2018 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
    
Minutes of the Meeting of Heckington Parish Council held in the Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington on Monday 24th September 2018 commencing at 1900hrs 

Attendance: 

Chairman -  Cllr Mrs J Palmer 

Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mr D Couzens, Mr R Doughty, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Higgs, Mr M Jones, Mr R Kemmett, Mr T Pyrah, Mr M West, Mr R Woods

County Councillor – Mr B Young

District Councillors – Mr S Ogden, Mrs S Tarry

Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms J Hudson

Police Representative – None present

Press Representative – Mr A Hubbert 

Members of the Public – 3
  
1.  Chairman’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

i.  The Chairman began by welcoming Parish Councillor Mr Thomas Pyrah to his first full Council meeting.

ii.  She thanked all residents who have been involved in acts of public spiritedness in keeping the village tidy and litter free.  Specific mention of thanks was also made to the efforts of Mr W Fox, Mrs S Roche and Ms K Wilkinson.

iii.  She reported the results of 2018 Best Kept Village were still not known.

iv.  She reported that Heckington100 poppy total was now over 14,000 and that a full two weeks of events was to begin on 27th October 2018 to help commemorate the Centenary year.

2.  To receive apologies for absence

None received. 

3.  To receive any declarations of  interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011

None received.

4.  To consider any written requests for dispensations received at or before the start of the meeting.

None received.

5.  Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 30th July 2018 to be approved as Minutes and signed.

Proposed by Cllr Mr A Garlick and seconded by Cllr Mr R Doughty

Vote results – 10 for, 1 abstention (Cllr Mr T Pyrah, who was at the July meeting as a member of the public)

Resolved - that the minutes of the above detailed meeting be signed as a true record.

Matters arising - none

6.  Public Speaking Time – 15 minutes allocated in total.  Members of the public are each allowed 3 minutes to make representations.

i.  A member of the public asked why the Swimming Pool financial situation had been included onto the closed session item of the agenda.  The Chairman confirmed that the financial situation and accounts of an external organisation were not Council business, and Cllr Mr R Higgs (of the Heckington Community Swimming Pool committee) confirmed that the discussion was not considered in the public interest.

ii.  A resident asked why works to the tree adjacent to private property had still not been completed.  The Chairman explained that work cannot be undertaken until the results of the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate are known unfortunately.  D/Cllr Mr S Ogden offered to chase the appeal.  

iii.  It was reported that the hedge cutting debris on the playing fields, behind the new development of dwellings has still not been cleared away.  The Clerk will speak again with the developers.

7.  Financial Matters

a.  To approve the following payments – 

Proposed by Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by Cllr Mr M West 

Vote results - unanimous

Resolved – to approve the payments listed above

8.  To receive a report from the Police representative. 

PCSO not in attendance, although the Chairman remarked that it appeared that some more shed break-ins had occurred. 

9.  To receive a report from the County and District Councillors. 

The Chairman thanked C/Cllr Mr B Young for his liaisons with Highways about the damage to pavements outside the cemetery during the development opposite the site.  

C/Cllr Mr B Young reported the following –

i.  He informed of up-coming road closures affecting Manor Street and Boston Road, and the Clerk confirmed that details had been already received in the office.  The Chairman asked if adequate road signage can be ensured as the period of closure on Boston Road is during the 2-week Heckington100 series of events.  The Clerk will email LCC.

ii.  He reported that CERCO contract was up for renewal in 2020, and other providers have been approached.  A final proposal will be presented to the Scrutiny Panel for October ratification.

D/Cllr Mr S Ogden reported the following –

i.  He asked to be notified with any further concerns to the previously mentioned poor hedgerow works near the Howell Road development

ii.  He reported that on 1st October 2018 new local regulations would be in force concerning animal welfare within the District.  Further details were not known at this time although D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry confirmed they are likely to include new rules and licences required for ‘doggy day care’ facilities.

D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry reported the following –

i.  That the situation with the roll-out of the new Universal Credit will be updated as soon as possible.

10.  To receive a report from the Clerk

The Clerk reported the following – 

i.  The upcoming traffic restriction notifications were detailed.

ii.  An information leaflet from Royal Mail had been received regarding SCAM mail – further details available

iii.  An generic invitation from NKDC had been received to attend a charity film night - further details available

11.  To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.

i.  The Chairman reported that she had recently attended the presentation of the Queens Award for Voluntary Services at the Windmill

12.  Planning Matters   

(1)  Applications to be ratified 

a.  18/1005/HOUS – Erection of 2 storey side extension and front porch – 1 Nash Close, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9UP

b.  18/1014/TPO – T2 Birch – clear house by 2m; T1 Birch – fell – 8 Latimer Gardens, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9TD

c.  15/1050/FUL – Erection of 17 metre chimney to north elevation – The Nut Roasting Company, Station road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

d.  18/1075/HOUS – convert and extend existing garage to form annex – 32 Godson Avenue, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9SB

