2023 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

BARKSTON AND SYSTON PARISH COUNCIL

AT A MEETING of the BARKSTON AND SYSTON PARISH COUNCIL held in the Village Hall, Barkston, on Monday 10 July 2023 at 7.45 pm

PRESENT

Councillor Miss M.E. Nussey in the Chair

Councillors A.C. Card, P.C. Connor, S. Elnor, A. Hine, S.A. Micklewright, R. Parke, C.I. Pell and A. Rowell.

Also present – County Councillor R. Wootten and District Councillor I. Stokes.

PUBLIC FORUM

Two local residents attended the meeting to make comment on the recently submitted application for a Care Home on land adjacent to The Gables, Honington Road, Barkston.

The residents said that they were generally happy with the application, and merely wished the process to be transparent.  They had had good communication with the applicants’ agent, although they were disappointed that the promised sight of the plans before submission had not been forthcoming.  Local residents would prefer nothing on the site, but were prepared to accept that the Care Home proposal was preferable to the recent application for residential development.

Further comments were made with regard to the application, specifically in regard to parking on the site.  It was considered that the spaces proposed would be insufficient to accommodate 25 staff, residents and visitors, particularly at staff changeovers.  In the event that all spaces were taken, where was the alternative parking to be? The danger was that adjoining roads would be used, to the detriment of local residents.  Mention was also made of a right of way nearby, the use of which could impinge on the site.

The Chair thanked the residents for attending, and for their comments, and closed the forum at 7.53 pm.

Before commencing the business of the Parish Council meeting, the Chair welcomed Councillor Steve Micklewright to his first meeting, and introduced the Parish, County and District Council members.

2688. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2023, a copy of which had been circulated to all members, were taken as read and approved as a correct record.

2689. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were none declared.

2690. ROADS AND FOOTPATHS

Members considered the update circulated by the Clerk on 4 July, with reference to issues raised at and since the last meeting in relation to the following:

In regard to the items mentioned at numbers 1, 2 (part), 3, 5, 6 and 7 on the report, nothing further had been heard from the Area Surveyor and the position was still as noted below.  The Clerk was asked to obtain updates as soon as possible.

In regard to the issues mentioned at 2 (part) and 4, the Clerk was also asked to obtain updates as soon as possible.

Additional items were considered at (i) and (j) below.

(a).   Blocked drains, Minnetts Hill/Church Street – this, together with the works to the verge in front of the Bedehouses, was being discussed within the relevant sections of the Highways Department, and a site meeting was planned to finalise work to be carried out in this financial year.  Clerk to strongly request action to take place as soon as possible, given the long outstanding nature of proposals for this site.

(b).   Parking provision, end of West Street, Barkston – the Area Surveyor had replied stating that the request for wider grass verge cuts could not be acceded to, and that there were also no plans to place additional restrictions on the passing places.

(c).   Community Speedwatch – the Clerk reported that it was apparent that there was insufficient interest in the Speedwatch scheme to ensure that it would be able to run properly.  Belton & Manthorpe Parish Council were also in a similar position.  In the circumstances, it was suggested that participation in the scheme be postponed for the time being.  The Parish Council agreed.

(d).   Road sign, A607, near refuge/garage – the sign had been straightened.

(e)  Footpath opposite Village Hall, Barkston – the condition of the path had been reported to SKDC again, but nothing had been heard.  Clerk to request an update as soon as possible.

In connection with the same area, Councillor Connor had investigated the dyke running alongside the A607, which should discharge water from the fields to the west through the culvert and into the river.  The culvert appeared to be blocked and was a possible cause of the flooding at The Stag corner.  This had been passed onto, and acknowledged by, the Area Surveyor, who had promised a site visit in the near future.

(f) Speed limit reduction, Hough Road, Barkston – further consideration was given to the request made at the Annual Parish Meeting, and the Clerk was asked to pass the request to the Area Surveyor for action.

(g) Syston Bus Shelter – Councillor Hine had reported the dirty condition of the bus shelter on Main Street and had considered reporting it via FixmyStreet.  Eventually he and his wife had cleaned the shelter as part of the Big Help Out Day, following the Coronation.  During the clean it had been noticed that there was some rot around the window frames which needed addressing. The Clerk reported that he had reported this to the County Council.

(h) Street light, Syston – it was reported that the street light at the junction of The Drift and River Lane was not working, although it had been reported before, and attended to.  The Clerk was asked to report again.

(i) A607 crossings - the Council discussed a possible review of A607 crossings, given concern, firstly, at the dangerous situation of the existing central refuge.  It was considered that the County Council should be asked to look into the possibility of a pelican or zebra crossing.  In addition, it was suggested that there should also be an investigation into the provision of a more centralised crossing from the eastern side of the A607 in front of the Village Hall, both suggestions with the aim of improving links between the two sides of the village.

(j) ‘Pedestrians in road’ sign - County Council to be asked to consider a ‘Pedestrians in the road’ sign along Station Road, given the number of residents accessing the Picnic Area, and nearby footpaths. 

2691.  PLANNING MATTERS 

(a)   Comments/decisions:

 Decisions received:

Re-positioning of approved rooflights (S21/2223), insertion of 3 additional rooflights, adjustment of previously approved rooflights and reinstatement of chimney to curtilage listed stable range, Syston Old Hall, Main Street, Syston – no objection – approved

Section 73 application to vary conditions 2 and 5 of planning permission S22/0471 to allow for a maximum of 8 dogs utilising the site at any one time in relation to public bookings, and a maximum of 12 dogs for dog sitter use, and revise site plan to amend parking and access; and include field shelter (not fixed to ground), Land north of The Leas, Hough Road, Barkston – objection - approved

(b)   Land off Drift Lane, Barkston – the Clerk advised that SKDC had again been in touch with the site owner about the submission of a retrospective application for the non-permitted building on the site.  It had been established that no permission was needed for the actual animals on the site, but discussions were still taking place in regard to further  action.   

(c)   Planning application S23/1072 – Erection of 60 bed Care Home (Use Class C2) with associated access, car parking and landscaping, following demolition of the existing dwelling and ancillary buildings, Ther Gables, Honington Road, Barkston

The Council discussed the above application, taking into account the comments made by members of the public during the Public Forum, particularly in regard to a right of way to the west of the site.  Councillor Stokes said that he had been contacted by a local resident close to the site and had advised him that the application would be referred to the Planning Committee for a decision, unless the officers recommended refusal, in which case the Committee would not be involved.  He considered the proposal to be out of character in the area.

Members then discussed the application in detail, making points both for and against.  It was suggested that the proposal would have less impact than the previous refused application for residential development, and that many nearby residents were not opposed for this reason.  Another Councillor suggested that the proposed building was too big, and that single storey would be better, half the size of that proposed.  In this connection it was noted that the applicants had made it clear that 50 beds would be the minimum required to make the business viable; therefore 30 beds would be too small.

There was significant concern in connection with transport, parking and access to the site.  It was suggested that the 25 spaces indicated on the plan would be insufficient, taking into account staff and visitors.  If it happened that the parking was inadequate, then there was concern that the overspill would be on adjoining roads and grass verges, all to the detriment of existing residents.   

Although a point was raised about change of use of the Home, if built but not successful, it was noted that any such change would require a separate planning permission, and comments or objections could be made at the time.

Members agreed that the issue of traffic entering and leaving the site was a significant issue, given the heavy and increased use of the A607.

In summing up the discussion, the Chair asked members to consider their decision, and to consider reasons for it, noting that concerns had centered around parking, traffic, the access and the size of the proposed building.  

After further discussion on the issues mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the Parish Council agreed in principle with the proposal, subject to several matters, as follows, and asked that the Clerk advise the District Council accordingly:

1.   Parking – insufficient for the likely number of vehicles using the site, i.e. residents, staff and visitors.  Concern that if insufficient parking on site, there would be a tendency to park randomly on surrounding streets, which would be detrimental to local residents

2.   Access to the site – too close to the residential estate to the south, to the detriment of the occupiers of those properties.

3.   Traffic – the site access is off the heavily trafficked A607, and although within the 30 mph limit, there could be conflict with vehicles entering and leaving the site.

4.   Size of building – considered that the proposed building is too big for the site.  The mass and scale is not in keeping with surrounding properties, and a smaller building would be better suited to the site.
 
2692.  BURIAL GROUND

The Council considered a request from Councillor Parke that the dog waste bin be moved a short, say 5m, distance from the Burial Ground entrance, as he had received comments from residents that its location was not respectful to those visiting relatives, or those attending a burial.  After consideration, during which those Councillors who undertook the emptying of the bin commented in opposition to the proposal, it was agreed to take no further action.

The Clerk advised that arrangements had been made to cut the hedge in the near future, at a cost of £430.

2693. PLAYING FIELD 

The Clerk reported that the yearly fire extinguisher service had recently been carried out satisfactorily.  

A request had been received from the Playing Field Committee for permission to go ahead with work on the grass, in order that an application could be made for a grant.  This was agreed.

Councillor Card reported that a new Treasurer had been appointed.  Maintenance work on the Play Area had been carried out in May, and a condition survey had also been done.

2694. PICNIC AREA

The highway related issues had already been dealt with under the roads and footpaths item on the agenda, and there was nothing else to report.

2695.  CORRESPONDENCE

(a)   Lincolnshire Police – the Clerk advised that the Police had changed their method of consulting with Parish Councils. In future the regular newsletter contact by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams would cease, and instead there would be a twice yearly meeting of Parish Council Chairs to brief on policing activity in each preceding six month period, as well as to discuss local concerns raised by parishes.

(b)   Lincolnshire County Council – litter picking kits – the County Council were offering parishes the opportunity to take part in a litter picking equipment scheme, with the aim of tackling littering issues across the County.  It was agreed to request six kits, and to request volunteers to use them in due course.

(c)   SKDC – SK Community Awards – the Clerk reported information from SKDC about the SK Community Awards for 2023, including a new category ‘Community in Bloom Award’.  A request had also been made to help in publicising the awards, and to consider making nominations in the various categories.  It was agreed to consider further when the awards list for this year was published, and to note for consideration of nominations in 2024.

2696. INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR COUNCILLORS

Councillor Micklewright raised an issue about internal communications for Councillors, using a system called ‘Signal’. This was more secure than, for example, WhatsApp, and allowed the discussion of issues, particularly urgent ones, as a ‘virtual council’. Rather than wait for meetings.  After discussion, it was agreed to take no further action.

2697. SKDC LIFE SAVING TRAINING

The Clerk reported correspondence from SKDC referring to the increasing number of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) within communities. This offered reassurance in emergencies, but some in communities were concerned that they had no experience of cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or in the use of defibrillators.   Leisure SK had offered the use of their team of trainers already in place at Leisure Centres, and the Clerk said that following a discussion with the Chair, he had accepted the offer and arranged for the Village Hall to be available.  Appropriate publicity would be undertaken when the dates were finalised.  The Council noted the situation.

2698. SOUTH KESTEVEN PROSPERITY FUND

The Clerk gave advice on the operation of the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund, the existence of which had recently been brought to the Parish Council’s attention.  The Playing Field Committee were already considering applying for a grant.  There were potentially many other  projects within the parishes that could qualify, and after a discussion, the Clerk was asked to share the information with the Village Hall Committee and any other groups within the villages.  Councillor Micklewright offered to co-ordinate any ideas received for consideration at the next meeting.

2699. VILLAGE HALL AVAILABILITY

The Council discussed issues which had apparently arisen with the availability of the Village Hall.  This had originated following problems with booking the hall for the proposed Openreach meeting relating to Broadband upgrades, and it appeared that other bookings had proved to be difficult.

Members asked for clarification as to ownership/control of the Hall, as some had had queries from local residents, and in response to a query, the Clerk clarified that the Parish Council did not own the Hall, and that their only interest was in appointing members as Trustees.  It was agreed that the Clerk would ask the Hall Chairman for clarification, and for him to attend the next meeting, if possible, to discuss queries as to the tenure/ownership of the Hall and composition of the Trustees.

2700. OPENREACH BROADBAND UPGRADE

For information, the Clerk reported on contact with Openreach in regard to a proposal to upgrade broadband availability in the area. Publicity had been undertaken on behalf of Openreach by placing posters on the parish boards, a notice had been placed on the website and information had been put on Facebook and Syston WhatsApp.  Openreach had arranged a drop in session in Barkston to give local residents more information.

2701. CORONATION COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES

The Clerk advised the Council that he had now established that the proposed site for the Barkston bench was in the ownership of the County Council, as highway land.  A request had been made for permission to site the bench.  The general site for the Syston bench had been identified, and a meeting was to be held to pinpoint the exact location, which was the site of the former bench.

2702. FINANCIAL MATTERS     

(a)   Financial update 

The Council received and noted the financial updates at the present date, and the Clerk explained these for the information of members.

(b)   Accounts paid and for payment

RESOLVED:-

 i That payment of the following accounts be approved and confirmed (all online):

(ii) Account for payment:

That the following account now submitted be approved for payment:

BDG Mowing Contractors (Mowing – June and strim Picnic Area)          £502.00

2703.  ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION BUT NOT DECISION

The Clerk reminded the Council that in November last year, during the six monthly risk inspection, the inspecting group had considered that it was time that the top part of the War Memorial should be inspected, and repaired if necessary, by a professional monumental mason.  Attempts had been made to obtain a quotation locally, but this had failed, and the Clerk advised that a quotation, in the sum of £640 plus VAT had been obtained from a suitably qualified firm near Nottingham.  The Council noted and agreed with the Clerk’s action.

The meeting closed at 9.48 pm.