Parish Council minutes & agendas 2020

 NETTLEHAM PARISH COUNCIL                                                                                                                                        

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD ON TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2020, AT 7.30 PM

AT THE SMALL HALL, THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM  

PRESENT:         Councillors: J Evans (Chairman), J Siddall (Vice Chairman), Mrs J Clayton, P McNeill, D Newsam, A Henderson, Mrs C Appleton, C Higham, J Radcliffe,   P Jenkinson,         J Barrett

In attendance:    Mrs D Locker (Clerk) & 8 members of the public. Cllr G. McNeill (WLDC) & Cllr Mrs J Brockway (LCC)

Councillors not present: – Cllr Mrs A White

Commencing at 7.30pm

Public Forum

The Chairman welcomed those in attendance, including Cllr John Barrett recently co-opted to Council, Cllr Giles McNeill and Cllr Mrs Jackie Brockway.  He went on to announce that before opening the meeting, members of the public had an opportunity to address the Parish Council, on any matter, during the 15 minutes public session. Resident 1 - advised they were in attendance in relation to concerns about the fencing erected at the rear of properties at the Lodge Lane development and Mulsanne Park preventing access, not only to the park, but also to the 1m access strip to boundary fencing to the rear of some of the properties.  The Chairman advised Council had met with Stirlin’s Managing Director, prior to commencement of building works who agreed to provide a suitable path, from the development boundary to meet with the existing path, at Mulsanne Park.  Following start on site, the developer advised they did not have a budget to complete these works.  Subsequently an offer had since been put forward, by the developer – although to date the proposals have not be accepted as Council have not considered the path offered to be at a suitable standard.  Resident 2 – conveyed concern that the Nettleham directional sign on the A46 to Washdyke Lane has been damaged for at least 4 month and is a poor advert for the village.  Feedback given was that the sign had been reported on Fix My Street.  Cllr Mrs Brockway (LCC) confirmed that she would report to LCC directly accompanied with a strong message of support requesting that the sign to be repaired.  Resident 3 – a representative of the Long Leys Gospel Hall Trust requested a meeting with Councillors to discuss fencing, pathway and minor changes to the original planning proposals agreed several years ago, at Deepdale Lane.  The representative of the Trust agreed to liaise with the Clerk to arrange a meeting, to discuss further. Resident 4 – confirmed they were in attendance on behalf of Nettleham residents living at Minster Fields. 

Councillor Mrs Brockway (LCC) advised:

• LCC are currently in negotiation with the Nettleham Hub with a view to extend the contract; this would enable the Hub to be in a more favourable position when approaching external grant funders;
• LCC are encountering considerable issues with mud on roads as a result of recent weather conditions and flooding;
• That residents continue to report pot holes and any damage that arises to vehicles, from potholes.

A member from Council requested an update from Cllr Mrs Brockway in respect of the proposals for the LCC Linelands building.  The Chairman advised that the Council hopes to have the LCC portfolio holder or a member of LCC staff attend the forthcoming Annual Meeting of the Parish in April to provide an update in respect of the site’s future.

Councillor G. McNeill (WLDC) advised:

• In his capacity of Chair of Policy & Resources Committee, WLDC have managed, through good housekeeping and having use of revenue received through the commercialisation agenda, to keep the council tax increase at 2%;
• The WLDC crematorium is now open & operational. It has been considered an unusual step that the district council has not only commissioned and has also provided a new crematorium.

Police Report – the contents of the report for Jan/Feb 2020 was noted.  It was discussed that there appears to have been an unusual increase in the burglary attempts crime and there does not appear to have been related arrests.  However, it was noted that the Police had the stopped a vehicle and males arrested for drug offences.

The Parish Council Meeting opened at 7.52pm

016/20. TO RESOLVE TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND ACCEPT REASONS FOR ABSENCE  

Apologies received from Cllr Mrs A White. 

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  To accept the apologies of absence, received.  Unanimous

017/20. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOCALISM ACT 2011 AND TO CONSIDER ANY REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS

Declarations of interest were received from: Cllr Barrett in relation to agenda item 5(d); Cllr Evans for item 5(a) and Cllr Mrs Clayton for item 5(e).

