July 2023 Minutes
DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL
The Institute, 38 Church Street, Deeping St James, PE6 8HD
E-mail: clerk@deepingstjames-pc.gov.uk
Tel: 01778 343266
Webpage: //deeping-st-james.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Facebook: Deeping St James Parish Council
Parish Clerk: Julie Fortnum
The minutes of the Deeping St James Parish Council meeting which took place in the meeting room at The Institute 38 Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD on Tuesday 18 July 2023 at 7.30pm.
Present: Parish Councillors Bowell, Denman (arrived at 8.20pm), Dilks (County and District), Fowler, Green, Gilbert, Halls, Hosking, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith, Stevens and one member of the public.
The minutes were taken by Julie Fortnum, Parish Clerk
Open Forum
Member of the public, Neville Palmer of Horsegate, introduced himself and requested that the Parish Council consider the following 3 items
1. The Walnut Tree Public House’s continuing use of the former car park as a beer garden (converted during Covid restrictions).
The lease on the Public House is advertising a beer garden but no car park suggesting there is no intention to convert back leading to more cars parking on the road. Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe advised that planning permission for such a change would not be required and also that as a local resident she had personally contacted the Brewery three weeks ago to discuss this but had not had a reply. Councillor Smith advised that the Parish Council were not the planning authority but suggested that the Parish Council could make enquiries to South Kesteven District Council on the member of the public’s behalf. District Councillor Dilks advised that he was now Executive member for Housing and Planning at SKDC and he would check if planning permission was required for a permanent change of use.
2. Increase in parked traffic on roadside along Horsegate (due to the above) and the recent installation of bollards on a grass verge
The member of public feels that the increase in roadside parking is an accident waiting to happen. He also questions the location of the recently installed wooden bollards on a grass verge as having lived in the area for 55 years he is aware that there have never been bollards at that location. The stubs of the original plastic bollards are still visible in the grass at another location, left from when they were intentionally ploughed down by a motorist. Councillor Gilbert agreed with this statement about the location of the bollards and the intentional damage to the earlier ones. Councillor Dilks, as the County Councillor for Deepings East, was aware that new bollards had been installed three weeks ago but did not realise that they were at a new location. He advised that the Area Highways Officer was due to visit the Parish on 2 August 2023 so he would add this to his list of areas to visit/items to discuss with him then.
3. The condition of Benedict Court pathways, overgrown hedges, missing gates and broken fences
The member of public asked if there was anything the Parish Council could do as there had been a serious fall recently, the fifth this year to his knowledge, and although he had been in touch with District Councillor Ley the issues had not been resolved. Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe added that the surface water issue did not appear to have been resolved either despite a visit from Anglian Water. District Councillor Dilks advised that he had raised this issue with SKDC and was aware that District Councillor Ley had also done so after meeting with the lady who had fallen. Councillor Stevens confirmed that the pathway had been in poor repair for a number of years and some work had been done but not sufficient and what had been done was of poor quality. District Councillor Dilks agreed to take up this matter.
The member of the public left the meeting.
24.35 To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Councillor Denman would be late arriving as he was attending a Langdyke Trust meeting on the Parish Council’s behalf from 6pm at Nene Park.
24.36 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any interest in agenda items not previously recorded on the registration of disclosable pecuniary interest forms.
None declared.
24.37 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 20 June 2023.
Agreed and signed after one small amendment to the spelling of Councillor Bowell’s name under item 24.30
24.38 To receive the Clerks report and receive an update on matters arising from previous minutes.
-The Annual Governance and Accounting Statement was forwarded to the External Auditors on 26 June 2023 and receipt was acknowledged on 7 July 2023
-The Clerk has contacted South Kesteven District Council advising that the Parish Council would like to take up the offer Save a Life Sessions - Adult CPR and Defibrillator Free Training and has been advised there has been a high demand for the sessions which are likely to commence in September so they will be in touch then to confirm a date.
-The Clerk has confirmed with the Interim Asset Manager at South Kesteven District Council that the Parish Council are agreeable to the District Council’s Solicitor proceeding with the transfer of Jubilee Park with a statement of truth consisting of evidence from SKDC being submitted about the unregistered land.
-The Clerk has obtained details about the Public Works Loan Board from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils who have advised that Local Government can borrow under the following power – The Local Government Act 2003, Schedule 1 para. 2. They have also advised the Parish Councillors to read ‘The Good Councillors Guide to Local Finance and Transparency’ especially page 27. It was also stated that the Parish Council may need to approach LALC to get the latest contact details and further details once they start to consider the options and decide to proceed with borrowing.
