November 2020 Minutes
A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 9th November 2020 by video conferencing and commenced at 19:30.
Public Participation -There were 2 members of the public present.
Present: Councillor Buckley-Jones (Chairman)
Councillor Briscoe
Councillor Sockell
Councillor Chantler
Councillor Cann
Councillor George
Councillor Dziadkiewicz
Councillor Rushby
District Councillor Carrington
District Councillor Tinsley
District Councillor Goodwin
Co-Clerk Finance: J. James
Co Clerk Operations: E. Salter
104/M/20 Chairman’s welcome.
The Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.
105/M/20 To receive Apologies for Absence, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations.
Apologies for Absence: There were no apologies for absence.
Declarations of Interest: There were no Declarations of Interest.
Requests for Dispensations: There were no Requests for Dispensations.
106/M/20 To approve notes as minutes from the meeting of the Parish Council on 12th October 2020.
The notes having been distributed before the meeting were taken as read and it was resolved to approve them as minutes.
Planning Matters
Tree works received from NKDC.
There were no Tree Work applications received from NKDC.
Tree works decision notices received from NKDC.There were no Tree Works decision notices received from NKDC.
Planning applications received from NKDC.
107/M/20. 20/1158/HOUS Amended 10 Park Lane, Heighington, Lincoln. Erection of a rear 2 storey and 1st floor extension, amended location/block plan has been submitted. Members had no comment to make regarding this application.
108/M/20 20/1194/HOUS Amended 18 Washingborough Road, Heighington, Lincoln LN4 1RE. Erection of 2 storey side extension, first floor rear extension and conversion of existing detached garage to workshop/garden room. Members had no comment to make regarding this application.
109/M/20 20/1246/FUL Former Piggery Buildings, Poplar Bank Farm, Bardney Road, Heighington, Lincoln. Retrospective planning application for the change of use of agricultural land and buildings to leisure. After a brief discussion, members raised objections to this application which will be registered with North Kesteven District Council.
110/M/20 20/1247/FUL Poplar Bank Farm, Bardney Road, Heighington, Lincoln LN4 1AQ. Retrospective planning application for the change of use of agricultural land and retention/completion of trenches and bunds for Airsoft leisure use. After a brief discussion, members raised objections to this application which will be registered with North Kesteven District Council.
111/M/20 20/1300/HOUS (Resubmission of application 19/1699/HOUS). 85 Washingborough Road, Heighington, Lincoln LN4 1QP. Erection of 2 storey side extension and single storey rear extension. Members had no comment to make regarding this application.
112/M/20 20/1366/PNH 10 Troon Close, Heighington, Lincoln LN4 1TH. Single storey rear extension 4.5m in length from the original wall, eaves height of 2.46m and maximum height of 3.48m. Members had no comment to make regarding this application.
Planning application decision notices received from NKDC.
There were no Planning Decision Notices received from NKDC.
113/M/20 Clerk’s Report (for information only).
• To note that the scheduled audit for the 12th November 2020 has been cancelled due to further Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and has been re-arranged for the 10th December 2020.
• VAT claim of £987.21 received on the 19th October 2020.
• Litter pick grant of £653.10 received on the 28th October 2020.
• To note that the bank signatories have been updated at Unity Trust Bank.
• To note that the new boiler has been installed at Jubilee Hall and the Gas safety certificate has been received.
114/M/20 Correspondence (Read file for Members’ perusal).
• Environmental Operative reports for October 2020.
Financial Matters:
115/M/20 To approve the monthly accounts for October 2020. The monthly statements were approved by the four bank signatories. It was resolved to approve the monthly accounts for October 2020.
116/M/20 To respond to the Tree Strategy Draft consultation paper received from North Kesteven District Council. Trees are a vital environmental asset and North Kesteven District Council intends to maximise the benefits of trees in North Kesteven as part of its commitment to tackling the effects of climate change. Members noted the initiative to plant 10% more trees by 2025 and 25% more trees by 2035 on District Council land. The Parish Council agreed that it would be beneficial to the village to encourage community groups and residents to take an active part in a tree planting scheme. It was resolved to follow North Kesteven District Council’s example and pant 10% more trees by 2025 and 25% by 2035 on land owned by the Parish Council.
117/M/20 To note the recent announcement from the government regarding Covid19 and the impact on the Parish Council. To also note the new temporary working arrangements for the office staff. Members noted that the office would be open for telephone calls between the hours of 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday. All staff were given the option of working from home during this period, and one member of staff is doing so. The Good Neighbourhood support network has been activated for the period of the current lockdown.
118/M/20 To note the results of the Archer Road Survey and discuss any action points arising. The survey which was carried out from the 17th October 2020 to the 23rd October 2020 on the High Street and Washingborough Road, highlighted that a percentage of vehicles exceeded the speed limit of 30mph by over 20mph. It was also brought to the Members attention the number of accidents occurring at the crossroads of Pitts Road and Sheepwash Lane. Members discussed various ways to try to reduce the speeding including clearer signs, clearer road markings and interactive speed signs. Members requested the Clerk to contact County Councillor Oxby with a view to having a site meeting with Lincolnshire Highways to see what could relieve the mounting issues at the junction. A scheme whereby volunteers conducting a speed survey in conjunction with Lincolnshire Police was also discussed and this will be investigated further.
119/M/20 To receive an update on the new Parish Council Website. A report was produced by the Administration Assistant which outlined the problems with exporting reports from the old website to the new one operated by Lincolnshire County Council. There is a considerable amount of work required as the deadline of closure of the old website is the 31st December 2020. The Administration Assistant is currently moving various documents to the new website.
120/M/20 To discuss purchasing new lights for the Christmas tree and outside Jubilee Hall. Members approved the purchase of replacement lights up to a value of £100.00.
121/M/20 To note the resignation of Councillor Lee. Details have been forwarded to the Monitoring Officer at North Kesteven District Council and the vacancy has been posted on social media. Members would like to thank Councillor Lee for their participation of the Parish Council.
122/M/20 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
County Councillor Ron Oxby:
County Council, November 2020 Report.
As the Covid situation seems to be getting worse in the country, Lincolnshire’s' situation doesn't appear to be increasing at such a quickening rate as the rest of the country, but Lincoln its self has a greater increase than the rest of our county. Up to date £158m in grants has been awarded to help business within Lincolnshire.
The Eastern by Pass is progressing well under the circumstances and the road is hopefully to open during December but with the finer details being completed during the following weeks.
The Library service run by Greenwich Leisure is now in its fourth year and the current report highlights its success. Announcements about 'super sites' are now being talked about enhancing the heritage sites we still run. Aviation, Museums, and collections being brought together forming these sites together with Greater Lincolnshire to enable more visitors to enjoy our heritage. The decision to be finalised by the executive on 3rd November.
The Registration and Celebratory service has received its annual report. Even under the current situation, has received 100% satisfaction from those using the service, even though some has had to be conducted virtually.
Modern slavery as part of the Police and Crime Disorder scrutiny committee was discussed and how these people could be identified and reported to the police or the authorities. It is estimated that at least 10,000 to 100.000 victims are enslaved at any one time in the UK.
A pre application planning charging policy was discussed by the Environment and Economy scrutiny. This will be for larger applications such as Minerals, Waste and the council’s own applications.
The Waste strategy which was introduced last year was also discussed and various waste steams were scrutinised to see where the system could be improved. Considerations were discussed if a food waste service could be implemented if it would be both practical and financially possible. Improving the quality of materials to be recycled, improving the quantity and reducing our carbon footprint as well as other considerations were also discussed.
I reported in last months' report regarding Devolution and the possibility of Lincolnshire being reunited with North Lincs. and North East Lincs, unfortunately our bid was unsuccessful and will be considered at the next round of decisions.
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORTS TO PARISH COUNCILS
Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick Ward
Cllr Ian CARRINGTON, Cllr Carola GOODWIN, Cllr Glenn TINSLEY
November 2020
Issue - COVID 19
National Lockdown from Thursday 5 Nov 20.
In the main the restrictions are:
• People required to stay at home, except for specific purposes.
• Prevent gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
• Set out the closure of certain businesses and venues.
- Action :Parish Councils.
Please encourage those in your communities to adhere to them, to help protect the NHS and save lives - Action: Heighington PC/Cllr Tinsley
Local support groups will be re-established and details of groups and contact details should be forwarded to the LRF - Action: NKDC
NKDC will continue to provide support to local groups directly and via the LRF- Action: NKDC
NKDC will again be the local Chanel for government grant aid to businesses when these go live – details on the NK website- Action: NKDC
NK culture and leisure buildings closed BUT Whisby park remains open for fitness and wellbeing- Action: NKDC
NK will be promoting Stepping Out walks and other fitness activities during the lockdown- Action: NKDC
ALL OTHER NKDC SERVICES WILL BE MAINTAINED WITH MOST STAFF WORKING REMOTELY
Financial assistance is available for those instructed to isolate through the NHS Test and Trace process.
The contact number to seek assistance during lockdown remains 01522 782189.
Issue -Archer Road Traffic Survey
The survey has been completed and the results forwarded to Heighington PC to decide if any action needs to be taken- Action :Heighington PC.
Issue- NKDC Tree Strategy
NKDC’s first Tree Strategy has been drafted and is now out for consultation. Parish Councils are encouraged to respond to this very important document which forms a fundamental part of our Climate strategy- Action :Parish Councils.
Issue - Council Tax Support Scheme Consultation
North Kesteven District Council is currently considering how it can fund the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme from April 2021 and has put forward proposed changes to the current scheme for public consultation.
Proposed changes to the scheme have been published on our website and there is an open consultation which can be viewed at www.nkesteven.gov.uk/CTSconsultation/
This is an open consultation which started on Monday 26 October and ends at 5pm on Friday 4 December.
Council will agree and approve a final Council Tax Support scheme for 2021/22 when they meet in January 2021.- Action : Parish Councils
Issue - Flood Prevention Measures
Joint letter from PC and ward councillors to be drafted to be sent to LCC as LLFA regarding lack of progress in flood prevention measures since last year Heighington PC/ward councillors- Action : Heighington PC/ Ward Councillors.
Issue -Heighington PC renewable energy.
Principle of renewables confirmed acceptable by LCC Planning Team after discussions w/ Cllr Carrington. PC to explore options for informal review with planners – Cllr Carrington will liaise/facilitate.- Action :Heighington PC/Cllr Carrington
Staff Matters.
122/M/20 Closed Session
The chairman moved that the remainder of the business be held in ‘committee’ and that the public and press be excluded there from for reason that the business to be transacted or advice tendered is of a confidential nature, which could be prejudicial to the public interest to publicise. Members resolved to proceed on that basis, ‘in committee’.
123/M/20 The office staff were having issues with responses to emails. The matter was discussed and noted.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 21.07 hours.
Signed: Date: