2023 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Scothern Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 12th April 2023 at the Methodist Church, Main Street, Scothern.
Present:  Cllrs Mrs C J Nicoll (CJN), J L R Fotheringham (JLRF), R Creaser (RC),
In attendance: District Councillor - Cllr Bob Waller, Mrs L. Cooper (Clerk) and four members the public.

01/04/23 Chairwoman’s welcoming remarks and housekeeping

• The Council wished to acknowledge the passing of Mr Rod Newborough and express sincere condolences to his family.
• Notices of those nominated had been placed on village notice boards. The election was uncontested. All seven places had been filled without any additional nominations. The new term of office for Councillors would begin on May 9th, 2023. Cllr. J. Fotheringham would not be standing for re-election.

02/04/23 External Reports

1. District Councillor Report (RW)
   - The Joint Strategic Plan was scheduled to be voted through on 13th April 2023.
   - RAF Scampton:- WLDC have launched an injunction against plans to house asylum seekers on the base.
   - He would not be standing for re-election and thanked residents and the council for working with him during his tenure of office. The Council thanked him for his dedication to the village.
2. County Councillor Report (SR)  - [15 minutes]
   Deferred to next meeting.

03/04/23 Public Session

• Concerns were expressed about increased density of housing development in the village without appearing to consider impact to existing infrastructure and its ability to cope. The Council concurred with this sentiment and advised it had reported back to WLDC frequently about these concerns.
• There was an enquiry about progress towards reinstating bus services to the village. This would be discussed later in the meeting, but the Chairwomen stated that a letter had been sent to Sir Edward Leigh, which was awaiting response.

04/04/23 To receive apologies and consider reasons for absence
      It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to receive apologies and accept reasons for absence from Cllrs. Johnson, Raynor, Canton and Patchett.

05/04/23 To receive any Declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensation
There were none.

06/04/23 Notes of Council Meetings held 8th March 2023 – to receive, approve and sign as minutes
      It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to approve and sign the notes as minutes for the Annual Parish Meeting [Proposed: RC - Seconded JF] and the Full Parish Meeting [Proposed JF – Seconded RC]   

07/04/23 Update Reports:  

1. To receive any updates regarding the Community Speed Initiative - SID (DC/RC)
   Highest recorded speeds over 80mph and one exceeding 90mph but most speeds were less than 40mph.
   i)  To receive downloaded data – non available.

ii) To note progress with Sign 3 (Main Street) data downloading
There was continued difficulty downloading information but working to resolve issues.
iii) To note response from iGas regarding grant application and consider any actions including virement of funds to cover shortfall (CJN)
iGas had awarded £1,000 to the Council. It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to accept the grant. Clerk to contact iGas to formally accept grant award.

2. To receive an update on the maintenance and relocation of the war memorial (CN)

• It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to vire £1,000 from Community Support to earmarked fund “top-up” grant aid. [Proposed CN – Seconded JF]
• Nothing specific to report yet as it was not known if planning permission would be needed or what amount of grant may be awarded from WLDC. The church would contribute a small amount. Estimated costs of the project were in the region of £6,500. It would be difficult to provide more accurate costs until these figures were finalised.

3. To hear updates about transfer to ‘gov.uk’ email addresses (CN)
   Nothing to report
4. To receive an update on Central Lincolnshire Plan (CJN)
   There was a proposal for two further development sites at rear of Cathedral View and Nettleham Road with a total of ninety-seven new homes. Cllr. Waller would advise Council of outcome of vote but expected it to be successfully voted through.
5. To hear any updates for play equipment repairs arising from RoSPA report (CJN)
   Playdays had been contacted and advised that repairs to equipment were on hold pending planned building work to the Village Hall. Additionally, quote from Playdays was high and there would not be enough in ear-marked reserves to meet costs. It would be necessary to seek grant aid. ACTIONS: Chairwoman to consult with Chris Shepherd, Chairman of the Village Hall for further details of building work and an estimated timescale; to contact the Recreation Centre and check if any equipment needed immediate repair.
6. To receive and discuss any Police matters (All)
   Nothing to report.
7. To hear updates about the draft Neighbourhood Plan review
   Submitted to WLDC and awaiting outcome of examination.
8. To hear updates about the bus campaign
   Letter had been sent to Sir Edward Leigh. A survey of bus use could be set up and delivered by the University of Lincoln, this was considered a positive step. It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to take part in the survey.

08/04/23 To discuss Community events and/or arrangements for the Coronation of King Charles III (ALL)
      a) To hear any updates about Parish Council involvement and potential costs
The Council had been awarded funding specifically for the Coronation of £742.00 and would work with community groups to support events. Spirit of Scothern - SOS committee were currently discussing plans for the event and requested support purchasing bunting, for meeting the costs of advertising, producing programmes for events, and purchasing portable PA system equipment. It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to purchase requested items from grant funding. Scothern Village Hall kindly agreed to store equipment following the Coronation, which would be made available to any other community groups in the future, on application to the Council. Cllr. Nicoll to liaise with SOS and report back to Council.

b) To agree and allocate funding from the 2023-24 budget to include any grants which may be requested
Council were not expecting any further grant requests for the Coronation. It was suggested that a competition for best decorated front of house during the Coronation could be held. Cllr. Johnson expressed interest in organising and arranging the event. The Winner would be awarded a £25 voucher. It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to allocate £25  for the prize.

09/04/23 Council Functions
      a) To receive information and hear updates regarding Council Elections (Parish and District)  
         (CJN)

The election was uncontested. Notices had been placed on notice boards. Cllr. J. Fotheringham would not be standing for re-election    
     b) To discuss arranging a CPR refresher course
It was agreed to arrange a refresher course to take place in the chapel. Clerk to investigate options and report back to Council.

10/04/23 To hear an update about the Great British Spring Clean 2023 (JJ)
Thanks extended to WLDC for providing equipment and collecting rubbish promptly. Event well attended, and consideration could be given to making it a regular event and purchasing equipment. Local groups like the Scouts could be invited to take part. To be considered further at the next meeting.

11/04/23 To hear updates about the Best Garden Competition 2023 and agree arrangements
Cllr. Johnson had volunteered to lead the project. Discussion deferred to next meeting.

12/04/23 Financial matters

1. Current financial statement (All)
   It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to receive the current financial statement. [Proposed RC – Seconded JF / Initialled by RC]
2. List of payments to be agreed. See Table 1(All)
   It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to approve payments. [Proposed JF – Seconded RC]
3. Provision of printer for Clerk (LC/CJN)
   Clerk to use home printer and claim back costs on expenses. Old Council printer not working but Cllr.Nicoll attempting repairs.

      Table 1

13/04/23 Village maintenance

a)To discuss and take any necessary action regarding village maintenance (RC)

• None at moment. Noted it would be helpful to have a tick list to complete when inspection of assets is conducted, as a record.
• Parish Noticeboard on Main Street loose at bottom and cannot fully close. JF to investigate.
• Catch on hand gate at Grange Park needs attention.

     b) To hear any updates about the compilation of the Asset Register (RC)
Cllr. Creaser reported register was nearing completion and last version would be emailed to Clerk for external audit review.

     c).To hear any updates about the Inspection of Assets
Nothing to report.

14/04/23 Highways
      a) Update report (JL) (RF)
Waiting for report from Cllr. S. Rawlins. Items b – f deferred to next meeting.
      b) To hear any updates regarding a request to check off lets and gulley’s on Main Street and
          Dunholme Road, to jet drains adjacent to 23 Main Street following resurfacing works on these
          streets
      c) To receive updates from LCC and consider any actions with regard to flooding issues on
          Craypool Lane
      d) To receive any updates about the overgrown hedge on Lime Tree Paddock
      e) To receive any updates on the cycle path (eastern side) and the footpath (western side) on
          Sudbrook Road
      f) To receive any updates regarding the extension of the speed limit on Heath Road
      g) To consider parking difficulties on the grass at end of Elmdene adjacent to St. Luke’s (NH)
Matter ongoing. It was also unclear who had responsibility over the land. Clerk to investigate ownership of land.

15/04/23 Planning matters

1. 144213 – Land to rear of Weir Farm Paddock Scothern – APPEAL PENDING
   Outline planning application to erect up to 36no. dwellings- access to be considered and not reserved for subsequent applications
   Appeal Reference: APP/N2535/W22/3306219
   No updates.
2. 146177 – 17 St Germain’s Way Scothern
   Planning application for extension to attached garage
   PENDING
3. 146342 – 9 Orchard Close Scothern LN2 2XB
   application for single storey rear extensions including first floor front extension and porch extension.
   Council sent ‘No comment’ response via Clerk on 29th March 2023 following email consultation.
4. 146418 – Orchard Lodge 14 Dunholme Road Scothern LN2 2UD
   application for removal of existing dwelling and erection of 1no. replacement dwelling
   It was noted this was a large development, but site was big enough to accommodate plans. No comments from residents on WLDC planning portal to date. It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to support the application. Clerk to submit comments.

All planning applications may be viewed on the West Lindsey District Council Planning Portal. See link below:-
https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/planning-building-control/planning/view-search-planning-applications/search-planning-application-database

16/04/23 Field paths update

To discuss any maintenance due to the village field paths (BP)
Nothing to report.

17/04/23 Reports – to receive update reports:

1. Grange Park Working Group (CJN)

1. To receive an update regarding work to the damaged fence Grange Park/Barber’s Farm
   Investigations ongoing due to presence of asbestos which delayed work.
2. To receive an update from the Working Group
   Nothing current to report.

2. To receive any updates from April’s meetings of Scothern Recreation Centre and Spirit of Scothern (JLF)
   Recreation Centre met 3rd April 2023, next SOS would meet 12th April 2023
   - FLIX in the Sticks proving very popular and SOS were busy fundraising.
   - Refurbishment plans would be going ahead to the changing rooms, showers, toilets, and the meeting room would have a new ceiling. The hall would be redecorated.
   - It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to allow John Fotheringham to attend the Recreation Committee meeting in May on the Council’s behalf. Following the election, another Councillor would be needed to assume liaisons with the Recreation Centre. For discussion at the next meeting.

18/04/23 Correspondence – for information only

1. NALC e-news 29.03.23
2. Central Lincs. Local Plan Inspectors
3. Town & Parishes 31.03.23

19/04/23 To agree date for meeting in May following Parish and Council Elections
Due to the election being uncontested the next parish meeting may legally take place on 10th May 2023. It was agreed to accept this date.

The Chairwomen thanked everyone for attending, with especial thanks to Cllr. J. Fotheringham for committing so much to the Council during his tenure of office.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9:00pm.