February 2022 Minutes
HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of Heckington Parish Council held in Heckington Village Hall, High Street, Heckington on Monday 28th February 2022 commencing at 1930hrs
Attendance:
Chairman - P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer
Parish Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Higgs, Mr M Jones, Mr R Kemmett, Mrs S Tucker, Mr M West, Mr R Woods
County Councillor – Mr A Key
District Councillors – Mrs S Tarry
Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms J Hudson
Police Representative – None present
Press Representative – None present
Members of the Public – 4
1. Chairman’s welcome and opening remarks
1.1 The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through Health & Safety, fire procedures etc
1.2 She referred to the recent atrocities in Ukraine and she commented that thoughts are with those affected.
1.3 She reported that 2 memorial benches had been replaced by family members for Harry and Sheila Grossmith (Churchill Way) and Peter Marshall (Pavilion and Playing Fields).
2. To receive apologies for absence
2.1 Apologies had been received from P/Councillor Ms M Cooke and D/Councillor Mr S Ogden.
3. To receive a declaration of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
3.1 P/Cllr Ms M Cooke, although not in attendance, had previously declared an interest in planning item 12.1.v.
3.2 P/Cllr Mr T Atkinson declared an interest planning item 12.1.iii.
4. To consider any requests for dispensation received at or before the start of the meeting
4.1 None received
5. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 30th January 2022
5.i Minutes to be approved and signed
5.i.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr M Jones, seconded by P/Cllr Mr M West – voted by majority that the minutes be signed (RK abstained as did not attend Jan meeting.)
5.ii Matters arising
5.ii.1 P/Cllr Mrs S Tucker reported that she had been informed by NKDC that the Willow Close community lounge was still closed and that a review was not due until the end of March. (See also item 9.6). Comments were made about the irony of a person being employed to increase the use of the facility when the PC had been trying to get it reopened for residents since Sept 2021. It was felt that all avenues had now been exhausted by the Parish Council (See also item 9.6).
6. Public Participation
6.1 The Allotment Association Chair reported that following a recent meeting at the site to discuss the recent break ins (at which P/Cllrs Mr T Atkinson and Mr M West attended) the general consensus was that plot holders were going to look at getting CCTV. A more formal meeting had been scheduled for 16th March at the Pavilion.
6.1.2 The Clerk to phone plot holders who are not on Facebook to make them aware.
6.1.3 P/Cllr Mr R Higgs suggested that the Association could contact Lincolnshire Police to see if there was any potential funding available from them.
6.2 A resident reported that a number of bird scarers in fields near to the village appeared particularly loud on occasion.
6.2.1 D/Cllr S Tarry and the Clerk to enquire/report to Environmental Health Department at NKDC.
6.3 P/Cllr Mr A Garlick reported that a number of residents had suggested that the anti-cycle barriers at the start of Church Street/Christopher Close footpath are no longer serving a purpose.
6.3.1 The Clerk to enquire relevant department about their removal.
7. To consider financial matters –
7.i. To approve payments as listed –
7.i.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr M West, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
7.i.2 Vote results – unanimous
7.i.3 Resolved – to approve payments as listed
7.ii. To discuss and decide memento for Jubilee
7.ii.1 It was generally agreed that the commemoration coin as previously suggested was perhaps not age-appropriate for school children and was expensive per item. Councillors were shown an example of a printed mug, which would cost circa £1,110 in total based on estimated numbers of school children.
7.ii.2 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Woods, seconded by P/Cllr Mrs S Tucker
7.ii.3 Vote results – unanimous
7.ii.4 Resolved – to purchase an official printed mug for each child of primary school age, once numbers confirmed formally.
8. To receive a report from the Police
8.1 No specific report submitted, although an update on the recent allotment site break ins had confirmed that readable DNA had been lifted from the evidence items retrieved at the time.
9. To receive a report from the County and District Councillors
9.1 C/Cllr Mr A Key gave the Clerk a copy of the annual budget report speech which will be held in the office for reference.
9.2 He outlined details of the LCC Council tax increase.
9.3 He reported that he had attended various meetings at LCC, specifically the Adult Scrutiny Panel, and he confirmed that these meetings are broadcast on the internet for anyone wishing to view them.
