July 2021 Minutes
A meeting was held on Monday 12th July 2021, in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington and commenced at 19:00 to receive a presentation from Ian Lawrence from Lincolnshire Airsoft Club regarding the retrospective planning for the change of use of agricultural land and buildings to leisure use at Poplar Farm. There were 13 members of the public present. The presentation followed by a question-and-answer session took place outdoors to comply with Covid restrictions.
Public Participation There were 3 members of the public present. One member of the public read a statement asking the Parish Council to consider opening the Jubilee Hall for a party on New Year’s Eve.
Present: Councillor Buckley-Jones (Chairman)
Councillor Rushby
Councillor George
Councillor Nicklin
Councillor Trafford
Councillor Dziadkiewicz
District & County Councillor Carrington
District Councillor Tinsley
District Councillor Goodwin
Clerk E. Salter
Responsible Finance Officer N. Briscoe
051/M/21 Chairman’s welcome.
The Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for coming. The Chairman informed members that due to the number of residents in attendance, the planning applications 20/1247/FUL and 20/1247FUL would be discussed outside to comply with Covid restrictions.
Planning applications received from NKDC.
052/M/21 20/1246/FUL Poplar Bank Farm, Bardney Road, Heighington. Retrospective planning application for the change of use of agricultural land and buildings to leisure use.
053/M/21 20/1247/FUL Poplar Bank Farm, Bardney Road, Heighington. Retrospective planning application for the change of agricultural land and retention/completion of trenches and bunds for Airsoft leisure use.
Heighington Parish Council are unable to make any decision whether or not to support or object to these applications at this time because we need further information and clarification about two issues:
- In the business plan there is no indication how the applicant intends to ensure that all participants use biodegradable pellets.
- The applicant states that 90% of the pellets degrade quickly with the remaining 10% taking longer but does not give actual time scales of these processes. There is concern about this land because it forms part of the area that drains into the water catchment area for the drinking water supplied to the surrounding villages. It also falls within the flood risk area.
- The Acoustic Report concentrates on noise levels within the buildings, however, there is considerable concern about noise levels originating outside, particularly with the use of pyrotechnics in the evenings and at weekends as the land around this site is very level and noise can travel considerable distances. Heighington Parish Council would like further information about this.
- If planning permission is granted Heighington Parish Council would like the recommendations contained within the Acoustic Report to form part of the conditions and be fully implemented.
Councillor Sockell requested the following to be read out.
I was hosted on the morning of 13 June by the members of Airsoft to better understand their proposal on behalf of the Parish Council. Also in attendance was a representative from NKDC planning and a guy recording sounds levels.
I was at the site for approximately 4 hours. I had a tour of the site and met members of the club whose ages ranged from young people (9 years) to adults who were all meeting in the rest area prior to the games. They demonstrated an indoor and outdoor game both of which I had to be informed was going on. The noise levels were negligible as proved by the sound man who could not even gain recording on his equipment. He was with the nearest resident whilst recording.
The pellets they use are made of biodegradable corn starch and sugar so would not be an environmental hazard.
I feel this is an excellent thing for young people to join in it develops social skills and teamwork and they interact with all age groups. I feel this would be an asset to the village.
I stress that I made my observations on behalf of the council but would like it recorded that I see no objection to this proposal.
Councillor Sue Sockell
054/M/21 To receive Apologies for Absence, Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensations.
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received from Councillor Sockell, Councillor Hemlin, Councillor Grimshaw, Councillor Pattle and Mrs Inman. Apologies had not been received from Councillor Cann.
Declarations of Interest: There were no Declarations of Interest.
Requests for Dispensations: There were no Requests for Dispensations.
055/M/21 To approve Clerk’s Notes.
The draft notes from the meeting of the Parish Council on Monday 14th June 2021 were taken as read and approved as minutes.
Planning Matters and Tree Works.
Tree works received from NKDC.
No tree works applications were considered at this meeting.
Tree works decision notices received from NKDC.
056/M/21 21/0851/TCA 71 High Street, Heighington. T1 Acer negundo radially reduce from 7m to 4m and reduce in height from 13m to 8m. T2 Acer platanoides – reduce house side from 4m to 2m and reduce in height from 12m to 8m. Notification received from North Kesteven District Council that a Tree Protection Order is not required.
Planning applications received from NKDC.
057/M/21 21/0957/HOUS Brunssum 4 Beck Lane, Heighington. Demolition of existing detached garage and erection of two storey building with ground floor garage and first floor family annexe. Members had no comment to make on this application but were disappointed that no green technologies were to be used in this application.
058/M/21 21/0962/HOUS 32 Almond Avenue, Heighington. Proposed 2 storey side and rear extensions with hard landscaping. Members considered this application and had no comment to make. It was noted that there was no indication of green technology associated with this application.
059/M/21 21/0695/HOUS & 21/0696/LBC The Hermitage, Mill Lane, Heighington. Conversion & extension of existing potting shed to create annex accommodation ancillary to the dwelling. Members considered this application and had no comment to make. Councillors were thrilled that solar panels and an air source heat pump were to be installed on this conversion/extension.
- Planning decision notices received from NKDC.
No planning decision notices have been received.
Councillor Dziadkiewicz requested that item 9 on the agenda be discussed before the remainder of business due to two members of the public being present with an interest in this item.
060/M/21 To consider the revision of Hire Agreements and Booking Forms for Jubilee Hall.
Further to minute number 025/M/21 of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 17th May 2021, new hire agreements and booking forms had been drawn up for the re-opening of Jubilee Hall on 6th September 2021. These documents were distributed to all Councillor’s prior to the meeting. There was some discussion regarding the wording in the hire agreement on item 6 (Compliance with the Children’s Act 1989) and with Item 10 (Damage), the Clerk agreed to have both items reworded. Councillor George also questioned the vacation time from the building and a discussion took place regarding the hall closure over bank holiday periods. (Minute no 79/R/19 from the Policy and Resources Committee meeting, 20th April 2020) As this was not an agenda item the Chairman invited Councillor George to write to the clerk with a proposed motion if he wishes to raise this matter at the next or subsequent Council meeting.
Two members of the public left the meeting.
061/M/21 Clerk’s report (for information only).
- The Parish Council have received notice from North Kesteven District Council that planning permission is not required for the installation of solar panels at Station Road pavilion. UK Eco Energy are due to start the installation on Monday 2nd August.
- To note that the dog bin has been removed from Canterbury Drive.
- The clerking team have received notification from Lindum Construction that they are awaiting delivery of the grass matting and works will commence within the next few weeks.
- Hurricane Sports Foundation will be hosting a sporting fun day at Station Road on Tuesday 27th July for children of the village.
- To note that Lincolnshire County Council are looking to appoint a school crossing patrol person at Millfield Primary Academy.
062/M/21 Correspondence (Read file for Members’ perusal).
- Letter from Assistant Chief Constable Chris Davison regarding Neighbourhood Policing.
- Caretaker vacancy and job description.
- Summer opening hours at Branston Community Library.
Financial Matters.
063/M/21 To approve the monthly accounts for June 2021.
The monthly accounting statements for June 2021 were approved by Councillor Rushby during the meeting. It was resolved to approve the monthly accounts for June 2021.
To note that the forms have been completed to add Councillor George as a signatory on the Co-operative Bank Account. (Minute number 133/M/20)
To note changes to the charges on the Unity Trust Bank account for cash and cheque transactions.
To note that a refund of VAT for £2,430.35 was received on 6th July 2021.
To note that Total Gas and Power Limited has been rebranded to TotalEnergies.
064/M/21 To note the Central Lincolnshire Daft Local Plan Consultation.
The Central Lincolnshire authorities are preparing a new Local Plan to replace the existing plan that was adopted in 2017. The new plan builds on the strengths of the existing plan and looks to address climate change, housing, employment, infrastructure, natural and historic environment and much more. Members were advised to look at the plan on the consultation website and contact the clerking team with any comments by the 16th August 2021, so that they can be co-ordinated and submitted. County Councillor Carrington informed members that the consultation had been extended by two weeks.
065/M/21 To consider the Grant Application from the Heighington Christmas Market
Committee.
A grant application had been received from the Heighington Christmas Market Committee to help fund the event management company. Members resolved to provide a grant of £200.00 to the Committee.
066/M/21 To consider the installation of CCTV at Station Road and discuss the quotations received.
Further to minute number 7/G/21 from the Property and Finance Committee meeting on Monday 28th June, the committee wish to install CCTV at Station Road. Two quotations had been obtained and the clerk informed members of a meeting with Lincoln Security to obtain a further like for like quotation and this will be forwarded to all Councillors. Members resolved to accept whichever is the more competitive quotation within a margin of 10% and that the work should proceed as soon as possible.
067/M/21 To consider whether to temporarily delegate certain administrative functions to office staff during the August recess.
During August there will be no routine meeting of the Parish Council, a short housekeeping meeting has been pencilled in on 9th August 2021 should it be required.
The Chairman reminded Councillors that staff will be on holiday at various times during the recess period. Bank signatories were reminded to let the RFO know of their holiday dates. Councillors resolved to delegate any necessary decisions to the Clerk and RFO in consultation with the two Committee Chairmen and the Parish Council Chairman before actioning.
068/M/21 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information
only).
District Councillors' Report
Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick
July 2021
Covid
Date as of 10 July 21:
- No deaths in North Kesteven within past 28 days
- 118 (Washingborough/Canwick area)/186 (Heighington area) positive tests per 100,000
- North Kesteven 150 positive tests per 100,000
- England 277 positive tests per 100,000
- 87% of adult population have had 1st dose.
- 65% have had 2nd dose.
Although case numbers are rising significantly and are likely to increase further as restrictions are relaxed on 19 July, there has only been one Covid related death reported in North Kesteven since the end of March 2021.
Climate Change
It has been 2 years since NKDC declared a climate emergency. Much work has been done since then in pursuit of the Council’s goal to achieve Net Zero by 2030 although Covid has diverted away some attention. The initiative will now be the focus of a new campaign entitled ‘Act On Climate’ which will be underpinned by a major communications push to inform on the broader programme going forward.
NKDC leader, Richard Wright, will sign up to a UK100 pledge at Full Council on 15 July ‘to do everything within our power and influence to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2030 and work with our residents and businesses to bring our wider communities’ emissions in line with Net Zero as soon as possible’.
Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (CLLP)
The CLLP, which represents City of Lincoln, West Lindsey and North Kesteven, is currently out for consultation until 24 August. The plan contains key policy updates with a distinct focus on climate change which is reflected in carbon-neutral building standards, harnessing renewable energy, and encouraging sustainable transport, plus much more.
A consultation hub is available online and Parish Councils will have access to a webpage containing key evidence documents which underpin the consultation.
2021 NK Community Champion Awards
These awards have been launched to recognise the contributions made by individuals, groups, and businesses to life in North Kesteven. Further details can be found at www.NKawards.org and the deadline for nominations is 1200 on 1 Sep 21.
069/M/21 To resolve to move into 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’.
070/M/21 & 071/M/21 Staff matters
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:40 hours.
Signed: Date: