Minutes - 27 September 2022
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT THE SMALL HALL, OLD SCHOOL, MILL HILL, NETTLEHAM
ON TUESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2022, AT 7.30PM
Present: Councillors: Cllr Mrs A White (Chairman), Cllr P Jenkinson, Cllr Mrs J Clayton, Cllr R Porter, Cllr D Newsam, Cllr A Henderson, Cllr C Higham, Cllr P McNeill.
Also in attendance: Mrs D Locker (Clerk/RFO), & 2 memberS of the public.
Councillors not present: Cllrs Evans, Barrett, Homer, Radcliffe. Also Cllr Mrs Brockway & Cllr J Oliver (WLDC) with apologies received.
Commencing at 7.30pm
Public Forum
The Chairman welcomed those in attendance, and opened the public forum.
Resident 1 – advised they wished to provide feedback about the Green Lane proposals and
- Clarified that the Nettleham Woodland Trust (NWT) as an organisation is neither for or against the proposals and will not be involved with the Green Lane project - most of the NWT membership live outside of the parish of Nettleham and their main focus in work at the wood in Dunholme.
- Following clarification, from LCC, that the Council is registered as owner of Green Lane - ownership brings responsibilities for action, particularly as the lane has not been managed for the last 50 years. The ash & sycamores trees down Green Lane have got out of hand; they can live 200-300 years and get very large. Management can be a challenge & concern particularly with the associated responsibility for Health & Safety measures & works (related to the trees);
- There is a need to consider the impact these trees have on other species, currently there are no berries, the hawthorn hedging is largely collapsing and in their view the lane is looking ‘sterile’ – this is their concern. The resident is supportive of the Councillors initial proposals, inviting residents to feedback their views for major improvements to Green Lane. They suggested the proposal to give a good cut back would bring gains – for the householder – as currently branches fall off into their garden areas, additional light/sunshine could be let into neighbouring resident gardens. Currently plants/fruit & vegetables cannot thrive and residents cannot get enough sunlight to generate solar energy.
- Suggested that if most of the trees on the resident fence boundary were removed, hedging could be added which would attract back the smaller birds, that no longer visit as they did. The lane could also dry out better as can be muddy, due to the canopy
Resident 2 – advised they were also supportive about doing something at Green Lane, but the Council needs to be careful. The Chairman confirmed that the resident’s comments, submitted earlier, have been considered. The resident added: that the Council’s initial proposals have merits but the Council need to take more time and be consistent e.g. with the climate strategy aims for reducing carbon (cutting trees down affects carbon capture). Suggested that perhaps in year 1 remove the saplings and the compression trees and develop a range of plans e.g. one might be to do the bare minimum, not chop down all the trees. In conclusion the resident recommended the proposals be taken back to the Property Committee to review and develop several proposals, looking at the pro’s & con’s for each and then make a decision.
Cllr Mrs Clayton provided feedback following consideration of the resident 2’s comments they had expressed, prior to the meeting in the letter sent to Council and earlier via other channels. Cllr Mrs Clayton expressed that resident 2’s comments (submitted prior to this meeting), about the initial Green Lane proposals could be considered inflammatory. There was no such motive from the Council to deny the opportunity for people to object to the proposals nor was it driven by pressure from residents from All Saints Lane; this is not how the Council operates. The Council advertised these initial proposals by the means available to them e.g. via Nettleham Matters, Facebook, noticeboards and asked for resident’s views. It was never intended as definitive public consultation as we cannot quantify how many people see it. At this stage it was simply an initial proposal for Property Committee to look to decide how to proceed. Committee could have said they didn’t like the proposals and ask it be looked at again; instead they recommended to bring it to full council. Until an outline scheme with a range of options can be agreed upon, then a management plan, with full details cannot be provided for public consideration. If the outline scheme appears so controversial then Council may need to do a mail shot to every property and call a public meeting. This is a very subjective issue; Green Lane is an ancient byway and far from detracting from its historical significance the idea was to try to bring it back to its roots. The photographs provided to Council shows how it once looked - but no longer. Tree dominance has undoubtedly reduced biodiversity, resulting now in what has been stated (by resident 1) as a rather sterile environment. However, it is stressed that there would still be a lot of trees remaining with an opportunity to attract a more diverse habitat. Additionally, around 3,000 trees have been planted around the area, which over time would help to offset carbon release following the loss of 30 trees. Should the Council support an alternative approach they will need to recruit a range of additional volunteers for the working group to work on alternative plans.
Cllr Higham confirmed that comments received about appendices to the Neighbourhood plan had been noted and will be fully taken into account.
Report from Cllr Mrs A White (WLDC):
- Cllr White’s written report had been circulated, prior to the meeting. In addition, feedback has since been received from WLDC that they may have additional monies available, from May 2023, to support the Hub from the Prosperity Fund. The planning application relating to the traveller site, at Grange de Lings, is being called in.
Cllr Porter asked if feedback had been received from WLDC relating to review of the Nettleham conservation area. The Chairman suggested that this is unlikely to be completed in the short term.
The Meeting opened at 7.50pm
134/22. To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting.
It was proposed, seconded andRESOLVED: To accept apologies and reasons for absence received from: Cllr J Evans, Cllr J Radcliffe, Cllr M Homer, Cllr J Barrett. Unanimous
135/22. Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
Cllr D Newsam declared an interest for agenda item 13(a)
136/22. Notes of the Parish Council’s meeting held on 19 July 2022 to be approved as minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 19 July 2022 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman. Unanimous - by those in attendance at that meeting.
137/22. Clerk’s Report (for information only)
The Clerk updated Council as follows:
- Council have placed an order to lease an electric works van – delivery due approx. 31.10.22;
- The Police have advised that 2 individuals have been identified as having been involved in creating graffiti on walls at Mulsanne Park (MUGA area) and Council will receive compensation to the sum of £25 from each of the 2 young people via restorative justice arrangements;
- The first pringles container recycling package has been returned via Terracycle. Any proceeds will be paid directly to both local schools;
- Two grant applications have been submitted – to both WLDC & LCC to the sum of £5,000 each towards purchase of solar panels and batteries to capture energy, at Mulsanne Pavilion. LCC have confirmed successful grant application with a decision awaited, from WLDC;
- LCC have advised that they would not support erection of bollards at each end of Green Lane but they would arrange a new sign to be erected to advise that motor vehicle use along the lane contravenes the road traffic act.
138/22. Financial Matters
a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/07/22 – 31/08/22
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made during July & August 2022. Unanimous
b) To consider the Income & Expenditure report at 31/08/22
The contents were noted.
c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/08/22
The bank account statement balances were checked against statements & signed off by the Chairman
d) To ratify submission of grant application to LCC for wildlife grant - £500 for Green Lane planting
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To ratify submission of the grant application to LCC for the wildlife grant. Unanimous
e) To discuss whether or not to opt out of Government appointed External Auditor arrangements
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council continue to use the External Auditor service appointed by Government. Unanimous
f) To approve submission of £350 Government funded grant application for workplace electric vehicle charging point at Parish Office
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve submission of the grant application for a workplace electric charging point. Unanimous
139/22. Planning Matters
a) To receive/ratify recommendations or observations on the following planning applications:-
1) 15 The Crescent – Mr Zamo – 144692. Planning application for demolition of garage and erect single storey extension to provide family Annex. Planning Liaison Panel comments submitted 16/8/22
This property is in the conservation area so the Council would expect all relevant policies to be adhered to particularly E4 of Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan, and D3 parking.The Parish Council also have concern about the whether the annexe is "clearly ancillary to and subservient in size and scale to the host dwelling, and of a design which, taken as a whole, complements the host dwelling” as required by the CLLP Policy NS27. In addition, there is the possibility that in the future, the proposed development might become a separate dwelling from the original which would be contrary to the policy criteria being used here to assess it suitability.
2) Elsham to Lincoln Pipeline – Anglian Water Services – 145096. Planning application - Hybrid planning application for proposed 57km pipeline scheme between Elsham and Lincoln. Planning Liaison Panel comments - No comment
3) 21 Mill Hill – Mr J Stewart - 145341
Planning application for removal of existing detached garage and erection of detached garage/store. Planning Liaison Panel comments – No comment
4) Meadow Rise, Welton Rd – Ms P Summerlin – 145319 Planning application for first floor extension to rear with two storey extension to side. Planning Liaison Planning comments – No Comment
5) 16 The Green – Mr D Gill - 145356. Planning application to install new apertures to rear elavations and 4no. new roof lights -
resubmission of 144719. Planning Liaison Planning comments – No Comment
6) 56 Brookfield Avenue – Mr & Mrs Beedham - 145378. Planning application for two storey side extension with balcony. Planning Liaison Panel comments - No objection to building consent with the condition that
- the proximity to the beck is recognised appropriate care and
- protection for the beck is provided
7) Land to north of 40 Lodge Lane – Mr M Croger – 145433. Planning application for the construction of a specialist 65-bedroom dementia care home (Use Class C2) together with associated car and cycle parking, structural landscaping and amenity space Provision. Request to be sent to WLDC for extension of time to develop the Council’s response.
8) 22 Washdyke Lane – Mr S Robertson – 145489. Planning application for proposed single story rear extension, proposed double story porch extension and proposed first floor side extension with proposed facade alterations.
Planning Liaison Panel comments – No comments
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To ratify comments submitted. Approve comments and they be submitted to WLDC. Unanimous
b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals & withdrawals, Decisions received
i) Appeals:
- Land rear of 72 Scothern Rd – Ms E Truelove – 144264. APP/N2535/W/22/3300608. Planning application to vary condition 5 of outline planning permission ref. 131975 granted 14 March 2017 (as amended by 140640 approved 8 July 2020 and 141843 approved 12 February 2021) (erect 68no. dwellings-10no. affordable- including open space provision, associated garages and infrastructure and footpath cycleway link to Sudbrooke considering layout and scale) - amended construction method statement. Planning application refused 14/04/2022. Appeal to Planning Inspector 5/8/22
c) Tree applications –
- 15 The Crescent – Mr E Zamo – 145429. Notice to fell one apple tree
d) Update on outstanding planning matters
Concerns were expressed that WLDC do not appear to monitor or following up on conditions attached to planning applications, or condition breaches, unless reported to them.
140/22. Property Committee - Recommendations
a) To consider the notes from Property Committee meeting held on 6 September 2022
The contents of the draft notes were considered.
b) To discuss environmental improvement proposals at Green Lane
The Chairman suggested that some feedback had already been received about the Green Lane proposals and that the items should be sent back to Property Committee for further consideration and development of proposals. Cllr Mrs Clayton will provide a written response to residents, not in attendance at the meeting, who have provided feedback to date. Cllr Mrs Clayton was thanked, by Council for all of the work she has put in, to date, in development of this project. There followed discussion that some initial smaller tidying up type works could be arranged in the short term.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To increase membership of the Green Lane Working group by inviting interested residents to become members. To update residents with the outcome. Unanimous
c) To discuss a written agreement for ongoing use of Mulsanne Park by Cricket and Football clubs & associated terms and conditions
Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve the grant of ‘letters of comfort’ to the Football Club and Cricket Club relating to their use of Mulsanne Park and Pavilion. For 7, Abstention 1.
d) To consider potential F.A. grant funding opportunity for pitch improvements at Mulsanne Park
Council heard that the F.A. had written to advise about the range of grant funding available and to offer a free pitch inspection. Any proposals for grant related works identified by the Football Club will be submitted to Council for prior approval.
141/22. Council Matters
a) To approve street names for new Hawthorn’s development
Following feedback from the developer, alternative street names were put forward: Birch, Hazel, Yew, Holly, Sycamore, Blackthorn, Elm, Lime, Hornbeam, Alder, Aspen, Buckthorn, Dogwood, Elder, Juniper, Maple. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve submission of revised street names to the developer and WLDC for the new Hawthorn’s development, as requested. Unanimous
b) To note contents of Adviser’s report following completion of Health & Safety Audit August 2022. The contents were noted. Section 12 sets out the conclusions. It was expressed that it is a favourable Health & Safety report for the Council.
The Chairman requested that item 10(b) on the agenda be moved and considered as the next item under Council matters
c) To discuss options to provide ‘warm spaces’ for residents, due to energy crisis
The overall concept is for organisations to provide community warm spaces where people, struggling to provide their own heating, can come together with others to keep warm. Clerk to write to local churches and the Hub to check whether they are going to provide warm spaces.
142/22. To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group
The draft revised Neighbourhood Plan consultation period ended on 9/09/22. The Neighbourhood Plan Review Group have begun to analyse and consider the many comments. The two most extensive topics for comment were `Climate Change` and the need for more of consideration of parts of the parish beyond the village. Both of these topics will have a meeting devoted to them. Two further meetings will be arranged to consider other matters addressed by residents and other relevant respondents. The Group will consider and amend the draft Plan taking into account all feedback. Completion of the Central Lincs Local Plan which will affect the final Nettleham Plan is expected mid 2023.
143/22. To receive an update from the Climate Change Working Group – (RP)
a) To consider the minutes from the meeting held on 18/07/22 & 08/09/22
The contents noted.
144/22. To receive an update from the Sustainable Travel Working
Update - the Government’s £2 bus trip fare offer has now been pushed back to January 2023.
145/22. To receive an update from the Swathe Working Group
A meeting has been arranged with the proposed Swathe extension designer for 7/10/22 to discuss initial outline designs.
146/22. Correspondence
a) Request to use the Village Green 1st & 2nd October 2022 for Scarecrow festival
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve use of the Village Green on 1st & 2nd October 2022. For 7, Abstention 1
b) Recognition of commitment & time put in to coordinate improvements to Mulsanne Pavilion
Council considered the contents of a letter received from the Vice-Chairman of Nettleham Cricket Club who requested the opportunity to put on record sincere and heartfelt thanks to Councillor Newsam for all of the time and effort he has personally put into coordinating and delivery of the Mulsanne Pavilion refurbishment project. The Council members also expressed their thanks and praise to Councillor Newsam for all of his efforts, which have also realised significant financial savings to the Parish Council.
c) Concerns that Nettleham is being used as a ‘rat run’ & information about 20mph speed limits
Following consideration, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Councillor Porter develop a suitable response to be sent to the resident. Unanimous
d) Response from AWA following Council’s concern about flooding issues – Beck/Watermill Lane area
The Chairman advised she had arranged to meet with the WLDC Flood risk lead to discuss flooding at Cross Street. AWA have also written to Council to advise that they will undertake a CCTV survey of the sewers, around Beckside, within two weeks, to ensure that they are free flowing and structurally sound.
147/22. Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items
- Traffic update – item for next meeting (RP)
148/22. Date of Next Meetings – The next meeting of the Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 18 October 2022 commencing, at 7.30pm at the Small Hall, The Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham.
149/22. 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 9.23pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To move into closed session. Unanimous
Members of the public left the meeting room.
