Minutes - 18 January 2022

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 
HELD AT THE SMALL HALL, OLD SCHOOL, MILL HILL, NETTLEHAM
ON TUESDAY 18 JANUARY 2022, AT 7.30PM. 
 
Present: Councillors: Cllr J Evans (Chairman), Cllr P Jenkinson (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Mrs J Clayton, Cllr M Homer, Cllr P McNeill, Cllr D Newsam, Cllr A Henderson, Cllr C Higham, Cllr Mrs A White.  Cllr R Porter.
Also in attendance:    Mrs D Locker (Clerk/RFO), Cllr Oliver (WLDC) and 5 other members of the public  
Councillors not present:  Cllr J Radcliffe, Cllr J Barrett, 
 
Commencing at 7.30pm
Public Forum
The Chairman welcomed those in attendance, and opened the public forum, including Cllr Ms Jaime Oliver who had recently been elected as a West Lindsey District Councillor representing the parish.
 
Cllr Ms Jaime Oliver (WLDC) went on to introduce herself.  She also advised that she was in attendance to represent the Nettleham Hub and would be arranging a meeting for residents and members of the Parish Council to attend.
Resident 1 – welcomed hearing from Cllr Oliver that a meeting would be arranged with trustees, residents and Councillors.
Cllr Mrs White (WLDC) Advised:
  • That her report had already been circulated;
  • Planning issues – It be noted that the planning conditions associated with the Poachers Lane site at Sudbrooke included that the developer should construct a new pedestrian footpath from site to the Nettleham boundary once three dwellings had been occupied.  It had been noted that 3 dwellings had been completed and occupied but the footpath is not completed.  Planning conditions do not appear to be monitored and followed up or enforced by WLDC planning team.  The Grange de Lings gates and Nettleham Hall planning application appear to be supported by statutory authorities, including by Historic England and is likely to be going to Planning Committee in March 2022.
  • The developer won their appeal to provide entry level dwellings off Baker Drive.
  • Lincoln Transport Strategy – LCC advise that there was a lot feedback from Nettleham residents regarding the Active Travel surveys, although the Cross Street proposals not too popular but a lot of support for closure of Sudbrooke Lane to vehicles (nearer down towards Sudbrooke).  Some support was received for closure of the small section of road between the arches at the Cathedral.  LCC are also in talks with businesses to try to identify land to site bikes for hire.
  • Queen’s Platinum Jubilee tree – WLDC to supply a tree in excess of 60cm.  The site to be agreed. 
The Meeting opened at 7.39pm.
001/22.  To resolve to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence received by the Clerk, prior to the meeting.  
Apologies had been received from Cllr Barrett & Cllr Radcliffe.  It was proposed, seconded and 
RESOLVED:  To accept apologies and reason for absence from Cllr Barrett & Cllr Radcliffe.   Unanimous
 
002/22.  Disclosure of interests in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
None received.
 
003/22.  Notes of the Parish Council’s meeting held on 14 December 2021 and the notes of the Extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council held on 21 December 2021 to be approved as minutes
It was proposed, seconded and  
RESOLVED: That the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 14 December 2021 and the notes of the Extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council held on 21 December 2021 be approved as a correct record and be signed by the Chairman.  Unanimous - by those in attendance at the meetings. 
 
