Full Council Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of Billinghay Parish Council held at Billinghay Methodist Chapel, Victoria Street on Monday 3 February 2025 at 7.00pm.

Present: Cllrs Catlett – Chair (AC) Liles (WL) Miller (RM) Cottrell (SC) Greetham (RG)

Parish Clerk (HK)

District Councillor Whittle (AW)

Public Session

3 members of the public present

1 pending co-option Ann Vipond

2 Residents from Shire Close attended: Mr Major and Mr Willingham, representative for Shire Close.

Regarding 25/0040/TPO – 14 Walcott Road, Mr Major commented that the trees in question had no health, height or spacing issues and to remove a tree completely could damage the other trees. They wanted their opposition to the planning application to be recorded.

Regarding building works at 14 Walcott Road. A map was produced which detailed the additional land on the corner of Shire Close to be Public Open Space. Questions were raised as to lack of public consultation of the sale, and the legality of the works undertaken to date. Concerns were raised as to possible obstruction of vehicular egress from Shire Close. Mr Willingham asked the council to support their views on the matter and investigate their concerns accordingly. The council replied that they could not comment on the matter until all information/facts had been gathered and would contact Mr Willingham in writing within 2 weeks.

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 Councillor Green.

It was proposed by RM, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to accept these apologies.

Apologies were also received from County Councillor Key and District Councillor Lawrence.

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 and District Councillor

An email was received from County Councillor Key with details of Footway Micro Surfacing and other highway improvements which have been confirmed to be started in 2025/2026. (Email forwarded to councillors prior to the meeting).

A point arose: that it was felt that the footpaths detailed in the email were not a complete picture of footpaths of poor repair in the village. Following discussions the Clerk was asked to place a notice in the newsletter asking for information from residents of areas which they have difficulty accessing when using mobility scooters and or wheelchairs. It was also suggested that the street cleaner be asked if he has noticed any areas of difficulty.

District Councillor Whittle reported:

• The NK Lottery grant scheme is now open for applications. Details will be placed on the parish website.
• He had been asked by Councillor Head if the council could be approached regarding Climate change matters. The Council agreed they could be contacted by Cllr Head via The Clerk.
• He had attended the remembrance service in the village, but not as a wreath bearer and so has requested that a wreath be available to be laid a District Councillor in 2025, this has been agreed by NKDC.

The Clerk forwarded a resident’s details to both the District Councillors at the residents’ request, as they do not have access to the internet. The resident had been trying to contact their District Councillors regarding a private matter they would like help/advice with. Following this both District Councillors informed the Clerk they have arranged to meet with the resident asap.

4. To accept the notes from the Meeting of 6 January 2025 as minutes and a true record.

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

5. Matters arising and Clerk’s Report. (Details forwarded prior to the meeting).

Points that arose: -

The Clerk had visited the community café and was asked if she could regularly attend to help with resident’s queries should they arise. During discussions it was felt the Clerk should attend as this was a positive way of liaising with residents.

The branches/cuttings still need to be removed from St Michael’s Churchyard. This was discussed and an authority was agreed for a payment of £250 to MR Garden Services for removal of the cuttings in accordance with the Financial Regulations para 5.Oii.

6. Correspondence

Items forwarded: NALC Bulletins, LALC Bulletins, Town and Parish Newsletter, Springwell Energy Farm Development Consent Order details, NK Corporate and Civic support team Flood information, NKDC Snowdrop event, North Kesteven Heritage Strategy workshop invitations, CCLA Investor Briefing, National Highways & Transport survey, NKDC Newsletter, Lithium battery safety information, Royal British Legion VE Day 80 information, Central Lincolnshire Design Code update.

Points that arose:

The Lithium battery safety information was felt to be of importance but as no poster was available in the information which could have easily been displayed, it was mentioned that this subject be monitored when further information becomes available.

7. Finance

a. To approve payments made during January 2025 (list circulated to Cllrs prior to the meeting). See Appendix A

It was proposed by WL, seconded by RM, and agreed unanimously to approve the payments.

b. To approve the continued subscription to Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils. Renewal Date 1 April 2025. (Details forwarded prior to the meeting).

