January 2026 minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 12th January 2026 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor Catterson
Councillor Farrington
Councillor George
Councillor Raphael
Councillor Sockell (Chair)
Councillor Trafford (Vice Chair)
Councillor Watkinson
Councillor Yeates
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
LCC/NKDC Councillor Ian Carrington
Absent:
Councillor Craig
Councillor Driver
RFO – Nikki Briscoe
NKDC Councillor Carola Goodwin
NKDC Councillor Reece Harrington
There was 1 member of the public present.
Public participation
There were no questions or comments. The Chair confirmed that the member of public would be permitted to speak when it came to the relevant agenda item (181/M/25).
177/M/25 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 Craig and Driver. It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to accept these.
Apologies had also been received from the RFO and from NKDC Cllr Goodwin.
178/M/25 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations.
Cllr Trafford declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda items 15 (minute 181/M/25) and 28 (204/M/25).
179/M/25 To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Monday 8th December 2025 and for the chair to sign these as the agreed minutes.
It was proposed by Cllr Catterson, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to approve the December minutes. These were duly signed by the Chair.
180/M/25 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
Cllr Carrington gave the following LCC update:
- Work starts on the North Hykeham relief road in March, with planned completion in Q1-Q2 of 2029. There will be a number of public events held in February showing the archaeological finds from the site.
- £1.3m has been cut from the Highways repair budget.
- LCC are currently reviewing their 2026-27 budget. Currently the draft budget is running at an increase of 4.99%, however options are being considered to cut this.
- The Mayor’s office are advertising for a Director of Resources.
NKDC update:
- Budgets are currently being reviewed.
At this point the Chair decided to change the order of the agenda, with council’s agreement and consider agenda item 15 now.
181/M/25 To consider the Council’s response to further stakeholder consultation regarding amendment of the Scheme for the Garrett’s Charity. [Item 15 on the agenda]
Cllr Trafford, as one of the Garrett’s Charity trustees, did not speak or vote on this item.
The Chair invited the member of public, secretary to the Garrett’s Charity, to speak. They explained the requirement for further stakeholder consultation following feedback from the Charity Commission to proposed amendment of the Scheme for the Garrett’s Charity.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to support the proposed wording change to the Scheme. Cllr Buckley-Jones passed on thanks to all the trustees for their hard work.
The member of public left the meeting (7:18pm).
182/M/25 To note the list of correspondence and meetings since the December council meeting.
This was noted.
Financial matters:
183/M/25 To approve the monthly accounts for December 2025, including List of Payments, List of Receipts, Bank Reconciliation and Net Position.
The December bank reconciliation had been checked and signed in advance by Cllr Sockell.
Bank balances at the end of December were: Co-op current £29,915.24, Co-op Instant Access £30,100.01, Unity Trust current £50,556.86, PSDF £48,000, Unity Trust Instant Access £40,618.31.
There were no questions, and it was proposed by Cllr Farrington, seconded by Cllr George and resolved to approve the December accounts.
184/M/25 To note overtime worked in November and paid in December.
This was noted.
185/M/25 To note current reserves position.
A breakdown of the reserves position as at the end of Q3 (31/12/25) was shared. This included details of general, designated and earmarked reserves, and funds already committed for the remainder of the financial year. This was noted.
186/M/25 To confirm the final budget proposal for 2026-27.
The final budget proposal was shared, and amendments against the draft budget as agreed in November, were explained.
Following discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Catterson, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to agree the final budget for 2026-27, which comes to £124,687.64.
187/M/25 To agree the precept figure for 2026-27.
Councillors considered various options for the precept figure, based on the precept calculator provided by NKDC, which factors in changes to the council tax base.
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to approve a precept demand of £118,187.64, allocating £6,500 of reserves to make up the shortfall against the agreed budget. For a Band D property this equates to an increase of 3.75%, or 8 pence per week.
188/M/25 To review the financial information shared with council and confirm if it meets councillors’ information requirements.
Details of the financial information currently shared with councillors (List of monthly payments, List of monthly receipts, Bank Reconciliation, Net Position) and financial information published on our website had been shared. A request had been made by a councillor that a Summary Report is provided, showing net position against budget.
It was proposed by Cllr Raphael, seconded by Cllr Buckley-Jones and resolved to supply an example of the Summary Report at February’s meeting, and for councillors to review whether this meets their information needs and determine whether other reports are no longer required. Any changes to the information supplied to come into effect from the start of the new financial year in April.
189/M/25 To consider whether to have the flagpole serviced.
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to have the flagpole serviced early in the new financial year, subject to an updated quote falling within 10% tolerance of the one produced in December. The Clerk was also asked to clarify with our insurance company for advice on the recommended frequency for flagpole service.
190/M/25 To approve:
a. New Menopause Policy.
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Catterson and resolved to approve this policy, with the review date being set at three years or if there is a change of legislation.
b. Updated website Accessibility Statement.
It was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to acknowledge the website accessibility testing done and approve the updated Website Accessibility Statement.
191/M/25 To review the proposed new Almond Avenue play area lease with NKDC.
The proposed draft lease had been shared with council, along with responses from the LCC lawyer (acting on behalf of NKDC) to queries raised by the Clerk.
Following discussion it was proposed by Cllr Catterson, seconded by Cllr Raphael and resolved to request a 20-year lease (rather than 25-year), and pending receipt of an amended draft document, engage our own solicitor for advice.
192/M/25 To note the PAT test results, in which there were no failures.
The PAT test results were noted.
193/M/25 To note the emergency lighting annual test results and approve remedial works required.
The emergency lighting reports were reviewed. There were a number of failures of LED lighting (mainly at Jubilee Hall and one at Station Road). It was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Catterson and resolved to confirm with the supplier if there is a guaranteed lifespan for the lights, seek an alternative quote, and for the work to be progressed without it having to come back to council for further approval.
194/M/25 To note the 2025 litter pick statistics and agree any actions required.
The litter pick statistics were noted, both from the resident volunteer litter picker and from the twice-yearly community litter picks. It was noted that the volunteer is unable to carry on and a thank you will be sent from the council. Publicity will be put out to see if other volunteers can be encouraged.
195/M/25 To receive an update on previous actions.
The update was noted.
196/M/25 To receive an update on chafer grubs, moles and Ragwort on council land, and groundwater levels.
Cllr Trafford reported there are a few moles at Potterhanworth Road. There was damage to the cricket square recently due to a motor scooter, although the Cricket Club are confident this can be repaired.
Cllr Buckley-Jones reported that groundwater levels were at 8.3m this morning. So far in January there has been 35.2mm rainfall in Heighington (the average for Waddington in January is 46.1mm). From February we will have one year’s worth of data for Heighington.
The update was noted.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
197/M/25 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC (including those considered between meetings)
a. 25/1571/TCA. Notification of intended tree works in a conservation area. T1 – Large mature Sycamore tree to rear of property. T2 – Large Ash adjacent on property boundary. T3 – Small self set Holly Tree, adjacent to T1. The Willows, 36 Park Lane, Heighington.
Council had no comments.
198/M/25 To note tree decision notices from NKDC
None received.
199/M/25 To note the planning applications received from NKDC for consideration (including those considered between meetings).
a. 25/1461/HOUS. Single storey side extension. Rhonadene, 2 Beck Lane, Heighington. Considered by Council offline between meetings – No comments.
b. 25/1530/OUT. Outline application for up to 9 dwellings with some matters reserved (means of access to be considered). Land west of Alabala, Park Lane, Heighington.
It was proposed by Cllr Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to submit the following comments:
We object to this outline application, subject to the following material considerations being addressed:
Trees/Ecological considerations
In the supporting documentation much is made of the number of trees and how these will enhance the development, however, apart from one tree none of the others are subject to a Tree Protection Order. The trees surveyed were generally found to be in good condition on the site with high wildlife potential, however, without any further TPOs, there will be no incentive to keep these trees once the development is completed, as the new home owners will be free to remove trees as they see fit due to potential shading issues and in the long term perceived future undermining of foundations. All the trees on the plot have only had a visual inspection; they were not climbed or had a decay detection survey, and nearly all are in good condition with little remedial work required. Regarding the horse chestnut tree in the centre of the plot - nothing is specifically mentioned within the Planning and Design statements about its future although in the centre of the outline map there is indication of a group of trees. Does this include the horse chestnut tree, or will this be felled and other immature trees be planted? The Ecological Report states that without mitigation the loss of the horse chestnut will be adverse.
The Ecological Report also recommends that the design of the dwellings takes into consideration bat roosting bricks/swift resting bricks/hedgehog gaps in fences/bee bricks and bird boxes in trees. Will the Planning Officer ensure that these features are actually included in the construction of the dwellings.
Drainage
The site itself is within Flood Zone 1 and is not subject to flooding either by river or groundwater, however, Park Lane that runs directly in front of the plot and that area of the village are notorious for flooding by both causes, most recently in 2023 after Storm Babet and 2024 after Storm Henck. By developing this site, the displaced water that would have been naturally soaked up will have to flow somewhere else, as the site slopes down to Park Lane any excess water will probably take this route and will only exacerbate the flooding issues affecting that area of the village. Soakaways may not necessarily be sufficient to cope with periods of excessive heavy rain as there is clay in the soil, as noted in the documentation. Connection of the foul sewer to the Anglian Water system running along Park Lane will only add to the problems in this area as the system is gravity fed and the pumping station further along Park Lane is situated at the lowest point of the village and regularly ceases to function due to flooding, necessitating tankers operating continually during these periods. The Design and Access statement does nothing to illustrate what measures will be taken to alleviate the potential adverse effect of development of this site.
Affordable homes
Lindum Homes has not demonstrated why affordable housing is not appropriate on this site and seeks to offset this by a financial contribution elsewhere. The National Planning Policy Framework guidelines state that developments should ensure that the right types of housing should be built in the right place so that they contribute to a strong vibrant and healthy community that meets the needs the needs of present and future generations. Young people cannot afford to stay within Heighington due to the lack of 1 or 2 bedroomed homes and older residents are stuck in unsuitable housing as there is a lack of bungalows that are more suited to their needs.
LCC/NKDC Cllr Carrington agreed to speak to the NKDC Case Officer to reinforce our comments, especially around flooding concerns.
200/M/25 To note planning decision notices from NKDC
a. 25/1303/HOUS. Erection of 1.5 storey side extension and rear extension to form continuation of existing single-storey element. 2 Bramley Grove, Heighington. Application approved.
The decision was noted.
201/M/25 To note an update from NKDC regarding a planning Breach of Conditions.
This was noted.
LCC/NKDC Cllr Carrington left the meeting (8:46pm).
202/M/25 CLOSED SESSION. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following items 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 George, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to move into closed session.
203/M/25 To consider quotes for de-stratification fans for the Jubilee Hall, to improve the hall’s heating efficiency.
A query had been raised in regard to the potential noise from such fans, particularly given the issue with the acoustics in the hall. One of the potential contractors had clarified that they were between 25-45 decibels, depending on the setting used. At the lowest level this is comparable to ‘rustling leaves’, whilst the highest setting (35-45 decibels) it was classed as ‘still a comfortable level for most activities’.
It was proposed by Cllr George, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to request further information from the second contractor in time for February’s meeting, so that a like for like comparison of quotes could be undertaken.
204/M/25 To consider quotes for remote thermostat control for the Jubilee Hall heating system, to enable better management of the temperature for our hirers.
Cllr Trafford, as a neighbour of one of the contractors, did not speak or vote on this item.
It was proposed by Cllr Buckley-Jones, seconded by Cllr Catterson and resolved to commission this work from Richard Townend Ltd, at a quoted cost of £265 plus VAT.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8:57 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.