June 2023 DRAFT Minutes
North Somercotes Parish Council
Minutes of the North Somercotes Parish Council meeting held on Monday 26th June 2023 at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall
There was 1 member of the public present, and the Chairman opened the meeting at 7 pm. District Cllr Rickett was in attendance from 7.25pm.
Public Session
a. Mr Mike Gildersleeves – Assistant Director - Planning & Strategic Infrastructure – East Lindsey District Council
Responsibilities: Strategic Planning Policy, Local Plan/s, Planning Development & Management, Planning Enforcement, Internal Drainage Boards, Coastal Defences, Flood Management, Historic Environment and Conservation/Heritage.
The Chairman thanked Mr Gildersleeves for attending and those present introduced themselves, following which Mr Gildersleeves briefly outlined the origins of planning dating from 1948, and the scope of the current combined ELDC, Boston and South Holland planning and development responsibilities, which is one of the largest planning departments in the country. All decisions are taken within a legislative policy framework, but decisions are then a question of judgement taking into account the relevant policy (based on the ELDC 2018 Local Plan/LCC Minerals and Waste Plan) and relevant material considerations. It is often seen as “quasi-judicial” but is a formal administrative process, undertaken by the Council as Local Planning Authority. All comments made on planning applications are read by planning officers and every site is visited. Over time, the national planning framework and policies have moved from one of control/restraint to one that is positive and proactive, intended to be generally supportive of development.
Moving on to the review of the 2018 Local Plan, Mr Gildersleeves noted that a call for land was made in 2021 and that the next step is to examine the evidence base, including an updated Strategic Flood Risk Assessment when received, and outline a proposed approach which would then form a draft Local Plan which would be put out to consultation, before being taken forward to Examination. Discussion took place on the need for robust evidence and up to date modelling of the risk, which needs to be looked at in the context of the impact of the current coastal policy on the different communities, and the importance of levelling up and economic development. As previously noted, the parish council firmly believes that if affordable housing can be made safe for its lifetime, then so can market housing; so, to refuse market housing in such a large settlement, which serves other smaller settlements, on the grounds of flood risk has always been difficult for the parish council to accept as a fair or balanced approach. The village needs to remain viable and sustainable, and this includes being able to renew its housing stock rather than become an area of deprivation and decline, which is the danger where there is zero housing growth.
Some discussion also took place on the importance of widening the scope of tourism, but recognising that it is inevitably a low skilled, low wage industry and often limited to 10 months or less per year, so the need for other economic development is essential. A query was also raised about the potential for change in the current moratorium on onshore wind, and how planning could ensure that communities and individuals affected by the development would accrue some benefit, if government policy on such development does change in the future.
The Chairman thanked Mr Gildersleeves for attending and taking the time to deliver his presentation and response to councillor questions, which had been very helpful, and he left the meeting.
b. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda
- Update on the Post Office provision – the Clerk confirmed that Churchills store had been working with the Post Office to reopen a post office counter and services in the village, and that it was anticipated that once various works are undertaken in the store, this could be in place around August time.
- Harmitchker Hedge on Conisholme Rd, and overgrowing trees on A1031 opposite the school – following comments from members of the public the Clerk will put a reminder in the Communication magazine and write to the property occupant or owners/report it to LCC Highways and request them to trim back the hedges/trees as necessary, if this is not undertaken.
- Bulk LPG tanks – requirement for minimum order per annum/delivery – The Clerk will put a note in the next Communication magazine to see if this is a problem for others in the parish, and if so, look at the feasibility of setting up a scheme similar to the Oil Scheme.
The Chairman closed the public session and commenced the formal meeting at 8.32 pm
Monthly Meeting
26/6/23-1
a. Present:
Cllr Stephen Brooks – Chairman, Cllr Neil Drewery – Vice Chairman, Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens. Cllr Daniel McNally, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr David Wallis, Cllr Paul Walmsley
b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept Councillor Plater’s and Smalley’s absence/reasons given.
26/6/23-2 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
The following were declared and entered in the Disclosure of Interests book - Time 8.34pm Cllr Stephen Brooks – Chairman - Planning Application 26/6/23-6aii, Cllr John Kennedy – Planning Application 26/6/23-6ai, Danny McNally - Planning Applications 26/6/23-6a, Cllr Paul Walmsley - Planning Application 26/6/23-6ai and 6aii.
The Clerk noted that she had prepared/granted a Special Dispensation for other councillors to consider the Chairman’s planning application as permitted by section 33a as without it the number of persons being able to participate in the transaction of business would be so great as to impede the consideration and transaction of the business.
26/6/23-3 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council and the monthly Meeting held on 15 May 2023 – it was RESOLVED to adopt the notes of the May 2023 meetings as accurate minutes, and they were signed and dated by the Chairman.
26/6/23-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only
a. Cemetery – work to spoil heap to start 3/4th July, Jubilee bench installed, agenda for annual meeting circulated and agreed evening meeting 17 July after Chapel Field visit, inputting historic records into database commenced, date for Garden of Remembrance works to commence awaited, mowing now three-weekly, hedge plants suffering in the drought, changes to Cemetery Rules & Regulations ongoing
b. Amenity Area – additional quotes still being sought
c. Toilets refurbishment – quotes still being sought
d. Setting up Work Email Addresses – outstanding
e. Planters – to be ordered f. Environment Agency – Donna Nook Monitoring report circulated g. English Coastal Path – still awaiting confirmation of route h. Chapel Field – to be examined by councillors at 7pm on 17th July to inform any actions required and potential options, contractor has repaired gate by Pavilion i. Woolpack Meadows rental - new tenant from 12 June 2023 j. Hedgehog Champions – pack to donate to Primary School ordered
k. St Mary’s Redundant Section Wall – work commenced 19/6/23 and now finished l. Sycamore Tree outside St Mary’s Church Hall – work booked m. request to ELDC on 10 May for cost of additional Dog Waste bin on Bank End – response chased twice and still awaited n. Follow up on public concerns re defibrillators not accessed/used on recent fatality – initial response received from EMAS, ongoing o. Parish Council Donations 2023/24 – Communication magazine £200 actioned, Swimming pool requirement pending p. Chapel Field – evening site visit confirmed for 7pm on 17th July 2023, to be followed by consideration of options at the July meeting. q. purchase of trial dispenser and dog waste bags for Playing Field – proforma request made and awaited
26/6/23-5 To consider the application for Donna Nook RAF/DIO Land and Buildings to be relisted as an Asset of Community Value for a further period of five years and RESOLVE the way forward
Councillors unanimously RESOLVED to apply for the relisting of the Land and Buildings at Donna Nook RAF, and the Clerk was asked to submit the updated application previously circulated.
26/6/23-6 To consider any Planning applications received and RESOLVE the way forward on these and other Planning matters
a. Planning applications for approval
i. N/132/01115/23 - Change of use of existing agricultural land to equestrian grazing paddocks, construction of an all-weather riding arena, erection of stables for private use, erection of fencing and construction of an access track. LAND ADJACENT TO WHIMBREL COTTAGE, Marsh Lane. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to support the application.
The Chairman left the meeting at this point in line with his declared personal interest in the next agenda item. Cllr Drewery took the Chair.
ii. N/132/01146/23 - Erection of a barn and carport for vehicular storage. BRAYFIELD, Willerton Rd. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to support the application.
The Chairman returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair.
b. to note planning applications granted
i. N/132/00948/23 - Extension to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation and erection of a detached double garage. DAMAR, CONISHOLME ROAD – approved.
c. Planning Applications appealed:
Plot 6 Tulip Way, Conisholme Rd – Appeal Ref - APP/D2510/W/22/3310724 – to note appeal refused.
d. Enforcement Issues/Actions – the Clerk will enquire as to the current status of the following:
i. Static Caravan sited on land adjacent to the Brooks, Church End (approved menage) – investigation ongoing
ii. Lodge/caravan on land off Bridleway from Church End, near Shoalwater - investigation ongoing
iii. Land off Coastguard Road Donna Nook (Bespoke) N/132/02073/22 – investigation ongoing
e. Any other urgent planning matters/applications – none.
26/6/23-7 Highways, Paths and Lighting:
a. verbal update on problem log, including:
i. Locksley Close/Evison Way Public Right of Way – improvement work now completed, and a note of thanks was read out to the council from a user of the path
ii. South Rd – Cllr McNally noted that this is now in the programme for 24/25 and so is Cloddy Gate.
iii. Warren Rd drainage – this has also been included in the programme for 24/25, with further survey works to be done beforehand
iv. Drain Clearance on Jubilee Rd – area has been listed for further maintenance/drain repair
v. Churchill Rd – Drain repair – completed
vi. Monitoring 40mph speed limit on Conisholme Rd – the monitoring has been done and report is awaited
vii. Overgrown hedges on Conisholme Rd and Warren Rd – as noted in the public session these will be followed up
viii. Annual Footpaths Survey – The Clerk has prepared paperwork for surveys/completion. The Chairman and Cllr Plater have offered to review some of the paths and the Clerk will do any others.
b. any additional issues/other urgent matters to be reported – none.
26/6/23-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees
a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley – there has been some vandalism of the matting at the Childrens’ play area and after this had been replaced it was then ripped up again. An additional cctv camera is being installed to better see who is causing this damage. Party in the Park will take place on 12 August 2023.
b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman – The Priorities Panel has now replaced the previous Panel, and Cllr Newman attends the quarterly meetings, the next one being due shortly. The Clerk will circulate the email received from Supt Patrick Coates regarding future engagement with parish councils to all councillors.
c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk – nothing to report
d. Village Hall Committee – no report
e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk – no report
26/6/23-9 Finance and 22/23 Audit
a) the bank reconciliation for June 2023 was received and checked/signed by the Chairman
b) it was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts of £1,487 and payments of £9,535.83 for June 2023
c) the Clerk noted that the 22/23 Annual Audit was submitted on 8 June 2023 and the Notice of Rights has been advertised as required
d) St Mary’s Redundant Section – it was RESOLVED to confirm the works to address important safety repairs to the redundant section boundary wall with Catheric, as per the Clerk’s email to councillors and letter to the owner/ occupier. The Clerk noted that this exceeds the amount she had been setting aside in the reserves by £1,950 and so this will need to be recouped in next year’s precept to rebalance the reserves set aside for Cemetery works.
A request for a quote for the repair and repointing of the remaining section of the redundant section wall has been made to allow for a reserve to be established for these works at a later date.
e) to consider any further quotes received for the Toilets and/or Amenity area and RESOLVE the way forward – none received despite two more requests.
f) to deal with any urgent financial matters - none
26/6/23-10 To receive/note general Correspondence for June, Website Updates and Communication
The Clerk will circulate the information on the Display Energy Certificates required for public buildings over 250m2 for information.
26/6/23-11 Agenda items for the meeting to be held on 24th July 2023 in the Village Hall
To include any immediate actions arising from the Cemetery Annual Inspection – eg to discuss/resolve any further works required to the spoil heap at the Cemetery, Chapel Field Inspection actions and initial discussion and consideration of options, War Memorial Inscription request (which the Clerk has chased twice to date), replacement of parish boundary and Village Signs, Councillor Training/refresher training, proposed extension of 1 year for current verge, cemetery, and paths maintenance contract, assistance with Post Office Fit-out costs, Clerks proposal to look at feasibility of recycling blister packs, proposal to look at LPG Gas scheme similar to the oil scheme.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
Sheila Pearce
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer