2025 Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of Deeping St James Parish Council held in the meeting room at The Institute 38 Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD on Friday Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 7.30pm.

 

Present: Parish Councillors Burdock, Dilks (County and District), Fowler, Halls, Hosking, Leader, Neville, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith, Stevens and Townsin

 

Open Forum/Public Participation

No members of the public in attendance  

 

26.33 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 an accepted from Councillors Bowell, Gilbert, Laws and Rose. 

 

26.34 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests.

Councillor Smith declared a non-registerable interest in agenda item 26.39.2 (S25/0862)

Councillor Townsin declared a non- registerable interest in agenda item 26.38.1 (Payments)

Councillor Burdock declared a non-registerable interest in agenda item 26.39.2 (S25/0862) 

 

26.35 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 17 June   2025. 

Agreed and signed. 

 

26.36 To receive the Clerks report and receive an update on matters arising from previous minutes.

- As no response had been received to an earlier email issued on 18 March, on 9 July a follow up email was issued to the Probation Service about the Community Payback team visiting the parish and a response was received advising that they are short staffed at present so are still unable to confirm when a team will be able to visit the Parish 

- The Annual Governance and Accounting Return was forwarded to the External Auditors PK LittleJohn on 23 June 2025 along with a large number of supporting papers. The AGAR has also been added to the webpage along with the notice of public rights to inspect accounts which has also been placed in the noticeboard at the Institute  

- The conference centre at the Deepings School has been booked for Saturday 19 July 2025 for a public meeting to considered the proposed housing allocations in Deeping St James which are included in the SKDC draft local plan 

- The expression of interest for £12k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocated to SKDC was submitted on 18 June 2025 and confirmation that the expression of interest has been reviewed and along with an invitation to submit a full application was received on 3 July 2025

- Following the decision (minute 25.28.7 July 2025) to write to the Deepings Practice and also to obtain advice from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Council, a working party, consisting of Councillors Bowell, Halls, Laws, Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens, have commenced work on a community survey to obtain useful data which once collated can be used as evidence and aide discussion when a meeting is requested. Market Deeping Town Council Clerk has been contacted to confirm MDTC wish to be involved. 

- It has been arranged that the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Covenant Officer will give a presentation at 7pm on Tuesday 16 September 2025 prior to the start of the Parish Council meeting 

- A chase email was issued on 8 July 2025 to the Senior Asset Advisor at Lincolnshire County Council requesting an update regarding discussions about the Astro-Turf on the playing fields off Spalding Road.

- The adjourned Cemetery Committee meeting has been rearranged for 7pm on Tuesday 22 July 2025   

- Contact was made with the Deepings Community Centre who have confirmed there I is no availability around 12.30pm on Friday 15 August 2025 so no refreshments will be offered following the local branch of the Royal British Legion VJ Day 80 Wreath laying at Riverside Park at noon.   

- Part B of the application to remove human remains has been signed on behalf of the Burial Authority as agreed (minute 25.26.31 July 2025) and was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice on 19 June 2025 

- A donation has been received from the Rotary Club of the Deepings towards the purchase of a defibrillator which will be a Parish Council asset. The Priory Hall Trust  to have the device attached to their external wall and cover the electricity costs with the Parish Council staff completing inspections and covering the costs of new pads and batteries every 3 years. A defibrillator will be purchased and arrangements made for an electrician to install it. 

- Following Burial Authority approval being agreed at the April 2025 meeting (minute 25.158) a Licence to remove human remains applied for by the relatives/ burial right holder has been granted by the Secretary of State and the Clerk is communicating with SKDC’s Environmental Health Officer, the Family and their Funereal Director to arrange this exhumation and reinterment.   

-  Aa working party, whose members are DSJPC Councillors Bowell, Halls, Laws, Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens along with MDTC Councillor Steele), to agree the public survey requesting feedback about the Deepings Practice will meet at 8pm on Wednesday 22 July 2025 

- A representative from DSJ Women’s Institute has arranged to purchase a Victoria Plum Tree to be added to the 10 other fruit trees planted on the SKDC open space off Knight Close St Vincent’s Close in October/November. They have asked that the Parish Council’s maintenance team assist with the planting – this was agreed by the Parish Council

ACTION: The Clerk was asked to confirm this with the DSJ Women’s Institute and advised that an irrigation system also needs to be purchased to be installed underground to aide watering.  

 

26.37 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.

