1515 The monthly meeting of the Parish Council was held on Monday 6 December 2004, in the Jubilee Hall, High Street, Heighington and started at 7.30pm Members of the public did not attend. Councillor Bliss' additional role as County Councillor for the area was noted. Apologies from Councillor Dziadkiewicz for lateness, and Councillors Chahal and Hill for absence, were noted together with those from District Councillor Oxby and Police Constable Julie Kelly. Present :- Councillor Group Capt. W.E. Bliss CBE - Chairman The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm with the first item on the Agenda. 1. Declarations of Interest: None to record at this stage. 2. Minutes from the previous meeting: To approve the Clerk's notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 8 November 2004, as the minutes of that meeting: a copy of the notes had been displayed on the notice boards in the village and distributed to Members prior to the meeting and were taken as read. Councillor Mrs Hutton asked for a correction on page 1509 paragraph 3/2 line 17 to insert the words ‘make a' in between to and contribution. Councillor Green asked for a correction on page 511 item 3/27 to the amount which should read £750. It was proposed by Councillor Green and seconded by Councillor Mrs Webster that the notes, subject to the amendments, be approved as minutes for signing by the Chairman, and this was agreed. 3. Matters Arising/Clerks Report: 3/1 page 1509 item 3/2 Police Matters/Skateboarding Problems: Correspondence between a resident, Douglas Hogg QC MP and the Parish Council was highlighted by the Chairman and the contents were noted by Members. The Parish Council response to Mr Christie - Area Highways Manager summarised the Parish Council's position and made no commitment to funding. The Chairman reported that he had also spoken with Mr Christie about the situation and opined it was open to negotiation. To date a plan of the draft proposal and estimate of costs had not been received from the County Council and the matter was carried forward to monitor. 3/2 page 1510 item 3/3 Public Footpath No. 2: The Clerk advised that she had been told that an extension to this Footpath was being looked in to by the County Council Legal Department but no timescale has been given. This had been prompted by the Access Promotions Officer Ms Debby Braund and the publication of a Walks Leaflet. Public Footpath No 2 could not be shown in the leaflet currently being prepared as the track either side of the Footpath was not legally delineated. 3/3 page 1510 item 3/4 Traffic Issues/School Safety Zone: A Modification to the School Safety Zone had recently been completed by Highways to incorporate Park Lane junction as requested by the Parish Council. 3/4 page 1510 item 3/5 Risk Assessments: Number ‘5' to be replaced on traffic sign at Sportsfield . 3/5 page 1510 item 3/6 Quality Parish Councils - Clerks Accreditation: The Clerk's intention to complete the course for accreditation when time permitted was acknowledged and carried forward to monitor. 3/6 page 1510 item 3/8 Door latches: Carried forward to monitor the installation of latches to exterior and office doors at the Jubilee Hall.
1516 3/7 page 1510 item 3/10 Disposal of computer and associated software from Parish Council Office : The Clerk advised that the Computer had been purchased in 1996 through NKDC at a cost of £350. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Finance & General Purposes Committee to look into arrangements for disposal of the computer. 3/8 page 1510 item 3/11 Village Signs: Offer from Millfield School to be progressed. 3/9 page 1510 item 3/12 LCC Walks Leaflet: The Clerk reported that the historical notes had been received from Councillor Mrs Webster and had been sent to Ms Braund at the County Council. Councillor Mrs Webster said that she also had a selection of photographs and wondered whether they would be of any interest for inclusion in the Leaflet. The Clerk said she would enquire with Debby Braund . 3/10 page 1510 item 3/13 Fen Road: No update on actions from PC Kelly regarding parking and speeding problems on this thoroughfare. 3/11 page 1510 item 3/14 Land along Fen Road: NKDC Enforcement Officers had been advised that there was no visible improvements on this land. 3/12 page 1510 item 3/15 Millstream Road: Fire hydrant marker reported to Fire & Rescue Services. 3/13 page 1510 item 3/16 NKDC Improvements to Green Space at Almond Avenue & Grant Aid for Delta Swing: NKDC's consultation with residents had been carried out during November supplemented by the Clerk holding plans on deposit at the Office for residents to view, but there were no comments on the outcome of that exercise. 