May 2026 Minutes
The minutes of the annual meeting of Deeping St James Parish Council which was held in the meeting room at The Institute 38 Church Street Deeping St James PE6 8HD on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 7.30pm.
Present: Parish Councillors Bowell, Burdock, Dilks (County and District), Fowler, Gilbert, Halls, Neville, Nickerson, Rose, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith, Stevens and Townsin.
The minutes were taken by the Parish Clerk.
Open Forum
Two residents of Burchnall Close Deeping St James attended requesting support from Deeping St James Parish Council in objecting to the erection of wooden poles by Open reach along Burchnall Close (and during the meeting as became apparent during the meeting other areas of Deeping St James). They were advised that this fell under permitted development so no planning permission was needed from the local planning authority (South Kesteven District Council) therefore no consultation would be issued to Local Councils (Deeping St James Parish Council). This was a national initiative to speed up fibre broadband accessibility across the Country and planning laws were changed some years ago to assist in the promotion of this.
The two members of the public left the meeting
27.1 To elect a Chairperson and to obtain their signed declaration of office or agree when this is to be signed.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED that Councillor Neville should become Chairman. Councillor Neville accepted the position signing the declaration of office witnessed by the Parish Clerk.
Councillor Neville thanked Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe for fulfilling this role for the last four years.
27.2 To elect a Vice Chairperson and to obtain their signed declaration of acceptance of office or agree when this is to be signed.
Following advice from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils who had advised that a Councillor can be nominated for the post in their absence providing they have confirmed in writing that they would accept, the Parish Clerk confirmed written confirmation had been received from Councillor Hosking acknowledging that she would accept the role of Vice Chairperson if she was nominated and it was resolved.
It was proposed seconded and RESOLVED that Councillor Hosking should become Vice-Chairperson and it was noted that she would sign the declaration of acceptance prior to the next Council meeting on 16 June 2026 .
27.3 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 Councillor Hosking
27.4 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests.
Agenda item 27.15.2 S26/0646 - Councillor Burdock as friends with the owner/applicant
Agenda item 27.13 – Councillor Stevens as she has a relative who affected by The Walnut Tree Public House car parking issues
27.5 To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Thursday 14 April 2026.
Agreed and signed
Councillor Bowell abstained from the vote as he was not present at the meeting
27.6 To review Standing Orders and Financial Regulations including the delegation arrangements to and terms of reference for committees and sub-committees.
Councillor Gilbert proposed that as the standing orders and financial regulations were the those updated by the National Association of Local Councils during 2026 they should be accepted as they are with the additional delegated powers suggested by the Parish Clerk added:
“To review and amend the Cemetery rules and regulations as required without recourse to the Council
To review and amend the burial and memorial fees as required and without recourse to the Council”
Seconded and RESOLVED
Action: The Chairman’s allowance should be renamed Chairman’s expenses within the budget cost codes
27.7 To appoint new members of standing committees, and new committees, if necessary.
It was agreed that the committee structure and membership would remain the same, other than Councillor Bowell no longer being a member of the planning and transport committee.
The climate action working party whose membership included Councillors Bowell, Shinkins-Hoppe, Smith and Neville had met once but had been unclear on the remit of the group. Councillor Gilbert clarified that the intention of the working party had been to consider the climate action plan appendix of the environment and sustainability policy and bring it back to the Finance Policy and Personnel Committee in the first instance
27.8 To review the Parish Councils representation on or work with outside bodies and the arrangement for the reporting back.
This was accepted with the following amendments:
The Neighbourhood Policing Community Panel to be removed
Councillor Burdock’s name to be added to the Deepings Neighbourhood plan group
The Rotary Club of the Deepings to be added with Councillor Neville’s name alongside
27.9 To accept the meeting schedule for the year June 2026 to May 2027.
It was noted that the council meetings would start at 7pm
The schedule was accepted with the following amendments:
The cemetery committee and the finance policy & personnel committee meetings scheduled to take place on Tuesday 02 June 2026 would now take place on Monday 08 June 2026
The planning and transport committee and allotments committee meetings scheduled to take place on Tuesday 08 September 2026 would now take place on Tuesday 01 September 2026.
The cemetery committee and recreation and open spaces committee meetings scheduled to take place on Tuesday 01 September 2026 would now take place on Tuesday 08 September 2026
27.10 To review the local council’s asset register which records its ownership of land, buildings, office equipment and other property.
This was accepted as received.
27.11 To review the arrangements for insurance cover for insurable risks.
It was noted that the insurance premium was £55.51 less than the previous year, at £2,735.50 due to some clarifications to information being provided.
The insurance arrangements were reviewed and accepted with action requested.
Action: The Clerk to advise that the build date of between 1980 and 1989 was incorrect for the Grade I listed ancient monument known as The Cross and Lock Up and that it was not used for storage/maintenance.
27.12 To receive the Clerks report and receive an update on matters arising from previous minutes.
-The resignation of Councillor Sue Leader was received on 07 May 2026 and Electoral Services at South Kesteven District Council were informed on Monday 11 May 2026 and the notice was advertised. Unless a request for an election to fill the vacancy is made to the Returning Officer by TEN electors for the Parish/Parish Ward prior to Monday 01 June 2026 the vacancy will be filled by co-option
-Following on from a communication which started in February 2026 with the Network and Traffic Manager at Peterborough City Council and the Area Highways Manager at Lincolnshire County Council I have continued to email for updates although none have been forthcoming. The email dated 23 February 2026 stated that “Peterborough City Council shall be reviewing the location and signage for the restrictions” and they “would like to erect two advance warning signs on the Lincolnshire side (with LCC’s approval etc.) but will need to review what improvements can be made on the Peterborough side”
-The Clerk has been communicating with Legal Services at Lincolnshire County Council and Hegarty Solicitors in respect of the deed of variation/rectification of the red line plan for the playing lease. The latest is that LCC will pay the costs less the VAT as we as Hegarty’s client should be able to reclaim this. The Clerk is obtaining clarity on this from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils
-Following the Parish Council obtaining a licence from the Ministry of Justice on 5 August 2025 the exhumation and reinterment took place on Wednesday 13 May 2026
-Following the decision of the finance policy and personnel committee to request an independent job evaluation of the role of the Clerk and Assistant Clerk both job holders, and Councillor Gilbert, as Chair of the committee, have been contacted and provided information to assist the Assessor in completing the task
-The Clerk continues to prepare and compile reports, working towards the completion of the Annual Governance and Accounting Return. A meeting has been arranged with the Internal Auditor for Monday 18 May 2026 to enable them to sign off their section of the return.
Please also refer to the Clerk’s reports shared within the planning & transport and the recreation & open spaces committee minutes for this month
27.13 To receive reports from the District Councillors and County Councillor.
Councillor Dilks provided the following report
South Kesteven District Council
Manor Way convenience stores alcohol licence has been revoked today and the Police are involved with the case. The licence holders have 4 weeks to appeal
The annual council meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday 21 May however an extra ordinary meeting has been called on Thursday 20 May to look at the article 4 directive regarding houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s) and controls around these dwellings as the district has been given an allocation of 300 people to accommodate who will be accommodated predominantly in two wards of Grantham.
Lincolnshire County Council
Two representatives from Highways have visited the Deepings and Councillor Dilks took them to look at some issues in the Parish - nuisance parking outside the Walnut Tree Public House and the dental practice on Bridge Street, the raised ironwork outside 102 Church Street and the footpath from Crowson Way around Linchfield School.
Councillor Dilks advised that Breedon’s West Deeping minerals and waste application has been taken off the table and that the “save our bridge” group were due to meet the Deputy Mayor of Peterborough City Council on Friday 21 May to see what can be done to stop HGV’s using this route
27.14 Financial matters:
1. To approve the expenditure for May 2026.
Expenditure totalling £34,426.96 was proposed seconded and RESOLVED
2. To note the income for May 2026.
Income totalling £6524.08 was noted
27.15 Planning matters:
1. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the Planning and Transport committee meeting held on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
Councillor introduced the minutes of the meeting from which there were no recommendations.
2. To consider the following planning applications
Application No: S26/0769
Applicant: Mrs Wendi Mulqueen
Proposal: Replace existing windows to North, South, East and West elevations within existing openings and refurbishment of ground floor living room window.
Location: 91 Eastgate, Deeping St James, Lincolnshire, PE6 8HH,
App Type: Listed Building Consent
S26/0769 | Replace existing windows to North, South, East and West elevations within existing openings and refurbishment of ground floor living room window. | 91 Eastgate Deeping St James Lincolnshire PE6 8HH
Response: No objections
Application No: S26/0646
Applicant: Deeping Land Ltd
Proposal: (A) a full application for Plot One for 3,230 square metres of Class E parts (c) and (g), B2 and B8 use, in 11 units with a new access from Lysander Drive, parking, landscaping and drainage infrastructure; and
(B) an outline application for up to 33,275 square metres of Class E parts (c) and (g),
B2 and B8 use and 616 square metres of sui generis drive-thru use (Details of access for consideration with matters of scale, landscaping, appearance and layout reserved).
Location: Land To The East Of Lysander Drive/Whitley Way, Lysander Drive, Market Deeping
App Type: Outline Planning Permission with some matters reserved
S26/0646 | Hybrid planning application seeking: (A) a full application for Plot One for 3,230 square metres of Class E parts (c) and (g), B2 and B8 use, in 11 units with a new access from Lysander Drive, parking, landscaping and drainage infrastructure; and (B) an outline application for up to 33,275 square metres of Class E parts (c) and (g), B2 and B8 use and 616 square metres of sui generis drive-thru use (Details of access for consideration with matters of scale, landscaping, appearance and layout reserved). | Land To The East Of Lysander Drive/Whitley Way Lysander Drive Market Deeping
Councillor Smith advised that the Assistant Clerk had obtained an extension so he proposed that the application is looked at briefly tonight and then in more detail at the next planning committee meeting. Councillor Smith continued saying that in principle he had no objections with the build as it was similar to what was already there and it was being built by the same company. It did include two food/refreshment drive throughs. Councillor Bowell proposed that the Council delegate agreeing the response to the planning committee. Seconded and RESOLVED. Councillor Burdock abstained
27.16 To consider the following correspondence.
1. The Rotary Club of the Deepings – Thank you for the grant towards the Deepings Run held on 17 May 2026
Noted
2. Member of the public – request for a cremated remains plot in Deeping St James Cemetery which contravenes the regulations adopted in November 2025
It was RESOLVED, with 4 abstentions, to allow the parents to pre-purchase a double depth cremated remains plot beside a plot for their son. It was also decided that the Cemetery Committee would re-examine regulations agreed at the November 2026 council meeting (minute 25.99) when they next meet
3. South Kesteven District Council – Requesting feedback from the Parish Council about the walk organised as part of the SK Walking Festival and providing feedback from one attendee.
Those who attended agreed it was a great event, although short to the weather forecast, the Wildlife Trust volunteer was excellent and the refreshments were well received.
4. South Kesteven District Council – advising that five schools are being invited to design a banner to celebrate Lincolnshire Day and it is hoped these will be displayed over the weekend of 03 and 04 October 2026 and a location yet to be decided – any ideas of a suitable would be appreciated
Suggested locations for completed banners depending on size and how weatherproof they are – Tesco, Community Centre, Deepings Practice, School Halls or railings around John Eve playing field
Councillor Bowell suggested that holding an event to mark Lincolnshire may be appropriate especially as an award-winning Butcher renowned for making Lincolnshire Sausages has its home in the parish.
Action: add this suggestion to the recreation and open spaces committee agenda for the meeting on Tuesday 14 July 2026
5. Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Services (LIVES) – requesting support for their work to recruit, train, and equip Community First Responders (CFRs) in your local area
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that a donation of £300 should be made
6. Defib Warehouse and London Hearts – Confirmation that a replacement battery and pads pack for the LifePak CR defibrillator located at the Methodist Church can no longer be sourced and quotations for a replacement with a Mindray C1A (the same as those at Jubilee Park and the Priory Hall)
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that a Mindray C1A defibrillator should be purchased from London Hearts at a cost of £660
7. The Deepings Lions Club - Invitation to attend that Charter Afternoon Tea and Dance at Orton Hall from 2.30pm on Sunday 31 May 2026
Councillor Neville and wife to attend. It was agreed that the cost of the tickets (£50) would be covered by the Chairman’s expenses budget
27.17 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. Meeting with Councillor Ley (District Councillor for the Deeping St James ward), attended by the Parish Clerk and Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe on Wednesday 22 April 2026 which was called to share information/updates relevant to Deeping St James
Noted.
2. Project Groundwater Rover Sensors online meeting on Thursday 23 April 2026 attended by Councillors Neville and Townsin
Councillor Townsin advised that there are three sensors at locations in Market Deeping and it was the intention to have some located in Deeping St James
Councillor Neville took the opportunity to introduce an alternative to sand bags – an Aqua Sac the contents of which were biodegradable so could be emptied on gardens after use. Residents in flood risks areas should be encouraged to purchase some at £3 each.
3. Lincolnshire Football Association Ltd virtual meeting held on Friday 24 April 2026 regarding the 3G artificial grass pitch at the playing field off Spalding Road attended by Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe attended the meeting along with representatives from Lincolnshire Football Foundation, South Kesteven District Council, Deepings School and Deeping United Football Club. There were a number of positives from the meeting however security of tenure needed to be sorted as well as a site visit and desk top survey before progressing further.
4. Deeping St James Annual Parish meeting held on Monday 27 April 2026 at the Methodist Church, Church Street, Deeping St James
All the Councillors who attended agreed this was a good evening and more suitable venue, the speaker, John Parsonage, was excellent and the making a difference awards attracted a large number of people
5. Chairs workshop, virtual training from Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils, held on Tuesday 28 April 2026 and attended by Councillors Hosking and Neville
Councillor Neville advised that he had learnt some new things.
6. Virtual meeting with Local Council Consultancy Associate held on Wednesday 29 April 2026 and attended by the Parish Clerk to commence the job evaluation exercise for the roles of Parish Clerk/RFO and Assistant Clerk. This was followed by a virtual meeting with Councillor Gilbert on Tuesday 5 May 2026 and with the Assistant Clerk on Thursday 7 May 2026
The Clerk advised that a draft report had been received which the Clerk and Assistant Clerk had worked through and added to/amended and this would be returned to the Associate
7. Coffee and Cake event at R J Scholes Funeral Directors on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to mark the retirement of a member of staff and to meet new member of staff attended by the Parish Clerk
Noted
8. Deepings Literary Festival launch event held at the Deepings Community Library on Wednesday 29 April 2026 attended by Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe
Councillor Stevens advised that this had been funded by the Parish Council Town Council and United Charities and was a fantastic event over several locations. The event made £2.5k in ticket sales and it has been calculated that the event put £7k into the local economy.
9. To receive the minutes and any recommendations from the Recreation and Open Spaces committee meeting held on Tuesday 12 May 2026
Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe introduced the minutes from this meeting from which there were no recommendations although attendance at the Rose and Sweet Pea Show had been discussed so she asked who would be attending. Councillors Dilks Neville Rose and Stevens would be there along with Councillor Shinkins-Hoppe
25.19 Parish Pump - items for information or inclusion on future agendas.
Councillor Stevens advised that she would be working with the Clerk to prepare a newsletter for circulation
Meeting closed at 9.50pm