April 2025
NETTLEHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD AT THE SMALL HALL, THE OLD SCHOOL, NETTLEHAM
ON TUESDAY 15 APRIL 2025, AT 7.30PM
Present: Councillors: Cllr Mrs A. White (Chairman), Cllr P. McNeill (Vice-Chair),
Cllr D. Newsam, Cllr A. Simpson, Cllr A. Crook, Cllr C. Payne, Cllr C. Johnson, Cllr K. Swain
Also in attendance: Cllr J. Brockway of Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Lucy Waller (Parish Clerk), 6 members of the public.
Councillors not present: None
.
The public session commenced at 7.15pm
Councillor J. Brockway informed the Council that a public information session regarding proposed updates to the Nettleham Roundabout is scheduled to take place in July. She also suggested that, following the implementation of the new 40mph speed limit on the A46, the Parish Council may wish to consider the installation of an additional Speed Indicator Device in the area.
Councillor Brockway further expressed concern regarding the limited timeframe given to local authorities to respond to the government's consultation on potential future Unitary Council models. She noted that the compressed schedule had hindered proper consultation, resulting in multiple differing proposals. She voiced apprehension that, should consensus not be reached among authorities, a model could ultimately be imposed upon them.
A member of the public supported Councillor Brockway’s comments.
The meeting commenced at 7.30pm
1. To RESOLVE to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting.
No apologies were received from Parish Councillors
Members noted apologies from Councillor F. Brown and Councillor J. Barrett (West Lindsey District Council)
2. To RECEIVE disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
None received.
3. To RESOLVE to approve the notes of the Parish Council’s Meeting held on 18/03/2025 as the minutes of the meeting.
It was RESOLVED to approve the notes of the Parish Council’s Meeting held on 18/03/2025 as the minutes of the meeting.
4. To NOTE the Clerk’s report.
Members noted the report, and it was requested that the RFO liaise with the contractor for the repairs to the Beck Path and the Co-op notice board, to expedite works.
ACTION POINT: RFO to liaise with the contractor for the repairs to the Beck Path and the Co-op notice board, to expedite works.
5. Planning Matters:
a). To RESOLVE responses to West Lindsey District Council in relation to the following planning application(s):
WL/2025/00312 - 15 GREETWELL LANE, NETTLEHAM, LINCOLN, LN2 2PN- Planning application for proposed over garage first floor side extension, single storey rear extension and new rear facing dormer window.
It was RESOLVED to submit the below response:
Nettleham Parish Council has no objections to the application but wishes to highlight the importance of appropriate drainage measures, even in minor development proposals such as homeowner extensions. In line with national guidance from the GOV.UK Flood Risk Assessment Standing Advice and in accordance with Policy S21 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and Policy D3 of the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan, it is essential that any proposal considers the potential impact on local flood risk and water management.
Although small in scale, cumulative extensions can increase surface water runoff and contribute to drainage issues within the village. The Parish Council therefore strongly encourages the incorporation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) as part of the development to ensure surface water is managed on-site, reducing the risk of localised flooding and protecting the integrity of Nettleham’s water environment. Applicants should demonstrate how these considerations have been addressed in their submission.
WL/2025/00338 - LAND TO THE NORTH OF 40 LODGE LANE NETTLEHAM LINCOLN
LN2 2RS - 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 being variation of condition 6 of planning permission WL/2024/00508 granted 18 September 2024 - add PV panels to the flat roof of the care home and to amend the boundary fencing from railings to close boarded and acoustic fencing to vary conditions 5 & 6 of planning permission WL/2024/01016 granted 5 March 2025 - To allow for the removal of some of the dummy chimneys and for alterations in the proposed roofing materials.
It was RESOLVED to submit no objections provided that the soundproofing panels were consistent in height with the previously planned fencing.
WL/2025/00163 -LINELANDS ALL SAINTS LANE NETTLEHAM LINCOLN LN2 2NT
Re-consultation Amended plans received 08/04/2025
It was RESOLVED to submit the below response:
Members of the Parish Council have met on two occasions with the developer and the architect.
At the second meeting in May 2024 we were shown a similar scheme to the present application.
Councillors present were supportive of the site plan and the house designs. We assumed that there would only be a requirement for one parking space per property as the development is for older residents.
