February 2025 Minutes
North Somercotes Parish Council
Minutes of the North Somercotes Parish Council held in St Mary’s Church Hall on Monday 24th February 2025
There were no members of the public present. District Cllr Paul Rickett was not in attendance owing to a previous engagement and had tendered his apologies.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and started the public session at 7pm.
Public Session
a. Comments/updates from District and County Cllrs
Cllr McNally reported on the changes to Planning Policy in respect of the total housing numbers in the Local Plan and the 5 year supply, and the impact this may have on unplanned allocations. There is a speed limit policy review underway which ay result in more 20mph zones/yellow lines for example. The scheme for recycling unused paint is going well, and the Industrial Estate in Louth is expected to undergo expansion behind the Tennis Courts.
b. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda
i. A query had been raised regarding reporting people parking their vehicles on the zigzag lines outside the primary school – it was confirmed that this should be reported direct to the police.
The Chairman closed the public session and commenced the formal meeting at 7.18 pm
24/2/25-1 a. Present: Cllr Stephen Brooks (Chairman), Cllr Neil Drewery (Vice Chairman), Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr Danny McNally, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr Shaun Smalley.
b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept Cllr Paul Walmsley’s and Cllr Lynda Plater’s absences for the reasons given. Cllr David Wallis was also absent.
24/2/25-2 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 – none.
24/2/25-3 Minutes of the 27th January 2025 Meeting– it was RESOLVED to adopt the notes as accurate minutes and they were signed and dated by the Chairman.
24/2/25-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only
a. Cemetery Chapel Doors – awaiting updated quote b. .gov work Email Addresses – technical issue outstanding
c. Coastal Path – route is now being cut through the buckthorn d. Chapel Field Housing Garden – asked for update
e. Chapel Field Future Use – see 13a below f. Defibrillators – on hold pending errors and omissions on The Circuit being corrected g. Orchard area – selecting replacement varieties h. Dog Fouling/Public Space Protection Order – details of other local councils who wish to participate passed to ELDC i. Bench opposite bus garage/bench on Conisholme Rd – quote received, wood awaited and quote for one next to bus stop also requested j. National Grid Projects – see 6g below k. Climate Change Report and Action Plan/LCC – results of comments awaited l. Policies and Procedures – schedule of updates to be prepared, including new Statutory Duty to prevent Sexual Harassment at work m. Cemetery Title deeds – change of address ongoing n. Flower Planter – to be installed as agreed in Spring o. Biodiversity Action Plan – meeting with LWT 25/2 re initial Biodiversity Audit p. Study for community energy project - ongoing q. CCTV monitor/access issues – playing Field to take forward r. Internal Audit – successful outcome on 10 Feb 2025 s. Budget Setting 25/26 – precept request submitted to ELDC t. Cemetery Records – checking of map and historic entries continues, along with input of new information v. Records Management – archiving, shredding and recycling of old paper records continues w. Snooker Club request for funding – the club have applied for funding via ELDC for the heating system and improved access as discussed x. Bowls Club – request for funding to enable them to continue operating – see 9d below.
24/2/25-5 Risk Management Review – following discussion it was RESOLVED to adopt the updated version of the Risk Management Assessment.
24/2/25-6 To consider any Planning applications received and RESOLVE the way forward on these and other Planning matters
a. Planning applications for consideration: None
b. To note planning applications approved: N/132/01733/24 - Erection of a house, LAND OFF SOUTH ROAD
c. To note planning applications refused: None
d. Planning Applications appealed: None
e. Enforcement Issues/Actions: None
f. Theddlethorpe Nuclear Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) – the current proposals for Carlton GDF which is not brownfield land, were noted along with the other proposals for the former Theddlethorpe terminal, including EGL 3&$, Gas terminal, Carbon Capture pipeline. Discussion is ongoing regarding the test of public support for the GDF. and whether a decision or vote should be made now, not later.
g. National Grid Projects – NG refusal to provide financial information requested by LCC
h. Any other urgent planning matters/applications:
24/2/25-7 Highways, Paths and Lighting:
a. verbal update on problem log. Matters outstanding include:
i. Donna Nook Car Parking – The Range have asked if permanent signage can be installed to direct people to the car park at Donna Nook and to prevent people going to the Range and trying to park there.
ii. Warren Rd drainage problems – investigation work undertaken and works scheduled for late July 2025
iii. Parking opposite Warren Road Track to Oasis/Warren Farm near primary school – outcome awaited of request for double yellow lines or exclusion box to prevent parking to ensure safe access/exit
iv. Culvert/drain down Millfield Road off School Lane waiting to see if LCC/ELDC responsible for maintenance
b. any additional issues/other urgent matters to be reported
i. it was confirmed that the conifer trees on Conisholme rd are on the landowners’ side of the ditch, behind a wall.
24/2/25-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees
a. Playing Fields Association – In Cllr Walmsley’s absence it was noted that the Party in the Park will be held on 16 August 2025.
b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman reported on the IAG meeting status, the adverse report on the status of policing in Lincolnshire, and the various crime figures and success rates. The PCC’s reports are publicised on their online page, and the meeting for parishes in the East of the county should be rescheduled shortly.
c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk – no report, Clerk to schedule in time to prepare draft.
d. Village Hall Committee – Cllr Plater – no report
e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk – no report
f. Youth Club – Cllr Wallis – no report
24/2/25-9 Finance and Audit
a) the bank reconciliation for Feb 2025 was received and checked and signed by the Chairman.
b) the schedule of receipts of £1,535 and payments of £4,298.46 for Feb 2025 was approved and signed.
c) i. Investment of Reserves - Following discussion it was RESOLVED to invest a portion of the councils reserves in an easy access savings account, the precise amount <£30k and provider to be determined by the Chairman in consultation with the Clerk
ii. Investment Strategy - It was RESOLVED to adopt the updated 2025 Investment Strategy
d) Bowls Club Donation request - Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to apply to Cllrs McNally and Rickett for community funding and to donate £280 to the Bowls Club for sets of junior bowls and membership subsidies.
e) Internal Audit Report - It was RESOLVED to accept the Internal Auditors report following the audit on 10 February 2025, in preparation for the annual external audit.
f) Any other/urgent financial matters - none
24/2/25-10– Annual Parish meeting – Village Hall 9th April 2025 6.30pm start – the draft agenda was agreed, subject to Cllr Newman checking whether the police would be able to attend.
24/2/25-11 General Correspondence for February 2025, Website Updates and Communication entry were noted
24/2/25-12 Agenda items for the meeting to be held on 24th March 2025 in St Mary’s Church Hall.
Chapel Field future use, Policy list for review, Insurance Policy review, Annual Parish Meeting Agenda, Clerk’s appraisal
24/2/25-13 Confidential Matters – it was RESOLVED that the Council should move into closed session by reason of the confidential property matters to be transacted – there were no members of the public/press present in the meeting at this point.
a. Chapel Field valuation and consideration of future uses/disposal – the Parish Clerk provided an update on the consultation with LALC and noted that the matter was now receiving professional consideration from LALC’s solicitors.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.04pm
Sheila Pearce
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer