2021 Parish Council Meeting Minutes

 

Present:  Cllrs. Andy Halfhide (Chair), Andy Hallam (Vice Chair), Yvonne McCulloch, Liz Jarman and Brian Branch. 

In Attendance:  Sarah Gresty – Clerk, Pete Coles (Penfield Group) and one member of the public.

 

Cllr. Andy Halfhide proposed to suspend standing orders to enable item 21/22-143 to be moved forward before commencement of the Public Forum.  Seconded by Cllr. Jarman and unanimous in favour-RESOLVED.  

 

21/22-143 Co-option Application.  Proposed acceptance of Lewis Trickey to the vacant seat.  Proposed Cllr. Andy Halfhide, Seconded Cllr. Andy Hallam and unanimous in favour – RESOLVED.  Lewis was welcomed to the Parish Council. 

 

Public Forum: 

a) The member of public spoke of his concerns regarding Planning Application S21/1844 and asked for the Parish Council to relook at this application with regards to the increased use and light pollution from the change of internal use of the room overlooking his property.  Response: LPC urged the resident to make contact with the Planning Officer concerned.

Action: LPC to consider resubmitting a comment.

b) He drew LPC attention to Hanson’s Meadow Road planning proposal for further gravel extraction.  Action: Clerk to check archives for original planning decision.

c) It was noted that SKDC Planning portal does not show archived planning decisions for any length of time.

d) LPC noted that road works were being set up by Anglian Water in the centre of the village without any prior knowledge.  Action: Clerk to see if notification can be received by utilities before such works are undertaken in future.

 

Agenda

21/22-138  Chairman’s welcome and remarks:  Cllr. Andy Halfhide welcomed everyone and opened the meeting.

 

21/22-139  Apologies: were received from Cllrs. Steve Valentine and Debbie Hallam.  SKDC County Cllr. Kelham Cooke.

 

21/22-140 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests: There were none.

 

21/22-141  Minutes: 

a)12 October 2021 Parish Council meeting minutes were presented as a true and accurate record of events.  Proposed acceptance Cllr. Yvonne McCulloch, seconded Cllr. Andy Hallam and unanimous in favour – RESOLVED.

 

21/22-142  To receive reports from: 

 

a)County and District Councillors  Cllr. Andy Halfhide read report sent by Cllr. Cooke. 

Green Flag Awards for Wyndham and Queen Elizabeth parks At South Kesteven District Council we are committed to conserving and improving our green spaces, so I was delighted when both Queen Elizabeth and Wyndham Parks in Grantham were awarded prestigious Green Flag Awards. They may be a little way away but they are certainly worth a visit. It is the first time Queen Elizabeth Park has won the Award, presented by the environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, while Wyndham Park has received the award for the tenth year running! Green Flag accreditation is awarded to the best managed parks and green spaces in the UK and indeed around the world, and I am incredibly proud of the work done by SKDC staff and local volunteers who ensure our parks meet the needs of local residents and visitors. My ambition is to see the Green Flag extended further in the near future to include Dysart Park, another green space cherished by local families. St. Martin’s Development Gets Green Light I was delighted to see planning permission granted for the St Martin’s Park development on Barnack Road, Stamford. South Kesteven District Council is working with Burghley on what is a flagship project for this 14.7- hectare site. The plans include a designated commercial area, a range of residential properties (30% of which will be affordable housing), a mixed-use area, a retirement village, and areas of green and open space. Delivery of the St Martin’s Park development is a key action within our Corporate Plan, and I am excited by the prospect of the site becoming a place where families can put down roots and enjoy everything that Stamford and the surrounding area has to offer. South Kesteven Social Housing Praised It’s no secret that there have been problems with our housing provision, but we are now taking great strides to drive up standards for our tenants. We are keeping the Regulator for Social Housing up-todate with our work through regular monthly meetings. I am really proud that the Housing and Technical Services team has been recognised by the Regulator for their “mammoth achievement” so far. We provide regular updates on compliance figures in areas such as gas servicing, asbestos, electrical safety and fire risk, while also implementing our Housing Improvement Plan and Sheltered Housing Improvement Action Plan. Our tenants are kept informed through a variety of methods, and a full tenant consultation exercise – The Big Listen – is being planned. This will involve questions about both the current experience of tenants in terms of the services the Council offers as a landlord, and what they would like to see prioritised in the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, which will require a complete review in 2022/23. No one under-estimates the size of the task we face and there is still a long way to go, but we are, without doubt, moving in the right direction. Cabinet Update There have been a couple of recent changes within the Cabinet and I would like to extend my gratitude to Cllr Barry Dobson, who has stepped down from his roles as Deputy Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, in order to focus more on his personal business activities. I would like to personally thank Barry for all his support throughout the last two years, and I am pleased that he will remain on the Cabinet, looking after our leisure portfolio. Cllr Adam Stokes, our Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Council. Adam is an experienced Councillor and I very much look forward to working with him in his new capacity. My thanks also go to Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, who has taken the decision to resign from the Cabinet. Peter has done a superb job since he joined the Cabinet in 2017, looking after our commercial and operations portfolio, and I would like to thank him for his hard work and dedication in that role. Peter’s responsibilities will be shared among other members of the Cabinet, whom I believe will do an outstanding job. Consultation on county NHS services The NHS Clinical Commissioning Group for Lincolnshire has launched a public consultation on the future of emergency care and acute beds at Grantham and District Hospital, as well as orthopaedic surgery and stroke services across Lincolnshire. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts on these services to help our local NHS services overcome the challenges of today and prepare for the challenges of the future. There is a very simple questionnaire which all local residents can complete, and public events are being held around the county to allow people to feed into this consultation. Full details about the consultation and how to get involved can be found on the Lincolnshire NHS website at: https://www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk CCTV Our CCTV monitoring team has been doing some incredible work and have recently come in for praise from Lincolnshire Police, after assisting with the arrest of a man carrying a suspected firearm in Stamford. One of the county’s Operational Firearms Commanders said of the team: “In my experience of working with the 7 District Councils across the County, SKDC CCTV are by far the most proactive and effective Operators, and make a significant contribution to keeping local residents, businesses and visitors safe. Interaction between the Force Control Room (FCR), Local Officers and the CCTV Team is daily business but I’d like to record our appreciation for the efforts of all of your team.” It is great to see our local police recognise the hard work and dedication of this crucial team and the efforts they are making to keep our streets safe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stamford By-Election Results On Thursday 28th October, two by-elections took place for vacant seats on South Kesteven District Council. The first seat, Grantham Arnoldfield ward, became available following the resignation of Cllr Helen Goral in September, and Stamford All Saints required a successor to our late colleague, Mike Exton. Stamford All Saints saw the election of Independent candidate, Richard Cleaver, while Grantham Arnoldfield went the way of Kaffy Rice-Oxley for the Conservatives. Congratulations to both Councillors, who I am sure will bring new ideas and energy to SKDC. As a Council committed to progress and forward planning, we can only benefit from the input of all of our councillors regardless of party affiliation. These elections also mean an end to ‘purdah’, the pre-election period that restricts the communications of the Council to protect the sanctity of these important elections. What this means is that SKDC can now continue to highlight our latest news and achievements to our residents.

 

b) Police – Cllr. Andy Halfhide urged everyone to complete the Crime and Commission precept survey. http://bit.ly/nskpccsurvey   Action:  Cllr. Valentine to put on LPC Facebook page.

 

21/22-144 To Resolve Financial matters presented by the Clerk as follows:

a) Financial Report for the period 01 April 2021 to 30 October 2021 were agreed as a true and accurate record. Proposed acceptance Cllr. Andy Hallam, Seconded Cllr Yvonne McCulloch and unanimous in favour – RESOLVED.

b) 2021/22 half year audit report was received and noted.

c) Proposed by Cllr. Andy Halfhide and Seconded by Cllr. Andy Hallam to purchase a zoom subscription for a further year.  Unanimous in favour- RESOLVED.  Action: Clerk to action.

