Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 3rd February 2026.
Public Forum
One member of the public was present to act in an observational capacity.
Councillors: E. O’Neill (Chair), C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair), D. Bellamy, M. Childs, R. Chatterton, T. O’Regan, R. Brocklebank, S. Jordan-Bird.
In Attendance
Eleanor Parfitt, Clerk to the Parish Council.
SKDC Cllrs D. Bellamy and B. Green.
LCC Cllr C. Vernon.
Agenda Item No
2025.141 Apologies for absence.
C. Russell, D. Heath-French, and L. McShane, valid reasons given.
2025.142 Chair’s remarks.
Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Chair had no further remarks and moved straight to the business of the meeting.
2025.143 Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000
Cllr C. Hainsworth as the wife of an allotment holder for Agenda item 2025.146: Allotment rents.
Cllr M. Childs as the husband of an In Touch advertiser for Agenda item 2025.147: In Touch advertising rates.
2025.144 Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
Cllrs C. Hainsworth 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 2nd December 2025 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Chair.
2025.145 County/District Cllr Report.
LCC Cllr C. Vernon reported: -
1. Council Tax increase – County Council Executive will be proposing a council tax rise of 2.9%.
2. Kilnside at Woolfox – Application withdrawn today with no reason given.
3. Highways – Alicia Kearns, MP, continuing to pressure Highways over gap closures with 13 gaps already closed. Phase 2 of the safety plan currently in action but no details on which gaps this might include. Concerns over the safety implications of closing gaps in stages.
4. Electrical Fire Safety Week – Free online safety checks can be found at www.safelincs.co.uk
5. NHT Survey – Encourage Councillors to feed into it to help set future priorities.
6. Road flooding – Verbatim statement from the Highways Department:
“Our drainage team are in regular contact with National Highways over the issue.
National Highways (NH) did attend and cleanse both our assets and theirs just before Christmas. We had an update from them yesterday and following the rain this week, all the drainage assets are now just managing to keep the running lane clear.
We need to go in and undertake some work to make the situation more robust, and we have a solid idea of what we need to do but we've hit another hurdle - there's an intermediate pressure gas main running along the southern verge of the off slip, that’s right where we need to be! We're in the process of agreeing the type of work, depths and working methods with Cadent. Once we have that we can apply for a Route Network Order from NH to close the slip road.
As well as a chamber soak away in the northern verge, we are now aware of what is likely to be a blind soak away in the northern verge, serving just one of the gullies.
Again, working with National Highways, we've identified that HGVs are overrunning the verge frequently near the gullies and most likely pushing soil and detritus into the gully pots, exacerbating the issue.
Our proposal is, as an interim:
• Harden the area that is over run
• Cut slots in the kerbs in close proximity to the ponding and lead that water to a new soak away.
• At the same time, we'll cleanse and investigate all our assets upstream as there is some uncertainty as what we have and, if possible, reduce the verge height upstream to intercept any runoff further upstream.
The timing of our works is dependent on Cadent’s turnaround in terms of their advice and NH’s turnaround in terms of allowing us on their network. So sadly we could still be 6 months minimum off doing any works. We will of course keep pushing both Cadent and NH to allow us to get on the network asap.”
SKDC Cllr D. Bellamy reported: -
Local Plan - Concerns regarding the delay to the consultation for Regulation 19 resulting in the loss of effect of the Local Plan and the risk of applications coming in outside of the allocation. Also reported that the Infrastructure Delivery Plan does not include new provision for Primary Education despite local schools reaching capacity.
SKDC Cllr B. Green reported: -
1. Council Tax increase – current proposal for a 2.9% increase. Despite expectation of defeat, Cllr planning an amendment for a 1.9% increase, identifying a number of areas where expenditure could be reduced.
2. Isaac Newton 300 – Attended SKDC meeting regarding initial planning for events across 2027. Cllr very keen to ensure the process is open, inclusive and non-partisan and that villages not be overlooked.
3. North Witham circular footpath – Cllr has been in contact with Buckminster Estate and has ascertained that stiles should be installed imminently creating a positive boost to the village.
4. Food waste collections – Reported on the beginning of deliveries to local residents of food waste caddies but keen to highlight that collections will not begin until April.
