take personal responsibility, will use measures to keep themselves and others safe and take a lateral flow test, prior to attendance at future meetings.
g) To consider appointment of a Lead Councillor for Council Health & Safety matters
During discussion, it was raised that there is merit on having a Lead Councillor for Health & Safety to review our arrangements in place, alongside the Council’s staff. A meeting to be arranged with the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Councillor McNeill and the Clerk to discuss what the role would entail. Feedback will be brought back to a future meeting.
h) To receive an update on the Queen’s Jubilee activities
Consideration about potential activity is ongoing. Use of lit beacons has been researched although thought to be impractical on sites with trees in close proximity.
i) To receive feedback about research made on heritage blue plaques
Council heard that some research has already been undertaken. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Cllr Barrett investigate further the options for use of blue plaques and once concluded will bring back the findings to a future meeting of the Parish Council. Unanimous
j) To consider renewal of Urban grass cutting agreement with Lincolnshire County Council 2022/23
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve and submit to LCC, Council’s agreement to participate in the LCC Highway Verge cutting Parish Agreement Scheme during 2022/23. Unanimous
165/21. To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group
Council heard that:
- During discussions, over the last month, it was concluded that the group are unable to provide proposals about potential land allocations for development in the parish, without first having regard to the content of the draft Central Lincolnshire Local Plan. The expectation is that the draft Central Lincs Local Plan will be circulated during Jan/Feb 2022;
- The Council’s Consultant has reviewed the group’s current draft Neighbourhood Plan documents and some minor modifications and additions have been recommended.
- Once the proposed housing allocations are received, the Working Group will move on to deal with specific design codes for those allocated housing areas. In the meantime, the Working Group will work on developing generic ‘design codes’ for potential development sites.
166/21. To receive an update from the Swathe Working Group
None
167/21. To receive an update from the Climate Change Strategy Working Group
Whilst the group have not met during November, some work has been carried on in development of the branding/logo design. Members of the group have also been out in the parish checking that records held by WLDC for trees preservation orders are current, as some of those listed are thought to have been felled. The Working Group is also working on development of alternative ways to publicise public transport.
168/21. To receive an update from the Sustainable Travel Working Group
The Working Group await further information about the LCC plans that have been developed for proposed re-developments works to the Nettleham roundabout and to look how these will impact on pedestrians and cyclists. LCC are also planning to go out to consultation on the Active Travel bid proposals, for Nettleham, in the near future. It has become apparent that despite idling in vehicles is an offence, LCC Traffic Enforcement Officers are unable to issue enforcement notices as this function was not included in the drafting of the village Traffic Regulation Order. Also PCSO’s cannot take enforcement action, only Police Officers. There followed discussion that LCC appear more willing to taking steps to reduce existing speed limits.
169/21. Correspondence Received (including general correspondence received for information)
a) To consider request from LCC Heritage to nominate local heritage assets for LCC asset list
Council heard that the local assets have already been identified as they are in the Conservation area.
b) To confirm Councillor membership of the Vicar’s Wood Working Group
It was confirmed that Cllr Mrs Clayton is the only Councillor on the Vicar’s Wood WG and is the Lead.
c) To consider a planning related update received from WLDC – regarding the Hub
WLDC have confirmed that a new class (DA) was introduced to planning legislation, to help control/prevent Covid-19; this new class temporarily allows pubs and cafes to provide takeaway food. Consequently, the take-away element at the Hub is currently considered permitted development, although this temporary measure expires on 23 March 2022.
170/21. Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items
- Beck Management Plan
171/21. Date of Next Meeting of the Parish Council – has been arranged for Tuesday 14 December 2021, commencing at 7.30pm in the Small Hall, Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham
172/21. To resolve whether to move into closed session and exclude the public and press, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, due to the commercial or sensitive nature of business to be discussed.
No items
The meeting closed at 9.58pm
Mrs D Locker
Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
APPENDIX 1 - List of Payments made 01/10/21 – 31/10/21
|
PAYEE |
£ AMOUNT (incl. VAT) |
TRANSACTION |
|
ALAN BOSWELL GROUP |
-352.63 |
Van insurance - annual |
|
AMAZON |
-43.97 |
Safety helmet, Ear defenders & glasses for VHP |
|
AMAZON |
-10.49 |
Work wear gloves for facilities staff |
|
BT GROUP PLC |
-62.34 |
Line rental/broadband - PO & OS |
|
CLEAN SWEEP COMMER |
-336.00 |
Monthly cleaning - O/S & MP |
|
CONTINENTAL LANDSCAPES |
-4,472.48 |
Grass cutting contractor |
|
COOP |
-13.68 |
Bank charges |
|
DATAPLAN INVOICE |
-60.00 |
Payroll contractor |
|
EDF ENERGY |
-540.00 |
Utilities - gas & electricity |
|
EE LIMITED |
-27.00 |
3 x Mobile phone charges |
|
KONICA MINOLTA |
-29.48 |
Quarterly print/copy charges |
|
LALC |
-33.00 |
Councillor attendance - LALC AGM |
|
MACHINE MART |
-659.98 |
Leaf & litter collector - agreed NPC |
|
MARSHALL LINC |
-45.00 |
Van MOT |
|
MISS J ASHBY |
-14.85 |
Mileage reimbursement |
|
MR PETER ELSOM |
-45.00 |
Window cleaning PO/OS/MP |
|
PERSONNEL ADVICE & SOLUTIONS |
-120.00 |
Personnel contractor costs |
|
SALARIES INC. HMRC |
-6,884.98 |
Salary related - incl. HMRC, pensions |
|
SECOND ELEMENT LTD |
-474.00 |
Legionella risk assessment |
|
VWFS UK LIMITED |
-174.73 |
Van lease - monthly |
|
VWFS UK LIMITED |
-60.00 |
Van lease renewal admin charge |
|
WAITROSE |
-44.83 |
Van fuel |
|
WAITROSE |
-15.00 |
Fuel for mower/strimmer |
|
WICKES & LIDL |
-27.17 |
Miscellaneous via petty cash |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
-14,546.61 |
|