BASTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Parish Council Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 11th July 2024 in Baston Village Hall (Barn).

Present: Chairman Cllr A Clarke

Cllr B Easy Cllr L Eassom
Cllr G Griffiths Cllr M Nicholson
Cllr P Redmore Cllr J Groutage

County Councillor Cllr A Baxter

District CouncillorsCllr V Smith

Clerk Mrs S Phillips

Apologies:Cllr M Mahabadi Cllr J Kelly
Cllr G Vaughan Cllr P Delmer

Members of public present: 4

Public Forum
There was interest in the planning application for 6 dwellings.
It was noted that SKDC had cut the grass in the churchyard but not in other areas within the village with the last cut being in May.  It was stated that the churchyard gets 10 cuts a year compared to 7 for the village plus it has been wet so grass cutting was unable to take place.
There are concerns with the increase of housing in the area.
07/24-42 Chairman’s remarks
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm, thanks were given to all those in attendance.
07/24-43 Apologies for absence and acceptance of any reasons given
Apologies of absence were noted, and reasons given accepted.
07/24-44 To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
None.
07/24-45 Notes of the last meeting held on 13th June 2024 to be approve as the minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 13th June were circulated before the meeting.  It was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.  Cllr Clarke signed the minutes.
07/24-46 Matters Arising from the meeting held on 13th June 2024
The Privacy Policy on the website is to be amended by the Clerk.

Cllr Groutage informed councillors that a council in Manchester have an empty property officer who encourages landlords to bring empty properties to a rentable position.  Cllr Groutage spoke with SKDC who was unsure if such a policy was in place.  Cllr Smith confirmed that there is a register of empty properties and there would be a policy in place for council properties, but other than trebling the council tax they are unable to force the owner to make properties rentable or do a compulsory purchase.

The planning officer has met with the owner of the empty properties and confirmation was received that the required work had not been done due to ill health.

In relation to the tree issues Cllr Clarke confirmed there is an Antisocial Behaviour Act and every council should have a high hedge order in place.  This means that a private resident is able to go to the council and if nothing is done the council are able to deal with the high hedge and put as a debt against the house of the owner if costs are not able to be recovered.

Discussions have taken place regarding funding for the cricket nets after a letter had been received stating the grant of £5000 was approved.  The previous Chair of the parish council applied for the grant on behalf of the cricket club.  Cllr Clarke has requested that the cricket club supply required documentation which they have yet to do.  The parish council would be responsible for managing the grant and how it is spent and as such would be liable to pay the grant back if it has not been spent as it should be.  Cllr Clarke has asked for the grant to be put on hold as it was felt that the parish council should not be responsible for managing the project.  All councillors were in agreement.

The community cleaner has now received PPE which includes a coat, hi vis and a ring for a bag to litter pick.
07/24-47 Clerks report on matters outstanding
The clerk reported that there were no matters outstanding.
07/24-48 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies
District Councillor
Apologies were received from Cllr Trollope Bellew.

A report was submitted by Cllr Smith and is attached as Appendix A.  In addition to the submitted report Cllr Smith reported the following:

There is a parcel of land in King Street which has been approved for gravel extraction.  Cllr Smith has received an email asking if she would sit on the Quarry Liaison Committee but looking at the terms it seems quite limited and will only be meeting once a year.  It was felt that given how close to Baston the quarry will be that a councillor should be invited to join as well as Thurlby and Langtoft.  Cllr Clarke has requested to see the terms of reference before a decision is made but it was generally felt by the councillors that it would be a good idea to have a representative present.
SKDC community groups for funding is available, the next will be held on 19th September in Bourne.
A tree is the churchyard is due to be removed after an investigation highlighted that the tree is starting to lean, this will mean there will some road closures.

County Councillor
Apologies were received from Cllr Baxter but correspondence has been received.

An investigation of the weight limit through Baston suggests an alternative route for traffic generated by quarries.  Cllr Clarke noted there was no mention on the 7.5-ton weight limit.
Surveys for pedestrian crossings were scheduled for May but due to utilities work and lowered traffic this will take place in July.  Lincolnshire CC are planning for 10 pedestrian crossings in Lincolnshire and Cllr Clarke has requested for Baston to be included.

BPFMC Representative
Awaiting funds for the roof repairs and there has been some rodent problems which is being taken care off.
07/24-49 Financial matters and authorisation of payments
Invoices for the dog bin emptying are still be sent to the previous clerk, it has been requested that they are now sent direct to the clerk.  The stock of dog bin bags is still being held by the previous clerk and it was felt this should also be looked at.

Online banking update
The clerk and Cllr Clarke now have access to online banking.

Payments made
Payments made were RESOLVED:
11.06.24 Community cleaner Salary £137.28
18.06.24 Amazon Equipment for community cleaner £16.98
28.06.24 S Phillips Salary £480
01.07.24 BPFMC Agreed Contribution £3150
02.07.24 Garys Gardens Grass cutting 18.06.24 and 02.07.24 £600
02.07.24 BPFMC Room hire £20
02.07.24 David Knibbs 4 x Emptying dog waste bins (June) £170

c) Payments received:
21.06.24 CH & WJ Gray Incorrect payment returned £948.74

d) Upcoming payments:
Community Heartbeat Defibrillator 1 year maintenance x 2 £330

The amount to Community Heartbeat has increased to £486.00 which includes Mayfields Gardens as the councillors RESOLVED to add due to being fully accessible to all.  The increase payment was RESOLVED.

Cllr Nicholson confirmed that a true set of accounts are in order.
07/24-50 CEMEX update and agree on any actions
No date has been set for the environmental response and concerns that due to changes in planning this will be passed much more easily.

Councillors felt there should be a wish list ready to help with the community.  It was agreed that a precept meeting will be arranged to discuss further.  Cllr Griffiths agreed to take an action and prepare a list from all councillors ready for September.
07/24-51 Bylaw update and agree on any actions
Cllr Mahabadi is looking into next steps and due to not being present it was agreed that the item will be deferred to the next meeting.
07/24-52 Defibrillator update within the village and agree any action
Cllr Redmore agreed to make checks to the defibrillators within the village alongside Cllr Griffiths.

Mayfield Gardens – on the parish council paying for maintenance
It was RESOLVED that as the defibrillator was accessible for all to use that the parish council would pay for the annual maintenance.
07/24-53 Planning matters
S24/0791- Variation of planning condition 2 (approved plans) and submission of details reserved by conditions 3, 4 and 5 of planning permission S22/2395 (Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling)
Councillors had no objections, the clerk to respond as such.
S24/1091 – Proposed change of use of and agricultural building to six dwellings.  Barn at Mill House Farm, Deeping Road, Baston, Lincolnshire, PE6 9NW
Councillors had no objections, the clerk to respond as such and to note that stair     elevation on P4, P5 and P6 are not visibility onto the A15 should be reviewed.
07/24-54 Highways
Speed Data update and agree on any actions

Speed data has been included on the noticeboard, website, and Facebook; it was noted that a lot of speeding within the village is from residents.  Cllr Redmore has agreed to provide a new set of data which is to also be sent to Lincolnshire Road Partnership and request speed traps for the village.

Discussions took place on other options such as cameras which take photos of number plates, Cllr Redmore to provide costs.  It was agreed that the latest data will be looked at in the first instance, and it is hoped that the police will do speed monitoring in the meantime.

A speed limit of 20 had been requested for outside the schools and should be chased.
07/24-55 Village Concerns
It was noted that the local plan has been removed from SKDC, it was confirmed the reason being is the consultation has closed.
07/24-56 Correspondence
An email has been received by the clerk about the possibility of allotment holders to purchase alpaca manure.  Cllr Clarke to forward the email onto Baston Allotment Association.

It has been noted that the parish council should have email addresses specifically for council business.  It was RESOLVED that the parish council would keep their existing email addresses.
07/24-57 Public Questions
There were no further questions from the public.
07/24-58 To resolve on whether the Council will move into closes session
The council requested to move into closed session and all attendees were asked to leave.
07/24-59 Date of next meeting
12th September 2024 at 7.30pm
Precept meeting to be agreed.

Meeting declared closed at 9.50pm.

Signed:

Date:

APPENDIX A – Baston Parish Council Meeting – 11.07.24

Cllr Smith, District Councillor Report

District Matters

Recycling: No further updates following my last report. As previously stated:
From 10th June rejections will re-start.  The criteria will be more relaxed than previously. Data will continue to be collected and analysed to ensure resources including education and communication are targeted effectively with the hope that contamination can be minimised as much as is possible over the summer months.  Telephone 01476 406544 or email recycling@southkesteven.gov.uk if you have any concerns.

Anglian Water Pipeline: No further updates: As previously stated Anglian Water cite the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, labour shortages and supply issues caused by the war in Ukraine as contributing to delays.  Consequently, some of their planned work has been rephrased.  SKDC state that in terms of planning controls, while there is condition requiring the land to be reinstated, they have no control over the time period for the construction of the project.

To view any SKDC active consultations go to: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/consultations
Current Consultations:
https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ArtsConsultation
SKDC have launched a public consultation to help shape a bid for funding from the Arts Council for two areas in South Kesteven. The Council is asking arts practitioners and people from the Bourne and Deepings areas for their views. Closes 3rd July

NSIPs

Mallard Pass: It was announced in May that the decision on this was delayed until 13th June but as a General Election has been called since then the timeframe on this is now unknown.

New Lincolnshire Reservoir (Scredington): Anglian Water presentation The Barn, Baston 1st July 11am-4pm

County Matters that I am aware of, but please contact Cllr Baxter (county councillor) for more information

Flooding: No further updates: Section 19 report from LCC investigating the cause of the flooding following Storm Henk is due by August 2024

Highways: I am not aware of any further updates with regards to A15, the crossroads or a possibly 7.5 tonne weight limit.  I have raised the matter of the trees at the Bus Stop on A15 southbound on FixMyStreet and the case has been closed as I am told enforcement action is being taken.

Quarry: The Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Preferred Approach for updating the plan went before LCC Executive on 4th June where it was anticipated that it would be approved for public consultation. SG17 (Land south of A1175 at West Deeping) was included but Thetford Farm was not. The executive felt that insufficient information was available and a decision on whether to put this out for public consultation has been delayed by one month.

End.

BASTON PARISH COUNCIL

CLERK: MRS SARAH PHILLIPS

2 PLOUGH ROW, DEEPING ST NICHOLAS, SPALDING, PE11 3EW

TEL: 07484 734007   EMAIL: PARISHCLERKBASTON@GMAIL.COM

You are hereby summoned to attend the next meeting of Baston Parish Council, which will be held on Thursday 11th July 2024 commencing at 7.30 pm in Baston Village Hall (Barn), Main Street, Baston, Peterborough, PE6 9PA.  The business to be dealt with at the meeting is listed in the agenda. If you are unable to attend, please notify me of your apology.

