Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Public Forum
Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited the one member of the public to speak.
The member of the public said they had lived in Gunby for the last three years and along with others were having difficulty with the blind corners in the village. Thay thanked the Clerk for sending them the Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Highways Department stance that mirrors are not permitted to be placed on the highway and questioned why one had been put up on the Corby Glen to Swinstead road, near to the new housing estate.
LCC Cllr C Vernon said they would raise this with the LCC Highways Officer and arrange for them to come out to Gunby to look at the areas of concern.
A discussion followed regarding speeding, the prevalence of blind corners in Gunby and the potential hazards they present to both motorists and pedestrians. It was agreed that clear communication with the Highways Officer during their visit would be essential to highlight not only the specific blind spots but also the general increase in road safety concerns voiced by residents.
Cllr C Hainsworth said that highways issues were always a challenge. Cllr C Vernon agreed to look at the LCC Highways policy on mirrors and road safety alternatives particularly where new developments had the potential to increase traffic flow.
Cllr Vernon reminded everyone of the Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire – Stage 1 public consultation on Friday 4th July 2025 at South Witham Village Hall, Water Lane, South Witham, Grantham, NG33 5PH, from 1pm – 7pm.
Cllr C Hainsworth closed the public session at 7.40pm.
Councillors: C Hainsworth (Vice Chair), C Rowland, C Russell, L McShane, M Childs and T O’Regan. Cllr R Chatterton arrived at 7.34pm.
In Attendance
Sue Grant, Clerk to the Parish Council.
SKDC Cllrs D Bellamy and B Green sent their apologies.
LCC Cllr C Vernon.
Agenda Item No
2025.44 Apologies for absence.
Cllrs E O’Neill (Chair), D Bellamy and R Brocklebank. Valid reasons given.
2025.45 Chair’s remarks.
Cllr C Hainsworth welcomed everyone acknowledging that they were already aware and prepared that they would be chairing this meeting in the absence of Cllr E O’Neill (Chair).
2025.46 Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000
None
2025.47 Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
Cllrs C Hainsworth, L McShane and M Childs abstained as they were not present at the previous meeting, all others present agreed that the official minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 3rd June 2025 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Vice Chair in the absence of the Chair.
2025.48 County/District Councillor Report.
LCC Cllr C Vernon reported: -
1. The Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire – Stage 1 public consultation will be on Friday 4th July 2025 at South Witham Village Hall, Water Lane, South Witham, Grantham, NG33 5PH, from 1pm – 7pm. They reminded everyone that this is a consultation event run by the developer.
2. Corby Glen Parish Council are suggesting forming an action group to speak with one voice in relation to the National Grid Upgrade.
3. They noted that the Kilnside Energy Park Consultation was an agenda item later in the meeting and they were already in contact with Alicia Kearns MP on these issues including the potential Anaerobic Digester plant at Gunby which was refused planning permission in February 2025.
4. Cllr C Russell showed an image they had produced of how the view across the fields would be compromised, with the increased housing and the line of pylons. which contravenes the Colsterworth and District Neighbourhood Plan.
5. Cllr Vernon confirmed they had escalated the A1 Traffic Diversion for the B6403 High Dike, Easton - Advance Notice of Proposed Carriageway Resurfacing raised by the Clerk to the Highways Officer.
SKDC Cllr D Bellamy sent their apologies.
SKDC Cllr B Green sent their apologies with a report circulated to all Cllrs prior to the meeting. Summary below: -
1. Upcoming Changes to Bin Collections. Every household will receive a letter in August.
2. Food-Waste Collections Starting March 2026
3. 400 kV Power-Line Proposal – Have Your Say
National Grid is consulting on a new overhead line from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire. The draft route:
• South of Twyford Wood
• Along Woolley’s Lane
• Across the A1
• Just north of South Witham.
4. Colsterworth Housing Allocation Increased from 70 to 310 Dwellings. Local Plan Consultation Opens This Month. They urge everyone to respond as soon as the portal goes live. They will keep pressing the administration for clear answers on school places, road funding and medical capacity.
2025.49 Co-option for Councillor for Colsterworth.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
No formal application was received; therefore, the agenda item was deferred to the next meeting. In line with the Parish Councils Co-Option Policy.
2025.50 VJ Day Beacon lighting 15th August 2025.
VJ Day Beacon lighting 15th August 2025.
1. Resolve for a volunteer to complete the Risk Assessment with the Clerk.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Cllr T O’Regan volunteered to complete the risk assessment with the Clerk, ideally on 14th August 2025.
Cllr C Russell advised they were disappointed not to be available as a marshal for the event on the 15th August 2025 as previously agreed. The Clerk will look for another volunteer marshal.
Cllr M Childs suggested lighting the beacon at sunset. Which will be around 8.30pm.
2025.51 Resolve to apply for a Colsterworth Conservation Area. (Cllr D Bellamy)
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
In Cllr Bellamy’s absence it was agreed to defer the agenda item to the next meeting to gather more information for Cllrs.
2025.52 Resolve to apply to SKDC Planning Department for Change of Use of the land at Old Post Lane Cemetery extension to a Cemetery. Costs to be confirmed by SKDC.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Deferred to the next meeting following the Clerks telephone meeting with the SKDC Planning Department at 10.30am on Friday 4th July 2025.
2025.53 Risk Exception Report.
Received no comment.
2025.54 Clerks Report Action
1. Changes to SKDC wheelie bin collections. Every household is likely to see a change either to their collection day – or to the time of day their bins are emptied. The changes are expected to take place in September, with every household to receive a personalised letter through the post giving full details of the changes for their address. Clerk
2. The purchase of a new dog waste bin agreed at the May Parish Council meeting was installed at the West End of the Nature Trail at no cost to the Parish Council by Cllr C Rowland. Clerk / Cllr C Rowland
3. The defibrillator on the wall outside the White Lion Pub reported as not operational. Friday 13th June 2025 to Community Heartbeat and The Circuit. Battery light showing red. When the battery was re-inserted, it changed to Green showing ‘Ready Status’. Defibrillator replaced in cabinet 20th June to be monitored. The Circuit and Community Heartbeat updated. Clerk
4. Recommendations from the H&F Report 27th May 2025 in process. Clerk/Cllrs
5. CAD Coronation Community Orchard. Request from SKDC on the survival of the fruit trees planted for Defra (Community Living Heritage Fund). Advised that two of the fruit trees did not survive. Clerk
6. Allotment inspection completed.
Stamford Road Wednesday 17th June 2025 Cllr T O’Regan and the Clerk.
Woolsthorpe Road Monday 23rd June 2025 Cllr R Brocklebank and the Clerk. Allotment holders written to. Clerk/Cllrs T O’Regan & R Brocklebank
7. HSBC Bank will be removing the £5 monthly fee from the Parish Council Charitable Bank Account from 1st July 2025 charging cycle. Clerk
8. Temporary Road Closure request completed for Remembrance Sunday Parade 9th November 2025. Ref 2533646 Clerk
2025.55 Correspondence
1. Invitation received from SKDC to take part in their Encouraging biodiversity in South Kesteven survey. Clerk/Cllrs
2. Report of fly tipping Bridge End opposite the entrance to the Nature Trail. FMS Ref 7686066. Clerk/Cllrs
3. On 11/06/2025 the Parish Council received an email from a resident informing the Parish Council of the Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire electricity connector and whether it will have any impact on the Colsterworth area. Official notification of the project received from the National Grid later that day. The National Grid website states that the project is in its early stages. Clerk/Cllrs
4. Anonymous donation received of £100 to install a middle rail on the railings at the Bridge End entrance to the Nature Trail. Clerk
5. Request the forestry agent for Buckminster Estate to consult with the Parish Council on some woodland creation proposals for the Estate. focusing on 9 areas of the Parish along the A1, as part of a larger proposal across the estate. Grant funding will be applied for and as part of the grant application process consultation is required for any comments from the Parish Council. The trees will be planted at 1,600 stems per hectare with woody shrubs planted in groups along the edges to create a graded edge structure. Clerk/Cllrs
