December 2019 Minutes

A meeting of Canwick Parish Council was held on Monday 16th December 2019 at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.

District Cllr Tinsley, District Cllr Goodwin and the Clerk were also present.

Present:

Councillor L.J. Pennell – Chairman
Councillor I.D. Carrington – Vice Chairman and District Councillor
Councillor H.L. Dowson
Councillor C.M. Griffin
Councillor M.T. Hales
Councillor R.C. Narborough
Councillor L.T. O’Melia

1. Apologies and Declarations of Interest: Apologies had been received from County Cllr Cawrey. Cllr Dowson declared a non disclosable interest in item 4b as she is a neighbour of the applicant.

Police Report: The Chairman reported that Bracebridge Heath Police Station closed on 13th November and they now work from North Hykeham with the Response Officers working out of the new station on South Park Avenue. It was noted that PC Hanson was retiring at the end of the year. The Chairman reported that he had visited him to thank him for his help over the years and to ask for a police car presence, to raise awareness of the speed limit, when Heighington Road re-opens in January as it was anticipated there will be an increase in traffic with the B1190 closing a fortnight later.

2. Clerk’s Notes from the Meeting on 18th November 2019: The notes from this meeting had been distributed to each member. The Chairman proposed the notes be accepted and approved as minutes for signing and this was unanimously agreed.

3. Matters Arising:

3a. Information Packs for New Residents: Nothing new to report.

3b. Website: No update.

4. Planning:

4a. 16/1564/OUT – Canwick Heath Development: Amended plans had been received. The Chairman reminded members that the application would be discussed but that all District Councillors present could not express any opinion.

After discussion he then asked members if they had any comments to let himself or the Clerk know by 31st December so a response could be submitted by the 9th January deadline.

4b. 19/1132/HOUS – Loft Conversion and Alterations to Front Elevation – Pantiles, Pelham Lane: Cllr Dowson left the room. It was noted minor adjustments had been made on the amended plans but the overall design remained essentially the same. Overlooking had been partially addressed but design had not been. It was agreed that we should continue to object on these grounds. The Chairman asked members if they had any further comments to let the Clerk or himself know by Wednesday of that week so a response could be submitted by the 20th December deadline. Cllr Dowson returned to the room.

4c. 19/1656/HOUS – Alterations and Extension - Ivy Cottage, Grange Lane: This had been e-mailed to members.

The Chairman read details of the application to members and stated that the Conservation Officer had commented and objected to it. After discussion it was agreed to object and support the comments of the Conservation Officer.

4d. Items Notified since Publication of the Agenda: Correspondence had been received informing of a breach of planning control at the Hollies on Hall Drive regarding hedge removal and a woven style fence replacement. Cllr Hales declared a non-pecuniary interest as he works for the owners. After discussion it was agreed to note the situation and await further developments.

5. Environment:

5a. Highways Issues: The Clerk reported that the light in The Paddock had now been repaired as had the light in the ‘No Entry’ sign on School Lane. No further action was being taken by LCC Highways with the deterioration of the stone walls at two properties on Heighington Road. The Clerk was asked to update the residents who attended the October meeting.

5b. Heighington Road: It was noted the re-opening of Heighington Road had been delayed until the end of January.

Cllr O’Melia stated the road is not being washed by the contractors, as it had been previously, consequently when construction vehicles are using it in wet weather pedestrians are getting sprayed with filthy water. The Clerk to report to Galliford Try.

5c. Damaged Litter Bin: The Chairman reported Jenny Bailey from NKDC had offered to gift us a litter bin and it will be suitably erected in due course. He proposed we delete the old bin from the property list and list the new one. All agreed.

5d. Environment Agency – Flood Warning Service: This had been e-mailed to members and was noted.

6. Correspondence:

6a. LCC Schools Admission Policy Consultation: This had been e-mailed to members. It was noted schools affected were not located near us.

6b. Police Report and Closure: See Police Report. It was noted there will no longer be a stand alone police report and information will be on the Police UK website. The Clerk to e-mail details to members.

6c. Draft Neighbourhood Plan for Branston and Mere: This had been e-mailed to members. The Chairman stated a consultation period had commenced as part of the development of the plan. The Clerk was asked to find out when the Consultation finishes and inform members.

Clerk’s Note – Consultation finishes 27th January 2020. To be placed on January 2020 Agenda.

6d. Chairman’s Charity Event – Brains of Kesteven: This had been e-mailed to members and was noted.

6e. Central Lincs Local Plan – Village Fact Sheet: This had been e-mailed to members. The Chairman reported he had contacted the Local Plan team with reference to some incorrect facts regarding the amount of growth and employment.

6f. Items Received since Publication of Agenda: Lalc News had been received and e-mailed to members. The Clerk was asked to put on next month’s agenda.

7. Four Parishes Cluster Group:

7a. Update: No update.

8. Finance:

8a. Bank Account Update: The Chairman reported that on 30th November 2019 the balance on the deposit account was £10,230.44 which included £9.37 new interest and the current account balance was £1287.92 with a cheque outstanding for £70.03 leaving a net balance of £1217.89. He also reported he had spoken with the bank regarding a £5 bank charge that had been debited from the account and it is to be refunded.

8b. Clerk’s Salary Oct-Dec 2019: The Clerk’s salary for the period October – December 2019 totalling £365.76 was due for payment. Payment agreed.

8c. Public Works Loan: The Chairman confirmed the direct debit for £210.17 had been taken from the bank account on 2nd December.

8d. PCC Grant: A payment of £450 was due for the annual grant. Payment agreed.

8e. Payments due in December: See 8b and 8d. The Chairman asked for re-imbursement of £99.99 for the renewal of the anti-virus software for the Parish Council as he had paid it. All agreed. An invoice for hedge cutting of the playing field was due and the Chairman proposed we allow up to £550 for it. All agreed.

8f. Transfer of Funds: The Chairman proposed transferring £1450 from the deposit account to the current account to cover the payments due. All agreed.

8g. Precept: The Chairman stated we received £6000 this year and suggested that no substantial increase was required. He proposed we request something similar next year and stated he will report back with various options next month. The internal auditor to be consulted.

9. Urgent Items for Information: Cllr Tinley reported he had attended the Galliford Try presentation at the Jubilee Hall, Heighington earlier that evening and Washingborough Road will be closed for up to five months from mid February for the roundabout construction. The official diversion to be through Branston. Safety concerns were raised due to Branston Academy. The possibility of traffic light control at the junction of Heighington Road and Canwick Hill was also mentioned.

Cllr Carrington suggested all District Cllrs and our County Cllr should meet and approach LCC about the matter. The Chairman thanked Cllr Tinsley for this information.

Cllr Tinsley further reported:

  • The Household Survey closes on 31st January 2020.
  • Severe weather emergency protocol.
  • NKDC Ward profiles are to go live early in the next financial year. It was noted Canwick, Heighington and Washingborough are very safe places to live.

Cllr Carrington stated we should give some thought to grass cutting in the village as NKDC will no longer be doing any on behalf of LCC so consequently the frequency will be reduced. The Clerk to remind Cllr Cawrey of our request for clarification e-mail on grass cutting.

10. Date of Next Meeting: The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 20th January 2020 starting at 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.40pm.