3/14 page 1510 item 3/17 Planning application N/32/1006/03 Erection of three dwellings on land to the rear of Park Lane, Heighington: The Clerk had spoken with Mr Andrew McDough the principal planning officer at NKDC asking when the Application might be placed before the Planning Committee and he had advised that he might commission another assessment to consider issues outside the remit of the Environment Agency if NKDC's own technicians could not handle. 3/15 page 1510 item 3/18 LPFA Playsites CD: Councillor Green considered that when the video and CD package was complete it would be very useful to update inspection records and staff training etc in regard to the two play areas at Heighington. 3/16 page 1510 item 3/20 LCC - Canwick Hill, Lincoln: The Chairman updated that the proposal was considered a worthwhile suggestion but there were difficulties with the phasing of a camera with the traffic lights. It was agreed to carry the item forward to monitor the outcome. 3/17 page 1510 item 3/21 Complaint from local resident - overgrown vegetation along footway Non Observance of No Cycling Signs : The Clerk updated on this issue and advised that she had recently attended an on-site meeting with a resident and Mr Trevor Hines from Highways and a joint agreement was reached to cut back the overgrown foliage 3/18 page 1511 item 3/25 Jubilee Hall Management Committee: A forthcoming carol singing event on Friday 17 th December 2004, starting at the Butcher & Beast car park at 7pm was highlighted and Councillor Hill said he would welcome the support of all Members. 3/19 page 1511 item 3/26 Village Web Site: Councillor Hopewell said that he had offered to help around the village and this was acknowledged by Members. 3/20 page 1511 item 3/27 Station Road Recreation Ground Improvements to Tennis Court Area: Councillor Green reported re-surfacing work had been completed and was excellent. Temporary lines for tennis had been marked out and the old posts and nets had been fixed until Spring when colour spraying and permanent lines will be instigated with new nets and posts etc. The second instalment of the resurfacing costs had been paid and grant aid towards the costs would be applied for in the near future. 1517 3/21 page 1511 item 3/28 Recycling Waste at the Jubilee Hall: There had been no reply to our enquiry about ‘recycling' waste and the Clerk was asked to contact Mr Archer at NKDC. 3/22 page 1511 item 3/29 High Street Bus Shelter: The Clerk had sent Councillor Oxby a memo with regard repairs/renewals to the roof of the shelter but had not received any reply. 3/23 page 1511 item 3/30 Control of Asbetos at Work Regulations 2002 - Parish Council Property: The Clerk to progress a reply regarding asbestos products at the venues in the village used for Girl Guiding to the Area District Commissioner. 3/24 page 1511 item 3/32 Inspection of Play Areas/ Wicksteed Leisure: An un-accompanied inspection of the Children's play areas had been requested at a cost of £40 per site. 3/25 page 1511 item 3/33 Lincolnshire Regional Access Centre Network: There was no reply to our letter to LCC Director of Education & Cultural Services regarding the closure of the Rural Access Centre in the village. The Chairman volunteered to take a copy of the letter to the Director. 3/26 page 1511/12 item 3/34 Village of the Year Competition: Councillor Mrs Walter referred to the time capsule proposal and an acknowledgement from the Rector that the capsule might be placed in St Thomas' Chapel of Ease, and advised that the Parish Council should ask Garretts Charity and the Parochial Church Council for permission for the capsule; not the Rector. Councillor Green & Councillor Mrs Webster were looking forward to the Awards Luncheon in London the following day when the results of the Competition would be announced. Arrangements for a Village celebration on Saturday 11 th December at the Jubilee Hall starting at 7.30pm were in-hand when eighty guests would be attending, many of whom had volunteered to provide refreshments. 3/27 page 1512 item 3/35 New Cemetery or Burial Ground: The Chairman highlighted a n exchange of correspondence between Washingborough Parish Council and Douglas Hogg QC MP. The letters referred to the Burial Law and Policy consultation that was being carried out by the Home Office, and outlined local problems in searching for suitable land because of geological complexities to meet Environment Agency Criterion and associated costs, and was noted by Members. In being mindful of this Council's agreement to write to NKDC about the situation the Clerk asked if a letter should be progressed with NKDC , or to hold pending the outcome of Washingborough P.C. enquiries with the Home Secretary through Douglas Hogg. It was agreed to await the outcome of Washingborough P.C. enquiries. 3/28 page 1512 item 3/38 Edward Barker Road: Councillor Hopewell referred to the report at the previous meeting and said that he had been to see the resident concerned, and recalled that it was Councillor Oxby who had raised the matter initially. The Chairman updated on a discussion with the resident and advised that he had referred him to Councillor Oxby . 