004/22.  Clerk’s Report (for information only)
The Clerk updated Council as follows:
  • Cllr Oliver has confirmed the Hub meeting date of 8/02/22 and will be notified of Parish Councillors nominated to attend the meeting in due course.
  • Feedback had been received from Truelove Developments advising that they do not wish to provide permission, at this time for a new fieldpath across their land - from the A158 to join up with the existing Fieldpaths to the south of the parish, as requested by Greetwell Parish Council.
  • An email had been received from the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire advising that Buckingham Palace had confirmed the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend will be 2nd to 5th June 2022; also encouraging Parish Council’s to promote the ‘big lunch’ on 05/06/22.
  • An email has been received from All Saints Church tentatively requesting permission to use the Village Green for tea on the Green.  The Church have been advised that they would likely need to make application for a road closure to hold such an event and should first seek guidance from LCC to this effect. Further feedback is awaited.  The Hub have also expressed an interest in using the Village Green.
  • The Plough pub have applied for a new café pavement licence – LCC require any related responses, by 23/01/22.
005/22.  Financial Matters 
a) To Ratify Payments made – 01/12/21 – 31/12/21 
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED: That Council ratify payments made during December 2021.  Unanimous
b) To consider the income & expenditure report as at 31/12/21
The contents were noted 
c) To consider the Council’s bank account balances at 31/12/21
The bank account statement balances were checked against statements & signed off by the Chairman.
d) To note the outstanding Public Works Loan Board repayments & ½ yearly loan charges.  The contents were noted.
 
006/22. Planning Matters  
a) To receive/ratify recommendations or observations on the following planning applications:- 
1) Nettleham WRC, Off Sudbrooke Lane  - Sarah Shallcross – 144172.   Application for hedgerow removal notice to remove 20m of hedgerow
Planning Liaison Panel Comments :   As a matter of environmental principle the Parish Council is opposed to the removal of all hedges and trees in the Parish without good reason, and no good reason has been given here.
2) 30 Ridgeway - Mr & Mrs Pound - 144143 Planning application for entrance porch and outbuilding to the rear.  Planning Liaison Panel Comments: - No comments to make
3) Land off 72 Scothern Road - Miss Emma Truelove – 144115.  Planning application to erect 5no. dwelling, including 2no. social housing dwellings.
Planning Liaison Comments:  Objection, 
This is the third infill request for this development, the first being for an additional 3 homes and this then brings the total to an increase of over 10% in the original development of 68 homes on the site.  The previous application 143657 was refused.  If this infill is allowed to continue we have concerns that the overall increase in numbers will have a negative impact on the character of this otherwise well designed and attractive development, as all the pockets of open green space will eventually be built on.  
The proposed development for 5no. dwellings would fail to assimilate satisfactorily with the surrounding character, topography and landscape setting and would cause lasting harm to the spacious and rural character of the wider development site. The proposal is therefore contrary to policies H- 1, H-6 and D-6 of the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan, policies LP2, LP17 and LP26 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and the high design aspirations of the National Planning Policy Framework. 
If this development is approved we would request that a condition is applied to build the cycle track that is described in approved planning application 131975. This cycle track would join Nettleham to Sudbrooke in conjunction with the cycle track already mandated as part of approved planning application 133536. The two tracks should be built to the same width and technical standards. Creating this cycle track would be a proportional condition to the size of this housing development in Nettleham.
It was proposed, seconded and
RESOLVED: To approve and submit the Council’s comments to WLDC in respect of the planning applications considered.  Unanimous
 
b)  Appeals, Consents, Refusals & withdrawals, Decisions received
i)   Decisions:
  • 8, Beech Avenue - Mrs Alice Sutton – 143995.  Planning app. for 1st floor rear extension to provide additional bedroom space. Granted 22/12/21
  • 9, Ashtree Avenue – Mr P Truelove – 143964.  Planning applic. for extension to side using existing carport roof. Granted 23/12/21
  • Land rear of, 72, Scothern Road – Miss Truelove – 143824.  Planning application to erect 2no. dwellings. Refused 23/12/21
c) Tree Application – 
  • Bill Bailey's Playing Field, Scothern Road – Nettleham PC – 144043.  Sycamore T1 - Crown lift lower branches up to maximum height of 3m
d) Update on outstanding planning
On appeal, the developer’s application was approved by the Planning Inspector – off Baker Drive.  The Council needs opportunity to provide some representation about S106 agreement monies although it was raised that no community infrastructure levy (CIL) would be available as CIL is not levied on affordable housing units.
 
