May 2022 Minutes
MINUTES OF OLD SOMERBY ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD TUESDAY 17 MAY, 2022 7.15 PM AT THE FOX AND HOUNDS OLD SOMERBY
PRESENT: Cllrs: Vicky Lowndes (Chairman) Nigel Percy (Vice-Chairman), Veronica Stephens, Peter Burrows, Betty North and Parish Clerk David Holmes.
Also present Cllr Sarah Trotter SKDC, and 4 residents.
Prior to the meeting at approx. 7pm a Public Forum was held. Issues raised by residents included: a) concerning the amount of the balance in the finances. A response was given by the Chairman b) concerning the Fixed Assets of the council. The clerk to respond after the meeting c) concerning a previous clerk and overtime payments d) concerning being able to answer to issues relating to the resident.
1. APOLOGIES: There was an apology from LCC Cllr Charlotte Vernon. Charlotte had
however forwarded her report to the clerk for item 7.
2. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS OR APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATIONS.
None were declared.
3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: Cllr Stephens proposed Cllr Lowndes; seconded by Cllr Percy – there were no other nominations; CARRIED. Cllr Lowndes thanked her colleagues for their continued support. She signed the required Declaration of Acceptance.
4. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN: Cllr North proposed Cllr Percy; seconded by Cllr Stephens - there were no other nominations: CARRIED.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Cllr North proposed the minutes of the meeting held 29 March, 2022 be accepted as a correct record;Seconded Cllr Stephens –CARRIED ACTION THE CLERK
6. CLERK AND COUNCILLORS' ACTIONS AND UPDATES/LATEST:
a) Speed Indicators: a) i) NEW SOLAR SPEED INDICATOR: The clerk reported it had now been delivered. He was awaiting the erection of the Post by the LCC for it to be mounted on it. AGREED it would be positioned on the entry into the village from the Roundabout as suggested by the LCC representative. ii) EXISTING SPEED INDICATOR: The clerk reported it was due to delivered today but had not arrived. When delivered it would be passed to the Volunteer Operator for use at the Boothby Pagnell end of the village. ACTION THE CLERK. POST MEETING NOTE: delivered on 18 May 2022.
b) TREE PLANTING: The clerk reported two trees had been planted on School Lane. An enquiry was on-going regarding possible tree planting on a fairly large triangle of land near the Ropsley Rise Woods ACTION: THE CLERK.
c) PIECE OF LAND BEHIND THE BUNGALOWS: The clerk had been promised a report for the meeting from the SKDC which had not arrived as yet. ACTION THE CLERK.
7. LCC COUNCILLOR UPDATE: In her absence the Clerk read the written report: In it Cllr Vernon mentioned i) The National Foster Care Fortnight which started recently ii) Lincolnshire County Show taking place 22 – 23 June 2022 iii) Ukrainian Refugee Update – nearly 200 people or families had come forward as potential hosts. Contact details at www.HomesforUkraine.campaign.gov.uk iv) A reminder not to deposit batteries or electrical items in bins. There was a recent fire in the back of a bin lorry. v) Fixmystreet – available to report local concerns regarding potholes, damage, etc. So easy to use. Note: a link is available on the front page of the Old Somerby Parish Council website.
A copy of her report is annexed to these minutes.
8. SKDC LOCAL COUNCILLOR UPDATE: Cllr Sarah Trotter reported that i) The annual Best Kept Village Competition would shortly be held ii) The SKDC would shortly be making awards for various categories. Details available on the SKDC website iii) The SKDC had been voted the best Council in Lincolnshire for providing living accommodation for Ukraine refugees offering 124 placements.
Cllr Percy raised with her an issue concerning the earlier disposal of animal “road-kills” nearby. Cllr Trotter encouraged Residents to report such incidents to the SKDC as soon as possible.
9. REPORT ON THE PARISH JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Cllr Stephens reported arrangements are now in hand with notices posted around the parish. She had received between 60 – 70 acceptances and also offers of food. Anyone else wishing to attend should contact her. Offers of food are still desired. The Council agreed to her suggestion to provide 10 bottles of champagne for the occasion. ACTION Cllr Stephens.