3/29 page 1512 item 4a Anti-slip flooring Pavilion, Potterhanworth Road Sportsfield : The Clerk had progressed the flooring with Lincolnshire Flooring who had provided a quotation of £924.25 + VAT in February 2004. Mr Rice had recently confirmed that price and had advised that the work could not be programmed until January in the meantime a colour sample had been received and Members were asked to choose same. The colour Biscuit VM20907 was agreed. 3/30 page 1513 item 5/6 The Lincolnshire Local Football Partnership's Facility Strategy 2003 - 2006: Councillor Green confirmed that the information had been passed on to the Junior Football Club Chairman. 3/31 page 1513 item 5/10 Campaign to Protect Rural England -‘A Quiet Country Lane': The Chairman queried the name Acre Dyke Lane with Councillor Mrs Webster as the OS map showed Brinkle Spring Lane, and the name Acre Dyke Lane off Fen Road was confirmed. 3/32 page 1514 item 9 Footway Lighting Programme 2005/06: The Clerk confirmed that a request for additional footway lighting along Washingborough Road and Fen Road had been submitted to NKDC. 1518 3/34 page 1514 item 10 Charge to Canwick Parish Council for Use of Parish Council Office: The Chairman said that he had notified Canwick Parish Council of the Charge of £8 per month for use of the facilities at the Parish Council Office, at their meeting on 15 November 2004 and it been accepted. The arrangement had yet to be confirmed in writing. 3/35 page 1514 item 12/1 Arrangements for Christmas tree: The Chairman reported difficulties with the installation of the Christmas Tree that had taken place on Sunday 5 December. It was a very large tree and Mr Cox had been called in with a JCB to assist with lifting. He expressed thanks to all the helpers including David Shelbourn , David Reeson , Nick Caunt and Councillor Hill. The taking down of the tree on 5 th /6 th January at 9.30am was agreed. 4. Minutes of Committee Meetings: 4b Jubilee Hall Management Committee Meeting on 20 October 2004: The minutes from the meeting were received for information. 4b Notes from Planning Committee meeting on 1 November 2004: a copy of the notes had been distributed to Members prior to the meeting and were approved as minutes for signing by the Chairman. 4c Notes from Recreation & Environment Advisory Forum on 22 November 2004: TO FOLLOW: Councillor Green recalled a discussion at the meeting when Members agreed to recommend to the Parish Council that a Working Group from this Committee meet with County and local Youth Workers (Ms Becky Sim and Mrs Tracy Kerr) to initiate a consultation process to establish what facilities young people of the village are looking for. He looked to Members for comment and it was agreed unanimously to support the initiative. 5. Correspondence 5a Register of Electors: NKDC advised on the requirement to supply a copy of the Register to each Councillor, and asked Members to indicate a preference for a disk or data copy and to sign the disclaimer to confirm the supplied registers would only be used for electoral purposes. Paper copies were requested by those present and the Clerk said she would progress the matter with those absent and return to NKDC.
5b LALC County Circular issue No 120, and Notice of Training Events etc: The circular had been reproduced and copied to all Members to read. The Chairman highlighted various topics including an article about the keynote speaker at the 2004 AGM and Conference Tony Lake - Chief Constable for Lincolnshire who outlined Police Aims, Challenges, Crime figures etc at the Conference. Various planned workshops on planning, highway related matters, and crime and disorder. Freedom of Information Act; Tax position regarding Gratuities; Statutory Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures in the Workplace; training news and a list to guide clerks on document filtering/saving, were noted. 5c Coleby Parish Council - Re Aircraft Noise Protest: A letter from Coleby Parish Council Chairman sought support to a protest at the relocation of 3 Operational Squadrons of Nimrods from RAF Kinloss to RAF Waddington on the grounds that further noise pollution would be unacceptable. Councillor Mrs Walter opined that RAF Waddington had been an active station for many years and considered that aircraft would continue to fly from Waddington and she had no problem with that activity. Councillor Bushell commented in agreement with those sentiments. The Chairman opined the proposed MR2 aircraft were not as noisy as the earlier Vulcan aircraft, he calculated there were 6 aircraft for each squadron making a total of 18 aircraft; the existing force would remain including Awacs and reconnaissance aircraft and opined that noise pollution from visiting aircraft was greater than that from Nimrod aircraft. He balanced these factors against the economic benefits to the County as a whole which he considered outweighed the inconvenience from noise. In discussion Members agreed that they could not support the protest for reasons as stated. 5d Standards Boards for England Duel- hatted members and the Code of Conduct - Guidance for Members, and guidance for Monitoring Officers and Standards Committees. Copies of these booklets were received and noted by Members, to be retained in the Office for reference. 1519 5/e Readfile : Members were notified of booklets and journals that had been received for information. Additional correspondence received since the agenda was published were reviewed by Members to include: 5f Standards Committee: NKDC Members Services Manager advised that a Standards Committee scheduled for the 9 December 2004 had been cancelled because further preparation work was required for two matters and both reports will be considered at the next meeting on 17 December 2004. 5g NKDC's Electoral Review of Wards by the Boundary Committee: The NKDC Member Services Manager advised that the proposals to increase the size of the Council from 40 to 42 Members had been submitted to the Boundary Committee and thanked Members for their contributions and/or comments that were made part of the review process. 5h Stock Options: Mr Clive Redshaw the NKDC Director of Housing, Planning and Community Services advised that the District Council was currently completing the consultation stages on a Stock Options Appraisal for the District and enclosed a summary of the report. Consultations with tenants were in hand and the District Council was due to consider its view on the report, informed by the outcome of the consultations, in February. The District Council was keen that consultations should include inputs from other sources and welcomed views by 14 January 2005. Councillor Hopewell was asked to take the document to read and advise of any comments to be returned on a questionnaire attached to the summary. 6. Financial Matters: 6a Monthly Statements for November 2004 - General Fund & Special Accounts, plus Jubilee Hall Fund (copies attached to the minute file ): Accounts paid during the month of November were outlined by the Clerk and the position of the General Fund was noted. The closure of the Jubilee Hall Fund had been completed and a balance of £371.66 transferred to the General Fund deposit account. 6b Accounts for Payment in December 2004 : A list of accounts ( copy attached to the minute file ) to be paid was reviewed by the Clerk. It was proposed by Councillor Green and seconded by Councillor Hopewell that the accounts be paid. Cheques were signed by Councillor Mrs Walter and Councillor Green. 7 Planning Matters 7a Review Planning Applications received from NKDC for Members consultative comments:- 7a/1 N/32/1509/04 Erection of 2 Dwellings (reserved matters) land adjacent to 87 High Street, Heighington: Members looked at the details of the proposal for two - two storey dwellings and recalled that Outline permission had been granted and renewed over a number of years for one bungalow. The proposal to dispose of surface water via soakaways was considered inappropriate as experience has shown problems of ‘ ponding ' on the highway and waterlogged gardens in the vicinity. Concern was also raised at the close proximity of the two dwellings to the east and west boundaries which could adversely affect the residents in the properties at 87 High Street and 1 Fen Road. The Clerk advised that neighbouring residents had looked at the plans on deposit, and a letter of objection had been sent to the NKDC from one of the neighbours and copied to the Parish Council. It was agreed that there were no objections in principle to the development. The Clerk was asked to return comments as noted and to point out that research shows Fen Road Methodist Church on that site and that an Archaeological Survey of the area might be appropriate. 7a/2 N/13/32/17/1572/04 Proposed multi user pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and horses, Disused railway land between Five Mile Bridge and former railway bridge, Bardney : Members looked at the details on the plans and considered it was an excellent proposal in principle. Being mindful that it was a multi user pathway there was no specific parking facilities shown on the plans. Members felt that if access to the footway was to be enjoyed by all users, including those in wheelchairs and those with pushchairs etc separate parking facilities should be incorporated in the scheme to discourage on road parking along Five Mile Lane. The Clerk was asked to return these comments to NKDC. 1520 7a/3 N/32/1615/04 Replace flat roof with pitched, and erection of porch at 19 Gail Grove, Heighington: Members looked at the details and there was no objection or other comments to convey about the proposal. 