2022 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

 

Present: Chairman Cllr P Sagar, Vice Chairman Cllr J Smith, Cllr A Hassall, Cllr J Mackenzie, Cllr K Otter and Parish Clerk W Gray, Cllr K Cooke, 4 members of the public were also present.

 

 

A MINUTES SILENCE WAS HELD FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II 

 

1. Public Forum – No questions.

 

2. Opening of Meeting – Cllr Sagar welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

3. Apologies for Absence – Cllr J Brocklebank, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew.

 

4. Declaration of Interest – None.

 

5. To agree minutes of Parish Council Meeting 12th July 2022 – Cllr Otter proposed, seconded Cllr Smith, all in agreement for minutes to be signed.  

 

6. Matters arising from the above minutes – None.

 

7. Finance

Authorisation of payments:

Payments Agreed at meeting:

Parish Clerk Salary August/September £426.18

Parish Clerk Expenses August/September £233.30

Finding Fitness £5,820.00

Community Cleaner July/August £171.00

P Sagar Condolence Book £64.90

It was agreed that interim payments would be made to the Community Cleaner on submission of invoice.

All above payments approved by Cllrs Present.

 

8. Planning

S22/1679 The Reading Room, Bainton Road, Tallington – update received from applicants – all Cllrs in agreement that it would be nice to see this being brought back to life but there would be issues re traffic etc.  Our initial response: 

 

Tallington Parish Council wishes to OBJECT to this application as it is currently submitted on the grounds of ….

 

1. Road safety. 

2. Use of grass verge for parking, out-with of the ownership of the applicants. 

3. The proposed removal from said verge of the Village Jubilee tree planted by the Parish Council.

 

In the application the applicant's agent makes some at best naïve if not untrue statements that we would like to draw to your attention and ask they be referred also to LCC Highways who we consider should take account of these concerns.

1. 1.2 of application “Off street car parking is to be provided, although there is ample parking along the road, which is a quiet link between Tallington and Bainton.”   

Objection -This Parking is being partially proposed on land out with of the applicants ownership. This land also contains the Jubilee tree planted by the Parish Council that we object to being summarily moved without further discussion on the site layout.

This is anything but a quiet road. It is the main rat run to Peterborough avoiding the lengthy queues at the Tallington Railway Crossing. This road is extremely busy (see below) and is used by very large and wide agricultural vehicles that take up one and half times the size of an average car or van. Parking on the road is already dangerous and the bridge over the River Welland that is only 130 metres away from this site regularly suffers from damage to signs and kerbs.  

Vehicles should be able to turn around within the boundaries of the site and come out forward facing to ensure safe exit from the site.

2.   3.7 of application “Informally, a traffic survey has been carried out and approximately six cars per hour pass along this route - it is extremely quiet and there is no evidence to suggest it is going to become more busy. "

Objection -The Parish Council’s past and more recent informal surveys clearly show traffic in excess of 85 cars per hour at    peak times and averaging at least 40 cars per hour during the day. 

Reversing out of this site with current visibility impeded as it is, we consider dangerous as this entrance will be opposite the junction of Church Lane with the Bainton (Tallington) road. 

Tallington Parish Council therefore wishes to OBJECT to this application in its current form and recommends that SKDC planners suggest the applicants consult with Tallington Parish Council and make changes to their application to address our stated concerns.

 

 

S22/1658 – Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing open storage use at Barholm Road, Tallington – certified 17th August 2022 is lawful and would not require a new planning application.

9. Mallard Pass Solar Farm – Trenching will begin on 20th September 2022 and is estimated to last for 4 to weeks coming to an end in late October 2022.  These on site activities will be undertaken ensuring minimal impact to the local community and those in close proximity to the site area.  SKDC position – will make comments to the plan at the appropriate time.

10. Millennium Green – grass cutting proposal from Red House Paddock residents.  Residents in attendance offered their services to help keep area clean and tidy, cut back as an extra to the two cuts provided by the Parish Council.  Parish Council very appreciative of their offer – Cllr Sagar proposed,  all in agreement that help in keeping this area of land clean and tidy would be appreciated.

 

11. LCC & Footpath No. 4/TPC paths – LCC cannot afford £85,000 but are prepared to do bearing up - Andy Savage agreed to waive part of the diversion fee – 

LCC Volunteer Scheme Update – approx. costs received £2,500 plus VAT – Cllr Sagar will put proposal to the Village Hall Committee.

