DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 26 September 2002.

Councillor Fisk, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Dilks, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Warrick, Watkins and the clerk.

No members of the public were present.

048    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM None.

049    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors Auger, Hill, Thompson and Walker.

050    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None.

051    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 29 August 2002, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

052    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Deepings Recycling Centre (035) Cllr Dilks asked whether a response had been received from the Environment Agency concerning the exemption licence for this centre. The clerk confirmed that none had been received however the Chair and Vice-chair had noted an article in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph stating that the application papers had not been received by the Agency. It was agreed to invite a representative of the Environment Agency to the next meeting to clarify the matter.

.2 Vandalism in Swallow Walk (036.1) The clerk advised that South Kesteven District Council would be providing a litter bin from the next available batch. Cllr Anderson confirmed that the Head Teacher had dealt with the bushes protruding from the school grounds the very next morning.

.3 Rotary tree planting (040.1) The clerk confirmed that an agreement had been reached between the Rotary Club and SKDC to use land on the Thackers Way/Crowson Way open space.

.4 Memorial project (040.3) The clerk advised that the revised date for the opening ceremony was Saturday, 12 October 2002 at 12 noon at the Deepings Community Centre. All members were invited to attend.

.5 Traffic calming Linchfield Road (041.2) The clerk reported that Lincolnshire Police would undertake an archer’ speed survey on this road to ascertain vehicle speeds. The same exercise will also be carried out on Bridge Street in view of the age of the existing data. LCC Highways has confirmed that the works to complete the combined cycle/footway on Linchfield Road are in hand.

.6 Cemetery extension (041.4) The clerk confirmed that the title for the land had been inspected and that there did exist a convenant restricting the use of the land to burial purposes only. Members noted this information.

.7 LALC AGM (041.5) Cllr Warrick volunteered to attend the AGM on the Parish Council’s behalf. The delegate fee was added to the list of accounts for payment for approval later in the meeting.

053    BUSINESS OUTSTANDING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING

.1 Policy on in-fill planning applications Cllr Warrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, requested that the Council consider a policy to enable consistency on observations concerning in-fill planning applications. Some members felt that it was not possible and that every application needed to be considered on its own merit. Following a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Warrick, seconded by Councillor Lewis and carried by 6 votes to 4 against that there will be a presumption in favour of in-fill development except where there is a clear planning problem which necessitates on objection.

.2 D.C.P. Launch Cllr Shinkins reported that the new launch date would be Thursday, 21 November 2002 at the Deepings Community Centre and that a wide-range of local organisations and groups were being invited to attend, including members of the Parish Council.

.3 Bus services campaign/ parish transport grant Cllr Warrick advised that Stagecoach East had not yet responded to the initial enquiry. It was understood, however, that the Countryside Agency Vital Villages Transport Grant could be used for this type of project if a subsidy was found to be needed. Members felt that there should be further consideration given as to how such a grant might be utilised before making any decision. It was agreed to await Stagecoach East’s response before discussing the matter further.

.4 Railway station Cllr Lewis advised members of the response from Central Trains concerning the Parish Council’s request for the station to be re-opened. It was noted the company felt that to halt trains at Deeping St James would require an additional train service and construction of a bay extension to the platform at Spalding to cater for it. Cllr Lewis felt that central Trains had not understood the geography of the area or the existing services which run on the line and proposed that a letter he had drafted be sent in response. Having heard the content of the letter, this was unanimously approved.

.5 Formation of Allotments Committee The clerk advised that the tenant was prepared to consider relinquishing the tenancy on the Hall Meadow estate land at a mutually agreeable date provided that if the scheme ever failed, he retained first refusal for taking the land back for arable purposes. Members warmly welcomed this offer and it was unanimously agreed to accede to this request. The clerk will seek permission from the Charity Commission and the Parochial Church Council for this change in use to allotment gardens. Councillors Anderson, Chambers and Watkins were elected to serve on an Allotments Committee to oversee their setting up.

.6 Daffodil bulb planting Cllr Fisk advised that various areas of the village had been identified and that permission was being sought from the relevant agencies. It was agreed that Cllr will purchase a variety of bulbs with a budget of £50 and that the work parties for each area should plant them over the last weekend of October.

