Sept 15 - Parish Council Meeting - DRAFT
Minutes of Langtoft Parish Council Meeting held on
Tuesday 15th September 2026 at 19:00 in the Village Hall - DRAFT
Present: Cllrs. Bev Farrington (Chair), Julian Tatam (Vice Chair), Yvonne McCulloch, Richard Carter, Darren Scott
In Attendance: Cllr. Phil Dilks, Cllr. Vanessa Smith, 4 members of the public and Natalie Lumb (Parish Clerk)
Public Forum:
Opened at: 19.00
A resident raised concerns about the trees along their boundary with the school. The trees belong to the school and haven’t been maintained for 3 years. The resident approached the school and were notified that there is no budget available for maintaining the trees. The resident asked the Council to view the trees. Cllr Dilks agreed to view the trees and contact the Education Authority.
Action: Cllr. Dilks to view the boundary trees.
A resident submitted a complaint about the new play equipment at Black Bull Green Park (BBG) and it’s proximity to their property. The Chair explained the correct processes were followed and professional advice was sought. Details of the plans were circulated on the 3 council noticeboards, the Grapevine, Facebook posts and a public consultation at the village hall. The equipment was part funded by the new development, therefore was located in the Parish Council owned green space closest to the development, and the equipment selected caters for different age groups. The resident wanted to notify the Council that they have had a fence installed to reduce noise and increase privacy. The resident agreed that the new equipment has gone down well and is being utilised regularly.
A resident highlighted the size of the trees at BBG, the Chair reported that trees are surveyed regularly and reported issues are addressed.
Public meeting closed at: 19.13
Agenda
26/27-44 Apologies:
To receive any apologies for absence and reasons given.
Cllr. Brian Branch was not in attendance.
To note resignation of Cllr. Kevin Payne.
Cllr. Payne was thanked by the Parish Council for all his work during his tenure.
26/27-45 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests:
None declared
26/27-46 Minutes:
To approve the minutes of:
- 7th July 2026 and 13th July 2026 Parish Council meetings
Proposed: Cllr. Tatam, Seconded: Cllr. Scott
- To review Action Tracker.
The action tracker was shared.
Action: Clerk to look into secure file sharing for the Action Tracker.
Action: Clerk to get quotes for signage for East End Pond (EE Pond)
Action: Clerk to identify who is responsible for the culvert at EE Pond.
Action: Clerk to circulate EE Pond risk assessment.
Action: Cllr Tatam to ask gardener to remove stakes and sever ivy stems, following the tree survey
Resolved: The Council discussed getting an independent air quality survey for the quarry works. Cllr. Smith reported that privately conducted surveys can’t be presented as they could be biased.
26/27 -47 Co-option of New Councillor(s)
To receive, consider and resolve co-option applications for vacant seats to the Parish Council
The Council advertised in the Grapevine to recruit new councillors. The Council noted that there are currently there are only 6 councillors and it is necessary to limit actions to core compliance items only. Due to time constraints, the Christmas event will only proceed if more councillors are recruited.
26/27-48 To receive reports from:
- County and District Councillors
Cllr. Dilks:
Reported on the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). County rejected the proposal and put in notice of judicial review. The LGR has now been paused while they investigate to see if the process is legal. Our LGR is now under ‘rapid review’, there is no confirmed timeframe for this. There will be an election next May for district councils.
Alicia Kearns MP shared a new regulation on lamppost spacing. Cllr. Dilks attended as a representative for the road safety partnership through the County Council. Cllr. Dilks requested the statistics for the Langtoft and Baston speed cameras; Baston picks up more speeding vehicles than Langtoft, the majority are emergency vehicles. Cllr. Dilks lobbied for a 30mph limit through Langtoft. The speed limit from Bourne to Deeping is being reviewed. Cllr. Dilks received a letter from traffic regulation, Lincolnshire stating that Langtoft does qualify for a 30 mph speed limit and consultation is now in progress. Comments are to be submitted by 28th September.
Action: Cllr. Dilks to share details of consultation with Cllr. Smith and the Clerk.
Cllr. Dilks left at 19.37
Cllr. Smith:
Reported district issues; with regard to LGR, Cllr. Smith’s ward including Baston and Langtoft will remain unchanged. There are concerns that the LGR will not represent this area well, local decisions would be made further away than they currently are.
There have been problems with bin collections due to staffing issues. The Council are addressing this and advise residents to report missed bin collections.
There is a new banking hub in the Stamford Arts Centre. SKDC are involved in this, the hub operates on weekdays 9-5.
The National planning policy framework is changing. District Cllrs. won’t be able to call in local contentious planning issues, these will be delegated to officers.
There are no updates for the LCC local plan minerals and waste. Updates are expected on the Greatford farm quarry, extension to Thetford farm and Langtoft East where access onto the A15 could be an issue.
Planning at Baston Green for 280 houses is going to a planning committee in October/ November, this will impact on traffic at Langtoft crossroads. There has also been a planning request for 90 houses at Thurlby.
Following correspondence from Langtoft residents: Parking is an issue around Truesdale Gardens, with insufficient access for emergency vehicles. Also an issue of speeding at East End, a resident asked for the speed limit to drop to 20mph – this is a county decision.
Action: Parking at Truesdale gardens and near the village shop to be reported in next village communication.
Action: Cllr. Scott to move speed indicator device to East End.
Cllr. Smith discussed reducing the speed limit to 30mph on the A15 and the volume of traffic.
Action: Council to discuss the proposed 30mph speed limit.
Action: Cllr. Smith to report if there is a public consultation for the speed limit.
The council thanked Cllrs. Dilks and Smith for their time.
- Police Reports are received and circulated and made available on website/ noticeboard upon receipt.
Action: Clerk to contact police
26/27-49 External Audit 2025/26
The Council received the External Auditor's Report and Certificate for the year ending 31 March 2026.
Members noted that the auditor had issued a qualified ("except for") opinion relating to the implementation of recommendations made following the previous year's external audit concerning the Council's Asset Valuation Policy and Asset Register. Members also noted that the auditor had identified that Section 2 Box 11 of the AGAR had been completed incorrectly and should have been answered "Yes".
It was noted that neither qualification related to the Council's financial management or accounting records.
Resolved to note the External Auditor's Report and Certificate.
Proposed: Cllr. Tatam, Seconded: Cllr. Carter
26/27-50 Asset Valuation Policy
The Clerk presented a draft Asset Valuation Policy prepared in accordance with the recommendations contained within the External Auditor's Report and the Joint Panel on Accountability and Governance Practitioners' Guide.
The policy establishes a consistent methodology for valuing the Council's fixed assets and confirms that gifted assets will be recorded at a nominal value of £1 where appropriate.
Action: Finance working party to discuss asset valuation policy and report back to full council
Action: Add asset valuation policy to the next agenda
26/27-51 Asset Register
The Council considered the revised Asset Register prepared in accordance with the newly adopted Asset Valuation Policy.
Members noted that the register had been amended to incorporate the agreed valuation methodology, including the valuation of gifted assets, to ensure compliance with the recommendations of the External Auditor.
Action: Clerk to circulate asset register
Action: Assets to be reconciled
Action: Add asset register to next agenda
26/27-52 Finance
- To receive Financial Report for the period July and August 2026 with bank statements.
The Council noted that;
The budget variance sheet needs updating
The VAT reclaim is outstanding
It was agreed that expenditure needs to be reviewed before the next meeting and monitored for the remainder of the year following unexpected expenses.
It was agreed that all non-essential spending needs to be postponed until the next meeting following a financial review
Action: Clerk to circulate details of lottery funding for the play equipment
Action: Finance working party to review the Council’s financial position
Action: Clerk to process VAT reclaim
- Resolve Payments as per annex 1
The Council resolved to authorise the payments as presented in the finance report
- To Note Income received as per annex 1
The Council noted the income and donations received
- To receive and accept the 2026 pay award
The Council noted the nationally agreed 2026/27 NJC pay award, effective from 1 April 2026. It was resolved to accept implementation of the revised salary rate and payment of any associated back pay due to the Clerk and gardener.
Action: Clerk to inform the payroll provider.
- To review who has access to the bank
Resolved: The bank signatories authorised the changes
- To consider the quote from Scribe for finance software
Action: Quote to be added to next agenda, following financial review
- To consider the quote from Civic.ly for asset management software
Resolved: It was agreed that the existing Parish Online subscription will be used for asset management
- To consider quotes for tree survey work and Black Bull Green hedge cutting
Only one quote had been received and circulated.
