P C Meeting 2nd September 2025

Agenda
Supporting Information
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Minutes

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 2nd September 2025.

Public Forum

Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) opened the meeting and greeted three public attendees. Two were present to observe, with one considering applying for Co-option as a Parish Councillor for Colsterworth.

The third member of the public reported that the applicant of the refused SKDC Planning Application S25/0568 had submitted their appeal which had been validated that day. Interested parties had the next five weeks to submit their comments. They asked for the Parish Council to join with South Witham Parish Council and the Community Group ‘Block Biogas Plant at Gunby’ and apply for Rule ‘6’ Status adding that the community group offered their time and support to the Parish Council. Cllr D Bellamy said they fully supported this request. The member of the public said the community group would act as co-ordinator and were not seeking financial support from the Parish Council. They added that applying for ‘Rule 6’ status could potentially delay the appeal deadline. Cllr D Bellamy suggested that the Parish Council could represent themselves and volunteered for this role.

Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) said that this planning application was an agenda item to be discussed later in the meeting.

The member of the public finished by saying that this process may be something that the Parish Council could be involved with in the future and left the meeting at 7.55pm.

The public forum was extended to 8.47pm to allow those present to speak.

Councillors: C Hainsworth (Vice Chair), C Russell, L McShane, M Childs, D Bellamy, R Brocklebank and T O’Regan & R Chatterton joined the meeting at 7.35pm.

In Attendance

Sue Grant, Clerk to the Parish Council.

SKDC Cllrs D Bellamy and B Green. Cllr B Green left the meeting at 7.55pm.

Agenda Item No
	Apologies for absence. Cllrs E O’Neill (Chair) and C Rowland, valid reasons given.
	Chair’s remarks. Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) welcomed everyone to the meeting saying that they had prior notice that they would be the Chair of this meeting but had not prepared for presiding over Sue’s (The Clerk) retirement plans. They thanked Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) who had summed up the Parish Councils gratitude to Sue after eight years of outstanding and devoted service to the Council and Community. The Parish Council appreciates Sue’s agreement to continue in post to offer considerable experience in supporting the transition and most importantly facilitate Sue’s retirement plans as they would hope for.
	Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000 None
	Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting. Cllrs R Brocklebank and D Bellamy 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 1st July 2025 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Vice Chair in the absence of the Chair.
	County/District Councillor Report. SKDC Councillor B Green Reported: - A reminder that residents will receive a letter in the post regarding the change to the bin date collections. The changes were due to streamlining the routes, which had knock-on consequences. Pylon Issue - The Save South Kesteven — Sign SKRAP’s Petition to Stop the 400 kV Pylons had been kicked off raising the concerns and worries of communities. The petition can be found https://tinyurl.com/skrappylons . Cllr D Bellamy added that this would include 44 grid connectors and urged residents to sign the petition. Local Government re-organisation rolls on and they will look to avoid unnecessary expenditure of money. They thanked Cllr C Russell for completing the re-painting of the bus shelter. Progress is underway for a new permissive footpath at North Witham, but the County Council will not cover signage or style costs. Expenses include 3 signs at £100 each, 2 styles at £200 each, with labour costs pending. Costs could be raised by fund raising. Thanks were passed to the Clerk for their support to the Parish Council. SKDC Cllr D Bellamy reported. Thanking the Clerk for their support to the Parish Council adding that it was a busy Parish Council with active Cllrs. Planning application S25/0455 for 3 houses on the paddock off Bourne Road was still undecided. Grid Extension – There is a similar sub-station at Navenby with already 3 x solar farms lined up on 8K acres/ 12 sq miles. LCC Cllr C Vernon reported sent their apologies.