9.4 He reported that at another recent Parish meeting, a representative from Anglian Water gave a very informative presentation on ways that residents can save water etc. Details passed to the Clerk.
9.5 He suggested that it might be worth ‘advertising’ the purchase of official printed mugs to commemorate the Jubilee in case members of the public might like to order one (as at item 7.ii).
9.6 D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry confirmed that Mark Newman from NKDC, was working on the uses of the Communal Lounges within NKDC area (such as Willow Close).
9.7 She confirmed that the budget was to the approved at a meeting to be held this coming Thursday.
9.8 She confirmed that she would look into the concerns raised during public participation about the bird scarers.
The County and District Cllrs left the meeting at 2011hrs
10. To receive a report from the Clerk
10.1 The Clerk reported that the current RailLincs leaflet was in the office for people to read.
10.2 She reported that a number of volunteers to join the Community Speedwatch Team had come forward and that a training session would be arranged as soon as possible.
11. To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.
11.1 P/Cllrs Mr T Atkinson and Mr M West confirmed that they would attend the upcoming allotment association meeting.
11.2 P/Cllr Mr R Higgs confirmed that the Heckington Area Voluntary Car Service had offered to drive over 80’s residents, if required, to the Jubilee afternoon tea on Sunday 5th June, and that HAVCS would like a stand/table at the event.
11.3 Tennis Club update - P/Cllr Mr R Higgs reported that a meeting of the Tennis Club was scheduled for the following evening to try and get new committee members and thereby help to maintain the future of the club.
11.3.1 He outlined that there are no facilities currently at this site, however he was conducting liaisons with NKDC planning officers, the English Tennis Association and Sport England to see whether it would be feasible to build all weather courts in the village using Section 106 monies.
11.4 Cricket Club update – P/Cllr Mr R Higgs reminded the meeting that the grounds report (previously presented to HPC by the Cricket Club) had highlighted issues with the poor standard of the playing fields, which likely would result in matches being called off. He suggested that a full report of exact maintenance requirements (circa £350.00) would likely recommend a 5-7 year treatment plan to revitalise both fields (as advised by the leading, UK based, sports turf contractor ‘Fine Turf’)
11.4.1 Agreed without objection that P/Cllr Mr R Higgs continued to investigate the works required and order a full report as above (within his spending limits).
11.5 P/Cllr Mr A Garlick confirmed that the new Evolis speed sign was scheduled for delivery this week, and that the pole was due to be installed.
12. Planning Matters (previous declarations – see item 3).
12.1 Applications to be ratified
i. 22/0170/TCA – G1 6 x Lime – Highways Clearance and crown lift to 2.4 meters over footpath and 4.5m over the road – St Andrews Church, St Andrews Street, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
ii. 22/0196/TPO – T1 Maple – crown reduce 2m and thin out lower epicormics growth – 4 Bramley Close, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9TE
iii. 22/0172/FUL – Proposed new bungalow including parking spaces for the existing bungalow at 21 Eastgate (resubmission of 21/1514/FUL) – Land to the Rear of 21 Eastgate, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9RB
iv. 22/0103/OUT – Outline application with all matters reserved for erection of a dwelling – Plot to the rear of 97/69 Church Street, Heckington, Lincolnshire
v. 22/0045/FUL – Proposed two storey extension to office building – Melbourne Holding Limited, Station Road, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
12.2 Applications approved
i. 21/1782/FUL – Retrospective siting of catering container and partial change of use to takeaway service (Sui Generis) - Abbey Parks Farm Shop, Boston Road, East Heckington
ii. 21/0821/FUL – Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 17 dwellings with associated garages – Land Off Burton Road, Heckington
iii. 21/1655/FUL – change of use of agricultural land to off lead dog walking field (retrospective) – Brickyard Farm and Fisheries, Star Fen, Heckington
12.3 Applications rejected
i. None received
12.4 Applications withdrawn
i. None received
12.5 Prior notifications received (information only – no action required from HPC)
i. None received
12.6 Planning appeals
i. Appeal withdrawn – APP/R2520/W/21/3272725 – Land off Burton Road, Heckington, Sleaford
13. Platinum Jubilee update and to agree designated charity for Jubilee event and general spending authority for sundry items (decorations/bunting/flags etc)
13.1 The Chairman proposed that business stands are charged a nominal £5.00 fee, all proceeds of which would donated to a nominated charity – she suggested LIVES, being a local charity, benefitting the whole communtiy. The Clerk to source first aid requirements, and approval be given for low value sundry items within Chair limits.