 

12. Trees – Plan submitted – other interested villages to take trees Barholm 20, Ryhall 80, Deeping St Nicholas 5 – Tallington would need 45 trees.  Concerns about maintaining, watering etc., distance between each tree – revised plan to be done.

 

13. Environment Agency – River bank flat valves have been replaced no more work to do on valves.

Hemlock on the River Bridge area – no evidence there now but situation is being monitored.

Damage to fence whilst work being done on the valves, on list to be replaced.

Rabbits are prevalent at the moment.

Someone has stolen part of rectangular frame!

 

14. Community Cleaner Update – issue still with bin not being emptied.  Cllr Sagar will speak with contact at SKDC and find out what problem is and report back.    Layby – there now only appears to be 1 bin in each layby!

 

15. Reports from Councillors.  

Cllr K Cooke - As summer draws to a close it’s worth reflecting on the wonderful community spirit displayed in South Kesteven. At the start of summer, residents across the district celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with lots of wonderful events drawing people together as only Her Majesty can. 

In July, thousands of school children and members of the public turned out to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Grantham, putting the district in the national spotlight as part of an historic event.  

Finally, I’m delighted that South Kesteven District Council supported the 2022 Stamford Diversity Festival which brought a splash of colour and the feel-good factor to the town and surrounding area. 

Investment continues  - I’m delighted to see how well demolition work at the former Cummins site in Stamford is going. The creation of St Martin’s Park in its place is a flagship development project for SKDC and our partner, Burghley Estates, that will provide a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; range of residential properties, including affordable homes; and areas of green and open space. I am also proud to say that this high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development has recently been shortlisted for a Brownfield Award 2022.   

 HelloSK puts the whole of South Kesteven in your pocket - Supporting our business communities is a key priority for SKDC and we have launched a HelloSK app designed to provide to point consumers towards local businesses as they continue their recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic and face up to new challenges presented by the rising cost of living.  We are doing all we can to help revitalise high streets across the district and encourage residents to shop locally. The app also has information about local events and venues to visit - and you could benefit from exclusive offers.  

I would encourage you all to download the free app and make the most of the area we live in.  

Support for Ukraine - As part of our continued support for the people of Ukraine, SKDC marked Ukraine Independence Day on August 24th. It is heart-warming to see that 144 households across South Kesteven have warmly welcomed refugees into their homes since the conflict began six months ago.  As well as SKDC flying the Ukraine flag, supporting the Sunflowers for Ukraine campaign and lighting buildings in blue and yellow, it was wonderful to see families across the district visit Stamford Arts Centre to attend a special screening of ‘Ruthenia: Restoring the Nation’s Code’, directed by Ukrainian local Natalia Yakovleva. Hosted as part of Stamford Diversity Festival, it was another fantastic opportunity for communities to come together.  Shortlisting begins for SK Community Awards - I am delighted that shortlists have been drawn up in all seven categories for the SK Community Awards 2022, ahead of a presentation night in October.  Three nominees in each category will be invited to what will be a fantastic celebration of community goodwill. Nominations were received from across the district, and each highlight just how special the unsung heroes of South Kesteven are.  

The importance of green spaces - Green spaces are vitally important for residents of South Kesteven. They contribute to the health and happiness of local communities, and we continue to invest in them wherever possible.  It has been a real honour to see that this year all three of Grantham’s parks have been awarded Green Flag status – the international benchmark for quality. They are wonderful places, and I would encourage everyone to make the effort to visit them.  Meanwhile, South Kesteven’s Best Kept Villages of 2022 have been announced. Ropsley and Welby were awarded first place with second place being awarded to Allington and Stubton and finally, Barrowby and Witham on the Hill in third place.  A huge amount of effort goes into keeping our villages looking their best. These awards are our special way of recognising those who have gone above and beyond, and everyone who plays their part in this villages should be proud of their achievements. 

 

16. Church Lane Green Area – Kerb damage, planters & planting update.  Cllr Otter – following last meeting would suggest a post is put in to fill the gap (rather than another planter) – Cllr Sagar proposed, seconded Cllr Smith take on board what was said at last meeting i.e. put a post in gap and monitor the situation.  If a car does pull in there and do not pull in far enough (hit kerb)!!  No evidence of vehicles pulling in there.  All agreed.

 

17. Village Hall and Playing Field reports – Older teenagers problem (Request PCSO random visit). Agenda item for next meeting to discuss issues raised.  PO still in on Tuesdays.

 

18. Public Forum – West Deeping Quarry Liaison Meeting is to be rearranged.

 

19. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th November 2022 commencing at 7.30 p.m.  

 

Meeting closed at 9.40 p.m.