	Recruitment of the Clerk and Financial Responsible Officer (RFO) Before addressing the agenda items, the Clerk, Sue Grant, confirmed to the Council of their intention to retire. The recruitment process was in the early stages, with the vacancy advertised in the local press, online, and on the Parish Council's website, where job descriptions, person specifications, and an application form are also available. Resolve to delegate the recruitment process for the Clerk and RFO to the Finance & Administration Committee. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. Cllr C Hainsworth invited additional Cllrs to be Co-opted to join the Finance and Administration Committee. Set out the timeframes for this and authority for any additional costs during the handover period within this financial year. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. Cllr C Hainsworth added that a briefing paper on succession planning for the retirement of the Clerk had been circulated to all Cllrs. Costs would come from reserves and that, the vacancy could also be advertised on the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils website at no additional cost. Cllr M Childs suggested that a link to the vacancy on the Parish Councils website could be posted on the Face Book Community site. Cllr C Hainsworth said they would ask the Colsterworth & Woolsthorpe community Facebook page administrator to post the link to the vacancy.
	Resolve to agree grass cutting contractors for 2026, 2027 & 2028 season from the 1yr and 3yr quotations obtained. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved A short discussion took place before Cllr C Hainsworth proposed and Cllr C Russell seconded to accept the 3-yr quotation from the current contractor M C S Ground Care Services. Unanimously agreed.
	Resolve to re-appoint LALC internal auditing service for a two-year period 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 at the same fee of £300 each year It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed.
	Resolve to take out a Warranty extension for the Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) at North Witham and Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth. At a cost of £199 excl vat per VAS per year for 3 years. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved A discussion took place with the following amendment to the resolution. Cllr M Childs proposed to put the costs of the warranty to be held in reserves towards a replacement VAS. Unanimously agreed.
	Resolve to apply to SKDC Planning Department for Change of Use of the land at Old Post Lane Cemetery extension to a Cemetery at a cost of £294. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed.
	Request received from the Village Hall and Social Club Committee to install a dog waste bin on footpath 19 where it meets the entrance to the Social Club and Village Hall. At a cost of £153.82 incl vat (£128.18 excl vat) and £65 per year dog waste removal costs. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved A discussion took place on the issues with dog waste bins already installed. The Clerk advised that this had not been budgeted for, and one had already been purchased and installed earlier in the year out of reserves. The agenda item did not receive support and fell. Cllr C Hainsworth suggested referring the feedback to the Social Club.
	Risk Exception Report. A discussion took place regarding the Community Car Park including the potential to apply for Adverse Possession and maintenance costs. Cllr L McShane requested this be included as a future agenda item. Cllr C Hainsworth added that this would be discussed at the F&A Meeting in October. No other comments were received.

