2026 Minutes

There were no members of the public present.  District Cllr Paul Rickett was not in attendance having given his apologies.  County Cllr Bayleigh Robinson was in attendance for part of the meeting.  The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and opened the public session at 7. PM

Public Session 
a. Any comments from District Cllr McNally
Cllr McNally commented on the current position on the cessation of the proposals to move to a unitary authority. Discussion also took place on the position of the Environment Agency, who now appear to be refusing all planning, including commercial, along the East Lindsey Coast, owing to flood risk beyond 2040 and the unresolved position on funding for future maintenance of the flood defences.

b. Any comments from County Cllr Robinson
Cllr Robinson updated on the outstanding highways issues – see 7 below. He also referred to the proposal to move to an App for Fixmystreet issues in future, and the halt that has been called to the move to a unitary authority, which so far has cost the County Council C £1.9 million. District Council elections will therefore go ahead in May next year. 

c. Comments from members of the Public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda:
i. The Alarm going off at Primary School – The RFO noted the problems with the alarm continually going off, and the action being taken to address this.

ii. South Somercotes Public Footpath difficult to use – issue now dealt with.

iii. Youths setting fire to material next to pavilion – following an alert from a member of the public, CCTV checked and provided to Police

iv. The Bungalow Keeling St – problems with flooding not resolved – ongoing since February 2026 drains have now been jetted.  Also flooding problems on Jubilee Rd after heavy rains have been reported – see item 7 below.

v. Dog on Dog attack playing field – following an enquiry, CCTV has been checked and is available for the police if requested. Note has also been put in Communication magazine about dogs on leads.

vi. Overhanging hedges on Marsh Lane – this has been raised and is being dealt with.

The Chairman closed the public session and commenced the formal meeting at 7.40 pm 

Monthly Meeting
21/9/26-1 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 Lynda Plater, Cllr David Wallis, Cllrs Paul Walmsley, Clerk – Geraldine McCarthy, RFO – Sheila Pearce. b. Apologies for Absence – District Cllr Rickett had given his apologies.

21/9/26-2  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.

Cllrs Arundel, Kennedy and Walmsley declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6 Willow Farm at 7pm and Cllr McNally declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the Planning Committee for item 6 and they signed the register accordingly.  

21/9/26-3 Minutes of 27th July 2026 Monthly Meeting – it was RESOLVED to adopt the notes as accurate minutes, and they were signed and dated by the Chairman.

21/9/26-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only
a. Cemetery Chapel Doors – second  replaced 21/9 b. Cemetery Statutory Records digitisation and mapping – ongoing c. Cemetery old, damaged Memorials - need to identify location for those currently against chapel walls and get quote for repair/reinstatement once all plots mapped, ongoing d. Quinquennial Inspection – to be arranged October  e. Wildflower area – Fencing to be obtained/erected to designate different area .f. Cemetery Biodiversity Audit/Action Plan – to be updated with input from LWT and Waste Management Plan – in draft 
g. Orchard area Grass has been mown, trees checked some need pruning and watering h. Policies and Procedures updates - ongoing i. Records Management –some files moved to toilet store and continuing with shredding/recycling j. Defib Training – held at Pavilion 4th September, 2pm.  k. Chapel Field Future Use/Disposal – see 15 below l. Static caravans on land at Common Lane – see 6 below m. Static caravan on Marsh Lane – see 6 below n. Bleed Control Kit – As per-email on the 12/8/26 now purchased o. Insurance Renewal – Cyber-attack cover premium see 5 below.  p. Cemetery Rules and fees for under 18s – pending q. Crime Prevention/ Detection – see 13 below r. Councillor vacancy – still no applicants to date s.  Dogs on leads – note put in Communication 
t. Cemetery Headstone check – identified issues to be discussed with mason and area around memorials marked with orange, note put on village Facebook page u. Plastic tributes at cemetery – note in Communication, plus article for website to explain v. Martyn’s Law – information sent out via e-mail 11/8/26 w. Dog fouling – Further attempts made to contact Environmental Health Service Manager at ELDC.

