September 2025 Minutes
Present
Members: Andy Croyle, Rob Jarvis, Suzanne Chappell, Kayleigh Montgomery, Louise McGuinness, Nicholas Watts, Anna Spencer and Jim Mitchell
County Cllr Raymond Condell
District Cllr Bryan Alcock
2 Members of the public
In the Chair: Rob Jarvis
There were no questions or comments from the public.
28. Chairman’s remarks and announcements.
RJ welcomed everyone to the meeting.
29. To receive and approve reasons for absence.
Apologies were approved for Deborah Croyle, Sharon Hall and Nicky Mansellas-Cooper.
District Cllr Astill and County Cllr Sheard had also sent their apologies.
30. To receive Declarations of Interest, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 being any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Member’s Register of Interests.
There were none.
31. Minutes of the Council meeting held on the 28th of July to be approved and signed as a true record.
Moved by RJ
Seconded by AC
All agreed.
The Chairman had them signed by KM, as a true record.
32. Matters arising from the Minutes, (not included in this Agenda).
There were none
33. To receive the Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding.
Waste Collections: Campain’s Lane & Carrington Drive
UPDATE 10.08.25
Email received from Cllr Astill: -
I’ve had a partial response but have gone back with an additional query.
I know “The Avenue” on Campain’s Lane has a small vehicle, but I’ve asked for clarification on Campain’s Lane itself.
Where a smaller vehicle is used, both waste streams are collected at the same time but separated.
Recycling will head down that process with non-recycling being incinerated, nothing from SHDC goes to landfill.
I’ll come back when I’ve had the other item clarified.
15.09.25 Sent an email to Cllr Astill to chase for update on Carrington Drive.
CSW
UPDATE 11.08.25
Email sent to Mr Barrett and RJ, (cc: DC): -
As discussed at the last PC meeting, in order that you are covered by the PC's insurance, please ensure that you notify the Clerk of the dates, times and location(s) that you intend to operate, along with the names of those in your group. It would be ideal if you can get out on a weekly basis, but at least once or twice a month.
Reports should be submitted as soon after each session as possible, (this might just be a quick email with the statistics), which I will collate into one report for the PC's bi-monthly meetings.
15.09.25 Sent email again and asked for confirmation of receipt.
Welcome Gates
21.07.25 Passed this project on to the Highways & Footpaths Committee to progress. With their local knowledge of land ownership, they will be in a better position to suggest suitable land to site the gates. Once the exact location is known and a recommendation approved by full Council, a new application can be made to the Wind Farm and a request made to LCC Highways via Cllr Condell.
RBL Funds
22.07.25
Spoke again with David Branton who assures me that he is still trying to sort this out.
There was only between £40-£50 in the RBL account when it was closed, and the Trustees of Mr Tinsley’s estate cannot release the funds he left in his Will, until a suitable account is setup.
22.07.25
Chased Cllr Dilks, via his District Council email address.
Response received to say that he’d ‘raised the issue at the RBL County Committee when you first emailed me some months ago and a colleague promised to get in touch with you and advise…
I’ll take it up again, but can you confirm you’ve heard nothing from the RBL officers??’
UPDATE 15.09.25
Sent another email to Cllr Dilks to chase, and to confirm that we had heard nothing from the RBL Officers.
Harrow Road
Planting
19.08.24
Email received from AC to say that the GC’s plans for planting the area are on hold.
Parking
Continues to be monitored.
Speed Limit Reduction DSN (40-30mph)
22.07.25
Emailed Cllr Condell for an update on when this will be implemented.
UPDATE 29.07.25
Email from LCC via Cllr Condell: -
Our Highways Officer is aiming to visit the location by the middle of next week. Any works identified will be put forward for consideration in our Minor Works programme, which is scheduled around other priorities and network availability, so may take a few months to deliver.
Before we can commit any works to our contractor, we’ll need to confirm the presence and location of third-party assets—such as gas or water mains—to ensure any proposed changes are viable.
Remembrance
UPDATE 22.07.25
Funding from Cllr Harrison’s Ward Budget for the lamppost Poppies, was received on the 5th of June.
Awaiting invoice from Jim for the Church’s Tommy silhouettes so that I can request funding from my Ward Budget from SHDC.
UPDATE 28.07.25
Jim Mitchell would like to gift the Tommy silhouette to the Church, and Cllr Harrison agrees that this is a lovely gesture from Mr Mitchell as it’s actually his gift to the Church and not hers.
War Memorial Cleaning
24.07.25
Quote received for £1,025.00 and accepted at the PC meeting on 28.07.25
UPDATE 02.08.25
Advised by the Chair that Erica and her colleague have jet washed the war memorial.
Emailed JG Cross to apologise and cancel the cleaning instruction.
Devolution
UPDATE
There are currently 2 proposals being put forward for ‘local government reorganisation’ across Lincolnshire, to replace the current 2-tier council system. (Although, if you count the Parish Councils, it is in fact a 3-tier system).
