October 2023 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SUDBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT 7.30PM ON THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 2023 IN THE VILLAGE HALL, SUDBROOKE
Present: Councillors Peter Heath (Chairman), Mrs Tracey Bowman (Vice Chair), Mrs Sandra Clayton, Paul Fido, Bhikhu Mistry, Dave Scott, Mrs P Loven (8.15pm)
Clerk Mrs Christine Myers, Treasurer Mrs Bridget Solly, 3 Parishioners
86 – 23/24 PARISHIONERS ITEMS
A resident had commented on the area around the Park Gates having a generally untidy appearance. Members hoped that a tidy up of the area could take place, following reduction in the canopy of the Holm Oak trees.
87 – 23/24 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND REASONS GIVEN
Councillor Simon Crampton, County Councillor Mrs Sue Rawlins and District Councillor Baptiste Velan. Reasons given accepted, unanimously Resolved.
88 – 23/24 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ANY ITEM(S) ON THE AGENDA
There were no declarations made.
89 – 23/24 NOTES OF MEETING HELD ON 7 SEPTEMBER 2023 TO BE APPROVED AND SIGNED AS MINUTES
That the notes be signed as minutes unanimously Resolved.
90 – 23/24 COUNTY COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS
Cc Mrs Sue Rawlins had given updates of items on the agenda, to be reported at that time in the meeting.
She further mentioned that LCC had looked into the possibility of signage for the Post Office, reply being:
‘The outcome is that LCC would be willing to provide back-to-back signs at the junction of Scothern Lane with Holme Drive (where there is currently an illegal advertising sign - which would have to be removed along with any similar examples). As the Post Office acts as a holding place for undelivered parcels in the local area, and therefore customers receive a notice through the letter box to say the parcel is at Sudbrooke Post Office (no directions provided), a sign at the junction of Holme Lane is justified. However, signing would not be permitted from the A158 or from Scothern, on the premise that if anyone is genuinely looking for Sudbrooke Post Office they will follow signs into Sudbrooke first (signed from the A158).
Black and white direction signs attached to the existing lighting column, with legend Shop & PO, could, therefore, be provided and erected at the expense of the applicant.’
The Clerk would therefore refer this to the Shop owner to pursue.
DC Baptiste Velan report received as follows:-
“Planning application for the construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including substations, inverters, transformer stations, cabling, fencing, internal service track and landscaping.”
The surrounding landscape is predominantly arable, the small residential areas of Reepham to the south and Sudbrooke to the north, to the east of the Site is a small industrial area. Additionally, there is a sewage treatment plant adjacent to the Site.
Proposals within the survey boundary are for a battery energy storage system (BESS) and access track. A cable will be installed from the highway, through the arable field and under the wet ditch via directional drilling. The cable will run approx. 4m beneath the ditch.’
Cllr Velan also requested confirmation in connection with the S106 Agreement that there were three constructed properties on the site.
He also confirmed that he had approved £200.00 grant application towards the Christmas Tree Switch on event.
91 – 23/24 REPORTS ON MATTERS OUTSTANDING
A Burial Space/New Cemetery – Nothing further to report.
B Grass Encroachment/upgrading to cycleway, Wragby Road – CC Sue Rawlins reported that she had chased up the Highways Officer for a site meeting.
C Scothern Lane – Report re speeding survey by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership – Councillor Dave Scott reported that there currently appears to be monitoring of traffic on Holme Drive.
D Reply to Chairmans letter from Marc Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner – It was noted that the letter sent to the PCC by the Chairman was now being treated as a complaint to the Lincolnshire Police, which was not its original intention.
E Section 106 Agreement, Church Lane – update from CC S Rawlins – LCC were currently progressing the funding release.
DC Baptiste Velan’s response was in his report minute 90 23/24.
F Request for pedestrian crossing on A158 – CC Sue Rawlins reported that this was currently under discussion with LCC.
G Drainage in Village Hall Car park – Councillor Mrs Tracey Bowman reported that this had been discussed at a Village Hall Committee meeting and an update from a drainage contractor was awaited.
H West Drive footway – Reply from Parklands Project Manager stated that there is no current timescale to deliver West Drive,
92 – 2023/24 TO CONSIDER THE ANNUAL PLAY INSPECTION REPORTS FOR BOTH VILLAGE HALL AND NORTHFIELD PARK SITES
These had been circulated to all Councillors. It was noted that items requiring attention appeared to be minor. That the reports be forwarded to EKM Ltd for pricing of works required unanimously Resolved.
93 – 2023/24 TO CONSIDER THE COST FOR BASKETBALL NETS
It was considered that only one net would be required but it would need to be a substantial strength and fixing. The Clerk would look further into this for prices.
94 – 2023/24 TO CONSIDER QUOTATION RECEIVED FOR REDUCING THE CANOPY ON THE HOLM OAKS AT THE PARK GATES
Quotation received in the sum of £380.00 plus VAT. That this quotation be accepted from Arborez Ltd unanimously Resolved.
95 – 2023/24 TO CONSIDER ADOPTING NEW STANDING ORDERS
This item was deferred to a future meeting of the Council.
96 – 2023/24 FINANCE
A Audit 2022/23 – Notice of Conclusion of Audit from External Auditors – The Treasurer reported that the accounts for the 2022/23 financial year had been signed off by the External Auditors.
B Accounts for payment/Income/Bank balances
Glendale Countryside Ltd – September cut – Net £603.00, VAT £120.60, Gross £723.60
Imprint Colour Printers Ltd – Printing Sudbrooke News – October £314.00
Sudbrooke Village Hall – Hire of hall for November meeting £18.00
Mrs C Myers – Expenses August - £30.25
E.on – Electricity at the Stone £25.00
PKF Littlejohn – completion of external audit – Net £210.00, VAT £42.00, Gross £252.00
Salaries = £998.66 - will be paid via BACS on 31st October 2023
That the above accounts be paid unanimously Resolved
Income
Bank Interest across all accounts - £565.04
Bank Account position
Current Account - £5,870.40
Instant Access Account – £45,384.00
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 5th October 2023 = £80,445.58
97 – 2023/24 PLANNING
A Application 147210 - 3 Wragby Road – proposed single and two storey rear extensions, associated alterations to dwelling and erection of detached garage – No comments/objections unanimously Resolved.
B 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 - Concern was expressed by residents present regarding this application.
That further information be sought from the Planning Officer before the Parish Council formulate its comments, request for deferral of a decision and the referral to the Planning Committee for determining unanimously Resolved.
C Neighbourhood Plan Review - update – Application to Locality for a grant of £4,875.00 had been made to cover further professional fees, flyers for publicising consultation events and room hire.
Councillor Dave Scott reported that the Review was now at the point to invite residents to a Consultation meeting in the Village Hall. It was hoped that this could be arranged for the fourth week in November.
95 – 2023/24 CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING
*Sent to Residents email list
31.8.2023 - Lincolnshire Pension Fund Important Reminders
1.9.2023 – WYPF Pension Matters
1.9.2023 – LALC Fortnightly News
8.9.2023 - Thanks from Nettleham Football Club for dealing with moles on SC Field
8.9.2023 – WLDC – Notice of temporary stop notice for Scampton
*11.9.2023 - WL Business Brief
14.9.2023 - Play area inspections – 31.8.2023
15.9.2023 - News from the ICO
15.9.2023 - RAF Scampton site - Virtual Engagement Event - 27 September 2023
15.9.2023 - LALC Training Bulletin and E News
18.9.2023 - Circular from LIVES
96 – 2023/24 CLERKS REPORT
The Clerk reported as follows:-
• That Councillor Mrs Tracey Bowman and herself had attended Chair and Clerks training on 4.10.2023. This had been a very informative course resulting in the suggestion of additional Policies for the Parish Council. These would be looked into.
• That next years meeting dates would be arranged for approval at the next meeting.
• That the Budget/Precept would be discussed at the next two meetings and members were asked to consider any projects or suggestions that should be included.
• That a resident had kindly carried out some cutting back at the junction of Holme Drive/Scothern Lane.
Members acknowledged this with thanks but felt that a canopy reduction of the area would be beneficial. The Clerk was asked to arrange for a quotation.
• That there would be a 10% increase in printing charges of Sudbrooke News.
• That arrangements were in hand for the Christmas Tree Switch on Event, Choir booked, Lighting arranged.
Councillor Mrs Tracey Bowman agreed to assist the Clerk wit the organising of the event.
It was also agreed by members to ask the Parklands for a donation towards the event.
97 – 2023/24 CHAIRMANS REPORT
The Chairman stated that he was deeply frustrated with local government and the Police force in the reduction of PCSO’s and the lack of information to Parish Councils.
He noted that the County Councill were pushing for the S106 agreements be implemented, but requested that it be put on record that the was disappointed with the lack of support from local elements.
98 – 2023/24 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
7.30pm, Thursday 2 November 2023, Bramham Lounge, Village Hall.