2025.76	Clerks Report	Action
	On Friday 4th July Cllrs C Hainsworth and C Russell attended the in-person consultation at South Witham Village Hall for the proposals for new electricity transmission infrastructure from Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire.	Clerk/Cllrs C Hainsworth & C Russell.
	Confirmation received from LCC Highways that Water Lane, Stainby will be taken back by LCC's extra grass cutting schedule of works going forward.	Clerk/Grass cutting contractor informed.
	The Nature Trail volunteers completed the installation of the middle rail on the Bridge End entrance of the Nature Trail. This was funded by an anonymous donation ref Correspondence July Minutes 2025.55.4.	Clerk/NT Volunteers
	Report of Graffiti: 1. The brick bus shelter at Bridge End was damaged by graffiti. Cllrs R Brocklebank, C Rowland and SKDC Cllr B Green offered to remove the graffiti. The Clerk will look into any other damage to the bus shelter. Police Report made. SKDC Cllr B Green offered to re-paint the bus shelter. 19/08/2025 Cllr C Russell completed the re-painting of the inside of the bus shelter. 2. Highways Road sign out of the village at Woolsthorpe to A1N. Reported to FMS by Cllr R Brocklebank. Ref 2851222. Highways response, “graffiti does not detract from the meaning of the signage, and unfortunately we will not be taking action as do not have the resources.”	Clerk/Cllrs/SKDC Cllr B Green Cllr R Brocklebank
	The Community Orchard sign near to Colster Way has been pulled out. The Clerk to arrange for it to be re-set.	Cllr E O’Neill /Clerk
	On 18th July 2025 the defibrillator on the wall outside the White Lion pub was defective. Investigations in progress with the manufacturer of the battery.	Clerk
	The 2024/25 Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) Section 3 External Auditor Report has been concluded with no findings.	Clerk/Chair
	Request from the Nature Trail Ranger for the Parish Council to write to the Colsterworth Co-op for consideration of receiving a donation from the Co-op Local Community Fund towards signage for the trails and benches on the Nature Trail.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Notification received from the Information Commissioners Office that the Data Protection Fee for the Parish Council has been increased for 2025 from £35 to £52.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report from the Community Cleaners that the newly installed dog waste bin on Woolsthorpe Road (West End) is regularly overflowing with bags when the bin at the kissing gate has space.	Clerk/Cllrs
2025.77	Correspondence
	Report of Road works sign obscuring the view of drivers and pedestrians when exiting Stamford Road to Stainby Road, Colsterworth. FMS Ref: 2848667. Cllr C Vernon made aware. Highways moved the signage to a safer distance from the junction.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report from Cllr R Brocklebank that the Vehicle Activated Speed sign on Bourne Road, Colsterworth is obstructed by vegetation. FMS Report made by the Clerk ref: 2849078. Highways decision ‘No further action’.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report from the grass cutting contractor of a Wasps nest underground on the grass at the on-Back Lane next to the Alms Houses, near the Back Lane sign. Area to be monitored,	Clerk/Cllrs
	09/07/2025 email received advising that an appeal against SKDC's refusal of the planning permission for 9a School Lane has been lodged. No formal notification received by the Parish Council as at 09/07/2025.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Enquiry from the Vice Chair of Thriplow and Heathfield Parish Council in relation to the Colsterworth Parish Councils response to the Planning Application for an Anaerobic Digester plant at Gunby which was refused by SKDC Planning Department earlier in the year. Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) made contact.	Clerk/Vice Chair
	Report of overgrown vegetation at the Old Post Lane/Stainby Road crossroads obscuring the driver’s visibility. Reported to FMS Ref 2849333. Work scheduled now completed.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report of a hole in the footpath outside 1Ash Close, Colsterworth causing a trip hazard. Reported to FMS Ref no 2849635. Work is scheduled and completed.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report of a overhanging branch from a tree on the Nature Trail over the garden of a property on The Close. The Nature Trail ranger does not believe it is currently a problem. To be monitored.	Clerk/Cllrs/Nature Trail Ranger
	A resident offering to join the Community Speed watch Volunteers (CSW). The Clerk is to continue advertising for volunteers and coordinate volunteer training in partnership with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.	Clerk
	Notification from Lincolnshire Police that some members of the public are parking their vehicles on their properties preventing their staff from parking. They will be putting up signage over the next few weeks advising that it is private property and that no parking is permitted without authorisation.	Clerk
	B6403 High Dike, Easton - Proposed Carriageway Resurfacing will not commence on 21st July as previously advised. The scheme has been deferred to 2026.	Clerk
	Cllr C Hainsworth received a request for a dog bin to be placed on footpath 19 near the steps to the Village Hall/Social Club.	Cllr Hainsworth/Clerk
	Email received asking for an update on the damage to the railings at Little Legs. Enquiry forwarded to the Youth Club Committee who are dealing with this.	Clerk
	The LCC Highways electronic speed sign reported as defective by Cllr C Hainsworth. FMS Report made by the Clerk, Ref2851148.	Cllr C Hainsworth/Clerk
	Details of Local Government Pay Award for the Clerk received. Backdated to 01/04/2025.	Clerk/Cllrs