007/22. Property Committee Recommendations 
a) To consider the notes from Property Committee meeting held on 11 January 2022
The contents were noted.
b) To receive an update about the Pavilion’s programme of modernisation works and approval for final internal layout arrangements
Council heard that the Pavilion’s modernisation proposals have recently been reviewed with recommendations for changes to the internal layout being put forward to include additional works to those already agreed e.g.: 
  • removal of wall between kitchen and bar store to almost double the kitchen area;
  • creation of a new table & chair store by incorporating the existing kitchen store and an area currently in the referees’ changing room with new access door opening off the main hall; 
  • providing a new door opening from the bar into the player kit store to form a new bar store;  
It was discussed that these additional works will provide greater flexibility in the building’s usage although would require additional budget approval.  It was proposed, seconded and
RESOLVED:  To agree a budget of up to a maximum of £83,000 (including grant funding) to undertake modernisation works at Mulsanne Pavilion.  For 8; Against 1; Abstention 1 
 
008/22. Council Matters
a) To consider and approve the final annual budget for 2022/23 and Parish Council’s precept requirement for submission to West Lindsey DC
The Chairman advised Council that the final precept calculation provided by WLDC in December 2021 was more favourable, compared with the initial estimate which the Council had been given to calculate their proposed budget precept requirement.  Following discussion which included reference to the current level of inflation, prospective staff salary pay awards and rising costs, the following proposals were put forward: 
  • Proposal 1 – it was proposed and seconded to agree a 2% increase to the precept for 2022-23 
  • Proposal 2 – it was proposed and seconded to agree a 0% increase to the precept for 2022-23 
  • Proposal 3 – it was proposed and seconded to agree a 1% increase to the precept for 2022-23 
Proposal 3 was put to the vote first – to approve a 1% increase in the precept:   For – 4, Against 6.
Proposal 2 was put to the vote – to approve a 0% increase in the precept: For 6, Against 3, Abstention 1
RESOLVED:  To approve and submit to West Lindsey DC a 0% increase in the precept requirement for £191,298.   For – 6; Against 3; Abstention 1
b) To consider the content of the Internal Auditor’s report
The Internal Auditor’s report was considered.  The Chairman read out the Auditor’s report statement and expressed gratitude to the Clerk & Accounts Assistant for such favourable feedback from the Auditor.
c) To discuss a mechanism to identify & report planning breaches to West Lindsey DC
It was raised that WLDC do not appear to have a formal mechanism to monitor planning conditions attached to approved planning applications. The Clerk to arrange planning conditions to be added to the Council’s planning records and be circulation each quarter to the Planning Liaison Panel.  It was proposed, seconded and 
RESOLVED: That the Planning Liaison Panel monitor decisions applied to planning application decisions and to report any breaches identified (to WLDC).   Unanimous
d) To discuss residents ongoing concerns relating to Hub use and lack of communication with Trustees
Council heard, during the public session, that the Hub Manager has arranged for Hub trustees to meet on 8/02/22 with local residents regarding concerns expressed about changes implemented at the Hub. Parish, District and LCC Councillors are also invited to attend.  
e) To develop proposals for traffic calming through the village
Whilst no formal proposals were available for consideration it was suggested there may be future potential to recommend to LCC additional traffic related measures – such as: traffic idling orders, 20mph restrictions near local schools, speed limit reduction along Lodge Lane. 
 
009/22. To receive an update from the Neighbourhood Plan Review Working Group
Council heard that Members of the Working Group had met with the Council’s consultant along with the WLDC Neighbourhood Plan Development Officer.  Issues raised included: level of housing allocations which are likely to remain at published levels; also that the group await circulation of the Central Lincs local plan setting out the sites for proposed development.   A further meeting is timetabled for 27/01/22 for the Working Group to work on development of the generic design codes for the proposed development sites.
 
