September 2026 Minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 14th September 2026 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor McCaig
Councillor Raphael
Councillor Sockell (Chair)
Councillor Trafford (Vice Chair)
Councillor Yeates
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
NKDC Councillor Harrington
Absent:
Councillor Catterson
Councillor Farrington
Councillor George
Councillor Watkinson
LCC/NKDC Councillor Carrington
NKDC Councillor Goodwin
There was 1 member of the public present.
Public participation
There were no questions.
099/M/26 To receive and accept apologies, where valid reasons for absence have been submitted to the clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies and valid reasons for absence had been received from Cllrs Catterson, Farrington, George and Watkinson. It was proposed by Cllr Trafford, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to accept these.
Apologies had also been received from LCC/NKD Cllr Carrington and NKDC Cllr Goodwin.
100/M/26 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations.
There were none.
101/M/26 To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Monday 13th July 2026 and for the chair to sign these as the agreed minutes.
It was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Raphael and resolved to approve the July minutes. These were duly signed by the Chair.
102/M/26 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
NKDC Cllr Harrington gave the following update:
- Local Government Review (LGR) has been paused for Government review.
- May 2027 elections will now be held for NKDC rather than the shadow authority, as per LGR.
103/M/26 To note the list of correspondence and meetings since the July council meeting.
This was noted.
Financial matters:
104/M/26 To approve the monthly accounts for July and August 2026, including List of Payments, Summary of Receipts and Payments and Bank Reconciliation.
The July bank reconciliation had been checked and signed in advance by Cllr Yeates and the August bank reconciliation checked and signed by Cllr Trafford.
Bank balances at the end of July were: Co-op current £5,000.00, Co-op Instant Access £55,241.12, Unity Trust current £46,750.66, PSDF £48,000, Unity Trust Instant Access £41,026.29.
Bank balances at the end of August were: Co-op current £5,000.00, Co-op Instant Access £55,241.12, Unity Trust current £38,071.67, PSDF £48,000, Unity Trust Instant Access £41,026.29.
There were no questions, and it was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to approve the accounts, as presented.
105/M/26 To note overtime worked in June and paid in July, and overtime worked in July and paid in August.
This was noted.
At this point the Chair agreed to bring forward agenda item 17 (To consider a number of requests from Heighington Cricket Club).
106/M/26 To consider a number of requests from Heighington Cricket Club.
The following requests had been received from the Cricket Club:
- Replace existing old fridge (Council asset) at the Potterhanworth pavilion with a newer fridge/freezer (provided by the Club).
- Build a metal cage for the practice nets. To be stored outdoors (on the outfield) when not in use.
- Provide food and refreshments, including alcohol.
A representative from the Cricket Club was invited to speak by the Chair. They explained that the Club doesn’t provide afternoon teas anymore, they are expanding and likely to hold more games each year, and they are looking at ways to raise money for the Club. They currently hold occasional barbeques and members bring their own alcohol.
The Club are hoping to be able to provide pre-packaged sandwiches and crisps/snacks, hold more regular barbeques and sell alcohol to members and guests.
The current fridge works however has not been looked after and is not kept clean by people using it. If the Club are permitted to proceed with this initiative, they would appoint someone to be responsible for cleaning and removal of rubbish.
The Club already have the practice nets and have acquired steel poles to construct a cage. They would like to be able to practice through the winter.
Council discussed the requests and there were a number of questions and concerns raised.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved that:
- The Cricket Club should contact NKDC licencing team and the local pubs in the first instance, to see whether it would be feasible for them to apply for a premises licence, and what restrictions would be imposed on them.
- Cllrs Sockell and Trafford will meet with the Cricket Club representative at the Potterhanworth Road pavilion to get a better idea of what is being proposed.
- All parties will feedback to the next Council meeting.
The member of public left the meeting (7:35pm).
107/M/26 To note the AGAR (Annual Governance and Accountability Return) external audit report for 2025-26.
The external audit report and certificate, including auditor’s limited assurance opinion was noted. The Clerk confirmed that the wording on Section 2, box 11 of the AGAR (relating to trust transactions) had been changed this year (to use the wording ‘exclude’ rather than ‘include’ as per previous years) and a number of councils had been caught out by this when answering the question.
108/M/26 To retrospectively approve an estimated payment of £400 net to EKM Ltd for repairs to the safety surface at the Station Road recreation ground entrance, approved by the Clerk and RFO as a Health & Safety issue, under delegated powers.
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to retrospectively approve this payment.
109/M/26 To retrospectively approve an additional payment of £165 net for a more intrusive structural survey of the bus shelter beams, approved by the Clerk and RFO, under delegated powers, and to increase budget line 19 (Street fixtures projects) from reserves to cover this amount.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to retrospectively approve this payment.
110/M/26 To note agreement of the 2026 Local Government pay settlement, effective 1 April 2026, to be implemented as soon as possible (including backpay).
The Clerk confirmed that 3.3% had been awarded. The backpay calculations have been done, and this will be paid in September’s payroll. This was noted.
111/M/26 To note receipt of the finalised lease with NKDC for Almond Avenue play area, including contact details for NKDC Asset Management team, and agree next steps following the recent annual play inspection report.
The lease was noted and the Clerk will arrange registration of the lease with HM Land Registry, as required.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved for a Working Group to be formed to review the last annual play inspection report for the Almond Avenue play area and prioritise what work needs doing first. Cllrs McCaig, Trafford and Catterson (if in agreement) to be on the Working Group. Quotes for any maintenance work can then be obtained by Officers.
112/M/26 To consider further findings and agree actions following a more intrusive structural survey of the bus shelter.
The updated structural survey had been shared with councillors. A councillor observed that the seat brackets are cracked.
Cllrs Sockell and Buckley-Jones had submitted a grant request to LCC Cllr Carrington, towards replacement of the bus shelter and we are awaiting feedback. It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr McCaig and resolved to consider building up a reserve over the next three years.
113/M/26 To consider options for the damaged guttering at Potterhanworth Road pavilion.
Cllr Trafford confirmed that the guttering at the back of the pavilion is plastic and is in reasonable condition whilst that at the front of the pavilion is metal and is damaged. This has also allowed water damage to the soffit and fascia boards at the front.
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Raphael and resolved to get quotes for plastic guttering and UPVC soffit and fascia boards and bring these back to a future meeting for consideration.
114/M/26 To receive feedback on phone box renovations at other councils (as per minute 088/M/26) and consider options for the phone box in Heighington.
Canwick had shared details of their phone box renovation which had been done in-situ, using volunteers. The Clerk confirmed that at this point, the Council does not own the phone box on the High Street.
It was proposed by Cllr McCaig, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to see if there is any interest from the local community to renovate the phone box, whilst also confirming the procedure with the Community Heartbeat Trust (current owners of the phone box) for taking over its ownership.
115/M/26 To consider a request from u3a Railway Group for a lock on the door to the room used at Station Road pavilion.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr McCaig and resolved to agree to the door lock on the following conditions:
- The work needs to be done by a contractor appointed by the Council.
- The work should not compromise the structure of the fire door.
- The lock should have a means of opening without a key from the inside, so that nobody can get locked in the room.
- The Railway Group will be asked to fund the work. (Officers will obtain quotes and share this information with the Railway Group).
116/M/26 To receive an update on progress with actions following the annual play inspection (as per minute 083/M/26).
The update was noted.
117/M/26 To consider co-option application(s) for the current vacancy.
No applications had been received.
118/M/26 To receive an update on previous actions.
It was confirmed that Bowls Club have now introduced appropriate storage for the petrol used for the mower. The update was noted.
119/M/26 To receive an update on chafer grubs, moles and Ragwort on council land, and groundwater levels.
Cllr Trafford reported that there was no Ragwort, there probably won’t be any chafer grubs until October, and we have moles on the Potterhanworth Road lower field.
