2021 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Notes from Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 18th November 2021 held at Belchford Village Hall.

Present in person: Councillors: R Short (RS), J Smith (JS), I Goodall (IG), J Newby (JN), M Brown (MB), N Brigginshaw (NB), P Thompson (PT), J Leedham (JL).  Also present the clerk, Mrs K M Elliott and 11 members of the public.

The public forum began at 7.30pm

Public Forum:  It is noted that there are two planning applications expected but as yet we have not received any documents from ELDC as Local Planning Authority.  It may be necessary to hold a separate meeting to discuss these applications when notification is received.

The Neighbourhood Development Plan is to be discussed later on this evening’s agenda, however, a document was circulated by IG and JN to confirm that a grant application has been submitted and funding has been secured for specialist help and with consultations.  This whole process will be communicated with all residents.  An ELDC officer helped to develop the first questionnaire and further engagement with the community will continue throughout the process.  There is a drive for renewable energy, to embrace modern technology and also influence the boundaries of the parishes.

The community woodland, although it is not yet a woodland it will be and residents are encouraged to plant any trees or other plants you would like to see there.  [6 members of the public left the meeting.]

Meeting

1. Apologies for absence and reasons given – PM and ZH have sent apologies.
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.  RS for item 10 a).
3. Chairman’s remarks – There were none.
4. To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 16th September 2021 – following suggested amendments it was proposed, seconded, voted 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:
   1. To consider Website Management Service: JL confirmed that he will action the uploading of documents which are legally required and also some areas which need updating. The clerk will forward these documents.
   2. Request for funding from CAB EL: it was proposed, seconded, voted and resolved to contribute £50.
6. To receive reports from District and County Councillors, and Police (if available) – No representatives were present and therefore there were no reports.
7. To receive a report from Belchford VCC – no one was in attendance to give a report.
8. To receive an update from the Village Green Committee – A report was provided by ZH.  The village green committee plan to meet during the second week in December.  Sadly due to Covid (booster vaccination appointments and members self-isolating) we were unable to hold our meeting at the end of October.  At this meeting we shall discuss the use of an area of the green as car parking for the village and its visitors.  There are mixed feelings on this.  The green is looking in good shape to end the year, but we do feel that after the past two years of restrictions and our lack of events that we have making up to do.  We have plans to organise a sports day, a fete and possibly a local food festival.  The village green committee would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and we look forward to sharing our plans for 2022.  PT has met with Simon Miller today and in principle the committee agree to providing car parking for 10-12 vehicles.  There is an estimated cost for this of £1500-£3000.  Who will fund this?  The existing concrete area could be broken up to provide a sub-base over the agreed area and then a top surface installed and fenced.  Could this be a joint venture and is there any grant funding available.  ZH is to be asked to provide a date for the meeting and circulate to all.
9. To review any potholes & other Highways matters – There are potholes on Furlongs Lane, at the Tetford Junction and Salmonby Junction on the Bluestone Heath Road.
   1. Excessive Salt application: it is noted that a gritter went through Belchford 3 times in one evening.  The meeting was advised that there is GPS in the vehicle cab and the level of spray can be adjusted.  A new mechanism in the lorries should prevent the spread being too wide and should automatically reduce to the appropriate width of the road.
10. Community Woodland -
    1. Observatory Project: PT has done lots of research on this topic and the wood for the framework should be coppiced sweet chestnut poles.  A provisional order has been placed for what is needed and will be cut to order for this project.  It is not possible to source this resource locally.  The construction of the observatory which will be 8 meters across was described.  The timescale for completing this is the end of February.  The framework will be erected before Christmas and will be filled with brash in January.  Quotes for reclining benches suitable for 2 or 3 people are being sought.
    2. LCC Treescapes free trees offer – 50 trees are to be applied for.
    3. Mrs Abbotts Tree(s) – This is underway, an order is in the pipeline.

JS encouraged everyone to use this facility as much as possible.

11. Foothpaths – JN spoke about recording rights of way on the definitive map, old footpaths.  The meeting discussed putting in an application before the deadline of 2026.  What is the view of the whole council?  Feasibility study should come first to consider what paths are usable.  This will be discussed further at the January meeting.
12. Neighbourhood Development Plan – This matter has been discussed and documentation circulated during the public forum.
13. Fulletby Glebe Field – PM is not able to attend this meeting, however 100m of hedging plants are to be supplied and a new litter bin request has been submitted to ELDC.
14. Full Fibre Broadband – IG reported that he is still waiting for the third and final quote from Openreach.  There are 6 properties which will probably self-trench.
15. Belchford Public Purposes Charity – This is to be signed over to PT and documents handed over outside of this meeting.  The Christmas lunch is for 42 people to date and the parish council may be asked to contribute for the Fulletby resident’s attendance, £18 per head.
16. To consider correspondence received since the last meeting:
    1. Hand written letter received about the removal of a footpath.  JS will deal with this matter personally.
17. Financial matters: to authorise the signing of cheques and to note the income for this period.  All councillors were also asked to provide information required by our bank as part of their safeguard review.
    1. To receive an updated bank reconciliation form, as provided by NB – received and attached – Appendix 1 below.  The current balance is £ 8,234.29 and there is one outstanding cheques for £299.80.
    2. Payment of accounts – To consider and resolve payments since last meeting including clerks’ salary and HMRC, external audit and village hall hire.  Proposed, seconded, Voted and Resolved.
    3. Budget and Precept for 2022-2023 – NB circulated a proposed budget and precept document for consideration and following discussion it was proposed, seconded and resolved that the precept remain unchanged at £2940.  It is noted that there may be expenses for creating a car park at the village green and also for a parish referendum as part of the NDP.  Thanks were offered to the RFO for a clear and concise document.
18. Planning Matters:
    1. S/013/01888/21 – Approval of Section 73 Application at Little Ryehill Farm.
    2. S/055/02015/21 – Telecommunications Mast, Fulletby: FPP Given.

Two further planning applications are known of, S/013/02313/21 land behind the Blue Bell Inn and S/013/02283/21 Dams Lane.  An extra meeting will be called to discuss in detail our response to these applications.  The meeting will be held on 30th November 2021 at Belchford Village Hall.

19. To consider items for the Parish Newsletter: Please send articles to the clerk.  This newsletter will cover the period January to March 2022.  NDP information and website plus Community Woodland and Observatory.
20. To agree agenda items for the January 2022 meeting – Footpaths, NDP, Community Woodland and Car Parking.  It is noted that JS is not available for the January meeting.

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 9.24 pm.

Appendix 1