7a/4 N/32/1630/04 Demolish existing rear extension and erect 2 storey rear extension, Middle Oak, Blacksmiths Lane, Heighington: Members looked at the details on the plans and saw no objections to the development. 7a/5 FOR INFORMATION: time sensitive reviewed by Chairman, and Planning Committee Chairman: N/32/0930/04 amended details consisting of Visibility splay and insertion of a passing bay, Conversion of redundant pig unit, Bardney Road, Washingborough (Heighington Parish) 7b Note decision notices issued by NKDC Permission Refused: LBC.1854 Refusal of Listed Building Consent for Alterations to dwelling at 7 High Street Heighington dated 1 December 2004. 8. NKDC Licensing Policy (Consultation Document) Report from Working Group: Councillor Green introduced this item by saying that he had spoken with Mr John Gibson at the NKDC who agreed that the document was geared for Police and higher authorities and not Parish Councils. On this basis the Working Party had reviewed the document and decided to respond generally as opposed to completion of the questionnaire attached to the document. In summary the aims of the Policy were supported in principle, but it was considered that some directions ought to be more strongly presented by using the word “shall” as opposed to “may”. In addition, guidance in relation to Parish Council properties Village Halls and Sports Pavilions and responsibilities, and the relevance of Licensing to individual village groups and organisations wanting to hold raffles, street parties, or similar fund raising activities was being sought. The Chairman thanked Members of the Working Party for undertaking the assessment. 9 Heighington Beck: The Chairman noted a letter to Mr Stephen Archer Head of Environmental Services at NKDC with a list of concerns regarding the Beck and the Clerk was invited to update. The Clerk reported that residents had expressed concerns about maintenance of the Beck and in response she had contacted the Environment Agency for advice. Two Environment Agency Officers had made a visit to Heighington to look at the Beck and recommended that work to clear obstructions and narrowing of the channel needs to be undertaken as soon as possible to safeguard those properties in close proximity to the Beck from flash flooding. A reply to our letter was awaited from the NKDC. Councillor Mrs Walter queried the time taken to reply to the letter by NKDC and it was agreed that the Clerk should contact Mr Archer by the end of that week if no response had been received. 10. Security Lighting - Recreation Ground: Repeated vandalism of the security lights attached to the pavilion had prompted a review and in this regard the Police Architectural Liaison Officer had been invited to visit the site and look at the situation. General problems of youths gathering, alcohol consumption, litter and damage were outlined to the Officer. On inspection of the existing lamps it was considered that they were beyond economical repair and would serve no purpose other than a target for the vandals. It was suggested that a more superior form of light on a pole be explored and in this regard ABB the street lighting contractor was invited to look at the situation and provide a quotation. The quotation had been received and advised three proposals (1) supplying, erecting and fitting a 5 metre octagonal steel column with a Thorn Basique 42w PL Anti Vandal Lantern - all night photocell at a cost of £290 + VAT per lamp. (2) provision of a new electricity mains service to column 1, trenching and cabling back to electricity pole at the main entrance at a cost of £2,616 + VAT (3) provision of a new electricity mains service to a second column, trenching and cabling to column 1 at a cost of £1,375. The Chairman considered that the costs outweighed the benefit and it was agreed that no further action would be taken. Councillor Green pointed out that while the Officer was on site he had sought his views on a ‘no alcohol bylaw' and ‘youth shelters' both of which he would not recommend. 11. Urgent Items for Consideration: 1521 11a Street Lighting Failures: Members reported faulty street lights along Clarke Avenue and on the centre of the Open Space at Back Lane. Agenda Part ‘B' CHAIRMAN MOVED: that in conjunction with the Public Bodies Admission to Meetings Act 1960 the remainder of the business be held in “Committee” and both the Public and Press be excluded therefrom for the reason that the business to be transacted or advice tendered is that of a confidential nature which is considered prejudicial in the Public Interest to publicise. Members agreed 12. Matters Arising from Previous Part ‘B' Minutes: 12/1 page 1514 item 13/1 Village Hall Lease: There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.25pm. Signed: by Councillor W.E. Bliss Date: 10 January 2005 |