7 November 2022
Minutes of the Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Chapel, Victoria Street on Monday 7 November 2022 at 7pm.
Present:
Cllrs Liles (WL) - Chair, Catlett (AC), Ball (LB), Cassidy (TC) & Miller (RM)
County Cllr Key (AK)
District Cllr Ogden (GO)
Acting Clerk: Andrew Everard (AE)
Assistant to Clerk: Lou Hird (LH)
13 Members of the Public
Public Session
A dozen residents from the Park Lane area of Billinghay attended the meeting to express their concerns regarding the housing development (26 dwellings) at the rear of Park Lane. The main point that they wished to make was the unsuitability of Park Lane as the access to the development site. Comments about the road included:
- The state of the road which a poor surface with numerous potholes and irrespective of the development is not fit for purpose.
- The road is not sufficiently wide as illustrated recently by the difficulty encountered by an emergency vehicle trying to negotiate a passage around parked vehicles. The amount of construction traffic required at the site will also encounter this difficulty.
- The width of the road also affects people’s parking with some vehicles parking (albeit illegally) on the pavement to allow room for passing vehicles.
- Plans do not include a specifically marked junction with Park Avenue and residents thought this may be dangerous.
County Councillor Key was at the meeting, and he had received an email from one of the residents regarding the Highways problem and had already contacted Highways but was awaiting a response. He said he would try and get Highways to inspect the road.
Other comments made regarding the application were:
- The land is question was deemed to be agricultural land but is stated to be of poor quality. It was originally classed as Grade 2 (Very Good) but downgraded to Grade 3 (Good). Has this been checked?
- The footpaths shown on the plan also caused concern as residents felt that this would encourage local youths to congregate in the area with possible disturbance to existing residents. The path through to the Village Hall area is only conjecture at present as the Village Hall Committee would have to agree.
- The Billinghay Neighbourhood Plan was mentioned as it was felt that the provisions in this had been ignored in respect of the provision of green space. Also, the impact on the Medical Centre capacity was raised.
- When the original outline planning application had been made 26 objections had been registered. They are not on the latest application. (It has been found later that these were held under the original Application Number 20/1403/OUT.
District Councillor Ogden had not been aware of the extent of the objections at the time of the original application and advised that she would investigate.
The Parish Council agreed that they would give due attention to the comments of the residents when submitting comments to NKDC Planning.
Minutes of the Council Meeting
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies were received from Cllrs Dymoke & Fisher. It was proposed by AC, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously that these be accepted.
2. To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or other registerable interests in agenda items not previously recorded on members’ Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Registerable Interests' declaration.
None.
3. To receive reports from County and District Councillors.
AK mentioned:
- the comments received from a resident regarding the Park Lane/Park Avenue housing application. He intends discussing with Highways and hopes to arrange a meeting on site involving Highways Planning. The Parish Council will also be invited to attend.
- Parking restrictions in the High Street and Queen Street areas were progressing and the legal process has started.
GO advised that:
- NKDC have a fund for Health and Well Being which were offering grants of up to £5000 for community-based projects. It might be worthwhile applying with a view to providing a “warm” room for social events for residents.
- There is a meeting regarding the proposed new Lincolnshire Reservoir. This was too be held at Heckington on Saturday 12 November.
- There is a Rural Prosperity Fund available to small businesses.
4. To accept the notes from Meeting held on 3 October 2022 as Minutes and a true record.
It was proposed by AC, seconded by RM, and unanimously agreed that these be accepted as minutes.
5. Matters arising and Clerk’s reports
LH had issued a note prior to the meeting detailing actions taken on specific issues. All items requiring action were being progressed.
6. Correspondence/Communications
Correspondence received had already been distributed.
LH advised that the fee for the current meeting room would be £20 from January 2023.
7. LCC Highways updates
The issues relating to Park Lane had been already covered in the Public Session and County Councillor’s reports.
The closure of Mill Lane for a period due to bridge repairs was mentioned.
The new Speed Indicator device has been received and is currently being held at the Parish Office We are now awaiting the erection of the holding posts to complete the installation.
8. To consider applications for co-option.
Following completion of the laid down procedures, it was proposed by RM, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously to co-opt Steven John Cottrell on to the Parish Council.
WL had identified the possibility of adding a younger person to the Council. She has a specific person in mind and was exploring ways for this to be achieved. Although the person was too young to be co-opted as a Councillor, he could still attend meetings and offer views from a youth perspective. If other younger people could become involved, it would be possible to set up a Youth Council. Councillors agreed that it would be a good idea. WL will try to progress.
