January 2020 Minutes
A meeting of Canwick Parish Council was held on Monday 20th January 2020 at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.
District Cllr Tinsley, District Cllr Goodwin, County Cllr Cawrey, Three Residents 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 M.T. Hales
Councillor R.C. Narborough
Councillor L.T. O’Melia
1. Apologies and Declarations of Interest: Apologies had been received from Cllr Griffin. Cllr Dowson declared a non disclosable interest in item 4b as she is a neighbour of the applicant. The Chairman reminded members they could make the appropriate declaration at any stage should it become necessary.
2. Clerk’s Notes from the Meeting on 16th December 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: The Chairman stated we had received notification from LCC that they are upgrading Parish Council websites so they are more up to date with requirements and mobile friendly.
The Chairman asked the residents present if there was a particular item they wished to discuss and one replied that the reopening of Heighington Road was an on-going concern to them and they would like the speed limit reduced to 30mph for safety reasons. Added to this was the extra traffic expected for up to five months when Washingborough Road closed in February. The Chairman stated that the B1188 is the official diversion route. It was noted to get a speed restriction was a long statutory process. The Chairman then asked Cllr Cawrey if she would like to report recent developments on the situation. Cllr Cawrey stated that after a meeting with the District Councillors she had met with the Portfolio holder for Highways who had agreed to trial temporary traffic lights at the junction of Heighington Road and Canwick Hill while Washingborough Road is closed. The Chairman thanked Cllr Cawrey for all her hard work. Cllr Carrington suggested that when all works are complete and the Eastern Bypass is open we review the request to lower the speed limit on Heighington Road again. Agreed.
Graham Wallis, another resident present, further enquired about the Stagecoach timetable whilst Washingborough Road was closed and if the bus stop on Canwick Hill would remain open. He was given a bus timetable that had been forwarded from Galliford Try. The Clerk to enquire with Stagecoach about the Canwick Hill bus stop.
4. Planning:
4a. 16/1564/OUT – Canwick Heath Development: The Chairman reminded members that all District Councillors present could not express an opinion on any of the planning items. He then confirmed that comments had been submitted by the Clerk covering the whole development.
4b. 19/1132/HOUS – Loft Conversion and Alterations to Front Elevation – Pantiles, Pelham Lane: Cllr Dowson left the room. The Chairman confirmed comments had been submitted by the Clerk on the revised plans. Cllr Carrington stated the application was likely to be discussed at the Planning meeting on the 4th February. Cllr Dowson returned to the room.
4c. 19/1656/HOUS – Alterations and Extension - Ivy Cottage, Grange Lane: The Chairman reported comments had been submitted objecting on a number of grounds and supporting the comments of the Conservation Officer.
4d. Items Notified since Publication of the Agenda: Cllr Carrington stated that he had attended a scrutiny meeting where Stephen Priestly had given a briefing and report to address the provision of infrastructure and services needed to support and maintain services in both new and existing communities. Full details can be found on the NKDC website.
5. Environment:
5a. Highways Issues: The Clerk reported that the loose cover that was swinging on the light outside Rumfield House had been fixed.
5b. Heighington Road: See previous report with residents. It was noted Heighington Road was due to re-open on 31st January and Washingborough Road to close on 17th February.
5c. Damaged Litter Bin: The Chairman reported that the new bin had been suitably fixed in place and asked the Clerk to thank Jenny Bailey from NKDC for her help with the issue. Cllr O’Melia wished to record thanks to the Chairman for his efforts in the matter.
5d. Grass Cutting: An e-mail had been received from NKDC confirming that they will no longer be undertaking grass cutting on behalf of LCC with effect from February 2020. It was noted that the small areas affected were on Hall Farm, The Paddock and Grange Close. The Chairman proposed we allow LCC to do the reduced frequency cuts and monitor the situation. Cllr Carrington suggested we should take the grass cutting on and allow for it in the precept. To be reviewed in the autumn.
It was noted an e-mail had been received from Glendale offering to tender for grass cutting on these extra verges alongside the grass they already cut. The Clerk to keep on file.
6. Correspondence:
6a. Lalc News: This had been e-mailed to members. The Chairman asked members if there was anything they wished to discuss. No comments.
6b. Lalc Annual Training Scheme: An email had been received from Lalc scheduling their training fees for the coming year April 20-March 21. The Chairman proposed we continue our subscription to this. All agreed.
6c. Draft Neighbourhood Plan for Branston and Mere: This had been e-mailed to members. The Chairman asked for comments to be sent to himself or the Clerk to allow us to submit them before the Consultation closes on 27th January.
6d. Police Report: This had been e-mailed to members. The Clerk to request an enlarged photo of the local Policing Team.
6e. Buckingham Palace Garden Party: This had been e-mailed to members and was noted.
6f. Boundary Commission Review: This had been e-mailed to members. The Chairman stated indications are that NKDC will remain with 43 councillors with each councillor representing more people. It was noted that ward boundaries within the district could be changed. He reminded members that they can respond as individuals. The Clerk to put on next month’s agenda.
6g. Items Received since Publication of Agenda:
- Highways News had been received and e-mailed to members. Noted.
- The Chairman read members an e-mail received from Kenneth Goddard offering his services as an internal auditor. The Clerk to keep on file.
- The Chairman read members an email received from the Environment Agency reference water extraction. He asked members if they knew of anyone in the farming industry to make them aware.
- An e-mail had been received from Lalc reference the Lincolnshire Environmental Award – 2020. The Clerk to forward to members and Cllr Narborough to print and laminate a copy for display in the Village Hall.
- An e-mail had been received from NKDC asking for help promoting their Snowdrop Walk at Whisby Nature Park where all proceeds are donated to Child Bereavement UK. The Clerk to forward to members and Cllr Narborough to print and laminate a colour copy for display in the Village Hall.
7. Four Parishes Cluster Group:
7a. Update: No update.
8. Finance:
8a. Bank Account Update: The Chairman reported that on 31st December 2019 the balance on the deposit account was £9289.30 which included £8.86 new interest and the current account balance was £1907.73. It was noted that although the cheque for the Clerk’s salary had been credited to her account on the 19th December it still had not been debited from the bank account. To be monitored. It was also noted the £5 bank charges that had been debited had been refunded.
8b. PCC Grant: A letter of thanks had been received from the Treasurer for the annual grant cheque.
8c. Payments due in January: A payment of £514.08 was due to Glendale for the annual hedge cut of the Playing Field.
Payment agreed. It was noted monies had been allowed for this last month.
8d. Transfer of Funds: None.
8e. Precept: The Chairman presented members with various different scenarios for consideration. He then suggested settling the precept at £6100 for this year, which is £100 increase, resulting in a 1.49% increase in the Band D tax rate. All agreed. The Clerk to submit the relevant form to NKDC. Cllr Carrington thanked the Chairman for his efforts.
9. Urgent Items for Information: Cllr Cawrey asked members to be vigilant regarding any traffic problems in the village while Washingborough Road is closed and report back to her. The Chairman thanked Cllr Cawrey for her help with the residents’ issues.
The Clerk had produced a provisional meeting calendar for the year 20/21. To be e-mailed to members for consideration and finalised at the next meeting.
Cllr Carrington re-iterated that we should look again at the speed limit issue on Heighington Road once the Eastern Bypass is open in the Autumn. The Chairman informed members that the Road Safety Partnership has to approve the location and design of any speed warning device. It was noted there are four speed warning devices on Canwick Hill.
10. Date of Next Meeting: The next meeting was scheduled for Monday 17th February 2020 starting at 7.30pm at the Village Hall, Montagu Road, Canwick.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.55pm.