2023 Parish Council Minutes

NETTLEHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

HELD AT THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM ON TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2023, AT 7.35PM

Present: Councillors: Cllr Mrs A White (AW) (Chairman), Cllr J Evans, Cllr P Jenkinson (PJ), Cllr A Henderson (AH), Cllr J Barrett (JB), Cllr P McNeill (PM), Cllr C Higham (CH), Cllr D Newsam (DN), Cllr Mrs J Clayton (JC) & Cllr R Porter (RP).

Also in attendance:    Cllr Mrs Jackie Brockway, Lucy Waller (C) (Clerk to the Parish Council), 5 members of the public. 

Councillors not present: Apologies from Cllr Homer (MH), Cllr J Radcliffe (JR),  

Commencing at 7.35pm

Public Forum

The Chairman welcomed all in attendance.

Cllr Mrs Jackie Brockway – Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) commented on:

• The upcoming national alert.
• The reporting of potholes.
• The risks associated with unidentifiable addresses and emergency service responses.
• Updates on the proposed use of Scampton former RAF base, for housing immigrants.  It was highlighted that two planned upcoming marches were likely to be infiltrated by right wing extremists and the advice was to not attend. 

Cllr Mrs A White – West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) advised that her written report had already been circulated to Council. In addition, Cllr White reported on:

• Reduced uptake of the older person’s bus pass.
• Limited uptake of the reduced £2 bus fares.
• The upcoming flyover of a Lancaster bomber over Scampton and Dunholme.

Following a query from a member of the public it was noted that there were as yet no further updates in relation to the possible siting of a Lorry Park on the A15.

The Meeting opened at 7.51pm

061/23.  To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk,   

prior to the meeting.  

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:   To accept apologies and reasons for absence received from Cllrs: Homer & Radcliffe

062/23.  Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011

and to consider any requests for dispensations. Cllr D Newsam, as Chairman of the Scouts, declared a non-pecuniary, personal interest in relation to an item of correspondence received from the Scouts. In respect of this disclosure Councillor Newsam abstained from the vote relating to this matter.  

063/23.  Notes of the Parish Council’s meeting held on 21/03/2023 to be approved as 

minutes

It was proposed, seconded and  RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 21/03/2023 be 

approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.

064/23.  Introduction of the new Parish Clerk.

The newly appointed Clerk to the Parish Council, Lucy Waller, provided a brief introduction.

065/23.  Financial Matters 

a)  To Ratify Payments made – 01/02323 – 31/03/23

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made during February 2023 as shown in Appendix A of these minutes. 

     b)  To consider the Income & Expenditure report at 31/03/23

Members noted the report.

c)  To consider the Council’s bank account & Earmarked Reserves balances at 31/03/23

Members noted the report.

066/23. Planning Matters 

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

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to submit the following responses to WLDC: 

1. APPLICATION REFERENCE NO: 146424

PROPOSAL: Outline planning application for 3no. dwellings - all matters reserved

LOCATION: Land Adjacent 51 A Washdyke Lane Nettleham Lincoln LN2 2PX

- The Parish Council strongly opposes this proposal.

Pre-application advice has already stated `The proposal would be likely to be considered an intensification development within the developed footprint of Nettleham`, and that `The surrounding area includes back land dwellings and the character of the settlement in the immediate area would be unlikely to be unacceptably harmed. `

The density of housing is not in keeping with D6b) of the existing Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan, in that it will not recognise the existing residential density in the locality of the scheme.  Local housing is generally of the character of larger housing with extensive gardens.

The Application states that the number of bedrooms for each property are not specified but gives a total of 3 for 3 properties. However, the `Accommodation Schedule on Proposed Indicative Site Plan` suggests 3 properties with 4 bedrooms each. The pre-application advice was that 3 properties would be unacceptable.

Only two car parking spaces are shown for each house. To comply with Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan D3, if a house has two parking spaces, then the maximum number of bedrooms must be two bedrooms."

The access road to the properties uses the existing driveway to a single property with several sharp blind bends which would make vehicle passing a hazard.  There is no footpath provision, which would also present a hazard to pedestrians, children playing in the area and other vehicles. This would be contrary to NNP policy D2 c)

We would also contend that that drive is not wide enough to service 4 large houses (including the existing property) and as such is ill-conceived.

The pre-application states: 'The site includes areas of medium and high flood risk where the flood risk sequential test would be highly unlikely to be passed'. No site-specific flood risk assessment has been done contrary to Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan policy D4.  The increase in hard non-permeable surfaces would increase the runoff into the Beck

Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan Policy D6 f) relates to the retention of mature or important trees and this is clearly contravened by this proposal to fell several.

We note that the application submitted is an outline application for 3 dwellings with all matters reserved.  The matters reserved for subsequent approval are scale, appearance, layout, landscaping and access. However, we reiterate our consideration that this represents an unacceptable overdevelopment and strongly oppose the application.

We request that the application be called in for full consideration by WLDC Planning Committee.

2. APPLICATION REFERENCE NO: 146528

PROPOSAL: Planning application to erect 1no. dwelling being variation of house type to plot 24.

LOCATION: Land to rear of 72 Scothern Road Nettleham Lincoln LN2 2TX

 - No Comment 

3. APPLICATION REFERENCE NO: 146320

PROPOSAL: Planning application for removal of existing polytunnels, and

erection of 1no. glasshouse - resubmission of 140427

LOCATION: University of Lincoln Riseholme Park Riseholme Lincoln LN2 2LG

-No Comment 

In addition, the Chairman of the Planning Liaison Panel highlighted the below application received after the production of the agenda: 

APPLICATION REFERENCE NO:146535

PROPOSAL:  Planning application for removal of lean-to to front elevation and installation of bay window, and erection of single storey rear extension.       

LOCATION: 57 Sudbrooke Lane Nettleham Lincoln LN2 2RW

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to submit no comment.

    b) Appeal Decisions – none

    c) Tree applications

The below application was noted: 

•146447 –14 Beckside (Trees in Conservation Area)

 Notice to do a 3m radius reduction to T1 Prunus Padus (Bird Cherry). The height of the tree is to be reduced by 3 metres at crown and all around. The tree requires reshaping.

    d)  Other planning related matters

Members noted the release of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Inspectors Report.

067/23.  Property Committee Matters & Recommendations

     a) To consider the contents of the Property Committee meeting notes – 4 April 2023

Members noted the draft meeting notes.  

     b) To consider the potential addition of two picnic benches at Mulsanne Park, funded by a Cricket Club memorial fundraiser. 

The Chairman of the Property Committee informed members that the Cricket Club had recently held a fundraiser to provide a memorial bench at Mulsanne Park.  As the fundraiser had significantly exceeded its original target, permission was now sought to install a further two picnic benches. 

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to give permission for the installation of the two picnic benches in the area adjacent to the car park. 

Action Point – Clerk to inform Cricket Club.

068/23.  Council Matters

     a) To note the Statement of Persons Nominated for Nettleham Parish Council and highlight that co-option can commence following the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May.  

Members noted the Statement of Persons Nominated and discussed methods of attracting potential new councillors for co-option.

     b) To note the existing Nettleham Parish Council protocols in place for Facebook. 

Members noted the Nettleham Parish Council protocols in place for Facebook.

     c) To resolve to cancel the Property Committee Meeting on Tuesday 9th May 2023. 

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to pass the above resolution. 

     d) To consider the non-confidential recommendations of the Personnel & Standards Panel 4 April 2023 in relation to banking and I.T provision. 

• To recommend to Parish Council that the introduction of a 1 year and a 95 day saving account take place following the May elections and changes to signatories.  It was additionally recommended that the Council look to introduce multiple authorisation for online banking transactions.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to action the above recommendation.

• To recommend to Parish Council that the outlined financial duties be added to the terms of reference of the Personnel and Standards Panel at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May 2023, and future consideration be given as to if the panel should be a formal committee.  It was additionally recommended that from May 2023 core policies be reviewed annually with other policies being reviewed as and when required, or when relevant legislation changes.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to defer any decision on the above matters until the Annual Parish Council Meeting in May 2023.

• To recommend that Staff Mobile phones (x3) be upgraded to Samsung A13 4G at a cost of £23 plus VAT per phone. (Current handsets are iPhone 5 and no longer receive software upgrades – current SIM only cost £8 per phone) (Expenditure under LGA1972, s.111)

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to action the above recommendation.

Action Point –Clerk to arrange purchase 

• To recommend that the Clerk arrange for a professional review of the Council IT and create a proposal for updating hardware, software and file systems to meet current standard.  (Expenditure under LGA1972, s.111)

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to action the above recommendation.

Action Point –Clerk to arrange review/report. 

     e) To resolve to appoint Lucy Waller as Acting Responsible Financial Officer

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to pass the above resolution.

069/23.  To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group 

Members noted that the Reg.14 consultation following recent amendments to the Plan was underway and the group were awaiting feedback from residents. 

070/23. To receive an update from the Swathe Working Group 

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 28 April and that information received from potential contractors would be forwarded to working group members prior to the meeting.

071/23.  To receive an update from the Climate Change Strategy Working Group 

• Review of the 2nd year of the Climate change strategy 

Members noted a presentation highlighting the various projects the Climate Change Strategy Working Group had undertaken in the last two years.   Councillor R Porter highlighted that in addition to all of the activities within the presentation the group also held a stall at the Carnival.  Councillor Porter also offered thanks, on behalf of the group, to everyone who had contributed including, volunteer groups, West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council. 

The Chairman thanked Councillor Porter for all of his hard work and congratulated the group on their achievements.

Action Point –Clerk to arrange for the presentation slides to be published on the Council Facebook page.

072/23.  To receive an update from the Sustainable Travel Working Group 

Councillor R Porter delivered an update, key points were: 

• A request to LCC to consider reductions to speed limits on the A46 and other areas within the village is being reviewed by LCC and work is ongoing, but there are no updates at this time. 

• Requests to LCC for other interventions to address traffic issues had been supported by Cllr Mrs Jackie Brockway and was now under review.  Interventions being considered included, double yellow lines on Scothern Road adjacent to the playing field and extension of the 20mph advisory speed limit. 
• LCC had also agreed to carry out a general assessment of what other interventions may reduce traffic issues in the village centre. This could include the reintroduction of 3-2-1 strips and the introduction of white fences at the village entrances to highlight where the speed limit drops (to be funded by the Parish Council).

It was suggested that once the speed limit reduction had been implemented on Lodge Lane the council could consider installation of an additional pole for placing the Speed Indicator Device to emphasise the change.     

073/23.  Correspondence Received (including general correspondence) – 

• Resident request for the Parish Council to lobby for an additional bus stop close to 36 and 38 Deepdale Lane.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED: to lobby LCC.

However, it was noted that the cost was likely to be prohibitive and that greater success may be met by requesting that the provision is made a planning condition of a nearby development.  

Action Point –Clerk to contact LCC & inform resident. 

• Request from Scouts to use the Village Green to hold Coronation tea & Cakes 08/05/23 and Breakfast on the Green 10/06/23.

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to agree the above requests. 

Action Point –Clerk to inform Scouts. 

• Request from Rev A Swann to hold a service on Bishops Palace on the 28/05/23

It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: to agree the above request.

Action Point –Clerk to inform Rev Swann 

074/23.  Consultations 

Electronic survey received ‘how good a job is Lincolnshire Police doing?.(Star rating 1-5) https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshire-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/how-are-we-doing/

Members were encouraged to respond individually.

Action Point –Clerk to arrange for the details of the survey to be published on the Parish Council Facebook page. 

075/23.  Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items 

     1. Co-option 

     2. Carnival stand

076/23.  Date of Next Meeting of the Parish Council – Annual Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm on 16 May 2023 to be held at the Small Hall, Old School, Nettleham.

077/23. 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 8.47pm, it was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:  To move the meeting into closed session.  

All members of the public left the meeting room

059/23.  Closed Session

a)    To discuss and approve the confidential recommendations of the Personnel & Standards Panel (4 April 2023) in relation to staff. 

it was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:  to accept the below recommendations:

• To defer staff appraisals until after May, and that any resulting changes to pay scales be back dated to 01/04/2023. 

• That Lucy Waller be appointed to acting RFO for a maximum of 3 months (April-May-June 2023) to allow for assessment of the current staffing need and structure, after which recruitment of an RFO would commence if necessary. (It was noted that the Clerk would produce a report to council prior to the end of the three months and continue to cover the RFO role during recruitment if required.)

•  That the council or a committee/ panel (as appropriate) hold 6 monthly group staff meetings with all staff.

• That staff who have amassed significant amounts of untaken leave in 22/23 be provided with the option to roll leave over to 23/24, or receive payment in lieu of the leave, subject to the legal minimum of 5.6 weeks having been taken. (Expenditure under LGA1972, s.112).  Staff will additionally be requested to take any rolled over leave within 6 months and book that leave as soon as possible.  

Action Point –Clerk to inform staff.  

The meeting closed at 9.04pm

Lucy Waller – Clerk & Acting RFO

APPENDIX A