21/9/26-5 Cyber Insurance Update – The Clerk noted that LCC have confirmed that the parish council website they host is compliant and therefore the extra insurance quoted for is unnecessary.  The Clerk and RFO will undertake the necessary training to ensure that the relevant aspect of their work is covered. There is also a form that will need to be signed by councillors to ensure that they are complying with the necessary procedures, as per the Data Protection Policy and GDPR that is being prepared, in line with Risk Management requirements.
    
21/9/26-6 To consider any Planning applications received and RESOLVE the way forward on these and other Planning/Enforcement matters 
a.  Planning applications for consideration: to consider applications received and RESOLVE the way forward.
i. 01204/26/FUL - Shillingbury Churchill Road - Planning Permission - Erection of 2m high wooden fence to replace existing hedge around existing dwelling. – It was RESOLVED to ratify the decision not to support the proposal for such a high fence, owing to the undesirable harmful effect on residential amenity and character and appearance of the wider street scene in this rural environment.

ii. 01293/26/FUL Willow Farm, Marsh Lane - Planning Permission - Siting of a static caravan for seasonal holiday use (already in situ) and construction of hardstanding –- following discussion it was RESOLVED to object to this retrospective application

iii. 00734/26/RVC Land RO Sycamores, Keeling St - Section 73 application to vary condition 1 (approved plans) as imposed on planning permission LR/569/68 (as amended by 00832/26/NMA) for the erection of 17no. dwellings and construction of access roads on – lengthy discussion took place over the proposed amendments, and it was RESOLVED that no further comments be made in addition to those already provided.

b. To note planning applications approved: 01078/26/FUL - Melrose, Jubilee Road and 01140/26/FUL - The Bramblings, Jubilee Road have both been approved. 

c. To note planning applications refused:  00555/26/Ful – The Chantry, Jubilee Rd - The Officer’s recommendation to refuse was upheld by the Committee owing to flood risk. 

d. Planning Applications appealed: none

e. Planning Applications Pending
00854/26/FUL - Crowsfoot Farm, Common Lane - Change of use of domestic equestrian land to form a commercial holiday and lodge site, Including the erection of a fence, ancillary hard standing bases, a solar battery power unit and the installation of a toilet and shower (works commenced) – objection submitted, decision still awaited. 

00685/26/FUL Pinewood (Lakeside), Warren Road - Change of use of land to form an extension to existing caravan park to site 18no. residential static caravans and construction of an internal access road – objection submitted, decision still awaited.

 f. Enforcement Issues/Actions: Any update on reported issues:
i. Static Caravans on land/stables on Common Lane – on hold pending outcome of planning application.
ii. Static Caravan at Willow Farm on Marsh Lane – on hold pending outcome of planning application.
iii. Caravans on South Rd – awaiting further update from Enforcement on planning conditions for the site for a dwelling for vulnerable persons and removal of the caravans.
iv. South Rd -Burning of Commercial Waste – awaiting update from Environmental Protection, still burning 21/6
v. South Rd - Removal of veteran hedging, contrary to planning permission, creation of additional entrance contrary to Highways requirements and planning permission – still awaiting update from Enforcement/Highways

g. Any other urgent planning matters/applications:

21/9/26-7 Highways, Paths and Lighting:
a. verbal update on problem log/outstanding issues which have been queried with LCC Highways, including:
i. Nirvana – flooding from the road – the work has been done but drainage still remains an issue owing to lack of nearby drain.
ii. 30mph round Church Lane and South Rd – this is still being looked into, but it was noted that a 30mph sign has been added to the post outside Diamond Cottage on Church End.
iii. Warren Road Drainage – Oasis Lakes/The Bungalow – the gullies have now been jetted, and the major drainage works are scheduled for summer 2027. Ongoing issues to be reported on fixmystreet.
iv. A1031 – North Thoresby/Tetney/North Cotes – Cllr Robinson noted that these works have overrun owing to issues with the road make-up, but it should not affect the school buses, and there should be an update on the revised finish date shortly, which he will post on social media.
v. Cloddy Gate – discussion is due to take place with South Somercotes Parish Council about the way forward.
vi. Sink hole outside Fire Station – should be by fixed mid-October.
vii. Parking on the Corner of School Lane/Warren Rd – photographic evidence is still required to get double yellow lines installed.
viii. Evison Way – high hedge has now been dealt with.