Action: Clerk to chase other quotes
Action: Add tree survey work to next agenda
- To consider quotes for the cableway repairs
Action: Cableway quote to be added to next agenda, following financial review
26/27-53 Staffing
- To consider the Clerk’s pension plan request
Action: Finance working party to review request
Action: Add Clerk’s pension request to next meeting
- To consider ICCM Introduction to cemetery management course for the Clerk at a cost of £160 +VAT
The Council agreed to pay for the course
Action: Clerk to book ICCM course
26/27-54 To review, agree and adopt the Regulatory documents (all documents available on the website)
- Scheme of Delegation
- Communications policy
It was noted that the policy needs to be amended to include the media channels Council will use to ensure communications can reach all residents
Action: Cllr. Farrington and Clerk to update policy
Action: To reduce email volume, Clerk to compile fortnightly correspondence updates highlighting priorities, unless urgent
- Data Retention Policy
Action: All policies to be added to next agenda
26/27-55 Planning Applications received since last meeting and any updates of existing planning
- PL/0029/26:
DEVELOPMENT: TO VARY CONDITION 2 (APPROVED DETAILS), CONDITION 4 (DURATION OF PLANNING PERMISSION), CONDITION 35 (RESTORATION) AND CONDITION 36, (AFTERCARE) OF PLANNING PERMISSION S20/0981; TO EXTRACT SAND AND GRAVEL FROM LAND FORMING AN EXTENSION TO THE BASTON NO 2 QUARRY WITH RESTORATION TO BIODIVERSITY (GRANTED BY PERMISSION S11/0123/CM AND AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED BY S20/0981)
LOCATION: BASTON NO.2 QUARRY, LANGTOFT OUTGANG ROAD, LANGTOFT
The Council noted the application.
26/27-56 Objectives for 2027/2028 To plan objectives for next year
It was agreed that objectives will be reviewed in line with precept planning
26/27-57 Parish council items
- To consider to ongoing management of the Grapevine
It was noted that there are currently insufficient councillors to manage the Grapevine.
Action: Grapevine management to be added to next agenda
- To consider applying for funding for hedges
After consideration, it was agreed not to apply for funding at this time
- East End Park – To review existing equipment and agree location of new equipment
Action: Council to meet at the park to review existing equipment and agree locations
- East End Park – To agree new Hyde and Mossop equipment installation project manager
Cllrs. Farrington and Tatam agreed to manage the project
Action: Clerk to share project manager details with Wicksteed
- Black Bull Green park (BBG) – To review the completed work
Action: Cllrs. Farrington and Tatam to review the snagging works at BBG
It was reported that there are signs of rust and water ingress on the rower at BBG.
Action: Clerk to contact Fresh Air Fitness about rower at BBG
It was reported that there are gaps between the rubber matting at BBG
Action: Cllrs. Farrington and Tatam to look at the rubber matting.
- Correspondence: Black Bull Green park – tree pollarding request
A resident raised concerns about an Ash tree in BBG and requested pollarding. The tree survey reported no issues.
Action: Clerk to notify the resident that the tree does not need pollarding
- Black Bull Green park – To discuss the insurance claim for the gate post damage
The Council noted that the gate posts were knocked down by the stolen digger during construction, when BBG was the responsibility of Wicksteed leisure.
Action: Clerk to contact Wicksteed leisure about the damaged posts to see if their insurance covers the damage.
- Parks - To discuss the addition of ‘Dogs must be kept on a lead’ signage
The council agreed that dogs must be kept on a lead in and around the play areas at Black Bull Green and East End park
Action: Clerk to get quotes for signage
- To consider the design for the 2026 Christmas card
After consideration, the council agreed that the Clerk will buy Christmas cards for 2026
Action: Clerk to purchase Christmas cards
- To discuss and agree the arrangements for Remembrance Day 2026
The Council noted new wreaths were purchased last year. The wreath for Langtoft Parish Council needs an inset in the middle. The Chair will attend to lay a wreath supported by other available councillors.
Action: Clerk to check whether we still have last year’s wreaths
Action: Clerk to source an inset for the wreath
- To discuss the Christmas event strategy for 2026
Action: Christmas event strategy to be added to next agenda following financial review
- To discuss winter preparedness
It was noted that there is an existing stock of grit.
Action: Cllr. Tatam to ask gardener to check and top up grit bins
The gritting of West end was discussed, it was agreed that the gritting has been included in the budget and will continue.
Action: Cllr. Tatam to notify gritter; gritting is required, subject to agreed conditions.
Action: Additional councillors to be added to the gritting working party.
- To discuss smoking at Penfield and fire risk
It was reported that members of the public have been smoking at Penfield. It was noted that temporary fire risk signs were displayed during the dry weather.