Cllr Buckley-Jones reported there was no rain in July, 60mm in August and the year-to-date figures equate to 86% of our average annual rainfall.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
110/M/26 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC (including those considered between meetings)
a. 26/0898/TCA. Notification of Intended Works to Trees in a Conservation Area. (See application 26/0911/TPO for T1). T2 - Sycamore - Approx 12m in height with a spread of approx 6m - Reduce canopy by up to 2.5m all round. T3 - Cherry - Approx 6m in height with a spread of approx 3m - Remove 1 singular branch from within canopy to suitable growth point. 19 Back Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RH.
Considered offline – Council had no comments.
b. 26/0911/TPO. Application of Proposed Works to Trees Subject to Tree Preservation Order. T1 - Ash - Approx 12m in height with a spread of approx 9m - Reduce canopy by up to 2.5m all round, reducing extended growth to match shape of the tree and thin by approx 10% (See application 26/0898/TCA for T2 & T3). 19 Back Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RH.
Considered offline – Council had no comments.
c. 26/1021/TCA. Notification of Intended Works to Trees in a Conservation Area. T1 - Silver Birch - Reduce in height by up to 3m, lateral Branches up to 2m. Anything overhanging the neighbours on the East side, reduce back to the boundary fence line. T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 - self set Sycamores - To reduce height by up to 2m back to previous pruning cuts, will be roughly the same height as the apple tree in the middle of them. T7 - Cherry plum, reduce in height by about 2m to the same size as the apple tree next to it. 74 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1JS.
Council had no comments.
d. 26/1023/TPO. Application of Proposed Works to Trees Subject to Tree Preservation Order. T1 - Silver Birch - reduce the height by at least 12ft and the lateral branches by 6ft. 26 Back Lane, Heighington, Lincoln, LN4 1RH.
Council had no comments.
111/M/26 To note that tree decision notices are no longer issued by NKDC and that decisions can be viewed via the planning portal 6 weeks after validation for Conservation Area tree works notifications and Hedgerow Removal notices, and 8 weeks after validation for applications of proposed works to trees subject to a TPO..
This was noted.
112/M/26 To note the planning applications received from NKDC for consideration (including those considered between meetings).
a. 26/0706/FUL. Engineering operations to regrade the existing football field, provide a drainage basin and earth bunds plus installation of a discovery zone and associated landscaping. Heighington Millfield Primary Academy, Mill Lane, Heighington.
Considered offline – Council submitted the following objections:
This is a late planning application for a project that has been in progress since March of this year. The size and nature of the works have alarmed local residents.
The project appears to have been planned on the basis of a desktop assessment and work started with little consultation of local residents, and very little information given to the community.
There was no proper Tree Survey or Flood Risk Assessment done before starting the work.
The project seems to be exempt from the statutory Biodiversity Net Gain requirement, although it does comply with the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Policy 60 by retaining existing vegetation. There will also be some biodiversity enhancements as wildflower meadows and tree planting will take place.
We are concerned that the project appears to have been started without consulting local residents who have detailed knowledge on the history of flooding in that area of the village, and in particular how the stream overtops in that area. This was a missed opportunity at the early stages of planning.
As residents of neighbouring Stoyles Way have pointed out, the Rockfill Gabion inlet spillway is not in line with previous overtopping events and appears to be at the wrong height. Figure 9 - Flow path of Branston (Heighington) Beck, on page 10 of the Flood Risk Assessment shows where the stream overtops but a bund has been created at this point so the water will not flow into the drainage basin and will not be able to flow into the school grounds as previously but will instead carry on down the path and spill into the gardens and properties of Stoyles Way.
Figure 21 – EA Risk of Flooding from Surface Water, on page 16 of the Flood Risk Assessment shows this path is already at high risk of flooding. The inlet spillway which will also act as a secondary spillway out of the basin in case of flooding is not aligned downstream but is actually aligned upstream. This spillway has already been constructed.
