Minutes & Agendas

HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Approved Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 13th September 2023

PRESENT

Councillors Geoff Hotchkin (Chairman), George Frizzell,  Julie Frizzell, Robert Spencer, Mark Robinson,  Chris Taylor,  William Watts and Clerk Julie Dixon.

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIME

There was one member of the public that attended the Public speaking time.

The member of the public present had objections to Planning Application number 23/0925/VARCON. If this variation is allowed, it will mean that stables and a manure heap will be within a few metres of their kitchen window.

This same application was discussed at length during section 8 of the meeting.

1.0        WELCOME REMARKS BY CHAIRMAN

The Chairman welcomed the Councillors and thanked them for their attendance.

2.0        APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from District Councillor Russel Jackson and County Councillor Andrew Key.

3.0        SIGNING OF THE MINUTES

It was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting of 9th August 2023 as a true and correct record.

 4.0       MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

              There were no matters arising from the minutes.

 5.0       DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & DISPENSATIONS 

Cllrs Mark Robinson and Robert Spencer declared an interest in section 8, planning matters.

6.0        REPORT FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

District Councillor Russell Jacksons report is attached to these minutes.

7.0        Cemetery maintenance – brief from Cllr J Frizzell

Cllr Julie Frizzell reported that this matter is now resolved.

8.0        PLANNING APPLICATIONS

              8.1 Application Number: 23/0895/FUL

                   Proposal: Erection of stable building with hard standing

                   Location: 20 Vicarage Lane

                    The application was for reference only

              8.2 Application Number: 23/0925/VARCON

                    Proposal: To vary condition 6 and 9 of approved plans 21/0120/FUL

                    Location: Land to the rear of 29 George Street

This application was discussed at great length; also being the application opposed to by the member of the public.

After a lengthy discussion, it was resolved that the Parish Council unanimously opposes the application for reasons that will be set out in a letter to NKDC planning department.  The letter will be able to be viewed on NKDC planning portal in due course.

              8.3 Application Number: 23/0895/FUL

                     Proposal: Amended block plan to include retrospective consent for hard standing

                     Location: 20 Vicarage Lane

                     There were no objections to this proposal and therefore the Parish Council resolved to support the application.

              8.4  Application Number: 23/1002/HOUS

                      Proposal: Application of off white render to the entire property.

                      Location: post Office, High Street

                      There were no objections to this proposal and therefore the Parish Council resolved to support the application.

9.0         FINANCE

 9.1 The financial report and bank reconciliation presented by the Clerk were accepted.

              9.2 The following payments were approved.

10.0       CEMETERY MATTERS AND CONSERVATION AREA

              Cllr George Frizzell gave the Cemetery and Conservation area report;

10.1 There has been one interment in Hale Road Old Cemetery and two approved memorials.

10.2 The conservation area around the pond is looking tidy.

11.0       CHURCH CLOCK AND PARISH COUNCIL WEBSITE

              Report by Cllr George Frizzell

11.1 The Church clock is running to time.

11.2 The Parish Council website is up to date.

12.0      HIGHWAYS.

12.1 Thanks as usual to Aaron Walker for producing the speed analysis from the cameras. The report is attached to the minutes and on the website here.

It is alarming to see that the top speed LEAVING the village on Station Road was a staggering 75MPH.

12.2 The usual Highways issues are still ongoing, namely pot holes.

12.3 The streetlight on the junction of Vicarage Lane and Chapel Lane is now working.

12.4  This matter regarding possible footpaths is now closed.

12.5  It has been brought to the Parish Councils attention that, the residents of 4 Vicarage Lane have failed to remove the stones from the frontage of the property, this will be referred back to Highways.

13.0        MATTERS AFFECTING THE VILLAGE / CORRESPONDENCE

13.1 It was resolved that the interview panel for the upcoming position of Clerk and Proper Officer to the Parish Council will consist of 3 of the following councillors; Cllr Geoff Hotckin, Cllr George Frizzell, Cllr Mark Robinson, Cllr Robert Spencer, Cllr Julie Frizzell and Cllr Chris Taylor.  Applications closed on the 15th September and the new Clerk will be accepted at the October meeting.

13.2  The discussion of agency staff to fill this post was thought to be unnecessary at the present time, however this can be re-visited should a suitable Clerk not be found.

13.3  As per previous years, it was decided not to apply for the available litter picking grant.

13.4  It has been brought to the Parish Councils attention that a high fence has been built around the property of 17 George Street, this is causing problems with vision at the junction with George Street and Shepherds Lane.  The Parish Council was advised that a roadside fence should not exceed 1M high and this matter will be forwarded to Lincolnshire Highways and road safety for comment.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 11th October 2023  in Helpringham Memorial Hall and will commence at 7:30pm

The meeting closed at 8:45pm.