December 2022 Minutes
North Somercotes Parish Council
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
Minutes of the Meeting of North Somercotes Parish Council held on Monday 19th December 2022 at 7pm in St Mary’s Hall, Keeling St
There were 3 members of the public present. Cllr Rickett was in attendance. The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and opened the public session at 7pm.
Public Session
a. Comments on Planning Applications
Members of the public present raised a number of issues of concern in relation to the planning application for an outbuilding at land off Coastguard Road at Donna Nook and these were discussed. Cllrs will take these comments into consideration, along with their own, when determining the Council’s response at Agenda item 6 (see below) of the Council meeting.
b. Any updates from County and District Councillors
Cllr Paul Rickett noted the signing of the £8.5m project in Mablethorpe which will be at the forefront of medical technology and innovation, offering a centre for health and care related teaching, training, research, and development which is expected to be delivered by 2024. He also referred to the Christmas recycling bin collection and confirmation that the green waste recycling bins will be £50 again next year.
County/District Cllr Daniel McNally noted that the 12 month continually faulty streetlights on Warren Rd/School Lane should at last be working now and the 40mph speed limit has now been extended past the Eau Bank turning and along Conisholme Rd round the bend to the parish boundary. The last ELDC meeting at Tedder Hall has taken place and the building sold. The problems with the standing water owing to the soakaway system instead of drainage on Warren Rd by the School/Oasis Lakes is still outstanding and needs to be programmed in for a proper solution to connect it to the mains.
c. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda:
i. Potential Post Office Closure owing to the sale by Morrisons of McColls Store – it was noted that the sale of the lease for the store premises has been concluded. However, according to the Post Office the purchaser has not made any approaches to them so far, so discussions are ongoing to see if there are any other possible solutions in the parish; otherwise, the nearest location would appear to be the garage at Saltfleet who have expressed an interest. The Co-op in North Somercotes had said that they would consider taking it on when they came into the village, however they do not wish to do so. Under Post Office rules the Postmaster/Mistress has to be the premises owner or lease holder, and the franchisee works on commission only, there is no wage or payment from the Post Office. The Parish Council does not have any statutory Powers or Duties in respect of Post Office services, but opportunities for outreach services or transport will continue to be explored with the Post Office/any new potential franchisee if there is no alternative within the parish as this is an essential service for so many, especially those without transport.
ii. A parishioner had asked why does ELDC not take the dark coloured containers, clearly marked as recyclable, in recycled waste as other councils do? – Cllr McNally noted that all the recycling goes to Grantham where it is sorted, but the infrared sensor cannot identify the carbon pigment in the black/brown plastic containers as it does not refract the light back and therefore gets thrown out as ‘contaminated’ waste. The District Council then get charged for it to be sorted into contaminated waste – even though it then gets made into blocks that are used for burning - therefore it is better to put it straight into the general waste bin so it goes for burning directly without incurring additional costs. Other councils will simply be paying higher costs.
The Chairman closed the Public Session and started the Parish Council meeting at 7.27 pm
19/12/22-1 a. Present: Cllr Stephen Brooks (Chairman), Cllr Neil Drewery (Vice Chairman), Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Daniel McNally, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr Lynda Plater, Cllr Shaun Smalley, Cllr David Wallis. b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept the absence/reasons given for Cllr Paul Walmsley and the Clerk.
19/12/22-2 To receive any declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest on any item on the agenda in accordance with the Localism Act and the Council’s Code of Conduct and Standing Orders. Cllr McNally declared an interest in planning applications, being a member of the District Council Planning Committee, at 7.27pm.
19/12/22-3 Minutes of 28th November 2022 Meeting – it was RESOLVED to adopt/sign the notes as accurate minutes.
19/12/22-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only
a. Cemetery – front hedge now lowered and wildlife area cleared to allow entry. Thanks to Cllr Newman for varnishing all the pews in the Chapel after the woodwork treatment. b. Donations and Grants – Meals on Wheels donation of £200 actioned c. Councillor community grants – outcome awaited d. Amenity Area – preparing requirements for quote e. Zero Carbon Parishes project – costed list of lighting in village hall received and Pavilion costs now received too. Total amount is more than the £5k grant but only slightly. f. Youth Club – pool table removed to pavilion and Zorb balls delivered g. Toilets refurbishment – quotes being requested but facility now closed owing to leak of water after frosts. Lodged with insurance as potential claim but may not be worth claiming depending on excess and impact on future annual premium h. Setting up Work Email Addresses – ongoing and planned to come into effect from 1 April 2023 i. Planters and Litter bins – will be put out in the new year, and additional planter in 23/24 budget j. Good Neighbours Scheme/weekly Warm Space venue to be run by volunteers Village hall would be available at £7.50 per hour but yet to establish need/feasibility, availability of volunteers/cost of food and beverages etc as no one has said they would like such a facility, or use it. Perhaps explore the Good Neighbour Scheme rather than specifically Warm Space, as likely to be more useful k. Electricity – Collective purchasing - looking into with LALC l. dog fouling – public Space Protection order does allow for PCs to keep any fines less 20% admin fee from ELDC. Plan for action in 2024/25 budget as unlikely to be able to get ELDC to train any worker/volunteer before then as part of a Public Space Protection Order for North Somercotes.
19/12/22-5– Cemetery
a. quote for the removal of trees/stump grinding – not yet received, carry forward to next meeting.
b. Progress with the Mapping and digitisation of Cemetery records - first draft of maps received for checking.
c. Garden of Remembrance - To note quotes being sought as per agreed list of works.
19/12/22-6 To consider Planning applications/other planning matters received and RESOLVE the way forward
a. Any Planning applications for approval
i. N/132/02073/22 - Erection of a shed with a lean to either side. LAND OFF, COASTGUARD ROAD, DONNA NOOK – Councillors discussed the application and their concerns regarding the alleged use being made of the land compared to its designation - including the siting of a static caravan that appears to be in use overnight on occasions and which seems incompatible with the designation and proximity to a SSSI. There are also concerns regarding the potential discharge of untreated sewerage in to the ground, and the potential for the site to be used for commercial activity which would be incompatible with its designation and impact on the amenity of residents in the cottages. Following further discussion, it was RESOLVED to object to the application, noting that if it was to be permitted then it should clearly be conditioned to prevent overnight stay, business/commercial use, or use of contaminants. The Clerk will be asked to liaise with Environmental Health/Environment Agency regarding the potential discharge of sewerage and contaminants, Natural England regarding proximity of development on land adjacent to the SSSI and Nature Reserve, and Enforcement regarding the caravan allegedly being used for residential purposes.
b. To note planning applications approved/refused/appealed: none.
c. Enforcement Issues/Actions – to discuss and RESOLVE the way forward on potential enforcement issues:
i. Static Caravan sited on land adjacent to the Brooks, Church End (recently approved menage)
A static caravan has been sited and there does not seem to have been a planning application for this. It was RESOLVED to ask the Clerk to request Enforcement to clarify the position on this, as to whether it is within domestic curtilage.
ii. Lodge/caravan on land off Bridleway from Church End, near Shoalwater
A static caravan/Lodge has been sited and there does not seem to have been a planning application for this. It was RESOLVED to ask the Clerk to request Enforcement to clarify the position on this, as to whether it is within domestic curtilage.
iii. Land off Coastguard Road Donna Nook (Bespoke) – to note Clerk to action with Enforcement and other parties as noted in 6a.
d. Any other urgent planning matters/applications
i. N132/01100/22- Change of use of land to provide a caravan park. | STABLES OPPOSITE SOUTH ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SOUTH ROAD, NORTH SOMERCOTES, LN11 7PT. Councillors considered the amended layout of caravans with landscaping and proposals for connecting to main sewer network via Tempus Fugit, the applicants current property, onto Keeling St. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to object to the proposals and reiterate the original objections that this is not an appropriate location for such a development which could have a considerable impact on residential amenity.
19/12/22-7 Confirmation of request for listing of Asset of Community Value – DIO/MoD Donna Nook Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to request the Clerk to proceed to action the renewal of the Listing of the area as an Asset of Community Value.
19/12/22-8 Highways, Paths and Lighting – to discuss/RESOLVE the way forward on relevant Highways issues
a. verbal update on problem log
i. Lamp 26 x 2, 17, 28 and 29a Warren Rd – to note formal letter of complaint done via email to ELDC – as of 12 Dec 2022 lights were still not working some 12 months on, and Cllr McNally has also raised this with ELDC. Cllr Maidens reported that thankfully at last they now appear to have been fixed properly.
ii. Obstructed road view/lamp column no. 53 – to note problems rectified.
iii. Access to beach from Warren Rd/elsewhere in parish without conflict with traffic – ongoing
b. Any other/urgent highways issues – none.
19/12/22-9 Budget Setting 23/24 – it was noted that the Clerk is making some amendments and will circulate before the next meeting. This may result in either an increase to the precept required or taking into account more income from WPM, or a combination of both, for final discussion at the meeting on 23 January in time for the ELDC deadline of 27 January 2023.
19/12/22-10 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees
a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley - absent
b. Police Advisory Group – Cllr Newman – no report
c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk - no report
d. Village Hall Committee – no report - no report
e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk - no report
19/12/22-11 Finance
a) the bank reconciliations for December 2022 with the £1.72 to be correctly attributed was noted, checked and signed by the Chairman.
b) It was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts of £650 and payments of £3,603.66 for December 2022
c) It was RESOLVED to approve the LIVES request for £80 for Defibrillator Pads – Clerk to action.
d) to deal with any other/urgent Financial matters - none
19/12/22-12 General Correspondence for December, Website Updates, Communication – received and noted.
19/12/22-13 Agenda items for the meeting to be held on 23 January 2023 in St Mary’s Church Hall
23/24 budget setting, Council priorities for 23/24, Confirmation of request for listing of Asset of Community Value – DIO/MoD Donna Nook (Jan/Feb 2023), Investment Strategy
19/12/22-14 Confidential Matters – it was RESOLVED to move into closed session by reason of the confidential property matters to be transacted – there were no members of the public/press remaining in the meeting at this point.
a. Woolpack Meadows parking arrangements – following discussion it was RESOLVED to agree to the suggested changes to parking arrangements, should they be required.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.38.pm
Minutes produced by Sheila Pearce
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer
By reference to the Chairman’s notes/audio recording of the meeting