February 2023 Minutes
HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of Heckington Parish Council held in Heckington Parish Council, Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington on Monday 27th February 2023 commencing at 1900hrs
Attendance:
Chairman P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer
Parish Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mrs M Cooke, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Higgs, Mr D Long, Mr M Jones, Mr M West
District Councillors – Mrs S Tarry
Minute Taker – Clerk, Ms T Williams
Police Representative – None present
Press Representative – None present
Members of the Public – 6
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 Letters had been sent to Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, Chief Constable Chris Hawood, MP Caroline Johnson regarding the reduction of PCSOs and our concern for lack of cover for our residents. The usual non-committal replies were received.
1.3 Three new dog bins had been erected at a cost of £174.00 each: Boston Road, Burton Road and Bramley Close, these were already being well used.
1.4 The Annual Parish Meeting has been fixed for 11Th May in the Village Hall.
1.5 The new mower and sweeper would be arriving the next day.
2. To receive apologies for absence
2.1 Apologies received and accepted from C/Cllr Mr A Key, D/Cllr Mr S Ogden and P/Cllr Mr R Woods
3. To receive a declaration of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
3.1 P/Cllr Mrs A Cooke declared an interest in Planning application 22/0988
4. To consider any requests for dispensations received at or before the start of the meeting.
4.1 None received.
5. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held Monday 30th January 2023
5.i Proposed by Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by Cllr Mr M Jones it was resolved that the minutes were approved and signed. Unanimous vote.
5.ii Matters arising
None to report
6. Public Participation
6.1 A member of the public referred to planning application 22/0988/FUL, expressing concerns over the access road into proposed additional playing fields off Howell Road. P/Cllr Mr R Higgs explained the Architects plans are indicative at this stage.
6.2 A member of the public raised concerns over the proposed new Tennis Club referred to in 22/0988, it was explained that this was indicative at this stage.
6.3 A member of the public thanked the Parish Council for installing additional dog waste bins. The new litter bin that will be installed by the NHS bench on Church Street, is due to arrive this week.
6.4 A member of the public raised the issue of parking in Church Street once the yellow lines are in situ. It was confirmed that for the properties without parking there was some waste land previously identified.
6.5 A member of the public announced that once again there would be a Charity Cricket match at the playing fields but raised concerns about the management of the pavilion. Reassured that The Parish Council have a duty to provide Playing fields so therefore no issue.
6.6 The replacement of the crossing gates was discussed. P/Cllr Mr A Garlick to speak to the contractors to see if the gates, once removed, can be saved for use/display somewhere in the village as a mark of the village’s heritage.
6.7 P/Cllr Mr T Atkinson reported 2 blocked gullies on near the Old Station Hotel, Station Road, to be reported to Highways.
7. Financial Matters
7.i To approve payments as listed separately – payments as listed in document tab were approved unanimously
7.ii Proposed by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by P/Cllr Mr D Long
7.iii Vote results – unanimous
7.iv Resolved – to approve payments as listed
8. To receive a report from the Police – none present
9. To receive a report from the County Councillor and District Councillors
9.1 D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry reported that the District Council’s full council meeting will be held on Thursday and the recommendations are that the Council Tax is increased by £4.95 on a Band D property, an increase of 2.76%
9.2 Nk Community Lottery Funding application for grants deadline is 31st March.
D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry left the meeting at 1936hrs
10. To receive a report from the Clerk
Clerk to inform residents via Facebook that Quickline Communications are holding a public consultation meeting on Thursday 2nd March.
11. To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.
P/Cllr Mr A Garlick reported that the Road Safety Partnership had agreed that the speed camera on Sleaford Road could be moved further up the road. However, it was agreed to leave it where it is to monitor performance through the summer months.
12. Planning Matters (The Parish Council does not have the power to approve nor reject applications – it is merely a consultee and can submit comments)
(1) Applications to be ratified
i. 23/0137/TCA T1 Cherry – Reduce from 5.5m to 4m 101-103 High Street Heckington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9QU
ii. 22/0988/FUL Erection of 25 residential dwellings, formation of access onto Freeston Road and change of use of land to school playing field Land Northwest of Freeston Road and Southwest Of Howell Road Heckington Sleaford
iii. 22/0988/FUL Amended Details Erection of 25 residential dwellings, formation of access onto Freeston Road and change of use of agricultural land to Parish Council Community Playing field on land off Howell Road
iv. 22/0819/HOUS & 22/0820/HOUS Replacement of existing windows and external doors, replacement of pantiled roof covering and internal alterations White Horse 61 Church Street Heckington
v. 23/0132/LBC Installation of Anti-Bird Chimney Cowl 63 – 65 High Street Heckington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9QU
(2) Applications approved
i. None received
(3) Applications refused
i. None received
(4) Applications withdrawn
i. None received
(5) Prior notifications received (information only – no action required from HPC)
i. None received
(6) Planning appeals
i. None received
13. To discuss the Coronation
13.1 The Chairman reported that there was a disappointing turnout at the Village Meeting to discuss the Coronation. The events proposed so far;
The Henpeckers and WI are looking to organise a ‘Royal’ exhibition in the Village Hall on Monday 8th May.
Display window on the High Street.
Heckington Gardening Club to organise a ‘grow a sunflower’ competition with the children at Heckington Primary School.
The Allotments are to be asked if they will support a ‘grow a potato’ competition.
The Parish Council office will run a diary on Facebook for organised events with posters being issued nearer the time for those not on social media.
13.2 The bus shelter outside the Village Hall is in a very poor state of repair and needs to be removed. As a lasting commemoration of the Coronation, consideration was given to replace the existing shelter with an environmentally friendly ‘green’ roof shelter. After extensive research and professional advice, it was agreed this would not be possible due to its location. To replace it with a similar shelter would cost £5000 (approx.). P/Cllr Mr R Higgs suggested it is removed and should the Village Hall consider installing a canopy, consideration could be given to contributing towards the cost. The Councillors voted to remove the bus shelter.
13.2 i Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr D Long.
13.2 ii Vote results – unanimous
13.2 iii Resolved to remove the bus shelter.
13.3 P/Cllr Mr R Higgs showed the Councillors an example of a commemorative Coronation badge for the children. It was agreed to source a larger version. The idea of a shrub for each child to plant at home as a memento was also discussed. The Chairman is to discuss ideas with the Headteacher at Heckington St Andrews School.
14. To confirm the next full council meeting as 27th March 2023
Meeting confirmed as above, the Chairman thanked everyone for coming.
15. To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (admissions to Meetings) Act 1960
i. To discuss Cemetery Pillar
15.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
15.2 Vote result – unanimous
15.3 Resolved to go into closed session as above
Members of the public left the meeting at 1954hrs
15.4 Following the reinstatement of the right hand damaged pillar at the Cemetery, a quote of £697 has been obtained to repoint the left hand pillar. This was considered reasonable and duly proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr R Higgs.
Vote result – Unanimous. Resolved – to accept the quote for £697.00
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 1959hrs