2025 Minutes

There were 6 members of the public present.  Cllr Paul Rickett was in attendance for part of the meeting.  The Chairman welcomed everyone and opened the public session at 7pm

 

Public Session

a. Comments/updates from District Cllr Rickett:

Cllr Rickett commented that owing to the absence of County Cllr McNally and the County Council elections no updates were forthcoming on County matters.  He noted that the Digital Inclusivity workshop at Mablethorpe would take place on 6th May 10-12, and that ELDC District Cllr grant monies were now available for the new financial year. The Clerk noted that the Football Club had made an initial request for funding, and she would let the club secretary know.

 

b. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda

i. Vehicle access over public footpath/alleged boundary encroachment – PROW 31/1 – Sandy Lane

A number of parishioners described the situation and how they felt threatened and upset by the actions of a neighbour.  This matter has been referred to Lincs County Council and the police to deal with as relevant with regard to driving over the public footpath and potential criminal damage, as the parish council has no powers to deal with the matter.  The issue of where the property boundaries are or should be, and any damage to them, is a matter for the neighbours to resolve, which may or may not also involve the police if criminal damage has been caused/proved.

 

ii. Comments on Planning Application 02057/25/RVC - Hogarth, Marsh Lane – Section 73 application to remove condition no.2 (agricultural occupancy) previously imposed on planning permission ref. no. N/132/01877/90 for the erection of a bungalow and garage and construction of vehicular/pedestrian access in connection with agriculture.

 

A member of the public recounted their experience when trying to pursue the purchase of this property on 19 March 2025.  On that day, after checking with Mr Booth at ELDC that they met the agricultural criteria and having a mortgage offer in place, they arranged a viewing of the property for the afternoon of 24th March.  However, a couple of hours later they received a call from the selling agent telling them that the property had been taken off the market and the viewing cancelled.  Therefore, it was noted that the assertion from the property’s agent that as of 19th March there were no applications was inaccurate.  Councillors noted these comments and thanked the individual for drawing this fact to their attention, which would be taken into account when considering the application later in the meeting.

 

iii. Static Caravans – Common Lane and Gibson Gardens

Following queries raised by members of the public: the arrival of two statics to the land with a stable on Common Lane, and the static in the garden in Gibson Gardens, these have been referred to Enforcement for investigation.

 

iv. Radio Aerial Jubilee Rd – following an enquiry from a member of the public, a query has been raised as to whether planning permission is required, though it was noted that the size of the aerial is now much shorter than the original.

v. Dog on dog Attack – Playing Field – this matter has been referred to the police and dealt with by the owner of the attacked dog.

vi. Speeding car – Blue BMW convertible – member of the public advised to contact the police with details at the time of the incidents

vii. Fly Tipping – Keeling St – the clothing and other items which have been fly-tipped at the litter bin next to the Noticeboard have been reported to ELDC along with the alleged source, a former tenant in a nearby property.

 

The Chairman closed the public session at 7.43pm and commenced the formal meeting

 

28/4/25-1 a. Present:  Cllr Stephen Brooks (Chairman), Cllr Neil Drewery (Vice Chairman), Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr Lynda Plater, Cllr Paul Walmsley, Cllr David Wallis, Sheila Pearce – Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer, District Cllr Paul Rickett.

b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept Cllr Danny McNally’s and Cllr Shaun Smalley’s absence and reasons.

 

28/4/25-2 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: The Chairman declared a non-pecuniary interest in planning items 6ai and 6aii noting that he would leave the meeting at that point and Cllr Drewery (Vice Chairman) would then Chair the meeting for those items.  Cllr Arundel also declared a non-pecuniary interest in planning items 6ai and 6aii, noting he would leave the meeting at that point also.  

 

28/4/25-3 Minutes of the 24th March 2025 Meeting– it was RESOLVED to adopt the notes as accurate minutes, and they were signed and dated by the Vice Chairman who had Chaired the meeting in the Chairman’s absence.

