November 2023 Minutes
UNAPPROVED NOTES OF THE MEETING OF SUDBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD at 7.30PM ON THURSDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2023 IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SUDBROOKE
PRESENT: Councillors Mrs Tracey Bowman (Chair), Mrs Sandra Clayton, Simon Crampton. Paul Fido, Mrs Pauline Loven, Peter Heath (8.10pm), Dave Scott
Mr Dominic Picksley (from 8.45pm)
Mrs Christine Myers (Clerk), Mrs Bridget Solly (Treasurer)
The Chair asked for approval that the agenda item to discuss Sudbrooke News not be addressed until the Editor arrived at the meeting. This was agreed by those present.
PARISHIONERS ITEMS
Comments had been made in that the recent re-surfacing works carried out on the highway on Windsor Close were to a poor level of workmanship. This had been reported to LCC who, it was understood, were investigating.
TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS GIVEN
Councillor Bhikhu Mistry. That the reason given be accepted unanimously Resolved.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None declared.
NOTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 5 OCTOBER 2023 TO BE APPROVED AND SIGNED AS MINUTES
That the notes be signed as minutes proposed by Councillor Paul Fido, seconded by Councillor Dave Scott and Resolved.
COUNTY COUNCILLOR AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
District Councillor Baptiste Velan had sent information on information and action re Storm Babet and details regarding available funding.
REPORTS ON MATTERS OUTSTANDING
Burial space/new cemetery – Nothing further to report.
Grass encroachment/upgrading of path to cycleway, Wragby Road – update from CC Sue Rawlins – it was understood that a meeting with a Highways Officer was still trying to be arranged.
Scothern Lane – Report re speeding survey by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership – Detail received as follows:-
The calibrated technical data recording equipment was located in the following locations:-
1. 23100405:- Scothern Lane, Sudbrooke: on a double bend Sign. Analysis of the speed data showed that the average speed of vehicles was 31.9 mph in a 40 mph limit. The speed data showed evidence that some vehicles were exceeding the speed limit at a speed that would make the drivers liable to action or prosecution by the Police.
2. 23100408:- Holme Drive, Sudbrooke: On a lamp post outside number 55. Analysis of the speed data showed that the average speed of vehicles was 26.4 mph in a 30 mph limit. The speed data showed evidence that some vehicles were exceeding the speed limit at a speed that would make the drivers liable to action or prosecution by the Police.
The surveys commenced on the 5th October 2023 and they continued for a full seven-day period.
The collisions have been researched involving personal injury for the last 3-year period up to a data date of 30/04/2022 and there has been only recorded collision, which was on Scothern Lane junction with Sudbrooke Lane.
Highways engineers within the Road Safety Partnership have assessed the area and inform me that no engineering casualty reduction measures were identified.
Councillors discussed the possibility of purchasing a Speed Indicator Device for the village which could be moved to different locations. However, this would require a team of willing persons who would move the device and collect the data.
The Clerk would obtain a quotation of a device similar to that used in neighbouring villages and this would be an agenda item for the next meeting.
Reply to Chairmans letter from Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner – A reply had been received from the local Community Police Inspector who stated that the decision to cut PCSO numbers was a difficult decision the force had to make due to the budget constraints and was not a decision taken lightly.
Section 106 Agreement, Church Lane – update from County and District Councillors – It was understood that payment for the footpath from the Church around Two Corners had been made to the County Council, however the continuation of the footpath to the parish boundary was the responsibility of the developer of Poachers Lane.
CC Sue Rawlins had stated that she would pursue the section of footway with LCC for which they had received funds.
That the Parish Council contact the developer of Poachers Lane requesting that the footway be constructed unanimously Resolved.
Request for pedestrian crossing on the A158 – reply from CC Sue Rawlins – This was still being pursued.
To consider cost of Basketball nets and whether this could be a request for funding from the IGas Community Fund –
Christmas Tree and Switch on Event – arrangements to date – The tree had been ordered and Glendale would site and erect it. A local resident would fit the lights.
The switch on event would be held on Sunday 26 November from 4.00pm.
• Licence had been granted by WLDC
• Mulled wine purchased
• Nettleham Coop had offered 120 mince pies
• The local Scouts had offered the loan of a double burner and a gazebo
• The Clerk was purchasing raffle prizes
• Heatproof cups had been purchased
The event would be funded by £200 grant from District Councillors Community Fund, £90 donation from Coronation Event, £115 proceeds from last year’s event.
POLICE MATTERS
A Communication from Local Community Police Inspector – Members noted that this referred to the difficulty during the last 12 months for neighbourhood policing with Lincolnshire Police cutting the PCSO numbers due to budget constraints. It was stated that Sudbrooke is included in the Market Rasen area for policing of which there is one Sargeant and two Constables. It stated that the teams had been instructed to work closely with Parish Councils and District Councillors moving forward to identify what are priorities for the community.
B To agree attendee at Parish Council Engagement Session 14 December – Councillor Paul Fido agreed to attend this Teams meeting.
TO CONSIDER QUOTATON RECEIVED FOR REDUCING THE SHRUBBED AREA HOLME DRIVE/SCOTHERN LANE JUNCTION
That the quotation from Arborez in the sum of £280.00 net be accepted proposed by Councillor Paul Fido, seconded by Councillor Mrs Pauline Loven and Resolved.
TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
Councillor responsibility for Website – Councillor Mrs Pauline Loven agreed to work with the Clerk overseeing the website articles.
Adoption of a Sickness Policy – This had been circulated to all members – That it be adopted unanimously Resolved.
Adoption of Dignity at Work Policy – This had been circulated to all members – That it be adopted unanimously Resolved.
FLOODING ISSUE – PARK CLOSE – TO CONSIDER HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM FOR A RESIDENT
The residents garden had experienced severe flooding during the recent heavy rainfall.
The Clerk had delivered Aqua sacs to the property from the Parish Council’s stock and kept the resident updated re additional assistance.
Members discussed the problem and agreed that the Witham Third Internal Drainage Board be contacted in order to advise the resident on guidance to prevent reoccurrence.
TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO SUPPORT THE CLIMATE AND ECOLOGY BILL
That this Bill is not supported unanimously Resolved.
TO CONSIDER ATTENDANCE AT ‘READY FOR ANYTHING’ VOLUNTEER OPEN EVENING ON 22.11.2023
Councillor Mrs Sandra Clayton agreed to attend this meeting.
FINANCE
A Accounts for payment/Income/Bank balances
Cllr Bowman – Travel expenses – Chair (Cllr T Bowman) & Clerk working together course - £18.00
Mrs C Myers – Temporary Events License – Christmas Tree Event - £21.00
Mrs C Myers – Items purchased for Christmas Tree Event – Net £204.83, VAT £6.25, Gross £211.08
Mrs C Myers – Expenses – October - £30.70
LALC – Refreshments & Lunch at Chair & Clerk course – Net £25.00, VAT £5.00, Gross £30.00
LALC – Neighbourhood Planning Course (Cllr Crampton) – Net £25.00, VAT £5.00, Gross £30.00
Doddington Hall – Christmas Tree – Net £333.33, VAT £66.67, Gross £400.00
E.on – Electricity at the Millennium Stone - £25.00
Tesco Mobile – PC Mobile Phone Bill - £7.50
LAB Planning Services Ltd – Neighbourhood Plan Support - £1,350.00
Salaries = £998.66 - will be paid via BACS on 30th November 2023
Income
Groundwork UK – Grant re. Neighbourhood Plan - £4,875.00
West Lindsey District Council – District Councillor’s Grant – Christmas Tree event - £200.00
Lincolnshire County Council – Grass cutting contribution – £1,719.09
Bank Account position
Current Account - £10,334.98
Instant Access Account – £40,384.00
14 Day Account - £4,491.25
Fox Covert Account - £2,187.39
Northfield Park Account – £18,537.84
Sportsfield Account - £3,974.70
Total in Accounts as of 2nd November 2023 - £79,909.46
PLANNING
A Application 147131 – Land south of Barfield Lane, Reepham – construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including substations, inverters, transformer stations, cabling, fencing, internal service track and landscaping – Following obtaining further information from District Councillors and discussion that the following comments be forwarded to WLDC unanimously Resolved:-
‘Sudbrooke Parish Council object to the above application on grounds that safety precautions do not appear to have been taken into account.
It is also requested that determination of the application should be made at full Planning Committee.’