018/20.  NOTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 14 JANUARY 2020 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council, held on 14 January 2020, be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.  Unanimous

019/20.  CLERKS REPORT ON MATTERS OUTSTANDING (INFORMATION ONLY)

The Clerk advised:

• Cllr Mrs White had sent a letter to the Nettleham Medical Practice in relation to the damaged footpath and overgrown hedging at their site.  Subsequently they had confirmed they are currently seeking quotations for repair of the footpath on the left hand side of the driveway on approach to the Practice, although not to the right hand side at this time, which they consider is used by vehicles and not for pedestrians;
• Council still awaits feedback from the LCC Highways Department following requests for:

- a review of the junction at A46 and Deepdale Lane, as requested by Council at the December 2019 meeting in response to feedback from a resident requesting consideration for traffic lights;

- consideration for the 30mph speed sign, on Lodge Lane to be moved further down nearer to the Rugby Club as there is no footpath outside of the new development on Lodge Lane and feedback from residents has been that vehicles speed along this road;

• Council’s agreed precept request has been submitted to WLDC;
• The grant agreed by Council 14.01.20 of £80.50 has been paid to Nettleham Community Hub;
• The grant application to purchase cycle racks at Mulsanne Park, has been submitted to LCC and decision is awaited;
• Council’s feedback had been sent to LCC in respect of the parking restriction proposals and request for ‘no loading’ bars to be added.  A subsequent response has since been received from LCC confirming that LCC do not feel it appropriate to add ‘no loading’ bars, as requested by the Council.
• LCC have upgraded their website, which also hosts/supports the Parish Council’s website, at no cost.  To retain this service, the Parish Council’s website needs moving to the new LCC website by 30.04.20 when the current site will be switched off.  The Clerk to liaise with LCC and attend switch over training to effect the changes, as required.

020/20.  FINANCIAL MATTERS

a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/01/20 – 31/01/20

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That the Council duly ratify the payments made shown as Appendix1.  For: 10;    Abstentions: 1       

b) To consider the Income & Expenditure information at 31/01/20

The contents of the Income & Expenditure report were noted

c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/01/20

The Vice-Chairman checked the summary against copies of the bank statements and duly signed them as a true statement of monies held, in the Council’s bank accounts.

d) To consider grant application for £100 from Buddies – Christmas party

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That the Council award a grant of £100 to Buddies towards the Christmas Party.   For: 10;  Abstention: 1

e) To consider grant application for £250 for Minster Fields group – meeting hire charges/general

Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council award a maximum grant of £150 to recompense the group for the cost of hiring the Council’s premises for their meetings.  For: 10;   Abstention: 1

f) To consider grant application for £115 for Nettleham Cricket Club - Hire charge for event

During discussion it was noted that the proceeds from the charity event would be paid to charities which are not necessarily based within the village to provide a service to Nettleham residents.  Additionally, it was discussed that the Cricket Club accounts suggest that they have a healthy balance and sufficient to cover the hire charge.  It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  Council will not award a grant to the Cricket Club towards the charity event costs.  For: 9;   Abstention: 2

021/20.  PLANNING MATTERS

a) To receive recommendations or observations on the following planning applications:-

1)  Deepdale Lane                                         Mr D Lui                                                                      140551

 Planning application to erect 2 storey office building, with offices in roof space, and associated car park – resubmission of 140042. Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – In response to changes to plans submitted - No objection

2)   3 The Rowans                                         Mr & Mrs Tallentire                                                     140444       

      Planning application for rear extension.  Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – No objection

3)   Deepdale Lane – Police/Fire HQ           Lincolnshire Police                                                      140470   

      Planning application to erect a modular building for approx. 14 months for additional training space. Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – No comments

4)   Riseholme Park, Riseholme                  Mr D Blanchard                                                          140427

      Planning application for removal of existing poly tunnels, and erection of replacement glasshouses. Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – No objection

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council agree the Panel’s comments and submit to WLDC.  Unanimous

(b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals and Withdrawals, Decisions received

 i)   Appeals

• Brown Cow Inn                                 Mr Rob Wilkinson                                                       139176

Appeal APP/N2535/W/19/3240712 WLDC 139176 & Appeal APP/N2535/W/20/3244288 WLDC 139626.  Planning application for use of public house to 3 x one bed dwellings including demolition of various rear extensions, erect 5 x three bed dwellings and associated works.

