February 2026 Minutes
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 17 February 2026 at 7.30pm.
Present: Parish Councillors Dilks (also a County and District Councillor), Fowler, Halls, Hosking, Leader, Neville, Nickerson, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith, Stevens and Townsin.
The minutes were taken by the Parish Clerk, Julie Fortnum
Open Forum/Public Participation
No members of the public were present.
26.125 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 were accepted from Councillors Bowell, Burdock and Gilbert.
26.126 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 Shinkins-Hoppe – agenda item 26.130.4 reimbursing the Chair for ticket purchases
26.127 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 20 January 2026.
Agreed and signed.
26.128 To receive the Clerks report and any updates from the minutes of the previous meeting.
-Advised Glendale that their quotation for cutting the highway verges in the Deepings, Woody Heights and Jubilee Park had been accepted and enquired as to whether they would interested in extending the contractual terms. They have agreed to provide a three-year proposal.
-Advised garden Groomers that their quotation for cutting the riverbank had been accepted and enquired as to whether they would interested in extending the contractual terms – they have confirmed that they would be.
-Advised Deeping St James United Charities of the acceptance of a monthly recharge for the utilities usage and also provided the counter proposal of £45 per month for the hire of the meeting room.
-Advised the Deeping Neighbourhood Plan Group that funding of £2000 had been allocated for their use during 2026/27
-Following contact with the Deeping Youth Group regarding the incorrect Trustee status showing on the Charity Commission website I have been advised that they are aware it is incorrect and that the Chair will correct the information when filing the accounts which are due by 31 January 2026
-Informed Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire that funding of £5433 for the Outreach Service at the Deepings Community Centre during 2026/27 has been agreed. This included the proviso that a meeting would be called to consider changes to funding (including contacting smaller neighbouring Councils) and working with DSJ United Charities to improve the service offered at the Institute in Deeping St James
-Received notification that the Citizens Advice Outreach Service at the Deepings Community Centre is to recommence on Wednesday 4 February 2026 as a new Advisor has been recruited.
-Following receipt of grant funding, a further five fruit trees were planted on 10 February 2026 at land off St Vincent’s Close
-Following a request about transferring the monitoring of the Parish Council’s CCTV cameras to the SKDC control centre, British Telecom made contact on 10 February 2026 for information about the cameras so that a quote can be provided for the Parish Council to consider the transfer.
-Bird boxes donated by the Rotary Club of Deepings to be installed at Jubilee Park wilding area were officially handed over on 28 January 2026
-The income and expenditure statement required to be issued along with the Council tax bills as the DSJ precept exceeds £140,000 was prepared and forwarded to Accountancy at SKDC on 30 January 2026
26.129 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.
Councillor Dilks provided the following updates
Lincolnshire County Council
Following additional funding from national government and employers pension contributions being less than anticipated an increase of 2.99% has been agreed for Council Tax in 2026/27
The current leadership continue to look at making savings which has led to the work scheduled to be completed on Bridge Street in 2026/27 being pushed to 2027/28. Work at Halfleet Market Deeping remains scheduled to be completed in 2026/27.
Integrated lifestyle services has also been cut leading to the loss of funding for the weight loss programme although there will be a new programme focussing on childhood obesity.
Councillor Dilks intends to continue to push for funding to be put back in place by the previous leadership to create 4 job hubs, to improve Grantham High Street, to support the Summer Reading Scheme at Deepings Community Library and to top up the million-pound fund to help residents affected by flooding to purchase flood defence equipment for their homes.
South Kesteven District Council
An increase of 2.99% has been agreed for Council Tax in 2026/27
The charging policy for houses of multiple occupation has been amended from one charge to a sliding scale depending on the size of the property
Funding to Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire has been increased for 2026/27
Fly-tipping enforcement is being reviewed including the creative use of CCTV cameras
26.130 Financial matters:
1. To approve February 2026 expenditure.
It was RESOLVED to make payments totalling £20,011.53
2. To note February 2026 income.
Income totalling £3100 was noted
3. To accept the quotation received from Our Forest Garden Community Interest Company to provide funded activities for primary school aged children during the Summer holidays 2026
It was RESOLVED to accept the offer to provide 10 (30 Children each session) forest gardens sessions between Monday 27 and Friday 31 July 2026 at a cost of £3100
ACTION: The Clerk to inform Our Forest Garden of acceptance of their proposal
4. To consider reimbursing the Chair of Deeping St James Parish Council for the purchase of tickets to attend civic and networking functions during the financial year 2025/26 and consider how to address this going forward.