2025.146 Resolve to agree to keep the current allotment and field rents unchanged as recommended by the Clerk prior to their Annual Renewal in April 2026.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Cllr C. Hainsworth did not vote having declared an interest in the agenda item. All others present unanimously agreed.
2025.147 Resolve to agree to keep the current In Touch advertising rates unchanged as recommended by the Clerk prior to their Annual Renewal in April 2026.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Cllr M. Childs did not vote having declared an interest in the agenda item. All others present unanimously agreed.
2025.148 Resolve to purchase Nature Trail Maps from the £250 donation received from the Colsterworth Co-op as set out in quote from Click Grantham for £225.94 for 4 x framed A3 prints.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
By a majority vote with Cllr R. Brocklebank against.
Remaining funds from the £250 donation to go to the Nature Trail residual fund. Thanks to go to the Co-op for their kind donation.
2025.149 Resolve to agree to removal of branches as detailed in the quote to be updated at the meeting.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Resolved for the Clerk to obtain a revised quotation to cover only the ivy removal at the Ingle Court entrance as the removal of tree branches has now been resolved. Deferred to next meeting.
2025.150 Risk Exception Report
Received, no comments.
2025.131 Clerks Report Action
1. HGV Lorry Route from Quarry top of Woolsthorpe Road to A1 North and South shared with Heritage Quarry Group avoiding Woolsthorpe Road. This has been shared with the lorry drivers. Clerk/Cllrs
2. Precept Form for 2026 / 2027 submitted on 3rd December 2025 to SKDC for £44,801. Agreed at Parish Council meeting 2nd December 2025. Clerk
3. Local resident contacted the Clerk offering to re-fix the metal gate at Colster Way Play area at no cost to the Parish Council providing the Parish Council purchase the fixings. Fixings purchased at £24.97. Gate repaired on 8th December 2025. Thank you. Clerk/Cllrs
4. Telephone request received to place a Memorial Plaque on a purchased plot at Old Post Lane Cemetery. Awaiting details to confirm all conditions met. Clerk
5. Met with Dave Warden on 12th January 2026 to discuss fallen branches on Colsterway Green and Old Post Lane. Quote for removal work received 21st January 2026 for £650. Clerk
6. Partially fallen tree blocking pavement on Woodlands Drive reported to FMS (report reference 2869430). Clerk
7. Initial application made to LCC for the 2026 Parish Grass Cutting season. Agreement for acceptance to follow. Case reference: PGC000069 Clerk
8. Application made to LALC Annual Training Scheme 2026/2027. Clerk
9. Attended ‘Newton 300 Stakeholder Meeting’ hosted by SKDC. Cllr. D. Bellamy also in attendance. Invitation to email ideas for local events to Jade Porter, the Arts and Cultural Services Manager at SKDC. Suggestion that parishes fund lighting of beacons for a launch event in March 2027. Clerk
2025.132 Correspondence
1. Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire - Project Update. Circulated to councillors. Clerk/Cllrs
2. Resident querying the Community Car Park land off Colster Way, Colsterworth. Advised that the Parish Council have no authority or liability over the land which is unregistered. Investigations continue with South Kesteven District Council.
On 15th December 2025 confirmation received from SKDC Legal Team that no records are held by them relating to the unregistered land being used as a car park off Colster Way. Clerk/Cllrs/SKDC
3. An email received from Mo Taylor the Nature Trail Ranger outlining their intentions regarding the display of signs/mapping along the Nature Trail, using the £250 donation that was separately raised by the volunteers from the Colsterworth Co-op.
Users of the trail have asked a number of times if a map exists showing paths through the trees and the location of benches etc.
Email shared with all Cllrs. Cllrs/Clerk
4. Resident from Newton Court advising that all of Newton Court have not received the In Touch Magazine for a few months. Information passed to the Volunteer co-ordinators and issue resolved. Clerk
/Cllrs
5. Report of 15+ lorries using Woolsthorpe Road on Monday 29/12/2025. Mostly with 'Craven' on the cabs.
The Clerk contacted the haulage company reminding them that lorries are not to use Woolsthorpe Road. Clerk/Cllrs
6. Email request received to remove ivy growing up a tree at the entrance to Ingle Court. Details passed to Dave Warden for removal in due course. Clerk
7. Update from SKDC regarding a new food waste collection service to begin in April. All householders to receive further information, food waste caddies and liners ahead of the start date. Circulated to councillors. Clerk/Cllrs
8. Thank you to Sue and Steve Grant for removal and safe storage of the St John the Baptist church yard Christmas lights. Clerk/Cllrs
9. Invitation from Lincolnshire County Council to complete a budget survey. Deadline for responses 27th January 2026. Circulated to all Councillors. Clerk/Cllrs
10. Report from Cllr R Brocklebank of 3 FMS reports as follows:
Old Post Lane - Stainby Road Junction - Potholes west side of OPL, Now marked and scheduled for repair.
Colsterworth west roundabout - bollard missing - repaired yesterday, confirmed new bollard in place today - message that is it scheduled for replacement
Colsterworth east roundabout - large pothole in NW section - accepted but more difficult that thought and further solution for repair sought.
Clerk/Cllrs
11. Invitation from LeisureSK to register interest by 31st January for free CPR & AED training sessions. Clerk/Cllrs
12. Design for new cremation plaque to be installed in Plots 1-5Old Post Lane Cemetery received. Invoice issued to Draper Memorials. Installation to follow shortly at a date TBC. Clerk
13. Report of falling bridleway sign adjacent to the Colsterworth Road/Crabtree Road crossroads. Report made by Clerk to FMS (report reference 8767234). Clerk
14. The revised Local Development Scheme (2026-2029) was approved at
Cabinet on 15th January 2026 and can be found on the District Council’s website: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2026-01/Local Development Scheme 2026 - 2029.pdf Clerk/Cllrs
15. Reminder received from SKDC that all District Council meetings are livestreamed from the following link: https://southkesteven.public-i.tv/core/portal/home Clerk/Cllrs
16. Update from LCC Street Lighting Senior Engineer regarding defective street lighting on Watt Avenue, Brunel Avenue, Stevenson Close, Telford Way. Lights are yet to be adopted by the LCC due to faults which the Developer is yet to resolve. LCC is now looking into fixing the faults and charging the work back to the Developer. Further updates to follow. Clerk/Cllrs
17. Email received from Stainby resident regarding mud and rubbish on and along the roads in Stainby (particularly Middle Street and Tower Hill). Clerk to visit to capture photos for FMS.
Further issues reported with speeding vehicles through the village. Clerk/Cllrs
18. Invitation from LCC to complete the National Highways and Transport (NHT) Survey by Saturday 28th February 2026. Link to survey: https://www.nhtnetwork.co.uk/isolated/data/scorecard/new/bespoke/1214
Clerk/Cllrs
19. Phone message from the Sports and Social Club – they are considering selling the Village Hall due to the end of Rates relief and would like to know if Colsterworth and District PC is interested in purchasing.
Clerk/Cllrs
20. Email from Wicksteed regarding August 2025 quotation for Colster Way play area (QUOTE REF: WLLQ18323 for £36,922.15). Project paused due to unsuccessful grant application. Wicksteed have enquired about revising the quote for 2026/2027.
Clerk/Cllrs
21. Notification from LCC of a Temporary traffic restriction at Colsterworth/Woodnook. Reason for restriction: Carriageway resurfacing. Nature and location of restriction:
Road closure Order -
B6403 High Dyke (Between A1 & a point 350m North of Planting Road)
B6403 High Dyke (Between Bridge End & main section of High Dyke)
B6403 High Dyke (Between Ponton Road & A52/B1176 Roundabout)
Period of restriction:
16/03/2026 - 10/04/2026
Clerk/Cllrs
2025.133 SKDC Planning Applications
S25/2264 First floor extension over the existing garage and two storey extension to the rear of garage. 6 Turnor Close, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG335JH None
SKDC Planning Permission
S25/2034 Submission of details reserved by conditions 3 (ecology surveys),
4 (soft landscaping works), 6 (sustainable building report) and 9
(hard landscaping works) of planning permission S24/1425
(Construction of 2 dwellings and demolition of agricultural
buildings).
Location: Twyford Farm Honeypot Lane
Colsterworth None
S25/2259 Crown lift on Horse Chestnut tree to approximately 3-4 meters as per BS3998 (TPO-243).
