Minutes - 15 September 2020

NETTLEHAM PARISH COUNCIL
 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 
HELD REMOTELY ON TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2020, AT 7.30PM. 
 
Present:  Councillors: J Evans (Chairman), P Jenkinson (Vice-Chairman), Mrs J Clayton, M Homer, Mrs A White, P McNeill, D Newsam, J Barrett, J Radcliffe, A Henderson, C Higham.
 
Also in attendance remotely: Mrs D Locker (Clerk), 1 members of the public PC Harrison
 
Councillors not present: - Apologies received from Councillors Mrs Brockway (LCC) & Cllr G McNeill (WLDC) 
Commencing at 7.30pm
 
The Chairman welcomed those in attendance remotely and would commence with the opening of the public session.
 
Public Forum
Councillor Mrs White (WLDC) advised:
  • The interpretation board, designed by the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Officer, for the ridge and furrow field abutting the Chase estate, off Deepdale Lane has been vetted by the Nettleham Heritage group; it is hoped to be commissioned in vinyl and erected in the near future. 

PC Rachel Harrison was in attendance on behalf of the Police

  • Introduced herself as the Police Nettleham Beat Manager and new to the role;
  • The national Police crime statistics on the crime.uk website include incidents, shown to have occurred in the vicinity of the Police HQ in Nettleham where the location of the crime are not known.  PC Harrison recommended that the Parish Council write to the Police & Crime Commissioner if concerned about the way these crimes are recorded as having occurred within the Nettleham parish;
  • Actual incidents reported to the Police within the last month are low and have mostly been associated with anti-social behaviour.  These include: begging outside of the Coop store, door to door sales reported, a couple of vehicle nuisances related to speeding, parking issues (parking on footpath) reported outside of Bill Bailey’s playing field.  PC Harrison confirmed that the local beat team will monitor the situation and issue tickets as appropriate;
  • The Chairman advised that Council had recently installed a speed indicator device and will liaise with the Road Safety Partnership team and PC Harrison, once evidence and speeding data had been collated;
  • Councillors also requested that the Police provide more of a physical presence, at Mulsanne Park;
  • The Clerk raised that two rough sleepers had been reported to the Parish Office (outside Coop & wooded area between Brown Cow and the S bends).  PC Harrison confirmed that the Police HQ field had already been checked and there was no sign of a rough sleeper – perhaps they had moved on.  However, the Police cannot move people on from privately owned land, it is for the landowner to report this, but the Police would check the second location to see if still in situ.

The Chairman thanked PC Harrison for her attendance, remotely, and for the feedback provided; he also extended the invite for her to attend future meetings.

The Meeting opened at 7.55pm
 
100/20.  To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting
No apologies received as all Parish Councillors were in attendance
 
101/20.  Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
Councillor Newsam declared an interest in respect of items 11(c) and 11(d) on the agenda
 
102/20.  Notes of the Council’s Extra Ordinary meeting held on 4 August 2020 to be approved as minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council, held on 4 August 2020, be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.  Unanimous - (by those that had been in attendance at that meeting).
 
103/20.  Clerk’s Report (for information only)
  • The Council’s external auditors had advised that the Annual Governance and Accountability Return  (AGAR)  for 2019/20 has been considered and has been passed through for final sign off;
  • New accessible website – the Clerk is currently reviewing existing and developing new material for inclusion on the newly built website; these changes are required to enable Council to meet the new accessibility regulations which come into force on 23/920. The revised website will be forwarded on to LCC to request its launch, by 23/9/20;
  • Interviews for the post of Assistant Clerk are being held on Thursday 17 September 2020;
  • Following application to West Lindsey District Council, the Parish Council has been awarded a £10,000 grant from the Government’s Business Rate Grant Fund;
  • Room hire bookings are down considerably, although some regular hirers have confirmed they wish to return, having regard to Covid-19 restrictions.  Financially, however, the revenue is likely to be down significantly as some key hirers that book for full mornings are not able to return, at this time; 
  • No applications have been received in respect of the Councillor vacancy and a further notice that the vacancy will be filled by Co-option has been advertised.  The closing date has been set at 29/10/20 and should any applications be received, they will be considered at the meeting scheduled for 10/11/20.
  • A request has been received to open up the Pavilion and changing rooms for use by football teams.  Enquiries have been made with City of Lincoln Council and all of their changing facilities remain closed.  However, a Councillor reported that they had personally made enquiries with some privately owned clubs who have opened up changing rooms and Lincs Football Association have reported that if league clubs have travelling distance of 1hr plus then there should be offered use of the changing rooms. The Clerk read out an extract from the current Government guidance that states that use of changing rooms should be avoided where possible and should encourage players to come changed and return home to change and shower. General feedback from Councillors was that Council should follow the government guidance. There followed discussion about allowing use of the Pavilion & kitchen for provision & sale of hot drinks and snacks to attendees.  Consensus was not to allow opening up of the hall or kitchen and allow acces s only to the disabled toilet.
104/20.   Financial Matters 
a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/07/20 – 31/08/20
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made during July & August 2020.  Unanimous
b) To consider the Income & Expenditure report as at 31/08/20
The contents of the report were noted.
c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/08/20
The bank account statement balances were checked and signed off as a true record by the Chairman. 
d) To advise that the National staff annual pay award has been agreed - backdated to 1/4/20
The Clerk reported that the final settlement of the Local Government annual pay award of 2.75% had been backdated to 1 April 2020.
 
