March 2024 DRAFT Minutes
MINUTES OF COLEBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Held at The Village Hall on Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 7.30pm
19.70 Declarations of Interest: None
19.71 Present: Councillor Barry Earnshaw (Chairman), Councillor Alan Vivian, Councillor Andrew Long, Cllr Theresa Brewer, Cllr Jens Pedersen, County Councillor Ian Carrington, District Councillor Lance Pennell, District Councillor Matt Cooper and Sue Makinson-Sanders Clerk.
Apologies: Councillor Robert Hall (Attending another business meeting), District Councillor Leigh Sanders (Attending other meetings).
19.72 Public Forum:
Concerns were raised about the village roads in particular the repairs on the road edge on Hill Rise and the huge pot hole on the hill. The clerk confirmed these had been reported and County Councillor Ian Carrington confirmed he would follow this up. Dovecote Lane verges have also been reported following the road works on Rose Cottage Lane. Again County Councillor Ian Carrington will chase this up. Fly tipping on Coleby Lowfields was raised. The clerk confirmed this had been reported. A resident confirmed it had been collected.
Councillor Earnshaw asked about the HS2 funding, how much was Lincolnshire County Council going to get and what plans were there to use this funding? County Councillor Ian Carrington confirmed that all funding (£37m per annum) would be going to highways. This did not include the southern Lincoln bypass. The receipt of this funding is subject to whether the current government is returned after the election. Labour has not confirmed its position on the HS2 project. The ring road will however be built regardless of who is in government.
19.73 RAF:
Councillors approved the change in order of the agenda to enable RAF representatives, Flying Officer Kris McMullan and Squadron Leader Steve Worth to speak. Both were in attendance following concerns raised by the Parish Council. Flying Officer Kris McMullen apologised for the difficulties in contacting anyone at RAF Waddington. There is a new Station Commander at Waddington, Group Captain Holland who sent his apologies as they had had a station inspection today. The RAF wishes to be good neighbours and Kris McMullan is to be our contact for any reasons.
The issue of communication was being looked into and the council was requested to use email whilst the phone system is sorted.
The church steeple lights are on the infrastructure list of tasks but in the meantime all aircraft and pilots have been made aware of the fault and will continue to have this marked on the aeronautical information for each flight. The clerk will be contacted when repairs to take place.
Flying Officer Kris McMullan apologised that no one from the Red Arrows was available to attend the meeting. The change of use of airspace over Waddington had gone to public consultation at County Council level. The use of airspace over Scampton and Syston is no longer available hence the changes to use of airspace over Waddington. Clerk to pass on email from RAF to villagers. Flying Officer Kris McMullan advised that the Red Arrows will overfly Coleby on departure, approach and recovery. A resident pointed out that whilst he had no objection to the Red Arrows he had actually watched a full display over his house so the above did not fit the description of flying over the village. He was advised to send the details to Flying Officer McMullan. A resident raised the question of the height at which the Red Arrows flew over the village. This was confirmed at 500 feet. It was felt that at times this was lower than stated. Again this should be reported. Concerns were raised about an accident . Flying Officer Kris McMullan advised that residents should ring 999 in those circumstances as the RAF was linked in to emergency services.
Squadron Leader Steve Worth spoke to the Protector Drones and concerns raised over their safety record. He advised that these drones are unlike any others flown by the RAF. The RAF is working with the manufacturers to ensure these adhere to engineering airworthiness to the standards that a crewed aircraft would have to meet. Protector drones are new so there are no historic rates for accidents. He assured the Parish Council that these drones were as safe if not safer than crewed aircraft. Protector drones replace the Reaper drones on which Squadron Leader Worth had spent two tours. There will be 16 Protector drones but not likely that all will be at Waddington. It has 30 hours flying endurance so will probably be taking off early in the morning and returning the following day. They will not be flying circuits as that is better done in a simulator. The most accidents occur on take-off and landing and those pilots who have been working on the Protector drones in the commissioning process have found these to be much better at landing and taking off than actual piloted aircraft.
Councillor Earnshaw thanked Flying Officer Kris McMullan and Squadron Leader Steve Worth for attending and speaking as to concerns raised. The Parish Council should engage with the Emergency Planning Forum and it was suggested by Squadron Leader Worth that the parish council should be looped in with RAF on crash exercises at RAF Waddington.
19.74. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of Meeting held on the 16th January 2024 were amended at 19.62 to read “Councillors approved the actions as set out subject to correction of some minor typos identified by David”. Councillor Vivian proposed and Councillor Pedersen seconded the minutes. Councillors approved the Minutes.
19.75. Clerk’s Reports: For Discussion Decision and Noting
a) Co-option of Parish Councillor: No applicants at present. Clerk to follow up..
b) Neighbourhood Plan Revision following Adoption of Revised Central Lincolnshire Local Plan:
David O'Connor spoke to his Monthly update No 7 dated 29 February. Overall work was slightly behind plan but David was confident it would catch up in March. David said that AECOM had estimated that we would have a final draft of a Design Code by the end of July so he could now review the Project Plan for the next PC meeting. Additional tasks had been added to audit housing stock in the village, respond to a FOI request and review / report back Local Plan changes re green energy. David reported that there was now a critical mass of information to upload to the PC website and that he and the Clerk could do so during March if approved.
Councillors noted progress made, agreed to the recommendation to publish more information and approved the additional tasks.
David also spoke to a separate report setting out results of the initial Landowners / Businesses consultation. Feedback was very similar to that of residents so there were no changes needed to the actions agreed on 16 January 2024.
Councillors noted that no changes to actions agreed on 16 January were necessary.
c) Insurance of Cemetery Walls, and Damaged Wall:
The clerk reported that ownership of the wall was not certain. It is clear from Council files that the Parish Council obtained the cemetery in 1932 but the whereabouts of the title deeds are unknown despite concerted efforts to locate these. The adjoining landowner is obtaining his deeds to check ownership. In the absence of certainty councillors approved a proposal for the Parish Council to repair the wall and if it is subsequently found that the wall belongs to the adjoining landowner seek remuneration and to accept the lowest of three quotes obtained for the repair work.
19.76: Miscellaneous and Finance Reports:
a) Agenda sent to all on email list and posted on website and noticeboard
b) Fosse Green Energy Solar Park and Springwell Solar Farm:
First public consultations concluded. Fosse Green Energy has not confirmed timescale for further consultation. There may be any number of reasons for this including analysis of the feedback fro the initial round of consultation.
c) Cllr Volunteer Schemes 2024:
Bus shelter on western side of A607 has been refurbished and the three other bus shelters have been cleaned. Thanks to the Councillor Volunteer Scheme volunteers who carried out the works.
d) Signage re parking on grass on greens:
These have been obtained and Councillor Pedersen will install them.
e) Offer of Restoration of Cemetery Gates: Ongoing. Clerk to follow up.
f) RAF Report: See 19.73
g) Street Light Blind Lane:
Clerk reported legal issue continue regarding land ownership.
h) Mothers and Toddlers Group:
The group is struggling for funds. Councillor Long and Councillor Vivian reported that this had come up at the Village Hall Meeting and the Village Hall Committee had agreed to waive the hall hire fees for a year. The Parish Council agreed an approach should be made to see if the group required any equipment.
i) Village roads:
See 19.72
j) Dog Waste Bin Dovecote Lane:
The clerk reported that there have been numerous complaints regarding the bin overflowing. NKDC have said they will collect twice a week and would be prepared to place the bin elsewhere and collect form an extra bin if the council were minded to purchase a bigger bin for the Dovecote Lane site. Councillors approved the purchase of a 60 litre green bin at a cost of £175.00.
k) Coronation Plaque Quote:
A quote has been obtained by Lizzie Needham as a VCC Member of £942.00. Another provider failed to respond. Councillors felt a further quote should be obtained as this was a considerable cost. Clerk to follow up.
l) The Bell:
The clerk reported that an Enforcement Notice (Change of Use) has been served on the owner/occupiers. There is a right of appeal and the recipient have until the 20th March 2024 to appeal to the Secretary of State.
m) LALC Membership and Training Scheme:
The annual renewal fee of £164.00 is due. Councillors approved renewal of its membership.
