PC Meeting 7th October 2025

Agenda
Supporting Information
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Draft Minutes

Draft Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 7th October 2025.

Public Forum

Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) opened the meeting and invited the one member of the public present to speak. They spoke in support of their application to be Co-opted as a Parish Councillor for Colsterworth said they had lived in the village for eight years and. They gave a brief background on themselves adding that they were involved in the set-up of the Colsterworth Collective Action Group (CCAG) but think they would be more effective as a Parish Councillor.

A second member of the public joined the meeting at 7.32pm who also spoke in support of their application to be Co-opted as a Parish Councillor for Colsterworth. They said they had lived in the village for ten years, during which they had been involved in the set-up of Colsterworth Festival of Remembrance (CFoR) and the founder of Forces Equine. They added that they had recently taken the position of secretary for the Rutland and Stamford Reform UK Branch.

Cllr E O’Neill thanked the two members of the public and invited them to stay for the Co-option agenda item later in the meeting.

Councillors: E O’Neill (Chair), C Hainsworth (Vice Chair), C Russell, L McShane, M Childs, D Bellamy, T O’Regan and R Chatterton. Cllr D Heath French joined the meeting at 7.45pm.

In Attendance

Sue Grant, Clerk to the Parish Council.

SKDC Cllr D Bellamy.

Agenda Item No
	Apologies for absence. Cllr R Brocklebank valid reasons given.
	Chair’s remarks. Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) thanked Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) for chairing the previous two meetings in their absence. They announced the resignation of Cllr C Rowland and thanked them for their contribution to the Parish Council. They reminded everyone that there remained one Cllr Vacancy for North Witham and Lobthorpe, Gunby and Stainby with three vacancies at Colsterworth.
	Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000 None
	Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting. Cllrs E O’Neill (Chair) 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 September 2025 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the Chair.
	County/District Cllr Report. SKDC Cllr D Bellamy reported: - National Grid Upgrade - Along with Cllr B Green they will be having a meeting to discuss the pylons and solar farms which are likely to be connected to the sub-stations which are part of the pylon project. There is facility to connect 44 renewables projects to the three sub stations at Spalding, Corby Glen and Waltham on the Wolds. The County Council are keeping an inventory of all plans for solar farms. Local Plan Consultation – This has now ended and comments by consultees should be available to view from the middle of November 2025. They commented on how there were nearly as many responses submitted from Colsterworth as the market towns. It will possibly be two years before the Local Plan is adopted but because there is not a five-year land supply there may be speculative planning applications submitted for developments. SKDC Cllr B Green sent their apologies. LCC Cllr C Vernon sent their apologies.
	Co-option for Cllr for Colsterworth. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved The Clerk confirmed that the applicants Stephen Jordan-Bird and Debi Heath French satisfied the criteria for Co-option, and they were Co-opted as Cllrs for Colsterworth. At 7.45pm both duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance form with Cllr D Heath French joining the meeting. Cllr S Jordan-Bird left the meeting giving their apologies due to other commitments.
	Resolve to accept the quotation for the annual hedge cut. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed.
	1. To resolve Parish Council Wreath Laying responsibility for Remembrance Day Sunday 9th November 2025. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) proposed Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair) seconded by Cllr D Bellamy. Unanimously agreed. 2. Resolve to purchase a Poppy Wreath from Royal British Legion (RBL) up to £30. (S.137 Expenditure) It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed.
	1. Resolve to switch on the Christmas Lights at St John the Baptist Church at 6.30pm on Friday 5th December 2025. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed. 2. Resolve to agree who should be invited to switch on the Christmas lights 5th December 2025. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously agreed to invite Sandra Arnold from the Colsterworth Co-op to switch on the Christmas Lights. The Clerk added that Colsterworth Primary School had contacted the Parish Council expressing their wish for the school choir to sing Christmas Carols as done in previous years.
	Risk Exception Report. Received. Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) asked for the detached gate from the Rope Walk entrance to Colster Way Play area railings to be added to the Risk Exception Report.

2025.96	Clerks Report	Action
	Report that part of the post and rail fence at the top and bottom of the steps at the Bridge End entrance need repair as the posts have rotted. Mo Taylor the Ranger estimated two x posts, 2 half round rails and 2 x bags of postcrete will be required to make the repair. The cost is estimated at £100 with no labour costs as the volunteers will do the work. Work completed.	Clerk/Nature Trail volunteers
	Contact made with a staff member at the Co-op following the recent serios break in.	Clerk/Cllrs
	The green gate at the Rope Walk entrance to the Colster Way play area has been removed (Fallen off the hinges). The Clerk to arrange it to be repaired.	Clerk/Cllrs
	COLSTERWORTH - ADDITION OF PF NO. 1144. DEFINITIVE MAP MODIFICATION ORDER 2025. Representations no later than 7th November 2025.	Clerk/Cllrs
	The Parish Councils comments to APPEAL – S24/0568 PLANNING INSPECTORATE REFERENCE: APP/E2530/W/25/3370866 were submitted to the Planning Inspectorate portal on Friday 3rd October 2025 before the deadline of 7th October 2025.	Cllrs/Clerk
	Broken Woodlands Drive, street name plate opposite Back Lane reported to FMS	Clerk
	Broken Chestnut Grove, street name plate junction with Colster Way reported to FMS	Clerk
	Fallen trees and broken fence along footpath 17 reported to FMS.	Cllr M Childs/Clerk
	The Clerk raised an invoice for £6,077.12 for the LCC Grass Cutting purchase order received from LCC Grass Cutting for the Grass Cutting contribution for 2025/2026.	Clerk
	Second installment of SKDC’s 2025/2026 Precept of £21,779 received 06/10/2025	Clerk
	Report on vehicles parking on the grass area owned by the Parish Council outside Little Legs Nursery without permission.	Clerk
	The Wicksteed annual Play Area inspections have been ordered for all 4 play areas.	Clerk
2025.97	Correspondence
	Donation of £250 received from the Co-op towards a map/board to be installed on the Nature Trail.	Clerk
	Report that some guttering has come loose from the brick bus shelter on Woolsthorpe Road close to the junction with Reeds Lane. The Clerk seeking a quotation for repair.	Clerk
	Youth Club2025 - 2026 Insurance document received and filed for the PC records.	Clerk
	Email received from a resident regarding ongoing security concerns at the local store Co-op store at Bridge End following the recent and previous incidents. How can the Parish Council assist. Cllrs and SKDC Cllrs Ben Green informed. The Clerk included an article in the Neighbourhood Policing Survey in the October In Touch magazine which is open all the time. There is a link to it on the PC website. https://colsterworth.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/17/neighbourhood-policing-survey	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report that the brick bus shelter on Woolsthorpe Road require repairs to guttering and roof. The Clerk investigating cost of repairs.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Offer from LCC for 1 tonne of winter salt. Deadline for application 19/10/2025. Storage to be arranged.	Clerk/Cllrs
	SKDC New funding for fruit trees with the Coronation Community Orchards Scheme. Applications for grants up to £1,500 will be assessed on a rolling basis up to a deadline of January 12th, 2026. The minimum grant is £500.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Invitation from Alicia Kearns MP for Parish Councils would meet again to review progress over the last year, discuss preparedness for this year, and how we can build resilience. The meeting will be held at Greatford Village Hall, Carlby Road, Greatford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4PR at 1pm – 2pm on Tuesday 14th October.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Report of fly tipping at Bull Hill, North Witham. Reported to SKDC by Cllr C Hainsworth (Vice Chair). Also, already reported. Removed by SKDC on 29/09/2025.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Resident concerned that for at least 2-3 weeks a sewage lorry was on Woolsthorpe Road. They appear to be queuing up to enter the sewage farm. Also not giving way when using the bridge.	Clerk/Cllrs
	Upgrade to BUCKMINSTER WATER TOWER, MAIN STREET, BUCKMINSTER, LEICESTERSHIRE, NG33 5BH. E 488958 N 323740. By the Wireless Infrastructure Group Limited (WIG)	Clerk/Cllrs
	As part of Project Gigabit, Alicia Kearns MP has shared the rollout of a new full fibre network has now started in Lobthorpe, North Witham and Stainby, bringing lightning-fast Gigabit speed broadband to rural communities. This is not to promote one provider over another but for information purposes. More information can be found at communityengagement@quickline.co.uk	Clerk/Cllrs
	On 29/09/2025 volunteers Jackie Taylor, Jackie Watson and Sue Grant tidied up the Co-op Garden area and flower tubs.	Clerk/Volunteers
2025.98	SKDC Planning Applications
S25/1696	Proposed new garage Location: 37 Woolsthorpe Road, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NT.	No Comment
	SKDC Planning Appeal
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. Location: Development East Of Sewstern Industrial Estate South Of Sewstern Road Gunby	Comment