6. Email received from neighbouring Parish Councils encouraging Parish Councils to work together to look towards commenting on the Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire, National Grid, Consultation. Stage 1. Clerk/Cllrs
7. Report of fly-tipping incident on the Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) on Woolsthorpe Road grass verge from the Wayside Warden for the RNR for the Wildlife Trust. Several bags of builders' rubble nearer the village by the right-hand side of the entrance to the farmer's field. Eight bags in total. Reported to SKDC as fly tipping. Clerk/Cllrs
8. Colsterworth Youth Group AGM Minutes from 17th June 2025 received and filed for the Parish Council records. Clerk
9. Report that a metal fence is currently blocking the side entrance to Twyford Woods, next to the truck stop. Advised to contact the landowner. Clerk
10. Report that the slope at the bottom of the steps on Footpath 3 from the Nature Trail entrance to the farmers field has eroded making the first step too high and a trip hazard. FMS report ref 2847766 made requesting an extra step is installed to make it safer to use. Clerk
11. Report that the footpath/highway surface outside 67 Woolsthorpe Road, Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth is breaking up causing a trip hazard. FMS Report made ref 2847832. Clerk
12. Report of overgrown trees and bushes restricting the highway making it very difficult for vehicles to pass when travelling in opposite directions on Old Post Lane. FMS Report made ref 2847833. Clerk
13. B6403 High Dike, Easton - Advance Notice of Proposed Carriageway Resurfacing. From around 21st July 2025 for three weeks. Road closure from 8pm – 6am diversion in place. No road closure on weekends.
Diversion route queried, Highways confirmed the main diversion is via B6403 High Dike / B1176 and A151 to the A1. It is expected that all traffic on the A1 will use it. The section through Colsterworth is for local use / for vehicles coming in from the Woolsthorpe and Stainby directions. Clerk/Cllrs
14. * Email received on 27/06/2025 from the Chair of Corby Glen Parish Council in relation to the National Grid Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire – Stage 1 public consultation. Suggesting that an action group of parishes be set up to speak with one voice where appropriate at Stage 1 and beyond. Response within the next 10 working days. Cllrs/Cllrs
15. Report of a fallen tree, 30/06/2025, lying across the footpath on Old Post Lane. Halfway down from the junction with Woolsthorpe Road to Water Lane. FMS Ref 2848194. Work completed 30/06/2025. Clerk
16. Email received requesting mirrors on blind spots in Gunby. Advised that this was raised with the Lincolnshire Highways Department earlier this year and their response was “Due to guidance issued by the Department for Transport we do not allow mirrors to be placed on the highway.”
Clerk/Cllrs
17. Twelve pens personalised with ‘Colsterworth and District Parish Council’ left outside Cllr C Hainsworth’s home address. Shared with Cllrs. Clerk/Cllrs
2025.56 SKDC Planning Applications
S25/0962 Replacement of existing conservatory with brick-built orangery.14 Stamford Road, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5JD. None
EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification
EN0110022 Kilnside Energy Park – EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification TBC
SKDC Planning Permission
S25/1094 Installation of one wooden telegraph pole (9m) for the deployment of superfast broadband. Street Record Northerns Close, North Witham.
SKDC Planning Refusal
NONE
2025.57 Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs E O’Neill, M Childs, C Russell & C Hainsworth). No report this month.
Resolve to renew the following policy at its annual review: -
1. CAD Financial Regulations.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Unanimously approved.
2. Update on the Community Car Park. (The Clerk)
Still waiting for an update from the SKDC Legal Department. The Clerk to escalate this with Cllr B Green.
3. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 23/06/2025. Received no comment.
2025.58 Planning Committee Report
1. Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold.
2. Update on Planning Application S/24/0568 AD Plant Gunby.
Cllrs D Bellamy and R Chatterton are preparing a document with residents in readiness for an appeal being registered following the SKDC Planning refusal in February 2025. Traffic monitoring equipment has been seen on the B676 Stainby Road during its closure at Saxby.
