September 2025 minutes
The Parish Council meeting was held on Monday 8th September 2025 at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington.
Present:
Councillor Craig
Councillor Sockell (Chair)
Councillor Trafford (Vice Chair)
Councillor Watkinson
Councillor Yeates
Clerk – Elaine Atkin
RFO – Nikki Briscoe
LCC/NKDC Councillor Ian Carrington
Absent:
Councillor Buckley-Jones
Councillor Catlow
Councillor Catterson
Councillor Farrington
Councillor George
Councillor Raphael
NKDC Councillor Carola Goodwin
NKDC Councillor Reece Harrington
There were 2 members of the public present.
Public participation
Two members of public attended in relation to a letter sent to the Chair that day. With the residents’ permission the Chair read out the letter, for the benefit of other councillors who hadn’t seen it. The letter focussed on weeds, fruit from a resident’s garden falling onto the footpath, leaves on footpaths and gulleys not swept. The Chair confirmed that councillors do have areas that are walked regularly and issues are reported to the relevant authorities. The Chair agreed to allow further discussion of this item with LCC & NKDC Cllr Carrington, under agenda item 4 (minute 084/M/25), as Cllr Carrington had also received a copy of the residents’ letter.
081/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 Buckley-Jones, Catlow, Catterson, Farrington, George and Raphael. It was proposed by Cllr Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to accept these.
Apologies had also been received from NKDC Cllrs Goodwin and Harrington.
082/M/25 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations.
There were none.
083/M/25 To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Monday 14th July 2025 and for the chair to sign these as the agreed minutes.
It was proposed by Cllr Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to approve the July minutes. These were duly signed by the Chair.
084/M/25 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only).
LCC & NKDC Cllr Carrington gave the following update:
- Confirmed that the parish council can write to residents who have fruit trees that drop fruit onto footpaths.
- Confirmed that he would walk around the areas mentioned in the residents’ letter and determine who is responsible for resolving the issues reported.
- The Chair confirmed that the issue with the alleyway between Martin Close and Chapel Lane had already been reported by someone on FixMyStreet and the latest update from LCC was that they had scheduled the work.
Two members of the public left at this point (7:12pm).
- Next step of local government reorganisation process is the submission of more detailed proposals by November.
- Bypass is in the news due to proposed £5m cost of providing bat bridge/tunnel.
- Heighington stars in the NKDC video produced to encourage other councils to put an Emergency Plan in place.
- The Chair raised the ongoing issue with parking on the High Street, particularly in the vicinity of the Spar and also highlighted the recent incident with a delivery lorry and subsequent diesel spillage. Cllr Carrington is hoping to arrange a walkaround with Highways and will invite the parish council.
- The Chair raised the issue of the new red surface at the Sheepwash junction, which has already worn away. This was mentioned to Highways representatives when attending the LALC Conference and they were going to look into it.
- Cllr Trafford asked Cllr Carrington about organising a camera survey of the pipes which run under the High Street, before we go back into flooding season. (Highways representatives at the LALC Conference had said the request had to come via our County Councillor).
085/M/25 To note the list of correspondence and meetings since the July council meeting.
This was noted.
The Clerk pointed out that a response that had been received from NKDC Asset Management team regarding the Almond Avenue play area lease, which is currently with their legal team. Cllr Carrington offered to chase for an update.
Financial matters:
086/M/25 To approve the monthly accounts for July 2025 and August 2025, including List of Payments, List of Receipts, Bank Reconciliation and Net Position.
The July bank reconciliation had been checked and signed in advance by Cllr Trafford and the August bank reconciliation checked and signed in advance by Cllr Watkinson.
Bank balances at the end of July were: Co-op current £30,015.24, Unity Trust current £72,715.51, PSDF £48,000, Unity Trust Instant Access £30,228.55.
Bank balances at the end of August were: Co-op current £30,015.24, Unity Trust current £68,214.77, PSDF £48,000, Unity Trust Instant Access £30,228.55.
The RFO highlighted a large bill from Anglian Water for Station Road pavilion. This has been paid by direct debit, but the RFO is querying the high sewerage charges, as the water usage is mainly from the bowls sprinkler and goes straight onto the bowls green. Anglian Water have offered a small discount, but the RFO is challenging them for more.