B Application 147319 – Kalon, 38 Scothern Lane – To ratify comments sent to WLDC by the Clerk under delegated authority:-
‘This proposal is for a large family home, not something that caters for younger or specialist elderly. Large family homes are catered for in the Parklands development.
The existing small bungalow has been demolished and the plan for a 4 bed det with detached double garage does not integrate well with the existing street pattern and does not protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.
The scale of the proposal is not in line with neighbouring properties.
Is there any evidence that the neighbours affected by the proposal have been consulted, other than their ability to respond to the WLDC planning application.’
That the above comments be ratified unanimously Resolved.
C Application 147467 – Land off Sudbrooke Road – new field access – That there be no comments or objections unanimously Resolved.
D Duplicated Item.
E Neighbourhood Plan Review – To consider changes to the Neighbourhood Plan subject to any amendments to Resolve that the document can go out to public consultation – The proposed changes to the NP had been circulated to all Councillors and amendments noted. That the document goes out to Public Consultation for the period 15 November 2023 to 3 January 2024, proposed by Councillor Dave Scott, seconded by Councillor Peter Heath and unanimously Resolved.
Two Consultation Events were scheduled - Wednesday 29 November 7.00pm and Saturday 2 December at 10.30am. Consultant Luke Brown would address both events.
It was noted that the grant application for funds of £4875.00 had been approved.
C Response to Planning Applications – proposal by Councillor Dave Scott for revised documents to be completed by Councillors when assessing planning applications – These had been circulated to Councillors to enable a more in-depth consideration of planning applications when asked for comments by the Planning Department at WLDC.
That these documents be used for future comments on planning applications unanimously Resolved.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING
*Sent to residents’ email list
28.9.2023 - LCC Town and Parish Newsletter
*29.9.2023 - Notice of Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places
*29.9.2023 - Notice of temporary traffic restriction, Church Lane
29.9.2023 – LALC E News
5.10.2023 News from the ICO
*5.10.2023 – WL Business Brief
6.10.2023 - Notice of IGAS Community Fund grants awards 2024
*10.10.2023 - West Lindsey Business Brief
*12.10.2023 - Notice of micro surfacing various parts of Sudbrooke
*12.10.2023 - Call Connect information
*13.10.2023 - Notification of temporary traffic restriction Church Lane 1010.2023 – 16.10.2023
*17.10.2023 - Bus timetable – Market Rasen to Lincoln ret from 30.10.2023
18.10.2023 - LALC October Training Bulletin
CLERKS REPORT
The Clerk reported as follows:-
• That it had been a busy varied month ranging from the usual administrative duties, flooding issues, abandoned vehicle in village hall car park to found cats and rehoming requests.
• The Parish Council had a good supply of Aquasacs held since 2011 (purchased from a grant) and some had been donated to Fiskerton Parish Council for the use of Fiskerton residents who were suffering the risk of severe flooding. Thanks had been received from Fiskerton parish.
• The Parish Council phone contract had been taken out for another year at same price of £7.50 a month.
• 20th November – the work to the canopy of the Holme Oak trees at Park gates would be carried out.
• A report of unsatisfactory finishing of work by carried out by Anglian Water on Church Lane had been reported to Fix my Street.
SUDBROOKE NEWS
To consider changing to bi-monthly magazines - The Chair invited Mr Dominic Picksley, Editor of the Sudbrooke News, to speak.
Mr Picksley stated that there had been problems with the current printers in the delay of publishing for various reasons resulting in the magazine being later each month in hitting doorsteps. He also felt that producing a bi-monthly magazine would reduce the pressure on him and also make a reduction in the printing costs.
It was agreed therefore that the magazine become bi-monthly from the December/January issue.
To consider quotation from alternative printer – a quotation had been reduced from Visual Print and Design for the printing of the magazine at a cost of £395.00 per publication. It was noted that this was a slight increase on the current costs, but assurance had been made that the turnaround would be much quicker.
That this quotation be accepted unanimously Resolved.
CHAIR’S REPORT
Nothing further to report.
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7.30PM Thursday 7 DECEMBER 2023, BRAMHAM LOUNGE OF THE VILLAGE HALL.
CONFIDENTIAL ITEM
This item was deferred until the next meeting of the Parish Council.