Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
26 November 2007 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

1.             Apologies for Absence – apologies were received from County Cllr P Bradwell.  Those present District Cllr F Ambridge, Cllr MJ Stephens MBE, Cllr C Vickers, Cllr W Busby, Cllr J Evans, Cllr B Downing, Cllr F Phillip, Cllr S Phillip and Parish Clerk Mrs K Stephens.

2.             Declarations of Interest  - the Chair reminded the Council of the procedure and importance of this, none were advised at this time.

3.             Minutes of the Previous Meeting  - the minutes of the meeting were accepted as published and duly signed.

4.             Reports from Outside Bodies – District Cllr F Ambridge advised that negotiations between a local land owner and NKDC have proceeded well regarding an alternative playing field site and it is  anticipated that further and formal details will be advised in the near future.  He also drew to attention the high success level of the District Council in the countrywide “recycling league”.   He also commended the Parish Council on their joining the Parish Partnership Scheme and gave an update on speeding measures and the legal and insurance implications, particularly the use of reactive signage.  There followed a short discussion on the implications on the news regarding the playing field, particularly use of the existing area and the health and safety concerns.

County Cllr P Bradwell in sending her apologies had asked that details of additional bus stop provision be relayed and this information is reflected in later agenda items.

5.             Public Question Time – Mr & Mrs Greenwood have contacted the Council in writing to express their concerns regarding traffic speeds through the village and in particular the heavy goods vehicles travelling to and from the local quarry.  The Chair advised that these on going issues were and continue to be addressed by the Council; that Constable D Daniels had once again been alerted to these concerns and that contact had been made with the quarry in order to educate the HGV drivers.  The quarry operator whilst sensitive to these concerns and agreeing to display an appropriate notice advised that they had only limited influence over the drivers who in the main are independent operators.  The car accident that caused damaged to a garden wall on the High Street is known to the police who are dealing.

6.             Clerk’s Report

1. Vandalism on three cars parked on High Street, details of this incident had been passed to the Clerk who in turn has passed the information to PC D Daniels.
2. Billinghay Cluster Meeting of 24 October, due to unforeseen circumstances Cllr F Phillip had been unable to attend.
3. Martin Moor bus stop, the response from the Road Safety Partnership was discussed by the Council who directed that a further communication should be sent advising that the data in terms of accidents at that location is questioned.  In particular a fatal accident involving two vehicles occurred there within the last three years. Whilst the Council are reassured at the information the situation will be furthered monitored, they were to learn that stationary are considered to be a positive road safety feature.
4. The Playing Field – further advice on hard surface playing areas has been obtained but in light of the information at item 4 above the Council agreed that no further will be taken at this time.
5. Request for and petition regarding new bus stops.  Information has been received that the request for additional bus stops at Martin Moor and Kirkstead Bridge has been favourable addressed, these will be provided during next spring.  It was agreed that no further action on the petition was necessary at this time. 
6. Code of Conduct – the Standards Board have requested further details that were replied to by returned and they have now advised acceptance of the Council’s decision and no further action is required.  Cllr J Evans reminded the meeting that the most significant of these recent changes to the code is that an individual with an interest may now speak to the subject, but may not participate in the voting process. 
7. Traffic accidents junction Moor Lane and also High Street, as previously advised PC D Daniels has been alerted to these.
8. Polling Station Martin Dales – NKDC have confirmed that they have received the news that the church hall has been closed on Health and Safety grounds and that they are in negotiation with the local publican with a view to using the public house has an alternative venue.

7.             Deeds

These have been obtained from Chattertons Solicitors in Sleaford and were studied by the Council.  It is confirmed that all the appropriate deeds were to hand and following a short discussion it was resolved that they should be returned to the solicitors for safe keeping.  (Cllrs Busby, Evans and Vickers requested that Photostat copies of deeds of particular interest be obtained and the Chair undertook to arrange this).  

