Clerk S Draft Notes for Approval at the Next Meeting of the Council

Clerk’s draft notes for approval at the next meeting of the Council

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A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 12th December 2016, in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington, and commenced at 7:30pm.

PC Hanson and PSCO Flannigan of the Community Policing Team attended and provided a written report. During the period from 12th November 2016 until 12th December 2016 there had been 3 recorded crimes in Heighington. These were:

• Theft of a vehicle number plate, High Street, Heighington on 14th or 15th November.
• Burglary other, where a quad bike was taken from an outbuilding in Fen Road, Heighington, on 28th November.
• Burglary dwelling, where jewellery, a jacket and a camera case were taken from a property on Washingborough Road, Heighington on 5th December.

PC Hanson also explained that the local Community Policing Team would face some ongoing resourcing issues until around December 2017.

Public Forum:

There were no members of the public in attendance for the public forum.

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Present:Councillor C. J. Dunning – Chairman

Councillor N. Briscoe

Councillor C. Broughton

Councillor J. Dziadkiewicz

Councillor R. Burgess

Councillor D. Chantler

Councillor G. Ellis

Councillor V. Sargent

Councillor B. Webster

Facilities Manager W. Skelton

Clerk N. Eyre

Also, District CouncillorI. Carrington. Councillor Dunning, as Chairman, opened the meeting with a welcome to those present.

The Chairman also expressed her thanks for the service of former Councillor Paul Leggett, who had resigned on 30th November 2016. Both the Chairman and the Clerk have passed on best wishes on behalf of the Council.

144/M/16Apologies, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations

An apology for absence had been received from Councillor Cameron, which was approved. Apologies for absence had also been received from District Councillor M. Brighton OBE, District and County Councillor R. Oxby and Mr M. Foster (Lindum Homes).

Councillor Ellis declared an interest in respect of proposed tree works in the Conservation Area, which are associated with his property. There were noother declarations of interest norrequests for dispensations.

145/M/16To approve Clerk’s Notes

The draft notes from the meeting of the Parish Council on 7th November 2016were taken as read and approved as minutes. Draft notes from the meetings of the Property Services Committee on 21st November 2016 and the Policy and Resources Committee on 5th December 2016 were received for information.

146/M/16To consider representations in respect of issues linked to the parking of vehicles on and adjacent to the public highway within the centre of the village.

Members noted public documentation produced by both the Millfield Primary Academy and this Council in order to encourage more considerate parking within the village. An attempt is also being made to encourage walking rather than driving. There are periodic parking and congestion issues throughout the centre of the village. In respect of the school, Councillor Briscoe mentioned that the situation for thedrop off of children in the morning had improved significantly following implementation of a procedure whereby pupils are no longer required to wait in the playground. Councillor Ellis also highlighted plans to further explore walking buses, which may help to encourage walking. The Clerk confirmed that the issue of parents parking on the grass areas near to the school has been escalated to senior managers at Lincolnshire County Council, which is the Highways Authority. There is particular concern about vehicles reversing off the grass areas into the path of pedestrians.

147/M/16To receive an update from a representative of Lindum Homes in respect of works on the site off Fen Road adjacent to Newcot Lane, Heighington, which are due to commence in early 2017.

Unfortunately the representative of Lindum Homes had been unable to attend this meeting. However, a detailed written report had been received and was summarised by the Clerk. The development of 47 homes will provide eight two bedroom semi detached properties and eight three bedroom semi detached properties. Work to remove a section of hedging on Fen Road would be completed over the next few days. Work on the site itself will commence from 3rd January 2017. There will be a requirement to make foul and surface water drainage connections in Fen Road, which will result in the road being closed for about 3 weeks from the end of January 2017. It is currently envisaged that the first two plots will be completed in July 2017 and that all building works will be completed by early 2019. The developer will provide local residents with letters so that they are informed of significant proposed works as the project proceeds. The developer has confirmed that there will be no works on site on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The developer has proposed to call the main access road Scholars Way. North Kesteven District Council has invited this Council to make proposals in respect of the naming of the access road and one small cul de sac. Councillors expressed some reservation about use of Scholars Way as there is no apparent immediatelylocal connection with a school or similar institution. After some consideration of alternatives, Members resolved to propose that the main access road be named Spring Grove and that the small cul de sac be named Field View. These suggestions will be sent to the District Council by the Facilities Manager.

148/M/16Tree works

Members considered two tree work applications (both in the Conservation Area).

a)To reduce willows x2 and repollard willows, The Water Mill, Mill Lane, Heighington, reference 16/1528/TCA, and;

Councillor Ellis left the meeting room at this point.

b)To reduce and reshape hornbeam x1, Beckfield Lodge, Station Road, Heighington, reference 16/1557/TCA.

In respect of both applications Members resolved that these matters should be left at the discretion of the Tree Officer.

Councillor Ellis returned to the meeting at this point.

149/M/16Planning application, retention of pre-school nursery and associated outdoor play structures and external alterations to nursery building, Heighington Pre School, Mill Lane, Heighington, reference 16/1312/FUL.

Members recognise that the pre school offers a valuable service within the local community. Its current location, next to the school, is convenient for parents and carers and contributes towards a successful transition of children from the pre school into the primary school. Whilst Members would welcome a more permanent structure with an improved outward appearance, they resolved to support the application for the pre school to remain at its current location.

150/M/16Retrospective planning application in respect of extension to existing dwelling to include retention of first floor conservatory and enlarged garage with first floor over, Rose Cottage, Acre Dyke Lane, Branston Booths, reference 16/1481/HOUS.

Members would certainly prefer not to receive retrospective planning applications and hope that NKDC will continue to take a robust line on this. Members resolved that they have no specific comments to make in respect of this application.

151/M/16Listed building consent, installation of stained glass window to replace existing plain glass window, St. Thomas’ Church, Heighington, reference 16/1334/LBC.

Members resolved that they welcomed the proposed enhancement to this important building at the centre of the village.

152/M/16Planning decision notices received from North Kesteven District Council

The following applications have all been approved:

a)Erection of single storey rear extension, 10 Lindrick Close, Heighington, reference 16/1091/HOUS.

b)Change of use of Doctors Branch Surgery (D1) to residential accommodation (C3), 7a High Street, Heighington, reference 16/1135/FUL.

c)Erection of a two storey side extension, Station House, Station Road, Heighington, reference 16/1158/HOUS.

d)Outline application for the erection of 10 dwellings, Land to the west of Potterhanworth Road, reference 16/0612/OUT.

e)Outline application for the erection of 13 dwellings, Land to the west of Potterhanwoth Road, reference 16/0613/OUT.

153/M/16To delegate to named Councillors and the Facilities Manager work to develop an improved process to support the ongoing provision of consultative comments on planning applications in the local area by this Council.

There was some general discussion about this Council’s approach to dealing with planning applications, which followed from minute 143/M/16. Information had also been circulated by the Clerk prior to this meeting. It was resolved that Councillors Dziadkiewicz, Sargent, Webster and Dunning work with the Facilities Manager to develop proposals and recommendations for consideration at a subsequent Council meeting. It was agreed that these delegates will also welcome ideas and proposals from other Councillors and staff. The Clerk pointed out that Members are required to come to a meeting with an open and not a predetermined view about each matter. Therefore, any consideration of planning matters at an informal gathering outside a formal meeting should be restricted to gathering factual information and not attempt to set out a recommendation against any specific application.

154/M/16Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported as follows:

• As the Council typically has an annual income of less than £100,000 per annum it will not incur transaction charges for its account with Unity Trust Bank. However, the previously levied charge of £18 was in fact correct and is a quarterly charge for maintenance of the account.
• The recent advert for a Finance Officer for the Council has attracted suitable applications and interviews of prospective candidates will be held on 6th January 2017. It is hoped that an appointment will be confirmed at the Council meeting on 30th January 2017 (see also minute 120/M/16).
• Work on the Fen Road/Fen View flood alleviation scheme is now complete.
• The trial of a new accounts system has been successful. This system now includes all transactions to 30th November 2016 and will operate in parallel with the existing accounts system for the remainder of this financial year.
• We expect a good attendance for the Christmas meal on Thursday 15th December 2016, in the Jubilee Hall. We already have plenty of helpers but would welcome modest donations for drinks.
• Members of the Property Services Committee are currently considering requests from the new owners of the former Methodist Chapel in respect of works to refurbish the property, which may impact upon Council property.
• Further to minute 15/R/16, the Council’s photocopier will be replaced by another Ricoh unit on similar terms (5 year lease).
• Grant funding from North Kesteven District Council for the Dog Warden Service, currently £342 per annum, will cease from April 2017.

155/M/16Correspondence

The read file for information and Member's perusal was noted. Members also noted a spike in antisocial behaviour during October 2016, with 7 incidents of antisocial behaviour and 4 incidents of criminal damage and arson occurring during that month.

156/M/16Report from Districtand County Councillors

District Councillor Ian Carrington reported as follows:

• The new Member of Parliament, Dr Caroline Johnson, was due to be sworn in today.
• North Kesteven District Council is currently working hard to set budgets for 2017/2018. More detail will be available at the next meeting.
• Examination of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan is ongoing and it is pleasing to see that the Inspector is listening to the comments being made and is seeking amendments, which will result in a better plan.
• Some other local authorities have rejected devolution proposals for a Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Unfortunately, this may have negative funding implications for the local area. North Kesteven District Council and others are working hard to attempt to salvage some aspects of the proposal.

The Clerk read from a report, which had been provided by District and County Councillor Ron Oxby. The principal comments were as follows:

• The Government has given final sign-off on their £50m of funding for the Lincoln Eastern By Pass and work is expected to start in 2017.
• The Lincolnshire Sustainability and Transformation Plan has just been published. It outlines plans for the future of health care provision in Lincolnshire. Although giving positive proposals for our county, it does raise many questions, especially how partners will work together to deliver these services.
• The Government has provided Lincolnshire County Council with an additional £2.5m to help to tackle potholes on the highway.
• Lincoln Castle has won a prestigious National Geographic ‘New Cultural Experience’ award, beating off international competition.
• Lincolnshire County Council’s ‘Ask for Angela’ poster has now been issued as part of the Pubwatch scheme. The poster, which has been featured on BBC Radio 4, promotes a scheme to provide discrete access to taxis for people wishing to exit an uncomfortable social engagement, which has been shown to improve personal safety.

District Councillor Carrington also confirmed that he was still monitoring issues related to the display of planning site notices. However, he did point out that the policy had been delegated to the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit and was not therefore just a matter for North Kesteven District Council.

157/M/16To approve the monthly financial statements for November 2016

The monthly financial statements for November 2016 were approved and Councillor Burgess initialled the account statements and the associated bank statements accordingly. Members also noted information produced from the new accounting system (Scribe 2000), which was compared with the existing budget sheets.

158/M/16Toapprove changes to the Council’s signatories on the Public Sector Deposit Fund

The existing signatories are Councillors Dunning and Chantler. Members resolved that Councillors Burgess and Ellis should also become signatories to provide enhanced resilience. Councillors Dunning and Chantler are asked to authorise that change and the Clerk is asked to submit the necessary paperwork.

159/M/16To approve a change to the signatories of the Unity Trust Bank current account.

Members resolved that the Clerk should inform Unity Trust Bank that former Councillor Leggett should no longer be recorded as a signatory on the Council’s current account.

160/M/16Upon the recommendation of the Policy and Resources Committee to approve this Council’s contribution rate for the Lincolnshire County Council Local Government Pension Scheme for the period from April 2017 until March 2020.

Further to minute 18/R/16 Members resolved that the employers contribution rate be fixed at 21.6%, which represents a modest reduction from the current contribution rate of 26.3%. The Clerk is to complete the necessary paperwork and to send this off to the scheme administrator.

161/M/16To receive feedback from a meeting of the Four Parishes Group on 6th December 2016.

Members noted that there is still some reluctance to agree upon terms of reference for this group. There is also some difference of emphasis in respect of whether the group should focus specifically upon local issues or also consider wider matters linked to the District Council and the County Council. The next meeting is to be held on 1st March 2017. Members noted that the Four Parishes Group Chairman has proposed further dialogue with Councillor Dunning in respect of potential terms of reference. Members agreed to return to this matter at a subsequent meeting and to agree upon representation on 1st March 2017 nearer the time.

162/M/16To agree arrangements for the production and distribution of the explanatory household leaflet, which sets out the role of the Parish Council (and other Councils) and provides up to date contact information.

Further to minute 131/M/16, the household leaflet has now been agreed. Members resolvedthat the production run of a little over 1000 leaflets should be undertaken in house using the duplicating facilities in the office. The Customer Services Assistant will organise the production run and will welcome volunteers to fold batches of leaflets. The folded leaflets will be made available at the next Council meeting on 30th January 2017, when distribution arrangements will be agreed.

163/M/16Closed session

Whilst there were no members of the public or press in attendance at this point, the Chairman moved that the remainder of the business is held in ‘committee’ and that the public and press be excluded there from for reason that the business to be transacted or advice tendered is that of a confidential nature, which could be prejudicial to the public interest to publicise. Members resolved to proceed on that basis.

District Councillor I. Carrington left the meeting at this point.

164/M/16Clerk’s report on confidential matters (for information).

A further letter from George Bateman and Son Ltd was received on 21st November 2016. It was circulated at this meeting. Unfortunately, this letter appears to now raise doubts about the brewery taking on the Village Hall (see also minute 20/R/16). A holding response will be sent to the brewery within the next few days by the Clerk. The Clerk will also seek to obtain further legal advice in the coming days.

Following the Heighington Christmas Market on Sunday 4th December 2016, the market stalls have been removed from behind the Village Hall and taken to a temporary site off Potterhanworth Road. Some residual items remain behind the Village Hall, but that area is now almost clear. A permanent storage location for the stalls is still required and this is likely to be on a commercial basis (i.e. incur an ongoing cost).

165/M/16To delegate to the Policy and Resources Committee all matters relating to ongoing negotiations in respect of a Council lease and sub-lease. The Policy and Resources Committee is to revert to Council with a recommendation for agreement upon conclusion of negotiations.

Members resolved to delegate all ongoing matters relating to the lease and sub-lease of Heighington Village Hall to the Policy and Resources Committee, which is to bring a recommendation to Council for approval upon conclusion of negotiations. Members recognised that the negotiation timetable is currently unclear.

166/M/16To consider feedback/progress in respect of the Council Development Action Plan.

Questionnaires had been sent out to Councillors. However, as only five had thus far been returned, it was agreed to return to this matter at a subsequent meeting.

The meeting ended at approximately 21:04.

Signed: ______Date: ______