Policy D1. Parking Standards for New Residential Development in the November 2024 Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan states: -
2. Development proposals should provide off-street parking to the standards as set out in Policy S49 and Appendix 2 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.
3. The provision of lower levels of residential parking for older person’s accommodation or assisted care facility will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the development concerned has lower parking needs, and that those needs can be accommodated within the cartilage of the site concerned.
Central Lincolnshire Local Plan April 2023: Policy S49 Part B: Other considerations.
In areas where there is a made Neighbourhood Plan containing residential parking standards, these will take precedence over the standards contained in Appendix 2. (Which are two spaces for a two bedroomed property.)
The Parish Council made no objection to the previous site plan but questioned the requirement for and siting of the visitor parking bays at the front of the site alongside All Saints Lane because of existing school traffic on the road.
The Highways Case Officer also objects to the proposed parking bays at the front of the site. However, in her comment about the layout she only refers to the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and makes no reference to the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan.
This comment seems to be the reason for the reconsultation on this application.
b). Any other planning matters, including any applications received after the agenda was published.
PRE-PLANNING APPLICATION CONSULTATION FOR A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION UPGRADE AT CS_11516726, LAND AT LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE HQ, DEEPDALE LANE, NETTLEHAM, LINCOLN, LN2 2LT, (NGR:E500245, N375599)
It was RESOLVED to respond with no objections.
6. Financial Matters
a). To NOTE AND RATIFY the pre-approved payments made since the last meeting and to RESOLVE to approve the schedule of accounts for payment.
Members noted and ratified the pre-approved payments made since the last meeting and RESOLVED to approve the schedule of accounts for payment attached as APPENDIX A of these minutes.
b). To NOTE the Full and Summary Income & Expenditure Reports as at 31.03.25 and to NOTE the Council’s Bank Account & Earmark Reserves balances at 31.03.25
Members noted the Full and Summary Income & Expenditure Reports as at 31.03.25 and noted the Council’s Bank Account & Earmark Reserves balances at 31.03.25.
c). To NOTE the Public Works Loan Board Statement as at 31.03.25
Members noted the Public Works Loan Board Statement as at 31.03.25
d). To Note receipt of Final External Auditor Report and Certificate 2023/24 and to RESOLVE any actions (if applicable) in regard to other matters drawn to the attention of the authority.
Members noted the Final External Auditor Report and Certificate 2023/24 and the below other matters were considered:
The smaller authority has not provided an adequate explanation for the variance between the prior and current year values in Box 4 of Section 2.
Members noted the confidential report from the RFO highlighting his responses to the auditor and the complexities of providing the information in the format required by the auditor, it was noted that the auditors had confirmed that on the basis of their review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), in their opinion the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR was in accordance with Proper Practices and no other matters had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met.
It was RESOLVED that the Council would note the other matter drawn to their attention and use the experience to aim to make future responses compliant with auditor requirements.
We received challenge correspondence in relation to the 2023/24 AGAR which we considered before completing our work. The authority will receive an invoice in relation to this additional work.
Members noted that the auditors had considered the challenge correspondence and subsequent information supplied. Following which the auditors had confirmed that on the basis of their review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), in their opinion the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR was in accordance with Proper Practices and no other matters had come to their attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had not been met. Members noted that an invoice for £3045.90 had been received in relation to the additional work arising from the challenge correspondence.
e). To RESOLVE or not expenditure of approx. £420 (Plus the cost of concrete base) to install a larger litter bin outside Nettleham Convenience store. (Expenditure under Litter Act 1983, Section 5(1) - from Village Facilities Misc Budget £550.)
It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure of approx. £420 (Plus the cost of concrete base) to install a larger litter bin outside Nettleham Convenience store.
It was also requested that the Clerk enquire if the smaller plastic bin could be retained by the council to replace the one vandalised in Bill Baileys and / or if a larger bin could be installed in Bill Baileys.
ACTION POINT: Clerk to arrange larger bin and base & enquire if the smaller plastic bin could be retained by the council to replace the one vandalised in Bill Baileys and / or if a larger bin could be installed in Bill Baileys.
7. Committees: Finance to note the notes of the meeting held on 25.03.25 & and RESOLVE any action in relation to the recommendations of the committee:
Members noted the notes of the meeting held on 25.03.25
a). CIL use
Following extensive discussion of the various suggestions provided for CIL use and a subsequent suggestion of purchasing land it was decided that ongoing discussions were required to determine CIL usage, however the purchase of an outdoor table tennis table or other outdoor sporting equipment and acoustic boards were suggested in the short term. It was agreed that proposers should bring further details including costings to the next available Property Committee for consideration. The Chair of the Council agreed to raise the usage of the Police Field with the Estate Manger when they next met.
ACTION POINT: Proposers of short-term CIL expenditure suggestions to bring further details including costings to the next available Property Committee for consideration. Chair to raise the usage of the Police Field with the Estate Manger when they next met.
b). Investment Strategy revision.
It was RESOLVED to accept the revisions to the Investment strategy as proposed by the Finance Committee & RFO.
ACTION POINT: RFO to make the banking alterations as per the resolved investment strategy.
8. Working Groups:
- Climate Change Working Group – to note the notes of the meeting held on 09/01/2025
Members noted the notes of the meeting held on 09/01/2025.
9. To RESOLVE to approve the draft Terms of Reference for Publicity Councillors and to appoint Cllrs Swain and McGuire to the role.
It was RESOLVED to approve the Terms of Reference for Publicity Councillors as per the draft circulated and to appoint Cllr Swain to the role (following the resignation of Cllr McGuire).
10. To Consider if NPC will have a presence at the 2025 Nettleham Carnival and the nature of the presence.
It was RESOLVED to have a presence at the Carnival to promote the Council’s work and attract new Councillors and Volunteers. Cllrs McNeill & Swain agreed to organise this with assistance in advance (but not on the day) from Cllr Johnson.
A future event to thank Council Volunteers was also suggested.
ACTION POINT: Clerk to book space Cllrs McNeill & Swain (with Cllr Johnson) to organise Carnival presence.
11. Correspondence to be noted or for response:
a). Draft public rights of way improvement plan consultation
Members noted the correspondence, and it was suggested that they reply as individuals should they wish to.
b). Request for support regarding Nettleham, Deepdale Enterprise Park - request for waiting restrictions (Cllr J Brockway LCC)
With the Chair’s permission Cllr Brockway provided an update, and it was noted that no further action was required from the Parish Council at this stage, but that Cllr Brockway would update the Council should that change.
c). Updates on previously outstanding queries to LCC
Members noted the correspondence, and it was highlighted that the Nettsafe Group would be discussing the responses in greater detail.
d). Request to make donations. (Basketball Nets & Bench)
It was RESOLVED to accept the donation of the Basketball Nets and to agree the need for a new bench in the Basketball area. The opportunity to donate the bench would be offered to others on the waiting list prior to taking up the offer from the correspondent. The Council thanks the correspondent for their kind offers.
ACTION POINT: Clerk to arrange donation of Basketball Nets & Bench (subject to the waiting list).
12. Risk Management (No decisions to be made)
No new items of risk were highlighted.
13. Date of Next Meeting of the Parish Council and Any Future Agenda Items –this has been arranged for Tuesday 20th May 2025 (ACM) , commencing at 7.30pm (Public session from 7.15pm), in the Small Hall at The Old School, Nettleham. As this is the Annual Council Meeting Councillors are requested to only submit items for the agenda if they are urgent. (Submissions of council agenda items / reports by no later than close of business 12/05/2025)
Members noted the date of the next meeting, it was also highlighted that due to there being insufficient staff to meet the statutory deadlines and undertake all other required tasks the Property Committee in May would be cancelled, but any time sensitive or urgent matters related to the Property Committee could be submitted for consideration at the May Council Meeting.
14. To RESOLVE whether to exclude the public and press for the following item/s, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, due to the commercial or sensitive nature of business to be discussed.
It was RESOLVED to exclude the public and press for the following item/s, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, due to the commercial or sensitive nature of business to be discussed.
15. Staffing matters. (Exclusion of Public and Press recommended due to staff data)
To RESOLVE if any further action is required during the temporary staffing shortfall/ Recruitment.
An update was given on the progress of recruitment of a Facilities Manager. Members noted the closure of the Parish office from 18/04/25 - 29/04/25 and the cancellation of the Property Committee due to reduced staffing levels. It was noted that no further action was required at this time.
Meeting closed at 8.51pm