Location: The Old Rectory Rectory Lane North Witham Lincolnshire NG33 5LQ None
S26/0005 Submission of details reserved by condition 4 (Written Scheme of Investigation) of planning permission 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 None
SKDC Planning Appeal Adjournment
APP/E2530/W/25/3370866 Erection of an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility and carbon capture, improvement of existing and part creation of new access track, landscaping and other associated infrastructure. Development East Of Sewstern Industrial Estate South Of
Sewstern Road Gunby
2025.154 Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs E O’Neill, M Childs, C Russell & C Hainsworth).
1. Resolve to renew the following policies at their annual review:
1.1 Scheme of Delegation
1.2 Highways and Footpaths TOR.
1.3 Environment & Amenities TOR.
1.4 CAD Media Policy
1.5 CAD Remote Meeting Policy
1.6 CAD Co-Option Policy
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Points 1.1-1.6 unanimously agreed.
2. Update on the Community Car Park. (The Clerk).
On 15th December 2025 confirmation received from SKDC Legal Team that no records are held by them relating to the unregistered land being used as a car park off Colster Way.
3. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 26/01/2026 – Received with no comments.
2025.155 Planning Committee Report
22. Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold.
Cllr D. Bellamy to chase up if plans is still valid at District Council as the previous meeting ran out of time for questions.
Group Reports
2025.156 Highways & Footpaths Working Group.
No report.
All Fix My Street (FMS) Reports can be found at
https://fixmystreet.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
2025.157
Environment & Amenities Working Group Report.
Update from Cemetery Extension Working Group – Clerk to confirm when next Cemetery review is due and for any previous volunteers for the extensions plans. Cllr C. Hainsworth volunteered going forward to review extension plans.
Update from Nature Trail Interpretation Board (Phase 2) Working Group - No update. Clerk to confirm details of Phase 2 with the Ingle Trust.
2025.158 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT DECEMBER 2025 AND JANUARY 2026
Unanimously approved see Appendix A
2025.159 Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights.
Steeles Lane faulty streetlights – Cllr D. Bellamy to chase up with Lincolnshire County Council.
Grit Bins near Little Legs Nursery – Cllr T. O’Regan reported a communication from a resident regarding solid and unusable grit representing a hazard during the recent freezing weather. Clerk to report to FMS for cleaning and grit replacement. Cllr T. O’Regan feels that the Parish Council should take more responsibility, especially in high-risk areas. Clerk to check for local private provision for gritting and to ask for Lincolnshire County Council to carry out a check of local grit bins.
More information on gritting during severe weather can be found here: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/maintenance/winter-road-management
LCC’s Winter Service Plan can be found here:
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/1963/winter-service-plan
Grass near Little Legs Nursery and Community Car Park – Cllr T. O’Regan also reported issues with cars parking on the grass and causing mud and ruts to be formed. Clerk to contact the nursery to ask them to remind parents not to park on the grass.
Community Speed Watch – Cllr S. Jordan-Bird is aware of a resident wishing to volunteer. Clerk to confirm training requirements and investigate advertising opportunities to attract more volunteers.
Training courses attended: -
Clerk Eleanor Parfitt attended the LALC course ‘New Clerks’ Finance’ on Tuesday 27th January; LALC course ‘Internal Controls’ on Wednesday 28th January 2026.
Clerk reported advice from training to create a formal Bad Debts Policy and to review the asset register at the next F&A meeting.
2025.160 The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 3rd March 2026. There being no other business, the Chair, Cllr E O’Neill closed the meeting at 8:56 pm.
SIGNED:
CHAIR DATE:
Cllr Name Constituency Attended Apologies Absent
E. O’Neill (Chair)
Colsterworth 5 2
C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair) Colsterworth 5 2
D. Bellamy North Witham & Lobthorpe 5 2
* A. Bouvie – Resigned May 2025 Colsterworth 1
L. McShane Colsterworth 4 3
T. O’Regan Colsterworth 7
R. Brocklebank Colsterworth 5 2
C. Russell Colsterworth 6 1
M. Childs Colsterworth 6 1
* C. Rowland – Resigned Oct 2025 Colsterworth 3 1
R. Chatterton Gunby & Stainby 6 1
D. Heath French – Co-opted Oct 2025 Colsterworth 2 1
S. Jordan-Bird – Co-opted Oct 2025 Colsterworth 3
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy North Witham & Lobthorpe