 

28/4/25-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only

a. Cemetery - Chapel Doors – chased updated quote and timing b. .gov work Email Addresses – technical issue outstanding c. Coastal Path – new signage is up along with signage re dogs on leads to protect ground nesting birds 

d. Chapel Field Future Use – see 13a below e. Defibrillator Maps for each location in the village – on hold pending errors and omissions on The Circuit being corrected f. Orchard area – selecting replacement varieties as original ones not currently available g. Dog Fouling/Public Space Protection Order – details of other local councils who wish to participate passed to ELDC, bag dispenser for wall to be ordered  h. Bench opposite bus garage – wood stained/dried to be provided to contractor to proceed with fixing and repaint of metal work i. Bench next to bus stop/noticeboard – this was growing algae as permanently soggy so has been smoothed and oiled and once dry will be given to contractor to paint metal and reaffix j. National Grid Projects – see 6g below k. Climate Change Report and Action Plan/LCC – results of comments still awaited l. Policies and Procedures – schedule of updates to be prepared, including new Statutory Duty to prevent Sexual Harassment at work m. Cemetery and other Title deeds – change of address on hold pending potential sale/transfer n. Flower Planter – awaiting LCC Highways to agree location o. Biodiversity Action Plan – LWT to conduct in June p. Study for community energy project – on hold q. Cemetery Statutory Records – work continues; archives to be retrieved 30/4 for gaps in Garden of Remembrance records r. Cemetery historic paper records – historic burial ledger – which is still in use - and plans taken to bookbinder 24/4 for repair and preservation s. Records Management – archiving, shredding and recycling of old paper records continues t. Bowls Club – awaiting invoice for additional bowls purchased u. Annual Parish Meeting – issues arising – parking of cars for sale on the Village Hall Layby

 

28/4/25-5 External Audit 24/25 – the deadline for submission of the annual external audit was noted as 1 July 2025.

a) the final bank reconciliations for 31 March 2025 were received, noted and signed

b) the 2024/25 outturn against budget was received and noted

c) Internal Audit Report dated 10/2/25 had already been received/accepted – minute ref 24/2/25-9e refers

d) Risk Management review and actions have already been received/accepted – minute ref: 24/2/25 item 5 refers

e) the Asset List as at 31/3/25 had already been received/accepted – minute ref 24/3/25-9d refers

 

The general/earmarked reserves position as of 31 March 2025, and the final figures for the Annual Governance Statement listed below will be circulated shortly and placed on the next agenda along with the following:

g) to consider and RESOLVE to approve the Annual Governance Statement Section 1 of the 2024/25 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) and sign/date as so approved 

h) to receive, consider and RESOLVE to approve the Annual Accounting Statements Section 2 for 2024/25 and sign/date as so approved by the Chairman of the Meeting 

i) The dates for the Notice and period of time for the exercise of public rights were noted to be Monday 3 June to 14 July inclusive, at a mutually convenient date and time to be agreed with the Clerk during this period.

 

28/4/25-6 To consider Planning applications received/RESOLVE the way forward on these/other Planning matters 

In accordance with their declared non-pecuniary interest the Chairman and Cllr Arundel left the meeting at 7.57pm and Cllr Drewery (Vice Chairman) took the Chair.

 

a.  Planning applications for consideration: i. 02057/25/RVC - Hogarth, Marsh Lane - Section 73 application to remove condition no.2 (agricultural occupancy) previously imposed on planning permission ref. no. N/132/01877/90 for the erection of a bungalow and garage and construction of vehicular/pedestrian access in connection with agriculture and 

ii. 02004/25/RVC – Hobbiton – Church End - Section 73 application to vary/remove condition no. 2 (agricultural tie) as previously imposed on planning permission reference LA/347/70 for the erection of a dwelling.

 

Following discussion, it was RESOLVED that the parish council was unable to support either application to remove their agricultural conditions, owing to its support of the general principle that the restrictions should not be removed where there is such a scarcity of such property and owing to the flood risk no additional housing can be built.  This was particularly the case for Hogarth where it was alleged that the property had been removed from the market on the day a viewing had been booked for someone who met the agricultural criteria and had a mortgage offer in place, so would have been able to proceed.  It was agreed that a query should be raised to clarify this situation.  In addition, the other property, Hobbiton, was felt to be in need of modernisation and therefore potentially overpriced.  The parish council would like to see more extensive marketing of both properties, clarification as to why Hogarth was removed from the market the same day a viewing was booked, and a re-evaluation of the pricing of Hobbiton if the District Council as the Planning Authority considers these reasonable requests in the circumstances.

 

b. To note planning applications approved: none

c. To note planning applications refused: none

d. Planning Applications appealed: none

e. Enforcement Issues/Actions: As noted in the public session, the following have been referred to Enforcement:

i. Common Lane – the appearance of two static caravans 

ii. 1 Gibson Gardens static caravan, plus

iii. Erection of a Radio Aerial Jubilee Rd

 

f. Theddlethorpe Nuclear Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) – no further update on ELDC/LCC action

g. National Grid Projects – no further update on response to LCC letter/Judicial Review process

h. Any other urgent planning matters/applications:

• Tree Preservation Order: North Somercotes, 1980 (132.01), Tree(s): T189

Application Reference Number: 0039/25/TPA - T189 - Sycamore - Remove and replace with a tree further away from the property. LOCATION: Bank End House, Eau Bank, North Somercotes, Lincolnshire REASON(S): Close proximity to house causing concern over potential future damage as the tree grows. Cllr Drewery declared a non-pecuniary interest in this application and accordingly did not participate in discussion or voting on the matter.  It was RESOLVED to support the application to remove T189 and plant an alternative further away from the property.