Councillor Smith introduced this item stating that he thought that these expenses were already covered by DSJ Parish Council as he was aware neighbouring Councils covered these costs. Attending such functions was beneficial to engage and network with other local councils and community organisations and also to increase the profile of Deeping St James Parish Council
It was RESOLVED to reimburse Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe £230
The Chairman’s allowance for the financial year 2025/26 was £110.
It was acknowledged that the budget for the current financial year for the Chairman’s allowance was £110 and that the budget and precept already agreed for the financial year 2026/27 including the same figure. It was noted that when the budget was agreed for 2027/28 this should be increased significantly with the figure of £750 being suggested.
5. To receive the three quotations for the supply and installation of a playhouse and safety surface at Jubilee Park play area and agree to the completion of the project.
Councillor Smith advised that following looking at alternative options a climbing hut play house costing £2802.45 was to be purchased from Proludic using funds from current year’s Jubilee Park budget. The installation of required the current safety surface to be removed and a new larger area to be installed. Three quotes for this work and the installation of the play hut from Proludic (£6385) Finding Fitness (£6500) and EKM Ltd (£4316). Councillor Smith advised that the preferred contractor was EKM Ltd as not only was their quote the most competitive, they had previously completed work for South Kesteven District Council and at Jubilee Park. RESOLVED
ACTION: The Clerk to place the order with Proludic for the equipment and accept EKM LTD’s quotation for the installation
26.131 Planning matters
1. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the planning and transport committee meeting on Tuesday 03 February 2026.
Councillor Smith introduced the minutes referring to the recommendation from the Clerks report for the Council to agree to review road safety on Linchfield Road following the results of a recent Archer Survey undertaken by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) showing that speeding traffic was not a major issue.
Following County Councillor Dilks’ meeting with a representative from the LRSP after an incident at the Brewton Drive junction, some white lines and 30MPH roundels had been painted on the road. Issues that were noted were – higher volumes of traffic, cyclists and pedestrians at certain points of the day (the start and end of the school and work day); parked cars on either side of the Fen Field Mews junction; parked cars at the south end at weekends when football and rugby training and matches were taking place on the playing field; a request from the bus service provider for additional stops and the need for increased hardstanding at the bus stop on the east side opposite the Brewton Drive entrance. The Council agreed that Councillor Smith should prepare a document building a case for improvements to be forwarded to Lincolnshire County Council and the LRSP.
2. To consider the following planning applications:
S25/2465 | Erection of a summer house and shed | 30 Park Road Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8ND
RESOLVED - no objections
S26/0144 | Section 211 notice to reduce crowns of Oak tree (T1), Ash tree (T2), Judas tree (T3) and Plum tree (T4). | 77 Church Street Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8HF
RESOLVED – no objections
S26/0216 | Outline planning application (with all matters reserved except access) for a residential development comprising the erection of up to 150 dwellings (Use Class C3) and associated infrastructure including, but not limited to, sustainable urban drainage systems, public open space, internal roads/routes and upgrades to the public highway (PCC Ref: EIA Scoping Opinion 26/00001/SCOP) | Land East Of Lincoln Road Market Deeping
S26/0217 | Outline planning application (with all matters reserved except access) for a mixed-use, phased development comprising up to 1,100 dwellings (Use Class C3); retirement living apartments (Use Class C3); 1FE primary school (Use Class F1); local centre (Use Class E and/or F2); formal open space including pavilion (Use Class F2) and associated operations and infrastructure including, but not limited to, sustainable urban drainage system, landscaping, habitat creation and internal roads/routes (PCC Ref: EIA Scoping Opinion 26/00002/SCOP | Land West Of Lincoln Road Market Deeping
Councillor Smith had prepared a draft response to the above two Environmental Impact Assessments which had been shared with all members. The Council supported Councillor Smith’s proposal to forward this response to South Kesteven District Council and Peterborough City Council (PCC) along with the previous objections that had been forwarded during PCC’s earlier consultation regarding these developments. RESOLVED
S26/0203 | Variation of Condition 3 of planning permission S25/0215 (Installation of dormer to rear and raising existing rear pitched roof slope) - amended materials | 116 Bridge Street Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8EH
RESOLVED – no objections
S26/0250 | Section 73 application to vary condition 2 (Approved Plans) of planning permission S25/1478 - revised roof design | Wild Goose Lodge 206 Eastgate Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8RD
RESOLVED - no objections
S26/0233 | Formation of rear first floor balcony structure, amendment to existing rear first floor bedroom windows to provide doors and glass balustrade. | 66 Eastgate Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8HJ
RESOLVED – no objections
26.132 To receive and/or consider the following correspondence:
1. South Kesteven District Council – Promoting the Walking Festival being held for two weeks from 11 April 2026 and calling on local groups to step forward with their own organised walks.
Best foot forward for new South Kesteven walking festival | South Kesteven District Council
It was RESOLVED to organise a walk including the Deeping Lakes and the Riverbank meeting at 2pm on 12 April 2026. This would be considered further at the recreation and open spaces committee meeting to be held at 8pm on Tuesday 10 March 2026
ACTION: The Clerk to confirm this with SKDC in order for the walk to be included in the Walking Festival publicity
2. South Kesteven District Council - SK Community Awards start search for special people.
SK Community Awards | South Kesteven District Council
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe proposed that Deeping St James Parish Council nominate Councillor Judy Stevens for the Judy Smith Lifetime Community Champion Award to reflect her service as a Parish (and District) Councillor and all the other contributions she has made to the community and community groups over the previous 35 years
3. South Kesteven District Council – Looking for a suitable location in the Deepings to install a 2D wooden structure sited against a wall to create a Covid 19 Memory tree.
The Clerk had already confirmed that Deeping St James Parish Council did not own any land which had a suitable wall on it for such a structure to be fixed to.
Councillor Neville advised the Members that an event was being held at the Deepings Practice on Covid 19 Reflection Day – 2pm Sunday 8 March 2026
4. Councillor Michael Cheyne, Executive Councillor for Highways & Transport, Lincolnshire County Council – Invitation to complete the National Highways Transport Survey. Deadline for response 28 February 2026
NHT Public Representative Survey-1067911
All Councillors were encouraged to complete this individually
Council Smith volunteered to complete it on behalf of Deeping St James Parish Council, which was agreed
5. Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council – Announcing the launch of the Local Government Reorganisation consultation which will run until 26 March 2026
Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
All Councillors were encouraged to complete this individually
6. Deeping Raft Race Committee – Inviting the Parish Council to write a testimonial, which will be included in the sponsorship brochure, explaining why we choose to support the raft race.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe offered to write some words, which was agreed.
7. Lincolnshire Police neighbourhood policing team – notification of changes to staff within the team.
County Councillor Dilks, who is a member of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel, advised that due to staff shortages, Officers have been re-deployed which has had an impact on the Stamford, Bourne and Deeping neighbourhood policing team. On a positive note, along with Kent County Council Lincolnshire County Council have just received an extra 12 million pounds on top of what they knew they were to receive. The difference receiving this money will not be felt for at least another 6 months.
Following this information, it was RESOLVED to write to the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Chief Constable and the Chair of the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel asking what was going to happen to address the shortage of uniformed Officers covering Deeping St James.
ACTION: The Clerk to forward a letter
8. Market Deeping Town Council – Invitation to attend the raising of the Commonwealth flag at 10am on Monday 9 March 2026 at the Town Hall Market Place Market Deeping
It was agreed that the Commonwealth Flag would be raised on Monday 9 March 2026 at Jubilee Park by one of the Parish Council’s maintenance staff. However, due to poor attendance in previous years, the Chairperson would not read the affirmation at 10am. Those wishing to attend the reading of the affirmation and flag raising at Market Deeping Town Hall should do so.
26.133 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. The Rotary Club of the Deepings Burns Night meal at Tallington Lakeside Bar on Friday 23 January 2026.
Attended by Councillors Shinkins-Hoppe and Stevens.
2. Deepings Lions Club Annual Dinner at Maharanis Restaurant on Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Attended by Councillors Rose and Shinkins-Hoppe
3. Allotments Committee meeting held at 8pm on Tuesday 03 February 2026.
Councillor Halls introduced the minutes from which there was one recommendation
- to repair potholes in the car park area obtaining 3 quotes to complete the work. It was noted that £2000 had been earmarked for this work so should be more than this more funding would need to be sourced. RESOLVED
There was as another recommendation to consider obtaining a card machine which would be considered at the next finance policy and personnel committee due to be held on Tuesday 7 April 2026
4. Meeting of the Fun Day Sunday working party held on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the notes from this meeting where it had been decided that the event would not take place in 2026 as sponsorship had not been guaranteed, the safeguarding and legal administration had become burdensome and there was a lack of volunteer support. The working party would meet again in September 2026 to consider holding the event in 2027. Some funds were currently being held in an earmark account by the Parish Council and continue to be held there for the time being.
5. Deepings Community Library 10-year celebration at Maharanis Restaurant on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
Attended by Councillors Bowell, Dilks, Rose, Stevens, Shinkins-Hoppe and Townsin.
Councillor Stevens advised that a number of activities had also been held at the Library to mark the 10th Anniversary all which were well received.
6. Personnel sub-committee meeting held at 7pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
In the absence of Councillor Gilbert, Councillor Hosking introduced the minutes of this meeting from which there was one recommendation – to agree to increase the maintenance workers hourly pay by 48 pence. RESOLVED
ACTION: The Clerk to advise the maintenance workers and the payroll provider
7. ‘Skate Skillz’ event organised by South Kesteven District Council at Woody Heights skate park between 11am and 2pm on Monday 16 February 2026
Attended by Councillors Shinkins-Hoppe and Smith who advised that the skatepark was busy and the graffiti board was popular
26.134 Following the planting of the Coronation Community Orchard by the Parish Council to consider approaching SKDC about the transfer of land off St Vincent’s Close. Plus, consider also making enquiries regarding the land upon which Millennium Wood was planted in 1999, which is under lease from SKDC to 2049.
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe proposed that SKDC should be approached to see if the areas could be transferred, as Jubilee Park had been previously.
It was RESOLVED that an approach should be made to SKDC
ACTION: The Clerk to make contact with the appropriate Officer copying in the District Councillors.
26.135 To consider a request to pre-purchase a burial plot which has been created due to the removal of the conifer hedge in section C of Deeping St James Cemetery
Councillor Stevens introduced this item proposing that the request for the father to pre-purchase the plot created due to the removal of the conifer trees, as it was beside the grave of his late child, should be allowed. This decision would contravene the resolution agreed under minute 26.99 on 18 November 2025 where had had been decided that the pre-purchase of burial plots for any family member other a partner would not be allowed. It was noted that certain requests would be required to be considered on an individual basis and this was one of them. RESOLVED
ACTION: The Clerk to contact the individual, obtain payment and prepare/complete the required paperwork
26.136 Following recent damage by and an article in the Press about the HGV’s crossing the stone bridge across the River Welland, to consider what action can be taken.
The Clerk advised that a short statement had been provided to the press advising that the Parish Council were in contact with Peterborough City Council working towards a solution
The Clerk had contacted the Network and Traffic Manager at Peterborough City Council (PCC) and the Local Highways Manager (South) at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and been advised that
- the Bridge had been inspected since the incident on 3 February 2026 and it remains in the same condition following the other recent incident on 16 December 2025, despite the evident scrape along the eastern parapet.
- PCC and LCC intend to review the signage on both sides of the bridge
ACTION: The Clerk to respond acknowledging the update and advising that the Parish Council look forward to seeing improved signage.
26.137 Parish Pump - items for information or inclusion on future agendas.
None.
Meeting closed at 9.45pm