054    CORRESPONDENCE

.1 Traffic calming proposals LCC Highways have submitted proposals for works to the Waterton Arms bend on Church Street and outside the School on Park Road. The estimated cost of the works is £6,000 which the Council will be expected to meet 50%. Members accepted the overall design of the scheme subject to it being checked whether the blocks could be split into bands of three and slightly raised from the surface. LCC Highways recommended that these works were completed and evaluated for effectiveness before further schemes are devised for the remaining budget. It was agreed to accept this advice. Cllr Stevens advised members of an accident at the Park Road junction with Horsegate on the previous day, which had occurred at the time of children going to school, and felt that this was a particularly dangerous cross road junction. Cllr Dilks agreed and felt that the speed limit for the area should be reduced to 20mph. It was agreed that the matter should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

.2 Freedom of Information Act 2000 The clerk advised that this Act would apply to Parish Councils from February 2003. Further guidance on a model scheme of publication is expected shortly and the clerk was instructed to produce a report on the implications to a future meeting of the Council.

.3 Revised banking arrangements The Council’s bankers have notified of changes to the number of authorised signatories with effect from the next change of mandate. In view of the potential operational difficulties that this could cause, the clerk was instructed to undertake a review of banking facilities and make a report to a future meeting of the Council.

.4 Other items noted ·    Confirmation from Market Deeping Town Council that S.K.D.C. is considering an Alcohol Consumption Order ban for named open spaces in this area.
·    South Kesteven Local Plan: Notice that the plan has been withdrawn in view of the reduction of the number of houses now needed and that a Local Development Framework will be issued for consultation in due course.
·    Deepings Carnival: Notice of AGM and consultation on changing the day of the event to Sunday. No observations raised.
·    Heckington Parish Council: Sale of mechanical road sweeper.
·    DEFRA: Rural Services Standards 2002.
·    LALC: National Training Strategy for Parish Clerks Accreditation process.

055    PLANNING MATTERS

Having regard to S.K.D.C.’s probity in matters relating to planning, Cllr Bulmer-Jones took no part in the discussion and did not register a vote. It was unanimously agreed to submit the following observations to the applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S02/1204 157a Eastgate Alteration of detached garage to create storage room in roof space. No objections.

S02/1232 2 Cowslip Drive Erection of conservatory and extensions to garage to form study in roof space. No objections.

ENF/01/268 Rear of 153 Eastgate Notice of Enforcement Appeal Unauthorised Change of Use of land to include residential use, involving the siting and use of caravans and on-site greenhouses for residential occupation. The Council agreed that a breach had occurred and continues to object to the proposals for the reasons submitted at the time of the application. It was resolved that Cllr Warrick, or another member of the Planning Committee, will represent the Council at the Enquiry to be held in Stamford on 8 January 2003.

The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) since the last Council meeting. The decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously notified observations unless stated otherwise:

Ref. Address Proposal Outcome

S02/0724 Llamedos, Back Lane Change of occupancy condition. Granted * P.C. objected.

S02/0904 24 Horsegate Erection of conservatory. Granted.

S02/0908 45 Manor Way Two-storey and single-storey side extensions. Granted.

S02/0931 110 Church Street Demolition of extension and erection of two-storey extension. Granted.

S02/0983 57 Broadgate Lane Creation of new access to highway. Granted.

S02/1037 12 Park Road Extension to dwelling. Granted.

Members of the Council expressed their strong concern that application S02/0724 had been granted. It was felt that this paved the way for further residential development along this road and members questioned why approval was forthcoming now when it had been previously refused, a decision supported by the Inspector at the subsequent public enquiry. It was understood that Back Lane had special status to protect it from this type of development and the clerk was instructed to write to the Head of Land Use Planning Services advising of the Council’s strong feelings in this respect and requesting for an explanation of the decision. On a separate note, members asked for the clerk to obtain clarification on planning requirements for the siting of caravans for both storage and recreational use.

056    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT AND FINANCIAL REPORT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee Service/Item of Expenditure
Amount

Clerk
Salary
761.08

Stationery

25.99

Mileage expenses Funding seminar 23.9.02

36.40

L.C.C.
Pension
181.69

Inland Revenue
Quarterly PAYE/NIC
430.41

Huddlestone Landscapes
Cemetery maintenance (2)
240.00

Bus shelter maintenance

25.00

Cemetery clearance/planting

71.94

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field
11.75

Castle Cleaners
Bus shelter cleaning
60.00

L.A.L.C.
Publication: Revised standing orders
6.50

Butterworth Tolley
Publication: Local Council Administration * Inc. p&p
41.10

DSJ United Charities
Office rent: 1.10.02 31.3.03
500.00

Meeting room hire: September March

60.00

: Ad-hoc meeting 2.9.02

10.00

DSJ P.C.C.
Office Stationery: Printing paper
23.49

Powergen Plc
Electricity Supply The Cross lights
5.43

ABB Ltd
Maintenance contract The Cross lights
10.68

Branch Bros.
Materials for cemetery railings
250.45

L.A.L.C.
A.G.M. Fee
15.00

Total

2766.91

The clerk provided a copy of the financial report for the first six months of the accounting year for each member showing income and expenditure to date analysed to each budget head and compared with the budget for the year. The report was adopted without comment.

057    REPORTS

.1 Finance Committee The minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2002, having been previously circulated, were received and unanimously approved after the date of the next meeting had been changed to 17 October 2002. A copy is attached to the official minutes. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved to appoint Carol Precey as the Council’s Internal Auditor with immediate effect at an annual honorarium of £100.

.2 Drugs Awareness meeting Councillors Shinkins and Stevens appraised members of the arrangements for the meeting on Monday, 14 October at the Deepings Leisure Centre and asked for volunteers to hand out leaflets advertising the event over the weekend before. An impressive line-up of speakers had been secured for the meeting and it was hoped that there would be a good turn out of residents to learn more about the problems caused by drugs and alcohol.

.3 Jubilee Playing Field project The clerk reported that Deeping St James United Charities had pledged £1,000 towards to the project and that Lincolnshire Police Authority had granted £15,000. Members welcomed these awards and congratulated the clerk on this success. The application to South Kesteven District Council is being considered and a decision is expected shortly.

.4 Cemetery railings project The Chair reported that works had commenced to paint the iron railings surrounding the old portion of the cemetery. These works were being undertaken by Probation Service’s community services programme and carried out under close supervision. As a result, only materials needed to be provided, as the labour was free of any charge to the Council. Members approved this action.

058    ITEMS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION

.1 Applications for grant aid The clerk advised that one application had been received from the Deeping St James Over 60’s Club and that the balance available for distribution at this meeting was £50 due to the payment the grant to the Deepings School at the last meeting. The clerk reported that the Club depended on an annual grant to be able to provide social outings and support to members over the autumn/winter period and members agreed that the Club provided an outstanding service. It was unanimously resolved this application should be treated as urgent and, in having regard to the unusual circumstances relating to the grant to the Deepings School, be treated as an exceptional case and dealt with outside the usual procedures. It was unanimously resolved to award a grant of £250.

059    PARISH-PUMP

.1 Bus shelters Cllr Anderson reminded members that the paving at the Thackers Way shelter was still not in place. The clerk confirmed that the Highways Surveyor had the matter in hand. Cllr Dilks queried when the shelters had last been cleaned.

.2 Development of Back Lane Cllr Abel reiterated how sad he felt about the permitted development on Back Lane and requested that this be put to the Head of Land Use Planning Services at South Kesteven District Council.

The meeting closed at 9.35pm.

.1	Deepings Recycling Centre (035)	Cllr Dilks asked whether a response had been received from the Environment Agency concerning the exemption licence for this centre. The clerk confirmed that none had been received however the Chair and Vice-chair had noted an article in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph stating that the application papers had not been received by the Agency. It was agreed to invite a representative of the Environment Agency to the next meeting to clarify the matter.

.2	Vandalism in Swallow Walk (036.1)	The clerk advised that South Kesteven District Council would be providing a litter bin from the next available batch. Cllr Anderson confirmed that the Head Teacher had dealt with the bushes protruding from the school grounds the very next morning.

.3	Rotary tree planting (040.1)	The clerk confirmed that an agreement had been reached between the Rotary Club and SKDC to use land on the Thackers Way/Crowson Way open space.

.4	Memorial project (040.3)	The clerk advised that the revised date for the opening ceremony was Saturday, 12 October 2002 at 12 noon at the Deepings Community Centre. All members were invited to attend.

.5	Traffic calming Linchfield Road (041.2)	The clerk reported that Lincolnshire Police would undertake an archer’ speed survey on this road to ascertain vehicle speeds. The same exercise will also be carried out on Bridge Street in view of the age of the existing data. LCC Highways has confirmed that the works to complete the combined cycle/footway on Linchfield Road are in hand.

.6	Cemetery extension (041.4)	The clerk confirmed that the title for the land had been inspected and that there did exist a convenant restricting the use of the land to burial purposes only. Members noted this information.

.7	LALC AGM (041.5)	Cllr Warrick volunteered to attend the AGM on the Parish Council’s behalf. The delegate fee was added to the list of accounts for payment for approval later in the meeting.

.1	Policy on in-fill planning applications	Cllr Warrick, Chair of the Planning Committee, requested that the Council consider a policy to enable consistency on observations concerning in-fill planning applications. Some members felt that it was not possible and that every application needed to be considered on its own merit. Following a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Warrick, seconded by Councillor Lewis and carried by 6 votes to 4 against that there will be a presumption in favour of in-fill development except where there is a clear planning problem which necessitates on objection.

.2	D.C.P. Launch	Cllr Shinkins reported that the new launch date would be Thursday, 21 November 2002 at the Deepings Community Centre and that a wide-range of local organisations and groups were being invited to attend, including members of the Parish Council.

.3	Bus services campaign/ parish transport grant	Cllr Warrick advised that Stagecoach East had not yet responded to the initial enquiry. It was understood, however, that the Countryside Agency Vital Villages Transport Grant could be used for this type of project if a subsidy was found to be needed. Members felt that there should be further consideration given as to how such a grant might be utilised before making any decision. It was agreed to await Stagecoach East’s response before discussing the matter further.

.4	Railway station	Cllr Lewis advised members of the response from Central Trains concerning the Parish Council’s request for the station to be re-opened. It was noted the company felt that to halt trains at Deeping St James would require an additional train service and construction of a bay extension to the platform at Spalding to cater for it. Cllr Lewis felt that central Trains had not understood the geography of the area or the existing services which run on the line and proposed that a letter he had drafted be sent in response. Having heard the content of the letter, this was unanimously approved.

.5	Formation of Allotments Committee	The clerk advised that the tenant was prepared to consider relinquishing the tenancy on the Hall Meadow estate land at a mutually agreeable date provided that if the scheme ever failed, he retained first refusal for taking the land back for arable purposes. Members warmly welcomed this offer and it was unanimously agreed to accede to this request. The clerk will seek permission from the Charity Commission and the Parochial Church Council for this change in use to allotment gardens. Councillors Anderson, Chambers and Watkins were elected to serve on an Allotments Committee to oversee their setting up.

.6	Daffodil bulb planting	Cllr Fisk advised that various areas of the village had been identified and that permission was being sought from the relevant agencies. It was agreed that Cllr will purchase a variety of bulbs with a budget of £50 and that the work parties for each area should plant them over the last weekend of October.

.1	Traffic calming proposals	LCC Highways have submitted proposals for works to the Waterton Arms bend on Church Street and outside the School on Park Road. The estimated cost of the works is £6,000 which the Council will be expected to meet 50%. Members accepted the overall design of the scheme subject to it being checked whether the blocks could be split into bands of three and slightly raised from the surface. LCC Highways recommended that these works were completed and evaluated for effectiveness before further schemes are devised for the remaining budget. It was agreed to accept this advice. Cllr Stevens advised members of an accident at the Park Road junction with Horsegate on the previous day, which had occurred at the time of children going to school, and felt that this was a particularly dangerous cross road junction. Cllr Dilks agreed and felt that the speed limit for the area should be reduced to 20mph. It was agreed that the matter should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

.2	Freedom of Information Act 2000	The clerk advised that this Act would apply to Parish Councils from February 2003. Further guidance on a model scheme of publication is expected shortly and the clerk was instructed to produce a report on the implications to a future meeting of the Council.

.3	Revised banking arrangements	The Council’s bankers have notified of changes to the number of authorised signatories with effect from the next change of mandate. In view of the potential operational difficulties that this could cause, the clerk was instructed to undertake a review of banking facilities and make a report to a future meeting of the Council.

.4	Other items noted	· Confirmation from Market Deeping Town Council that S.K.D.C. is considering an Alcohol Consumption Order ban for named open spaces in this area. · South Kesteven Local Plan: Notice that the plan has been withdrawn in view of the reduction of the number of houses now needed and that a Local Development Framework will be issued for consultation in due course. · Deepings Carnival: Notice of AGM and consultation on changing the day of the event to Sunday. No observations raised. · Heckington Parish Council: Sale of mechanical road sweeper. · DEFRA: Rural Services Standards 2002. · LALC: National Training Strategy for Parish Clerks Accreditation process.

Ref.	Address	Proposal

S02/1204	157a Eastgate	Alteration of detached garage to create storage room in roof space. No objections.
S02/1232	2 Cowslip Drive	Erection of conservatory and extensions to garage to form study in roof space. No objections.
ENF/01/268	Rear of 153 Eastgate	Notice of Enforcement Appeal Unauthorised Change of Use of land to include residential use, involving the siting and use of caravans and on-site greenhouses for residential occupation. The Council agreed that a breach had occurred and continues to object to the proposals for the reasons submitted at the time of the application. It was resolved that Cllr Warrick, or another member of the Planning Committee, will represent the Council at the Enquiry to be held in Stamford on 8 January 2003.

Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure	Amount
Clerk	Salary	761.08
	Stationery	25.99
	Mileage expenses Funding seminar 23.9.02	36.40
L.C.C.	Pension	181.69
Inland Revenue	Quarterly PAYE/NIC	430.41
Huddlestone Landscapes	Cemetery maintenance (2)	240.00
	Bus shelter maintenance	25.00
	Cemetery clearance/planting	71.94
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field	11.75
Castle Cleaners	Bus shelter cleaning	60.00
L.A.L.C.	Publication: Revised standing orders	6.50
Butterworth Tolley	Publication: Local Council Administration * Inc. p&p	41.10
DSJ United Charities	Office rent: 1.10.02 31.3.03	500.00
	Meeting room hire: September March	60.00
	: Ad-hoc meeting 2.9.02	10.00
DSJ P.C.C.	Office Stationery: Printing paper	23.49
Powergen Plc	Electricity Supply The Cross lights	5.43
ABB Ltd	Maintenance contract The Cross lights	10.68
Branch Bros.	Materials for cemetery railings	250.45
L.A.L.C.	A.G.M. Fee	15.00
Total		2766.91

.1	Finance Committee	The minutes of the meeting held on 2 September 2002, having been previously circulated, were received and unanimously approved after the date of the next meeting had been changed to 17 October 2002. A copy is attached to the official minutes. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved to appoint Carol Precey as the Council’s Internal Auditor with immediate effect at an annual honorarium of £100.

.2	Drugs Awareness meeting	Councillors Shinkins and Stevens appraised members of the arrangements for the meeting on Monday, 14 October at the Deepings Leisure Centre and asked for volunteers to hand out leaflets advertising the event over the weekend before. An impressive line-up of speakers had been secured for the meeting and it was hoped that there would be a good turn out of residents to learn more about the problems caused by drugs and alcohol.

.3	Jubilee Playing Field project	The clerk reported that Deeping St James United Charities had pledged £1,000 towards to the project and that Lincolnshire Police Authority had granted £15,000. Members welcomed these awards and congratulated the clerk on this success. The application to South Kesteven District Council is being considered and a decision is expected shortly.

.4	Cemetery railings project	The Chair reported that works had commenced to paint the iron railings surrounding the old portion of the cemetery. These works were being undertaken by Probation Service’s community services programme and carried out under close supervision. As a result, only materials needed to be provided, as the labour was free of any charge to the Council. Members approved this action.

.1	Bus shelters	Cllr Anderson reminded members that the paving at the Thackers Way shelter was still not in place. The clerk confirmed that the Highways Surveyor had the matter in hand. Cllr Dilks queried when the shelters had last been cleaned.

.2	Development of Back Lane	Cllr Abel reiterated how sad he felt about the permitted development on Back Lane and requested that this be put to the Head of Land Use Planning Services at South Kesteven District Council.