Action: Fire risk signs to be displayed from the spring at both Penfield and East End Park.
n. To discuss status of amenities plan, including priorities, funding needs and tree survey actions
Action: Add the amenities plan to the next agenda.
o. To confirm dates for Code of Conduct training for councillors
The Clerk shared online training for councillors. It was noted that group training may be more cost effective.
Action: Clerk to get quote for group code of conduct training.
- Correspondence: To discuss book swap request
The clerk shared the proposal and options. The Council noted that there isn’t a suitable location available.
After consideration, it was resolved that the pub may have space available in the car park
Action: Clerk to respond to the request for a book swap.
- Correspondence: Parking on Westfield Way and Barleyfield
The Clerk shared the response from LCC Highways, who advised obstruction of the highway is a police matter.
Action: Clerk to respond to the resident about the parking on Westfield way and Barleyfield.
- Public forum 7/7/26: Manor Close parking and proposed yellow lines
It was noted that Cllr. Dilks was looking into this.
Action: Clerk to check progress with Cllr. Dilks
- Correspondence: Request for a Christmas tree to be planted at the crossroads
The council noted that the tree surgeon advised it is best to source a cut tree each year.
Action: Clerk to respond to the resident about planting a tree at the crossroads.
Proposal: To suspend standing orders for 15 minutes to enable completion or the meeting. Proposed Cllr. Farrington, unanimously in favour. Resolved
26/27-58 Risk management To agree ongoing management of risk for the following:
- Events
- Volunteering
- Working parties
- Penfield
It was noted that the Penfield policies now need reviewing.
After consideration it was resolved to identify what risk assessments are needed.
Action: Cllr. Tatam to review Penfield policies and risk assessments.
Action: Cllr. Farrington and Clerk to produce a list of required risk assessments.
Including the provision of:
- First aid
The Penfield volunteer’s first aid qualifications have expired. Cllr. Tatam shared details of an Emergency First aid at Work course for up to 12 people. Penfield don’t have sufficient budget to cover the cost of the course and venue hire.
It was noted that future events should have a qualified first aider on site. The Clerk shared details of free first aid training provided by SKDC.
Action: Clerk to contact SKDC about first aid training
- Reporting accidents
It was noted that the Parish Council now have an accident report book for accidents and near misses.
- Insurance requirements
It was noted that our insurer provide guidance for events and risk assessments.
26/27-59 To note correspondence with Alicia Kearns
The Council noted that the views expressed during the meeting on the 30th July 2026 were personal and not those of Langtoft Parish Council.
26/27-60 Cemetery
- To receive Cemetery report
It was noted that:
The large shrub in the corner of the cemetery has died and needs removing.
The bushes on the crossroads have also died and need removing
There is a loose gravestone at the cemetery that needs securing.
Action: Clerk to request that the dead cemetery tree is included in the tree survey work.
Action: Cllr. Tatam to ask if gardener can remove the bushes on the crossroads.
Action: Clerk to attach a sign to the loose memorial to request its repair.
- To discuss ongoing cemetery management, to include:
- Cemetery mapping
- Marking out graves
The Clerk reported the issues with the cemetery;
- The planned layout doesn’t allow clear access to the burial plots behind.
- There isn’t enough space for the planned memorial plots.
- There is a surplus of soil around the edge of the cemetery.
After consideration, it was resolved to offer the memorial plot owners a different location.
The Council noted that more councillors need to be trained in how to mark out plots.
It was resolved to update the cemetery gravedigging policy to include carting away surplus soil.
Action: Clerk to contact memorial plot owners to offer relocation.
Action: Council to visit the cemetery to view the issues.
Action: Cllr. Tatam to speak to Cllr. Branch about storing the marking tool at the cemetery.
Action: Clerk to review cemetery policies and add to next agenda.
Action: Existing surplus soil at the cemetery is not to be used until August 2031
26/27-61 Proposed Parish council meeting dates for 2027
- 19th January
- 2nd March
- 13th April
- 25th May – Annual Parish meeting
- 6th July
- 17th August
- 28th September
- 2nd November
- 7th December
The council agreed to the proposed dates.
26/27-62 To receive Items for Future Meetings
Action: Councillors to submit items to clerk
Date of future meetings 2026/27: 27 Oct, 8 Dec, 19 Jan, 2 Mar, 13 Apr, 25 May, 6 Jul, 17 Aug, 28 Sep, 2 Nov, 7 Dec
Meeting closed at: 21.20