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 28th October 2019 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 –Mrs S Tarry

Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms J Hudson

Police Representative – None present

Press Representative – Mr A Hubbert 

Members of the Public – 4  

1.  Chairman’s Welcome and Opening Remarks

i.  The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

ii.  She updated the meeting with news that a meeting had been held with the representative from Kompan and that negotiations in respect of the self-closing gate at the new play park were continuing.

iii.  She reminded the meeting that this year’s Remembrance Service will be held on the Village Green at the War Memorial on Sunday 10th November 2019 from 1045am, with the usual reading of names, prayers and minutes silence being followed by a full Church service by Rev Stephen Huckle at St Andrews Church for those wishing to attend.

2.  To receive apologies for absence

D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry offered apologies on behalf of D/Cllr Mr S Ogden who was not in attendance.

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 30th September 2019 to be approved as Minutes and signed.

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

Vote results – unanimous, 2 abstentions (Cllrs Mr A Garlick and Mr R Woods 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. Mr Grigg requested that his name spelling is amended in previous minutes from Mr Griggs to Mr Grigg.  The Chairman offered apologies for this error.  Mr Grigg went on to say that comments on Facebook regarding his project to plant trees had received very positive feedback.  As one of the concerns raised was maintenance and responsibility of trees in the future, he verbally offered to ‘take on’ responsibility for additional tree care and also suggested that Laxton Close might be a suitable location for some small to medium sized trees.  Planting would not take place until the Spring and further information would be gathered on tree type and proposals.

ii.  ii. A resident enquired as to the hedgerow at the entrance to the village via Boston Road, near the 30mph speed sign.  Lorries were having to move into the middle of the road to avoid overhanging branches.  The Chairman confirmed that it was a privately owned hedgerow and that the owner would be advised if contact is possible.  

iii.  iii. A resident, referring to item 14 on this agenda, enquired as to whether there was any progress to the development application of Heckington Manor.  D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry confirmed that no formal decision has yet been made.

iv.  iv. A resident raised concerns about the recent issue of heavy mud being left on the road by machinery from the development on Boston Road.  The sludge was being washed into the drainage system which was causing blockages and Anglian Water had had to be called to clear the drains as obnoxious smells were being created.  The Chairman confirmed that she herself had contacted the Police recently about the state of the roads and the excessive speed of machinery from the site.  The Chairman suggested that Anglian Water and the Planning enforcement team be contacted to outline the issues.

v.  Cllr Mr R Doughty raised concerns with parking and speed along Cameron Street, Cowgate and Eastgate specifically.  He had received a number of suggestions from residents that a ‘one-way’ system might help the problems.  The Chairman confirmed that a public survey had been carried out by the Parish Council in mid-2018, which had resulted in nearly 80% of respondents suggesting this would cause more issues than it would solve, and that therefore, the idea had not been progressed at the time.    

7.  To consider financial Matters

a.  To approve payments as listed separately

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

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to approve payments as listed above

8.  To receive a report from the Police

The Police representative was not present, however the Chairman reported that PCSO Welby-Everard was on late duties this week and had been informed of the recent reports of incidents involving vandalism and nuisance motorbike riding in the village.

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

The County Councillor updated previous concerns as follows –

• Large plant machinery disposing of earth from the Boston Road Development via the main High Street – he confirmed that having spoken to Highways, no agreement had been reached for the lorries to turn left out of the development, but that the Development Control Officer was due to make a site visit this week to ensure that robust measures were in place to clean the machinery and roads.
• Carter Plot layby –research into who has responsibility for the maintenance of the toilet facilities is still ongoing
• Buggy Bells Lane road surface and pavement on Kyme Road – the damage had not fully reached the criteria for a repair, but having visited Buggy Bells Lane, the County Councillor was going to push for a repair and if necessary get the Highways Manager to visit this concern plus other issues within the village.
• He had received confirmation that the drainage gullies close to the level crossing on Station Road had been cleaned and jet washed, although P/Cllr Mr T Atkinson disputed this and commented that the gullies were still blocked down Hale Road..
• He reported that the new owners of Abbey Parks Farm shop had approached LCC to suggest a filter lane is applied to vehicles turning into the car park there.  However this might prove an unlikely solution as the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership only have 1 recorded incident (with minor injuries) during the last 6 years along that stretch of road, therefore a filter lane would not meet the criteria.  Parish Councillors suggested that there had been many more incidents than those recorded.
• The hedgerow cutting along Littleworth Drove is scheduled for action, and the Chairman pointed out that it had not been done at all this season again and was causing hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
• The streetlights may, for a while, be out of timing sync, due to the clocks changing to GMT.  It was noted that the Parish Council had not received any details about the LCC scheme to retain some of the street lighting at Parish Council cost.

The District Councillor updated previous concerns as follows – 

• Confirmation had been received that the main switchboard for NKDC opened at 10am on Wednesdays due to staff training first thing in the morning.
• In respect of previous concerns raised about the length of time the Clerk had to wait on the telephone to discuss Council Tax, the District Councillor reported that the delay was neither  intentional nor usual, but was due to a high volume of resident calls.  An apology was offered and accepted.
• The District Councillor gave details of grant funding offered by Glenmore Partners to help with local wellbeing, sport or education projects within a 5 mile radius of the Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant.
• The Chairman and other Parish Councillors made comments regarding the withdrawing of the Local Access Point funding, including highlighting the benefits of face-to-face contact for residents and the fact only 6 months notice had been given.  Further discussions were due and  ensued at item 18

The C/Cllr left the meeting at 7.50pm, the D/Cllr left the meeting at 7.55pm

10.  To receive a report from the Clerk 

i.  She referred to two additional planning applications which had been received after production of the agenda, references 19/1493/HOUS and 19/1432/HOUS.  Councillors had been previously notified of these details by email, but there were no comments submitted in respect of these two applications.

ii.  The Clerk confirmed that a new 2 year contract to start in December 2020 had been negotiated with Total Gas and Power, after comparisons had been made with other energy providers. 

iii.  The Clerk also confirmed that a new telephone and internet/broadband provider had been negotiated at a much reduced monthly cost. 

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

No reports received.

12.  Planning Matters

(1)  Applications to be ratified 

a.  19/1413/TPO – T60 Beech – prune away from buildings 1.5m and crown lift 3m over neighbours drive; T1 Walnut – prune away from buildings 1.5m – Beechnut Cottage, 4 Latimer Gardens, Heckington Sleaford, Lincolnshire

b.  19/1424/HOUS – Erection of two storey side extension – 28 Foster Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RU

(2)  Applications approved 

a.  19/0983/HOUS – Erection of single storey side extension – 34A Kyme Road, Heckington, Sleaford

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

c.  19/1069/HOUS – Replacement windows, gutters and doors – 12 High Street, Heckington, Sleaford

(3)  Applications rejected

a.  None received

(4)  Applications withdrawn

a.  None received

13.  To update on progress of recruitment of Steward of Playing Fields

The Chairman confirmed that the role had produced a very good response and that she and Cllr Mr R Higgs were continuing with the application process now that the closing date has passed.

14.  To discuss resurfacing of Village Green Car park and former play area at Pavilion

It was confirmed that the old play equipment at the Pavilion would soon be taken away, and that the area would require resurfacing.  The Chairman proposed that it would be efficient to get a quote to resurface the Village Green car park at the same time.  This project already has £2,750 ring fenced in reserves, although the total for both sites would be considerably more.

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

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to obtain quotes for resurfacing Pavilion and Village Green Car Parks at the same time and present to Councillors for consideration. 

15.  Deferred from last meeting – To update progress of the Emergency Plan project

Cllr Mr R Woods reported that he was continuing to update the details in the Emergency Plan Template provided by the Lincolnshire Resilience team, and that many volunteers from the village and surrounds would be required to help staff the roles required in the event of a flood or other emergency.  He will provide a poster to the Clerk to encourage participation.

