Draft Notes
Draft Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 7th July 2026.
Public Forum
No members of the public present.
Councillors:
E. O’Neill (Chair), C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair), C. Russell, M. Childs, R. Brocklebank, T. O’Regan, S. Jordan-Bird, R Chatterton, D Heath French.
In Attendance
Nancy Denny, Locum Clerk to the Parish Council.
Agenda Item No
2026.38 Apologies for absence.
L. McShane, D. Bellamy, valid reasons given.
2026.39 Chair’s remarks.
Cllr E. O’Neill (Chair) thanked everyone for coming and noted that if the members of the South Witham Archaeological Group arrived later to present their report, Council would allow public participation at that time. He reported that Eleanor, the Parish Clerk, was safely delivered of a baby daughter and that Council wished her well. Council will properly congratulate her on her return, but asked for an email to be sent for the time
being on the Council’s behalf.
2026.40 Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000
Cllr C Hainsworth, Cllr M Childs and Cllr D Heath French noted declaration of interest with agenda item 2026.44 They would abstain from voting on that agenda item
2026.41 Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
Councillors agreed that the official minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on the 2nd June 2026 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Chair.
2026.42 County/District Cllr Report.
No apology received from LCC Cllr C.Vernon.
SKDC Cllrs D. Bellamy and B. Green sent their apologies.
SKDC Cllr B. Green reported via email: -
Waste policy and missed bins:
• At the recent Environment Committee, an updated waste policy was voted through. I did not support it. My principal concern is that the time residents have to report a missed bin is being reduced from five working days to two working days. The draft policy states that missed bin and sack reports made more than two working days after the scheduled collection day “will not be accepted”, though individual cases may be reviewed as needed.
• I also asked whether residents would receive any rebate or compensation where bins are missed. The Leader confirmed that there will be no rebate for missed bins. I find that disappointing, particularly where residents are paying for a service, such as garden waste. The 2026/27 garden waste service costs £55 per year.
• Local Government Reorganisation:
o Local Government Reorganisation remains a major issue for South Kesteven. SKDC has been asked to respond to Government questions on the future structure of local government in Greater Lincolnshire, including future warding, elections, implementation arrangements and the creation of new unitary authorities.
o The Council has said there will be no immediate changes and that services should continue as normal during the transition, though the final decision timeline may now run close to the May 2027 elections.
o I have tabled a motion that, if the new council is formed of South Kesteven, North Kesteven, and South Holland, it be called 'Kesteven and Holland Council', retaining the thousand-year-old Kesteven name, rather than the dull compass-point alternative of 'South Lincolnshire Council'.
• Community funding:
o Parish and community groups may wish to note SKDC’s community grant offer. The expanded Large Grant Fund can provide up to £20,000 for projects supporting parish and community assets, with up to £10,000 available for community events. Small grants of up to £2,000 remain available for newly formed and smaller groups.
• Charity walk for the Royal British Legion:
o Finally, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone who kindly supported my charity walk for the Royal British Legion – over 30 miles tracing the border of the Isaac Newton ward as closely as possible. I am pleased to report that I raised £365. I am very grateful for all donations, encouragement and good wishes.
• Ongoing casework:
o As ever, please do continue to raise any local issues with me and I will do my best to assist.
2026.43 Resolve to approve the Parish Council’s statement to be read out at the public inquiry for Planning Appeal APP/E2530/W/25/3370866 Erection of an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility.
It was proposed, seconded
and Resolved
After a short discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the prepared statement should be approved.
2026.44 Resolve to support the Grant Application from the Colsterworth Festival of Remembrance towards the costs of installing a flag pole at the Colsterworth War Memorial.
It was proposed, seconded
and Resolved
Council had received estimates of the costings and it was agreed by 6 Councillors that the Parish Council would support a grant application up to a maximum figure of £200. Cllr C Hainsworth, Cllr M Childs and Cllr D Heath French abstained.
2026.45 Risk Exception Report
Maternity cover is in place.
