September 2022 minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday 27th September 2022 ar 7:30pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Cerrino
Councillor George
Councillor Hemlin
Councillor Pattle
Councillor Rushby
Councillor Trafford
Councillor Sockell (Chairman)
Councillor Sowerby
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
Responsible Finance Officer - Nikki Briscoe
Absent:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor Dziadkiewicz
LCC & NKDC Councillor Ian Carrington
NKDC Councillor Carola Goodwin
Prior to the start of the meeting, attendees stood for a minute’s silence to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Public Participation
There were 9 members of the public present.
The following is a summary of public questions/comments raised:
1. Objections from a resident to planning application 22/0297/FUL (agenda item 6b), for the following reasons: the site is outside the curtilage of the village and not appropriate; other applications for this area have been turned down; the modern design is not in keeping with the other houses in the area; the plots are close to an existing cattle yard and new residents may complain about this; drainage concerns.
2. Objections from a resident to planning application 22/0297/FUL (agenda item 6b), for the following reasons: Concerns over proximity of site to established business, which by its nature generates noise and smells which new residents may complain about; potential stress to the livestock next door to the site; house design not in keeping with the distinctive rural character of the locality.
3. Objections from a resident to planning application 22/0297/FUL (agenda item 6b), for the following reasons: Plans would impinge on the rural nature of the location; would extend the village further out; access road would be very close to the resident’s boundary fence.
4. Objections from a resident to planning application 22/0297/FUL (agenda item 6b), for the following reasons: Resident moved because they wanted to live in a rural location surrounded by fields and crops, not because they wanted to live in the village; new houses would overlook their private back garden; vehicle headlights from the development would shine in their windows.
The agenda commenced at 7:48pm.
070/M/22 To receive apologies for absence, these having been submitted to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Buckley-Jones. NKDC Councillor Goodwin also sent apologies.
071/M/22 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations
There were no Requests for Dispensations.
The Clerk declared a personal interest in agenda item 14 (minute 083/M/22).
072/M/22 To approve the draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 11th July 2022 and for the Chairman to sign them as the agreed minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Hemlin, seconded by Cllr Pattle and resolved to approve the minutes.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
073/M/22 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC
a. 22/1275/TCA. T1 Magnolia – prune and re-shape in line with red line on image provided. The Granary, High Street, Heighington.
Council had no comments.
b. 22/1307/TCA. T1 Laburnum – fell. T2 Laburnum – crown lift to give statutory highway clearance. Mulberry House, Mill Lane, Heighington.
Council had no comments.
074/M/22 To note tree decision notices from NKDC
No tree decisions received.
075/M/22 To consider planning application received from NKDC
a. 22/1260/HOUS. Extension of detached garage. The Stables, The Old stackyard, Heighington. No comments.
b. 22/0977/FUL. Erection of 5no. detached two storey dwellings with associated garage including formation of associated access road and junction with Fen Road and provision of footway connection. Land at Holmleigh Farm, Fen Road, Heighington.
Council had major concerns about this application and resolved to submit an objection. The following is the objection submitted:
(All policies referenced below are from the currently adopted Central Lincolnshire Local Plan).
1. As per Policy LP2 (The Spatial Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy), Heighington is designated as a large village and most growth (with some exceptional circumstances) is “expected to be via sites allocated in the plan, or appropriate infill, intensification or renewal within the existing developed footprint”. This site does not fit the criteria.
2. Policy LP26 (Design and Amenity), design principle 6 states that development “should not result in ribbon development, nor extend existing linear features of the settlement, and instead retain a tight village nucleus”. This development if permitted would exacerbate ribbon development on Fen Road.
3. Under Policy LP52 (Residential Allocations – Large Villages), Heighington has been allocated a development quota of 47 homes in order to meet its expected residential needs for the duration of the current Local Plan. The Lindum development on Fen Road and other infill approved planning applications along Washingborough Road more than meet this quota.
4. This proposed development is contrary to Policy LP55 (Development in the Countryside), part D (New dwellings in the countryside). The site is not an appropriate location for residential development as it is beyond the developed footprint and is in a distinctly rural area of Fen Road. This development will have an adverse impact on the rural and spacious character of that part of Fen Road.
5. The Flood Risk Map submitted identifies the extent of flooding in the area from rivers or the sea. The main flooding risk in Heighington is from ground sources. The Design and Access Statement refers to a “sustainable” surface water drainage system utilising soakaways and the current balancing pond. Soakaways are known to be ineffective at this location. The drainage ditch would deliver increased surface run off water towards Fen Road and would not have a properly maintained or adopted outfall into Heighington Beck. Furthermore, the application does not state how the balancing pond and drainage ditch will be maintained in the future.