105/20.  Planning Matters 
a) To ratify/receive recommendations/observations on the following planning applications:-
1)  Brunel House, Deepdale Enterprise Park, Mr Paul Johnson, 141439
Prior approval for proposed change of use from offices to 5no. dwellings
Comments from the Planning Liaison Panel: -
Nettleham Parish Council strongly objects to this proposed change of use for the following reasons:
  • For sustainability reasons we need to maintain employment opportunities in Nettleham.
  • This area has been designated as an enterprise park for well over a decade and last remaining plot has been sold with planning permission recently granted for a new building. 
  • It is the only area in Nettleham providing substantial non-retail or agricultural employment
  • The reason the building has remained unsold over recent months is 2 fold - We are currently coming out of a pandemic and so businesses are unlikely to invest in new premises until the future business picture is clearer.  It is therefore anticipated that commercial sales will pick up over the coming months.  It is not realistically priced for sale.   The property is currently priced at £1460/sqm, another building of similar size and design was sold on this enterprise park for £1280/sqm.  That building sold within 3 months of going on the market.  Other offices of a similar quality and size can also be found at City Park Lincoln for a price of £1130/sqm.
  • An attempt was made in 2014 (PA131513) to change the use of a plot on the enterprise park, to convert its use to 4 dwellings.  The change was requested due to the claimed difficulty in selling the plot, which was the final vacant plot on the site. The application was dismissed at appeal. The Inspectors conclusion states: “Weighing these matters in the planning balance, I conclude that the benefits of the proposed residential development would not outweigh the loss of allocated employment land. The appeal scheme would not, therefore, represent a sustainable form of  development and, for the reasons given above, and taking all other matters into consideration, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed. “The plot was later sold for commercial use and now has planning approval for office accommodation.
  • Nettleham currently is not short of new houses, as we have in excess of the number allocated in the CLLP.  The number totalling some 260 currently completed, in build, or with full outline approval against 237 in the CLLP.  So an additional 5 would not add significantly to the housing stock.

Considering the above Nettleham Parish Council requests that this change of use is denied and the successful Deepdale Enterprise Park remains in tact as an important and attractive employment location in Nettleham. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify thecomments made by the Planning Liaison Panel. Unanimous