-Lincolnshire County Council Countryside Access contacted the Parish Council office after receiving a complaint that the public right of way was unpassable due to nettle overgrowth. They asked if one of the Parish Councils maintenance team could cut this back as LCC were not schedule to visit until the Autumn. As one of the Parish Council’s maintenance team already cuts this area on an ad-hoc basis they visited it again (only 6 weeks after previously doing so) to cut it back.
-A member of the public contacted Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe expressing concerns about speeding along Horsegate. As they were requesting more significant traffic calming measures than the reactive speed sign and 30MPH bin stickers such as speed humps, they have been directed to Lincolnshire County Council Highways and Councillor Dilks as County Councillor for this area.
-Fly tipping along Linchfield Road which was reported to the Parish Council by a member of the public has been referred to South Kesteven District Council and cleared away.
-Councillor Bowell shared the following information with the Clerk
‘Are you a Lincolnshire business owner or manager, or know someone that is?
PCC Marc Jones is hosting a business crime forum alongside Lincolnshire Police on Monday 24th July from 6pm-8pm
Topics to discuss include how the business crime forum will be shaped moving forward, concerns and risks highlighted by the business community, and understanding priority areas.
Registration begins at 5:30pm where a light buffet will be served.
Secure your place for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-crime-forum-tickets-656588512917’
-The Clerk shared the information with all other Parish Councillors and the Deepings Business Club.
-Meetings with several prospective CCTV contractors and Tree Services have taken place with a view to installing CCTV at Woody Heights and possibly completing work on the Willow Trees on the Riverbank
-The broken signage at Low Locks reported to the Parish Council by a member of the public has been forwarded to the Environment Agency – Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire who have confirmed that they will arrange new signage.
24.39 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.
COUNTY COUNCIL
Councillor Dilks advised that on 4 July 2023 the Executive Committee had agreed to invite expressions of interest from anyone prepared to take on the Deeping Leisure Centre. He was not aware of a time limit for the receipt of these expressions of interest although he hoped it would not be long. If there were no expressions of interest forthcoming the building would be demolished in the Summer 2024 at a cost of 1.5 million. The County Council had said that they would be willing to assist those expressing an interest to the tune of £75,000 and it was hoped that South Kesteven District Council would do the same. He was aware that the Deepings Leisure Centre Group were looking at options, other providers and the availability of grant funding. Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe asked for clarification about the responsibilities of those expressing an interest. Councillor Dilks confirmed that there would be no lease, whoever runs it would own the building so all liabilities would be passed on. Councillor Stevens commented that this was totally reprehensible of LCC after not taking responsibility for 50 years which Councillor Dilks acknowledged.
DISTRICT COUNCIL
Councillor Dilks advised that it had been induction week for all new Councillors and there had been around 30- sessions available to attend. He had attended as many as he could as he was on a steep learning curve as Executive Member for Housing and Planning. He advised that SKDC are the biggest Local Authority housing provider in the East Midlands with 6000 units however they had been in special measures for 2 years although they had worked hard and were nearly out of it but the National Regulator needed to see this improvement continuing over a period of time. The required work had been costly and had highlighted in what bad repair the housing stock was. He advised that traditionally 1 in 4 houses needed major repair work when they became void (empty/available for re-let). The turnaround time for repair and re-let should be 100 days however this was not being met with some being empty for up to a year leading to loss of income adding to the cost of the required repairs. Councillor Dilks understands that they are catching up and that there are other improvements being made – the introduction of choice-based lettings and a housing register rather than a waiting list which people will need to re-apply to be added to/remain on. He concluded saying that he would continue to push matters regarding the number of empty properties and the time they are empty.
24.40 Financial matters:
1. To approve the payments for July 2023.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to make payments totalling £8,975.94
2. To note the income for July 2023.
Income totalling £1,913.10 was noted.
24.41 Planning matters:
1. To receive the minutes and recommendations from the Planning and Transport committee meetings held on Tuesday 11 July 2023 .
Councillor Smith introduced the minutes of this meeting from which there were six recommendations.
S23/1064
Proposal: External and internal alterations including insertion of new bi-fold doors at
ground floor
Location: 42 Church Street, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8HD
The Committee RECOMMENDS Council object to the external alterations of solar panels and bi-fold doors, on one of the oldest buildings in Deeping St James. The new doors, whilst located to the rear of the property, affect the structure and character of the building unacceptably. Smaller doors set below the frame of the present window headers would be more appropriate.
The solar panels will be mounted to obscure and possibly damage Collyweston roof tiles that have a very high heritage value – this value is not outweighed by the importance of generating renewable energy in this instance.