6. The village already suffers from serious traffic congestion with people routinely choosing to travel by car rather than walk. As this site is considerably more distant than other residential areas it is unreasonable to assume people would walk. It is noted that all the proposed properties will have double garages.
7. It is not clear whether appropriate consent has been obtained from the relevant landowner who owns the verge, to create a footpath and install lighting from the proposed site along Fen Road to the junction of Newcot Lane.
8. If approved, we believe this planning application will set a precedent for the development of further green field sites along Fen Road.
7 members of public left the meeting (7:55pm).
076/M/22 To note planning decision notices from NKDC
a. 22/0408/HOUS. Erection of a one and half storey rear extension. 17 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1RG. Application approved.
b. 22/0488/HOUS. Erection of a detached garage with playroom/home office together with retrospective application for alterations to access, erection of new boundary fence and gates, oil storage tank and erection of wooden outbuilding. The White House, Fen Road, Heighington. Application approved.
c. 22/0586/HOUS. Erection of single storey side extension and installation of 1.8m high walls. 10 Bells Meadow, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1LD. Application approved.
d. 22/0601/HOUS. Single storey rear and side extension. 81 Washingborough Road, Heighington. Application approved.
e. 22/0603/HOUS. Single storey rear extension, alterations to front extension and provision of new entrance porch. 27 Fen Road, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1JL. Application approved.
f. 22/0797/HOUS. Single storey rear extension. 25 Sheppards Close, Heighington. Application approved.
g. 22/0658/HOUS. Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and erection of a new single storey extension and internal alterations. 6 Sheepwash Lane, Heighington. Application approved.
The NKDC planning decisions were noted.
077/M/22 To note any decisions taken under delegated powers (as per July Full Council minute ref 058/M/22)
Council noted planning comments taken offline plus a decision regarding a parish council contribution of £500 towards the bowls green autumn renovation, these decisions being taken under delegated powers (as per minute ref 058/M/22).
078/M/22 To review and agree to accept the new NKDC Code of Conduct and for all councillors to sign up for receipt of the new Code
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Hemlin and resolved, to adopt the new NKDC Code of Conduct. Councillors were requested to sign the Receipt of Code of Conduct form and to submit updated Register of Interests, as required by NKDC Monitoring Officer.
079/M/22 To review and approve revised Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Hemlin and resolved, to approve the revised Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
Financial matters:
080/M/22 To approve the monthly accounts for July and August
It was proposed by Cllr Rushby, seconded by Cllr Sowerby and resolved, to approve the July and August accounts.
081/M/22 To review the latest water bill for Station Road and agree any actions required
The RFO clarified that a large water bill has been received and now paid. The size of the bill could be caused by a historical issue when the meter was not working correctly; sewage charges applied to usage by the bowls irrigation system (which we are currently trying to resolve); plus, consumption by the irrigation system.
The bill was noted, and it was resolved to discuss this further as part of the hire charges and terms and conditions agenda item at October’s Full Council meeting.
082/M/22 To approve setting up the RFO with online access to the Co-operative account to easily facilitate transfer of funds between bank accounts, as per delegated authority in Financial Regulations
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Cerrino and resolved, to set the RFO up with online access to the Co-operative bank account.
The Clerk left the room (8:10pm).
083/M/22 To appoint an internal auditor for financial year 2022-23
It was proposed by Cllr Pattle, seconded by Cllr Hemlin and resolved, to go with the LALC Internal Auditor services for 2022-23.
The Clerk returned to the room (8:17pm).
084/M/22 To agree to remain ‘opted in’ to the current external audit arrangements provided by the Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments (SAAA)
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Cerrino and resolved, to remain opted in, to these external audit arrangements.
085/M/22 To note the external audit completion report from PKF Littlejohn
The completion report was noted. Cllr Sockell passed on council’s thanks to the RFO for the successful audit.
086/M/22 To feedback on public consultation ideas for the Zero Carbon Parishes project and agree which meet the criteria for potentially progressing
There was discussion about the suggestions put forward by parishioners (both from the drop-in session held in September and subsequent ideas emailed in). Councillors agreed that expenditure under the Zero Carbon parishes project should be visible to parishioners.
It was resolved to investigate the following ideas further, with a view to bringing back costed options to October’s Full Council meeting: Cycle stands at Station Road recreation ground and Potterhanworth Road sports ground; improved loft and pipework insulation and energy-efficient LED lighting for Jubilee Hall; wildflower planting.
087/M/22 To agree plans for use of the High Street telephone box
It was proposed by Cllr Cerrino, seconded by Cllr George and resolved, to convert the High Street telephone box into a book and seed swap, with a maximum budget of £150 allocated for this. Cllr Sowerby volunteered to install additional shelving and look at installing an appropriate solar-powered light.
088/M/22 To note a request received from a resident regarding traffic calming measures on Washingborough Road and agree actions if applicable
It was noted that a previous speed survey by Highways on Washingborough Road had determined there was not a speed issue. Speed bumps would not be considered by Highways as this is a main road.
It was resolved to get the parish council’s battery powered speed sign back up and running (Cllr Cerrino volunteered) and to investigate solar-powered speed signs (similar to those installed in Branston).
Council also requested that an update is sought from LCC Cllr Carrington regarding the Sheepwash Road improvements.
A councillor also noted traffic congestion issues on the High Street and asked for an update from the brewery regarding plans for the old village hall, and whether this area could be used for parking to alleviate the problems on the road.
089/M/22 To consider a request from the Christmas Market committee, to use Station Road recreation field for stall holder parking
Councillors had concerns about potential damage to the ground if bad weather; the cost of repairing any such damage; liability for any damage to vehicles whilst on the site; and possible risk to pedestrians or users of the recreation ground, particularly given the proximity of the children’s play area to where it has been proposed the vehicles are parked.
It was clarified that the Christmas Market committee hold £5m public liability insurance; that only stallholders would be permitted to park there, not members of the public; that a security company would be in attendance when vehicles were entering and when exiting the site; that a call would be made on the day regarding weather and ground conditions.
It was resolved to permit this request, subject to further clarification and checks with our insurance company, an appropriate Risk Assessment, and a call being made on the day regarding the weather.
Two members of the public left (9:10pm).
090/M/22 To receive details of litter picks by a resident for the second quarter of the year and note the community litter pick on Sunday 16 October (10:00 – 12:00)
The litter pick data was noted. Councillors were encouraged to take part in the community litter pick on 16 October if possible.
091/M/22 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only)
Update from County Councillor Carrington:
No report had been received.
Update from NKDC Councillor Tinsley:
Heighington, Washingborough & Canwick - September 2022
Covid
Covid cases have dropped dramatically since the last report as shown below.
Data as at date shown:
• England 53 (26 Aug) positive tests per 100,000 compared to 237 (28 Jun)
• Heighington area 68 (26 Aug) compared to 217 (1 Jul)
• Washingborough & Canwick area 43 (26 Aug) compared to 362 (15 Jul)
From Wed 7 Sep 22, invitations will be sent to over 75s and those who are immunosuppressed to have their autumn booster. Health and care workers will also be included in this rollout.
StreetSafe
The Home Office has released an online reporting tool to support the Government's strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. Reports can be made anonymously flagging up issues such as poor street lighting, abandoned buildings, poorly designed spaces or vandalism which might make people feel unsafe. Information can be found on the Lincolnshire Police website at https://www.lincs.police.uk/notices/street-safe/street-safe/.
Home Energy Upgrade Scheme
Residents whose homes are EPC rated E or lower and are on a household income after tax of up to £30K can apply to the Home Energy Upgrade Scheme to get homes better insulated and other energy-saving and green improvements free of charge. Information can be found at https://www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/residents/sustainability-what-can-you-do/home-energy-upgrade-scheme/ .
Cost-of-Living Assistance
Around 6 million disabled people will receive a one-off cost-of-living payment in the 2 weeks commencing 20 Sep. The scheme is being managed by DWP and not NKDC.
Other payments to assist with cost-of-living include staged assistance totalling £400 for all households to help with energy bills and an extra £150 for properties in Council Tax bands A-D.
This report was written prior to any potential announcement on cost-of-living assistance by the new Prime Minister.
092/M/22 CLOSED SESSION. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following staffing item(s) on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
It was proposed by Cllr Sockell, seconded by Cllr Rushby and resolved to move into closed session.
NKDC Cllr Tinsley, the Clerk and RFO left the meeting (9:15pm).
093/M/22 To review Employment Committee terms of reference and membership
It was resolved to authorise 10 hours of overtime to the Clerk to look at the Employment Committee terms of reference and staff contracts and report back to the Employment Committee with recommendations.
The meeting closed at 9.30pm.
Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the Clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes of Council proceedings until they are approved and signed at the next meeting.