2)  51, High Street, Mr R Brown, 141515
Planning application for extensions and modifications, including erection of single garage
Comments from the Planning Liaison Panel: - No comments in respect of this application
3)  22, Beckside, Mr Michael Spencer, 141383
Planning application for porch to provide link between workshop and summer house to create annex to the main dwelling and other alterations.
Comments from the Planning Liaison Panel: - No comments in respect of this application
(b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals and Withdrawals, Decisions received
 i) Appeal Decisions - none
ii) Decisions
  • Land off Deepdale Lane, Mr M Mann, 140938.  Application for construction of 33.no. entry level homes & associated infrastructure. Refused – 25.08.20
  • Land off, 72, Scothern Road, 141487.  Application for non-material amendment to planning permission 131975 granted 14 March 2017 - amendment to boundary locations - 04/09/2020 - Part granted, part refused
  • 57, Scothern Road, Mr. Andrew Myers, 141268, Prior approval to extend dwellinghouse 6 metres from rear wall of original dwellinghouse, 2.4 metres to height of eaves of enlarged part of dwellinghouse and 4 metres to highest point of enlarged part of dwellinghouse. Granted without conditions - 20/08/2020
  • 23, Shaw Way, Mr & Mrs D Fogg, 141169 App for a two storey and single storey rear extension with garage conversion – approved 5/8/20
  • 73, Sudbrooke Lane, Mr Oliver Samkin, 141168, Planning application for a rear single storey extension - Approved 24/07/20
  • Nettleham Methodist Church, High Street, 141060, Planning application for proposed extension and alterations to demolish and replace the existing flat roofed extension to the front and add a gable roof to a rear flat roofed element with an extension to its side elevation. Approved 8/7/20
  • 41, Greenfields, Ms C Dunn, 141058, Planning application to remove existing garage and erect rear and side extension approved 3/7/20
  • 21 Beckside, Mrs F Buckle, 141035. Planning application for a single storey sun room extension – approved 7/7/20
  • Chapters, 13, Parkside, J Owens, 140978, Planning application to erect raised ground floor balcony - approved 2/7/20
(c) Tree Application – None
(d)  Update on outstanding planning
 
106/20.  Property Committee Matters 
a)  To consider the draft minutes from the Property Committee – 1 September 2020
The draft minutes from were noted.
b)  To approve recommendation to purchase a notice board for Mulsanne – cost of £502.32 +vat
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to approve expenditure of £502.32 to purchase a notice board at Mulsanne Park.   Unanimous
c)  To approve expenditure of up to £1200 for provision of Village Green Christmas tree
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to approve expenditure of up to £1200 to purchase a Christmas tree for the Village Green.  Unanimous
d)  To discuss recommendations for tree works to be undertaken in the parish 
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to approve expenditure of up to £2,170 to undertake necessary remedial works as identified.  Unanimous
 
107/20.  To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Group (CH)
Council were advised that the contractor has been appointed to undertake the Character Assessment for the Neighbourhood Plan review.  Additionally the Planning system is currently being reviewed, as set out in the Government White paper which is likely to have a significant impact on the revised Central Lincolnshire Plan and implications for the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan Review. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: that Council write to Sir Edward Leigh M.P. to express concerns about the proposals, as set out in the planning White Paper, and to ask that he also raise Council’s concerns with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government.   For: 10; Abstention: 1
 
108/20.  Personnel & Standards Panel – Update & Recommendations
a)  To provide an update regarding recruitment to the vacant post of Assistant Clerk
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: that Council give authority to the Personnel and Standards Panel to make a provisional offer to a suitable candidate, following interviews and receipt of acceptable references.  Unanimous
b)  To consider the Panel’s recommendations to approve the updated policies:
i)  Equal Opportunities
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: that Council agree and adopt the policy.  Unanimous 
ii) Records Retention 
Following discussion and minor adjustment (financial years equates to 6 full financial years plus the current financial year), it was proposed, seconded and 
RESOLVED: that Council agree and adopt the policy.  For: 10;   Abstention: 1 
iii)  Whistleblowing
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: that Council agree and adopt the policy.  Unanimous 
 
109/20.  Council Matters
a) To receive the Communications & Publicity Strategy update (PJ)
This item was deferred and the strategy will be circulated for consideration at the next meeting.
b) To discuss development of forthcoming articles for submission to Nettleham Matters (PJ)
A range of subject areas were proposed for submission to Nettleham Matters to include: Speed monitoring data; Lace Housing development; update relating to the refusal of the planning application for 33 entry level dwellings off Deepdale Lane; trees; beck; Vicar’s Wood; Neighbourhood Plan Review; Mulsanne Park/Pavilion – including updated photographs.
c) To discuss traffic flow around the village centre (DN)
Following discussion about potential options that could assist in promoting appropriate parking around the centre of the village, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to request a meeting with Lincolnshire County Council Highways Officers to discuss the traffic flow around the village centre and to also request provision of a new public footpath outside of the new housing development, on Lodge Lane.  Unanimous
d) To consider a request for permission to site a food vendors vehicle on Mulsanne Park car park every Saturday from 3.30pm – 8.30pm for the sale of take away Tai & Japanese food
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That the Clerk make enquiries to establish the associated legal position should Council allow the weekly use of the Pavilion car park, at a fee, for the sale of take away food by a vendor, initially for a trial period.  For:  8;   Abstentions: 3
e)  To receive an update following installation of the Speed Indicator Device (JR)
Data information recorded by the speed indicator device, on Deepdale Lane during the period 3/08/20 – 26/08/20 set out that: 
  • 78,595 traffic movements were recorded leaving the village via Deepdale La with 68,796 travelling in;
  • 934 vehicles exceeding 41mph leaving the village via Deepdale La with 1648 exceeding 41mph in;
  • 16 vehicles travelling over 50mph, & 12 over 60mph into the village via Deepdale Lane;
  • Maximum speed into village 71mph & out was 66mph.
The speed indicator device has now been moved to Sudbrooke Lane and then be moved to Scothern La and other locations, including: Washdyke Lane and Lodge Lane. 
 