150/22. Closed session items:
a) To consider nominations received for Ray Sellars Award 2022
Following consideration of the nominations received for 3 candidates, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To award the Ray Sellars Community Award 2022 to David Ranshaw for his services to Nettleham Cricket Club during the last 44 years. For 5; Abstentions 3.
b) To undertake a quarterly review of communication from resident having regard to the Council’s vexatious complainants’ policy
Following the interim 3-month review by Councillors, it was proposed, seconded and
RESOLVED: To continue with measures put in place by Council, for the remainder of the six-month term, due to non-compliance of conditions. Unanimous
At 9.45pm the Clerk left the meeting room
c) To discuss staffing related matters
Following notice received from the current post holder, Council advertised during July/August 2022 to recruit to the role of Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer. Subsequently, Council were unable to attract a suitably experienced candidate for the role. Following a review of the current post holder’s workloads and duties, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: To approve deletion of the existing post of Clerk/RFO and replace with two new part-time roles of Clerk (30hrs per week) & Responsible Financial Officer (12-15 hrs per week); along with approval to advertise and recruit to the new roles. Unanimous.
The meeting closed at 10.03pm
Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Appendix 1 - Payments made July 2022
|
PAYEE |
AMOUNT |
TRANSACTION |
|
AB PLUMBING & GAS |
-£220.00 |
Mulsanne pavilion mods |
|
ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE |
-£167.04 |
IT management |
|
ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE |
-£25.49 |
07/08 - Phone rental & VOIP calls |
|
ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE |
-£25.49 |
06/07 - Phone rental & VOIP calls |
|
AEGIS TECHNOLOGIES |
-£678.00 |
new alarm - MP mods |
|
ALLENBY GLASS & SCREWFIX |
-£19.36 |
glass replacement & goods - MP |
|
AMAZON |
-£39.75 |
Emergency exit LED sign - MP |
|
B KNIGHT & SON LTD |
-£41.16 |
Lincolnshire rail |
|
BT GROUP PLC |
-£66.25 |
Line & broadband - OS & PO |
|
BUILD BASE |
-£628.29 |
Goods for MP refurbishment |
|
CLEAN SWEEP COMMER |
-£285.60 |
Cleaning - MP & OS |
|
CONTINENTAL LANDSC |
-£4,769.41 |
Grass cutting |
|
COOP BANK |
-£13.68 |
Bank charges |
|
DATAPLAN INVOICE |
-£66.00 |
Payroll contractor |
|
EDF ENERGY |
-£567.00 |
Utilities - gas & electric |
|
EE LIMITED |
-£29.48 |
3 x mobile phone line/calls |
|
ESPO |
-£141.54 |
Toilet sundries & stationery |
|
HOWDENS |
-£1,754.53 |
Goods for MP refurbishment |
|
JAMES HEATH ELECTR |
-£480.00 |
Electrical work - MP mods |
|
KONICA MINOLTA |
-£95.22 |
QRT photocopier lease |
|
KONICA MINOLTA |
-£47.02 |
Qtr printing charges |
|
LALC |
-£144.00 |
Play area inspection training |
|
LALC |
-£72.00 |
1st Aid training |
|
LALC |
-£30.00 |
Networking day - 6/7 |
|
LALC |
-£12.00 |
Cllr networking day - 29/6 |
|
Lincoln Print & Co |
-£1,512.81 |
Neighbourhood plan printing |
|
Lincoln Print & Co |