 

Approve Payments as follows:

21/22-145 Poppy appeal donation £90

21/22-146 Branch Brothers, Penfield bench expenses £157.58

21/22-147 S Gresty, Clerk expenses Apr-Sept £104.12

21/22-148 BDG Mowing Sept mowing £200.00

21/22-149 S Valentine, Penfield expenses PPE £20.32

21/22-150 P Coles Penfield expense £6.98

21/22-151 S Gresty play equipment paint £141.40

21/22-152 LALC training inv.11884 £27.00

21/22-153 A Harrison Penfield expense £149.10

21/22-154 LALC website support inv.11894 £36

21/22-155 Anglian Water cemetery dd £12.58

21/22-156 S Gresty Clerk October salary 

21/22-157 N Bright Gardner October salary

21/22-158 Bowls Club, Penfield meeting rental inv.2 £40.00

21/22-159 Graytones inv. 32478 leaflets £110.00

21/22-160 Deeping Direct ltd inv. 21190 storage rental £180.00

21/22-161 P Coles Penfield expenses tools £35.10

21/22-162 BDG Mowing October mowing inv. 21.1038 £200.00

21/22-163 PKF little john audit fee 31/3/2021 £240.00

21/22-164 Graytones grapevine Nov/dec edition £495.00

21/22-165 P Coles batteries for Penfield camera £13.16

21/22-166 S Gresty Clerk Nov salary

21/22-167 N Bright Gardener Nov salary

21/22-168 N Bright gardener expenses £51.54

 

To note Income received:

21/22- 169 SKDC precept £12,250

All the above financial matters were proposed to be accepted.  Proposed Cllr. Andy Halfhide, Seconded Cllr. Andy Hallam and unanimous in favour - RESOLVED

 

21/22-170 Draft budget for 2022/23 and precept calculation were presented.

a) Action:  Cllrs. to consider ringfencing funds from reserves for future projects and possible use to not increase the precept.   All Cllrs to consider budget to be resolved upon at the January meeting.

 

21/22-171 Working Group Reports

 

a) Penfield

i) Pete Coles gave a Report

• 2 more benches erected, 2 bug hotels now in place and a new bike rack installed.

• Several rotten ivy clad trees came down across the perimeter fence and footpath following the strong winds of 31 Oct.  Promptly removed by volunteers.  No other wind damage seen.

• Comprehensive ‘Penfield Plant and Invertebrate Survey’ received from Langdyke Countryside Trust.  

• 2022/23 budget bid for £3,000 provided to LPC.

• Visitors appear to be respecting the site – no apparent dog mess or litter on the site.

• Work continues on opening up vistas and clearing new paths.

• Pleased to report that John Oliver has agreed to join the team and giving his advice on various ideas for the future such as grazing sheep, fencing etc.

• Worked has commended to clear another path by the lake

• Plans for a Bird box building day in summer

• Management Committee are aiming for a balance between wildlife and amenities for people to enjoy.

• Recent D of E volunteer request received.  Some ideas have been sent to her and her mum.  Tree id, bird id log, litter picking tree guards with her mother on a work party day.

 

ii) Budget for Year 2 of £3,000 was submitted for inclusion in the precept calculations.

 

iii) Retrospective planning permission required for the container – Cllr. Halfhide reported that nothing has been done by Cllr. Dilks.  Action:   Cllr. Halfhide to chase Cllr. Dilks on planning also request for drop curb requirements at entrance.

 

iv) Langtoft Festival kindly offered to donate £500 to purchase a sturdy lockable noticeboard to be located at the entrance for which LPC and the Penfield working group were very grateful.

Action: To select a Christmas tree from Penfield for the crossroads.

 

 

b) Cemetery -

i) c/f item 21/22-86e Trees in the Cemetery (Cllrs. Branch and Hallam) - Deferred.

 

ii) Relaying of path Cllrs. Brian Branch and Andy Hallam met contractor today to view the finished path.  Contractor to rectify approx.. 6 slabs before completion of the project.  