South Kesteven District Council 

Councillor Dilks referred to the SKDC draft local plan consultation and advised that he had attended the meeting of the Deepings Neighbourhood plan Group on Monday 7 July 2025 to assist with preparation for the public meeting organised for 10.30am on Saturday 19 July 2025 in the conference centre at the Deepings School 

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the ban of synthetic pesticides which are used especially on invasive species (total amount of budget spent in 2024 was £490). As the Government were scheduled to review their use in December 2025 it had been agreed to wait for the outcome of this before making a decision. 

The Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant Officer had attended the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee giving an interesting presentation which he is due to present to DSJ Parish Council at 7pm on Tuesday 16 September 2025. This role is not currently funded by LCC, although from next year they will do so. 

All seven Lincolnshire District Councils have met to consider local government reorganisation however since this meeting East Lindsey and South Holland have put forward a proposal (Greater Lincolnshire For All) and there are several events that Town and Parish Councils are invited to attend to learn more. The Clerk advised that she had shared this information via email with all the Parish Councillors. 

Lincolnshire County Council 

LCC had initially suggested 2 options for re-organisation – the continuing model and a North/South Split. They are now focussing on the North/South split option.

Councillor Dilks ended referring to his role as Cahir of the local branch of the Royal British Legion advising that as part of the VE and VJ Day 80 commemorations he had interviewed a Veteran who is a Deeping St James resident and would be happy to share the video with the Parish Council at the August meeting. 

 

26.38 Financial matters: 

1. To approve the payments for July 2025. 

Expenditure totalling £13,135.94 were presented to the Council. Proposed seconded and RESOLVED. Councillor Townsin abstained 

It was also proposed seconded and RESOLVED to give the Parish Clerk delegated power to make payments relating to staffing costs for July 2025, once these have been finalised with the Payroll Provider and to report these at the August 2025 meeting. 

2. To note the income for July 2025.

Income totalling £5,545.34 was noted. 

3. Deepings Bowling Association – Grant application request in respect of thermal improvements to the Club Hut ceiling. 

It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED to make a grant of £500  

 

26.39 Planning matters: 

1. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the Planning and Transport committee meeting held on Wednesday 8 July 2025. 

Councillor Smith introduced the minutes from which there was one recommendation. The Parish Council currently have three speed indicator devices two rechargeable, one of which is over 10 years old and has failed. The most recent purchase is proving not to be a good buy as it is operated by a bulky battery that does not have a long life. Moving forward the committee favour one mobile unit and two static units ideally solar powered. However, these are expensive and the budget of £2500 will not be sufficient. The committee propose that the shortfall is taken from the general reserves. It RESOLVED that up to £1500 from general reserves should be called upon if needed

2. To consider the following planning applications received since the planning committee meeting on 8 July 2025:

Application number: S25/1174

Applicant: Mr Martin Cox

Proposal details: Section 211 notice to prune branches of Silver Birch and Alder trees back to property boundary. 

Location: 10 Bridge Street, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8HA 

S25/1174 | Section 211 notice to prune branches of Silver Birch and Alder trees back to property boundary. | 10 Bridge Street Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8HA

RESOLVED to respond stating the Parish Council had no objections 

Councillor Dilks abstained from voting 

Application number: S25/0862 

Applicant: Mr R Goodson 

Proposal details: Section 73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of S20/1862

Location: Amendments to Plot 1 house type Osier Farm , 141B Eastgate, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8RB

S25/0862 | Section 73 application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) of S20/1862 Amendments to Plot 1 house type | Osier Farm 141B Eastgate Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8RB

RESOLVED to respond stating the Parish Council had no objections 

Councillor Dilks abstained from voting 

Application number: S25/1230

Applicant: Mr C Bacon 

Proposal Details: Section 211 Notice to remove Maple and Willow trees.

Location: St Benedicts Priory, 1 Broadgate Lane, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8NW

S25/1230 | Section 211 Notice to remove Maple and Willow trees. | St Benedicts Priory 1 Broadgate Lane Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8NW

RESOLVED to object to the application stating that there was not enough information available regarding the Maple to make an informed decision and the case for the removal of the Willow had not been properly made 

 

26.40 To consider the following correspondence.

1. South Kesteven District Council – Tree planting proposals for land at Burchnall Close/Towning Close and Broadgate Lane amenity area 

It was RESOLVED to agree in principle to the planting of the trees at these locations 

ACTION: The Parish Clerk was asked to clarify the maintenance programme associated with these trees and ask they required DSJPC to assist. If so to work with the maintenance team to calculate an amount to recharge for time mileage and water usage. 