010/22. To receive an update from the Climate Change Working Group 
a) To consider the notes from the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on 09/12/21
The contents of the minutes of 9/12/21 were noted.  Council were advised that Working Group members also met on 12/01/22 in development of: 
  • Tree planting event being held on 29/01/22 at Police HQ, - residents will be invited to plant 675 trees out of the total of 2550 to be planted at the site;
  • Plans to launch the terracyling site – for Babybell & household cleaning related packaging;
  • Facebook & website articles: technology on buses; carbon output for village estimated at 34,000 tonnes per year.
Group members also recently met with the local Coop Managers and received feedback about how the Coop recycle; also about their management of the beck area to the rear of their store carpark.
 
011/22. To receive an update from the Sustainable Travel Working Group 
The Working Group is due to next meet on 28/01/22.  The key issues the group are working to improve include: - development of a crossing point at the A46 roundabout.  LCC have recently provided feedback advising that whilst it is a firm LCC aspiration to incorporate a footbridge across the bypass near the roundabout, there is currently no funding; consequently, the project is likely to remains on hold for a number of years.
 
012/21. To receive an update from the Swathe Working Group 
Councillor McNeill advised that the design tender invite documentation is currently being prepared and will be available, towards the end of January 2022, to send out to cemetery designers/architects to seek initial estimated costings for the cemetery extension design works.
 
013/22.  Consultations
a) To consider developing a consultation response for the updated WLDC Housing Strategy
The Chairman to submit a response to WLDC on behalf of the Parish Council.
 
014/22. Councillors Reports/Future Agenda Items
  • Role of the Chairman – update (JE);
  • Queen’s Platinum Jubilee update (PM);
  • Investment Strategy update.
015/22. Date of Next Meeting of the Parish Council – has been arranged for Tuesday 22 February 2022, commencing at 7.30pm in the Small Hall, Old School, Mill Hill, Nettleham. 
 
The meeting closed at 9.35pm
Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
 
APPENDIX 1
List of Payments made - 01/01/22 - 31/12/22
 

PAYEE

£ (incl. VAT)

TRANSACTION

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TECH

-151.07

IT Management

ACTIVE8 MANAGED TECH

-18.54

Handset rental & calls

AEGIS TECHNOLOGIES

-370.80

Annual intruder alarm monitoring

AKO GROUNDWORKS

-427.68

Supply & fit lamp post at MP

ANGLIAN WATER

-133.33

Water charges

ARGOS LINCOLN

-23.00

Freestanding heater (office)

B KNIGHT & SON LTD

-532.80

Bench

BT GROUP PLC

-62.34

Line rental & broadband

CLEAN SWEEP COMMERCIAL

-420.00

Cleaning - OS & MP

CONTINENTAL LANDSCAPES

-253.68

Grasscutting

COOPERATIVE BANK

13.68

Bank charges

COUNTY CUPS LTD

-27.54

Bench plaques

DATAPLAN INVOICE

-60.00

Payroll Contractor

EDF ENERGY

-396.00

Utilities - gas & electricity

EE LIMITED

-27.00

Mobile phone rental

ESPO

-43.80

2 pin lights for OS

H C G HEATING CONST

-7890.00

Water heater - MP

H C G HEATING CONST

-300.00

Plumbing - MP

JAMES HEATH ELECTRICAL

-786.40

Annual fire/emerg. lighting & PAT

MISS J ASHBY

-24.75

Staff mileage - Dec 2021

MR PETER ELSOM

-45.00

Window cleaning

PERSONNEL ADVICE &

-120.00

Personnel contractor

RUDIES ROOTS NURSERY

-748.78

Winter Planting & care

SALARY RELATED

-6934.45

Salaries/HMRC/Pensions

TUCANN LTD

-108.00

3 x monthly adverts

VWFS  UK  LIMITED

-174.73

Works vehicle lease

 

 

 

 

-£20,066.01