16.  To discuss Allotments –

i.  To discuss budget allocated

The Chairman reported that following a meeting with members of the allotment Association, more bags of stone were required to fill potholes in the driveway of the Allotment site.  The bags of stone are £32.50+VAT and it was estimated that a further 4 bags are required.  This takes the annual budget spend over the allocated amount of £500.00, which currently stands at circa £491.00.  A note to be made that during the next Precept meeting, the budget for 2020/2021 is considered for setting at a higher rate.

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

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved - to authorise overspend against budget for purchase of stone (total cost of £130.00 + VAT) 

ii.  To discuss proposal by Allotment Association to open and run a ‘Community Plot’

The Allotment Association during their meeting had requested permission to start up a ‘Community Plot’ which they would organise and run to encourage young persons to get involved.  A suitable half plot has been identified by the Clerk, which would usually cost a tenant £30.95.  It was also discussed and agreed that the relevant licences, legal checks and related procedures for safeguarding would be progressed by the Allotment Association.

Proposed by Cllr Mr T Pyrah, seconded by Cllr Mr R Doughty

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to allocate Allotment Plot (B1-1), free of charge to the Allotment Association for their project to start a Community Plot.

17.  To discuss Methodist Church request for financial assistance/donation

Councillors were presented with a copy of the letter from the Methodist Church which outlines the proposed renovation works to the rear community room and a request for some level of support.  The letter confirmed the extensive use of the building as a community based asset, but went on to say that urgent renovations were required to continue its use.  The letter reported that some 90% of the total cost had already been raised, but there was still £6,500 required.  

Cllr Mr J Palmer re-iterated the Council’s policy to assist and support community based groups where possible and appropriate, and suggested a financial donation of £1,500 towards the costs.  She also stated that the Council was in a financial position to be able to offer an interest free loan for £5,000 should the Councillors agree.

Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Palmer, seconded by Cllrs Mr A Garlick and Mr R Kemmet 

Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – Heckington Parish Council to make a financial donation of £1,500 to the project, and to offer an interest free loan of £5000.00 should it be required and requested.

18.  To discuss Local Access Point funding

The Chairman referred to the letter from NKDC (previously emailed to Councillors) which notified that LAP funding totalling £4,100pa was being withdrawn.  Very concerned discussions ensued about the benefit of face to face contact for residents, and the fact that more vulnerable residents may experience difficulties in accessing services directly with NKDC.  The Chairman confirmed that it would not affect the Clerks working contract, and that residents would continue to be assisted, although this would now be at the cost of the Parish Council.  The Chairman to respond in writing to NKDC with concerns.

17.  To receive general correspondence

a.  Letter from NKDC confirming new street numbering of dwelling 20A Howell Road – information only

18.  To confirm the date of the next full Parish Council meeting as Monday 25th November 2019. 

Date confirmed. 

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

Proposed by Cllrs Mrs J Palmer to go into Closed Session to discuss financial details of Pavilion Tenancy pertaining to the application process as advertised recently.  Seconded by Cllr Mr A Garlick and Mr M Jones
Vote results – unanimous

Resolved – to go into closed session – members of the public left at 8.24pm

Cllr Mrs J Palmer and Mr R Higgs updated Councillors with further details of the application process following the expiry of the closing date.  Cllr Mr R Higgs explained that the annual rental payable by the tenancy holder had been set with consideration to the financial debt originally taken on by the current holder, and that it had not been increased in several years.  This in turn has assisted the current tenant in making significant improvements to the facilities. He proposed that with a new tenant to be appointed, it would be timely to review the annual rental amount and a new amount was agreed to be a more suitable figure.

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

Vote results – unanimous (1 abstention – Cllr Mr D Couzens as the incumbent tenant)

Resolved – to increase the annual rent payable by the soon to be appointed tenant/licensee of the Pavilion and Playing Fields as discussed.  

Meeting concluded at 8.41pm