Minutes 16 January 2019 - NPC

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY 2019, AT 7.30pm SMALL HALL, THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM  
 
Present: Councillors:  J Evans (Chairman), J Siddall (Vice-Chairman) J Downs, M Leaning, Mrs J Clayton, D Newsam, Mrs A White, J Hill, G McNeill, R Porter.
In attendance: Mrs D Locker (Parish Clerk), Cllr Mrs J Brockway (LCC) & 2 members of the public. 
Councillors not present: Councillors T Williams and M Spencer
Commencing at 7.30pm
 
Public Forum
The Chairman announced that before opening the meeting, members of public in attendance had an opportunity to address the Parish Council, on any matter, during the 15 minute public session.  
 
County and District Councillor Reports
Written reports received from Cllr Mrs White and Cllr McNeill were circulated prior to commencement of the meeting. In addition, Cllr Mrs White advised:
  • The West Lindsey DC Green bin collection service can be ordered online, although customers will first have to set up an online account and payment can be made, via telephone from February 2019. 

Councillor Mrs Brockway (LCC) advised:

  • The consultation process is now in place for review of the Heritage and the Local Plan.  There has been feedback that the existing Local Plan has blocked some applications e.g. for small business development, some high end housing in the District has been refused via the Planning process and some enforcement that could have an impact on Health and Safety appears not appear to have been progressed.  
  • They have passed a request to WLDC District Councillors sitting on the Planning Committee to request that an audit of Planning be undertaken.
  • Hawk Plant – the earth works contractor engaged on the Eastern bypass has now gone into liquidation. Cllr Mrs Brockway is currently seeking confirmation of what contingencies LCC have in place and will provide feedback, to the Parish Council, once details are received.
Police Report
A report submitted by the Nettleham Neighbourhood Policing Team outlining the reported incidences from 6 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 was circulated. During discussion the following observations were raised:
  • There appears to be a larger number of crimes, now reported.
  • Some concern was expressed as no contact has been made, by the Police, with the Parish Office in respect of the incidence recorded at Mulsanne Park.
  • The report of an injury to a person clipped by a vehicle on Lodge Lane is of concern and further information about these circumstances will be requested via the Clerk, from the Police.  
001/19. To resolve to accept apologies and reasons for absence 
The Clerk advised that apologies and reasons for absence had been received from Councillors Williams and Spencer. It was proposed, seconded and resolved:That the apologies for absence and reason be noted and accepted.Unanimous
 
002/19. Disclosure of pecuniary interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider anyrequests for dispensations
Declarations of a non-pecuniary interest were received from: Cllrs Mrs Clayton and Cllr Siddall for item 7 and from Cllr Porter in respect of item 9, on the agenda.
 
003/19. Note of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11 December 2018 to be approved as the minutes 
Following some minor changes It was proposed, seconded and resolved:That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 11 December 2018 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman. Unanimous – by those in attendance at that meeting.
 
004/19. Clerks report on matters outstanding (infrmation only) 
The Clerk updated the Parish Council on the following matters:
  • A response had been received on 16 January 19 from the External Auditors (PFK) advising that they had received additional information, as requested, and they anticipate sign off of the 2017/18 account a final report and certificate to be issued by the end of January 2019.
  • Contact had been made with the Police, an incident report had been received and circulated.
  • Copies of the judging scoring papers had been received from the Campaign For Rural England in respect of the Council’s 2018 Best Kept Village entry and had been circulated to Councillors.
  • Arrangements are in place to hold a Neighbourhood Plan Review Scoping Review meeting.
005/19. Financial Matters
a) To Ratify Accounts Paid
It was proposed, seconded and resolved: That the Council duly ratify the payment of accounts shown as Appendix 1.Unanimous
b) Agreement and Sign off of Precept Requirement and submit to West Lindsey DC
It was proposed, seconded and resolved: To agree, sign off and to submit the Precept requirement return to WLDC for the sum of £155,815.Unanimous
c) Renewal of the LALC Annual Training Scheme subscription (April 19 – Mar 20)
It was proposed, seconded and resolved: That the Council renew their annual subscription for the LALC Training scheme unanimous
d) To consider the Income & Expenditure Report and Account Information
Councillors considered the contents of the Income and Expenditure report and summary sheet setting out the monies held in the Council’s bank accounts as at the 31/12/18. The Chairman checked the account summary sheet against the bank statements which were duly signed off as a true statement of monies held, in the bank accounts.  
ACTION: The Clerk to provide a monthly summary of the budget position with % of total spend against budget and to investigate suitable alternative investment options offering a higher interest rate
 
