Full Council Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Chapel, Victoria Street on Monday 5 June 2023 at 7.00pm.

Present:

Cllrs Liles (WL, Catlett (AC), Dymoke (AD), Cassidy (TC), Ball (LB), Miller (RM), Greetham (RG) & Cottrell (SC)

Acting Clerk: Andrew Everard (AE)

Deputy Clerk: Lou Hird (LH)

Public Session

0  members of the public present.

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 had been received from District Cllr Ogden and County Cllr Key.

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 declared.  

3. To receive reports from County & District Councillors.

Not in attendance

4. To accept the notes from the Meeting of 15 May 2023 as minutes and a true record.

It was proposed by AC, seconded by SC and agreed unanimously that they be accepted.

5. Matters arising and Clerk’s notes.

The documentation for these had been circulated for review prior to the meeting. AD advised that she had not yet inspected Park Lane but would do so in the immediate future.

6. Correspondence

Items forwarded:  LALC News, Planning, NALC Newsletters, Martin Moor Correspondence, Category A Scoping Document – Walcott Farm , Letter from Citizens Advice

7. LCC Highways update

a.  A New Speed Indicator device update re stats. AC has produced a report based on the stats and this will be published in the next Newsletter.

b. Several residents had complained about the state of some of the footpaths in the village. Specific areas were mentioned, these being:

• Outside Twells’ garage
• Shire Close to Barry’s Shop

TC agreed to inspect and report on Fix My Street if appropriate.

c. Footpath on Mill Lane – Business Park to Chicken Farm needs maintenance (WL)

TC agreed to inspect and report on Fix My Street if appropriate.

d. Update on Park Lane

AD is going to inspect but resident from the area has reported that some work had been done.

In addition to the above, it was reported that the Village sign on the Walcott Road had not been replaced since completion of the cycle path. Also, there was no sign on Mill Lane to indicate Billinghay. LH to contact Highways.    

8. Planning Applications to consider as Statutory consultee

Applications: Nil

Approvals

22/0221/FUL           First Hurn Drove                External alterations & Landscaping.

23/0300/LBC           Baptist Chapel                             Demolition of lean to building.

Consultations

Martin Moor Development            Category A Scoping Document – Walcott Farm

To give Councillors time to study the documentation already received and also consider the joint effect of the two developments on the village, it was agreed to arrange an EGM on the 26 June 2023. The same meeting will include approval of the AGAR forms for submission to the external auditors by 3 July 2023. LH to arrange.

Lafford Site Development

WL had been contacted by the Agents of the applicant for development of the above site. After discussion, it was agreed that she would not give specific answers to the points raised as the document had been approved by a residents ballot and adopted by NKDC Planning. She will draft a suitable response and pass this to AE and LH for comments.

9. Finance

a. To approve payments made during May 2023 (list circulated to Councillors) See Appendix A

It was proposed by TC, seconded by RG, and agreed unanimously to approve the payments.

b. To consider possible purchase of further SID.

LB explained his reasoning behind the suggestion, the main one being the difficulty of moving and erecting the SID. It was suggested that we ask a local resident to assist using a “cherry picker” and this is being considered. There is also the need for the equipment to be used on Mill Lane and this would require a mounting pole to be erected. This cannot be done at present as until the extent of the current housing development is known, the best location cannot be identified.

It was proposed by TC, seconded by RM, and agreed that £3500 be allocated to purchase a further SID (ex-solar panel). AC will investigate accordingly.

c. To consider request from Citizens Advice Bureau for a donation.

This was a request for a further donation for a specific project. The Council had recently donated, and Council felt that whilst we should support the organisation, the current economic constraints meant we could not do so on this occasion. LH to write and explain and ask for requests for donations to be made on an annual basis and include a note on how Billinghay residents were being assisted.

d. To approve purchase of petrol and oil for the Strimmer.

It was proposed by AD, seconded by TC, and agreed unanimously to approve.

10. Risk Assessment – to receive reports from Councillors where applicable.

AC reported that he had carried out inspections of the litter and dog bins. It was agreed that LH bring the updated main log to the next meeting so that councillors knew what had been done or needed doing.

SC agreed to assist in the inspection and repair of the Notice Boards.

11. Emergency Plan Update

WL had no further news but was chasing the organiser. Apparently, LIVES were providing training but at a central location. In addition, they were too busy now to arrange more courses. It was agreed that LH approach a local resident who has offered free training in the past.

12. Latest position re new Defibrillator.

LH advised that we are still awaiting approval for the use of the Fire Station as a location for a new defibrillator. Defibrillator now purchased and received.

13. Reports from Councillors and any agenda items for next meeting.

RG mentioned the drainage problems along Skirth Road. Nothing had occurred in recent years and it was hoped that the problem was now under control. It was agreed to keep the matter under review.

TC advised that the standard of grass cutting on the Playing Field was not as good as it could be. RM will keep an eye on the situation.

TC also mentioned that the Ballon Walk area grass was not being looked after properly and was not being strimmed along the edges. LH to check that it was on the grass cutter’s list and pass on the comments.

SC reported problems re area at the rear of the Village Hall. RM will check.

14.. To consider and resolve to exclude the press and public to discuss confidential matters relating to individuals in accordance with The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.

It was proposed by TC, seconded by LB, and agreed unanimously.

At this stage of the meeting, LH left the meeting.

15. To update on long-term absence of employee

The Council noted a verbal report from the Chair of HR Committee

Meeting Closed at 8.15 pm

Minutes Approved

Date     3 July 2023

Signed  W Liles (Chair)

Appendix A