2019 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 30th September 2019 commencing at 1900hrs 

Attendance: 

Chairman -  Cllr Mrs J Palmer 

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

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 – 5  

1.  Chairman’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

i.  The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

ii.  She expressed thanks to Mr A Franks from the Windmill Shop for donating the flowering plants for the Village Green, to Cllr MR D Couzens for emptying the village bins whilst the Caretaker was away, to Adam Cope for using his machinery to break up the concrete and to Nick, the Site Manager from Chanceoption homes, for donating and delivering the soil to fill the area on the Village Green.

iii.  She reported that Heckington won the runner up position in the Best Kept Village competition of 2019, and thanked Dawn, her team of volunteers and the many residents who did their bit to help and take part.

2.  To receive apologies for absence

The Clerk had received and accepted apologies from P/Cllrs Mr A Garlick and Mr R Woods

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

i.  Cllr Mr D Couzens declared an interest in item 13

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

i.  None received

5.  Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 29th July 2019 to be approved as Minutes and signed.

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

Vote results – 7 x for, 0 x against, 2 abstentions (Cllrs Mr T Atkinson and Mr R Kemmett who had not been at the previous meeting)

Resolved – to approve the minutes as above

a.  Matters arising – no resolutions may be passed under this item.

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

i.  i. The Chairman invited Mr Grigg to speak on the subject of planting trees to help combat climate change.  Mr Grigg had previously emailed the Council with his idea and had been invited to attend the meeting. He explained that the Woodland Trust is encouraging a project to plant trees within green spaces.  His suggestion was that Heckington do the same, and plant a woodland area that could be used and enjoyed by residents.  A suitable piece of land had yet to be identified.  The general idea was well received by Councillors, and the Chairman re-confirmed the Council’s tree policy and pointed out that in Spring, some 40 saplings were planted on the grassed area of Godson Avenue and Councillor Mr T Atkinson reminded all that trees were planted some years ago near the bypass along the A17.  She also suggested that perhaps the Best Kept Blooming Village team might like to work with Mr Grigg to progress this specific project.  A representative from the Village Magazine suggested doing an article.

ii.  ii. A resident reported that some of the saplings may have suffered during the warmer weather.  The Chairman confirmed that ‘spares’ were held in case of the need to replant any.  Cllr Mr T Atkinson suggested that it would be Spring before it was known which had survived and which needed replacing.

iii.  iii. A resident of Millers Way raised the previous issue of the large tree adjacent to his property.  The original work had been stopped and appealed against, but he stated there were still concerns.  The Chairman confirmed that the arborist would be consulted.

iv.  iv. A resident asked whether there was an update on the village drugs use issue previously reported.  The Chairman confirmed that the Police, the PCC and the local MP had been written to and that it was understood that the Police were conducting more patrols.  No further update available.  Cllr Mr R Higgs confirmed that the CCTV system’s camera locations were under review in order to cover an efficient area.  Previously the school CCTV was part of the whole system.

v.  v. A resident confirmed that a lap-top found on the Playing Fields had been handed into Sleaford Police Station.

7.  To consider financial Matters

a.  To approve payments as listed separately

Proposed by Cllr Mr R Doughty, seconded by Cllr Mr D Couzens

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to approve payments as listed above