It was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Craig and resolved to approve the July and August accounts.
087/M/25 To note overtime worked in June and paid in July and for overtime worked in July and paid in August.
This was noted.
088/M/25 To receive the external audit completion report, noting that no matters were flagged as needing attention.
The RFO confirmed that the Notice of Conclusion of Audit and external auditor’s report had been published as required. It was proposed by Cllr Sockell, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to receive the external audit completion report.
089/M/25 To retrospectively ratify approval of expenditure (under Financial Regulation 5.15) to progress various actions from the Fire Risk Assessment.
Expenditure of £1140 plus VAT for the remaining remedial Fire Risk Assessment recommendations had been approved under Financial Regulation 5.15, following approval by the Clerk, RFO and in consultation with the Chair. This was funded from designated reserves for fire remedial works.
Retrospective approval of this expenditure was proposed by Cllr Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Yeates, and resolved.
090/M/25 To note that the NJC pay award for 2025-26 has been approved, that back-pay is due from 1st April 2025, and that employers were encouraged to implement the pay award as swiftly as possible.
The RFO confirmed that the back-pay was paid in August payroll. This was noted.
091/M/25 To consider the purchase of additional ‘check your speed’ signs (at £20 each) from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, following a request from a resident.
It was proposed by Cllr Craig, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to purchase additional ‘Check your speed’ signs and to re-publicise the ‘Check your speed 30 MPH’ bin stickers available to residents.
092/M/25 To consider the purchase of a portable amplifier and wireless microphones for Jubilee Hall (and agree funding).
This was proposed by Cllr Trafford, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved, with this to be funded from reserves.
093/M/25 To consider enhancing the existing CCTV at Station Road and consider installing CCTV system at Jubilee Hall (and agree funding).
The Chair confirmed that this agenda item would now be considered in closed session (see 105/M/25).
094/M/25 To consider whether council wants to take forward a suggestion on film event(s) and if so, agree ownership to progress this).
Further investigation was required on the possibility of holding a Christmas film event at the Jubilee Hall and details would be fed back to the next Full Council meeting for consideration. An outdoor film event could be considered for next year.
095/M/25 To receive an update following the meetings with HBW and u3a Railway Group (as per July Full Council), and agree any actions required.
The Clerk fed back on recent meetings with HBW (in relation to the floodlights at Potterhanworth Road sports ground) and with u3a Railway Group (in relation to their use of Station Road pavilion).
Following receipt of Health & Safety advice via Worknest, it was proposed by Cllr Craig, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to notify HBW of council’s preference, that if the floodlights are to be removed, they can be removed to just below ground level (with the ground reinstated) and the underground cable can remain in the ground. This would be subject to a suitably qualified electrician (who is competent to deal with large installations) approving the final result regarding electrical safety. A domestic electrician would not be suitable for this work.
Requests for additional electrical sockets and a lock on the door from u3a Railway Group will be deferred to a future meeting, pending a new Fire Risk Assessment being arranged. A formal agreement will then be put in place with the group, subject to the outcome of the Fire Risk Assessment.
096/M/25 To approve the Scheme of Delegation.
This was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Craig and resolved.
097/M/25 To agree Councillor inspection areas.
The inspection areas were reviewed and ‘spare’ areas allocated. This was proposed by Cllr Trafford, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved.
098/M/25 To receive an update on previous actions.
This was noted. It was hoped to have a proposal on play equipment for October’s Full Council meeting if possible.
099/M/25 To receive an update on chafer grubs and moles on council land.
Cllr Trafford gave a verbal update. There is no chafer bug damage at the moment and the mole hills have been flattened on Potterhanworth Road recreation ground. Ragwort has been removed from Station Road play area and has now appeared on the field itself. This will be removed.
The update was noted.
Planning Matters and Tree Works:
100/M/25 To consider tree works applications received from NKDC (including those considered between meetings)
a. 25/0847/TPO. Application of Proposed Works to Trees Subject to Tree Preservation Order. Remove a Silver birch tree, that completely dead and located in the far-right corner of the garden. Remove a Spruce tree that has a heavy lean and is decline. Reduce the Larch tree by 2 meters radius, as it has several over extended branches and has already dropped several branches in high winds. 36 Kenyon Close, Heighington, LN4 1GJ.
b. 25/0882/TCA. Notification of Intended Works to Trees in a Conservation Area. Rowan - Completely remove. 60 High Street, Heighington, LN4 1JS.
c. 25/0873/TCA. Notification of Intended Works to Trees in a Conservation Area. T1 - Apple Tree – Remove. T2 - Pear Tree - Reduce by approx. 2m all round, reducing the largest stem by approx. 3-4m. The owners are requesting the works due to regular maintenance of their garden space, the apple tree has had a large split from it and there are concerns over the other half splitting onto the neighbouring property. 17 High Street, Heighington, LN4 1RG.
d. 25/0872/TPO. Application of Proposed Works to Trees Subject to Tree Preservation Order. T1 - Ash - Reduction of up to 3m all round and removal of 1 lower branch - Tree is approx. 12-15m in height - The ends of branches appear to be dying back on some parts of the tree, there is some epicormic growth within the canopy of the tree. Please see attached photographs. 17 Back Lane, Heighington, LN4 1RH.
e. 25/0962/TCA. Notification of Intended Works to Trees in a Conservation Area. T1 - Magnolia - prune and re-shape in line with red line on image provided. The Granary, High Street, Heighington.
f. 25/1025/TCA. 3 no. large Conifer trees in rear garden of existing house, the proposal is to completely remove the trees. These trees have become way too big for the garden and completely over-shadow the property and neighbouring land. 1 Beck Lane, Heighington, LN4 1JU.
Council had no comments.
101/M/25 To note tree decision notices from NKDC
None received.
102/M/25 To note the planning applications received from NKDC for consideration (including those considered between meetings).
a. 23/0387/FUL. Notification of amended plans. Demolition of an existing bungalow and erection of a replacement dwelling. The Willows, 36 Park Lane, Heighington.
Comments gathered and submitted under delegated powers between meetings:
We note that the application has been amended and the property on the south side of the beck has now been dropped from the application, keeping just the property on the north side, a replacement for the existing bungalow which is to be demolished.
The application still involves the demolition of a perfectly good bungalow to be replaced with a much larger property.
The proposed new property is still in a flood risk area known to suffer from groundwater flooding.
The proposed larger property would put extra load onto the drains on Park Lane which we know get overloaded in high groundwater conditions.
Heighington Parish Council object to this amended application. Our previously submitted comments on this application, particularly in relation to groundwater and sewers still stand.
103/M/25 To note planning decision notices from NKDC
a. 25/0613/VARCON. Application to vary condition 2 (approved materials) and condition 3 (approved plans) of planning permission 24/0549/HOUS - Proposed single storey side & rear extensions - change colour of vertical cladding from black to grey and make extension 1.0m deeper due to main water sewer position. 12 Martin Close Heighington. Application approved.
b. 25/0623/VARCON. Application to vary conditions 2 (approved materials) of planning permission 23/1292/HOUS - Erection of 2 storey side extension, first floor side extension and single storey rear extension together with widening of existing access and new pedestrian gate. - change external finish of side gable to through-coloured render to match existing stone. Whitegates Back Lane Heighington. Application approved.
c. 25/0708/HOUS. Demolition of existing garage and single storey rear extension and erection of single storey and 2 storey side extensions and single storey rear extension. 7 Lintin Close, Heighington. Application approved.
d. 25/0658/HOUS. Erection of fence to rear boundary (retrospective). 8 Sheppards Close, Heighington. Application approved.
The planning decisions were noted.
104/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 item 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 Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Trafford and resolved to move into closed session.
LCC & NKDC Cllr Carrington left the meeting (8:17pm).
Item 13 on the agenda (moved from open session).
105/M/25 To consider enhancing the existing CCTV at Station Road and consider installing CCTV system at Jubilee Hall (and agree funding).
It was proposed by Cllr Yeates, seconded by Cllr Watkinson and resolved to enhance the existing CCTV system at Station Road, at a quoted cost of £805.99 plus VAT, and for this to be funded from reserves.
It was proposed by Cllr Watkinson, seconded by Cllr Yeates and resolved to install a new CCTV system at the Jubilee Hall, at a quoted cost of £1428.30 plus VAT, and for this to be funded from reserves.
The Chair closed the meeting at 8:25 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.