RESOLVED
S23/1143 Mr Dobson
Proposal: To fell Acacia with tree preservation order in place.
Location: 24 Horsegate, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8EW
The committee RECOMMENDS to Council that there are no objections.
Councillor Bowell asked if the applicant would be required to plant a replacement tree which Councillor Smith said was aa very valid point. Both Councillors Dilks and Stevens suggested that this was a requirement at SKDC if the decision was removal of a tree, however it there was no harm in adding a comment it to reinforce the requirement.
RESOLVED
S23/1095
Proposal: Demolition of an agricultural building and erection of one dwelling with provision of a planting buffer along the northern boundary.
Location: Land on the west side of Hall Meadow Road.
The committee RECOMMENDS to Council that there are no objections to this Planning Application, however, Deeping St James Parish Council would like to draw attention to the Welland Deeping and Drainage Board comment and also draw attention to the mains water supply which crosses this land.
RESOLVED
S23/1115
Proposed telecommunications installation: Proposed 15.0m Phase 8
Monopole and associated ancillary works.
Location: Thackers Way , Horsegate, Deeping St. James , South Kesteven, PE6 8HP
The committee RECOMMENDS Council object due to: the choice of siting, its local value and the ceremonial importance of location; the impact on street scene, there being other better located sites nearby and due to the conflict with policy.
8.20pm Councillor Denman arrived.
To provide prospective, Councillor Smith shared two photos of the mast and cabinets located near Tesco in Bourne. This confirmed that it was not just a 15-metre mast but 3 cabinets at ground level of approximately 1.5 metres in height that would act as a visual barrier to the open space of the park exactly where community and ceremonial events were held. They would also be white so noticeable and ideal for graffiti.
Both Councillors Dilks and Stevens agreed to post something on the local Facebook sites to assist the community in understanding the grounds on which they could object if they wanted to.
The committee’s resolution was RESOLVED
S23/1222
Proposal: Residential development of three bungalows and garages.
Location: Land to the rear of 34 & 36, Park Road, Deeping St James, PE6 8ND.
The committee RECOMMENDS Council object to this Outline Planning Application due to a lack of a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment and a prior Ecological Assessment Report.
Cllr Gilbert had declared an interest in this Planning Application and did not participate in discussion or resolution.
RESOLVED
S23/1215
Proposal: Removal of 3 woodland ash trees in Conservation Area
Location: 28 Bridge Street, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8HA,
The committee RECOMMENDS Council comment that we are concerned about the loss of apparently healthy trees that pre-existed the nearest building. The case made by the applicant appears unconvincing. The Planning Authority’s tree officer is asked that the application submitted is checked thoroughly, so that an informed decision can be made.
Cllr Gilbert declared an interest in this Planning Application and did not participate in the discussion or resolution.
RESOLVED
24.42 To consider the following correspondence.
1. Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities via The Rt Hon Sir John Hayes CBE MP in response to the Parish Councils and Clerks request for support for the Early Day Motion – Intimidation at community, parish and town councils. (EDM 611 – tabled on 23 November 2022, primary sponsor - Dr Julian Lewis, MP). The letter acknowledged the valuable contribution of Local Councils, condemns cases of bullying and inappropriate behaviour, welcomes the work of the SLCC and NALC and commits to engaging with stakeholder representatives in due course.
The Clerk confirmed that the Rt. Hon. John Hayes MP had not signed the early Day Motion but had contacted the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and received the response from Lee Rowley MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Local Government and Building Safety Noted.
2. South Kesteven District Council advising of the launch of a new category of SK Community Awards – the Community in Bloom Award – replacing the Best Kept Village Competition offering a great opportunity to shine a light on your community and the pride and hard work that goes into keeping it looking special. This is a nomination process and, for this category we require supporting photos along with a narrative to help our judges choose a winner. Closing date for nominations is 24 August 2023.
Noted.
3. Lincolnshire County Council Waste Services – would like to give communities across Lincolnshire the opportunity to take part in their litter picking equipment scheme, with the aim to help tackle littering issues in the area. They are offering Town and Parish Councils litter picking kits consisting of litter pickers, hi-visibility vests and clear bags supplied with the appropriate guidance and access to a risk assessment. Please advise if a kit is required and also if you are unable to collect it from Lincolnshire Energy Waste Facility at North Hykeham so a suitable alternative collection point can be agreed.
It was agreed to accept the offer of some litter picking kits and Councillor Dilks volunteered to collect them from the County Council offices when he attended for meetings.