An issue with gate hinges at the Old Post Play park was identified. The clerk will contact a local contractor to scope the repair job.
2026.46 Clerks Report Action
1. The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for 2025/2026 submitted to external auditor PKF Littlejohn LLP on 3rd June 2026. Clerk
2. Report received from MCS Groundcare on condition of Stamford Road allotment boundary hedge. Dialogue ongoing with the Diocese of Lincoln over next steps for maintenance. Clerk/Cllrs
3. Degraded steps on the Nature Trail reported to head ranger. Clerk
4. Clerk attended meeting at National Trust Woolsthorpe Manor with the Head of Operations to discuss potential shared projects. Clerk
5. Following report from resident at June’s Parish Council meeting, report made to FMS (reference number 2894227) of overgrown hedge along the road between Water Lane and Stainby Road. Clerk
6. Information for Helen’s Helping Hands updated to website. Clerk
7. Discussion with Mo Taylor from the Nature Trail regarding the steps behind Jane’s Bench which are going to be re-wilded. Clerk
8. Application received for a joint headstone for Old Post Lane Cemetery. Approved and invoiced. Clerk
9. Letters and email sent to Alicia Kearns MP on behalf of the PC concerning the closure of the A1 and the diversion through Colsterworth on 23rd June. Clerk
2026.47 Correspondence
1. Report of fly tipping on footpath that runs from School Lane to Old Post Lane. Clerk visited to take photos and report but items had already been removed. Clerk
2. Confirmation received from Colsterworth C of E Primary School that boundary ends at driveway gate. Uneven surface leading to road reported to FMS (reference number 2894221). Clerk/Cllrs
3. Phone call from Chair of Corby Glen Parish Council to discuss upcoming Planning Appeal Planning Appeal APP/E2530/W/25/3370866 Erection of an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility public inquiry to be held 14th – 17th July 2026. Clerk/Cllrs
4. Notification received from LCC that the planning application for extended hours at the Skillington Quarry (Planning reference number PL/0012/26) will be reported to the Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday 15th June 2026. Clerk/Cllrs
5. Report of heavy plant machinery parked on verge on Colster Way/Bourne Road received. Clerk/Cllrs
6. Invitation from the Diocese of Lincoln to attend ‘Hymns and Pimms’ at the Lincolnshire County Show on the 17th and 18th June. Clerk/Cllrs
7. LCC Notification Temporary traffic restriction: Colsterworth (Date Amendment) for Carriageway resurfacing
Nature and location of restriction: Road closure Order -
B676 Bourne Road (Between A151 Bourne Road & Coronation Drive)
A151 Bourne Road (Between B676 Roundabout & a point 1025m East, including A1 Northbound & Southbound Sliproads) Access Road to Services
Period of restriction: 20/07/2026 - 29/08/2026
Accurate dates/times will be displayed on site in advance Clerk/Cllrs
8. Report received of groundwork taking place on the Bourne Road development S26/0683 ahead of planning permission being granted. Clerk/Cllrs
9. Email from SKDC Councillor Ben Green who will be walking the full perimeter of Isaac Newton Ward – more than 30 miles – to raise money for the Royal British Legion. Anyone wishing to support the walk can do so here: tinyurl.com/walkingforveterans Clerk/Cllrs
10. Invitation from SKDC to sign up for Voices for Visibility, a new community researcher programme which is open to volunteers and employees in voluntary, community and social economy sector organisations based in the South Kesteven area. Clerk/Cllrs
11. Letter received from the Post Office regarding the unplanned closure of the mobile service visiting Colsterworth from 29th June 2026. Posters will be displayed locally with information on alternatives while the closure remains in place. Clerk/Cllrs
12. Newsletter received from the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s new Rutland and Lincolnshire branch. Clerk/Cllrs
13. Notification from LCC that The Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Submission Version is available for inspection and comment from Monday 15 June 2026 until 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026. Clerk/Cllrs
14. Received the Annual Report for 2025 – 2026 from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC). Clerk/Cllrs
15. Received the summer edition of The Circuit Newsletter from the British Heart Foundation. Clerk/Cllrs
16. Email from Forestry England regarding the Bytham Woods Forest Plan 2026. The proposed plan can be viewed, downloaded and commented on via this link: https://consult.forestryengland.uk/forest-districts/bytham-woods-forest-plan-2026/
Clerk/Cllrs
17. LCC Notification Temporary traffic restriction: Colsterworth
Organisation responsible for restriction: Anglian Water
Reason for restriction: Connections for four new homes
Nature and location of restriction:
Road closure Order - Bourne Road (Between 110m & 160m East of B6403)
Period of restriction: 02/08/2026 - 02/08/2026 08:00 to 17:00
(Restrictions to be implemented for 1 days as and when required during this period, signage detailing accurate dates and times will be displayed on site in advance) Clerk/Cllrs
18. Notification from LCC of planned website maintenance from 8:30am-1:30pm on the 8th July which will temporarily disable website editing functions for Parish Councils and a small amount of downtime for the Parish Council website. Clerk
19. Call received from local mobile butcher van with a view to adding Colsterworth to their weekly round. Clerk/Cllrs
20. Reports of heavy traffic through Colsterworth after an A1 diversion issue. Added to July agenda for discussion and escalation to the relevant authorities. Letter drafted by Councillors and sent to Alicia Kearns MP – two hardcopy and one email. Clerk/Cllrs
21. Report from Cllr T. O’Regan that the defib at the White Lion Pub on the High Street is not rescue-ready. Reported and under investigation. Clerk has removed the battery and contacted Community Heartbeat Trust for further advice. There was a lot of water in the cabinet.
It was pointed out that this defibrillator is old so the PC may need to consider replacement. Buckminster Estates will be contacted for support. Clerk
22. In Touch magazine has been delivered – it may be some time before all copies are delivered due to volunteer holidays. There is a mistake in the clerk’s phone number. The Editor has been advised. Clerk/Cllrs
23. A request has been received for s137 grant money for Grantham Ark. Evidence of the benefit to the local community has been requested. Clerk/Cllrs
24. Email received ref LGR for Greater Lincolnshire. Two possible dates for Parish Council Briefings have been circulated – Thurs 23rd July Bourne and Tuesday 28th July Grantham. Cllrs have been invited to register attendance, although dates have yet to be confirmed. Clerk/Cllrs
25. Email received 05.07.26 ref dead Mountain Ash in the ransom strip on Walnut Grove. Possible action required.
To be registered on FMS. Clerk/Cllrs
26. The Nature Trail Ranger has approached the Co-op for funding support to print additional leaflets and provide holders. Clerk/Cllrs
27. Phone call from Frances Selby wishing to discuss the bowls club. Contact details need to be investigated for a call back. Clerk/Cllrs
2026.48 Planning
SKDC Planning Applications
S26/0918 Proposal: G1 - Group of 3 x horse chestnut, growing towards house - Provide approx 3m clearance from any part of the house and 4m crown raise on the surrounding horse chestnut trees
G2 - Group of 3 x silver birch, growing towards house - prune 3m away from property & 2.5m from ground level
T1 - Beech growing towards house - tree over patio, crown raise to 4m all around canopy
Location: The Rectory , 13A Back Lane, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NJ No comment.
S26/0525 Proposal: Single story front extension to increase size of lounge.
Location: 3 Beech Close Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5NG
S26/1047 Proposal: New track to allow machinery and staff to access Southern parts of holding.
Location: New farm track south of Gunby House Farm, Gunby, Grantham
LCC Planning Permission Granted
PL/0012/26 Application for the determination of new (updated) conditions to which a mineral site is to be subject – to amend Condition 9 (hours of operation)
Location: Skillington Quarry, Land to the East and West of Skillington Road, Colsterworth
PL/0011/26
PL/0037/26 Retrospective application to retain the wheel wash and associated water tank, pumphouse and stabilization tanks
Location: Colsterworth landfill, land off Crabtree Road, Colsterworth
Additional email received 07/07
SKDC Planning Permission Granted
S26/0770 Proposal: The removal of an existing lattice mast and associated compound, and the installation of 1no. lattice sharable mast(height 30m), up to 12no. antennas to be installed on headframes, up to 24no. RRU?s, up to 2no. dishes and a multiuser electrical cabinet.
Location: Telecommunication Base Station A-1 Truckstop Bourne Road
S26/0525 Proposal: Single story front extension to increase size of lounge Location: 3 Beech Close Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5NG
2026.49 Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs C Hainsworth, E O’Neill, M Childs, C Russell). Next meeting tbc.
1. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 26/06/2026
2026.50 Planning Committee Report
1. Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold.
2. Resolve to make a representation to The Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Submission Version (submission deadline 31st July 2026).
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
It was decided that due to the short deadline and the amount of documentation that needed to be read, no further action would be taken.
Group Reports
2026.51 Highways & Footpaths Working Group.
Resolve to write to local government and police leaders about potential mitigations for A1 diversions through Colsterworth village and longer-term traffic management issues.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
To write to the local MP, Alicia Kearns, for her support in arranging a meeting with other stakeholders and the police to develop proper and safe transport plan to be followed for future closures of the A1. If no response has been received in the next two weeks, then other bodies such as local government and police leaders will be contacted.
All Fix My Street (FMS) Reports can be found at
https://fixmystreet.lincolnshire.gov.uk/
2026.52
Environment & Amenities Working Group Report.
Update from Cemetery Extension Working Group – report from South Witham Archaeological Group. Report received 02.07.26 from Cllr Colin Russell.
1. Resolve to submit a variation to the Planning Conditions in respect of Policy
NE6 (the Historic Environment) of the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan and
Paragraph 199 of the NPPF.
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Following a discussion on the report received from the South Witham Archaeological Group, it was unanimously agreed to submit a variation to the Planning Conditions.
2. Resolve to investigate additional conditions relating to an environmental permit
(Environment Agency) and gas infrastructure (Cadent Gas).
It was proposed, seconded and
Resolved
Council agreed to investigate these additional conditions and consider this item again in their September meeting.
Council also agreed to send an email thanking Peter Ball for his comprehensive report.
Update from Nature Trail Interpretation Board (Phase 2) Working Group.
No update received.
Clerk attended a meeting with National Trust Woolsthorpe Manor and discussed:
1. A Heritage Trail for the village
2. The Newton 300 anniversary plans
3. The possibility of including vouchers in the In Touch to exchange for access to the café
Email thread 30.06.26 and 01.07.26 ref dead ash west of Ingles. Correspondence has been forwarded to the ranger for their attention. Decision whether to remove is pending.
2026.53 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT JUNE 2026
Unanimously approved see Appendix A.
2026.54 Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights.
The mirror on the corner of High Street/Bourne Road has been reported as faulty due to bubbling.
Updates from Cllrs or Clerks Training Courses attended.
2026.55 The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 1st September 2026. There being no other business, the Chair, Cllr E. O’Neill closed the meeting at 20.47pm.
SIGNED:
CHAIR DATE:
Cllr Name Constituency Attended Apologies Absent
E. O’Neill (Chair) Colsterworth 3
C. Hainsworth (Vice Chair) Colsterworth 3
D. Bellamy North Witham & Lobthorpe 1 / 2
L. McShane Colsterworth 1 / 2
T. O’Regan Colsterworth 3
R. Brocklebank Colsterworth 2/ 1
C. Russell Colsterworth 3
M. Childs Colsterworth 3
R. Chatterton Gunby & Stainby 2 / 1
D. Heath French Colsterworth 1 / 1 / 1
S. Jordan-Bird Colsterworth 3
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Colsterworth
Vacancy Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy North Witham & Lobthorpe