It was proposed by AC, seconded by WL, and agreed unanimously to pay for both the training fee at a cost of £160 + VAT and registration fee at a cost of £537.10.

The Clerk reported she had attended an introduction to CILCA course, this gave details of the training programme and fees for the course. The training programme will consist of 6 zoom meetings and 3 full in-house days, the fee for the training will be £275.00 + VAT, and the registration for the course with SLCC being approximately £450.00.

It was proposed by AC, and seconded by WL, and agreed unanimously for the Clerk to register for the course. (This was in the Clerks Contract of employment).

 8. Planning Applications to consider as a Statutory Consultee (as detailed below and those received after publication of the agenda which require a decision before the next meeting).

None received.

Planning Other:

25/0040/TPO Tree Works. 14 Walcott Road.

The Council have no objections but have received objections from some members of Shire Close, their objections are that the trees in question had no health, height or spacing issues and to remove a tree completely could damage the other trees.

It was proposed by RM, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to put forward these comments to the Tree Officer.

25/0081/TCA Tree Works.  5 Old School Lane.

The Council has no objections.

It was proposed by AC, seconded by WL, and agreed unanimously to put forward these comments to the Tree Officer.

9. To report on risk assessments/safety checks. Report from Cllrs where applicable.

SC reported that the bus shelter on Walcott Road (near to Park Lane) had a strong urine smell.

The Clerk was asked to contact NKDC to investigate this matter.

10. LCC Highways Updates.  

None Received.

11. To consider a relocation place for the Zoetrope still situated on land which was previously the old cemetery.

Several locations have been suggested for the relocation of the Zoetrope but had either been costly or not suitable, it was therefore suggested that the Zoetrope be relocated at Fitzwilliam Place corner as this is land own by the Parish Council.

It was proposed by RM, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to relocate the Zoetrope in this area.

The Clerk will contact the owner of the land on which the Zoetrope is currently placed to seek permission for its removed by The Forge Billinghay and ask The Forge to re-post it in readiness of relocation.

12. To review and approve PCD015 Cemetery Policy (Circulated by AC prior to the meeting).

It was proposed by AC, and seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to adopt the circulated policy.

13. To consider the Royal British Legion VE Day 80-year celebrations.

It was discussed and AC reported that he believes the RBL group will be wreath laying, the union flag will be raised and that all will be welcome to join, on the 8 May 2025. The Clerk was asked to check if any other events were being planned by groups in the village.

As it has been previously mentioned that the village would like some large poppies to be placed around the village to mark remembrance and VE day it was suggested that some be purchased for this event.

It was proposed by AC, seconded by SC, and agreed unanimously to purchase 8 large VE80 lamp post signs.

The Clerk was asked to purchase 2 packs of large lamp post signs.

14. To consider the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting.

It was discussed and the date will be 12 May 2025, the meeting will be held at the Methodist Church school rooms as this is felt to be the correct size venue.

A couple of suggestions for the event were climate change, and lithium battery safety. It was suggested we look at this further and place on the next agenda.

15. To consider the Billinghay Neighbourhood plan review.

Following a notice placed in the newsletter for residents to help with the review, it was disappointingly noted that no residents came forward.

It was felt that the plan would need a complete rewrite, which involved a lot of work, time and costs. It was felt that the costs out wayed the benefits and it was mentioned that the planning regulations have now moved on and cover at least 50% of what was in the last plan.

It was proposed by AC, and seconded by RG, and agreed unanimously not to review the Neighbourhood plan.

16. Co-option of Councillor.

It was proposed by SC, seconded by WL, and agreed unanimously to co-opt Ann Vipond.

The Clerk was asked to sort the necessary paperwork which needs submitting to NKDC.

17. Reports from Councillors and any agenda items for the next meeting.

WL – reminded all that notes are confidential until they have been signed as minutes, when they become public information and should not be discussed.

Following 2 accidents on Walcott Road, WL has been asked for street lighting in this area. It was asked if these accidents had been reported, as this information backs up all requests as evidence that they are necessary.

AC - reported that the path at the rear of the bowling green had been cleared.

Meeting Closed at   8.55pm

Signed

Date

Appendix A