4. The King’s Pageantmaster - Invitation to take part in D-Day 80 on 6 June 2024 with a closing date for registration of 1 April 2024 D-DAY 80 BEACONS
It was agreed to delegate this item to the recreation and open spaces committee to consider.
5. Rotary Club of the Deepings – an update about the re-wilding of SKDC land behind Linchfield School on Wade Park Avenue explaining what will be planted and when and also how the area will be managed and used.
Noted.
6. Lincolnshire County Council – promoting their new advertisement service for Parish Council vacancies.
Noted.
7. Lincolnshire Police – a response to the Parish Council’s enquiry about funding a local Police Community Support Officer.
Noted.
Councillor Dilks asked for a copy of the response to be forwarded to him.
8. Lincolnshire County Council Highways – Offering 2 free spaces on LANTRA training for remembrance and other memorial parade organisers to be held in Horncastle in mid-September
Councillor Bowell expressed an interest in attending and Councillor Gilbert suggested that the Clerk ask one of the maintenance team to attend
24.43 To receive an update about the playing field land and to consider what action, if required, should be taken.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe advised that the Parish Clerk had emailed the Deepings School and LCC following the publication of the minutes of the LCC Executive Committee - Decisions 04th-Jul-2023 10.00 Executive.pdf (moderngov.co.uk) - which recorded that a 125-year lease was to be agreed between Anthem Trust and LCC for the School site including the playing field land and the knowledge that the lease between DSJPC and LCC for the land they own expires in May 2054.
The contents of the emails between the Parish Clerk and the Business Manager at the Deepings School and between the Parish Clerk and a Lawyer in Legal Services at Lincolnshire County Council had been shared with the Members and stated what was already known; nothing about the impact of the LCC Executive decision.
Councillor Dilks stated that the lease was renewed in 2014 for a 40-year period to provide some surety for the Rugby Club whose home was on the field and that their ability to use the field, and the use of it by a number of Football Clubs, needed to be protected.
Councillor Gilbert suggested that the Parish Council should force LCC’s hand by NOT agreeing to an extension of our lease with them.
Councillor Smith stated that it needed to be noted that the use of the land surrounding the playing field would change over the next 20 years.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED that the Clerk should contact the Senior Lawyer in Legal Services at Lincolnshire County Council reminding them that the Parish Council owns some of the playing fields and that the lease to LCC expires in 2054 so agreement from the Parish Council to any long-term lease would be required so discussions should commence.
24.44 To receive an update about who is responsible for the riverbank and to consider what action, if required, should be taken.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe referred to the paper that had been written by the Clerk and shared with the Members which advised that after meeting with contractors to obtain quotes for work to the trees along the riverbank it was noticed that the trees had LCC tags on them suggesting that they had been included in a tree audit undertaken by LCC. When contacted the LCC Arboricultural Officer advised that LCC maps show that they own part of the riverbank as it forms part of the adopted highway and the trees look to be growing on this land and are therefore their responsibility however, they do not have any maintenance schedules for the trees. Furthermore, they advised that although it may be unregistered land it has highway rights existing over it. Following the receipt of this information and taking into account the fact that the Parish Council had commenced investigations into adverse possession of the riverbank in early 2022 after cutting the grass and adding bins benches and “beware of the ducks” signage to the bank since 2009, the Clerk had contacted Legal Services at LCC but was yet to obtain a response. It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED that the Clerk continues to press LCC for confirmation of legal ownership, acceptance of their responsibility for maintaining the trees and receipt of a contribution payable to DSJPC towards cutting the bank regularly.
24.45 To receive and consider minutes and recommendations of other committees, reports from advisory committees, members reports from external bodies and reports of meetings, seminars, training and events attended on the Council’s behalf:
1. Saturday 24 June 2023 - Rose and Sweet pea Show Vicarage and Priory Hall Gardens Church Street Deeping St James attended by Councillors Dilks, Green, Hosking, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens
Councillor Rose advised that it was well attended with a number of visitors to the stand taking 30MPH bin stickers.
2. Sunday 25 June 2023 - Deepings Carnival John Eve Field Godsey Lane Market Deeping attended by Councillors Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens
Councillor Stevens advised it had been very hot and windy but there had been a steady flow of visitors during the afternoon
3. Monday 26 June 2023 – The Rotary Club of the Deepings handover presentation at the Deepings Sports and Social Club attended by Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe said that this had been a very pleasant evening.
4. Monday 3 July 2023 – Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils Councillor training at SKDC hub in Bourne attended by Councillors Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith and Stevens
Councillor Smith stated that it had all been useful but what he had found most interesting was that a Parish Council, had the ability to increase their precept uncapped.