 

c) Amenities – Cllr. Andy Hallam reported that there were several small items in both play parks that need to be put right.  Action: Cllr. Branch and Hallam to undertake works.

 

i) Consideration of Quarterly safety inspections.  Action: Clerk to investigate play inspection courses.

 

ii) Budget for East End pond consultancy costs of approx. £450.  Proposed acceptance of fees to pursue reinstating the pond to a “season pond”.  Proposed Cllr. Andy Halfhide, Seconded Cllr. Yvonne McCulloch and unanimous in favour-RESOLVED

 

iii) Permission footbridge and path – Cllr. Andy Hallam is pursue this with LCC Property Division.

 

iv) Langtoft Festival donation for a basketball hoop £150 and a bike rack £120.  LPC thanked those concerned for this generous donation and would come back with some alternative ideas.

 

v) Maintenance Issues.   A list of items needing attention was collated.

 

Someone to check and register the Defibrillators

East End Park (EEP) litter 

EEP remove hand sanitiser.

EEP bench repairs

EEP sycamore sapling by zip wire remove

BT holes in LCC pavement by cemetery.

improving/clearing the footpath to the cemetery

Action: Add to Amenities work list

 

Cllr. Andy Halfhide proposed to suspend Standing Orders to enable the completion of the Agenda.  Seconded Cllr Brian Branche and unanimous in favour-RESOLVED.

 

c) Finance & General Purpose.  Nothing further to add.

 

d) Events:  

 

i) Christmas Card  - Resolution of print numbers 100.  Proposed Brian Branch, Seconded Yvonne McCulloch, 1 abstention 2 in favour.   RESOLVED by majority.  Action: Clerk to order.

 

 

e) Grapevine. editorial and rules.  Action: A Grapevine working meeting to be called to reaffirm requirements (32 pages) for Grapevine going forward and editorial license.

 

g)       Planning Issues: To receive planning applications:

 

i)    S21/2083 East End Park tree maintenance programme from Langtoft Parish Council

and to Resolve quotation received Est 001234 Option 2 and maintenance work £1400

 

ii)   S21/2197 Proposal Erection of dwelling (revised dwelling design following approval of dwellings as part of planning permission Ref SK: 1569/90 Land to the West of Lakeside, Baston Leisure Park, Langtoft Outgang Road, PE6 9LG

 

iii)  Update on application s21 0676 Erection of 35 dwellings (Reserved Matters application relating to Layout; Scale; Appearance; Access; and Landscaping of Outline permission S17/1900) Location: Old Langtoft Gravel Pit Land To South Of Stowe Road, Langtoft

 

iv)  Mallard Pass Solar Farm. http://www.MallardPassSolar.co.uk

 

Additional planning items received 

 

S21/2189 Removal on condition 3 of planning permission ref SK4864 Waters Edge, Stowe Road PE6 9NE

S21 2205 46 East end, Large tree 3 stemmed ash tree removal dead and dangerous decision

S21/2206 76 Deer Park Road, PE6 9RB Erection of single storey rear extension

Action:  All Cllrs to view and reply to the clerk their comments for the Clerk to submit.

 

21/22-172 Defibrillators Cllr. Halfhide reported that the unit is now installed at the crossroads, the Aquila Way unit to be installed this week and still chasing for the power supply with LCC for EEP.

i) Training   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkcD3Mv9oAU&t 

 

21/22-173 Recruitment and councillor surgeries:   Deferred to next meeting.

 

21/22-174 To note Correspondence were noted from the agenda 

It was agreed to sponsor the Festive Tree event £10 to sponsor a tree at St Michael and All Angels Church. Action: Clerk to make payment.

 

21/22-175 To receive Items for Future Meetings

i) The Queens Platinum Jubilee 2nd June 2022

 

Date of future meetings:  2022: 11th January 2022, 8 March 2022, Saturday, 23 April 2022 (Annual Parish/meet councillors TBC), 18 May.

 

 

 

 

Meeting closed at 22:25