July 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 31st July 2023 commencing at 1900hrs
Attendance:
Chairman - P/Cllr Mrs J Palmer
Parish Councillors – Mr T Atkinson, Mrs D Bell, Mr A Garlick, Mr R Higgs, Mr D Long, Mrs T Manning, Mr C Spencer, Mr N Stanley, Mr K Thorpe
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 The Chairman apologised, on behalf of the Clerk, for a typo on the agenda, ‘annual meeting’ should have just read ‘meeting’.
1.3 She welcomed P/Cllr Colin Spencer to the Council.
1.4 She reported that retired C/Cllr Mr Barry Young, who had worked very hard for Heckington in his time of office, had passed away and that she intended to represent the Council at his funeral.
1.5 She reported that it had been an excellent Heckington Show this year.
1.6 The Chairman reported two points of interest. Firstly, amended plans for Ecotricity’s Solar Park were available to view online in the Library. And Beacon Fen Energy Park will not be including Beacon Fen South in their plans as this falls within the site of the proposed reservoir.
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 Ms J Peacock
3. To receive a declaration of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
3.1 None received.
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 26th June 2023
5.i Proposed by Cllr Mr R Higgs, seconded by Cllr Mr D Long it was resolved that the minutes were approved and signed. 7 for, 1 against, 2 abstained.
5.ii Matters arising
None to report
6. Public Participation
6.1 A member of the public asked if there was any news on the land on Church Street. P/Cllr Mr R Higgs reported that NKDC still haven’t confirmed ownership, but they were happy for it to be parked on as it is. The Parish Council will continue to pursue the possibility of adopting this land.
6.2 A member of the public reported rumours in the village that the Pavilion Licence which is due to expire 31st December 2023, has already been promised to somebody and the application process was now just a tick box exercise. The Parish Council confirmed that this was not the case, each applicant will be considered on their own merit and a decision would be made by panel of Councillors.
6.3 A member of the public asked if the draft minutes for this meeting could be available before the end of September. It was also suggested that draft minutes be displayed on the Village Green notice board. It was agreed that this could be done, if space was available.
7. Financial Matters
7.i To approve payments as listed separately – payments as listed in document tab were approved.
7.i.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr C Spencer
7.i.2 Vote results – 7 for, 3 abstained.
7.i.3 Resolved – to approve payments as listed
7.ii To approve 1st Quarterly Figures – figures as listed in document tab were approved.
7.ii.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr D Long, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
7.ii.2 Vote results – 7 for, 1 against, 2 abstained.
7.ii.3 Resolved – to approve 1st Quarterly figures as listed
8. To receive a report from the Police – none present
The Chairman reported that the local Policing team had done an excellent job dealing with recent anti-social behaviour reports. Providing residents with more means of reporting low level anti-social behaviour was discussed.
9. To receive a report from the County Councillor and District Councillors
9.1 D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry reported that NK news (newspaper) is currently being delivered to households in the village. It can also be found online and has lots of useful information for residents.
D/Cllr Mrs S Tarry left the meeting at 1936hrs
10. To receive a report from the Clerk
The Clerk reported receiving a planning approval notification and intended tree works application, which had been circulated to Councillors.
11. To receive reports from Councillor’s relating to their affiliation to local organisations.
11.1 The Chairman thanked Cllr Mrs T Manning and her mother for painting the railings on the Village Green.
11.2 P/Cllr Mr A Garlick reported the latest figures collected from the speed indicator devices on Sleaford Road and Boston Road. He reported that the figures are remaining roughly the same as they have been since installation. The Sleaford Road device recorded that 80% of inbound traffic and 48% outbound traffic was travelling at 30mph or less. The Boston Road device recorded that 90% of inbound traffic and 70% outbound traffic was travelling 30mph or less. Further investigation will be taken regarding recurring offenders.
11.3 P/Cllr Mr R Higgs reported delays in obtaining quotes for the proposed replacement of play equipment on Mayflower Drive, due to the agent cancelling site visits on two occasions at short notice. He will continue to gather information to report back to Councillors.
11.4 P/Cllr Mrs T Manning reported that she is currently putting together a bid with the Swimming Pool secretary for potential funding from the straw burning factory.
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. 23/0820/TPO – T1 Beech – Crown lift to 4m, clear building 1.5m; T2 Prunus – Clear buildings by 1.5m; T3 Birch – Reduce by 3m to 9m; T4 Walnut – Corwn lift to 4m, clear buildings by 1.5m, deadwood – Beech Cottage, 4 Latimer Gardens, Heckington Sleaford Lincolnshire
ii. 23/0822/TCA – T1 Maple – Reduce height by approximately 20% T2 Weeping Beech – Reduce lateral branch by 1.5m – 4 Cowgate, Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, Ng34 9RL
iii. 22/1760/FUL - Proposed development for 6 residential dwellings – Land rear to 68 Sleaford Road Heckington
(2) Applications approved
i. 23/0440/HOUS – Replace current conservatory roof and replace the glass with new toughened glass – 60 High Street Heckington Sleaford NG34 9QH
(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 advise NKDC Code of Conduct guidance
13.1 See Appendix A
14. To approve a memorial bench
The Chairman reported that a resident had requested permission to put a memorial bench on the open space in Godson Avenue, next to Mulberry Walk. The bench would of the same specification of the benches on the Village Green and Church Street. The resident would cover the cost of the bench. It was unanimously approved.
15. To discuss trees on Church Street
15.1 Following a request from a resident to investigate what could be done about the Sycamore tree in Church Street dropping sap onto the NHS bench, the arborists advice was sought. The arborist recommended as it is in a conservation area, we ask permission to remove the tree and replace it with something more suitable as removing branches on that side would make the tree unstable. After much discussion and a suggestion from a Councillor, it was proposed to investigate re-positioning the bench.
15.2 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr D Long, seconded by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick
15.3 Vote results – unanimous.
15.4 Resolved – to approve to investigate re-positioning the NHS bench.
16. To Confirm the next meeting as the 25th September 2023
Meeting confirmed as above, the Chairman thanked everyone for coming.
17. To resolve to go into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (admissions to Meetings) Act 1960
i. To update on land and lease matters
17.1 Proposed by P/Cllr Mr A Garlick, seconded by P/Cllr Mr R Higgs
17.2 Vote result – unanimous
17.3 Resolved to go into closed session as above
Members of the public left the meeting at 1952hrs
Appendix A
13. To advise NKDC Code of Conduct guidance
The Chairman read out the following statement:
Following a phone call I received from NKDC’s, Director of Democratic Services on 5th of July, I have been asked to read the following out in public.
You were all given a copy of the Code of Conduct when you joined this Council and even though there was no election, you put yourselves forward for Public Office and effectively represent Heckington Parish Council.
On NKDC’s advice, it is my duty to remind you of your responsibility as a Councillor– your behaviour reflects on this Council.
These are standards that need to be upheld. What you do in your private lives is your business, but please be aware that what you do in our community now you are Councillors, will be taken as Councillor Conduct.
Theresa is going to send the video link from NKDC about the Code of Conduct. – please watch and digest. Then what you must do is email the Clerk to advise that you have read and abide by it. Failure to do so will result in further action being taken.