10. FINANCE: A). The Clerk provided details of the Bank Reconciliation, Income Received and Payments Made. ACCEPTED. Copy annexed to these minutes. The Council then completed the required Annual Governance Statement Forms all of which will be subject to Public Notice from the 13 June, 2022 to the 22 July 2022 on the notice boards and website.
B. THE BUDGET 2022/2023 The Chairman produced copies of the proposed final version of the Budget. Approval proposed by Cllr Percy; seconded by Cllr Lowndes; CARRIED.
A copy annexed to these minutes.
11. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: There is a requirement to review the Old Somerby Neighbourhood Plan. The Clerk produced a report dealing with the issues which require a review as provided in Section 10 of the Plan. A copy of the report is annexed to these minutes. AGREED: to take no action at this time.
It was noted by Cllr Percy during the discussion that the SKDC do not appear to have reached their required quota of sites for Travellers/ Gypsies as provided for in their Local Plan thus possibly suggesting that applications for site will more than likely be granted.
12. CORRESPONDENCE: i) The Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team are co-ordinating the response to the Resettlement of Ukrainian Refugees across Lincolnshire. ii): LCC are consulting upon a request to reduce the speed limit on High Dike, Cold Harbour to a new 40 mph limit. Any observations to reach them by 27 May 2022.
Cllr Percy reported that there were views from Cold Harbour residents that, regardless of the proposal to reduce the speed limit to 40 mph, consideration should be given by LCC Highways to a Roundabout being erected at that junction as it would likely provide a much greater impact upon road safety. The clerk was asked to respond accordingly to the Consultation. ACTION THE CLERK.
NOTE: The clerk suggested that the item ”CORRESPONDENCE” which appeared on Agendas should be expanded to “CORRESPONDENCE and items for discussion but not for a decision”.
This would enable him to include late correspondence etc which came across his desk after the Agenda had been published. Any necessary decisions could be taken at a future meeting. AGREED: ACTION THE CLERK
13. PLANNING APPLICATIONS: i) S22/0631 Application to vary conditions re the Old Quarry. AGREED: they appeared to be minor and there would be no representations. ACTION THE CLERK.
ii) S22/0867 Full planning permission for 2 x 3 bedroom dwellings within existing gardens on Grantham Road. Outline Planning Permission granted 4 December 2020. AGREED: The only representations be that the drawings show the frontage and gable ends facing the new access road/track being constructed in stone. Both side elevations should also be constructed in stone to be in keeping with the adjacent properties. The stone to be used in the elevations should be natural stone and not reconstituted. Clay tiles should be used and not concrete ones. ACTION THE Clerk.
14. REPORT FROM THE POLICE REGARDING LOCAL ISSUES: The was no Police presence but the Clerk had received a written report indicating very few incidents locally. Mention was made of the passing of fake £50 notes at the pub; a quantity of discarded cannabis plants left on the roadside near Whitehouse Farm and the theft of a mini-digger from a house in School Lane.
Any incidents can always be reported to the Police on 101.
15: To review a Determination made concerning a Resident on 5 August 2019 pursuant to the Council’s Policy relating to Abusive, Persistent etc Complaints. The Chairman commented the same issues to which the Determination relates continue to be raised by the resident. Proposed Cllr Percy for continuance of the Determination, Seconded Cllr Burrows: CARRIED: ACTION THE CLERK T
16. Date and time of next Meeting. The next meeting was fixed for Tuesday 9 August. 2022 at 7.15pm with a Public Forum at 7pm. The meeting closed at 8.45pm
NOTE: These minutes approved and signed by the Chairman at the Parish Council Meeting held on 9 August, 2022
OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 2022 - Report from Charlotte Vernon, County Councillor for Colsterworth Rural Division
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to provide you with a report tonight, I am sorry that I am unable to attend this evening.
Please do always feel free to contact me by email or telephone if there is anything that I can assist with, or that you would like me to look into.
County Council Wide Matters
National Foster Care Fortnight – This started last week and is the perfect time to find out how you could support fostering in your local area and help us to celebrate the Lincolnshire community opening their homes and families to children in care.