110/20.  Correspondence Received (for information)
a) Letters expressing concern about inconsiderate parking on highway/footpath on Scothern Rd & developer’s vision for Nettleham
It was raised that this issue had been covered earlier during responses received from PC Harrison who had confirmed that they would arrange PCSO checks and firm action will be taken with issuing of notices for obstruction, where appropriate.  The Facilities Mgr. will also liaise with the Police to develop signage.
b) Letter requesting Council consideration to purchase a second Speed Indicator Device for  the parish
Following discussion it was agreed that the Clerk write to the resident to advise that Council had found the initial indicator data  produced, very useful, and once a complete assessment of the data from across the parish has been collated and reviewed, Council will give further consideration to this request.
c) Request to site a commemorative bench at Bishops Palace
It was acknowledged that Council has already decided that no further benches would be agreed for erection, except for replacement of existing.  However as there appears to be a shortage of seating at Bishops Palace site, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council allow the siting of a commemorative bench to be sited on Bishops Palace ancient monument site, at the highest point.  For: 10;   Abstention: 1
d) Request to use Mulsanne Park Car Park as a drop-off & collection point for Beavers, Cubs & Scouts meetings and activities
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council approve the request for the Mulsanne Park car park be available to the Beavers, Cubs & Scouts, for drop off/pick up for their activities. For:  10; Abstention: 1
 
111/20.  Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items
  • Speed Watch
  • Widen My path
  • Lace development update
  • Councillor Co-option update
112/20.  Date of Next Remote Meeting of the Parish Council – has been arranged for Tuesday 13 October 2020 commencing at 7.30pm
 
At 10pm Councillor Evans lost internet connection and left the meeting
At 10pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  That the Vice Chairman – Cllr Jenkinson Chair the remainder of the meeting. Unanimous
At 10.01pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED:  To suspend Standing Orders to allow the meeting to be extended for a further 10 minutes to enable urgent business to be considered.  Unanimous.
 
113/20. 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 commercial or sensitive nature of business to be discussed
 
At 10.02pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To move into closed session. Unanimous. No members of the public were in attendance
 
114/20. Items to be considered under Closed Session
a) To consider quotations received, to enter into a 5 year lease for a replacement photocopier/printer 
Following consideration of the four quotations received, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To accept the lowest quotation and agree the set-up of a 5 year lease contract with Konica Minolta to be signed by the Parish Clerk.   Unanimous
 
The meeting closed at 10.06pm
 
APPENDIX 1 – List of Payments made 1/7/20 – 31/08/20
 

PAYEE

AMOUNT (incl. VAT)