Finance Report:
a) Payments to be made:
i. Clerks Salary £ Mar/Apr 2024
ii. Litter Picking Mar/Apr 2024 @ £30.00pm Total £60.00
iii. Anglian Water Lowfields Cemetery Mar/Apr 2024 @ £4.00pm Total £8.00
iv. Coleby Village Hall Meeting Hire £28.00. Councillor Long confirmed the increase in fees for hire of the village hall.
v. Reimburse S Makinson-Sanders No Parking Signs £75.00 + vat £15.00 Total 90.00 and Stakes £133.16 + £26.63 VA Total £159.80
vi. Renewal LALC Membership £164.00
vii. Dog Waste Bins £175.00
viii. Grasscutting bdg mowing contractors April 2024 £380.00
ix. Reimburse S Makinson-Sanders Renewal of Garden Bins x 2 £90.00
x. Reimburse S Makinson-Sanders Wood stain and brushes bus shelter renovation £79.98
xi. Village Hall Books x 3 CPNP £22.26
b) Payments received :
i. Memorial Stone Cliff Knowles £20.00
ii. Burial Plot Lowfields Cemetery William Alvin Bradford £350.00
c) Payments due:
i. Burial Plot Lowfields Ann Pilsworth £75.00. Received since agenda issued.
d) Balance held at Co-Operative Bank as at 05.03.24 £15057.73
19.77 Planning:
a) Planning Application Extensions to rear and side of property, conversion of roof space to living accommodation and erection of front wall 9/10 Avenue Villas – refused
b) Planning Application two storey side extension 4 Chestnut Paddock – pending.
c) 2 x Tree Works applications Crown and prune Walnut and Lime 7 High Street Coleby - pending
19.78 Police Reports:
a) Police: Nothing to report.
b) Neighbourhood Watch: Usual warnings about scams both telephone and email.
19.79. County & District Councillor Reports:
County Councillor Ian Carrington reported on the county council budget and flooding. The County Council budget was agreed last week with a 5% increase. The County Council has tried to fund fully whilst safeguarding those who were struggling. They will still be operating with a small budget deficit. The County Council had an under spend this year and £6.8m is to go to highways. Funding will make a significant difference to Highways to repair 5500 miles of roads in Lincolnshire.
County Councillor Ian Carrington reported that there had been serious flooding issues in the county and that a full enquiry is underway. It is hoped to build a consensus beyond political lines as to funding for flood action.
District Councillor Matt Cooper reported the By-Election at Heckington Rural ward on the 21st March. He gave details of the Dementia Support Group every Tuesday at Millers Road Community Centre Waddington from 10am p 12 noon. Action with Rural Communities have grant funding available to village halls for up to £5000, the applicants must provide 80% of funding.
District Councillor Lance Pennell referred to the Enforcement Notice served regarding the Bell. NKDC are not in control of the process and he awaits the outcome. He will notify the Parish Council of developments. He reported that the latest Council Tax increases mean most of the funding from this goes to the County Council and the Police/Crime Commissioners, to Parish Councils and then to the District Council. The increases will mean a typical Band D property will see a 2.68% rise. The garden bin scheme renewals are now due. This is not a profit making scheme, the District Council covers the cost only. The first bin is £45.00 and each subsequent bin up to 4 per household is £8.00 per bin. Parish Councils may apply for a free portrait of the King.
District Councillor Pennell advised he is on the Local Drainage Board and the aim is to ensure that Insurance payouts and government funding goes to improve rather than just restore to the original position.
District Councillor Pennell gave his apologies in advance for the next Parish Council Meeting as there will be a District Council Planning Meeting at the same time.
19.80 Cemeteries:
a) Lowfields Cemetery: Councillors approved renewal of the garden bin scheme
b) Far Lane Cemetery: Councillors approved renewal of the garden bin scheme. See also 19.73c)
19.68 Reports from village organisations:
a) All Saints Church: Katherine Swynford event on 26th April. Open Gardens 23rd June. Summer Garden Party 21st July 2024. The clerk reported the meeting with Bishop Nicholas on Time to Change Together and the unlikelihood of Graffoe Parish having an incumbent.
b) Village Hall: AGM was successful with several new members. The next Village Hall Committee meeting will be on the 20th March. There will be no downhill due to insurance costs. Car Boots recommence next month.
c) Coleby School: Clerk to circulate report.
19.69 Correspondence: Fraud pack received from the Police Commissioner.
Meeting closed 9.10pm
Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 7th May 2024 7.00pm AGM APM and PCM
Sue Makinson-Sanders
Tel: 01522 810509
email: colebyparishclerk@googlemail.com