There will be a 15-minute public starting at 7.15pm when members of the public may ask questions or make short statements to the Council, and your attendance is also requested during this period.

Signature: S. Phillips
Clerk to the Parish Council
Date: 04/07/24

________________________________________________________________

AGENDA

Public Forum (15 Minutes)

1. Chairman’s remarks

2. Apologies for absence and acceptance of any reasons given

3.  To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations

4. Notes of the last meeting held on to be approved as the minutes

5. Matters Arising from the meeting held on 13th June 2024

6. Clerk’s report on matters outstanding

7. To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies
District Councillor
County Councillor
BPFMC Representative

8. Financial matters and authorisation of payments:
a) Online banking update
b) Payments made:
11.06.24 Community cleaner Salary £137.28
18.06.24 Amazon Equipment for community cleaner £16.98
28.06.24 S Phillips Salary £480
01.07.24 BPFMC Agreed Contribution £3150
02.07.24 Garys Gardens Grass cutting 18.06.24 and 02.07.24 £600
02.07.24 BPFMC Room hire £20
02.07.24 David Knibbs 4 x Emptying dog waste bins (June) £170

c) Payments received:
21.06.24 CH & WJ Gray Incorrect payment returned £948.74

d) Upcoming payments:
Community Heartbeat Defibrillator 1 year maintenance x 2 £330

9. CEMEX update and agree on any actions

10. Bylaw update and agree on any actions

11. Defibrillator update within the village and agree any action
a) Mayfield Gardens – discuss and agree on the parish council paying for the maintenance

12. Planning matters
S24/0791- Variation of planning condition 2 (approved plans) and submission of details reserved by conditions 3, 4 and 5 of planning permission S22/2395 (Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling)
S24/1091 – Proposed change of use of and agricultural building to six dwellings.  Barn at Mill House Famr, Deeping Road, Baston, Lincolnshire, PE6 9NW

13. Highways
a)  Speed Data update and agree on any action

14. Village Concerns

15.      Correspondence

16. Councillor email addresses (Outlook)

17. Public Questions (10 minutes)

18.     To resolve on whether the Council will move into closed session in accordance with the Public
Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
Should this resolution be passed the public and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage

19. Date of next meeting:
12th September 2024 at 7.30pm

APPENDIX A – Baston Parish Council Meeting – 13.06.24

Cllr Smith, District Councillor Report

District Matters

Recycling: No further updates following my last report. As previously stated:
From 10th June rejections will re-start.  The criteria will be more relaxed than previously. Data will continue to be collected and analysed to ensure resources including education and communication are targeted effectively with the hope that contamination can be minimised as much as is possible over the summer months.  Telephone 01476 406544 or email recycling@southkesteven.gov.uk if you have any concerns.

Anglian Water Pipeline: No further updates: As previously stated Anglian Water cite the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, labour shortages and supply issues caused by the war in Ukraine as contributing to delays.  Consequently, some of their planned work has been rephrased.  SKDC state that in terms of planning controls, while there is condition requiring the land to be reinstated, they have no control over the time period for the construction of the project.

To view any SKDC active consultations go to: https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/consultations
Current Consultations:
https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/ArtsConsultation
SKDC have launched a public consultation to help shape a bid for funding from the Arts Council for two areas in South Kesteven. The Council is asking arts practitioners and people from the Bourne and Deepings areas for their views. Closes 3rd July

NSIPs

Mallard Pass: It was announced in May that the decision on this was delayed until 13th June but as a General Election has been called since then the timeframe on this is now unknown.

New Lincolnshire Reservoir (Scredington): Anglian Water presentation The Barn, Baston 1st July 11am-4pm

County Matters that I am aware of, but please contact Cllr Baxter (county councillor) for more information

Flooding: No further updates: Section 19 report from LCC investigating the cause of the flooding following Storm Henk is due by August 2024

Highways: I am not aware of any further updates with regards to A15, the crossroads or a possibly 7.5 tonne weight limit.  I have raised the matter of the trees at the Bus Stop on A15 southbound on FixMyStreet and the case has been closed as I am told enforcement action is being taken.

Quarry: The Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Preferred Approach for updating the plan went before LCC Executive on 4th June where it was anticipated that it would be approved for public consultation. SG17 (Land south of A1175 at West Deeping) was included but Thetford Farm was not. The executive felt that insufficient information was available and a decision on whether to put this out for public consultation has been delayed by one month.

End.

BASTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Parish Council Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 9th May 2024 in Baston Village Hall (Barn).

Present: Chairman Cllr A Clarke

Cllr P Redmore Cllr G Vaughan
Cllr J Groutage Cllr L Eassom
County Councillor

District CouncillorsCllr V SmithCllr R Trollope Bellew

Clerk Mrs S Phillips

Apologies:Cllr G GriffithsCllr J Kelly
Cllr P Delmer Cllr B Easy

Members of public present: 9

05/24-01 Election of Chairman and Signature of Declaration of Office Form
It was proposed by Cllr Groutage, seconded by Cllr Redmore and unanimously agreed and RESOLVED that Cllr Clarke be elected as Chairman.

The declaration of office form was completed and signed by Cllr Clarke.
05/24-02 Election of Vice Chairman and Signature of Declaration of Office Form
It was proposed by Cllr Clarke, seconded by Cllr Vaughan and unanimously agreed and RESOLVED that Cllr Groutage be elected as Vice Chairman.

The declaration of office form was completed and signed by Cllr Groutage.
05/24-03 Public Forum (15 minutes)
It was noted how beautiful the village looks but queried if grass cutting could be done at the same time.  Cllr Clarke agreed that this could be looked into.

A discussion took place on the land for sale at North Meadow view and if the Parish council had a view of purchasing the land. The Parish council recognised that this is privately owned land and the landowner has the right to put the land up for sale. The Parish council would not be in a financial position to bid for this land on behalf on the residents. Any planning applications for this land in the future by a new owner would have to go through the normal process and at this point the Parish council would comment in the normal way.
Cllr Groutage confirmed that it may be of some interest to a nature reserve and contacted Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust who stated the land was too small, hemmed in by the village and a distance from where they work.  It would not be high on their list and would need to be co-funded or to receive a generous donation.  There is quite an interest in the land and would likely be put out to sealed bids which would be too quick for a village response.  The Parish Council concerns would be on public right of way and access which appears to be outside of the boundary of the land for sale and will ensure that CEMEX are upholding their responsibilities on the land restoration and maintenance which was a condition of the previous planning application for this site and any issues are dealt with.
05/24-04 Welcome by the Chairman
Thanks were given to Cllr Plant who had worked very hard for the residents of Baston, all thanks will be passed on.
05/24-05 Apologies for absence and acceptance of any reason given
Apologies of absence were received from Cllr P Delmer, Cllr J Kelly, Cllr G Griffiths and Cllr B Easy.  It was RESOLVED that the apologies were accepted.

Cllr Nicholson was not present.
05/24-06 Co-option of Councillor(s) and signature of Declaration of Office Form
All were in favour and was RESOLVED that Lindsey Eassom be co-opted.

The declaration of office form was completed and signed by Cllr Eassom.
05/24-07 Declarations of Interest
Declarations of Interest to be updated if needed
None.

To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations
None.
05/24-08 Notes of the last meeting held on 18th March 2023 and 11th April 2024 to be approved as the minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 18th March 2023 were circulated before the meeting.  It was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.  Cllr Clarke signed the minutes.

Minutes of the meeting held on 11th April 2024 were circulated before the meeting.  It was RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.  Cllr Clarke signed the minutes.
05/24-09 To note any matters arising from the minutes of 11th April 2024
The website is in need of being updated.
Paper copy of minutes to be provided at meetings.
Holiday pay to be discussed in closed session.
To be investigated by Cllr Clarke if a meeting was arranged with LCC planning.
Cllr Groutage was unable to attend the Resilience Plan meeting, but an update was provided by Cllr Smith.
Cllr Clarke to investigate if Richard Davies from Highways has been contacted.
It was unknown if Cllr Plant had done anything about the proposed housing estate.  Cllr Groutage has been unable to access what has been submitted.  Cllr Smith confirmed that 7 comments had been made but those who commented by post or email are not available.
05/24-10 Reports from Outside Bodies
County Councillor
None.

District Councillor
A report was submitted and presented by Cllr Vanessa Smith and is attached as
Appendix A.

BPFMC
The annual general meeting has taken place which went well, there is a new chairman, but no vice chairman at the moment.  BPFMS is making a profit due to controlling heating and electricity as well as changing the bin clearance company.
05/24-11 Election of Committees (Personnel)
It was RESOLVED that Cllr Clarke, Cllr Vaughan and Cllr Groutage will make up the Personnel committee.
05/24-12 To receive the Internal Auditors report for consideration and to approve necessary actions
Recommendations and observations from the Internal Auditor were as follows:
At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, the first item on the agenda must be the Election of the Chairman and the signing of the acceptance of office must be recorded, the election of the Vice Chairman (if the council has one) and the signing of the acceptance of office should be the second item, the council can then resolve to close the meeting to hear from the public and/or outside bodies, and reopen for the rest of the council meeting.  Actioned.
Under the Local Government Act, the councils cash book/ledger must show a column for S137 expenditure even if no transactions have occurred, unless the council has General Power of Competence LGA s137 To be actioned.
As part of the Councils Risk Management, it is good practice for the Chairman to hold a sealed envelope with a list of all passwords and other important information. This should be updated as & when passwords or information is changed and the previous in-tact envelope passed back to the Clerk. This envelope should only be opened in an emergency and with another Member of the council. To be actioned.
It is bad practice for members of the council to use their private email addresses for council business, the council should consider adopting council specific emails i.e. cllrb.blogs@gmail.com or similar. This could protect a councillor from needing to divulge their private emails should a request under freedom of information be requested.  Deferred.
There are 11 Councillor names on the council’s website, please delete those that do not apply Members of the council this also applies to the district website listing who need to be informed.  Actioned.
For transparency, Members interests should be on the website, this could be linked from the District website.  To be actioned.
In line with item N on the AGAR Internal Audit form regarding the 2022/23 information on the councils website, the last accounts published were 2019-2020, the information that needs to be published can be found on page 1 of the AGAR.   To be actioned.
In line with Item C on the AGAR Internal Audit form regarding the council assessing risks, one of many areas that the council could conform to this, is by having an interim internal audit, to encourage this, my fees work out more cost effective, if a council has 2 IA’s in a year, an interim and AGAR end of year. This would not only save the council money (public money) but also if issues are found they can be corrected before the end of year process has to be put in place.  It was RESOLVED that a mid year internal audit to be completed.
The council needs up to date policies that can be added to the website for transparency, you should start with the Standing orders and Financial regulations, up to date versions of these and many more can be downloaded from the LALC website and tailored to the council’s needs.   To be actioned.
The Internal Auditors reports to the Chairman for the Council, should be on the website so for transparency, these should be added.  To be actioned.
The council must have Terms of Reference for all committees and should have a personnel committee and terms of reference for this committee.  To be actioned.
The Privacy Statement on the website is out of date, it shows a previous Clerk and was last reviewed on 2021 Privacy.  To be actioned.
The Accessibility statement of the website was last reviewed in 2020 Accessibility.  To be actioned.
The council’s insurance certificate for transparency could be added to the website.  To be actioned.
The District Council may have been informed however the previous Clerk is still named on their website and there is an error in the email address Incorrect contact.  Actioned.
05/24-13 Financial
To approve the Annual Governance Statement for year ending 31st March 2024
The clerk read out the items on the Annual Governance Statement and was RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Statement be approved.  The Chairman and the clerk both signed the document.