Comments from Planning Liaison Panel – Nettleham Parish Council Strongly opposes this proposed development and has the following observations and comments to make:

Both these applications are essentially for the same thing just the quantity of houses has been reduced by one.  However the over-riding issue for the local community is the same, i.e. the proposal represents an unwelcome development in the local green wedge on the A46 approach road to the village of Nettleham.  This proposal is totally at odds with policies in the CLLP and the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan.  It represents urban housing density in a rural context in a highly visible and sensitive area on the edge of a village.  There is currently no shortage of new homes being built in the parish and we are expecting to deliver all the CLLP allocated housing sites by 2025, the addition of 7/8 new homes in this proposal will have no significant impact on housing supply in the area.

The Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan provided for 180 new dwellings whilst the CLLP has subsequently allocated 237 dwellings, constituting an increase of some 37% above the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan.  However the village has now some 270 new dwellings either proposed or approved which increases that by a further 14% over and above the CLLP allocation. So Nettleham is already providing some 90 more dwellings, equating to 50%, more than the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan requires.

This application follows the unsuccessful application for demolition of the Brown Cow pub and building 18 new homes the site and the land behind. West-Lindsey District Council Planning App 133770 of 26/11/2015.  This application once again was rejected on the principal grounds of unwarranted and unnecessary development in the green wedge between Nettleham and Lincoln (a distance of approximately 1 mile).

The Parish Council previously made representations to West-Lindsey District Council on both applications outlining the policies which this application conflicted with, so that will not be repeated here. 

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council submit the Panel’s comment to the Planning Inspectorate.  Unanimous

ii)   Decisions

• 15 The Crescent (TREES)                Mr Zamo                                                                     041482

Fell 1 cedar and 1 holly to front of property. Decision: - No objection from WLDC as the work considered appropriate. Date of decision: 21.01.20

(c) Tree Application – None

(d) Update on outstanding planning

The Planning Liaison Panel have had an initial meeting to discuss the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) review and would welcome other volunteers to sit on the NP group.  Cllr Giles McNeill (WLDC) confirmed his interest in volunteering for the NP group. Several Parish Councillors and residents had also expressed an interest and will be invited to join the group, in the near future.

022/20. PROPERTY COMMITTEE MATTERS

a) To consider the minutes from the Property Committee – 28.01.20

The minutes of the Property Committee of 28.01.20 were noted.  Council were advised that a further meeting with allotment holders had been arranged for the following evening and feedback would be brought back to a future meeting of the Parish Council.

b) To discuss the future vision for Mulsanne Park

A report prepared by the Chairman of the Property Committee and circulated with the meeting papers, was considered. During discussion it was suggested that Mulsanne Pavilion had a lot of potential but was now dated and in need of some modernisation; however, some initial works could quickly enhance the building such as provision of new kitchen, new furniture and internal re-decoration.  Also, this was perhaps a good opportunity to reflect on how the current site fits in with the community itself and to look at the potential to increase the buildings sustainability by attracting additional room hire booking and revenue.  Moving forward, this might include consideration for building an extension and provision of new toilets which could be supported by external grant funding.  The Chairman thanked Cllr Newsam for setting out his vision and the scope of work done so far.  It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council continue in taking this project forward and seek opportunities to make bid applications for external funding.  Unanimous

c) Sustainability Group – Update

Council heard that a meeting had been held with Councillors and a resident, interested in promoting sustainability within the parish, to discuss potential opportunities for working together.  Following discussions with the resident it was agreed that they would work independently to gauge external interest for developing a stand-alone Sustainability Group and will provide Council with regular updates.

023/20. TO CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PERSONNEL & STANDARDS PANEL

a) To approve adoption of revised or new policies, as recommended by the Panel;

i) Grievance, disciplinary, complaints and appeals panel – Terms of Reference;

ii) Access to land managed by the Parish Council Policy;

iii) Village Green Policy;

iv) Advertising Guidance Policy;

v)  Expenses Payments to Councillors Policy;

vi) General Privacy Notice;

vii) Privacy Notice – Staff, Councillors and Volunteers;

viii) Privacy Policy.

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council approve the Terms of reference and policies shown as (a)(i) – (viii).  Unanimous

b)  Applications to re-site existing memorials – subject to the fee charged for new memorial        

Following discussion it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council amend current practices to allow consideration to a request to add additional wording to an existing memorial and its re-siting to enable those interred in side by side graves to share a memorial, as circumstances change.   A fee for consent to uplift and re-site the memorial will be charged at the prevailing rate (at the time of application to re-site) in line with that for consent to erect a memorial and approval of wording.  Unanimous

024/20.  COUNCIL MATTERS

a) To consider request from resident to purchase Council land west side of 12 Larch Avenue.

During discussion, it was raised that the main principle to be considered is do Council wish to sell off land in Council ownership?

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That Council do not generally support the principle of selling Council land assets and reject the request to sell their land at Larch Avenue.  For:  10;   Abstention: 1

b) To discuss Council moving towards ‘paperless’ arrangements

The Clerk advised that some initial enquiries had been made to explore opportunities for Council to move to ‘paperless’ arrangements using cloud storage for meeting papers and other documentation to be accessed by Councillors . There followed discussion about the potential to provide each Councillor with an electronic device for use on Council business e.g. to access papers and for Council emails.  It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That a small working group be formed and with the Clerk investigate the range of options available for moving paperless, the implications and costings and then report back to Council at a future meeting.  Unanimous

c)  Councillor Training – update

The Chairman recommended that all Councillors review the LALC training schedule and put forward any individual requests to attend sessions, to the Clerk.

025/20. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED

a)  Request to hire the Village Green – 6/12/20 for the Nettleham Festive Market

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  To agree the request for use of the Village Green for the Festive Market.  Unanimous

b)  Leaflet – ‘Vision for Nettleham’ and Council’s subsequent response

Council were advised that the Council’s response to the Truelove Developers ‘Vision for Nettleham’ had been posted on the Council’s website, Facebook and notice boards; also a copy sent to the developer.

c)  Correspondence following receipt of donation for replacement gate – access to Swathe. The contents of the email sent from Nettleham Junior School were noted.

d)  Request to use Bishops Palace grounds on 31/5/20 at 7am – by Methodist Church.

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  To agree the request for use of Bishops Palace grounds by the Church.  For: 10;   Abstentions: 1

e)  Feedback from Festive Market Committee – update about recipient organisations from proceeds.

Council received feedback that the Festive Market Committee have decided to make a £700 donation to All Saints Church Tower Fund, £150 to the Nettleham Christmas Day meal and £150 to the new sensory garden at the Nettleham Hub out of monies raised, last year.  Council congratulated the Committee on their achievements and thanks was given for all of their hard work and efforts, for the village.

f)   WLDC – to adopt a new Parish Charter

Council considered the contents of the WLDC Parish Charter and the contents were noted.  Cllr Barrett suggested that a specific WLDC Officer could be identified as point of contact, for Parish staff, and would submit his comments by way of a personal response direct to WLDC.

g)  LCC Traffic restrictions – 20.01.20 to 28.08.20 – A46 & roundabouts

Details were noted by Council. The Clerk reported that since display of the agenda, a request had been received from the Nettleham Carnival Committee for use of the Village Green on 11 July 2020.  However, the Village Green Policy, agreed earlier sets out there is ‘deemed permission’ for use by the Nettleham Carnival.  The Clerk to therefore notify the Committee of agreement for their use of The Green on 11/7/20, per Council policy.

026/20. COUNCILLORS REPORTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

• Bus stop, Deepdale Lane

027/20. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 17th March 2020 commencing at 7.30pm in the Small Hall, The Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham.

028/20. 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 SENSITIVE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS TO BE DISCUSSED.

At 9.22pm - It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED To move into closed session.  Unanimous

The public left the meeting room.

Councillor Siddall left the meeting room at 21.22pm and returned to the meeting room at 21.24pm

Following a short recess the following item was considered.

029/20. CLOSED SESSION ITEM

a) Provision of footpath update - Mulsanne Park to Stirlin Development (Commercially sensitive)

• Council heard that no response had been received as yet related to correspondence sent, during January 2020, to Stirlin Developments.
• Councillors and staff to meet with another contractor at Mulsanne Park to discuss outline of works required and to seek a further quotation for provision of the footpath.
• Clarification that hedging had been planted, on the boundary of Mulsanne Park to Lodge Lane.

APPENDIX 1               

List of Payments 01/01/20 – 31/01/20