In Lincolnshire, we need people to come forward for all types of fostering, especially to look after teenagers, siblings, children with additional needs and children who need long-term homes. Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity or religion. The only thing that is essential is that you have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use. So, if you think you could make a life-changing difference for these children, or would like to know more, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering. You can also get in touch with the Lincolnshire fostering service by calling 01522 554114.
Lincolnshire County Show – It’s back after a 2 year enforced break due to Covid and will take place on June 22nd and June 23rd. Full programme of entertainment planned, food stalls, trade stalls and livestock classes and competitions. Come along for a really fun day! LCC will also have a stand too.
Ukrainian refugee Update - Nearly 200 people or families have come forward in Lincolnshire as potential hosts for Ukrainian refugees .Four million people have now crossed the border out of Ukraine to safety, having been forced out of their homes.
The network of Lincolnshire councils, police, public bodies and charitable and community organisations are working together welcoming the refugees as they arrive and my understanding is that the families that have already arrived are settling in well.
If you do know any families that are sponsoring refuges, do signpost them to The Wellbeing Lincs service which can be accessed by Ukrainian arrivals or their host families to provide the advice and support they need, as well as statutory services such as healthcare, education, benefits and council services. Further information available at www.HomesforUkraine.campaign.gov.uk look out for direct updates.
Bin Information - Not really County Council but something that I really think is important to mention. There was recently a fire in the back of a bin lorry which had been caused by an electrical item placed in a bin that ignited. A quick reminder… please do not put batteries or electrical items in bins.
Fixmystreet – Please do continue to report concerns regarding potholes, or damage to the roads via this website.
OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL
Financial Statement for Parish Council Meeting 17 May 2022
1. BANK RECONCILIATION:
Bank Statement no. 491 14561.36
Outstanding cheques: NIL
The above balance includes £250 ring fenced donation
From Mitchells and Butlers to be used for a village project.
Used so far: £73.53 for Bus Shelter refurbishment –Balance £176.47
2. INCOME SINCE 1 April 2022:
Precept 3500.00
HMRC VAT Refund 84.56
3584.56
3. PAYMENTS since 1 April 2022:
D. Warden grass cutting 45.00
LALC Annual subscription 180.00
Unipart Rail repair of Speed Indicator 361.87
D. Warden grass cutting 90.00
DJ Holmes refund Jubilee Party 11.97
Bank charges 6.20
Bank charges 10.00
705.04
Original signed
David J Holmes Cllr Peter Burrows
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Lead Parish Councillor
13 May 2022 13 May 2022
OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL
Annual Monitoring Report regarding Old Somerby Neighbourhood Development Plan 2018-2036
The above Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) was Made by South Kesteven District Council on 29 June 2021. Section 10.1 of the NDP requires the Parish Council to monitor and, if appropriate, undertake a review of the NDP. 10.2 requires an annual monitoring report which covers the 4 subjects detailed therein. (see below a – d)).
The views of the South Kesteven District Council have been sought as required.
a) “the effectiveness of the policies in the neighbourhood plan when assessing and determining planning applications.”
COMMENT: The very first planning application after the NDP had been Made was for the 6 bungalows in the Old Quarry on School Lane. In spite of the Parish Council’s strong Representations with a reference to Policy 1 paragraph 8.15 the Planners approved the application. The Planners gave a very detailed explanation in their Reasons as to why in this case they felt able to make an exception. The Parish Council found it most disappointing but noted that at least full consideration had been given by the Planners to the NDP.
In respect of all subsequent planning applications there were no such issues.
b) “any changes in national planning policy that could supersede the policies in the NDP.”
COMMENT: Assurances from the SKDC received to the effect that there have been no such changes.
c) “the latest statistical information such as meeting the rural housing requirement across South Kesteven District in ‘smaller villages’ or the need for additional affordable homes within the village:”
COMMENT: The SKDC have indicated that are no such issues apply.
d) “any changing circumstances within the village.”
COMMENT: There appear to be no changes requiring action.
The Parish Council might reasonably conclude, therefore, that at this time no action is needed.
David J Holmes
Parish Clerk Old Somerby Parish Council
5 May 2022