February 2024 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 held in the meeting room at The Institute 38 Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at 7.30pm.
Present: Parish Councillors Bowell, Denman, Dilks (County and District), Fowler, Gilbert, Hosking, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith, Stevens, District Councillor Bridget Ley and 3 members of the public.
The Parish Clerk took the minutes.
OPEN FORUM
Amrit Mistry spoke on behalf of the grant application for assistance towards the running cost so the Road Race and Fun Run organised by the Rotary Club of the Deepings. This was the first time they had asked for financial support for this event. The number of entrants had reduced, due to the number of other similar events locally but the Club were trying to keep entry charges as low as possible and avoid losing another annual event in the Deepings.
Phil Neville raised his concerns about the number of cars travelling along Linchfield Road in excess of the 30MPH speed limit asking if anything could be done about it. It was noted that the planning committee had looked at applying for a licence to place a bracket on one of the lampposts along there to install one of the two reactive speed indicator devices that the Parish Council have and the Chair of the Planning committee, Councillor Smith, said he would re-visit this and progress it. Councillor Dilks mentioned that he recalled taking photos of possible suitable lampposts and advised that the location would need to approved by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership. The poor condition of the footpath between Campion Drive and Brewton Drive was also mentioned which Councillor Dilks said he would investigate.
Ian Stygall asked if the CCTV cameras at Jubilee Park were live and who monitored them. He was advised they were live and that although they were not monitored 24/7 the Parish Council office had access to view the footage. He then informed the Council that on the evening of Friday 15th February 2024 and over the weekend of Saturday 16th February 2024 and Sunday 17 February 2024 a trails bike was riding across Jubilee Park and all around the estate. He had tried to confront them but suffered a lot a verbal abuse and had reported it to the Police and been given a crime number. Councillor Rose advised that she had also reported it and had a crime number and Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe advised that she had reported similar issues at Woody Heights and along Linchfield Road on the afternoon of Saturday 16th February 2024 informing the Police that CCTV footage was available as the cameras at Woody Heights were also live. District Councillor Ley volunteered to speak with the South Kesteven District Council Neighbourhood team regarding this. Councillor Stevens suggested that this may be an opportunity to call a community meeting and Councillor Denman felt that a letter voicing our concerns about lack of police cover in the Deepings should be sent to Lincolnshire Police and the MP. County Councillor Dilks advised that he was attending a Police and Crime Panel meeting at Horncastle on 21 February 2024 where he would try to raise the lack of Police Community Support Officers who had in the past dealt with these issues
All three member of the public left the meeting.
24.135 To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Apologies had been received and accepted from Councillors Halls and Townsin.
24.136 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.
Councillor Stevens declared an interest in agenda item 24.140.3
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to suspend Standing Orders to amend the order in which the items on the agenda were dealt with.
24.139 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.
SOUTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCIL
Councillor Ley advised of the following
-the new fencing, chosen by the residents, would be installed at Benedict Court by the end of March
-there had been reports of anti-social behaviour at Scout Island and also of some trees in the water. The SKDC neighbourhood team had visited (it was noted that the lad was in the parish of Northborough) and the Environment Agency were arranging the removal of the trees.
-there had also been a report of anti- social behaviour at Manor Court Gardens and the SKDC CCTV Supervisor was looking at footage to support this
-a member of the public had contacted her about the use of some of the grass area at Manor House Court Gardens being used for additional car parking but she confirmed SKDC would not be progressing this
- a member of the public had also contacted her about an overgrown area off Spalding Road on the private drive Ermine Way but as SKDC had no knowledge or involvement they had been advised to contact the Land Registry for ownership information.
Councillor Dilks advised of the following
- Councillor Ashley Baxter a resident of Deeping St James and former Deeping St James Parish Councillor has been elected as Leader of South Kesteven District Council.
- The consultation on the draft local plan starts on 29 February 2024 and includes proposals for 680 houses on Linchfield Road Deeping St James, 18 on Priory Farm land on Broadgate Lane Deeping St James, 200 on Millfield Road Market Deeping, 73 on Towngate East Market Deeping. The consultation is also looking at prospective areas for Travellers sites within South Kesteven District Council as none came forward 4 years ago when the previous plan was adopted.
LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
County Councillor Dilks advised of the following
-at the Scrutiny committee which he chairs they have been looking at what support is available to young carers and how it can be improved as the number of young carers (under 18’s) has risen post covid to 7000. Councillor Rose has contact details of a young carers support network in Birmingham which is involved with in her working role which may be a useful source of information
- the budget and precept will be agreed at a meeting on Friday 23 February 2024 where the allocation of the current years underspend (7 million) will also be considered. Councillor Dilks intended to suggest setting up an anti-social behaviour team of County Officers to support the Police and the District Councils neighbourhood teams but the Government has now given a million pounds to do just this which is good news. Flood prevention work is also another area that the underspend could be used in however the leading Administration want to use it on road improvements, predominantly potholes.
- the new year budget will see more money to spend on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision and holiday activity schemes for school aged children as well as a fund for library hubs to apply to alongside the £5168 pa ( figure which has never increased) which continues to be provided to each community hub since full funding was withdrawn
- the confirmation of the new Chief Constable will take place on 21 February 2024. The former Chief Constable had announced the closure of several Police Stations something the Police and Crime Commissioner had not been aware of and as it was felt that there had not been any proper consultation this would be reviewed.
- The Parish Clerk had alerted him to an issue of a severe pothole and raised ironwork on Church Street Deeping St James on 15 February 2024 which had caused damage to at least 4 vehicles. Councillor Dilks arranged for prompt action to be taken that same day to avoid further damage.
24.137 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 6 February 2024.
Agreed and signed
24.138 To receive the Clerks report and any update on matters arising from the previous minutes.
The Lincolnshire Road Survey Partnership undertook an Archer survey on Horsegate and Spalding Road between 9 January 2024 and 15 January 2024.
The speed data showed evidence that some vehicles were exceeding the speed limit at a speed at both locations that would make the drivers liable to action or prosecution by the Police.
Collision data for the previous three years shows there have been some collisions but none were speed related.
Highways engineers within the Road Safety Partnership have assessed the area and inform me that no engineering casualty reduction measures were identified.
The results of the survey together with an analysis of the collision data show that the criteria required for either fixed or mobile speed camera enforcement is not met.
A colour newsletter has been prepared (thanks go to Councillor Stevens for pulling this together) and it will be delivered to properties within Deeping St James on 1 March 2024.
Following a meeting about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Active Travel, the newly elected Leader of SKDC Councillor Ashley Baxter contacted the Parish Council office requesting an update on the Welland Footbridge Project. Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe provided along with her sending an email to a member of the Northern Footpath Forum to re-activate contact with them
South Kesteven District Council have forwarded information regarding a tree and woodland strategy consultation. This document will set out the position regarding existing trees and woodlands in the district of South Kesteven– how much tree canopy cover we have; the benefits they bring to our environment and the contribution they make to biodiversity. It will also outline proposals for action including working in partnership with other stakeholders to support wider tree planting across the district. The consultation deadline is Wednesday 21 February 2024 which I have shared via email with all members. Please advise if you wish me to respond on behalf of the Parish Council.
A representative of the Deepings Practice Patient Participation Group contacted the office to ask how many defibrillators in Deeping St James and the locations of them and asking if I felt organising some defibrillator training for the community would be beneficial. I provided forwarded this link Defib finder – find the defibrillators nearest you. and the contact details of the Leisure SK Contracts Swimming Manager who had recently provided training at the Institute.
A date and venue for the Annual Parish Meeting and making a difference awards has been amended due to the original location and date not being available. The event will now take place on Monday 29 April 2024 at the Priory Hall Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD. Please encourage nominations for the awards.
A be prepared flood alert was received at 8am on Saturday 10 February 2024 which was shared via the Parish Councils Facebook page.
Since last meeting there have been four burials in the Deeping St James Cemetery and a further two have been arranged for the first week in March 2024. Three of these were/are historically reserved plots so they have required additional meetings/phone calls with grave diggers.