5. Thursday 7 July 2023 - South Kesteven District Council funding workshop at Deepings Community Centre attended by Councillors Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens and Julie Fortnum, the Parish Clerk
Councillor Stevens said the workshop mentioned the UK prosperity fund and also the Lottery fund. She advised that Deepings Storyfest would qualify for funding via the prosperity fund as it was a free event however the Deepings Literary Festival would not as it was a ticketed event so another funding avenue would need to be sought.
6. Thursday 7 July 2023 – Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils Annual General Meeting via Zoom attended by Councillors Bowell and Green.
Councillor Green advised that it had been difficult to log and when they did the Chair continually referred to items from the previous meeting that had not been quorate but resolutions were passed.
7. Tuesday 11 July 2023 – Recreation and Open Spaces Committee meeting
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the minutes of this meeting from which there were no recommendations however volunteers were needed to help at the -
Dog Show on 30 July 2023 – Councillors Green, Halls, Hosking and Rose would help set up and/or serve and clear away. Friend of Jubilee Park, Peter Robinson, would also help and Councillor Stevens said she would ask Jill Thomas is she could assist.
Raft Race on 6 August 2023 – Councillor Dilks, Green and Shinkins-Hoppe would help to set up/ clear away and Councillors Gilbert, Smith and Stevens would staff the stand on a rota basis.
The Clerk said that the raft race committee Chair had contacted the office to advise that after a meeting with the Environment Agency, they had agreed to do some weed clearance in the river before the event but also to ask if the maintenance team could reduce the height of the reeds on the bank to aid with visibility of the rafts on the river for the spectators on the bank. Councillor Denman, in his professional capacity as an Ecologist, said that the ecological impact would be minimal providing they were not cut down at water level or the roots pulled out however, Councillor Bowell was not in favour of the reeds being cut at all or the raft race taking place on the river. Councillor Hosking, someone who lives in a property close to the river, confirmed that taking the reeds out last year had enhanced wildlife not hindered it. Councillor Gilbert advised that this had happened for several years previously and the Clerk, Maintenance Team and Raft Race Committee had handled it without bringing it to Council.
8. Thursday 13 July 2023 – Cyber Security & Awareness: Safeguarding Councils in the Digital Age training from Scribe via Zoom attended by Julie Fortnum, The Parish Clerk.
As the Clerk had not been well enough to attend this zoom training, she had asked for the recording to be forwarded which she would watch at some point.
9. Monday 17 July 2023 – Linchfield walk meeting at Linchfield Primary School car park incorporating public rights of way 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5 followed by refreshments at the Walnut Tree on Horsegate
Councillor Gilbert said that this was a well-attended event, a number of positive comments had been received and it had facilitated interaction with the public.
10. Tuesday 18 July 2023 - South Kesteven District Council’s Local Economic Forum held at Bourne Corn Exchange attend by Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe informed the Council that £864,000 of the UK Prosperity Fund had already been spent on Grantham and that although application is open until March 2024 around two thirds of it had already been allocated. She also mentioned that the Forum presenter had advised that the Rural Prosperity Fund totalling £540,000 would be divided between the 4 towns – Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping (with a population of 6500). Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe had asked for an amendment to this classification as this area was as a rule referred to as The Deepings (combining the joined parishes of Market Deeping and Deeping St James). She was assured that this would be amended.
24.46 Parish Pump – items for information or inclusion on future agendas.
Councillor Denman apologised for his late arrival and explained that he had been attending a meeting of the John Clare Countryside Partnership at Nene Park along with a number of other Local Councils. It was noted that they had not done much with Deeping St James Parish Council in the past but that they were interested to do so especially when Councillor Denman advised them of the size of the parish and the fact that the Parish Council own and maintain land. A nature recovery template has been shared with Councillor Denman which he agreed to complete and asked for it to be added to the August 2023 agenda for consideration. The project had spent £226,000 between September 2021 and March 2023 although only 400 trees had been planted and 5 waterways assessed as most had been spent on employing 3 individuals who had completed several surveys and done lots of outreach work Councillor Bowell advised that he was a member of the East Mercia Rivers Trust so would be interested in being involved.
Councillor Green asked for confirmation that the Parish Council would only be serving hot refreshments allowing him to provide cold drinks which was confirmed.
Councillor Bowell asked Councillor Dilks if he could arrange for the removal of the South Kesteven Leisure Centre sign on Linchfield Road (at the former entrance to the playing field) as it was stating inaccurate information and in poor repair.
Meeting Finished at 10.10pm