	SKDC Planning Permission
S25/1663	Section 211 notice to fell Goat Willow tree. Location: 26 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth.
S25/1662	Section 211 notice to reduce height and breadth of Ash tree and cut back branches. Location: 26 Newton Way, Woolsthorpe By Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NR
S25/0455	Construction of 3no. dwellings with associated car parking and external landscaping Location: Land Between 16-18 Bourne Road, Colsterworth.
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
S25/1807	Crown reduction works to a mature Horse Chestnut tree (TPO 59). Location: 21 Woodlands Drive, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NH,
	SKDC Refusal
S25/1330	To carry out a crown reduction (T1) Sycamore tree by 30% to reduce shading to the property Location: 6 Chestnut Grove Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5PE
	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. Recruitment for a new Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer. Cllr E O’Neill (Chair) informed Council that the recruitment process was progressing with suitable candidates, for a proposal to take to the next Finance and Administration meeting. Resolve to adopt the following policy to replace the CAD Email Policy Draft CAD IT Policy It was proposed, seconded and* Resolved Unanimously agreed with the policy name amended to ‘IT and Email Policy’. Resolve to renew the policies below at their annual renewal no changes. CAD Grant Allocation Policy CAD Equal Opportunities Policy CAD Nature Trail Policy CAD Volunteers Policy CAD Employment Policy CAD Reserves Policy CAD Email Policy CAD Training and Development Policy CAD Publications Scheme Resolve to renew the following policy with the amendment to include a section for amount of grant requested. CAD Grant Application Policy It was proposed, seconded and* Resolved Unanimously agreed, points 2-7 and 9-11. Update on the Community Car Park. (The Clerk) To be discussed at the F&A Meeting 23/10/2025. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code 30/09/2025 Received no comment.
	Planning Committee Report Neighbourhood Plan Review. On Hold. A discussion took place to be continued in light of the SKDC Local Plan. APPEAL – S24/0568 PLANNING INSPECTORATE REFERENCE: APP/E2530/W/25/3370866 PUBLIC SPEAKING AT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE Proposal: 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. Location: Development East Of Sewstern Industrial Estate South Of, Sewstern Road, Gunby, Lincolnshire, NG33 5RD. On 29/09/2025 Cllr D Bellamy circulated to all Cllrs an email outlining the reversal regarding the AD Plant appeal summerised below: - The committee voted for SKDC not to contest the appeal leaving the local community with the burden of contesting the appeal without SKDC support and underwriting of the costs which could potentially be in the hundreds of thousands. Prior to the meeting the Block community group applied for Rule 6 status at the appeal. The Parish Council submitted their agreed response to the Planning Inspectorate as an Interested Party on Friday 3rd October 2025 prior to the deadline of 6th October 2025. Cllr R Chatterton confirmed that the BLOCK community group had applied for Rule 6 status and had set up a ‘Crowd Funding Appeal’ to raise funds towards the legal costs. They intend to write an article to be published under the name of the BLOCK Community Group in the ‘In Touch magazine. Resolve for a Cllr to volunteer to speak at the planning appeal which is due to be determined by way of a Public Inquiry which is to be held from Tuesday 16th December. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved Unanimously resolved, for a Cllr to speak at the planning appeal.
Group Reports
	Highways & Footpaths Working Group. No report this month. 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) Cllr D Bellamy agreed to share on the North Witham Community Facebook page a copy of the LCC How to Report a Flood poster. No further update this month.
	ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT SEPTEMBER 2025 Unanimously approved see Appendix A
	Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights. Cllr M Childs reported that streetlights from No 62 along footpath 19 from the steps at the Social Club to Old Post Lane are not working. First reported in May 2025, the Clerk to follow this up. Training courses attended: - Cllr T O’Regan attended the New Cllr Course at 6pm on Tuesday 9th September facilitated by the Clerk with the Parish Councils laptop. During the session it was noted that the Parish Council also needed to adopt an IT Policy. See previous agenda item 2025.99.1.
	The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 4th November 2025. There being no other business, the Chair, Cllr E O’Neill closed the meeting at 8.28pm. 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 – Resigned Oct 2025	Colsterworth	3	1
R Chatterton	Gunby & Stainby	4
D Heath French – Co-opted Oct 2025	Colsterworth	1
S Jordan-Bird – Co-opted Oct 2025	Colsterworth		1
Vacancy	Colsterworth
Vacancy	Colsterworth
Vacancy	Gunby & Stainby
Vacancy	North Witham & Lobthorpe