November 2025 Minutes
MINUTES OF OLD SOMERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER, 2025 7pm at THE ROPSLEY VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Cllrs: Vicky Lowndes (Chairman) Nigel Percy (Vice-Chairman), Cllr Peter Burrows, Cllr Vron Stephens, Parish Clerk David Holmes. Also present Internal Auditor Nick Craft, SKDC Councillor Sarah Trotter, LCC Councillor Charlotte Vernon and 10 members of the public. Also present Matthew Johnstone, SKDC Planning Enforcement Officer.
PUBLIC FORUM.
During the Public Forum the following items were raised a) An item concerning the 6 Bungalow site relating to the installation of soakaways and their effectiveness. Matthew Johnstone was aware and offered to look further into the item; b) The issue regarding the garages in Middle Path was raised. The Clerk informed the meeting that the SKDC were in the process of a review involving all garage sites in their area. The Clerk had not yet received further news; c) an Item of planning was raised which was already on the agenda at Item 8 ii and would be discussed later; d) as was similarly an item at 5 g;
1. The Chairman then welcomed everyone present to the Parish Council Meeting.
2. APOLOGIES: Cllr Betty North had given her apologies due to illness: Her explanation was noted and accepted at the last meeting and was still effective. .
3. DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS/APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATIONS: None.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of the meeting held 19 August, 2025 been circulated. They were unanimously accepted as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. ACTION: Clerk.
5. CLERK AND COUNCILLORS’ ACTIONS AND UPDATES/LATEST.
a) i) The Purchase of a Piece of Land. The Clerk reported that the delay was with the SKDC as reported by our Solicitor. The Clerk had already been in contact with appropriate SKDC officers but had no reply to date; ACTION: THE CLERK.
b) Litter Picking: More Volunteer Litter Pickers are needed. Volunteers are asked to contact the Parish Clerk who can provide the necessary equipment for their use.
c) Draft Community Emergency Plan: Whilst much progress had been made by Cllr Nigel Percy and the Parish Clerk David Holmes a reply from the LCC validating the Draft was still awaited. ACTION: THE CLERK.
d) New 30 mph signs. New signs have been delivered and await erection in due course.
ACTION: THE CLERK.
e) Hazard Signs on first bend into Old Somerby Village. Cllr Vernon had been making enquiries at the LCC in an attempt to have this resolved. Cllr Vernon was thanked for her actions and assistance. We are hopeful this will be finalised before long. ACTION: Ongoing.
f) Cold Harbour Traveller Site: The new owners of the site were in attendance and gave an upbeat summary and invited anyone to inspect the site whenever they wished. They indicated they were open to suggestions. They had several other sites which were very well run and wanted to do the same at this site. Matthew Johnston said that as things stand some conditions for grant laid down by the Inspector have not been complied with. An Application to amend is likely to be lodged soon by the Owners.
g) Footpath in front of 6 Bungalow site: Matthew Johnston said that a Planning Contravention Notice has been served upon the Developer. It could result in Prosecution. The path must be completed a satisfactorily. Matthew was thanked for attending.
6. LOCAL COUNCILLORS UPDATES:
Cllr Sarah Trotter reported that the Christmas Lights will be switched on in Grantham on 30 November, 2025. There are 2 Bye-Elections pending for Councillor appointments; A discussion took take place regarding HMO Homes of Multiple Occupancy; A Hub is to be available for homeless people to have overnight accommodation; New Food waste bins are due to be delivered to households in April, 2026; Cllr Trotter noted comments from the floor concerning lack of collections of green bins at Cold Harbour. She will make enquiries.
Cllr Charlotte Vernon reported that there are 70 Councillors in LCC; a consultation of refuse sites will be made public; it is possible that Tips will be open for more hours; Avian Flu had been detected at Donington. (NB Notices have been posted around the parish)
The LCC Chief Executive has retired and has been replaced by the Deputy Chief Executive – Andrew Crookham. Both Councillors where thanked for their helpful reports.
7. FINANCE:
a) The Clerk has circulated a copy of the latest Finance Statement to the Councillors before the meeting. Both the Lead Councillors Finance and the Internal Auditor had signed off that report. It was accepted by the Councillors. Copy attached to these minutes. ACTION: Clerk. A discussion was deferred regarding placing funds in an interest bearing account .
b) The Internal Auditor, Nick Craft, was present. He had signed off a Report as to his duties as Internal Auditor. It was read to the meeting and accepted by the Councillors. The Councillors noted Nick Craft was content to continue in that role which he does pro bono and they were very happy to re-appoint him. Copy report is attached.
c) The Clerk reported on new Assertion 10 which will require consideration by Council at their Annual Parish Council Meeting in May 2026. It relates to data compliance and email management. It was Noted. The Councillors decided to move emails to a .gov.uk account. ACTION: THE CLERK.
d) A report concerning the health & safety of the Parish Council’s assets is expected soon.
8. PLANNING:
The Conifers School Lane; An application to remove a condition is due for hearing on 27 November, 2025 before the Planning Committee. The Clerk was asked to attend to confirm the Parish Council’s views previously submitted to the Planners. ACTION: THE CLERK.
9. CORRESPONDENCE INCLUDNG ITEMS FOR INF0RMATION ONLY:
The Clerk referred to correspondence from a) Buckminster Estates (changes to Spitalgate Heath Garden Development b) Avian Flu near Donington - see report at 6 above c) Invite to Harlaxton Manor re SKDC launch of “Strengthening of Social Economy report” on 2/12/25.
10. TIME OF NEXT MEETING: The next parish council meeting was fixed for Thursday 29 January, 2026. Venue to be announced. MEETING CLOSED AT 20.35