	A copy of the Statement of Accounts from 1st September 2024 to 30th June 2025 received from Colsterworth Festival of Remembrance (CFoR). Advising there is a payment due to the Parish Council of £1,079.67 to be held in the Parish Councils reserve account for any ongoing expenditure in the future on the War Memorial and Gardens upkeep/maintenance. Letter of thanks to be sent to the CFoR Committee.	Cllrs/Clerk
	Report of overgrown hedges in the village. Awaiting confirmation of the areas of concern to identify responsibility.	Clerk
	Invitation received from Colsterworth Collective Action Group (CCAG) to join their Public Meeting regarding the Regulation 18 Housing Allocation consultation on Tuesday 5th August 2025. The Clerk and several Cllrs attended the meeting. For openness and transparency, the PC’s Draft Response to the consultation was shared with the CCAG.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Request for permission to install a Memorial on plot T12 in Old Post Lane Cemetery. The Memorial is withing the permitted size, permission granted.	Clerk
	Report of overgrown trees and hedge on footpath 16 encroaching onto Hawking Close, Colsterworth. FMS Ref 2851935. Land-owners responsibility.	Clerk
	Report of window frames fly tipped on Stamford Road close to the junction with the High Street. Reported to SKDC as fly tipping.	Clerk
	On 15/08/2025 a resident shared their objection letter with the Parish Council to the SKDC Planning Policy Department regarding SKPR-309: 310 homes land east of Stamford Road Colsterworth, in which they expressed support for Parish Councils Planning Objection to the Regulation 18 consultation. Saved for the Parish Councils Records.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report from Cllr Brocklebank that a 12th railing has been removed from the arena railings on Woolsthorpe Road.	Clerk
	Report that unconnected cables have been uncovered due to erosion of the footpath under the kissing gate at the west end of the Nature Trail. These will be removed by the landowner. Also, a report that a motorcycle and vehicle have been seen on the flower meadow. Advised to make a report to the Police.	Clerk/Mo Taylor NT Ranger
	Report of a number of items that have been dumped by the trees behind the football pitch and near to the goal posts on Colster Way play area. The dumped items include metal posts and various bits of wood.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report another railing has been damaged/removed from the arena at Woolsthorpe Play area.	Cllrs
	Report from the Grass Cutting contractor of part of a brick wall dumped on the grass verge at Bridge End preventing their mower from cutting that area of grass. Reported to the SKDC Neighborhoods Team via FMS by the Clerk.	Clerk/Cllrs
	On 1st September 2025 Cllr C Russell reported that the grass on a grave at Old Post Lane Cemetery had been left uncut. The Clerk contacted the Grass cutting contractor who had seen flowers on the grave and had been reluctant to cut it. They returned to the cemetery the same day and strimmed/cut the grass.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Request from the Nature Trail Ranger to purchase 36 pairs of heavy-duty gloves for the Nature Trail volunteers PPE £162.66 from the Nature Trail budget of £550.	Clerk/Cllrs
2025.78	SKDC Planning Applications
S25/1312	Change of use of site for workshop and plant hire, erection of workshop building, two site offices and associated hard standing. Location: Land East Of A1 And North Of A151, Colsterworth. Extension to the Parish Council deadline for comments agreed to 5th September 2025.	Comment
S25/1159	Section 211 Notice to remove Cherry tree (T1) to ground level and thoroughly grind the stump. 47 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NP, App Type: Trees in CA - Section 211 Notice.	None
S25/1074	Proposed use as a children’s home. Location: 9A School Lane, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NW, App Type: Lawful Development (Proposed). Deadline for comments extended to the Parish Council to 7th August 2025.	Cllrs
S25/0455	Notification received of additional information received for this application. Construction of 3no. dwellings with associated car parking and external landscaping. Land Between 16-18 Bourne Road, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5JE,	Cllrs
S25/1330	To carry out a crown reduction (T1) Oak tree by 30% to reduce shading to the property. 6 Chestnut Grove, Colsterworth.	None
S25/1320	Proposed two storey extension to the side and single storey extension to the front of existing dwelling. Location: 11 Pasture Close, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NA,	None
S25/1422	Replacement windows and doors. 47 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NP.	None
S25/1437	Installation of three items of interactive equipment for children to the lower farmyard. Woolsthorpe Manor, 23 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NR	None
S25/1519	Installation of solar panels to roof of ancillary building. Location: 47 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NP,	None
S25/1520	Removal of existing external boiler, oil tank and hot water cylinder. Installation of electric boiler and solar panels to roof of ancillary building. Location: 47 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NP,
Consultation	South Kesteven District Council - Regulation 18 Local Plan Consultation – 3rd July – 28th August 2025	Comment
	EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification	Cllrs
EN0110022	Kilnside Energy Park – EIA Scoping and Consultation and Regulation 11 Notification	No comment at this stage.
	Planning Consultation from Intelligent Communications Solutions Limited
CS71312	Proposed base station installation upgrade at: Lobthorpe lane, Colsterworth, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG33 5LS. Upgrade to their existing telecommunications.	None