(2)  – Applications approved 

a.  18/1593/FUL – Application for the demolition of existing house and dance studio (15 Banks Lane) and bungalow (5 Banks Lane) and the erection of 3 two-storey dwellings and 1no cottage with 1st floor dormer accommodation – Land off Banks Lane, Heckington, Sleaford

b.  18/1050/FUL – Erection of 17 metre chimney to north elevation – The Nut Roasting Company, Station Road, Heckington

c.  18/1005/HOUS – Erection of 2 storey side extension and front porch – 1 Nash Close, Heckington, Sleaford

(3)  Applications rejected

a.  None received

(4)  Applications withdrawn

a.  None received

(5)  Appeal applications – decisions by the Planning Inspectorate

a.  None received

The Clerk read an additional planning application received after the agenda had been issued – 18/1227/HOUS – Erection of wall on the northern boundary – Cobham House, 14 Eastgate, Heckington Sleaford, Lincolnshire.  No specific comments were offered for submission to planning.

The County and District Councillors left the meeting at 7.25pm

13.  Progress report for Emergency Plan – to include update from conference attended by Clerk and Vice-Chairman, and appointment, where appropriate of incident leaders.

The Clerk has previously emailed to Councillors the Emergency Plan template which is under construction.  Cllr Mr A Garlick offered to follow up with a Councillor from Branston and Mere Parish Council who has already produced their version, to establish the next action to be taken to continue with the plan for Heckington. To be assisted by Cllr Mr R Woods.

The Chairman further explained although not specified on the agenda under this item, that two-way radios would need to be hired for the Remembrance Parade road closure procedures.  In the future, a decent set could be purchased and used for both the Emergency Plan box and future events.

14.  To consider a Memorial/Centenary Tree Garden in the village, including suggested locations.

The Chairman reported that Heckington100 project had suggested that 31 trees are planted in memorial to the fallen from Heckington village.  It was asked whether the memorial could take a form other than trees, perhaps pots of flowers with engraving.  However concerns of maintaining the watering of pots was raised.  It was voiced that any area chosen, should be easily accessible to the public. It was discussed that the green area on Godson Avenue might be the largest available and is currently maintained by our Caretaker.  It was also proposed that HPC would purchase the trees, and that specialist advice would be sought with regards to suitability of species and the proposed area.  

Proposed by Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by Cllr Mr M West

Vote results – 10 for, 1 abstention (Cllr Mr T Pyrah expressed concerns about planting more trees in the village which may incur further/future maintenance costs)

Resolved – to purchase 31 trees for a Memorial Garden/area on Godson Avenue – with due consideration of specialist advice which will be sought regarding location and suitable species.

It was also suggested by Cllr Mr M West and Cllr Mr A Garlick that a plaque could perhaps be purchased to remember those that fought in the wars, but who did return home, some with both physical and mental injuries.

15.  To discuss and agree purchase of Christmas Tree for Village Green – last year cost was £183.60, current budget for Christmas decorations 2018/2019 is £250.

The meeting was reminded that the Christmas Trees planted at the allotment site will not be of suitable size to display on the Green for many years and that an external supplier would be required.  It was discussed that one should continue to be placed on the Village Green and that there had been a budget set for this purpose.

Proposed by Cllr Mr M Jones, seconded by Cllr Mr R Woods

Vote results – unanimous

Chairman to arrange for purchase of Village Green Christmas tree.

16.  To receive general correspondence.

a.  Letter from resident concerning implementation of road markings – response received from LCC Highways – information only

b.  Letter from PKF Littlejohn LLP confirming successful conclusion of Financial Audit 2017/2018 – information only

c.  Email from NKDC confirming adoption of street names for new development on Boston Road – information only

d.  Letter from NKDC informing the HPC nomination did not unfortunately make the short list for the 2018 Community Champion Awards – information only

e.  Request from resident to place a memorial bench within the cemetery grounds – decision required

Proposed by Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by Cllr Mr R Doughty 

Vote results - unanimous

Resolved – to grant permission for memorial bench within the cemetery grounds, with the usual conditions of siting and design.

17.  To confirm the date of the next full Parish Council meeting as Monday 29th October 2018. 

Date confirmed

18.  To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960

Proposed by Cllr Mr M Jones, seconded by Cllr Mr D Couzens

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to go into closed session

Members of the public left at 7.52pm

1.  Swimming Pool financial update from Cllr Mr R Higgs

Cllr Mr R Higgs provided a verbal history report for the benefit of new Councillor Mr T Pyrah.  He went on to update all Councillors on current regulations regarding swimming pools and the required conformation standards.  He then also reported on the current financial situation of HCSP.  He requested on behalf of HCSP that consideration be given to financial support from the Parish Council.  A detailed written report to Councillors will be circulated before the next meeting.  This will be included on an open agenda item for the next meeting to be held on 29th October 2018.   (Subsequently deferred to a later meeting)

Meeting concluded at 8.20pm