8.             Correspondence

For Information

1. Arts NK note from Mr Ian Warden – this was of interest to Cllr F Phillip and retained by him.
2. Queensbury Shelters Information
3. Salting Routes
4. October Cluster News
5. Mobile Police Vehicle to visit the village on Friday 30 November 2007 between 9.30am and 2.30pm
6. Countrywide Grounds Maintenance information
7. Local Councils Update October 2007/November 2007
8. Sleaford Target Article – There is no bobby here
9. EMDA News October 2007
10. Speed Limit Lottery Echo Article October 2007
11. Local Strategic Partnership Newsletter Autumn 2007
12. Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association Annual Report and AGM minutes
13. Refuse/Recycling Collection Services – Christmas and New Year Arrangements
14. Street Furniture Solutions
15. Thank you letter from Mrs Zena Scoley MBE
16. Proposed Parish Clusters
17. County Flood Fair – how to obtain information and advice from experts on flooding matters
18. Clerks & Councils Direct – “Burials”.  This promoted a short discussion on appropriate memorials and current rules.  However, it was agreed that no action needs to be taken but that future submissions would be considered as and when they arise.
19. Parish Partnership Officer
20. Target Article re affordable housing – District Cllr F Ambridge advised that the site under consideration in the Parish is that to side of West Grove.
21. Local Development Scheme
22. Funding News
23. Identifying  Sites for Development in NKDC – The Chair advised that this communication of the 26 November from NKDC had just come to hand given the significance of its’ contents and a deadline for responses of 21 December he had exceptionally added it to the agenda.  He then read the letter in full to the Council.  At this point, recognising that they had potentially a personal interest in this matter, Cllrs Busby, Evans and Vickers declared an interest in the matter.  The Council noted this invitation to landowners asking them if they wished to promote land for development through this process.  However, it was noted that the three land owning Councillors had not been contacted with regard to this.  The Clerk was asked to provide a photocopy to the relevant Councillors.

For Action

1. Straw Homes seek green light affordable housing – possible area Martin, see item 8t above
2. A request for a bus stop – item 6e above refers.
3. The Local Development Scheme and the Statement of Community Involvement are available to view on the County Council’s website and copies can requested free of charge by contacting the Planning Policy Unit at the above address – noted.  Cllrs Evans and Phillip requested that the Clerk confirm detail of the electronic portal and advise this to them.
4. Sleaford & District Citizens Advice Bureau – request for donation for 2008/2009.  Proposed by Cllr W Busby and seconded by Cllr J Evans that a donation of £25.00 be made, this was unanimously agreed.
5. Lincolnshire Assembly – Big Country Big Skies Big Future - progress of visionary campaign Noted.
6. NKDC Electronic Planning Portal/Mobile Speed signs/Devolved Find – it was noted that these issues had already arisen.
7. Lincolnshire Police Authority – questionnaire.  After a short discussion the response to the questionnaire was duly completed by the Chair.

 
9.             Planning

1. Planning permission has been given for the conversion of remaining office areas to domestic use at South Drive, this was noted.
2. Planning sub-committee held on 1 Nov 2007 determined that no comment required to be made in respect of amendment to already approved works at the Manor House, Timberland Road.  A short discussion on the implications of this took place for the benefit of those members who had not been present and this decision was endorsed.
3. Erection of two storey side extension at 20 Moor Lane – this having just been received by the Clerk was accepted for consideration.  It was resolved that as no issues arose the Council would not comment upon this proposal.
4. Cllr C Vickers asked if any further information had been received by the Council with regards to the garage development behind ………………………………….  The Clerk confirmed that no fresh information had been received and was directed to raise with the planning office the Councils’ concerns that apparently inappropriate work continued.  There followed a short discussion on the Barn conversion work presently underway at …………………………. Where it is felt inappropriate bricks are being used, the clerk was also asked to address this concern with the planning officer.

10.          Financial Matters

1. Precept for 2008/2009 – This was discussed at length and it was resolved that given the anticipated high levels of expenditure likely to be incurred by the Council over the coming year; both the impact of inflation particularly fuel and developments with regard to the playing field, and the future need to again extend the Burial Ground, an increase in the Precept of  8% should be sought.  This proposal was made by Cllr F Phillip and seconded Cllr W Busby and unanimously agreed.
2. Mr G Smith – Bills up to and including October have now been received, proposed by Cllr C Vickers and seconded by Cllr W Busby that these be paid. – agreed by all.
3. Village Hall invoice was received this day, proposed by Cllr B Downing and seconded by Cllr S Phillip that this be paid, agreed by all.
4. Cllr W Busby asked if payment had been requested in respect of grass cutting along the verges on Moor Lane since this had not been completed?  The Clerk confirmed that no bill had been received and was asked to once more address the issue.
   

11.          Proposed Dates of Meetings to be held in 2008

1. 28 Jan    - Cllr J Evans apologises as not available for this date.
2. 17 Mar
3. 26 May   - Parish Meeting
4. 28 July
5. 29 Sept
6. 24 Nov