Following a second quotation for work on the Conifers in the old Cemetery along the Burghley Close boundary the Clerk and Councillor Smith completed a site visit to assess the Conifers. It was agreed that due to the fact that the Cemetery falls within the Conservation area and also because of the size and depth of the Conifers they would be classified as stand-alone trees, not a hedge, a planning application will need to be made to obtain permission for the work to be carried out. This will delay the completion of the work until September 2024.
An email was issued to the Asset Performance Manager at the Environment Agency (Welland and Nene Operations) requesting confirmation that all measures in place to mitigate the Deepings flooding were followed/put into operation during the recent flooding. Reassurances were received advising that “Teams were constantly out during this time, checking for blockages and ensuring sluices were operating satisfactorily” and also advising that they “will be reviewing how the Welland and Glen rivers systems performed in the recent flood and considering whether any changes are necessary.”
Two members of the public contacted the Parish Council office about two separate contravention of planning permission concerns. These were taken up by South Kesteven District Council’s planning enforcement team.
An area of the road surface outside 102 Church Street which had seriously disintegrated leading to dangerously raised iron work was reported to the Parish Council office by a member of the public on 15 February 2024. An email and phone call to Councillor Dilks and the Area Highways Manager led to repairs that same day, unfortunately not before several cars had suffered damage. Please encourage everyone to report any problems via as soon as www.fixmystreet.com as soon as they become aware of them.
District Councillor Ley left the meeting.
It was RESOLVED to move into closed session in accordance with The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 due to the confidential nature of the business to be discussed in relation to the following matter.
Councillor Gilbert referred to the minutes of the extraordinary meeting on 6 February 2024 advising that following Solicitor’s advice and the receipt of further correspondence from the complainant the resolutions agreed at that meeting had been revised however the issue was still progressing in accordance with the resolution.
It was RESOLVED to move out of closed session.
24.139 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.
24.140 Financial matters:
1. To approve the payments for February 2024.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to make payments valuing £9217.68
2. To note the income for February 2024.
The receipt of income valuing £3484.17 was noted
3. To consider the grant application received from the Rotary Club of the Deepings.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to make a grant of £500 towards the cost of organising the 10k Road Race and 3k Fun Run event on 19 May 2024
4. To note the receipt of a third quotation for the 2024 grass cutting contracts.
The prices were noted as the Town and Parish Council had already awarded the contracts to another.
24.141 Planning matters:
1. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the Planning and Transport committee meeting held on Tuesday 13 February 2024.
Councillor Smith introduced the minutes of the meeting from which there were 3 recommendations prompting Councillor Smith to state that the delegated powers of this committee did need reviewing to reduce the number of incidences this occurred.
Application No: S24/0113
Applicant: Richard Littlewood Lincolnshire County Council
Proposal: Section 211 notice for consent to T1 - Willow - Pollard at 5m; T2 - Willow - Fell
Location: Deeping St James Riverbank
App Type: Trees in CA - Section 211 Notice
The Committee recommend that Deeping St James Parish Council raise no objections to T1 being pollarded, but strongly request that a bird and bat survey is completed due to the high bat roost potential.
A further comment with regards to T2 is that Deeping St James Parish Council recognise the need for radical works but given the high amenity value of this tree (bring high profile on the river bank, centred on Hereward Way), would like the Council’s arborist to carefully check the assertion of the applicant that removal is the only option.
RESOLVED
Application No: S24/0148
Applicant: Jan Fisk
Proposal: Section 211 notice crown raising of 2 Yews, 3 Laurels and 1 Holly to give approximately 1.5 metres clearance from the church walls and roof
Location: Priory Church, Church Street, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8HD
App Type: Trees in CA - Section 211 Notice
The committee recommend that Deeping St James Parish Council make no objections to this planning application, but would request that a check for birds with bird nesting season approaching needs to be included.
RESOLVED
Application No: S24/0171
Applicant: St Guthlac Church
Proposal: Sycamore x3 - To reduce height by 2.5m & pull in lateral growth by 1.5m to
shape.
Location: Church of Our Lady of Lincoln and St Guthlac , Hereward Way, Deeping St
James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8QB
TPO No.
App Type: Works to TPO Tree(s)
The committee recommend that Deeping St James Parish Council make no objections to this planning application, but would request that a check for birds with bird nesting season approaching needs to be included.
RESOLVED
2. to consider the following planning applications -
Application No: S24/0134
Applicant: Mr Gary Deroux
Proposal: Yew tree - removal of the lower hanging branches.
Location: 88 Hereward Way, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8QB,
TPO No.
App Type: Works to TPO Tree(s)
Deadline: 22 February 2024
S24/0134 | Yew tree - removal of the lower hanging branches. | 88 Hereward Way Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8QB (southkesteven.gov.uk)
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED that no objections should be raised to this application.
Application No: S24/0198
Proposal: Proposed single storey front extension applicant: Mr N Atter
Location: 4 New Row Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8NA
App Type: Householder
S24/0198 | Proposed single storey front extension | 4 New Row Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8NA (southkesteven.gov.uk)
Councillor Smith recommended that Deeping St James Parish Council make no objection commented that he is usually concerned about 2m forward extension however the building line is not straight along this street so he is not concerned. He recommended that Deeping St James Parish Council make no objection. RESOLVED
Application Nos: EIA/15/23 S24/0139 and EIA/15/23 (scoping opinion consultation)
Proposal: Proposed replacement quarry site to the current West Deeping quarry
Applicant: Lincolnshire County Council
Location: Land to the South of Stamford Road West Deeping
App Type: County matter
S24/0139 | Proposed replacement quarry site to the current West Deeping quarry. | Land To The South Of Stamford Road, West Deeping (southkesteven.gov.uk)
Councillor Smith explained that this was a scoping consultation not a planning application and that Deeping St James Parish Council had not directly been consulted on this it had been picked up indirectly via Market Deeping Town Council and as the Parish Council had previously resolved to support West Deeping Parish Council it needed to be considered. Several concerns were raised such as the after-use of the site, the age of the ecology reports, the impact on the watercourses and general community impact, plus the fact that there are half a dozen other areas in Lincolnshire that are good for sand and gravel extraction so why is it that this area is still be considered having already done so for 30/40 years. Councillor Smith offered to pull all these concerns together in a document to be forwarded to SKDC and LCC. RESOLVED
24.142 To consider the following correspondence.
1. Invitation to attend the Raising of the Commonwealth Flag in Market Deeping on 11 March 2024
This was noted and it was also agreed that the Commonwealth Flag would be raised on Jubilee Park and that Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe would read the 2024 affirmation at 10am on 11 March 2024 with members of the public being invited to attend.
2. Mayor of Grantham’s Dinner Dance 2024 on Saturday 16 March 2024 at Faraday House, Grantham Masonic Centre, Chambers Street, Grantham NG31 8BL.
The Chair, Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe declined the invitation.
3. Invitation to attend a virtual Parish Council Engagement Session led by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership at 6pm on Tuesday 20 February 2024
The Assistant Clerk had attended this on behalf of Deeping St James Parish Council.
4. Invitation from the Local Policing Superintendent to attend the second Parish Council Engagement session on 25 June 2024
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe agreed to attend this as she had attended the first session.
5. The Rotary Club of the Deepings requesting permission to pass through Woody Heights recreation area on Sunday 19 May 2024 for the 10k Road Race and 3k Fun Run
It was agreed to allow permission.
6. Price increase notification for Zoom Subscription Received via email on 1 February 2024 which has raised the question do Deeping St James Parish Council still need to subscribe?
It was agreed to cancel the subscription.
7. Email from resident of Hereward Way advising that they are having work done to their fence which impacts the Cemetery side of their boundary.
It was agreed to reply advising that the posts should not be concreted into the ground.
8. Enquiry as to whether a path is to be installed in the newly extended Cemetery
It was acknowledged that a path would be installed and that the Cemetery Committee should be responsible for progressing this.
9. Request from a representative of the Langtoft the Deepings and District Royal British Legion Branch for a proposal from Deeping St James Parish Council regarding holding future Remembrance events in Deeping St James
It was agreed that Councillor Dilks as Chair of the local Royal British Legion branch would arrange a meeting with a representatives of Deeping St James Parish Council the Church and the Scouts
10. Email from the Lincolnshire Environmental Crime Partnership providing information on Waste crime and asking for the Parish Council’s support in disseminating this information and empowering communities
Noted
11. Invitation to a funding fair in Bourne on Wednesday 27 March 2024
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe confirmed that she had registered to attend this event.
12. A note of thank you for the Parish Council’s involvement in the Priory Church Christmas Tree Festival
Noted.
24.143 To receive an update about the Astroturf on the playing field on Spalding Road/Linchfield Road.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced this item advising that Deeping St James Parish Council leased an L-shaped piece of land within the playing fields to Lincolnshire County Council and the lease runs until May 2054. She continued saying she had shared a proposal that Deeping St James Parish Council should finance the drilling required to establish the cost of replacement and that the Parish Council should take the lead to make it happen.
Councillor Bowell expressed concerns about the parking issues the re-opening of this facility could create since Spalding Road had been double yellowed lined
Councillor Dilks welcomed the initiative taken and advised that the previous Lincolnshire Police Superintendent who chaired the Police and Crime Panel that he was a member of was also involved with FA Lincolnshire who were interested in an Astro in the Deepings and a meeting had been scheduled for 4 March 2024. Councillor Dilks was aware that FA Lincolnshire had been communicating with Deeping Rangers about a possible 3G/4G pitch at their site on Towngate East but he would like FA Lincolnshire to consider rejuvenating the playing field Astro.
Councillor Denman welcomed what had been done and agreed that the Parish Council should be involved as he was worried about the risk to the Parish Council.
Councillor Bowell advised that the FA sets down minimum standards which have to be met before Clubs can be play which may mean the Deeping Rangers site would be favoured
Councillor Gilbert state that the lease was with Lincolnshire County Council who had allowed it to be built lit and fenced regardless of who it was who actually installed it and if left to them the Parish Council may find that in 2054 it is handed back as it is.
Councillor Stevens suggested that a Solicitors letter should be sent stating this although Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe felt that talking to the County Council first would be beneficial. Councillor Dilks suggested writing to the Executive Councillor for People Management, Legal and Corporate Property, Councillor Richard Butroid and the County Council Leader, Councillor Martin Hill, although Councillor Smith expressed concern about the impact of this on relationships between Councillors and staff.
Councillor Stevens advised that she was due to meet County Councillor Butroid regarding a Library matter and volunteered to informally speak to him about this informing the Clerk of the outcome prior to a letter being sent to Lincolnshire County Council which was agreed by those present.
24.144 To agree a date, and who will represent Deeping St James Parish Council at a meeting to organise community event. Dates offered to other community groups who have been invited to attend the meeting are Monday 26 February, Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March
It was agreed that a meeting should be arranged at the Institute on Thursday 29 February 2024 and Councillors Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Stevens, Townsin would be involved.
24.145 To receive reports and minutes from committees, advisory committees, meetings, seminars, training and events or meetings of external bodies attended on the Council’s behalf and consider any recommendations from them:
1. Virtual meeting on Tuesday 30 January 2024 to consider the Jubilee Park transfer of ownership document. Attended by Councillors Shinkins-Hoppe, Councillor Smith the Parish Clerk and South Kesteven District Councils Acting Asset Manager.
2. Personnel sub-committee meeting held at 8pm on Tuesday 13 February 2024
24.146 Parish Pump - items for information or inclusion on future agendas.
Councillor Stevens distributed the Literary Festival brochures encouraging everyone to support the event.
Councillor Stevens also advised that the use of the BlueMail app for accessing the .gov.uk email was still an issue for her, which was supported by Councillor Hosking.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe promoted the annual Parish Meeting and Making A Difference Awards which would take place at 7pm on Monday 29 April 2024 in the Priory Hall Church Street Deeping St James and encouraged everyone to make nominations and encourage others to do so too.
Meeting closed at 10pm