8.  To receive a report from the Police

None received

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

• The Chairman reported to C/Cllr Mr B Young that the hedgerow on Littleworth Drove had again not been cut.  C/Cllr Young will look into this issue. 
• Following recent correspondence between the Clerk of HPC and C/Cllr Young regarding resident complaints of the poor state of Carter Plot layby and facilities, he asked for further details in respect of the history of the areas responsibility, which the Clerk is to provide.
• In addition, the County Councillor reported that he was still in the process of liaising with County Councillor Davies regarding the degrading road surface on Buggy Bells Lane, the blocked gullies on Heckington Road and the missing white lines on Sleaford Road.
• The District Councillors reported that NKDC is currently in its’ end of year financial mode.
• They informed the meeting that the Housing Department was conducting a number of housing roadshows (next Thursday at the Pavilion), where council tenants will be invited to meet officers.  
• It was confirmed that the approved 2018/2019 Annual Report should now be displayed on the NKDC website
• In response to an enquiry by Cllr Mr R Higgs, they confirmed that there was no update on the planning application for the former Ferdowse (Manor House) application.
• The Chairman enquired as to why the waiting time to contact the Council Tax department by phone was so long – the Clerk had experienced a wait of 45 minutes to speak to someone on behalf of a vulnerable and upset resident.  The Chairman also queried why the on-line application for Lincs Homefinder automatically logged you out after 15 minutes.  Again, vulnerable residents may not be efficient enough to complete the form in time.  The Clerk has assisted many residents in this issue.  The Clerk had also assisted another resident with a housing issue, the resident having already visited the housing officer in NKDC and had been told to complete the enquiry ‘on-line’.  Unfortunately the resident was not PC competent and was very worried.  The Clerk to pass details on to the District Councillors for them to investigate further.  The Chairman re-iterated the length of time that the Clerk spends on Local Access Point duties on behalf of NKDC.
• The Chairman also enquired as to why the Council office isn’t open until 10am on Wednesdays. (Subsequently D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry confirmed that on Wednesdays the switchboard doesn’t start until 10am due to staff training and to be in line with the Job Centre.)

County and District Councillors left at 7.50pm

10.  To receive a report from the Clerk 

i.  She confirmed that the 2018/2019 Financial Audit of HPC had been completed and signed off by the external auditor.  The Chairman added that special mention had been made by the Auditors about the standard of the accounts provided by the Clerk.

ii.  She confirmed that members of the Speedwatch team had conducted operations in line with Project Edward, a countrywide initiative to highlight the need for safe driving in order to reduce fatalities.

iii.  She confirmed that allotment rents were being received, and that currently there are a number of vacant plots.

iv.  She confirmed that the Temporary Road Restrictions for Remembrance Day are approved and that volunteers for road marshalling duties on the day would be welcome.

v.  She reported that following official correspondence, information regarding the cemetery usage had been sent to the rate valuers.  This has highlighted the future need to extend the cemetery.  To be added to a future meeting for discussion. 

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

i.  Cllr Mr R Higgs expressed his condolences to the family of a Heckington Area Voluntary Car Service driver who had passed away unexpectedly at the weekend.  He also reminded the meeting that more volunteer drivers are urgently required to ensure the continuity of this valuable service to the community.

12.  Planning Matters

(1)  Applications to be ratified 

a.  19/1013/HOUS – Erection of a first floor extension – 2 St Andrews Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 9RE 

b.  19/0980/HOUS – Replace timber fence with iron estate fencing (retrospective) – 101-103 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9QU

c.  19/1028/FUL – Erection of bungalow and studio – Land Rear of 29 & 31 Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RS

d.  19/0983/HOUS – Erection of a single storey extension – 34A Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RS

e.  19/1195/TCA – T1 Birch – crown lift to 4m, laterally reduce small diameter (50mm max) branches over neighbour’s garage by 1.5m; T2 Holly – reduce height be 2m; T3 Apple – trim away from Holly by 0.5m – 12 St Andrew’s Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RE

f.  19/1157/HOUS – Erection of triple bay detached garage with first floor games room – Elm Grange, Boston Road, East Heckington, Sleaford, Boston (sic)

g.  19/1069/HOUS – Replacement windows, gutters and door – 12 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9QZ 

h.  19/1199/FUL – Substitution of house types Plots 71 & 86 from 3 bed bungalows to 3 bed detached houses and addition of Plot 71A together with Plot 70 to form 2 3 bedroomed semi detached houses – Spire View development, Boston road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincs

i.  19/1299/FUL – Erection of 1no. dwelling, car port and double bay garage with storage to first floor – Land adjacent to 40 Heckington Road, Great Hale, Sleaford, NG34 9JR

(2)  Applications approved 

a.  19/0982/FUL – Erection of storage building – Pinewarren Kennels, Boston Road, Heckington

b.  19/0695/FUL – Erection of 4no. flats in a single, two storey block and provision of new vehicular access to provide off road parking from 104 High Street – Land to the rear 94-104 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford

c.  19/0980/HOUS – Replace timber fence with iron estate fencing (retrospective) – 101-103 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford

d.  19/1013/HOUS – Erection of a first floor extension – 2 St Andrews Street, Heckington, Sleaford

(3)  Applications rejected

a.  None received

(4)  Applications withdrawn

a.  None received

Application 19/1299/FUL was queried why it was for ratification as the address is Great Hale.  However the Clerk had checked with NKDC and they had confirmed HPC as consultees.