	SKDC Planning Permission
S25/0823	Replacement of existing window which consists of 4 frames. The Old Rectory 14 High Street, Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5NF
S25/1377	Compliance With Condition 1 (Time Limit For Commencement) of planning permission S18/1335 - Hybrid planning application (Part Full and part Outline application) for a commercial development comprising: Full application for 3 x buildings for B1, B2 and B8 uses and associated hardstanding and landscaping (Phase 1) and Outline application for 2 x further buildings for B1, B2 and B8 uses and associated hardstanding (Phase 2) Location: Jubilee Park Honey Pot Lane, Colsterworth.
S25/0752	Compliance With Condition 1 (Time Limit For Commencement) of planning permission S18/1335 - Hybrid planning application (Part Full and part Outline application) for a commercial development comprising: Full application for 3 x buildings for B1, B2 and B8 uses and associated hardstanding and landscaping (Phase 1) and Outline application for 2 x further buildings for B1, B2 and B8 uses and associated hardstanding (Phase 2) Location: Jubilee Park Honey Pot Lane Colsterworth.
S25/1347	Submission of details reserved by conditions 3 (Materials) and 4 (Full details of all proposed joinery works) of planning permission S25/0823. Location: The Old Rectory 14 High Street Colsterworth
S25/1159	Section 211 Notice to remove Cherry tree (T1) to ground level and thoroughly grind the stump. Location: 47 Newton Way Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire NG33 5NP.
S25/0962	Replacement of existing conservatory with brick-built orangery and raised patio. 14 Stamford Road Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5JD.
S25/1431	To upgrade existing equipment at Woolleys Lane, Black Bull, Farmhouse, North Witham, South Kesteven, NG33 5LL. Location: Land At Woolleys Lane Lobthorpe Lincolnshire.
S25/1216	Single storey side extension. The Den Water Lane, North Witham Lincolnshire NG33 5LJ
	SKDC Certificate of Lawful Use or development
S25/1262	Single storey rear extension. SECOND SCHEDULE. Meadow View 9 Hawking Close Colsterworth.
	SKDC Appeal
APP/E2530/W/25/3368705	Change of use from Use Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) to Use Class C2 (flexible use under Part 3, Class V of GPDO) as a children’s care home. Deadline for comments 11th August 2025.
	REFUSAL OF CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL USE OR DEVELOPMENT (PROPOSED)
S25/1074	Proposed use as a children’s home. SECOND SCHEDULE Location: 9A School Lane Colsterworth Lincolnshire Decision/Date 29th August 2025.
	Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs E O’Neill, M Childs, C Russell & C Hainsworth). No report this month. Next meeting 23/10/2025. Resolve to renew the following policy at its annual review: - CAD Business Continuity Plan It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. Annual Governance & Accountability Return (A.G.A.R.) Conclusion Resolve to accept the PKF Littlejohn LLP Accountants Annual Governance & Accountability Return (A.G.A.R.) Conclusion for year ended 31st March 2025. AGAR Sections 1, 2 & 3. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. Resolve to publish the AGAR Notice of Conclusion of Audit from 5th September 2025 to 31st October 2025. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. Resolve to re-appoint LALC as the internal auditor. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Agreed at agenda item 2025.71. Update on the Community Car Park. (The Clerk) See comments under agenda item 2025.75 Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 19/08/2025. Received no comments.
	Planning Committee Report Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold. Update on Planning Application S/24/0568 AD Plant Gunby. Cllrs C Hainsworth, D Bellamy and R Chatterton had liaised with residents to prepare a draft document to be finalized before circulating to all Cllrs. Cllr D Bellamy proposed that when official notification of the appeal was received to write to South Witham and Buckminster Parish Councils inviting them to form a working group to make and submit a joint comment. This was also discussed in the earlier Public Form. Resolve to comments on SKDC Planning Application S25/1312. Change of use of site for workshop and plant hire, erection of workshop building, two site offices and associated hard standing. Land East of A1 And North of A151, Colsterworth. Extension to the Parish Council deadline for comments agreed to 5th September 2025. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed to submit the previously circulated comments prepared by Cllr C Hainsworth.
Group Reports
	Highways & Footpaths Working Group. H & F Report September 2025 (Cllr C Hainsworth) circulated. All Fix My Street (FMS) Reports can be found at https://fixmystreet.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
	Environment & Amenities Working Group Report. 1. Emergency Plan Review Update. (The Clerk) How to report a Flood Poster received from Lincolnshire County Council. Uploaded to the Parish Council Website and copies displayed in the Notice Boards and In Touch magazine.
	ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT JULY & August 2025. Unanimously approved see Appendix A
	Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights. Cllr R Brocklebank reported overgrown vegetation on Water Lane falling into the road. The Clerk to investigate and see what action is required. Cllr T O’Regan reported overgrown vegetation on footpath 19. The Clerk to investigate and report this to LCC ROW. Training courses attended: - Cllr T O’Regan is booked on the New Cllr Course at 6pm on Tuesday 9th September. The Clerk will facilitate this with the Parish Council laptop.
	The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 7th October 2025. There being no other business, Vice Chair, Cllr C Hainsworth closed the meeting at 8.57pm. 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	3	1
E O’Neill (Chair)	Colsterworth	2	2
D Bellamy	North Witham & Lobthorpe	2	2
* A Bouvie – Resigned May 2025	Colsterworth		1
L McShane	Colsterworth	2	2
T O’Regan	Colsterworth	4
R Brocklebank	Colsterworth	3	1
C Russell	Colsterworth	4
M Childs	Colsterworth	3	1
C Rowland	Colsterworth	3	1
R Chatterton	Gunby & Stainby	4
Vacancy	Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy	North Witham & Lobthorpe
Vacancy	Colsterworth
Vacancy	Colsterworth

APPENDIX A