TRANSACTION

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TECH

-137.02

IT support

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TECH

-24.65

Cloud hosting & calls

AKO GROUNDWORKS

-120

Post works - Permissive paths

AMAZON

-11.86

Wheelbarrow inner tubes

AMAZON

-27.9

Face masks & vinyl gloves

BT GROUP PLC

-81.6

Parish Office - broadband, line rental

BT GROUP PLC

-109.92

Mulsanne alarm line rental

CONTINENTAL LANDSC

-3,576.46

Grass cutting - June 2020

CONTINENTAL LANDSC

-2,959.26

Grass cutting - April 2020

CORONA ENERGY RETA

-210.83

Utilities - final readings charge

DATAPLAN INVOICE

-60

Payroll contractor

EDF ENERGY

-507.56

Utilities - monthly charge

EE LIMITED

-40.06

Mobile phones (x4) rental

ELAN CITY LTD

-2,350.00

Speed Indicator device

HIGHSPEED TRAINING

-150

Staff online training

HSQE LTD

-96

Staff H&S online training

J REED

-200

Pest control Bishops Meadow

JAMES HEATH ELECTRICAL

-196.93

Electrical works - Old School

JAMES HEATH ELECTRICAL

-165

Electrical works - Old School Store

KONICA MINOLTA

-139.64

Quarterly copy/print charges

KONICA MINOLTA

-99.97

Photocopier quarter rental

LAND REGISTRY

-6

Land Ownership enquiry

LINCOLN DIOCESAN

-805

Gate replacement - access Swathe

M POPE BUILDING LTD

-520.2

Repairs - Old School & Parish Office

MISS J ASHBY

-26.1

Staff mileage reimbursement - Jun 20

MR MARK A CROPPER

-750

Spring tree works

MULTIDATA LTD

-38.92

Wi-Fi Old School

PERSONNEL ADVICE SOLUTIONS

-120

Personnel contractor

PIB RISK MANAGEMENT

-720

Health & Safety audit

PUBLIC WORKS LOANS

-7,896.27

Loan repayment - half year

RUDIES ROOTS NURSERY

-868.28

Summer Planting

SALARY RELATED

-6300.8

Salaries, HMRC, Pensions

TPS OFFICE FURNITURE

-158.4

Glass screen & covid related sundries

TYSON MOWERS

-149.98

Strimmer & hedge trimmer

VWFS  UK  LIMITED

-218.34

Works vehicle lease (mthly)

WICKSTEED LEISURE

-390.86

Repair parts - play equipment

ZOOM

-28.78

Zoom mthly charges (x 2)

TIMPSONS

-17.50

Keys cut

EUROCELL

-10.84

Silicon & edging for Mulsanne worktops

WAITROSE

- 49.70

Fuel – works van and village equipment

LIDL

- 3.98

2 X packs of cable ties

WICKS

-11.70

Heavy duty dustbin for Mulsanne Pk

EUROCELL

-10.09

Silicon - worktops seal at Old School kitchen

ALDI

-4.38

Cleaning products

AMAZON

-71.85

Liquid sanitizer

AMAZON

-12.71

Signage - Mulsanne

B&M

-9.98

Cleaning equipment

HCL CLAMPS

-64.75

Clamps for speed indicator device

ZOOM

-28.78

Zoom mthly charges (x 2)

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE

-137.02

IT support

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE

-34.68

Cloud hosting & calls

BT GROUP PLC

-81.60

Parish Office - broadband, line rental

CDS GROUP

-1560.00

Cemetery plan works

CONTINENTAL LANDSCAPES

-4029.91

Grass cutting - July 20

CONTINENTAL LANDSCAPES

-2753.72

Grasscutting - Aug 20

DATAPLAN INVOICE

-60.00

Payroll contractor

EDF ENERGY

-454.00

Utilities - monthly charge

EE LIMITED

-38.95

Mobile phones (x4) rental

ESPO

-280.88

sanitizer dispensers & office supplies

JAMES HEATH ELECTRICAL

-208.50

Electrical works - Mulsanne Pk

SALARY RELATED

-6328.74

Salaries, HMRC, Pensions

LINCOLN SECURITY LTD

-96.00

Intruder alarm - annual checks

LINDUM FIRE SERVICES

-399.54

Annual fire safety checks

MISS J ASHBY

-34.20

Staff mileage

MR PETER ELSOM

-45.00

Window Cleaning

MULTIDATA LTD

-38.92

Wi-Fi Old School

PERSONNEL ADVICE SOLUTIONS

-120.00

Personnel contractor

SCIS UK

-36.00

.gov.uk email support

TUCANN LTD

-36.00

Advert for Old School

VWFS  UK  LIMITED

-218.34

Works vehicle lease (mthly)

COOP BANK

-27.36

Bank charges July & Aug

WICKS

-6.00

Padlock for speed indicator device

WAITROSE

-69.35

Fuel for works van & village equipment

SCOTHERN NURSERIES

-4.88

Tree ties