To approve the Financial Statement for year ending 31st March 2024
It was RESOLVED that the Financial Statement be approved.  The Chairman and the clerk both signed the document.

Financial update
Only half the precept has been received and the remainder will be received in September.

Approval of donation towards Baston Big Arts and Crafts Bash
It was RESOLVED that a donation of £75.00 be given to the Big Arts and Crafts Bash.  Baston Parish Council will be featured on the programme as Main Event Sponsor.

Approval of donations towards The Barn essential roof repairs
BPFMC have applied for two bids but if unsuccessful have asked for a donation of £2500 from Baston Parish Council towards the roof repairs.  All were in favour and RESOLVED that the donation if required would be given due to the village owning the site and if it had to close the village would no longer have the facility available.

Approval of contribution towards subscription for the website of Naturehood
All were in favour and RESOLVED to pay a contribution of £20.80 towards the Naturehood website, which is split between Baston, Thurlby and Langtoft.

Payments to be made: Zurich, Clerks Clerical Service, BPFMC
It was RESOLVED that the following payments were to be made:

Zurich Insurance £464.77
Clarks Clerical Service Internal Audit £140.00
BPFMC Hall hire £30.00

It was RESOLVED that an external hard drive is to be purchased for document storage for the clerk.  An estimated cost of £60 was given.
05/24-14 Planning Matters
None.
05/24-15 Highways
Cllr Clarke will be contacting Richard Davies re the 7.5 ton limit.

Cllr Delmer to be asked to prepare data from the speed camera so that any actions can be raised at the next meeting.
05/24-16 Village Concerns
None.
05/24-17 Correspondence

Resident Grass cutting Resolved
Langtoft Clerk Costs and provider of speed indicators Resolved
Resident Allotment request Resolved – added to waiting list

Cllr Groutage has suggested that allotment payments be brought into alignment with the start of the year in April.  Cllrs agreed to review at a later date.

Councillors were informed that a lot of paperwork is being stored of which Cllr Clarke and the clerk will go through to see what can be archived through LCC or kept within storage.
05/24-18 Public Questions (10 minutes)
Cllr Clarke to provide details of new councillor appointments to the Baston Voice.
05/24-19 Date of next meeting
Thursday 13th June 2024
05/24-20 To resolve on whether the Council will move into closed session in accordance with the Public
Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
Should this resolution be passed the public and press will be required to leave the meeting at this stage
The meeting was declared closed at 20.45pm and the meeting went into closed session.

Contracts, holiday pay and pension schemes to be raised with staff.
Safety items to be provided to the community cleaner.

Signed:

Date:

APPENDIX A – Baston Parish Council Meeting – 09.05.24

Report:

Review of the SKDC Local Plan: The consultation on the Draft document has now closed.  There will be another consultation later in the year when the Pre-submission document is complete (Regulation 19).

Emergency Planning meeting was held on Wednesday 1st May.  It was coordinated by SKDC and LCC (Phil Swinton and Mark Garthwaite respectively) for representatives from nearby villages. Unfortunately the event was poorly attended with only members of Uffington and Tallington PCs being present. Very useful information was shared. Key points: If a village or group of villages would like to put together a plan a group at least three key people are required. There is a template that can be completed and the LCC Resilience Team with then help finalise the document. LCC Resilience Team have a drone which has been used for mapping relevant areas.  Once a plan is drawn up, residents can sign up to an SMS service for local alerts.  A box with emergency supplies is given to the village for safe keeping to be ready for times of need.  If someone would like to get involved with assisting in emergencies but a local emergency plan is not drawn up they can be trained up to be a 'Ready for Anything' volunteer.

Recent local elections: As well as the re-election of the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire, SKDC also saw elections for the newly formed Grantham Parish Council.

Flooding: Section 19 report from LCC investigating the cause of the flooding following Storm Henk is due by August 2024

Anglian Water Pipeline: I have raised this matter with the enforcement team at SKDC as work seems to have stalled and other PCs have asked how long this will be for and whether the land could be restored in the meantime.

Recycling: Following the role out of the twin stream recycling earlier in the year, the contamination rate of the grey bin fell from around 30% to around 17%.  It has always been the council’s intention to reject bins that was obviously contaminated at the kerbside.  However, after abuse from the public these plans were put on hold in February. The council is now looking to reintroduce this but they will be taking a somewhat more gentle approach.  - From 13th May they will be tagging bins contaminated with paper/card and plastics that are not recyclable.  The tags will be advisory only and brightly coloured to grab the attention of residents.
- From 10th June rejections will re-start.  The criteria will be more relaxed than previously. Data will continue to be collected and analysed to ensure resources including education and communication are targeted effectively with the hope that contamination can be minimised as much as is possible over the summer months.
Telephone 01476 406544 or email recycling@southkesteven.gov.uk if you have any concerns.

To view any SKDC active consultations go to:
https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/your-council-and-democracy/have-your-say/current There is currently a consultation running on the SKDC Economic Development Strategy (Closes 9th June 2024)

Quarry: No updates from me

Mallard Pass: A decision is due very soon.

SKDC Facebook team are asking for all tourism venues, local community groups and businesses who are planning events in South Kesteven over the summer (June to September) to get in touch so that they can help promote events in the District

SKToday: Now digital https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/sktoday

A15 junction at Baston: I continue to get comments from residents regarding this and would suggest the village look to address this issue in conjunction with county councillors and perhaps Langtoft PC.

Minutes of the meeting of Baston Parish Council held on Thursday 14th March 2024 in Baston Village Hall (Barn).

Present:

Chairman Cllr D Plant

Cllr J Kelly

Cllr P Redmore

Cllr B Easy

Cllr G Griffiths

Cllr M Nicholson

Cllr J Groutage

County Councillors

District Councillor Cllr R Trollope Bellew

Cllr V Smith

Clerk Mrs S Phillips 

Apologies: Cllr P Delmer, Cllr A Clarke, Cllr G Vaughan

Members of public present: 5

PRESENT: 

Councillors Clarke, Delmer, Griffiths, Kelly, Nicholson, Plant, Redmore.  Cllr Groutage arrived during meeting. 7 Members of the public were also in attendance, District Cllr V Smith. 

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Cllrs Easey, Vaughan, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meeting of the Council held 14th December 2023 – all in agreement for minutes to be signed off.
5. Reports from outside bodies –
   District Councillor  – Kerbside collection – not collected.  Who is best person to speak to recreating neighbourhood plan?  Money given to Deeping leisure centre would be ring fenced. SKDC Local Plan/Neighbourhood Plan.  2021 – 2041 housing plan, 30% affordable housing on local plan.  Cllr Plant – is Plan a wish list?  due to go out to consultation when people can comment.  3 properties in School Lane identified as paying council tax, do not know about one in Main Street, Cllr Plant will reply about the houses. 

   County Councillor – No report. 

   BPFMC Representative – Maintenance carried out earlier part of this year – chairs inside cleaned, floors cleaned – outside in children’s play area, some work done on boiler.  Able to put some money towards maint at the moment.

6. Clerks Report – handover will take place in due course to Sarah Phillips (dates to be agreed).
7. Flooding.  Plan for an emergency response, Need to have contingency plan in place,  Cllr Plant will create and distribute to cllrs.  Need to have supply of empty Bags and Sand etc.  Farmers have done a lot of work but residential areas (dykes) not cleared.  Welland and District Drainage Board reported did not have any problems, same with EA and IDB not had any problems with their company. 

   Mr Balderston reported (Wednesday evening) issue with dykes flooding near property.  Mr Raynor – EA responsible for rivers – discussions on where possibly to obtain sand and bags and where to store.  Mr Robert Freeman offered to put 4 ton of sand in bags on concrete base (off Greatford Road).  Cllr Plant will have a look at website under Lincolnshire Resilience Forum – look at what Greatford and Tallngton have done. Agreed accept offer from Mr Freeman, Cllr Plant will put information around village what we are doing re plan.  Cllr Groutage suggested looking at Stamford emergency Responses plan, she also pointed out the agenda item she had put forward was for an ‘Emergency Response plan’ to encompass various possible events and not just flooding.

8. Baston Website – issues with configuring now working correctly but we need to get updated.  Cllr Plant (follow same route as Langtoft) no point in duplicating on Baston Community.  Cllr Clarke feels we should be employing someone to input/update – Cllr Plant will approach company in Bourne at some time.  Cllr Groutage advised amended minutes from June & July 2023still need to be put on the new website – Cllr Plant will look at.
9. Financial Matters:
   Request from Church for donation towards installing toilet – 

   Lengthy discussion about why this item was back on the agenda when it had been discussed in a closed session in Nov 2023 and a decision made. Cllr Plant felt some councillors were unclear about the regulation around gifting monies to religious organisation in Nov. Majority of councillors stated they understood the information presented in Nov and that the decision made at that time should stand.Discussion about the precept for 2024. Need to have clarity, In December we were going to have a Precept Meeting nothing happened.

   Agreed a finance will  take place ahead of next Parish Council meeting , 6.30pm- 7.30pm 14th March We have not done traffic calming, Need to plan what going to spend money on –

   Deeping Leisure Centre – feel should support them– Cllr Griffiths,  Pick up discussion in finance meeting in March, consider donate money when they ask for it.  Ring fence money until they require it.  Cllr Clarke would agree to give them some money when up and running.

   £850,000 approved by SKDC – huge conditions i.e. Deeping Community Group.

   Report on Current Balances – Income and Expenditure spreadsheet circulated to all Cllrs prior to meeting.

   To approve following payments:
   D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
   Clerk Salary January - £474.37
   Above payments approved.

10. Highways – No update.
11. Grasscutting – Due to start mid-March – will cut every fortnight – will do Main Street and grass outside playing fields.
12. Planning and Development to be considered – Cllr Plant had a meeting with Thetford Farm (Thetford Avenue – Cemetery – allotments) to discuss connecting Thetford Farm to main sewerage.  No date as yet – advise if Church aware. Has planning permission been sought?
13. Village Concerns –
    Speed Cameras – Cllr Delmer checked.  Cllr Groutage reported incident to police on 31st January 2.20 pm – given incident number.  Greatford Road not downloaded for some while – do we still have old rechargeable. Currently placed outside Black Horse next to primary school.
14. Correspondence – None.
15. Public Forum –
    Bylaw – AB contacted re signs – leave until next meeting. There is a policy, does it support our requirements?  Vote taken to set up 7.5 ton Bylaw – JK, AC, PJ, MN, JG, DP, PD, GG in agreement –DP proposed create bylaw and start to progress.  Noted local highways could overrule it.Cllr Plant will get Robin to put words together for a Press Release.

    Cllr Plant – obtained monies to replace cricket nets for Cricket Club (Prosperity Fund), need couple more quotes.

    Mr Balderston – street lights crossroads (Big Light) still not working (around corner hidden by tree) – Fix My Street!

    Mr Raynor – entrance to Hadrian Drive (support branches cut back) debris needs clearing up – PR happy to do.

    Discussion re Standing Orders – Cllr Clarke agreed to look into to cover all eventualities (abroad for next meeting) Cllr Clarke will do work involved and submit to everyone to consider (what should be in place for a Parish Council) – once approved Cllr Plant will publish full version on website.

    Cllr Clarke – good feedback on Speed Cameras on A15.

16. To resolve whether the council would move into closed session – None.
17. Date of next meeting – meeting closed at 9.30 pm – next meeting Thursday 14th March 2024 commencing at 6.30 p.m. to discuss Finance with meeting proper commencing at 7.30pm Cllr Clarke offered his apologies in advance would not be able to attend March meeting.

PRESENT: 

Councillors Clarke, Griffiths, Kelly, Nicholson, Plant, Redmore.  Cllr Groutage arrived during meeting. 3 Members of the public were also in attendance, County Cllr A Baxter, District Cllr V Smith. 

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Cllrs Delmer, Easey, Vaughan, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew (wished everyone a merry Christmas and New Year.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meeting of the Council held 16th November 2023:
5. Deepings Community Leisure Centre - Need to do survey re spending people’s money on Community Centre.
6. Reports from outside Bodies: District Cllr V Smith –Report for December meeting:
   Thetford Farm Quarry, Baston: PL/0070/23: I have been told that the response from SKDC to LCC will be limited to whether the plans contravene any SKDC policy rather than a reflection of local views.  I have asked for local views to be reflected in SKDC's response if possible.

   Local Devolution: There are plans for Greater Lincolnshire Devolution with Mayoral control.  An announcement was made in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. £24 million is a relatively limited budget for the tasks involved and I am sure this will generate a lot of debate.  SKDC do not have much input into the consultation process.

   There is currently a public consultation of SKDC’s Corporate Plan. Please feel free to comment: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SKCPG2024.

   Recycling: Purple lidded bins are being delivered now with the separate card/paper collections starting in the New Year.  Everyone should have received a letter from the Council with further details and the 2024 bin calendar. Telephone 01476 406544 if you have any issues (SK purple lidded bins dedicated phone number).

   SK Funding workshops: Information evenings for community groups on the various pots of money available, such as UK Shared Prosperity Fund, SK Community fund, LotterySK and how to apply. Further sessions will be held: 18 Jan- Grantham, 21 Mar - Bourne.

   Deeping Leisure Centre: I have copied the Clerk and Chair into recent emails from the community group regarding a presentation and further literature to explain the funding which has been requested from the Parish Councils.  There was due to be a decision by SKDC on the financial support that they would give the community group in the event of a successful bid. However, this decision is currently being deferred whilst the legal issues are clarified.

   At recent SKDC Full Council meeting I put forward a motion to lobby our Westminster politicians to support the Climate and Ecology Bill.  This will be debated again the new year.

   As from 31st October residents will be able to apply for a postal vote and certain types of proxy vote forms online by going onto www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote , you will be asked to provide your National Insurance Number which would be matched against the information held by the Department of Work & Pensions.

   Baston Specific Issues:

   Manor Way: Overgrown trees - I am not aware of any further updates.

   Neighbourhood Plan: From last month: As I have highlighted previously, Baston does not have a neighbourhood plan.  I am aware that there is a review of the SKDC Local Plan in the next few months.  As part of this sites for new developments across the district may be considered.  If any of these are in Baston, the village would have more influence on decision making if a Neighbourhood Plan was in place.  As I have also raised previously, it would be helpful if there was a Section 106 'wish list'.  Update: I have circulated emails relating to this to the Parish Councillors for their further consideration.

   S23/1844: This has been approved. I cannot see any reference to the Parish Council submitting a comment in the Officer's report.

   Highways Issues: Residents continue to contact me about this.  This is a county and not a district issue.  Langtoft also have problems with their crossroads and access onto the A15 and would like to set up an A15 action group to see if anything can be achieved. Cllr Dilks is their County Councillor.

   Empty properties: The number of empty properties in Baston has been brought to my attention on several occasions.  I have made some enquiries with the Council and SKDC have three long term empty properties on their records.  (Defined as empty for more than two years) Would the Parish Council like this taking further?

   District Cllr R Trollope-bellew: No report.

   County Councillor A Baxter: Councils in Greater Lincolnshire have approved a devolution deal which means existing money and power can move from central government to decision-makers in Greater Lincolnshire.  See further information below.

   The deal approved is the most ambitious available and in exchange for this level of powers, money, and say in how we spend it, North, North East and Lincolnshire County Council must submit a proposal to government setting out how this could work through the creation of an independent body called a county combined authority, or CCA.

   This level of deal would be chaired by an elected official (usually called a mayor) who you, as Greater Lincolnshire residents, would elect.

   All three councils have agreed and adopted the Greater Lincolnshire Devolution Proposal, which can be seen, in full, on these pages.

   The three councils are now undertaking a consultation with residents in the Greater Lincolnshire area to get their views before deciding whether to submit the Proposal to government either in its current form or an amended version.

   This consultation document summarises the Proposal document, but we suggest you read the Proposal in full before answering the questions.

   The Proposal document explains how we believe, if adopted, using powers and deciding how to spend money locally would improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the people who live or work in our area through:

    - improved local transport and roads
    - enhanced digital services, like broadband
    - help improve the environment and achieve net zero
   - the provision of good quality housing
   - boosting the economy by supporting local businesses to create new, high paid, high skilled jobs
   - improving training to ensure local people can take advantage of the new jobs.

   The idea is that local decision makers will be able to spend this funding more effectively, as they better understand Greater Lincolnshire and the needs of both people who live or work in the area and business.

   This is just the beginning. There could be more powers and funding available in future. This initial proposal means:

    - a 30-year investment fund worth £720m to level-up the whole of Greater Lincolnshire
   - a stronger role in setting and delivering Greater Lincolnshire’s priorities
   - control over a range of powers and budgets currently administered by central government
   - additional powers to tackle challenges and make the most of our economic potential so everyone who lives and works here benefits
   - £28m for new a raft of projects to create new jobs
   - a new mayor to give Greater Lincolnshire a louder voice, more influence, and a higher profile, locally, nationally and globally
   - even more chances to work together across boundaries and borders.

   BPFMC Representative – Water wastage (tap left on/vandals) over 20 day period - cost £828 – trying to get sewerage charge back Wave/Anglian Water.

   Able to replace ladder on swing seats (actually being replaced tomorrow).  Will put information in Baston Voice/Baston Events.

7. Clerks Report – reminder that Precept request for 2024-2025 to be submitted to SKDC by 19th January 2024.  Cllr Plant has in hand.

   Flood Prevention information letter from SKDC.

   Thank you note from Baston CE Primary School re donation towards the Stem Zone and Hive Room.

   Devolution documentation – copies left with Cllrs.

8. Traffic Calming Consultant Update – ongoing. It was agreed that the newly installed cameras were having a positive effect on reducing speeding in the village and that the data from the cameras be published in the Baston Community & Parish websites, Baston Voice and on the village notice board.
9. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.
10. Financial Matters:
    Report on Current Balances – Income and Expenditure spreadsheet circulated to all Cllrs prior to meeting.

    Request from Church for donation towards installing toilet etc. – In 2016 were left a donation of £1000,000 Who knows how much Baston Events donated to Church?  Understand a donation of £6,000 and they are looking at further assisting financially – amount to be agreed.

    Cllr Clarke confirmed that representatives of Baston Events Committee had met with representative of Baston Church the previous evening and whilst a donation had been agreed in principle any amount or any other form of financial support is still to be decided by the committee.

    Lengthy discussion on what current funding have and where it has come from.  Eileen Mort on behalf of Baston Church addressed the meeting and confirmed project cost £114,000 (30,000 for the stone) and reiterated the request for financial support from the PC and are asking for £2,000.  Questions why not being funded by COE.  Cllr Plant confirmed the Parish Council need to ensure (are we legally allowed/whether we should).

    Several Councillors disagreed with this position stating that at the previous meeting the legal position was understood and had been laid out by Cllr Clarke that whilst previous legislation conflicted the new Regeneration and Planning Act that came into force on 26th October 2023 now allowed donations to religious institutions considering certain criteria and bearing in mind that the decision making process of further requests for donations would need equal consideration to avoid any claims of discrimination and the grounds of religion or faith.  DP/JK in favour – agreed will come back to this discussion (February meeting Agenda Item) when all Cllrs in attendance.

    To have greater understanding of legal implications, restrictions (if any) and any constraints to precept funds, decision deferred to February.

    To approve following payments:
    D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
    Clerk Salary December - £474.37
    Community Cleaner

    Above payments approved.

    Speeding sign invoice to be forwarded to Cllr Plant for payment.

    Community Cleaner continues to do a great job – now has a zero rated contract (sorted via LALC) will need to be re done in April 2024.

11. Highways – re start March.
12. Grasscutting – New season not yet started.
13. Planning and Development to be considered –
    S23/2154 – Erection of single storey front extension – 6 Chariots Way, Baston – response required by 4th January 2024 – majority in attendance at meeting had no representations to make.
14. Village Concerns – Cllr Palmer has retired (DP will send a card etc).  Need to advertise Cllr Vacancy with SKDC, will also need to elect Vice Chairman. This was agreed for the agenda of the February 2024 meeting.
15. Allotments – all o.k.
16. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated.
17. Public Forum – Cllr Plant advised Terry Palmer has retired – will send a card wishing him well and thanking him for contribution made whilst on the Parish Council.  Will therefore need to elect Vice Chairman.  Anyone interested please contact the Clerk.  Vacancy for Cllr will need to be advertised with SKDC. Cllr Clarke made clear to the meeting he would be interesting in standing for the position.

    JK – BPFMC – cannot get into website.

18. To resolve whether the council would move into closed session – Agreed.  Cllr Clarke and Parish Clerk not in attendance at Closed Session meeting.
19. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda – Cllr Griffiths had during the meeting requested that consideration is given to new ways of working to allow more time for discussion on wider/other matters that just those that are standing items on the agenda.
20. Date of next meeting – No Meeting in January next meeting Thursday 15th February 2024 commencing at 7.30 pm.  General Meeting called to a close at 9.30 p.m.

PRESENT: 

Councillors Clarke, Delmer, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly, Plant, Redmore.  3 Members of the public also in attendance, District Cllrs R Trollope-bellew and V Smith. 

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Huge thanks to Adrian and all Firework team – excellent display – nearly 4000 people in attendance, went off fine.  Call out to village i.e. where would like donations to go to.
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Parish Cllrs Palmer and Vaughan.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meetings of the Council held 12th October 2023: Cllr Groutage previously raised issue 3 times that minutes are not put on website until approved.  Item for closed session.
5. Reports from outside Bodies:

   District Cllr V Smith – SKDC Website: SKDC has a new website. Please get in touch if you spot any issues

   Recycling: Purple lidded bins are due for delivery later this month with the separate card/paper collections starting in the New Year.  Everyone should have received a letter from the Council with further details and the 2024 bin calendar. Telephone 01476 406544 if you have any issues (SK purple lidded bins dedicated phone number)

   SK Funding workshops: Information evenings for community groups on the various pots of money available, such as UK Shared Prosperity Fund, SK Community fund, LotterySK and how to apply. Further sessions will be held: 18 Jan- Grantham, 21 Mar - Bourne.

   Meet the Cabinet sessions: An opportunity to meet the Councillors who form the SKDC Cabinet. 27th November in Corn Exchange, Bourne.  Session are drop in, no appointment necessary from 1-2pm

   Lincolnshire Resilience Forum: Anyone who would like to get involved as an individual can join as a Ready for Anything Volunteer: https://www.lincolnshireresilienceforum.org/ready-for-anything/

   Congratulations to Tallington who came Runners Up in the SKDC Community in Bloom Award.

   Quarrying: LCC approved an application to reduce the standoff to property to 25m at West Deeping (County Council Decision, not District Council)

   Thetford Farm Quarry: PL/0070/23  I have been working hard to support the village on this matter.  I have been in contact with SKDC Environmental Officer regarding their response to the consultation.  I have been told that their response is purely desk based in these circumstances. (Again final decision here is County Council, not District Council)

   Local Devolution: There are plans for Greater Lincolnshire Devolution with Mayoral control.  If approved these are expected to be announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement later this month.  (These plans have been made with input from County rather than District Council)

   Lincolnshire Health Survey:  I am aware that County Council are asking for people's experience of healthcare services.  There is a questionnaire online if you wish to take part: https://nhslincolnshire.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0O0zPdjTfAvrhFs

   Baston Specific Issues:

   Manor Drive: The overgrown trees at the end of Manor Way are growing on land that probably formed part of the original development and was not handed over when the development was complete. (I.e. not now SKDC, LCC or private ownership) Emails from the legal team at SKDC relating to this have been forwarded to the Parish Clerk.  I suggest there is a discussion at PC meeting on how to take this forward as the trees require some attention.

   Neighbourhood Plan: As I have highlighted previously, Baston does not have a neighbourhood plan.  I am aware that there is a review of the SKDC Local Plan in the next few months.  As part of this sites for new developments across the district may be considered.  If any of these are in Baston, the village would have more influence on decision making if a Neighbourhood Plan was in place.  As I have also raised previously, it would be helpful if there was a Section 106 'wish list'.

   S23/1844: Further industry on outgang road may increase HGV traffic through the village.  I am mindful that the PC were disappointed that restrictions on traffic were not put in place when a new grain store was recently approved.  I have asked the PC Chair if he would like me to discuss this application with SK Officers.  Please discuss at PC meeting.

   Highways Issues: I have passed issues relating to Highways onto Cllr Baxter as he is the County Councillor for Baston, not me. Besides a weight limit request, there has been request for four way lights at the crossroads (raised many times previously, but recent contact from resident). Suggestion of village petition raised. For discussion at PC meeting.

   District Cllr R Trollope-bellew:

   As from 31st October residents will be able to apply for a postal vote and certain types of proxy vote forms online by going onto www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or www.gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote , you will be asked to provide your National Insurance Number which would be matched against the information held by the Department of Work & Pensions.

   I have received a large number of emails of objection to the proposed Thetford Quarry, I will be responding to SKDC with that information.

   County councillor A Baxter: No report available.

   BPFMC Representative – trying to get head around utility usage.  Someone gained access water tap left on for several days!    For the last 12 months have been advertising for new committee members – result not good – possibly untenable without new membership!!  Main Committee Members have no insurance cover – possible option set up sub-committee under Parish Council control.  4 Trustees at the moment.  Last 3 AGM’s had 1 member of the public in attendance.

   Manor Way Trees – not LCC/not SKDC – on land when area originally developed – somebody must have owned land prior to development.  Over last 10/15 years no one has looked after.  Cllr Plant will have a look at area in question.  Cllr Kelly will look at Hadrian’s Drive – all of area should be maintained by SKDC!

6. Clerks Report – reminder that Precept request for 2024-2025 to be submitted to SKDC by 19th January 2024.
7. Traffic Calming Consultant Update – thanks to Paul and Phil for work on speed indicators.  Paul has been calibrating one for the A15.  Figures for September approx. 900 vehicles a day going through. 28,000in total during September.  94% within and around 30 mph or less.  On 10th September at 11.03 vehicle going through at 76 mph and 73 mph on way back.  A15 will be picked up – every vehicle coming through.  Speed watch – down to village as a whole to do themselves.  95% adhered.  Others we got on Sunday morning:
   16 on Greatford Road.

   Is it possible to site speed indicator by the School. Cllr Plant will put note in Baston Voice.

   New speed camera on A15.

   Lower Kerb at Maltby Drive – reported to Fix My Street – has been sprayed and marked.  Have not repaired street signs (have done lights)

8. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.
9. Financial Matters:

   Report on Current Balances – Income and Expenditure spreadsheet circulated to all Cllrs prior to meeting.

   Request from Church for donation towards installing toilet etc. -Now have planning permission (had donation from years ago) did not have enough money only have funds re maint.  Applying for grants wherever we can – turned down by SKDC – should be looking at each project on merit.

   1894 LG Act – still in place – until changes in law, until changed by government.  Conflicts with 1972 Act – which does allow such donations.  We now need to consider – discuss in Closed Session.

   PA – disabled toilet – Male or Female.

   To approve following payments:
   D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
   Clerk Salary November - £474.37
   Community Cleaner (Cllr Plant dealing with SKDC/LALC re sick pay etc. zero hours contract.)

   Above payments approved.

10. Deepings Community Leisure Centre – Group campaigning to re-open – asking villages more than 3 miles away to contribute £1.50 – £2.00 per resident towards upkeep.  DSJ doing this – Andy Pelling who is running campaign (Cllr Plant circulated his email to all) request for him to come along to our next PC meeting if possible.
11. Trees at end of Manor Drive – see notes in Cllr Smith’s report.
12. Highways –  Speed signs £30 each – need 8 – can go on speed limit signs held by jubilee clips (250/300 clips needed).  2 on Greatford Road and Main Street on Junction i.e. Outgang Road and this side of junction.  Cllrs need to do a walk around – where do we site – might stop a few HGV’s.  Do we go down route of writing our own bylaw?  There are plenty of villages that have 7.5 ton weight limits – believe Cllr A Baxter has made representations – do we contact him and ask him to take forward for us?
13. Grasscutting – Finished for this year – fence line is our boundary (BPFMC) people cut grass on field!  For next year Cllr Plant needs to clarify if they are cutting outside verge of Playing Field.
14. Planning and Development to be considered – Euromaxx Planning application Outgang Road – Cllr Plant has put in S106 request.

    Has also appealed Grain Store application.  Try and get to Planning Committee in first instance – if take same action as last time.  Can we add on Cllr Delmer’s traffic info re 28,000 vehicles using that road a month – we don’t know how many Lorries but road is congested every morning.  Cllr Plant – can we go back to SKDC again!!  Cllr Smith will chase up again with SKDC - can put in an objection to this application.

    Cemex – 299 objections lodged against application – to name but a few – Councils Bourne/Langtoft/Thurlby/DSJ, Wildlife Trust.  Highways Lincolnshire – no response.  No Schools representations.  On Planning Portal can see people’s objections etc.  At end of day LCC will make decision – office SKDC will report.

    Mr Balderson – would it now be right thing to object to SKDC – pick up all responses from LCC and put into SKDC website - objections from 20 different areas?

    Cllr Groutage – do we need to do more advertising etc?

15. 15.Village Concerns-
16. Allotments – all o.k.
17. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated.  WG resignation – Cllr Plant advertised position with LALC – currently have one interested party.
18. Public Forum – BPFMC – request to be put in for consideration asap.
19. To resolve whether the council move into closed session – Parish Council will move into Closed Session at end of meeting.
20. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda – None.
21. Date of next meeting – Thursday 14th December 2023 commencing at 7.30 pm.  Meeting called to a close at 10 p.m.

PRESENT: 

Councillors Delmer, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly, Nicholson, Plant, Vaughan, District Cllr V Smith.  Members of the public also in attendance Robin Jones, John Canning, 

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting. 
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Parish Cllrs A Clarke, P Redmore, T Palmer, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew, Resident D Balderson.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. .To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meetings of the Council held on 7th September 2023: Minor amendments made to Cllr V Smith’s report - On the 21st September 2023 at the Stamford Corn exchange 6 – 8pm, a meeting is to be held on opportunities of the UK shared prosperity fund. Needs changing to VARIOUS COMMUNITY FUNDING GRANTS AVAILABLE

   The UK shared prosperity fund process has been updated. Now anything <£5K is delegated to an officer to approve and >£5K will require approval with a committee.

   SKDC Purple lidded bins to separate out paper and card from the other recycling are expected to arrive in November 2023

   SKDC has put aside £30K for green initiatives – if the parish / village want to put anything forward? Needs changing to £300K

   SKDC Cabinet meeting in Market Deeping Monday 25th September 1pm – 2pm (Time TBC). It will be a drop-in Q&A session. You could delete Time TBC

   A brief update on the Deeping swimming pool: Bids for the site need to be input by the end of October 2023

   SKDC now have 2 officers for the district cost of living support. Contact can be made via Vanessa Smith if any support or further information is required.

   Other point re when Adrian asked if Planning Application are audited etc it makes it sound as though the Officers are not doing their job properly.  Planning applications are signed off by senior and qualified people.  If there is a valid complaint, then there is an appeals process etc.  Whilst we might not personally agree with some of the decisions that are made, I do not think we, as a Parish Council, should be seen to be publicly undermining the planning process.

5. Reports from outside Bodies: District Cllr V Smith –

   Ward Walk: On 29th September Cllr Trollope-Bellew and I carried out a ward walk with Cllr Cleaver (Leader of the Council) around Casewick Ward. At the moment, many of the issues faced by Baston fall to County, rather than District, Council.  As Cllr Cleaver also sits on LCC we took the opportunity to draw his attention to the geography of the village (straddling the A15) and the nearby quarry’s and industry.  We highlighted the need for a weight limit through the village and improvement at the crossroads.

   SK Funding workshops: There was a workshop held in Stamford in September. Information was provided to community groups on the various pots of money available, such as UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and how to apply. Further sessions will be held: 18 Jan- Grantham, 21 Mar - Bourne.

   Recycling: Purple lidded bins to be introduced later this year with first collection early 2024 as per previous discussion. The Council has also agreed to the future rollout kerbside collection of batteries for recycling.

   SK Today - this is now online only for households. There are some hard copies available in Deeping library if anyone would like one. The current edition became available on 18th September: http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2321.

   Meet the Cabinet sessions: An opportunity to meet the Councillors who form the SKDC Cabinet. They are holding open sessions each month. September’s one was held in Deeping. 30th October will be in Grantham and November in Bourne.  Session are drop in, no appointment necessary from 1-2pm.

   Deeping Swimming Pool: LCC have taken bids to accept the site with a decision expected later this year.

   SKDC Website: SKDC has been working on a new website.  This is due for full rollout later this month, 30th October.  In the meantime, you can visit the new site by following a link from the current webpage.  SKDC would value feedback on the new site (please email me and I will pass it on, or there is a link so that you can feedback online).

   SKDC Full Council have recently approved to increase Housing Development investment by £1m to be able to purchase properties to increase Council's Housing Stock.

   SKDC Full Council have last month approved funding for a new waste depot in Grantham.

   SKDC will be upgrading all its street lights to LEDS.

   Baston Specific Issues-

   Manor Drive: I have reported the overgrown trees at the end and blocked drain to LCC via Fix My Street and I will chase this up (reported 2 weeks ago, awaiting update).

   Cutting the Grass along Main Street: I can confirm that this is more than likely to have been Welland and Deeping Internal Drainage board.  I have asked them whether they could keep the grass along the bank a little longer when they clear the ditch but they have said not.

   Neighbourhood Plan: I have forwarded all emails in relation to this to the chair, including a follow up email from the planning team stating that the neighbourhood plan would be considered as part of the local plan for SKDC, but not be considered when it comes to county council plans and hence mineral extraction.

   Flytipping: I have had a resident contact me about a delay in the clearing of flytipped waste along Cross Road. This waste has now been collected.  The Officers at SKDC try to ensure that waste is removed within 1 working day from being reported.  If you report any flytipped waste and it is not collected in a timely manner, please let me know.

   Thetford Farm Quarry Application:  A number of residents have approached me with concerns about this.  Also, concerns raised by Langtoft resident and road safety implications.

   S23/1074 – Section 106 not put in place to restrict movement of lorries when recent grain store application was approved. I raised this matter with the planning team at SKDC.  They did not feel it appropriate to place a planning condition on the grain store to prevent the movement of lorries through the village since Highways had not raised any objections and stated that there would not be an increase in traffic.  I have referred this matter onward to Cllr Baxter as I think the only way for any progress to be made here is to have a weight restriction through the village, and this is a County and not a District matter.  Emails relating to my enquiries have been passed on the PC Chair.

   Letter from LCC Highways that there will be 4 way temporary traffic lights at Main road and Baston Road for 2 days from 09:00-15:00 from 7th November

   County councillor A Baxter: No report available.

   BPFMC Representative – Cllr Kelly reported – having extra CCTV cameras around field and back of hall (vandalism/loitering).  Martin will send copy of minutes after every meeting.  People looking around for cheaper halls!  Carrying out a review on all expenditure etc.

6. Clerks Report –  Highways Leaflet given to Cllr Griffiths.
7. Traffic Calming Consultant Update – no update.
8. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.
9. Financial Matters - Report on Current Balances and approve following payments:

   Request on Income and Expenditure spreadsheet could it show allotment numbers and not names- Parish Clerk to change.

   D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
   Clerk Salary October - £474.37

   Reimbursement to be made to Clerk re Welland & Deepings Internal Drainage Board (Drainage Rates) £4.77 and £24.60 postage (letters sent out requesting HGVs use Outgang Road Route and not Main Street Baston.

   Noticeboard plus posts estimated cost £1400.

   Information re camera will go on website.

   Dog bins – all o.k.

10. Highways – everyone talk to re traffic calming says same thing – we need to seriously look at way forward.
11. Grasscutting – are they strimming under seats etc – Cllr Plant will chase up.
12. Planning and Development to be considered – Grainstore – currently under appeal –who is accountable if highways do not manage it?  Cllr Plant – need to raise stakes – 7.5 ton signage is required – last 7/8 years finding excuses not to fund!  Cllr Griffiths ask direct question to individual.  SKDC deal with planning not highways – cannot request section 106 as highways said would not impact on the village.
13. Village Concerns-
14. Allotments – all allotments now taken up.
15. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated. 
16. Public Forum – Cemex Quarry Meeting – Cllr Plant asked what do we want to achieve at open meeting?  How do we present? Baston Villagers and neighbouring villages given the opportunity to express/lodge their concerns on impact this would have on Baston (and neighbouring) Villages (increase in HGV’s) through the village – how do they lodge their concerns?  Question: are we inviting anyone else (other than those invited by letter) i.e. Stamford Mercury, BBC Lincolnshire, Radio Lincolnshire etc.  Understand there will be a Professional Journalist at meeting.
17. To resolve whether the council move into closed session – No requirement.
18. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda – None.
19. Date of next meeting – Thursday 16th November 2023 commencing at 7.30 pm.  

Meeting called to a close at 9.30 p.m.

THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2023 COMMENCING AT 7.30 PM.

PRESENT - Councillors Clarke, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly, Nicholson, Plant, Vaughan.  Members of the public also in attendance Doug Balderson, David Hallows, Eileen Mort and Terry Rayner, Resident from 6 Hadrian, District Cllrs V Smith, R Trollope-bellew.

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.Talk by Peg Torrence of the Deeping & Glinton Patient Participation Group announcement:
   1. Since 2016 there has been a requirement for a GP PPG group with meetings to be held between GPs and the PPG to provide patient feedback
   2. The PPG set up a volunteer car scheme to take some patients with a transport need to hospital, GP appointments etc
   3. There is more information on the Deeping website and a facebook page on both the Deeping & Glinton PPG group and volunteer car scheme. 
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Parish Cllrs P Redmore, P Delmer - no apologies received from Cllr Palmer.  Martin Wynne BPFMC.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meetings of the Council held on 13th July 2023:
5. Reports from outside Bodies:District Cllr R Trollope-bellew and District Cllr V Smith were both present.The following information was provided by Vanessa Smith:
   • SKDC have purchased houses for Ukrainian & Afghan refugees, which may then be utilized for social housing when the refugee needs subside. SKDC has obtained a lot of local feedback on the scheme, which will be taken into consideration. The scheme is 50:50 funded by central Government and SDKC. Total amount will be £1.8m for 12 houses (£150K per house, which is seen as good value). There is additional funds for another 17 houses, district wide (unlikely to be Langtoft).
   • On the 21st September 2023 at the Stamford Corn exchange 6 – 8pm, a meeting is to be held on opportunities of the various Community Funding Grants available.
   • The UK shared prosperity fund process has been updated. Now anything <£5K is delegated to an officer to approve and >£5K will require approval with a committee. 
   • SKDC Purple lidded bins to separate out paper and card from the other recycling are expected to arrive in November 2023
   • SKDC has put aside £300K for green initiatives – if the parish / village want to put anything forward?
   • SKDC Cabinet meeting in Market Deeping Monday 25th September 1pm – 2pm. It will be a drop-in Q&A session. 
   • A brief update on the Deeping swimming pool: Bids for the site need to be input by the end of October 2023
   • SKDC now have 2 officers for the district cost of living support. Contact can be made via Vanessa Smith if any support or further information is required.
   • Cllr Trollope-bellew – has the village had a problem with waste collection?  Green bins not emptied in Mayfield and Cheshunt.

   County councillor A Baxter: No report available.  Re meeting had in July (purchase order) Cllr Plant will chase up.  Cllr Groutage reported on line “raised kerb at Maltby Drive plus St John’s Close.

   Cllr Clarke – junction Greatford Road reported long time ago – has been inspected again i.e. enforcement order – nothing happening!!!  Several other people have reported issues – can they not cut bushes back?  Some of the trees have been cut back near bus shelter.  In 6 years everything suggested/put forward has gone nowhere be it SKDC/LCC – what has been done for the village – nothing happening – Cllr Trollope bellew advised need to put through Cllr Baxter LCC.

   Residential Plan- Bins – Waste – housing – schools – highways – quarry’s – Roads – Cllr Plant advised would contact Cllr Baxter asap re issues.

   BPFMC Representative – No report available.

6. Clerks Report – £1004.14 income from LCC as a contribution to grass cutting. 
7. Traffic Calming Consultant Update – The BPC have requested an update and further information from Ashley Baxter on the traffic calming study and resultant suggested actions that could be started within the village. No feedback has been obtained. Ashley was not present at the current (7-Sep-23) Baston Parish Council meeting to follow up on the requests. 
8. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.
9. Financial Matters
   Report on Current Balances and approve following payments:
   D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
   Clerk Salary June - £474.37
10. Highways – Issue raised by Adrian – Raised a request to formally protest the HGV traffic impact on Greatford Road.

    Issue raised by Doug – Requested a fix my street on Greatford road junction with A15 for a broken street lighting and bushes / foliage dangerously restricting to view to the A15

    Issues raised by Jill – Requested a fix my street for excessively high curb stones on Maltby Drive, St Johns Close & Brudenell Close.

    Cllr Trollope-bellew advised that she would be accompanying Daniel Adams on his walk around the villages – highlight issues.

11. Grasscutting – all looks ok.  Question do they cut this side of the fence and road side?  Cllr Plant will clarify with BPFMC.
12. Planning and Development to be considered

    Planning application S23/1418 “Change of use from residential to mixed use of residential and dog grooming”. Concern initially raised that there may (unsubstantiated) already be commercial activities taking place prior to planning approval. Discussed, with agreement no further action is required and there is no objection to the planning application.

    Lots of discussion on the planning application for the Grain Store (S23/1074 “Erection of grain store” Poplar Tree Farm). Planning has been approved, but without the requested 106 agreement to limit HGV movement through the village. Fierce debate on the competency of the planning officers. Vanessa Smith commented that ~95% of planning applications are completed by planning officers, with the remaining 5% of more contentious or impacting planning decisions been taken by committee. Request made to understand the policy / procedure of quality checking SKDC and LCC planning officers decisions (is there an audit process to ensure due competency and diligence on the 95% of decisions made by the officers?)

    Dissatisfaction raised on the approval of S22/2476 “Erection of 3 no dwellings (1(no.) two story and 2(no.) single story” on 36 Main Street, BASTON, PE6 9PB. Planning permission approved despite objections. Additionally, it was highlighted that there is a multi-page document generated for the benefits of the build following “close collaboration” between the builder and planning officers.

13. Village Concerns –
    Website is now live. Link below:
    https://bastonparishcouncil.org

    Already listed Accounts, Minutes – individual who has built site will continue to update it.  Old site will be pointed to new site.

    Noticeboard(s) Approached SKDC Prosperity Fund (1400) for new noticeboard.

    BPC was successful in the bid for a new BPC notice board from the UK Prosperity fund. Currently awaiting arrival of the funds to the BPC account. BPC will order the notice board when funds arrive.  Current noticeboard will remain insitu for time being (may need take down if becomes unsafe) can be used by Church/WI.

    Baston Church is requesting for a contribution from Baston Parish Council for Church public toilets.  The counter request is for the Church to apply for the UK Prosperity fund.

    If additional funding is still required by the Church, a survey could be set up to request input from the village on any funding decisions.  Cllr Plant will send details to Janet Low.

    There were village concerns / complaints on the noise from Baston Beats. Brief discussion, but no tangible actions.

    Adrian raised issues with Anglian Water HGV traffic through Greatford Road to the Kings Street infrastructure works.  Letter sent to Anglian Water by Adrian, simple response from Anglian Water stating that they will investigate the issue.

    A request was raised for volunteers to leave a contribution to the Baston food bank.

    Any donated items to be placed within the Baston Church Porch.

    There was a public request for the Baston Parish Council accounts balance. At the time of the meeting this was £44,603.65.

14. Peter raised an item that Haffron Water are investigating the water levels within the wells within the village to determine if there could be any impact due to future
15. Allotments – all allotments taken subject to 1 contract being returned.  Allotment 4B in need of some tidying up.
16. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated.  
17. Public Forum – Temporary Traffic Order 30 mph – confirmed no route restrictions had been put in place.  Letter sent 2 months ago may have had some impact as some traffic has decreased.

    Vandalism –group of about 10 from around village, Langtoft and Bourne.  Village Hall has CCTV – footage being presented to the Police.

    Information in Noticeboard fading – cannot read – can this be updated.

18. To resolve whether the council move into closed session – No requirement.
19. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda – None.
20. Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th October 2023 commencing at 7.30 pm.  

Meeting called to a close at 9.30 p.m.

THURSDAY 13TH JULY 2023 COMMENCING AT 7.30 PM.

PRESENT - Councillors Clarke, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly, Plant, Redmore. 

M Nicholson advised would be late i.e. (8.30pm).  Members of the public also in attendance Eileen Mort and Terry Rayner, District Cllrs V Smith, R Trollope-bellew, County Cllr A Baxter.

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Made note of new double glazed doors (Fire Doors) in the building.
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Parish Cllrs Delmer, Vaughan.  No apologies received from Cllr Palmer.   
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meetings of the Council held on 15th June 2023.  Remove Cllr Cooke (no longer our District Councillor.  1 Full allotment available (not half).  Moving Public Forum to end of meeting need to amend Standing Orders to this effect.
5. Reports from outside Bodies 

   District Cllr R Trollope-bellew:
   Attended presentation at Deeping last week, various causes and groups can apply for the Community Fund. 3.5million spent in last 2 years.  Want communities to look at what like to do (building improvement, Green Space, Culture, and Heritage).  Priority Fund – emails delayed – had to elect new people to sit on the board.  DP sent his email (Noticeboard and Cricket Net) to RTB who will forward to VS.District Cllr V Smith:  Community awards deadline – more received for Village in Bloom Group.  AK Magazine – link shared to Baston Facebook Page.   Queries by residents re potential quarry applications – will there be an interim meeting?   If receive one we will react immediately.  Environmental impact of quarries and Wildlife Trust etc – Neighbourhood Plan raised (all done in 2013) looked on their website South Lincs did a report.  Thurlby also did one – would have been done by PC/SKDC, Wildlife Trust mentioned.  What power does it have if one done?  Lincs wildlife information re Manor Pit Would be useful to have a look i.e.SKDC website.  Was suggested but no enthusiasm in having it done.  What influence does it have if one done?

   County councillor A Baxter: No report available.

   BPFMC Representative – No report available.

6. Clerks Report – None.
7. Traffic Calming Consultant Update – Question for Cllrs AB and VS – who is responsible decision maker for traffic calming in this area and how do you achieve meaningful dialogue that will make some sense?  Understand another walk around on Monday next week.  Cllr Plant – have gone on about this for 10 years, something needs to happen, someone needs to make sensible decision.  LCC do not have any weight need someone in authority to talk sensibly – 7.5 ton weight limit?  Elsewhere currently reviewing something etc.  4 years ago – report which said everything fine!  Meeting at 10 am (LRS Partnership) – Cllr Delmer advised Shaun Butler took early retirement have not replaced him!!  
8. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.
9. Financial Matters 

   Report on Current Balances and approve following payments:
   D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00
   Clerk Salary June - £474.37
   Community Cleaner -
   Community cleaner doing grand job.New Noticeboard – resident Sandra Taylor has offered contribution towards this.

10. Highways – Cutting banking etc – Reese Baker SKDC Lead Manager will advise when decision will be made.  Map clearly showing area Main Street to be cut – copy to be sent to Cllr Smith. 

    Cllr Plant emailed AW re stopping HGV’s through etc – has anyone noticed any difference?  Empty grain vehicles coming through early in the morning (GS Hughes) coming through in 2’s.

11. Grasscutting – are contractors supposed to strim around base of trees?  Hadrian Drive – not PC think LCC or SKDC – do Manor Close and up to Starsmore – need to check on map does the bushes.
12. Planning and Development to be considered – 

    S23/1208 – PC objected last time - change the time restriction (noise control) for the outside beer garden from 9pm to 11pm – further response to be sent see below: 

    “Whilst Baston Parish Council understands that the hospitality industry has been largely affected during the last 3-4 years and while not wanting to restrict the business of the White Horse pub and are happy to see the outside garden used for eating until 11.00pm, the Parish Council would like the following proviso included in this application “in that no recorded or live music is played or performed after 9.00pm (21:00) in the outside garden in consideration the close neighbours”.

13. Village Concerns –
    Bin in field near gate – SKDC
    Bin outside shop being used as a Dog Bin – overflowing – not a dog bin – SKDC to be advised and asked to empty.
    Bushes overgrowing near 11 Manor Drive, 7 Manor Close, 16 Manor Close difficult for people to walk by – notify Fix My Street!
    Accident on A15 (involving taxi) 4 am in morning!
14. Allotments – 1 full allotment has become available – Parish Clerk will go through waiting list. 
15. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated. 

    Primary School – contributed 975 for key pad changing unit – invoice has been paid – (32 ipads, cables etc).  When done will be invited to go along and have a chat.S106 List – need to know what it is and what we can do with it!!

    Restricts vehicle movement – need to put in for when responding to planning application.

    7.5 ton (Main Street/Greatford Road) needs to be for the village.  Add in what need Wish List (New Act 2021 for developers etc ask them to do something with it!

16. Public Forum –
    Eileen Mort – publishing of accounts (website)
    Website – getting there – still need to put on: - Information SKDC
     - Events
     - Local Community
     - Minutes etc
     - Accounts
     - Facility “Ask your PC”

    No further information re trees that have been taken down – cannot cross roadway.  Not registered to anyone for 20 years.  Manor Court re parcel of land.

    If response from Cemex are we going to call meeting – agreed essential PC have a meeting.

    ALDI application Beech Avenue (green belt).

17. To resolve whether the council move into closed session – No requirement.
18. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda – None.
19. Date of next meeting – Thursday 7th September 2023 commencing at 7.30 pm.  No meeting in August.

Meeting called to a close at 9.20 p.m.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BASTON PARISH COUNCIL

THURSDAY 15TH JUNE 2023 COMMENCING AT 7.30 PM.

PRESENT - Councillors Clarke, Groutage, Kelly, Nicholson, Palmer, Plant, Vaughan.  District Cllr K Cooke.  Members of the public also in attendance Eileen Mort and Terry Rayner, District Cllrs V Smith, R Trollope-bellew, County Cllr A Baxter.

Public Forum – see below  

1. 1. Chairman’s Remarks: Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.

• Apologies received: Parish Cllrs Delmer, Easey, Griffiths, Redmore,   

1. 1. Declarations of Interest: None.
   2. To approve as a correct record notes of Parish Council Meetings held on 20th April and 18th May 2023 and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes.  All in agreement for minutes to be signed.

• Reports from outside bodies:

District Councillor R Woolley: Need to update the information of when allow the public to interject.  No other news.

District Councillor V Smith: Series of sessions on SKDC funding at Deeping Community centre 6th July 2023 18:00 – 20:00.  

Super intendent Patrick Coates – discussion twice per year in an online forum covering Crime, Actions, ask questions of Senior Police leadership team – first meeting will be in December 2023.

SKDC community award open to nominations – deadline in August 2023.

Request for each of the parish councils to have a 106-agreement wish list to send to Emma Whitaker & cc Vanessa Smith.  Wish list was created 2014 within Parish council minutes 

Message on Baston Facebook when the school will be bike training on the roads 

County councillor A Baxter: New speed camera in Langtoft and Baston 

Question – who can supply the data on fix penalty notices?

Answer – potentially Lincolnshire road safety partnership. Otherwise, would be able to ask freedom of information request. 

Question – Gastso or average speed camera between the villages?

Answer – Gastso 

17th July Baston - LCC walk around to discuss the roads to review safety with Graham Simson, Paul Delmer, and Ashley Baxter. 

20 mph limit applied around the school – unlikely on the main road, but potentially side roads. 

Bus complained about branches near the bus shelter: Mr Wyman owns the tree / land – often refuses to cut.  Cllr Clarke requested a fix my street on the house on the corner with the junction – enforcement notice to be applied.

Complaints about driving of the gravel trucks from Anglian Water – Cllr M Nicholson to send details of Anglian water contact to the Parish and LLC i.e. Daniel Stewart (dStewart@anglianwater.co.uk / 07423 500827).

• Parish Clerk’s Report - 

Planning updates circulated re 36 Main Street and 129 Main Street – planning granted in both cases.

• Traffic calming:

Response to BASTON traffic survey - 2018 request for a traffic survey - Delayed to 2023 and report created – no action required.  BPC do not agree with the finding of the report.

Action – Cllr Plant to respond to the report and request additional details (forms / report completed, date & time, justification etc)

1. 1. Council Policies Review – no updates.

• Financial Matters:

Bank Balance 12th June 2023 £49,400.49

Invoices for payment:

D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £150.00

Clerk Salary June - £474.37

Clerk reimbursement of postage etc letters sent out HGV’s - £24.60

Drainage Board - £4.77

Naturehood Website £14.40

£11,100.00 Paid YTD on Speed indicator cameras and Speed indicator camera poles. 

Automatic speed camera indicators that take photos of the cars + solar + Bluetooth data £550 take pictures of the rear of the car - Police would need to send out a letter – would just be an advisory notice.

Question: Closed Melton bank account. Expectation ~£50k. Should obtain high interest account?

Parish plan to spend a proportion of the money and will review at the end of the year once main projects have been funded.

Question: Precept has increased 50% within the year. What projects will the money be spent on?

Increase in grass cutting costs – see previous minutes for exact cost details. 

Increase in cleaning costs – see previous minutes for exact cost details.

Increase in bin empty costs – see previous minutes for exact cost details.

Project: Speed Cameras ~£11,000.

Project: Legal fight against the gravel pits. 

Signing off Annual Accounts:

As Income and Expenditure were both under £25,000 for the Financial Year April 2022/March 2023 year we can therefore raise Certificate of Exemption.  Accounts were duly submitted to Internal Auditor – no issues raised in his report therefore requirement for the Chairman (D Plant) to sign off the accounts for onward submission to PKF Littlejohn.

• Highways:

• Grass cutting:

Grass cut by LCC. Map shows LCC vs BPC responsibilities. 

LCC cut the grass on Main Street very short.  Potentially doubling the effort, as BPC cut the grass with a grant to do so, and LCC also cut the same part of the grass. 

Complaint made. Response that grass adjacent to highways and paths require cutting a maximum length.  As no footpaths to the area cut, therefore a request made to cut to at 18cm height. 

• Planning and Development to be considered:

• Village concerns:

Issue raised with the rejection of the cycle path between Bourne & Market Deeping.

Cllr Plant met with Emma (PTFA for tour of Baston School) – request for £900 for an iPad charger.  Approved. 

Requested submitted for funds from the prosperity fund for an additional notice board ~£1300.  No feedback from the prosperity fund to date.

Website in development – expecting to have some more information 23rd June 2023.

Adrian: Baston Community Facebook site

Question of Ethnicity of the new local shop owners – with potential racist connotations?

Request the BPC not to condone the language and share a welcome to the new owners.

Request to include within the VOICE a thanks to Jonathan (previous shop owner) and a Welcome to the new shop owner. 

Action to register on the LCC website where footpaths are severely overgrown.

• Allotments: one half allotment has become available – Parish Clerk to go through waiting list.

1. Correspondence: no external correspondence received.
2.  Closed Session – no requirement.

• General Discussion: two emails sent to Baston Parish Clerk to request the minutes for the BPC meetings – no response received - Minutes will be sent - will also be added to the new website when up and running.

Date of next meeting: Thursday 13th July 2023 commencing at 7.30 p.m.

THURSDAY 18TH MAY 2023 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

PRESENT - Councillors Delmer, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly, Nicholson, Palmer, Plant, Redmore, Vaughan.  7 Members of the public were also in attendance.

Public Forum – None.

1. Chairman’s Remarks - Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting – Parish Cllrs Clarke, Griffiths, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew. 
3. To receive declarations of interest under the localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on member’s Register of interests and any written requests for dispensation – None declared.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meeting of the Council held on 20th April 2023 – due to unforeseen circumstances minutes to be carried over to June meeting for signing off.
5. Reports from outside Bodies - 

District Cllr – Richard Cleaver Independent forming cabinet as committee i.e. planning etc.  Prosperity Fund – need to apply not just allocated.

County Cllr – No report.

BPFMC Representative – applied to Prosperity Fund – hope to get some time in May.  3 separate quotes required – put out to tender.  Vandalism on Playing Field 11-14 year olds, fences have been spray painted – advised need to report on police website.  DP suggest put notice in Baston Voice.

1. Clerks Report – S23/0267 36 Main Street – Planning Permission Granted.  Police Report circulated.  Defibrillators – need someone to take responsibility for taking readings etc and passing information back to Community Heartbeat Trust!  Possible Dog Walkers!

1. Traffic Calming Consultant Update –
2. Council Policies Review – Keep as an agenda item re updates.

• Financial Matters

Report on Current Balances and approve following payments:

D Knibbs (Dog Bins) - £100.00

Clerk Salary May - £474.37

Gary’s Gardens April cuts £580.00

Gary’s Gardens May cuts £580.00

BPFMC Grasscutting and Stat Electrical Checks – £3,000.00

BPFMC Room Hire – £80.00

Community Heartbeat Annual Support - £324.00

Community Cleaner (20th March to 8th May) – £235.38

Litter bins update – all o.k.  Carl Litter Warden doing a grand job, also clears layby and across road.

Income

SKDC Community Cleaner Grant - £463.32

1. Highways – Issues raised re large vehicles speeding through the village -  DP advised has addresses of all companies and will write letter to all businesses down Outgang Road re Speeding for attention of Managing Director i.e. if come through village should not be speeding.

Community Speedwatch – attended event did not take up.  Speed indicators do same job and record more information.  

PD – tried to contact person re posts who has now retired will try to find out who has taken over.

1. Grasscutting – Gary’s Gardens leaving bank area longer.  Letter from Main Street Resident saying not cutting grass – DP walked area – grass has been cut.
2. Planning and Development to be considered – S23/0903 and S23/0904 Manor Pit, Baston Outgang Road – varying conditions.   Difficult to object as approved last year.  S106 agreement after 5 pm up to 7 am in morning DP needs to see it.  More CEMEX vehicles do not come through village outside hours – DP will add in when creating letter etc that they use Crossroads if going towards Market Deeping.

Lincolnshire CC planning (Hansons) reverted back to landowner.  Parish Council land S106 PC responsibility.

Baston No.1 – on Outgang Road – somebody started to build car park (Freemans)?

Hansons – LCC chase up 106 agreement (small car park/walking area) – DP will try Planning first.

1. Village Concerns – Trees taken down Main Street/Manor Drive – now referred to Forestry Commission Executive whether they deal with landowner over illegally taking down trees – will contact DP when know outcome.

Very successful Picnic in the Park – last village fete was in 2019 then Covid came.  Everyone cleared up – already have ideas and planning for next year but look at holding later in year.  Next year looking at getting FLY PAST i.e. Duxford Weekend – pilot lives in village.  Need to take all marquees out and see what we have got (look to having more events on field).

Primary School children doing cycling around village – need to ensure (i.e. warning signs for drivers) that children cycling in progress!  Volunteers to walk at side of cyclist!

Electric Scooters – anyone backing or pulling out if car comes out would not miss them – someone down Hadrian’s Drive doing it (was going on a year ago but stopped) illegal, they need licence, alert Police.

Cycle Routes joining up – footpath route Deeping to Bourne is at top of list when money released – but no money released as yet.

Village Noticeboard has gone – applied Prosperity Fund – awaiting response.  Powder Coated Aluminium in green!!

Is it possible to have a seat down Manor Drive on the corner?  All other seats around village have been sponsored – ask Baston Events or Plowright List, 68 Main Street.  1 Corner Hadrian’s Drive/Main Street.

Timings of meetings!  7.15 pm/7.30 pm!!

Speed Cameras – how fast car goes plus average speed!  Update in Baston Voice re cars speeding.  Majority of cars speed through village, everyone thinks someone else but all villagers are responsible!  DP will publish information as soon as we have it.

1. Allotments – All now taken – 1 still untidy appears not to have been touched for a little while – Parish Clerk will contact tenant.
2. Correspondence – no external post – emails circulated.  
3. To resolve whether the council move into closed session – None.
4. Matters for general discussion or inclusion in next agenda –

Emma (school) - District donating to school used Prosperity Fund put in for and got about 10,000 plus money from Baston Events.  Agenda item for next meeting re possible Parish Council donation/contribution.

Cllr Easey – building at back of Starsmore and Mayfield i.e. Alison have planning permission to build on field behind them.

Doug Balderston – Monday/Tuesday this week field opposite and road being surveyed, does the Parish Council no reason, cannot see what actually doing (little field immediately in front belongs to R Trollope-bellew!

Donation to Baston School.

Date of next meeting – Thursday 15th June 2023 commencing at 7.30 pm.  The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.

Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 18th May 2023 in The Barn commencing at 7 pm.  

1. Welcome by Chairman – Cllr Plant welcomed everyone to meeting.

1. Present:  Cllrs Plant, Delmer, Easey, Griffiths, Groutage, Kelly,  Palmer, Nicholson, Redmore, Vaughan  District Cllr Vanessa Smith, Parish Clerk and several members (only 5 signed in) of the public were also in attendance.  

1. Election of Chairman – Cllr Redmore proposed Cllr Plant, seconded Cllr Kelly.

1. Election of Vice-Chairman – Cllr Plant proposed Cllr Palmer, seconded Cllr Kelly.

1. Co-option of Councillor(s) – As Election Year – all Cllrs duly re-elected.

1. Apologies & reasons given – Cllr Clarke, District Cllr R Trollope-bellew, County Cllr A Baxter.

1. To receive declarations of Interest – None.

1. To agree Minutes of the last meeting 2022 – Cllr Plant proposed, seconded Cllr Easey.

1. Clerks report on matters outstanding from the above minutes – None.

1. Appoint representatives to undermentioned outside bodies:

BPFMC – Cllr Kelly

       South Lincs Fenland Partnership – ALL

      To appoint committees & sub-committees 

       Planning  (All)  Highways Group – Cllrs Delmer and Redmore

       Finance Group - All

      Communications Group - All

 Financial  

1.   a) To approve the Annual Governance Statement by resolution
2.   b) Consider Accounting Statements by members as a whole
3.   c) Approve Accounting Statements by resolution
4.   d) On approval Accounting Statement to be signed and dated

    Awaiting accounts from Internal Auditor - To be carried over to June meeting.

1. e) Approve Internal Auditor for 2023/2024 – P Taylor.
2. f) Approve Community Cleaner & Clerks hours and duties for 2022/2023 – as before.

         Community Cleaner (Winter 2.5 hrs/Summer 3 hrs week) - Parish Clerk 8 hrs week

1. g) Approve renewal of Council’s Insurance Policy for the forthcoming year – Zurich Insurance.
2. h) Risk Assessment Audit – no change.
3. i) Computer passwords  

     To be carried over to June meeting.

Date to be confirmed – May 2024 commencing at 7 p.m.   

The meeting closed at 7.35 pm.