2. Lincolnshire Police – an invitation to attend the next Lincolnshire Police & Parish Council briefing session and a request to submit questions and confirm interest in attending before 8 September 2025.

Councillor Halls advised that the local community policing panel forum which had been restarted in September 2024 would not be continuing as they would no longer be supported by a representative from Lincolnshire Police because these online briefings/questions sessions were in place. It was agreed that either/both Councillors Bowell and Halls would attend the briefing and that questions to be submitted would be agreed at the August meeting   

3. South Kesteven District Council – Invitation to complete the consultation survey on their new Housing Strategy (2025-2030) draft. Closing date 31 July 2025. 

Councillor Dilks advised that previously due to the right to buy scheme council housing stock had been reducing however this had slowed as incentives not as attractive. Alongside this, Local Authorities were building more (e.g., eleven at Wellington Way Market Deeping). 

Members were encouraged to complete the consultation survey either as members of the public or Parish Councillors, if this was an option. 

 

26.41 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. 1pm to 4pm Saturday 28 June 2025 - Rose and Sweet Pea Show and Garden Fete in the Vicarage and Priory Hall Gardens Church Street Deeping St James.

Lovely local event, although a very hot day which had an impact on attendance. Some Children had provided input to the Jubilee Park play equipment consultations which would be useful for grant funding applications. 

2. 7pm Thursday 3 July 2025 - Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils Annual General Meeting via zoom. 

The Parish Clerk had attended to represent the Parish Council and ensure the meeting was quorate 

3. The Rotary Club of the Deepings handover evening on Monday 7 July 2025 held at the Sports and Social Club Towngate East Market Deeping 

Rotarian, Councillor Neville, had provided the moment of reflection prior to a lovely meal attended by a number of representative from Charity and community groups 

4. Recreation and open spaces committee meeting held on Tuesday 8 July 2025 

Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the minutes form this meeting from which there was one recommendation (minutes 25.81). Councillor Smith advised that following an expression of interest being forwarded to SKDC for consideration for a  UKSPF grant the Parish Council had been invited to complete an application for the £12000 required to cover the consultation design and tender documents for the older Children’s play equipment improvement. Should this application be unsuccessful, in order to continue to move the project forward, the committee recommend that the ear mark reserves play equipment improvements budget – is called upon to cover these costs. RESOLVED  

5. 6.30pm Thursday 10 July 2025 - Footpath walk from and to The Walnut Tree Public House, Horsegate, Deeping St James.

On  what was a very warm evening, Councillors Smith and Shinkins-Hoppe led this walk, which was attended by 10 members of the public. 

6. 12noon to 5pm Sunday 13 July 2025 - Funday Sunday on the John Eve Field Godsey Lane Market Deeping.

On a warm, dry afternoon the event was attended by a large number of people and the bands were very good. There is to be a feedback meeting for those involved in the organising of the event which will include discussion about a new SKDC directive requiring stallholders to have a licence, which includes that requirement to hold PLI of 5 million and a DBS check, for each event they attend. Councillor Dilks said he would investigate this as it was acknowledged that if this came into force it would impact future events. 

 

26.42 To receive an update regarding the Astroturf on the playing field off Spalding following a chase email being issued to Lincolnshire County Council and to agree the next action. 

It was RESOLVED to send one more email with a 10-day deadline for a response prior to obtaining legal advice from a local Solicitor 

 

26.43 To consider calling upon Lincolnshire County Council Highways and the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to improve traffic management and speeding enforcement along Linchfield Road Deeping St James 

It was agreed to defer this item to August 2025 so that Councillor Laws could lead the discussion 

Councillor Dilks said he would speak to the Area Highways Manager with a view to arranging for him to visit the location. 

 

26.44 Parish Pump - items for information or inclusion on future agendas.

Councillor Burdock questioned the quality of the highway improvements that had taken place on Hards Lane and Stations Road. Councillor Dilks advised that LCC Highways Officers had been out and assessed the work which would hopefully lead to the issues being addressed.

Councillor Smith reminded everyone of the public consultation meeting at the about the SKDC draft local plan which was to be held at 10.30am on Saturday 19 July 2025 in the Conference Centre at the Deepings School 

Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe advised that she had been asked to judge at the Raft Race on Sunday 3 August 2025 between 10.30am and 3pm and another judge was also needed if anyone wished to volunteer they should let her know

 

Meeting closed at 9.50pm 

 

 

 

Signed 

 

 

 

 

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