13.  To update and discuss Pavilion and Playing Fields

a.  To approve payment of final balance for Play Area

The Chairman reminded Councillors that 10% of the final payment had been held back by HPC (circa £7.5K) due to incomplete works, one of these being the retro-fitting of self closing springs on the gates.  It transpired that Kompan were unable to fit springs.  Cllr Mr D Couzens had contacted N Marshall who agreed he would be able to make suitable adjustments.  Councillors discussed the fact that self closing gates are recommended by the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents, and questioned why the supplier had not provided the correct specification of gates.

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

Vote results 8 for, 1 abstention (Cllr MR D Couzens who had declared an interest)

Resolved – the Chairman to write to Kompan to confirm payment will not be made until the situation is rectified, whether it be fitting springs or replacing the gates.

The Chairman reported receipt of the resignation from the position of Steward at the Pavilion and Playing Fields of Mr D Couzens .  She thanked him officially for all the work he and his wife have done to improve facilities at the Pavilion during the years he has been the Steward.  A round of applause ensued.

14.  To discuss purchase of Christmas Tree and consider permission for Carol Service on the Village Green

Proposed by Cllr Mr M Jones, seconded by Cllr Mr M West

Vote results - unanimous

Resolved – Chairman to arrange purchase of Christmas Tree for Village Green as in previous years.

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

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to grant permission, when request received, for annual Carol Service on the Village Green

15.  To approve works to Trees on High Street/Burton Road/Laxton Close

Following previous concerns raised by a resident regarding a large tree on the grassed area at the junction of Burton road and High Street, the Clerk had arranged for the professional arborist to provide advice for works along with a quote.  The Chairman pointed out that to deal with the large tree, traffic management would be required, which has increased the cost.  Other listed and quoted works were discussed.  It was confirmed that these trees are HPC owned, are not in the conservation area and are not covered by a TPO.

There was a further arborist report concerning the tree adjacent to the swimming pool which now confirmed it was dead.

Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Palmer, seconded by Cllr Mr M West

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to instruct arborist to action required maintenance as per quote received.

16.  To discuss progress on Emergency Plan project

P/Cllrs Mr A Garlick and Mr R Woods, as the project Councillors, were not present at this meeting and so the Chairman suggested to deferring to a future meeting.  All agreed.

17.  To receive general correspondence

a.  Letter from NKDC regarding Litter Picking Grant application for 2019/2020 – Grant applied for on 13th August 2019 – information only

b.  Letter from LCC regarding Community Hub grant for 2019/2020 – Grant applied for on 4th September 2019 – information only

c.  Email from resident regarding project to plant a wooded area within Heckington – previously discussed during Public Participation at item 6.

d.  Notification of road closure – Heckington Station Level Crossing – 2200hrs 9th Nov – 1500hrs 10th Nov – local diversion routes will be signposted – information only

18.  To confirm the date of the next full Parish Council meeting as Monday 28th October 2019. 

Date confirmed. 

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

a.  To discuss licence and tenancy contract of Pavilion and Playing fields.

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

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to go into closed session – members of the public left at 8.14pm

Cllr Mr R Higgs gave a brief history of the Pavilion and Playing Fields for the benefit of fellow Councillors, and confirmed that the improvements that have been made, to the total of some £90K, have been at  NO cost to the Council.  He confirmed that following Mr D Couzens notice to retire from the position of licensee, steps need to be taken to find a replacement via advertising.  Current users of the facilities will need to be officially informed and he confirmed that he will do this as advisor to Mr D Couzens.  The utilities would be transferred onto standard rate tariffs.  Applicants will be required to be licenced, and during interview stages will be asked to explain a business plan. It was suggested that as future tenancy details have still to be finalised, that an initial expression of interest period is applied.

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

Vote results – 8 for, 1 abstention (Cllr Mr D Couzens as the current licensee)

Resolved – to place suitable advertisement for the position in the Standard and Target groups with a cut off date for initial expressions of interest and for Cllrs Mr R Higgs, Mrs J Palmer and (where appropriate) Mr D Couzens to be the nominated Councillors in this matter.

Meeting concluded at 8.40pm