2023 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

SWINDERBY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE SWINDERBY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on 16th January 2023 held at Swinderby Village Hall

Present:  Cllr G Lloyd (Chair), Cllr. L Carter (Vice Chair), Cllrs. R Hodgson, S Longson, N Marris, J Gagg and G Beales.

Clerk: S Aikman

Also in attendance:  Cllr P Overton (NKDC), and 3 members of the public.

Public Forum

Questions were asked about the planning application for the former Produce World site. Cllr Lloyd confirmed the Parish Council had given the feedback from their recent consultation to NKDC Planning and to the developer. He also reported that it was understood amended plans would be submitted by 28th February 2023.

A resident stated that the developer had advised by that the 7’ boundary fence would be erected and they wish to have further clarification on position and height.  Cllr Lloyd would contact the developer to confirm.

ACTION: Cllr Lloyd

Cllr Thompson had sent his apologies and sent in the following report:

I would like to extend my best wishes for 2023 to Parish Council and all residents. 

County Council

At the December full County Council meeting the independent review of members allowances with a recommendation for an increase of 6.4% was discussed. Although this recommendation was noted, it was considered that members should exercise restraint with a proposal that an increase above 4% would not be appropriate. It was voted to accept to accept this proposal.

The County Council budget and council tax consultation was launched on 5th January. It is open for responses until Thursday 26th January 2023.You can find more information, and the opportunity to participate here: www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/budgetproposal2023-24

Cllr Overton reported that:

The Local Plan had gone through, but there was still time for comments over the next 4 weeks.

Forms were available for local elections from 23rd January.

Insulation grants were available through the NKDC website for those with income under £30k and with less that £16k savings.  Grants were available on properties in band D or lower.

Cllr Overton advised that the PC can have 5 minutes at the Planning Committee meeting for any large development that goes to committee.  Cllr Overton can also speak on behalf of the PC.

1.   To receive any apologies for absence

None

2.   To receive any declarations of interest

None.

3.   To receive the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 12th December 2022 previously circulated to members

Following a vote it was resolved unanimously that the minutes from 12th December 2022 were an accurate record of the meeting.

It was noted that the following actions had been undertaken:

-   The new swing seat had been installed
-    The Clerk was still to order large poppies for lampposts

ACTION: Clerk

-   Councillors were still to identify styles and costs of soldier silhouettes

ACTION: Cllrs

-   Cllr Lloyd had sent the Parish Council’s Emergency Plan to LALC
-   Funding had been received towards the composting toilet for the Jubilee Play Area         

4.   Finance

a.   To formally note Items of Income

In was noted that in addition to the income shown below further receipts were due in as follows:

£174 contribution to litter picking from NKDC

b.   To formally approve items of expenditure:

Expenditure including Clerk’s salary, PAYE and pension approved unanimously

c.   Bank reconciliation for the year to date was approved unanimously.

d.   To review spend against budget

Reviewed.

e.   To consider the draft budget for 2023/24 and complete the precept request form.

It was noted that a substantial increase would be required if all potential costs for the next financial year were included in the precept request.  Following a vote it was unanimously resolved to increase the precept request by 5% and use reserves for any additional expenditure to reduce the impact on residents in the current financial climate.

5.   Planning

a)   Applications Received

b.   To consider any updates on the Moor Lane site

The Parish Council had been advised that a revised plan would be submitted by 28th February 2023.  

If revised plans had not been submitted by the February meeting, then the Parish Council would submit a formal response to the original planning application based on the responses to their survey.

6.   To report on any updates on plans for a composting toilet on the Jubilee Play Area.

Funding received, no further updates.

7.   To identify any actions required regarding the recently planted trees including on the Play Area and Highways.  

It was noted that the trees on the Playing field were looking good and that there was room for a further 5 fruit trees. It was reported that a mulberry and 1 other tree had been purchased.  Cllr Carter had two small walnut trees. Following a vote it was resolved that Cllr Lloyd would purchase 2 pear trees and a quince.

ACTION: Cllr Lloyd.

Cllr Marris would check if the mole man had been to the Play Area.

ACTION: Cllr Marris.

It was noted that some replanting was needed near Moor Lane and Station Road.  Cllr Longson would cut the verges on Moor Lane, Station Road and around the apple trees on the Playing Field.

8.   To update on work on trees near Holt Farm Paddock. 

This work would be undertaken in February if the weather was suitable for the planned work.

9.   To consider the next steps in developing a Neighbourhood Plan.

It was reported that a draft flyer had been produced and this would be circulated once approved.  A public meeting was being planned for March.

10.   To review the terms of Fields in Trust membership.

Councillor had reviewed the terms.   A discussion would be held in the future about including the Playing Field in the registration.

11.   Clerk and Councillors Reports (for information only), including a review of actions from minutes and matters that Councillors wish to be brought to the next or subsequent meetings.

No decisions may be made under this section, but councillors may wish to use this to flag up issues.

Cllr Marris would measure the space for the proposed new sign on the Jubilee Play Area and send the information to Cllr Carter and the Clerk.

ACTION: Cllr Marris

Cllr Gagg asked for litter picking to be added to the next agenda.

ACTION: Clerk

A discussion was held about the possibility of acquiring and siting a container or shed for PC equipment, this would be added to a future agenda.

ACTION: Clerk

12.   Correspondence

To note correspondence received.

13.   Date of next meeting 

Parish Council meeting 7.30pm Monday 13th February 2023.

Following a vote the meeting moved into closed session and discussions were held about a recent meeting with the developer for planning application 22/1376/FUL.

Meeting closed at 8.55pm