2019 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Belchford and Fulletby Parish Council

Minutes from Parish Council Meeting 14th November 2019
(These notes are a record of the meeting and are not accepted as formal minutes until duly signed on behalf of the Parish Council)

Present: Councillors: M Brown (MB), J Newby (JN),  P Thompson (PT), P Morris (PM), N Brigginshaw (NB) J Smith (JS), I Goodall (IG), Z Henden (ZH).  Also present five members of the public.

Public Forum:  Those present discussed speeding within the village and the hedge/fence that has been damaged.  A request was made for speeding to be discussed on the agenda at the next meeting.  The ELDC planning procedure is on tonight’s agenda and the code of conduct and behaviour of councillors was also discussed.  It was noted that D Black has represented the views of Belchford & Fulletby Parish Council at the Planning committee meeting at Manby.  Potholes and drains in Fulletby were also discussed.

1.   Apologies for absence and reasons given – Apologies were received from our Mr J Leedham.

2.   Declaration of interests and requests for dispensations - To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider granting dispensation(s), as per written requests received by the proper officer, to councillors under section 22 of the Act.  There were none.

3.   Chairman’s remarks – JS noted the over gritting of village roads.

4.   To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19th September 2019 – it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED unanimously that the official minutes of the last meeting having been previously circulated were approved as a true and accurate record of the minutes, Chairman signed and dated.

5.   To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors on matters outstanding:  

a.   Barn Owl Box Scheme – the clerk provided information and alternative sites were requested.

b.   Village Hall Representative – It was proposed that NB attends the first meeting in January 2020.

c.   Village Green – the sign is still damaged despite recent works, it was confirmed that Anglian Water have confirmed that they will re-erect the damaged fence, verge and sign now that the work on the water main is complete.

It is noted that the Fulletby notice board is not up to date.

A 20’ container is to be sited at the village green and the meeting discussed that planning permission may be required for this even though it is a temporary building.

6.   To receive reports from District and County Councillors, and Police (if available) – D Cllr D Andrews and Our C Cllr are not present.  PCSO N Wass arrived at 7.53pm and gave his report to the meeting.  PCSO Wass encouraged councillors to consider becoming part of the Community Speed Watch Scheme.  Following discussion the clerk was requested to ask the West Ashby Parish Council if their CSW equipment could be loaned.  The prices for the equipment were to be provided in time for the next parish council meeting.  Further topics discussed included litter, poaching and farm fires.  [N Wass and one member of the public left the meeting at 8.06pm]

7.   To review potholes – the top half of Paradise Lane and Fulletby Road the road surface is deteriorating significantly.  A ward walk/drive has been requested by the clerk with the portfolio holder for Highways.  The rails at Glebe Hill are completely useless.  There is a pothole at the top of Glebe Hill approximately 50m from the junction and this is to be reported by the clerk.

8.   To consider any other Highways Matters – as in item 7.

9.   To provide an update on the Community Woodland – the draft plan has been drawn up and is to be put before LWT.  It is proposed to be a mixture of planted and woodland areas and a pond.  A galvanised gate is to be installed soon at a cost of approximately £60.  The clerk is requested to complete any outstanding legal actions required and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to pay all expenses for the lease of the land to date.  JS confirmed that the land is now open to the public and an entrance will be made.  PM asked what do we want to do this winter?  Planting a hedge was discussed, also discussed was a poem which has been written for the woodland.  A working fund of £500 is to be made available for any expenses to do with initial planting schemes.

10.   To Consider Broadband Gigabit Voucher Scheme – IG provided further information on this scheme and the Government funds backing up this scheme.  The installation procedures were outlined and the timescale of providing full fibre to the outside of signed up properties/businesses.  It would then be up to residents to decide whether to take advantage of the 200mb inside their home/work.  IG advised the level of interest so far which is 1 business and 19 homes in Belchford and 11 businesses and 11 residents in Fulletby.  More Belchford interest would be required and is to be sought.  IG will compile a list and email responses to date.

11.   To consider correspondence received since the last Council meeting –

a.   Anglian Water Donation – this money has not yet been received.

b.   Proposed meeting dates for 2020 – were circulated to all and agreed.

12.   Belchford Public Purposes Charity – 

a.   Proposal to transfer assets – this was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED.

b.   Applications for these funds have been received from Toddlers Group, Belchford Church & Metafit group.  The funds available are £340 and it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that Toddlers group should receive £50, Church £100 and Metafit £100.

13.   Proposal to plant more daffodils – the bulbs are ready to be planted and councillors were requested to take some home tonight or meet at Whitehouse Farm on Sunday afternoon.

14.   ELDC Planning Procedures – JN reported on the recently attended planning committee meeting and suggested a letter of complaint and request to review procedures.  JN feels let down by the process and following discussion it was proposed to consider further ideas on this matter at the January meeting.

15.   Financial matters: to authorise the signing of cheques and to note the income for this period.

a)   To set and agree a Budget for 2020/2021 – as per the circulated document NB proposed a budget of £2940.  This was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED.

b)   To set and agree and precept for 2020-2021 – as per the circulated document it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to request a precept of £2940 for the 2020-2021 financial period.

c)   To receive an updated bank reconciliation form RFO – received and attached – Appendix 1 below.  The current balance is £8786.09

d)   Payment of accounts – members were advised of the list of payments and it was then proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that payments were made for solicitors costs, daffodils, barn owl boxes and election expenses £611,50 and external audit £48.

16.   Planning Matters:

a.   S/013/00676/19 – Ryehill Farm FPP Given.

17.   To consider items for the Parish Newsletter 

-   Church Stuff
-   Full Fibre Broadband Update (IG)
-   Community Woodland Open – Map (PM)

18.   To agree agenda items for the 9th January 2020 meeting and the venue for this meeting will be Belchford Village Hall.

•   Community Woodland 
•   Highways
•   Speeding
•   ELDC planning procedure complaint
•   Full Fibre Broadband

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 9.14 pm

Appendix 1: see below