006/19.  Planning Matters
(a) Applications
It was proposed, seconded and resolved:To approve the comments produced by the Planning Liaison committee for items (a)1 and (a) 2.  For: - 9,  Abstentions: - 1
1) Land off Deepdale Lane - Nettleham Western Power - Ref:138776 .  Notification under Electricity Act 1989 Overhead Lines Exemption Regulations 2009 - reference SMI/1206866 - underground two sections of overhead power lines including installing 2no. stays to existing pole. The Planning Liaison Committee has No Objection to this Application.
2) Rockwell Lodge Danby Hills - Mr & Mrs Hinkley - Ref:138730.  Planning application for proposed extensions, alterations and remodelling. The Planning Liaison Committee has No Objection to this Application
(b) Appeals, Consents, Refusals and Withdrawals received
i) Appeals – 
  • Ambrose House, 40 Lodge Lane - Gelder Ltd & Mr Tate - Ref:137531.  Development of vacant land with 7 detached bungalows. Appeal Ref: APP/N2535/W/18/3209967 - Decision – appeal dismissed 24/12/18
(ii)  Consents/Approval of Reserved Matters – None
(iii) Refusals
  • 19 The Green, Cooperative Ltd Ref: 135567 Application for advertisement consent to display 1no. Internally illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. flat wall mounted totem. – Decision:Refused – 04/01/19
(c) Tree Applications – None
(d) Update on outstanding planning matters – (historical information available from the Clerk)
During discussion the following matters were raised by Councillors - 
  • 1 Ambrose Court – It had been noted that the front door had recently been changed and the owner would be required to apply for the necessary Planning Approval in keeping with the original conditions.  Council were advised that the Clerk had already reported this matter to the Planning Enforcement and Conservation Officers at the District Council and awaits a response.  
  • Trees side of Police Field – it had been noted that some trees had been taken down.  The Councils Honorary Tree Officer advised that the trees did not appear to be protected therefore no license was required to fell them.
  • High Leas – Council were advised that planning permission had been granted for an extension to a property, although this extension appeared to overhang the footpath leading to Scothern and no diversion order for the footpath seems to have been required.  Council requested that Cllr Mrs Brockway (LCC) liaise with Officers at the County Council in this respect. 
  • Feedback about Planning Decisions - it was noted that whilst it had been customary for WLDC to notify the Parish Council about planning decisions, as a matter of course, recently this had not been the case.  
ACTION: The Clerk will liaise with WLDC to request notification of decisions made for applications within the Parish
 
The Chairman confirmed that he had recenty attended the WLDC Planning meeting, to present the Parish Councils views in respect of the planning application submitted for 63 new properties on the site off The Hawthorns near Larch Avenue as the Neighbourhood plan limits development of the site to 50 dwellings. WLDC Planning Committee subsequently agreed permission for development of up to a maximum of 50 properties and the developers offer for a footpath at the site would be included as a S106 agreement.  During discussion concern was expressed that no S106 allocation was included for education. 
 
007/19. To discuss Village Hall governance arrangements 
Some clarity was requested, by a Councillor, about what arrangements were in place for Trustees of the Village Hall, who were also users of the hall, when making decisions.The Chairman advised that as a separate charity, the management of the Village Hall is an issue for the Village Hall Committee and not generally considered a Parish Council matter.  A request was received for any minutes received from the Village Hall Committee to be circulated to Councillors.
 
008/19. To discuss election preparation 
A timetable for the forthcoming elections in May 2019 was circulated for information.  During discussion it was raised that residents generally have no prior knowledge about the individuals standing for the Parish Council and candidates may also value some guidance about publicity opportunities open to them. It was acknowledged that whilst the Parish Council cannot get involved with promoting individual candidates, some general information could be included in an article in the March 19 edition of Nettleham Matters, in addition to the Parish Council’s pre-printed leaflet about standing as a Councillor.  Council were advised that several Councillors and the Clerk are to attend an elections training session arranged by WLDC and further feedback will be provided at the Council’s meeting, in March. It was proposed, seconded and resolved:To include the pre-printed leaflet in the March edition of Nettleham Matters and to develop and submit an elections related article for inclusion in the publication. Unanimous 
 
009/19. Property Committee matters 
a) To consider the Draft Minutes of the Property Meeting held 4 December 2018.  The contents of the minutes were noted.
b) Review of Property Committee Structure & Operation.  Council were advised that the initial review group meeting had been arranged for 17 January 19.
 
010/19. Requests for councillor and clerk training 
The report setting out the training sessions booked for Councillors and the Clerk were noted.
 
011/19. Correspondence recieved 
a) Invitation to attend a Lincoln Transport Strategy Workshop & Drop in events – the dates were noted and Councillors to arrange to attend, subject to their availability.
b) Business Continuity Plan – request to use Old School in an emergency.  It was proposed, seconded and resolved: To agree the use of the Old School by the medical practice, in an emergency.  For: - 9, Abstention: 1   
c) WLDC Community Awards - It was proposed, seconded and resolved: To nominate Guy Hardcastle for the WLDC Sports award category in recognition of his contribution to sport, within the parish. Unanimous
d) Highway News January 2019 - the contents were noted.
 
012/19. Councillor reports/future agenda items 
No reports were received. A request for the issue of standing water around the church to be added for discussion to the next agenda, was received.
 
The meeting closed at 9.20 PM