3. Resolve to comment on the changes in the SKDC Local Plan housing allocation for Colsterworth from 70 to 310 units.
Unanimously agreed to comment. Cllr C Russell commented on how good they thought the contents of the supporting document put together by Cllr C Hainsworth was and other Cllrs agreed. The Consultation starts on 3rd July 2025. No other further information was available as of 1st July 2025. The Clerk will re-circulate the document prepared by Cllr Hainsworth to all Cllrs.
4. Resolve to comment on the National Grid Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire electricity connector Consultation from 11th June – 6th August 2025.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Unanimously resolved to join an action group of Parishes as suggested by the Chair of Corby Glen Parish Council up to speak with one voice where appropriate at Stage 1 and beyond. *See agenda item 2025.55.14.
The Clerk to confirm Colsterworth and District Parish Council are interested in joining the action group.
5. Resolve to comment on the proposal received from the forestry agent for Buckminster Estate to consult with the Parish Council on some woodland creation proposals for the Estate. Focusing on 9 areas of the Parish along the A1.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Unanimously agreed no objection.
6. Resolve to comment on EN0110022 – Kilnside Energy Park – EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Unanimously agreed to comment. The Clerk to re-circulate the correspondence received on the Kilnside Energy Park to all Cllrs for comments to be collated by the Clerk and submitted by 21st July 2025.
Group Reports
2025.59 Highways & Footpaths Working Group
Update on reports raised from the H&F Report 27/05/2025.
1. North Witham Public Footpath No 11 FMS enquiry No 2845010. Missing sign. Vegetation cut back to expose the footpath signpost.
2. Footpath GunS/5/1 Footpath opposite Bottom Farm, Gunby Road, Stainby. – Investigating.
3. Footpath GunS/3/2 Footpath off Colsterworth Road. Missing sign, report reference number 2844987. Work is planned.
2025.60
Environment & Amenities Working Group Report.
1. Emergency Plan Review Update. (The Clerk)
Flooding pinch points have been highlighted at North Witham and Colsterworth. Aqua bags have been delivered to Cllr D Bellamy at North Witham.
2025.61 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT JUNE 2025.
Unanimously approved see Appendix A
2025.62 Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights.
Stamford Road Allotment Inspection.
On Wednesday 18th June 2025 Cllr T O’Regan joined the Clerk for the Stamford Road allotment inspection. The Clerk has written to those tenants with allotments in need of attention. One vacant allotment. Allotment waiting list empty.
Woolsthorpe Road Allotment Inspection.
On Monday 23rd June 2025 Cllr R Brocklebank joined the Clerk for the Woolsthorpe Road allotment inspection. The Clerk has written to those tenants with allotments in need of attention. Four vacant allotments in need of strimming. Allotment waiting list empty.
Training courses attended: -
Cllrs C Russell, C Hainsworth and the Clerk attended the Local Government Reorganisation Briefings by SKDC at the SKDC Offices, Grantham on 17/06/2025 from 7 – 8.30pm.
Cllrs R Chatterton, C Hainsworth and C Russell joined the remote briefing sessions for Parish Council on the National Grid Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire Consultation on 23rd June at 6 – 7pm.
2025.63 The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 2nd September 2025. There being no other business, Vice Chair, Cllr C Hainsworth closed the meeting at 8.40pm.
SIGNED:
CHAIR DATE:
Attendance to date (May 2025 to April 2026) – annual maximum 10 (No meeting August & January)
Cllr Name Constituency Attended Apologies Absent
C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) Colsterworth 2 1
E O’Neill (Chair) Colsterworth 2 1
D Bellamy North Witham & Lobthorpe 1 2
* A Bouvie – Resigned May 2025 Colsterworth 1
L McShane Colsterworth 1 2
T O’Regan Colsterworth 3
R Brocklebank Colsterworth 2 1
C Russell Colsterworth 3
M Childs Colsterworth 2 1
C Rowland Colsterworth 3
R Chatterton Gunby & Stainby 3
Vacancy Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy North Witham & Lobthorpe
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Colsterworth