Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 9th April 2024.
Public Forum
Cllr C Hainsworth (Chair) welcomed the 12 members of the public present. For the purposes of recording the discussion, residents will be identified as resident ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D, ‘E’ and ‘F’.
Resident ‘A’ spoke against the proposed Residential Allocation for Colsterworth in the South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan – 2021 – 2041. They stated that the population of Colsterworth had increased by 6.2% from 2011 to 2021 and in another 10 years that would be an increase of 23%. They believed that the village of Colsterworth could not sustain that increase in the population. Their concerns are listed but not limited to those below: -
• Insufficient primary school places at Colsterworth Primary School.
• Parking issues on Colster Way near to Little Legs Nursery.
• The Doctors surgery on Back Lane is at capacity.
• Public Right of way concerns.
• No footpath from the new housing development off the A1 (Newton Meadows) through to Colster Way.
• They suggested organising a petition.
Resident ‘B’ commented that there had also been previous planning permission for 50+ new houses to be built near the Co-op and to their knowledge only a handful of the new houses on the Newton Meadows (Land off A1) new housing development had so far been sold.
Cllr J Clark explained to the Public Forum that the Parish Council is not a Planning Authority and shared the residents’ concerns.
In relation to the concerns about the existing traffic issues on the A1 and the B676 Cllr Hainsworth also stated that the through roads such as Bourne Road, Colster Way and the High Street were already an issue which had been logged by the Parish Council and raised with LCC Cllr C Vernon.
Resident ‘C’ questioned why Colsterworth is being targeted and it was pointed out that not everyone can use technology to engage with this process. In addition, the planning portal was difficult to navigate to make any comments.
Resident ‘D’ stated that the new houses were not affordable housing.
Cllr C Hainsworth (Chair) reminded everyone that there was a link on the SKDC website where they can submit comments. Cllr E O’Neill (Vice Chair) asked the Clerk to put the link on the Parish Council website. This can be found on the following link https://colsterworth.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/12/skdc-draft-local-plan-consultation
Cllr B Green advised that there is a generic email address which can be sent to at planningpolicy@southkesteven.gov.uk and written representations can be posted to Planning Policy Team, South Kesteven District Council, Council Offices, The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, NG31 6TT. Please ensure to quote the policy, section paragraph, document, or site reference.
Resident ‘E’ asked if the Parish Council will be submitting a comment, Cllr E O’Neill stated that the Local Plan was an agenda item later in the meeting which Cllrs would be discussing and suggested residents also write to their elected representatives with their concerns. Resident ‘E’ asked what was the role of the Parish Council? Cllr C Hainsworth (Chair) said the Parish Council can comment on planning applications and invited SKDC Cllr D Bellamy to speak who advised that the District Council is the Housing Authority and has to have a 5-year supply of allocated land for housing. If that land runs out before the end of the 5 yrs. or the District Council does not have a Local Plan, then any developer can apply for planning permission on any land.
A short discussion took place on identifying alternative land in Colsterworth for the ‘Residential Allocation’ which would potentially be more balanced than developing the land off Bourne Road.
Cllr Hainsworth (Chair) re-iterated the traffic issues through the villages when there are accidents on the A1. It was asked if it would be possible to close the exit/entrance to the A1 at North Witham. Cllrs C Hainsworth (Chair) and D Bellamy said that the Parish Council were constantly lobbying National Highways on this. The discussion ended encouraging residents to make their own representations. Cllr D Bellamy said they would investigate other planning applications local to Colsterworth to see if they were still valid.
Resident ‘F’ stated they were a resident of Colster Way close to Little Legs Nursery and the children’s play area and although they would be in favour of a footpath being installed (Agenda item March 2023.165) it is a dangerous parking location and needs risk assessing. They also commented that electric vehicles are so quiet pedestrians do not always hear them approaching, particularly on the footpath on the bend to cross to the play area. The Clerk advised that they had already approached LCC Highways department for the location to be risk assessed before any decision is made on installing a footpath and this would be escalated to Cllr C Vernon with the other road safety issues already escalated.
Resident ‘D’ reported that Footpath 19 requires cleaning.
The Public session was extended to 8.10pm to allow all members attending to speak.
Councillors: C Hainsworth, E O’Neill, L McShane, A Bouvie, J Clark, K Vickers, M Childs, C Rowland, D Bellamy, C Russell and S Banwait.
In Attendance
Sue Grant, Clerk to the Parish Council.
SKDC Cllrs D Bellamy and B Green.
Agenda Item No
2023.180 Apologies for absence. Cllrs R Chatterton and G Henton. Valid reasons given.
2023.181 Chairman’s remarks.
Chairperson Cllr C Hainsworth had no remarks and move straight to the business of the meeting.
2023.182 Declarations of interest in accordance with the LGA 2000
None.
2023.183 Approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting.
Cllrs C Russell and D Bellamy abstained as they were not present at the previous meeting. All other members present agreed that the official minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 5th March 2024 be approved as a correct record and duly signed and dated by the chairperson.
2023.184 County/District Councillor Report. * Agenda item moved to after agenda item 2023.189.
SKDC Cllr B Green reported: -
1. It had been 5 yrs. since the roof of St Mary’s Church North Witham was stolen. The Church is a key asset to preserve, and they have written an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury. An acknowledgement has been received but no action mentioned.
2. The SKDC Budget set 29/02/2024 was successfully agreed with a £60K cleaning reserve set for the A1. SKDC are responsible for the cleanliness of the A1.
3. Silver Bins – They are awaiting feedback on the cost of the clean-up of the missed silver bin collections.
4. New North Witham Permissive footpath – Awaiting permission from the tenants and LCC.
2023.185 Risk Exception Report.
Cllrs accepted the status of the report with no amendments.
2023.186 Clerks Report Action
1 Defective streetlight outside 61 Woolsthorpe Road, Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth reported to SKDC Streetlighting department. Clerk
2 Defective electronic flashing speed sign opposite 8 Bourne Road, Colsterworth reported to LCC Highways via Fix My Street, report ref: 498114. Clerk
3 Damaged streetlight at the School Lane T junction reported to SKDC Street lighting by local residents. Clerk
4 All five defibrillators registered with The National Defibrillator Network, ‘The Circuit’. Thank you to the North Witham parishioner for this information. Clerk
5 SKDC have advised that a new pole and bracket has been ordered for the broken streetlight on School Lane. Clerk
6 PKF Littlejohn LLP– 2023/24 AGAR external auditor instructions received. Deadline for submission is 1st July 2024. Clerk
7 Following the A1 Closure on 18/03/2024 FMS reports made for the damage caused to several soft verges around the villages: -
Ref 499967 – Stamford Road
Ref 499968 – The length of Stamford Road to Bull Lane.
Ref 499969 – Rectory Lane, North Witham
Ref 5740499 – Witham Road, Gunby
Ref 5740458 – The length of Woolsthorpe Road from Skillington Crossroads to West End cul-de-sac. Highways advised that they would be taking no action viewing the damage as cosmetic. Clerk
8 Rotten Woolsthorpe Road Street Sign reported to SKDC by Cllr Ben Green for replacement. This was also previously reported by the Clerk. Awaiting outcome. SKDC
9 The Methodist Church Hall committee have kindly waived the Hall hire fee in support of the War memorial Restoration project for the meeting 12th April 2024. Thank you from the Parish Council? Cllrs
10 Update from agenda item 5th March 2023.164 request for footpath from Little Legs to Colster Way. Public Liability Insurance confirmed awaiting approval from Highways before quotations are sought. Clerk
11 Update on agenda item 6th February 2023.146 – Brick Bus shelter library swap shop/hanging baskets. Awaiting confirmation regarding risk assessment from the Parish Council’s insurers. Clerk
2023.187 Correspondence received
1 Several FMS Reports have been made by a resident for potholes on B676 A151 roundabout and Stainby Road junctions. Work completed. Cllrs
2 Report of several cases of fly posting around Colsterworth. Reported to SKDC. Clerk
3 Report of a very, very strong unpleasant smell coming from farmland off Crabtree Road over the weekend of 15, 16 17 & 18th March 2024. Reported to SKDC & Environment Agency. The lagoon is permitted by the Environment Agency and any issues relating to odour will be dealt with by them. Case Number 220606/BA04 EB3608LD Environment Agency
4 Request from Corby Glen Parish Council for the CADPC to supply a phone number for someone in the parish who could be contacted for help in case of an emergency, to be included in their Emergency Plan. Clerk/Cllrs
5 Resident of Stamford Road informing of a FMY report ref 499838made for damaged verges the length of Stamford Road following the A1 Closure 18/03/2024. Clerk
6 SKDC’s proposed update to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TLP2024
Cllrs
7 SKDC Public Spaces Protection Orders Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/skpspo2024
Cllrs
8 SKDC Village Services and Facilities Survey 2024 received, deadline for submission 25/04/2024. Clerk/Cllrs
9 Request from Colsterworth Youth Club committee for permission to arrange for the goal posts on Colster Way Playing field to be re-painted. Cllrs
10 Report from a parishioner on the following items for consideration at the Parish Council meeting: -
1. Excessive parking on footpaths causing obstructions.
2. Speeding vehicles on Colster Way which is also being used as a fast run to the nursery - which is one of the main areas for path parking (when there is a carpark) - not safe due to play park area - they would be the first to create if a child got hit by a car - sometimes 6 or more cars parked on path.
3.Stamford Road is an absolute disgrace after the A1 closure - grass verges destroyed, covered in mud so you can't determine where the road is.
4. Name and shame human rubbish not just dog walkers.
5. When authorising building estates or even extensions - no stipulations made to assist with added facilities i.e. school, surgery or parking. Much of this was discussed in the Public Forum.
11 Report that the end of the wall along the roadside at The Row on Rectory lane, North Witham has been hit and damaged by a vehicle and is in need of repair. Advised to contact the homeowner and report the incident to the Police.
Cllr D Bellamy offered to pick this up with SKDC.
12 LCC Annual Neighbourhood Policing Plan received. More information can be found on the following link https://www.lincs.police.uk/police-forces/lincolnshire-police/areas/about-us/about-us/neighbourhood-policing-plans/
Cllrs
12 Cllr Ben Green is looking into establishing a new footpath in North Witham, see proposed route attached, that would offer a circular path round the village. Cllr Ben Green
13 Allotment tenant requesting confirmation that dogs are allowed on both allotment sites. The rules regarding dogs on the allotment sites uploaded to the Parish Council website https://colsterworth.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/910/rules-for-dogs
Clerk
2023.188 SKDC Planning Applications Comments
S24/0306 Section 211 Notice for T1 Maple removal. 1 Woodlands Drive, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5NH, App Type: Trees in CA - Section 211 Notice. None
S24/0510 Proposed Electricity Substation
Location: STREET RECORD, Access Road To Services, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, App Type: Wayleaves - works by electricity bodies. None.
SKDC Planning Permission
S23/1763 Retrospective application for retention of barn erected in industrial park.
Black Bull Industrial Park Woolleys Lane, Lobthorpe Lincolnshire NG33 5LL None
S23/2309 & 2308 Demolition of existing outbuilding and construction of new
Annexe. Home Farm House 57 High Street, Colsterworth Lincolnshire NG33 5HZ. None.
SKDC Planning Application Withdrawal
S20/0345 Proposal: Erection of an earth sheltered dwelling house with associated
soft/hard landscaping and the erection of three commercial
buildings Land West Of Bridge End, Colsterworth None
2023.189
Finance and Administration (F & A) Committee Report (Cllrs C Hainsworth, E O’Neill, L McShane & C Russell) No report this month.
1. Agree the date of the next F & A Committee meeting.
Agenda item deferred to the May 2024 meeting.
Resolve to adopt the following policy at its annual review.
2. CAD Nature Trail Risk Assessment
Agenda item deferred to the May 2024 meeting.
3. Net Position by Cost Centre and Code – 19/03/2024
Received by Cllrs with no comment.
2023.190 Planning Committee Report - No Committee Report.
1. Neighbourhood Plan Review update. (Cllr D Bellamy)
The review will be picked up after the Local Plan has been agreed.
2. Resolve to comment on the Anaerobic Digester plant planning application at Gunby when the planning application is received by the Parish Council.
The agenda item was deferred to the May 2024 meeting as no application has yet been received.
3. Resolve to comment on the SKDC Regulation 18 - Draft Local Plan Review. Closing date 11:59pm Thursday 25th April 2024.
Cllrs voted with a majority to investigate an alternative location for the Colsterworth Allocated Housing land.
It was agreed that the points raised by residents attending the Public Forum would be considered together with the draft document already prepared by Cllr Hainsworth (Chair) to be agreed by Cllrs before submitting the PC’s comments to SKDC.
Group Reports
2023.191 1 Highways & Footpaths Working Group Report (The Clerk) Ad-hoc report.
Issues raised at the meeting to be escalated to Cllr C Vernon.
2023.192 2
2 Environment & Amenities Working Group Report.
War Memorial Restoration Project
War Memorial Project update (S Grant – Clerk)
A meeting has been arranged for Friday 12th April 2024 with the Parish Council, PPIY Architect and Pinnacle Conservation Ltd contractors.
2023.193 2 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT MARCH 2024
Unanimously approved see Appendix A
The Clerk gave a verbal explanation of the income over expenditure deficit position: -
• Transfers from the General Fund (Savings account) for £7,740 for 3 x VAS units not included as income on the SCRIBE system.
• The Clerks NALC salary increment and backpay could not be budgeted for in Clerks costs and PAYE resulting in an overspend of £825.82 Clerks costs and £951.11 PAYE.
• Q 4 VAT reclaim of £2,651.87 submitted to HMRC 09/04/2024 not yet credited the Parish Council bank account.
2023.194 Matters requiring attention such as potholes and faulty streetlights.
1. Cllr M Childs mentioned that the brown National Trust sign has still not been repaired. The Clerk confirmed that the sign had been reported to FMY twice and will ask for an update.
2. Cllr K Vickers advised that there was a slow leak coming from the bottom of the tap on Stamford Road allotments. The Clerk advised the water had been turned off and the cost of repair investigated.
.
2023.195 The date of the next Parish Council meeting is Tuesday 7th May 2024. There being no other business, Chairperson C Hainsworth closed the meeting at 9.10 pm.
SIGNED:
CHAIRPERSON DATE:
Attendance to date (May 2023 to April 2024) – annual maximum 10 (No meeting August & January)
Cllr Name Constituency Attended Apologies Absent
J Clark North Witham & Lobthorpe 6 4
D Bellamy North Witham & Lobthorpe 8 2
A Bouvie Colsterworth 7 3
E O’Neill Colsterworth 9 1
C Hainsworth Colsterworth 10
G Henton Colsterworth 7 3
L McShane Colsterworth 10
S Banwait Colsterworth
T Neale Colsterworth 4 1
C Russell Colsterworth 8 2
K Vickers * Co-opted 06/06/2023 Colsterworth 8 1
M Childs * Co-opted 04/07/2023 Colsterworth 7
C Rowland * Co-opted 05/09/2023 Colsterworth 6 1
R Chatterton * Co-opted October 2023 Gunby & Stainby 3 1
Vacancy Gunby & Stainby
APPENDIX A:
COLSTERWORTH AND DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT MARCH 2024
ONLINE PAYMENTS
Date of pmnt Payee Name Details Amount
01/04/2024 Stuart Whitcombe InTouch Editing November edition £85.00
01/04/2024 Staff 2 & 3 Community Cleaning £607.94
10/04/2024 Life In Pictures In Touch Printing £417.60
11/04/2024 David Warden LCC & Village Grass cut £442.00
11/04/2024 Stuart Park Removal of Ivy from bus shelter High Street C/W £185.50
10/04/2024 Lincoln Diocese Stamford Road allotment rent £200.00
12/04/2024 HMRC PAYE January 2024 £444.17
12/04/2024 HMRC PAYE February 2024 £444.37
13/04/2024 HMRC PAYE March 2024 £444.57
£3,271.15
CHEQUES
31 03 2024 Staff 1 salary Salary & Exp £1,187.62
£1,187.62
£4,458.77
TRANSFER FROM CURRENT ACCOUNT TO SAVINGS ACCOUNT REF AGENDA ITEMS 2023.176.1 (War Memorial Ear Marked reserves)
11/04/2024 CAD Savings Account (WM Ear Marked Reserves) Refund received from FCC Communities for Grant adjustment for TPC. Minute ref February 2023.176.1 £468.05
£468.05
DD's
26/03/2024 HSBC Bank charges £6.60
28/03/2024 Focus Office phone £43.52
17/03/2024 WAVE Water Bill Woolsthorpe Rd Allotments £16.39
19/03/2024 WAVE Water Billl Stamford Road allotments £14.61
£81.12
Balances
Reconciled
Income from 01/04/2023 £65,062.11
Expenditure from 01/04/2023 £72,024.08
Surplus/Deficit= -£6,961.97
Less Unpresented payments/Transfers excl DD's £4,926.82
Surplus/Deficit= -£11,888.79
Balances
31/03/2024 Deposit Account £50,616.34
31/03/2024 Community Account £10,135.28
Total £60,751.62
Less unpresented Payments & chq's + unpresented receipts £56,292.85