13.1.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer, seconded by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick
13.1.2 Vote results – unanimous
13.1.3 Resolved – to charge businesses £5.00 per stand, the proceeds of which will be donated to LIVES Charity. The Clerk to research first aid providers at the event and approval given to spend within Chair’s limits for sundry items relating to the Jubilee event.
14. To discuss renewal of lease for the old library site – (currently one peppercorn per annum)
14.1 The Clerk explained that notification had been received from LCC that they were offering to renew the lease on the same terms as previously, and that there might be an opportunity to buy the freehold in the future.
14.2 It was commented that it is important to keep the green space and prevent any potential change of use by LCC in years to come.
14.3 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
14.4 Vote results – unanimous
14.5 Resolved – to renew the lease for a further 5 years on the same conditions as offered, and for the Clerk to ask for more details regarding the potential purchase of the freehold.
15. Deferred item from January meeting 7.ii – To consider verbal request from Community Swimming Pool to defer loan repayment for a further year. (Currently £1,000 has been repaid from a total loan of £4,000 (emailed to Councillors). Request now formally made in writing.
15.1 The meeting was reminded that the payment was due in September 2021, the request had only initially been verbal (although had now been received in writing), the accounts had been requested but not yet provided and that there had been no other correspondence received from the Swimming Pool committee.
15.2 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mrs S Tucker
15.3 Vote results – unanimous
15.4 Resolved – to defer any decision until the next meeting to allow for requested information to be provided (Clerk to notify HCSP of this deferment).
16. To confirm the next full Parish Council monthly meeting as Monday 28th March 2022
16.1 The next meeting date was confirmed as above and the Chairman reminded everyone that the office is now closed to Members of the Public on Wednesday mornings.
17. To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960.
i. To discuss security matters relating to the maintenance of the village.
17.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Kemmett
17.2 Vote results – unanimous
17.3 Resolved – to go into closed session as above
Members of the Public left the meeting at 2040hrs
17.i It was confirmed that from 1st April 2022, the Parish Council was bound by the new laws in respect of diesel use.
17.i.1 The requirements were discussed and it was agreed that the Chair and Vice would continue to source suppliers of the required equipment to comply with regulations to the value of circa £3,000, taking regard of professional, specialist availability and obtaining the best value for money.
17.ii The Chairman confirmed that a letter from the office had been sent to the Lottery Funding, in support of the Windmill’s recent application for funding.
17.iii The Chair and Vice confirmed that works, as highlighted in the quinquennial report, were still to be carried out to St Andrews Churchyard and that this had to be completed before the Church could hand it over to a local authority.
17.iii.1 P/Cllr Mrs S Tucker asked for clarification about the handover process, and it was confirmed that a formal decision for the Parish Council to take over the maintenance had not yet been made, and that there is still the option to decide to forward responsibility to NKDC.
17.iv P/Cllr Mrs S Tucker reported that she had received no offers of help from other Councillors in respect of roles required to help arrange the Platinum Jubilee event, although she confirmed that P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, as ‘tree officer’, had agreed to lead the ‘Green Canopy’ initiative and that P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer had agreed to lead the actual afternoon tea arrangements.
17.iv.1 It was suggested that all Councillors should be involved, as it had been a Council decision to hold the event.
17.iv.2 P/Cllr Mr R Higgs offered to contact local businesses, P/Cllr Mr R Woods offered to contact local voluntary/organisations and groups, and the Clerk (aided by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick) would record and arrange stall/table bookings and layout.
17.v P/Cllr Mr R Higgs suggested the purchase of ‘congratulations books’ so that residents could leave messages for Her Majesty. The Clerk to source.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 2105hrs