The documentation provided also fails to take into effect the temporary spring that arises in the rear garden of 11 Washingborough Road and runs through other gardens in Washingborough Road, to the north side of the path running north of the school site and then joins the ground water and surface water at the main school entrance. Ground water here has caused extensive damage to properties during previous flooding events.
The Detailed Design Report states that the primary objective of the project is to reduce fluvial flooding from Branston (Heighington) Beck to the main school buildings and that the SUDs intervention and flood bunds are designed to keep water in the western area of the school grounds, away from critical school infrastructure. Neither the Detailed Design Report nor the Flood Risk Assessment show how these major works will not impact flooding elsewhere in the village.
The Detailed Design Report states that the flood water will be discharged into the existing Anglian Water drainage network. However, the pumping station is located at the lowest point in Heighington (on Park Lane) and regularly floods meaning it cannot operate – creating knock-on flooding in the area. Detailed engagement with Anglian Water does not appear to have taken place - a key omission at the design stage.
There is no evidence of the project contractors consulting with the lead local flood authority so that the scheme at the school could work in conjunction with the planned works by the Rivers Trust upstream. This was another lost opportunity to use local knowledge at the early stage.
The comments by the Environment Agency point out the risk of a breach in the raised embankment resulting in fast flowing water flooding neighbouring properties and we concur with these comments.
We believe that the project should be paused until the contractors have properly consulted with local residents, the lead local flood authority, also the Environment Agency, and Anglian Water.
b. 26/0844/HOUS. Single-storey rear extension and internal alterations. 26 Park Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RF.
Considered offline – Council had no comments.
c. 26/0875/HOUS. Demolition of conservatory and erection of a single storey side extension. 26 High Street, Heighington, LN4 1JS.
Considered offline – Council had no comments.
d. 26/0876/LBC. Demolish existing conservatory and erect a single storey side extension. 26 High Street, Heighington, LN4 1JS.
Considered offline – Council had no comments.
e. 26/0706/FUL. Notification of Receipt of Amended Plans/ Additional Information. Engineering operations to regrade the existing football field, provide a drainage basin and earth bunds plus installation of a discovery zone and associated landscaping (part retrospective). Heighington Millfield Primary Academy, Mill Lane, Heighington.
Considered offline – Council submitted further objections:
Our original objections to this planning application still stand. In addition:
1. The revised drainage plans still show the gabions in the place where they are now so this structure will not allow water from the beck to flow into the capture area. It needs to be where the water flows as indicated on Figure 9 – Flow Path of the Branston Beck, page 10 of the original Flood Risk Assessment document.
2. The Flood Risk Assessment Addendum report states that “The scheme has been designed to reduce flood risk to Heighington Millfield Primary Academy whilst maintaining existing floodplain flow routes and ensuring flood risk is not increased elsewhere.” It does not give any details as to how ‘flood risk is not increased elsewhere’ will be attained.
f. 26/0875/HOUS. Notification of Receipt of Amended Plans/ Additional Information. Demolition of conservatory and erection of a single storey side extension. 26 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln.
Council had no comments.
g. 26/0876.LBC. Notification of Receipt of Amended Plans/ Additional Information. Demolition of conservatory and erection of a single storey side extension. 26 High Street, Heighington, Lincoln.
Council had no comments.
h. 26/0906/FUL. Change of use of area of shared garden to allow seating for customers to use during the Spring & Summer months (retrospective). By The Beck Coffee And Gift Shop, 9 High Street, Heighington.
Council had no comments.
113/M/26 To note, for consideration, an appeal against NKDC’s Enforcement Notice ENF005-26, for alleged breach at Land North of Brinkle Springs Lane and Fen Road, Heighington, LN41EA.
This was noted. Council had no comments.
114/M/26 To note planning decision notices from NKDC.
a. 26/0783/HOUS. Erection of detached garage. Stamford Lodge, Chapel Lane, Heighington. Application approved.
b. 26/0844/HOUS. Single-storey rear extension and internal alterations. 26 Park Lane, Heighington. Application approved.
The decisions were noted.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8:37 pm.
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.