September DRAFT Minutes STILL TO BE APPROVED
Draft Minutes of the Meeting of Reepham Parish Council held on
Tuesday 30th September 2025 at 7.30pm in Reepham Methodist Chapel
Present: Cllrs D Perkins (Chair), B Wharton (also acting as Clerk), A Brammer, D Davies, H Gee, C Wilson. D/Cllr M Palmer was present: 4 members of the public also attended.
Meeting started at 07.30pm.
Matters raised by members of the public:
a For update on cherry tree on The Green.
b To explain the reasons for their objections raised over the footpath diversion.
c To follow correspondence concerning the change of grading of a farm building off the High St to Grade 1 Heritage status.
It was explained that these were all agenda items and would be discussed during the meeting.
Community Parking Forum
There were no representations from the public on this matter. A recent photograph was circulated to demonstrate that the parking problem was still there and that there might be good reason to approach the school authorities to re-raise this ongoing problem.
Standing Orders were commenced at 07.38pm.
1. Apologies Cllr N Ward, Cllr J Oxby (submitted before meeting)
2. Declarations of Interest Nil.
3. Minutes of Meeting held on 29 July 2025
Proposed by Cllr A Brammer and seconded by Cllr H Gee, it was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted.
4. Clerk s Report:
National Rail ref brambles work planned for 2nd Feb 2026
Fallen branches from railway side: - it was noted that the larger branches had now been cut and cleared but there remained the residue of smaller offcuts.
National pay award from 1st April 2025 3.2%
New Audit requirements from 2026: IT Policy and Gov.uk or .Org addresses
LALC circulating items direct to councillors
PC Mobile phone. Noted that the estimated cost of replacement of the non-operative phone would be 110.
Proposed by Cllr A Brammer and seconded Cllr H Gee, it was RESOLVED that a replacement phone be purchased.
5. Correspondence:
To note:
WLDC Aug newsletter
Police Aug statistics and update report. Cllr D Davies, who represented Reepham at the online Police Meeting, reported on the findings and presentation.
Action required:
Land to rear of Stonefield farm: resident s email and pre-meeting comments suggested that there is an aged barn of particular interest to the rear of 20 High St, as it has a rare cat slide roof structure and may deserve merit listing by English Heritage. Cllr C Wilson noted that these buildings may also be occupied by bats, which may be pertinent. It was agreed that the first step would be to approach the Conservation Officer at WLDC for advice.
6. Financial matters
a) Presentation of Accounts for Payment (Sept):
M Vail Sept salary 296.42
PAYE Sept 74.20
M Vail - homeworking allowance, Jul - Sept 15.00
Sage payroll, Sept 13.20 (inc. 2.20 VAT)
EKM, play area repairs 558.00 ( inc. 93.00 VAT) Cllr A Brammer, paper (Lottery Grant Funded) 4.90
Cllr A Brammer, base for litter bin (Lottery Grant Funded) 9.53 (inc 1.59 VAT)
TOTAL 971.25 (inc 96.79 VAT)
Proposed by Cllr D Davies and seconded Cllr H Gee, it was RESOLVED that these be paid.
7. Planning Matters
Report from Planning Committee
There have been no new Planning Applications.
Goods Farm Development, Readvertising of Notice of Public Path Diversion Order
The Notice of Public Path Diversion Order had been displayed on the Parish Council Notice Boards.
The meeting closed at 20:08 to allow discussions with the resident of the reasons behind their assertation that the barn (built some 35 years ago) was unlawful as it had been built over the definitive footpath. It was suggested that, given that this building was unlawful and obstructed a legitimate footpath, there were no means by which the Authorities could divert the footpath whilst it remains obstructed, and that further public consultation was required. The historic and radial nature of the existing footpath route was also highlighted. Standing Orders were resumed at 20:18 and after discussion, proposed by Cllr A Brammer and seconded Cllr D Davies, it was RESOLVED that these concerns be raised with WLDC.
Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group: update, finances, residual funds,
website.
As the Neighbourhood Plan has now been formally adopted, the finances are being checked to establish if any return of excess grant funding is due.
8. Roads and footways
Mellows Close to Manor Rise footpath holding item
Mellows Close yellow lines holding item. LCC to be asked for an update on likely timescale
Bus shelter for Lincoln bound travellers at the bus stop in Fiskerton holding item
Meadow Close potholes Carriageway resurfacing scheduled for October
9. Field Footpaths and Bridleways
Reepham /Greetwell PF 131: Delayed works: holding item. A recent LCC update confirmed that this remains in abeyance.
Horse Field, Church Lane. LCC had confirmed that grass cutting along the central footpath would be reintroduced into their schedule.
It was agreed to report to LCC that the kissing gate posts at the bottom of the horse field are loose and need attention.
10. Conservation area
Village Green project update, Press release, information board, cherry tree update
An update was given by Cllr A Brammer on the latest status of the project. A press release had been distributed to a list of recipients suggested by Cllr C Wilson: inclusion in the Reepham News would be requested.
A list of Tree Specialists had been received from the Tree Officer at WLDC. Enquiries had been made to obtain arboricultural advice on the cherry tree and quotations sought. Carried to next agenda.
11. Amenity areas
Play Area inspections internal, works arising from annual inspection, play area
surfaces
Cllr A Brammer updated the current state of repairs to the facilities; they are mostly completed but concerns were raised on the time taken, lest there be any accident between the report and repair. There is little competition in the field; hence the firm is very busy. He noted that the roundabout required repainting and that a DIY approach would be appropriate
12. Trees/vegetation:
Vegetation behind Manor Rise: TPO mapping. This mapping had now been received from WLDC Tree Officer. Cllr H Gee to closely inspect and advise.
Draft policy for tree management.
Chair has accessed many sources of advice to find the best way forward for all parties. Ongoing.
Quotations for tree and hedge work within the Fiskerton Road amenity area (R1)
Quotes had been obtained for this work: varying from a high of 1485 + VAT, the lowest (TJS Tree Services) of 750 + VAT, as proposed by Cllr A Brammer and seconded Cllr H Gee, was RESOLVED to be accepted.
Trees for Streets Scheme: as suggested by Cllr C Wilson will be further investigated.
13. Xmas: tree update, lights, Xmas tree risk assessments (erecting and dismantling), Xmas event on green Monday 15th Dec from 6-7pm,
Proposed by Cllr D Perkins and seconded Cllr B Wharton, it was RESOLVED that the Risk Assessments be accepted.
Approve expenditure to purchase sweets to 50.00.
Proposed by Cllr D Perkins and seconded Cllr H Gee, it was RESOLVED that sweets be purchased.
Santa. Noted that there is no volunteer to act as Santa at present.
14. Consider increasing Standing Orders in relation to the limit on expenditure that can be authorised outside a Parish Council Meeting.
Proposed by Cllr D Perkins and seconded Cllr B Wharton, it was RESOLVED that the upper limit (for immediate emergency usage) be increased to 500. Ratification of such out of meeting expenditure by the following Parish Council Meeting would, of course, remain.
15. Business for next agenda:
Parking at school sports day.
Neighbourhood Plan finances.
16. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 28th October 2025, 7.30pm, Methodist Chapel
Cllr B Wharton, Temp Acting Parish Clerk. 2nd October 2025