Draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

Parishes of Barkston and Syston

Date: Friday 20 March 2026

Time: 7:45 pm

Venue: Village Hall, Barkston

Present

Councillors M. E. Nussey (Chair), A. Card (Vice‑Chair), S. Micklewright, P. Connor, C. Pell, R. Park, S. Elnor, T. Hine, A. Rowell

Apologies

Apologies were received from County Councillor P. Martin.

1. Approval of Minutes – Meeting held 12 January 2026

An amendment was noted to the attendees of the previous meeting:
- Present: Add T. Hine
- Apologies: Add P. Connor

The amended minutes were proposed by A. Rowell, seconded by P. Connor, and approved unanimously.

2. Members’ Code of Conduct and Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

No interests were declared.

3. Roads and Footpaths – Updates on Matters Previously Raised

Hough Road – Speed Reduction Request: An email has been sent to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC). The Clerk has requested an update and is awaiting a response.

Hedge Outside Bungalows – West Street: South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is now investigating. An update is pending.

Footpath Near Old School House, Syston: Councillor Hine advised that the path surface is breaking up with loose gravel visible. Clerk to raise the matter with LCC.

Pedestrian Island, A607 Barkston: The bollard has been demolished again, raising concerns regarding pedestrian safety. Clerk to contact LCC.

4. Planning – Report of Comments and Decisions

Orchard Corner Farm, Hough Road, Barkston (Ref: S25/2011): No objection.

Land East of Honington Road, Barkston (Ref: S26/0248): The Parish Council is preparing a strong objection supported by evidence. Public meetings have been held.

The Gables, Honington Road (Ref: S25/2394): Further drawings requested and deadline extension sought.

Brensham, The Drift, Syston (Ref: S26/0314): No comment or objection. Clerk to respond.

5. Burial Ground

An overgrown tree/bush affecting a grave requires removal. Clerk to investigate options.

6. Playing Field

An Easter tidy‑up is scheduled. An Asset Register will be compiled. Clerk to arrange the annual play equipment inspection. Committee governance documents to be reviewed.

7. Picnic Area

No action has yet been taken regarding the hole entering the picnic area. Clerk to investigate repair options using hardcore.

8. Village Hall

Councillor P. Connor advised that Land Registry registration is to be completed by the trustees, with support offered by the Clerk.

9. Financial Matters

Expenditure approved: Wave Utilities £41.40.

A donation of £1,500 towards Village Fete costs was proposed by S. Micklewright, seconded by A. Card, and approved unanimously.

Clerks Q4 Salary Approved for Payment

10. Review of Policies and Procedures

The Clerk confirmed that key Parish policies had been reviewed and updated in line with current legislation. All updates were agreed unanimously and are to be published.

• Code of Conduct
• Finance Regulations
• Planning Policy
• Standing orders

11. Any Other Business

Members noted that 30 individual objections and a petition of 500 signatures had been submitted regarding the Honington Road development.

12. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on 11 May 2026.

Meeting closed at 9:10 pm

These minutes are a DRAFT and subject to approval at the next Parish Council meeting.