Lincolnshire County Council’s ‘Your Lincolnshire’ proposal, would see the county council and seven district councils, replaced by one new local authority, keeping the whole of Lincolnshire together. (Approx. 1,000,000 residents)
They are currently asking as many people as possible to have their say on the proposal and have sent a poster for our noticeboard, along with a list of dates for public events. Our nearest public events will be held in Spalding Library; 10am to 2pm on the 24th of September or Stamford Library; 9:30am to 11am, again on the 24th of September.
It is argued that with Lincoln City having the greatest pull on resources, less funding will get to the outlying areas.
East Lindsey and South Holland District Councils’, ‘A Greater Lincolnshire for All’, would see the creation of two new unitary authorities in the north and south of the county to replace the existing ten authorities in Greater Lincolnshire.
(Approx. 500,000 residents in each)
Northern Lincolnshire Unitary Council: Covering North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, West Lindsey and the City of Lincoln
Southern Lincolnshire Unitary Council: Covering North Kesteven, South Kesteven, Boston, South Holland, and East Lindsey
It is argued that this proposal will ensure that services remain ‘local’ and to ensure that money from central Govt is distributed more fairly.
The report was received.
34. To receive a summary of SHDC’s presentation regarding Lincolnshire Devolution.
AC and DC attended a meeting at SHDC’s office with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the District Council, to learn about ‘A Greater Lincolnshire for All’ which promotes two unitary councils one in the North and the other in the South, with approximately 500,000 residents in each giving an equal split.
19:07 Jim Mitchell arrived
PCs will be unaffected and will continue as they are.
County & District Council services will come under one office.
PCs can take on some of the services currently managed by the district, e.g. the play area at Tongue End. There will be no additional funding, although the PC could increase their precept to cover the costs.
Cllr Condell added that every District Council in Lincolnshire has been asked to put forward their options. LCC has a proposal, ‘Your Lincolnshire’, for the North of Lincolnshire and the existing Lincolnshire CC which would give a 300,000 / 700,000 split. Ultimately, the Government will decide
35. To receive a report from the Chair of the HR Committee and resolve to adopt the draft Mediation Policy.
LM explained that there was no report just the Mediation Policy to adopt.
Moved LM
Seconded RJ
All agreed.
ACTION: AC to send a copy to the Clerk to be added to the website.
36. To receive a report from the Highways & Footpaths Committee.
SC report subsidence outside Carrington Drive.
Fix my Street have stated that it is more complicated than they originally thought.
AS gave an update that Hop Pole will be resurfaced in 2028 and thanked Cllr Condell for his assistance.
At present this only applies to Hop Pole but may extend further once they have surveyed.
SC thanked Cllr Condell for his email regarding the speed reduction through Hop Pole but asked if there was an update.
Cllr Condell responded to say that they are still awaiting a date for installation.
The Clerk advised that she had received the Title Transfer Document from the PC’s solicitor.
Signing of the land transfer gifted from Mr Tinsley to the PC with the covenant that it only be used as a passing place.
Clerk Signed
Nicholas Watts signed as the witness.
ACTION: Clerk to scan and send the signed document to the Solicitor.
37. To resolve how to proceed with the damaged interactive speed sign at Hop Pole.
The Clerk confirmed that the sign is covered on the insurance, with an excess of £250.
Positioning of the sign was agreed by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.
Trevor Jackson spoke to say that on the 3rd September the sign was laying half on the verge and half on the carriageway. He retrieved it and has kept it safe for the PC and sent photo’s to the Clerk.
Members thanked Trevor for his quick thinking and for keeping the sign safe.
Graham from LCC Highway, a. Move the pole further away from the carriageway the pole is to a specific Highway specification.
NW stated that the RSP stated where it needed to be, but at the time he thought it was quite close to the carriageway.
There is a minimum set back of 0.75 or 450mm according to information found on the Gov.uk website.
LM proposed that the PC contacts Graham at the RSP for damages.
NW seconded
All agreed.
It was also agreed that Trevor Jackson would keep the damaged sign for the council.
ACTION: Clerk to email Graham at the RSP as requested.
38. To receive a report from the Playing Fields Committee and to resolve any recommendations therein.
Funding has been secured for the Hop Pole playing field; £19,000 from Grass Roots and £5,000 from the Wind Farm.
Installation will commence on the 6th of October by ESP Play Ltd.
RJ advised that his team of carers have trimmed all the bushes and hedges as a way to thank the PC for their support at the fete.
a. To resolve the need to remove items of equipment for repairs.
It was agreed that Jim Mitchell would remove the items and carry out the necessary repairs.
39. To receive a report from the Planning Committee.
Planning Committee Report for meeting 28/07/25
As usual the committee has not met since the last meeting; applications have been circulated by email to gain committee member’s responses. I summarise below applications received since just before the last meeting, the responses obtained from those councillors who replied, and any relevant notes. It is worth remembering that the planning law changes due this year will tip the balance in favour of developments such as the one near Campain’s Lane.
|
Application no & status |
Location |
Reason |
Response/s |
||
|
H03-0260-24 Appeal dismissed |
Blue Bell Inn Main Road |
Demolition of former Public House, etc |
|
||
|
H03-0415-25 Approved |
16 Carrington Drive Hop Pole |
Proposed Extension & Alterations |
Doubles size of house but no problems |
||
|
H03-0427-25 Approved |
1 Stonehouse Cottage Main Road |
Proposed Vehicular Access |
No problems |
||
|
H03-0653-25 Approved |
8 Haywain Drive |
Demolition of rear conservatory, new rear single storey extension and garage conversion |
No problems |
||
Undecided |
24 Harrow Road |
Extension & Internal Alterations |
No problems |
||
|
H03-0756-25 Undecided |
5 Woodbank |
Erection of single storey rear extension |
No problems |
||
|
H03-0048-25 Undecided |
Land off Littleworth Drove (near Campain’s Lane) |
Rural exception site of affordable housing comprising 24 dwellings. Amendments made. |
As discussed at meetings 22-7-24 & 27-1-25. See comments below. |
||
|
|||||
AC advised that he had nothing more to add and the report was received with thanks.
40. To discuss and resolve (AGAR) Assertion 10: Digital & Data Compliance for the financial year 2025/26.
The Clerk advised that in order to comply with Assertion 10, the PC would be required to purchase a domain for their email account and adopt an IT Policy.
There will be a cost involved, possibly an annual fee, circa £300
The Clerk will be attending a session with Parishes Online on Wednesday morning, and another with the webmaster at LALC on Thursday evening.
It was resolved that the Clerk will forward more information after attendance.
ACTION: Clerk
41. Finance Matters and to receive the Bank Reconciliations and Budget report
Received with thanks to
NW suggested that the Highway grass verges on North Drove didn’t need to be cut.
LM advised that we would be liable should there be an accident.
Cllr Condell agreed that the PC would need to liaise with the officers.
It was agreed to leave things as they are.
42. To resolve the request for financial support from Stamford & Bourne District Scout Council.
AC reminded members that we have a policy regarding making grants to local groups and organisations.
Only 2 habitants of DSN Parish would benefit from this.
The S&BDSC sits outside of our Parish and District.
Our Policy also states that we do not support Upward Funders.
To grant financial support would go against our Grants Policy.
RJ Moved
AC Seconded
All agreed.
ACTION: Clerk to respond to the request.
43. To approve Invoices for Payment, received since the last meeting.
Payments totalling £5,072.17 ex VAT were approved.
Moved LM
Seconded JM
All agreed
44. To discuss and resolve whether the PC should take back control of the Tongue End Rewilding Project.
RJ stated that NM-C is struggling to get a group together to continue this project.
NW approached by someone who used to walk their dog in there but the gates are locked.
RJ stated that a 15-year-old has the key and wants to cut the grass, but wouldn’t be covered on the insurance due to his age.
LM stated that it is Freehold and outside of the local plan for housing. Against taking it back and selling it. Give them 6 weeks then take it back with any remaining funds to be ring-fenced for Tongue End.
The parishioners were invited to tonight’s meeting but noted that none have attended.
It is a Registered Charity so would need to be reported to the Charity Commission if it’s believed that funds have gone missing.
It was resolved that we give the Committee 6 weeks to get it together otherwise the PC will take back the land.
ACTION: Clerk to write to Ric Chapman and NM-C to advise them of the PC’s decision.
45. To receive reports and updates from members on Community groups and to resolve any requests.
Neighbourhood Watch
Unreasonable behaviour on Banks Drove.
Setting up a NW in Banks Drove.
Reported to SHDC and there was a visit where residents were asked to keep diaries.
Garages on Chappell Road – unlawful activities.
GNS
Couple more Chatter Natters have been held.
Also getting out to do some light gardening for residents.
RJ asked for any advice on how to get that out to residents.
Gardening Club
Planters have looked stunning this year
Flowers will be out in the next few weeks, but no plans for winter planting.
Plastic inlay has been put down around the perimeter of the sensory garden but has needed to be fenced off due to dogs digging it up.
CSW
RJ hoped to be out in the next couple of months.
South Lincs Connected
Stakeholder meeting held on the 12th of September and attended by the LCC Rail Officer, Sir John Hayes, Cllr Harrison, Tim Stevens and Anna Spencer.
Deputy Mayor couldn’t attend but is in support of improved transport.
Possible reopening of Littleworth station made the front page of the Spalding Guardian.
Agreed to hold meetings every 6 weeks.
Tim Stevens, transport consultant, will be doing some work in the background ready for the next meeting.
NW asked whether the footbridge was the biggest cost of the project.
LM stated that the whole project will be Circa £13M
46. Agenda items for the next meeting.
JM Playground Equipment
LM North Sea Camp (in closed session)
AC Tongue End Playing Field: to discuss options
LM Parish Plan Questionnaire
Meeting ended at 20:20