Minutes 10th October 2023
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 10th October 2023
Present; Cllrs Williams, Hardcastle, Crome & Holiday
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
Cllr S. Eyre (ELDC)
6 Members of the public
During the public session the Council heard of concerns regarding the street sweeping vehicle not continuing the whole length of Beck Lane – clerk to contact ELDC. Concerns wee also raised at blocked drains and gulleys on Mill Lane and Gunby Road – Clerk to report. Events planned for the Village Hall were noted, being a Wine Lovers Evening on 21st October, a curry night in November and Christmas Wreath making in December.
Thanks were given to residents who had come together and filled some pot holes with tarmac.
1 MOP then left the meeting.
54 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Tong, Claddingbowl and Faulkner-Smith, and these were accepted.
55 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Holiday declared a personal interest in any items relating to allotments.
56 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 5TH SEPTEMBER 2023
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these minutes as a correct record of that meeting.
57 UPDATE
Clerk advised she had collected the speed device and would be dropping it off in Withern for a new battery and solar panel.
Outer Dowsing – confirmation that the substation north of Alford would not be going ahead, but the cable would come ashore in the Anderby area and go underground west of the line of the A52. Another possible issue to look out for is the potential for National Grid to install overhead cabling and pylons through Lincolnshire from Grimsby to Walpole (wash).
58 MISTY MEADOWS
It was noted that the application for 18 static caravans and associated works had been refused by ELDC. Whilst the Enforcement case is believed to be still open, as the applicant had submitted an appeal any action would be dependant on the outcome of that appeal. Cllr Eyre agreed to speak with Enforcement and confirm the position.
59 ISOLATION GRANT
Cllr Tong had secured £1929.00 Isolation Grant for costs in providing Warm Spaces and meals in the Village Hall. The Village Hall committee had submitted an application for the grant to cover the costs of providing Microwave Oven, Fridge and contribution towards increased oil and heating costs to provide Warm Spaces and contribution towards a 65” TV to provide entertainment to visitors of the Warm Space during the winter and for use in connection with various talks. Total application - £1929.00.
It was resolved that this application be approved and the grant money transferred to the Village Hall, subject to receipts being provided for purchases.
60 FINANCIAL
a) Accounts for Payment
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (September) £153.91
Caretakers salary & PAYE (July/Aug/Sept) £349.50
Village Hall Isolation Grant £1929.00
b) Income/expenditure to 30th September 2023
This was noted.
61 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Cllr Williams was still trying to get registered as an affiliated group (ie Parish Council).
62 ALLOTMENTS
Cllr Holiday confirmed he had served a 28 day notice regarding some unkempt plots. He would also ask Cllrs Hardcastle and Faulkner-Smith to do a site inspection later, to include Risk Assessment. It was agreed that the Councillors should undertake this inspection and Risk Assessment themselves.
63 NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
Mr Tucker was invited to speak to update the Council on the Focus Group’s work. He brough along display boards which had been to several village events recently to try and gain parishioners interest. Questionnaires had been given out at these event, but only 10 returned, of those 9 indicated they understood what a Neighbourhood Plan was and had some ideas. The question was asked as to whether this Focus Group should continue. It was felt that Addlethorpe and Orby had begun their plan between the two villages without input from Welton le Marsh. Discussion on whether ELDC Planning would take any notice of a Neighbourhood Plan, the amount of time and effort needed to produce a good plan and the cost to the council in the final referendum. Due to a perceived lack of interest by the residents it was resolved to put the Plan on hold for three months to see if any further interest was shown and to re-consider after January 2024. Mr Tucker was thanked for the work he had put in to date.
64 FREQUENCY OF GRASS CUTTING.
Clerk had spoken to the contractor who advised the “green” area was cut approx every three weeks during the summer. Spring had been a difficult time for all grass cutting contractors as it had been too wet to get on to cut. He listed several dates when cutting had taken place over the summer, 1st July; 18th July; 17th August and cuts in September. He did wonder if it was worth taking out the footpath near the church as when he had gone to strim it, it had already been done. It was agreed that this should be removed from future contracts. It was also resolved that the Council would remain with the current contractor.
65 PLANNING
There were no applications to consider.
Clerk outlined the reasons for refusal for application Misty Meadows (1327/23) – Change of Use to site 18 static caravans, alterations to pond, internal road, provision of bin store and CCTV. Application refused – contrary to Policy SP15; Welton le Marsh is a small village with inadequate provision of services to support such development; intensification of vehicular and pedestrian movements. It was noted (as per minute 58) that the applicant had submitted an appeal against that decision.
66 ANY OTHER MATTERS/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Cllr Holiday had spoken with Cllr Tong following the last meeting, and they both felt that the Council should have a Staffing Policy in place. Cllr Holiday to look into this for the next meeting.
Chairman thanked Cllr Eyre for his speaking at Planning Committee, and also thanked Mr Kirby for his speaking as well.
67 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
This was set at 28th November at 7:30. Note amended time, this is to allow a regular meeting group at the Hall on Tuesday nights to finish in better time.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8pm