Minutes 22nd November 2022
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 22nd November 2022
PRESENT:
Cllrs Williams (Chair); Holiday Tong, Cladingbowl, Bradley and Crome.
Cllr Hardcastle after agenda item 3
15 Members of the Public
Cllr S. Eyre (ELDC)
J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
During the public session further concerns were raised regarding the planning status at Misty Meadows including the situation regarding enforcement. A member of the public believed to be recording was asked to inform the meeting and all present if it was his intention to record the proceedings. Several members of the public were residents of Misty Meadows and confirmed that works currently taking place were to remove caravans and they were concerned at the reception they received from the village. It was explained that the main issue was unauthorised works which had taken place. Chairman advised that the owner of Misty Meadows had asked to attend the meeting, but as his request was received two days prior there was insufficient time to re-issue notices of the meeting. It was felt a separate public village meeting would be more appropriate.
The Parish Councillors and all who assisted were thanked for their work in clearing the pathway.
Village Hall – to hold Christmas Fayre 3rd December, to offer a “warm space” and organising luncheon
Electoral Boundaries, it was understood that Welton le Marsh would be moved from Louth & Horncastle to Boston electoral division.
71 APOLOGIES
There were none.
72 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllrs Williams and Holiday declared a personal interest in allotment matters, Cllr Cladingbowl declared a personal and prejudicial interest in planning item.
73 CO-OPTION
There was one vacancy, and one applicant and it was proposed (cllr Holiday), seconded (Cllr Williams) and resolved that Mr Jim Hardcastle be co-opted onto the Council until the end of the election term (May 23). He took his place and signed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which was counter-signed by the Clerk as Proper Officer.
74 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 11th OCTOBER 2022
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record of that meeting.
75 UPDATES
Minute 59 – Misty Meadows application withdrawn. Enforcement Officer had inspected site and advised owner to cease works which did not comply with earlier approval.
LCC to investigate all gullies in the village and clean where necessary.
76 ALLOTMENTS
a) It was proposed by Cllr Tong that the revisions to the policy and tenancy agreements be put on hold, and that an inquiry panel be set up to investigate complaints by Cllr Cladingbowl against allotment holders and potentially against the Council. It was resolved that this panel comprise of Cllrs Tong, Crome and Holiday who would look into the complaints regarding potential fly tipping, fires and also look into and work with the Enforcement Officer regarding any outstanding planning issues on the allotments. The Clerk confirmed that no formal request for information had been received from Environmental Department at ELDC, and should such a request be made she would advise councillors.
The Inquiry Panel to report back to the Parish Council at the next meeting.
b) Charity position – cllr Williams dealing with this.
c) Distribution of Funds – Cllr Tong had prepared a comprehensive policy on distribution of funds and it was resolved that this be adopted by the council.
77 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerks and Councils Direct (circulated)
78 FOOTPATHS
Cllr Holiday updated members on progress with the footpaths – stiles will be removed and replaced by gates but not until the 2023; he had carried out some preliminary work to the path rear of the Church, looking to site concrete slabs into the ground to act as risers. Any volunteers appreciated.
Clerk read out letter from LCC Footpaths Officer thanking the Council for its work on paths in the area.
79 JOINT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
Cllr Colin Davies (LCC) had asked if Welton le Marsh would like to join in with Orby and Addlethorpe to produce a joint Neighbourhood Plan, which would be of benefit to the parishes in terms of profiling the area and outlining where and what type of development would be most suitable. Cllr Cladingbowl volunteered to represent Welton le Marsh in the first instance.
80 EXTENDING AREA OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
Clerk confirmed Willoughby would be interested, but to include Sloothby as well. Clerk to chase Orby for a response.
Discussion on Boundary Commission proposals to redefine electoral boundaries, resulting in Welton le Marsh being in the Boston constituency. It was agreed to contact Boundary Commission to outline the proposal to extend the AONB to include all of Welton le Marsh, and as such the parish wished to remain in the Louth and Horncastle constituency.
81 PLANTERS
Cllr Bradley had produced a sketch of the type of planters to be installed around the two main village name signs. To be wooden planters wrapped around the legs of the signs on the Gunby road approach and the Willoughby side. Clerk to send details to LCC to ask for consent.
82 FINANCE
a) Accounts for Payment:
it was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (November) £141.61
Grounds contract £160.00
Reimburse Clerk for Defib pads £164.09
b) Budget
It was resolved that the Clerks salary be linked to Scale Point 8 within the Local Government salary scales. It was also resolved to look at joining LALC next year. Both to be incorporated into the budget/precept request to be finalised and approved at the January meeting.
83 PLANNING
Application 1908/22 – Rookery Farm – extension to dwelling, new driveway and relocate menage.
Cllr Cladingbowl declared interest and left the room during the debate.
It was resolved that the Parish Council had no observations to make.
Cllr Cladingbowl rejoined the meeting.
84 ANY OTHER GENERAL MATTERS/AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Cllr Tong asked Cllr Eyre to clarify his position on planning applications, and Cllr Eyre explained he was unable to pass comments on particular applications due to risk of pre-determination.
Concerns were raised at the number of HGVs going up Mill Lane, Clerk to ask LCC to reconsider classing the lane as unsuitable for HGVs.
Cllr Cladingbowl congratulated the producers of the recent village newsletter.
Next meeting:
Precept
Update on Misty Meadows (if appropriate)
Allotments – update from Inquiry Team.
85 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was set at 10th January 2023
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.15pm.