-£202.00 |
Neighbourhood plan printing |
|
MISS J ASHBY |
-£14.40 |
June mileage reimb |
|
MR D NEWSAM |
-£111.85 |
Reimbursement - MP |
|
MR D NEWSAM |
-£35.14 |
REIMBURSEMENT - MP |
|
MR MARK A CROPPER |
-£650.00 |
Tree works - Wold View |
|
MR MARK A CROPPER |
-£400.00 |
Tree works Bill Baileys |
|
MR MICHAEL SMALL |
-£2,028.00 |
Building works - MP |
|
PERSONNEL ADVICE & SOLS |
-£120.00 |
Personnel adviser |
|
PHS GROUP |
-£538.85 |
Annual - sanitary bin disposal |
|
PUBLIC WORKS LOANS |
-£7,896.27 |
1/2 year public loan interest |
|
R NEVARD |
-£900.00 |
Plumbing works - MP mods |
|
RUDIES ROOTS NURSERIES |
-£801.84 |
Summer planting |
|
SALARIES RELATED |
-£7,491.03 |
Salaries related |
|
SHELL |
-£18.31 |
fuel for mower |
|
SYSTEMATIC PRINT |
-£126.00 |
Blue plaque design & plaque |
|
TUCANN LTD |
-£122.40 |
3 x months OS adverts in NM |
|
VWFS UK LIMITED |
-£174.73 |
Van lease |
|
WEST LINDSEY DISTR |
-£70.00 |
Premises licence - MP |
|
TOTAL |
-£33,631.94 |
|
Appendix 2 - Payments made August 2022
|
PAYEE |
£ AMOUNT |
TRANSACTION |
|
AB PLUMBING & GAS |
-£200.00 |
Work at Mulsanne Pavilion |
|
ACTIVE8 MANAGED TE |
-£167.04 |
IT management |
|
ADSDF LTD |
-£234.00 |
Deposit - Swathe drawings |
|
ANGLIAN WATER BUSI |
-£129.10 |
Various water charges (qtr) |
|
B KNIGHT & SON LTD |
-£189.60 |
Bench repair - BP |
|
BT GROUP PLC |
-£86.90 |
Alarm Line charge MP (qtr) |
|
BT GROUP PLC |
-£66.25 |
Line & broadband OS&PO |
|
BUILD BASE |
-£95.87 |
Pressure washer hire - MP |
|
BUILD BASE |
-£28.62 |
Graffiti removal related |
|
CONTINENTAL LANDSCAPES |
-£743.81 |
Grasscutting |
|
COOP BANK |
-£13.68 |
Bank charges |
|
COUNTY CUPS LTD |
-£25.00 |
bench plaque (refunded) |
|
DATAPLAN INVOICE |
-£66.00 |
Payroll contractor |
|
EDF ENERGY |
-£567.00 |
Utilities - Gas & electric |
|
EE LIMITED |
-£30.22 |
Mobile phone lines x 3 |
|
EKM LTD |
-£1,128.00 |
Repairs to play areas |
|
ESPO |
-£192.89 |
Toileting sundries OS/MP |
|
FLEETDRIVE MANAGEMENT |
-£234.00 |
New van - management fee |
|
HOWDENS |
-£7,711.71 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
HOWDENS |
-£1,081.40 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
HOWDENS |
-£284.75 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
HOWDENS |
-£31.76 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
HOWDENS |
-£9.58 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
HOWDENS |
-£4.06 |
Joinery/kitchen/bar refit - MP |
|
JET GARAGE |
-£115.07 |
Van & mower fuel |
|
LALC |
-£66.00 |
Training related |
|
LINCOLN SECURITY |
-£102.00 |
Annual alarm servicing - PO |
|
LINCOLNSHIRE FLOOR |
-£8,400.00 |
Flooring at M. Pavilion |
|
LINDUM FIRE SERVICES |
-£173.76 |
Fire extinguisher checks/work |
|
MISS J ASHBY |
-£17.55 |
July mileage |
|
MR D NEWSAM |
-£114.22 |
Reimbursement - MP mods |
|
PERSONNEL ADVICE & SOLS |
-£120.00 |
Personnel adviser |
|
POST OFFICE |
-£16.32 |
Stamps |
|
PPL PRS LTD |
-£493.32 |
PPL/PRS charges OS/MP/VG |
|
SALARIES RELATED |
-£7,486.64 |
Salaries related |
|
VWFS UK LIMITED |
-£174.73 |
Van lease |
|
WEST LINDSEY DISTR |
-£100.00 |
Defibrillator - annual maint. |
|
TOTAL |
-£ 30,700.85
|
|