b. any additional issues/other urgent matters to be reported
i. Drainage/Sewage issues along Jubilee Rd – Eubank – Keeling Street – following recent heavy rains there were a number of problem areas around the parish resulting in raw sewage coming up into properties which were discussed.  The Clerk will report the problem and enquire from Anglian Water what the position is.
ii. Cemetery Road state of pavement, inc outside no 4 The Elms – it was noted that the Fixmystreet system had marked this as closed despite there being no date for works to be done.  Cllr Robinson will look into this.
iii. Overhanging Hedges on Marsh Lane – as noted in the public session, this is being dealt with.
iv. Excess grit on road outside the Bay Horse Keeling St following resurfacing – Cllr Robinson noted that this would be dealt with.
v. Brick Bench outside Parnell - the wooden top is rotting and needs to be checked/repaired. 

21/9/26-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees                
a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley – Noted that the party in the park was a great success and managed to raise c£6000. Cllr Walmsley thanked everyone for attending and helping. The Adult gym is now installed and there are activities on most evenings and weekends.  Homes Farm working Tractor Day will take place on Sunday 10-4pm.

b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman - Noted that there will be new recruits beginning work soon, around Christmas time.   
c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk -         

d. Village Hall Committee – Cllr Plater – the annual accounts position will be forwarded shortly as per Trust Deed.

e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman – The King Charles iii footpath at Donna Nook will have a temporary diversion in place from 1st October through to January 31st to cover the seal season. There will be no pre-season seal meeting required.  Between the 9th November – 20th November there will be Military Training taking place on the Range with footpath diversion further inland in place.
                
f. Youth Club – Cllr Wallis – Wednesday evening only still at present.  More volunteers are required, and the Clerk is purchasing some craft and other items that have been requested.

21/9/26-9 Finance - RFO
a) The Chairman checked and signed the bank reconciliations for August/September 2026
b) It was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts and payments for August of £6574.92 - receipts £782.00 and September - £6057.08 – receipts - £650.00
c) The Clerk/RFO will look into sourcing of free/low-cost hedging to see if there is interest for distribution in the Parish.
d) Bleed kits as per email (St Marys, Village Hall, Axe & Cleaver, Bay Horse) have now been ordered.
e) The RFO thanked the district councillors for £500 each contribution towards crime prevention measures has now been received
f) The forecast financial position against budget, and notional reserves has been circulated.
g) Any other/urgent financial matters – none. 

21/9/26-10 Cemetery Matters – the proposals for the Headstone Management and Checking procedure was rescheduled for the October meeting.

21/9/26-11 To consider the forthcoming tendering exercise for grounds maintenance for Cemetery, Verges and Parish Paths and RESOLVE the way forward (RFO).  
Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to postpone the tender exercise until summer 2027 pending clarification of costs for next year.

21/9/26-12 Data Protection and CCTV Policy Update – The revised DP policy will be circulated, and Cllrs will be required to sign their compliance with the requirements as noted above, and the Clerk and RFO will be attending training shortly.  CCTV policy – amendments being made and will be circulated.

21/9/26-13 The general Correspondence for September, Website Updates and Communication were noted.

21/9/26-14 Agenda items for the meeting to be held on October 26th, 2026, St. Mary’s Hall 
Data Protection, CCTV, Cemetery Charges for under 18s

21/9/26-15 - Confidential Property and Personnel Matters – it was RESOLVED that the Council would move into closed session by reason of the confidential property matters to be transacted – Cllr Robinson departed and there were no members of the public/press present at the meeting at this point.

a. Chapel Field Retained Land – The Clerk updated on the progress to dispose of the retained land, and professional fees to date.

b. Crime Prevention and Detection – the Clerk updated on the current position.

c. Woolpack Meadows update – the RFO noted that the situation was in hand, and the recent property inspection was satisfactory.  Some painting has been agreed and is being organised by the tenant.

d. National rates of pay implementation – it was RESOLVED to confirm the applicable national rates which the Chairman has authorised.

Geraldine McCarthy
Parish Clerk