 

28/4/25-7 Highways, Paths and Lighting:

a. verbal update on problem log, including outstanding issues:

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 – update on the requested change of programme date to October half term to avoid the negative impact on local businesses of these works in peak holiday period has been requested, as local businesses concerned that operating under traffic lights at this time/location will still be a considerable problem

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 during school drop off/pick up times

iv. Sandy Lane – use of a vehicle over public footpath PROW 31/1 – as noted in the public session, disputes or complaints re damage to boundary hedges/fencing is not a parish council matter.  LCC/police have responded to the complaint re driving over the public footpath, and this has been passed on to all parties.  

v. Principal of having a bench on Marsh Lane - this is being checked with LCC Highways

vi. Principle of having a flagpole on the corner of Jubilee Rd/Conisholme Rd – this is being checked with LCC Highways as part of the report preparation

 

b. any additional issues/other urgent matters to be reported

i. A request was made to see if it would be possible to extend the 30mph on Conisholme Rd to the other side of Eau Bank Road/near West View Farm where it is currently 40mph, and to see if 20 mph could be introduced for outside of the primary and secondary schools, owing to concerns over child/parent safety.  The Clerk will check with LCC Highways.

ii. The footpath surface past the primary school towards Saltfleet is very crumbly and the Clerk was asked to report this to LCC Highways.

 

8/4/25-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees                

a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley reported that the artwork that has been painted on the climbing wall was excellent and had been very well received.  The Party in the Park summer event is to take place on 16 August.

b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman reported that she had been unable to attend the quarterly priorities meeting but had attended the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) where a presentation had been made on the shortage of officers, which was leading to a delay in attending incidents.  Trials were starting of using enhanced video discussions for those reporting lower grade incidents, whereby officers could then evaluate if attendance was necessary.  If those reporting incidents not happy or don’t have appropriate technology to participate then an officer would attend as usual.  This has proved successful where trialled elsewhere.

 

c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk – no report

 

d. Village Hall Committee – Cllr Plater noted that the proposed Tabletop sale had been cancelled owing to lack of interest.  Meals on Wheels had been asked if new storage was required but did not need at present.

 

e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk – nothing to report

 

f. Youth Club – Cllr Wallis – also noted that the painted climbing wall was very successful and that turnout over the two nights continues to work well with an average of 40 attendees in total.  The pool table has now been fixed so did not need repair.  The Clerk noted that there was still funding available for the Youth Club in the budget.

 

28/4/25-9 Finance

a) The bank reconciliation for April 2025 was noted, checked and signed by the Chairman

b) It was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts of £1,744 and payments £10,267.67 for April 2025

c) The Clerk noted that the Investment Account arrangements would be made as per the RESOLUTION 24/2/25-9ci once 50% of the annual precept had been received from ELDC.

d) Any other/urgent financial matters

 

28/4/25-10– Flagpole – This item was carried forward to the next meeting, pending receipt of the Clerk’s report on the various issues and costs to be considered when deciding whether or not to have a flagpole in the village.

 

28/4/25-11 General Correspondence for April 2025, Website Updates and Communication entry – these have been circulated to councillors by the Clerk as appropriate.

 

28/4/25-12 Agenda items for the Annual Meeting of the Council and the monthly meeting of the Council to be held on 19th May 2025 in the Village Hall – note earlier start time of 6.30pm.   Appointment of Chairman & Vice Chairman with completion of signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office, General Power of Competence, Annual Audit 24/25, proposed date for the Annual Cemetery Review Meeting, Chapel Field options, Policy/Procedure list, Review of Cemetery Rules/Fees, Review of staff rates of pay for additional tasks, proposals for Donations for 25/26, 

 

28/4/25-13 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 Retained Land

Following discussion and taking into account the previous discussion during the confidential session of the meeting on the 24th March 2025, it was RESOLVED that the bottom section of the retained land at Chapel Field would be gifted or transferred to the Playing Field Association (PFA) for the purposes of an outdoor Gym, which would enable the PFA to provide additional recreation facilities for Community benefit.  Restrictions as to future use of the land should be stipulated and agreed as necessary.  Discussion on the remainder of the land will take place at a later date.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.

 

 

Sheila Pearce

Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer