September Minutes
REEPHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting
Tuesday 27 September 2022 at 7.30pm in Reepham Methodist Chapel
Present: Cllrs D Perkins (Chairman), A Brammer, L Searle, P Stuffins, C Wilson, N Ward.
C/Cllr I Fleetwood, D/Cllr A Welburn, Mrs M Vail (Clerk).
No members of the public were present.
Absent: Cllr J Oxby
Before the meeting began, all present stood for a one-minute silence to respectfully remember Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her life of service.
Matters raised by members of the public: No matters were raised.
Community Parking Forum: No matters were raised.
Meeting began at 7.33pm
1. Apologies: Cllr B Tebbs, Cllr M Doughty
2. Declarations of Interest: None received.
3. Minutes of Meeting held on 19 July 2022:
At the proposal by Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr A Brammer, it was RESOLVED unanimously that the minutes be accepted.
4. Clerk’s Report:
Willows on Z bends, Kennel Lane – Concerns as to the unsafe condition of the three willows had been reported to LCC. LCC’s reply had been that an initial site assessment had been made and that there is no risk at this time. However, LCC would be consulting their tree expert to see if any future works are required. Subsequently, a further report has been submitted to LCC to confirm the strong belief that at least one of the trees does pose an immediate danger; and requesting that an urgent inspection is undertake by the tree expert. A written update on progress and findings of the tree expert is currently awaited.
5. Correspondence
To note only:
D/Cllr Welburn – Sept report; and WLDC Parish News.
Noted that money is available from D/Cllr A Welburn’s CIF grant budget; therefore, it was RESOLVED at the proposal of Cllr A Brammer, seconded by Cllr P Stuffins to request £200 to fund the mounting post for the second vehicle activated speed sign (Fiskerton Road location).
Action needed:
Vehicle activated speed sign (VAS), Kennel Lane – A resident has expressed concerns regarding the locations of the VAS sign and the 30mph speed limit sign; and suggesting that relocating these would help with the slowing down of vehicles before they enter the village. Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) has advised that it considers the vehicle activated sign to be in the correct location. Relocation of the 30mph sign is an LCC Highways matter, but would require a lengthy process.
Councillors noted LRSP’s reply.
Action: Clerk to reply to resident and LRSP.
Noted that this situation should be kept in mind for when the Fiskerton Road VAS is erected. Action: Cllr P Stuffins, Cllr A Brammer.
Complaint re. traffic cones, Chapel Close – Noted that these have no connection to the Parish Council. Prior to the meeting, the complainant has advised that the cones have been removed.
6. Financial matters
a) Presentation of Accounts for Payment:
M Vail – Sept salary £206.85
PAYE – Sept £ 51.80
Clerk’s printing costs £ 1.80
Homeworking allowance July – Sept £ 15.00
Sage payroll, Oct £ 8.40
EKM Ltd, June, July, Aug inspections £180.00
EKM Ltd – cradle seats £360.00
TOTAL £ 643.85
At the proposal by Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr N Ward, it was RESOLVED unanimously that the accounts be paid. Action: Cllr B Tebbs.
7. Planning Matters
Report from Planning Committee:
There have been no new planning applications since the last Parish Council meeting held in July 2022.
144289 – land adj. 1 Station Road – a decision is still awaited. A further time extension has been requested by the applicant’s agent following comments received about the development by the WL Conservation Officer.
Goods Farm Development – planning application 145047 – many residents have submitted comments to WLDC online.
141886 (plot on Kennel Lane corner) – LCC have visited the site and taken photos; and advised that no highway land has been taken although the developer is temporarily using highway as a storage area.
Neighbourhood Planning Group – a number of responses (from both statutory authorities and individuals) to the Regulation 14 consultation have been received by the NP Group. Next steps are to analyse these, and to update the Plan accordingly. The NP Group will be responding to a response regarding Goods Farm as it referred specifically to the Goods Farm planning application.
Central Lincs Local Plan – submission to the Secretary of State on 8 July 2022; appointment of independent Plan examiners; additional consultation on an addendum to the Sustainability Appraisal, ends 4th October 2022
Information has been circulated. To note only.
8. Roads and Footways
Mellows Close to Manor Rise footpath – holding item
The Clerk was requested to write a letter of thanks to LCC for its recent Highways works in the village; and to chase LCC regarding requested double yellow lines on Mellows Close. Action: Clerk
Moor Lane site – LCC have advised that the operator has submitted an appeal against the Enforcement Notice to the Planning Inspectorate. LCC will notify all interested parties once the appeal process commences. The Stop Notice remains in force until the appeal is determined, and LCC are carrying out regular site visits to assess compliance with the Stop Notice.
Smooting Lane – Action: Clerk to chase LCC for update on repairing the potholes.
Meadows Lane signage – item for next agenda. Action: Clerk
White entrance gates into village- confirmed that the VAS signs are in lieu of gates.
9. Field Footpaths and Bridleways:
Broken sign to rear of Mellows Close – a replacement sign has been fitted.
It was RESOLVED at the proposal of Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr C Wilson to reimburse Cllr A Brammer the signage costs of £58.94. Action: Clerk
FP128 – the rotten gate post has been replaced as of 23 August 2022.
10. Conservation Area
Village Green – to date, one quote has been received for grass matting, of approx.. £10,000. Cllr A Brammer continues to work towards obtaining additional quotes.
A list of possible sources of grant money for this project has been compiled; and Cllr C Wilson will assess each one for viability. Action: Cllr C Wilson.
Noted that the hawthorn on the Green requires some attention. Acton: Cllr N Ward.
11. Amenity Areas
September play park inspection – no issues were identified. Cllr A Brammer will, where possible, complete inspections in the week before a meeting.
Commemorative WI tree – The Chairman will be taking part in the WI’s planting ceremony on 6th October at the open grassed space on Fiskerton Road. The exact spot for the tree requires confirmation.
Trees on Bank at Manor Rise – a resident has raised concerns relating to these trees and their proximity to nearby property. Noted that these concerns had originally been raised in 2020 when they had had to be put in abeyance due to the Covid pandemic where no meetings had been held.
It was arranged for Councillors to meet at Manor Rise at 10.30am on 2nd October to inspect the trees, then to assess the Fiskerton Road open grassed space for the best spot to for the WI commemorative tree. Action: All. Action: Clerk to advise absent Councillors of arrangements.
12. Xmas tree - It was RESOLVED at the proposal of Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr C Wilson for the Clerk to purchase a tree at a cost of £170.00 + VAT. Action: Clerk.
Item for next agenda: to consider tree light requirements.
School Xmas event around tree – this will take place at 6pm on 12th December. Action: Clerk to promote in Reepham News.
It was RESOLVED at the proposal of Cllr P Stuffins, seconded by Cllr C Wilson for the Clerk to purchase sweets to be handed out at the event. Action: Clerk
13. Village Hall Committee representative – Cllr L Searle is unable to take this role on.
14. Business for next Agenda: Xmas tree lights, budget and precept setting.
In response to a query from Cllr A Brammer concerning stacks of tyres and their catching alight, C/Cllr I Fleetwood provided some feedback.
15. Date of Next Meeting: 25 October 2022 at 7.30pm in the Methodist Chapel.
Meeting ended at 8.35pm
Mrs Michelle Vail, Parish Clerk/RFO 6 October 2022