9. Planning Applications to consider as Statutory consultee
Applications received:
22/1369/RESM Land off Park Lane – erection of 26 dwellings (outline permission approved under 20/1403/OUT)
This application has already been covered earlier in the meeting. It was agreed that AE and LH would put together comments for Councillors to agree before forwarding to NKDC Planning.
22/1435/LBC 14 Victoria Street – replacement window
Councillors had no comments on this application.
10. Finance
a. To approve amendments to the Bank Mandate / Payment authority/ Online Authority & signing
It was proposed by AC, seconded by RM, and unanimously agreed that WL, AC, LB and LH become full signatories with online access.
b. To approve payments made during September 2022 (list circulated to Cllrs prior to meeting).
It was proposed by WL, seconded by AC, and unanimously agreed that the payments be approved.
c. To approve the Quarter ending 30 September 2022 Statement of Accounts
It was proposed by LB, seconded by WL, and unanimously agreed to approve the quarter ending 30 September 2022 Statement.
d. To consider and approve purchase of a further defibrillator
TC will check with the Fire Station to see if they have a defibrillator and the possibility of the Council purchasing a further one will be discussed at the upcoming Finance Meeting.
11. Risk Assessment – report from Cllrs where applicable
No further reports were available. The cost of carrying out remedial work was discussed, and it was agreed that this be an item for the Finance Meeting to allocate a budget.
12. To approve Billinghay joining the LCC – Riparian Ownership Project
AE explained the proposed project. Billinghay had been chosen as a possible pilot scheme for which there was no cost involved. It was proposed by LB, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously to join.
13. To approve draft Grass Cutting Contract and tendering/quotation process.
AE is preparing a draft document for circulation based on a process commonly used. The work is being split into specific units and tenders can be put forward for all or any of the units. Tenders to ensure they are in date, if appropriate will be requested in sealed envelopes and be opened on a specific date. The Contract(s) will then be awarded. It was agreed that AE continued with the document and present to the Council when complete.
14. To note historic footpaths – Rights of Way (AE)
Currently there is an investigation to identify historic footpaths and Rights of Way which could uncover ones that have been overlooked in recent times. Contact will be made with landowners where the path is passable to establish Right of Way or agree an alternative route. It was agreed to publicise this in the Newsletter.
15. Emergency Plan Update
Steve Eaton-Harris, the co-ordinator attended the latest Emergency Planning Group meeting. It was agreed to hold six-weekly meetings. Actions required are:
- A check of the items in the Emergency Box to ensure they are in date, if appropriate. New items may need to be obtained. Currently the items are stored in the First Floor Storeroom at Ringmoor House. This is not suitable as there is limited access. WL is checking items and trying to find a more suitable place for storage.
- To ensure that volunteers are covered by the Council’s insurance, a system needs to be set up to record their names etc.
16. Consider a memorial for the late Queen, Archive of Book of Condolences and sign a letter to Buckingham Palace
The memorial issue was deferred to the Finance Meeting for consideration. The Book of Condolences is currently being stored in the Parish Office. AE is drafting a letter for Buckingham Palace to be despatched signed by the Chair.
It was proposed by WL, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously that this be done.
17. Consider a suggestion from District Council that we provide a warm meeting room for residents during winter.
After discussion, it was agreed to defer this item to the Finance meeting when consideration could be given to applying for local grants noting the information given by NKDC Councillor Ogden.
18. Arrange a Finance Committee Meeting to prepare for considering of budget for 2023-24 and precept setting.
It was agreed to defer the Finance Committee meeting until Wednesday, 30 November to consider the budget. LH to arrange a venue. It was also proposed, seconded and carried unanimously that WL, TC, LB and new Councillor Cottrell be added to the Finance Committee.
19. Reports from Councillors and any agenda items for next meeting.
Items raised:
- Christmas Tree Blessing and Lighting ceremony – arrangements were detailed, and it was proposed by TC, seconded by RM and agreed unanimously to allocate up to £500 to finance the evening
- AE agreed to investigate a possible S106 bid to assist with the Playground refurbishment.
- TC reported the poor state of the verges following the completion of the cycle path to Walcott.
- AC reminded Councillors of the Remembrance Day Parade
Meeting closed at 9.15pm
Billinghay Parish Office ∙Ringmoor Close ∙Ringmoor House ∙Billinghay ∙Lincs ∙LN4 4EY Email info@billinghay-pc.gov.uk Mobile 07483 346143 Mondays Tuesdays and Thursdays
Minutes Approved.
Date 5 December 2022
Signed