DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 28 February 2002.

Councillor Dilks, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Chambers, Fisk, Hill, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Warrick, Watkins and the clerk. Four members of the public were also in attendance.

110    PRESENTATION ON PROPOSALS FOR THE JUBILEE FIELD REGENERATION PROJECT BY MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH CENTRE

The Area Youth Worker reported that the member of the Youth Centre who had planned to undertake the presentation was ill and that he had brought illustrations of the work undertaken so far on the Group’s behalf. Members thanked Mr Marsay for attending and congratulated the Group on the quality of the work, which was part of their school examination course.

111    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM


.1 Allotment gardens A letter asking the Council to consider providing allotment gardens was formally handed over. This will be taken into consideration along with letters already received and any responses to the forthcoming newsletter item on the subject at a later date.

.2 Queen’s Jubilee Three representatives from the Deepings Raft Race Committee appraised members of their proposals for events to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, which will be held at the Deepings Showground on Monday, 3 June 2002. The Committee has agreed to underwrite all costs on the basis that it be allowed a free hand over the charitable distribution of any profits. In order to ensure that the event is truly for the Deepings, the Committee is proposing to issue a glossy leaflet giving a full itinerary to every home. The Parish Council’s support in this was asked for together with a request for a contribution of £250 towards the costs. Members thanked the representatives for their informative talk and agreed to consider a grant application at the next meeting

112    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors Anderson, Auger, Bulmer-Jones, Thompson and Walker.

113    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2002, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

114    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Parish Newsletter (102.2) A draft copy of the newsletter was handed to Members, who were asked to confirm that their personal entries were correct as soon as possible. The Chairman thanked Councillors Stevens and Walker for the help they had given him on this new venture.

.2 Bus shelters (104) Councillor Lewis reported that the installation of the shelters had been completed that day and that he and the clerk had inspected all six for snagging problems. These were very few and had been reported to the installer for action. Several positive comments had been received from member of the public about these new facilities and members were very pleased with the overall appearance and standard of the shelters. The clerk confirmed that the grass verge near the shelter on Thackers Way would be converted to a hard surface in due course. It was agreed to arrange a formal opening ceremony to which the bus operators would be invited.

.3 The Cross (105.4) The clerk reported that the Parish Council’s insurers had approved the cost of repairs to the door. Formal consent was now being sought from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport.

.4 Liaison Group (107.1) The next meeting will be held on 5 March 2002 at The Institute. It was agreed that the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations should be put on the agenda for this meeting.

.5 Memorial Group (107.2) The clerk confirmed that Market Deeping Town Council had agreed to the proposed location and that consent in principle had also been received from the Environment Agency.

.6 Deepings Practice (108.3) It was agreed that the escorted tour of the Health Centre should take place on 16 April 2002 at 7.30pm. All interested members were invited to attend.

115    CORRESPONDENCE

.1 Summer Playscheme Councillor Shinkins declared a pecuniary interest and took no part in the discussion or voting. Members heard that the Leaders of the Hereward Way Playscheme had considered the Council’s request to expand their scheme for this summer whilst a suitable replacement was found for the Linchfield Scheme. They had submitted a plan, which would provide for morning and afternoon sessions of two hours duration over a two-week period, which would provide sufficient places to maintain the current provision. In the absence of any other solution, it was unanimously agreed to accept the plan and members were grateful to the Leaders for taking on this much-expanded scheme for this summer. It is hoped that a suitable person will be found to enable the Linchfield Scheme to resurrected in the future.

.2 Gas lamp Church Hall car park Councillor Warrick advised that a redundant gas lamp, which has since been converted to electricity, had recently been removed from the car park and that if the Parish Council would like to use it in The Cross area, the P.C.C. could be asked if it would donate it to the village. As the lamp will require a certain amount of restoration works, the clerk was asked to obtain a quote and to check on planning regulations.

.3 Rural transport services Members heard of a pilot scheme being proposed by SKDC to introduce a mini-bus service to villages without access to public transport. It was agreed to request that the Eastgate/Station Road/Frognall areas be considered for a service on market days.

.4 Youth Councils The Area Youth Worker submitted a paper on the position in South Lincolnshire. It was agreed that this should be an item for the agenda at the next Liaison Group meeting.

.5 Other items noted ·    Lincolnshire Police Authority confirmation that the bid for the Jubilee Playing Field had been unsuccessful on this occasion.
·    SKDC - Invite to a Play Development Seminar at Bourne on 11.3.02. The clerk and Councillor Walker will attend.
·    Deepings Carnival further information concerning location and route of event.
·    SKDC Joint planning presentation with MDTC to be held on 27 March 2002.
·    SKDC Advice concerning new design of council tax bills.
·    SKDC Notification of event for International Women’s Day 8 March 2002.
·    Change of licensee at The Rose Inn.
·    Local Policing forum at South Witham on 3 April 2002.
·    L.C.C. Schools Organisation Plan 2001 2006.
·    Gang Show acknowledgement of grant aid.
·    Deepings online newsletter.
·    EMDA newsletter.

116    PLANNING MATTERS

It was unanimously agreed unless indicated otherwise to submit the following observations on the planning applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S02/0081 Adj. 67 Frognall Erection of dwellinghouse and replacement garage (Outline). No objection.

S02/0087 9 Sewell Close First floor side extension and single-storey rear extension. No objection.

S02/0111 160 Eastgate Single-storey front extension to garage. No objection.

S02/0134 Rear of 12 Horsegate Erection of dwelling (Outline). No objection.

S02/0136 Adj. Newlands Nursery, Back Lane Erection of dwelling (Outline). Objection. The Council resists residential development on this road and notes that there is no agricultural use of the property intended. Cllr Warrick declared a non-pecuniary interest and took no part.

S02/0146 Rear of The Institute, 36/38 Church Street Siting of storage units. Proposed and seconded no objection. Amendment proposed and seconded to object on grounds that the proposals are a defilement of the natural environment and conservation area. Amendment received 5 votes to 1 with 1 abstention. Substantive motion proposed, seconded and carried by 5 votes to 1 with 1 abstention. Cllrs Abel and Warrick declared non-pecuniary interests and took no part.

S02/0147 181 Spalding Road Replacement of outbuildings with granny annexe. Objection. This is not a granny annexe but a self-contained dwelling and would be an intensification of residential development in the open countryside. The proposals are for a two-storey building in place of single-storey outbuildings.

S02/0151 Adj. 147 Station Road Erection of dwellinghouse (Outline). No objection.

S02/0155 Adj. 72 Eastgate Erection of dwelling. Objection. The site is too cramped and there is insufficient delineation of access arrangements. Cllr Shinkins declared an interest and took no part.

S02/0216 Land between 55 & 57 Linchfield Road Erection of 22 dwellings. No objection.

S02/0222 11 Swift Close Two-storey side extension. No objection.

S02/0223 Former pre-cast concrete works, Spalding Road Erection of eight dwellings (access to/from Hall Meadow Road). Objection. This would close the residential gap between Frognall and Deeping St James, which should be preserved. The site has an established light industrial use for which it is deemed there is still a demand and should therefore be retained. Carried by 8 votes for with 1 against.

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

Ref. Address Proposal

S01/1445 34 Church Street Kitchen extension and re-roofing of existing takeaway restaurant.

S02/0065 15 Frognall Conservatory and addition of flat roof to previous rear extension.

The Planning Authority has also advised of the approval of amended plans in connection with the erection of an agricultural dwelling at OS 6156 Hards Lane, Frognall (S01/0844).

117    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee Service/Item of Expenditure
Amount

Clerk
Salary
606.12

Postage

9.20

Stationery

22.44

L.C.C.
Pension
139.36

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field
11.75

Adcentre Ltd
Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.).
30.55

Robinson Construction
Bus shelter bases (6)
2,615.84

Autocross Plastics
Bus shelters (3)
9,723.13

B.T.
Quarterly account
144.14

L.C.C.
Memorial payment
5,000.00

B & R Fabrications
Final Payment Cemetery railings
470.00

Impact
Accounting software improvement
45.00

Parochial Church Council
Rent: Hall Meadow Estate
61.25

M Warrick
Expenses: Bus shelter posters
9.99

Cornhill Insurance
Additional premium: Bus shelters
18.58

Total

18,907.35

118    CEMETERY GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

The clerk reported that tenders papers had been sent out to ten companies, of which six had responded. Sealed tenders for the annual maintenance of the cemeteries were opened in the presence of the Council and it was noted that the following submissions had been made; A1 Landscaping - £4,195, Beebys - £4,195, Garden Groomers - £4,800, PJH Landscapes - £4,610, W S Huddlestone - £2,400, Serviceteam - £6,956.50. It was proposed by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Stevens and carried by 8 votes to 1 against that the contract be awarded to W S Huddlestone for a period of one year with an option to extend to a second year, subject to review.

119    REPORTS

.1 Cemetery Committee The report of the meeting held on 2 February 2002 was considered and all the recommendations contained therein were unanimously accepted. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.

.2 Ethical standards The clerk s report of the training session for the new Code of Conduct was noted. All members had received a personal pack on the Code before the meeting and it is envisaged that the Code will be adopted at the next Council meeting.

120    ITEMS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION

.1 Railway station Councillor Lewis reported that support to re-open the railway station had been obtained from Crowland Parish Council. Peterborough City Council had also given its qualified support to the proposal within the context of its transport policies. A response had been received from the Strategic Rail Authority, who confirmed that consideration was being given to upgrading the line to relieve freight traffic from the East Coast Main Line. This might give rise to an opportunity to develop passenger transport opportunities on the joint line’ as a result. The S.R.A. provided a comprehensive document on the Rail Passenger Partnership, which provides funding for facilities such as stations. Councillor Lewis advised that the best opportunity to re-open the station would come when the next round of operator franchises were awarded and recommended that the Parish Council keep the matter under close review, making a bid at the appropriate time. This was unanimously agreed.

.2 Leisure Centre provision The Chairman drew members’ attention to a recent circular to members of the T.C.M.P. asking for their comments on the desirability of closing the centres in Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings in favour of one super’ centre, equi-distant between the three settlements. This was not only felt to be a bad idea, for a variety of reasons, but the Parish Council, along with the other Town Councils, had been bypassed in the consultation in favour of unelected bodies appointed by South Kesteven District Council. This was despite an assurance from the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services made at the Parish Council meeting in June 2001 that the Council would be consulted on any changes to leisure provision. Councillor Shinkins confirmed that she had received the memo as the Council’s member on the T.C.M.P but as it had only allowed a few days for response, she had been unable to consult widely upon it. Councillor Shinkins had raised the concerns directly with the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services, who had advised that this method of consultation had been decided upon by the Social/Recreation Policy Development Committee and was therefore out of his hands. He informally reported to her that the idea had so far received no favour from any quarter. Members were concerned that they were being bypassed on this important matter and instructed the clerk to write to the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services requesting that the Parish Council be involved in all future debate on this matter.

121    DATE OF ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

In view of the numbers attending last year’s A.P.M. it was agreed to arrange a separate meeting on 18 April 2002 rather than hold it before the start of the March Council meeting, as in previous years. If possible, the meeting will be held at the Church Hall, otherwise at The Institute, and will commence at 7.30pm.

122    PARISH-PUMP

No items were raised.

The meeting closed at 10.22pm.

.1	Allotment gardens	A letter asking the Council to consider providing allotment gardens was formally handed over. This will be taken into consideration along with letters already received and any responses to the forthcoming newsletter item on the subject at a later date.

.2	Queen’s Jubilee	Three representatives from the Deepings Raft Race Committee appraised members of their proposals for events to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, which will be held at the Deepings Showground on Monday, 3 June 2002. The Committee has agreed to underwrite all costs on the basis that it be allowed a free hand over the charitable distribution of any profits. In order to ensure that the event is truly for the Deepings, the Committee is proposing to issue a glossy leaflet giving a full itinerary to every home. The Parish Council’s support in this was asked for together with a request for a contribution of £250 towards the costs. Members thanked the representatives for their informative talk and agreed to consider a grant application at the next meeting

.1	Parish Newsletter (102.2)	A draft copy of the newsletter was handed to Members, who were asked to confirm that their personal entries were correct as soon as possible. The Chairman thanked Councillors Stevens and Walker for the help they had given him on this new venture.

.2	Bus shelters (104)	Councillor Lewis reported that the installation of the shelters had been completed that day and that he and the clerk had inspected all six for snagging problems. These were very few and had been reported to the installer for action. Several positive comments had been received from member of the public about these new facilities and members were very pleased with the overall appearance and standard of the shelters. The clerk confirmed that the grass verge near the shelter on Thackers Way would be converted to a hard surface in due course. It was agreed to arrange a formal opening ceremony to which the bus operators would be invited.
.3	The Cross (105.4)	The clerk reported that the Parish Council’s insurers had approved the cost of repairs to the door. Formal consent was now being sought from the Department of Culture, Media & Sport.

.4	Liaison Group (107.1)	The next meeting will be held on 5 March 2002 at The Institute. It was agreed that the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations should be put on the agenda for this meeting.

.5	Memorial Group (107.2)	The clerk confirmed that Market Deeping Town Council had agreed to the proposed location and that consent in principle had also been received from the Environment Agency.

.6	Deepings Practice (108.3)	It was agreed that the escorted tour of the Health Centre should take place on 16 April 2002 at 7.30pm. All interested members were invited to attend.

.1	Summer Playscheme	Councillor Shinkins declared a pecuniary interest and took no part in the discussion or voting. Members heard that the Leaders of the Hereward Way Playscheme had considered the Council’s request to expand their scheme for this summer whilst a suitable replacement was found for the Linchfield Scheme. They had submitted a plan, which would provide for morning and afternoon sessions of two hours duration over a two-week period, which would provide sufficient places to maintain the current provision. In the absence of any other solution, it was unanimously agreed to accept the plan and members were grateful to the Leaders for taking on this much-expanded scheme for this summer. It is hoped that a suitable person will be found to enable the Linchfield Scheme to resurrected in the future.

.2	Gas lamp Church Hall car park	Councillor Warrick advised that a redundant gas lamp, which has since been converted to electricity, had recently been removed from the car park and that if the Parish Council would like to use it in The Cross area, the P.C.C. could be asked if it would donate it to the village. As the lamp will require a certain amount of restoration works, the clerk was asked to obtain a quote and to check on planning regulations.

.3	Rural transport services	Members heard of a pilot scheme being proposed by SKDC to introduce a mini-bus service to villages without access to public transport. It was agreed to request that the Eastgate/Station Road/Frognall areas be considered for a service on market days.

.4	Youth Councils	The Area Youth Worker submitted a paper on the position in South Lincolnshire. It was agreed that this should be an item for the agenda at the next Liaison Group meeting.

.5	Other items noted	· Lincolnshire Police Authority confirmation that the bid for the Jubilee Playing Field had been unsuccessful on this occasion. · SKDC - Invite to a Play Development Seminar at Bourne on 11.3.02. The clerk and Councillor Walker will attend. · Deepings Carnival further information concerning location and route of event. · SKDC Joint planning presentation with MDTC to be held on 27 March 2002. · SKDC Advice concerning new design of council tax bills. · SKDC Notification of event for International Women’s Day 8 March 2002. · Change of licensee at The Rose Inn. · Local Policing forum at South Witham on 3 April 2002. · L.C.C. Schools Organisation Plan 2001 2006. · Gang Show acknowledgement of grant aid. · Deepings online newsletter. · EMDA newsletter.

Ref.	Address	Proposal
S02/0081	Adj. 67 Frognall	Erection of dwellinghouse and replacement garage (Outline). No objection.
S02/0087	9 Sewell Close	First floor side extension and single-storey rear extension. No objection.
S02/0111	160 Eastgate	Single-storey front extension to garage. No objection.
S02/0134	Rear of 12 Horsegate	Erection of dwelling (Outline). No objection.
S02/0136	Adj. Newlands Nursery, Back Lane	Erection of dwelling (Outline). Objection. The Council resists residential development on this road and notes that there is no agricultural use of the property intended. Cllr Warrick declared a non-pecuniary interest and took no part.
S02/0146	Rear of The Institute, 36/38 Church Street	Siting of storage units. Proposed and seconded no objection. Amendment proposed and seconded to object on grounds that the proposals are a defilement of the natural environment and conservation area. Amendment received 5 votes to 1 with 1 abstention. Substantive motion proposed, seconded and carried by 5 votes to 1 with 1 abstention. Cllrs Abel and Warrick declared non-pecuniary interests and took no part.
S02/0147	181 Spalding Road	Replacement of outbuildings with granny annexe. Objection. This is not a granny annexe but a self-contained dwelling and would be an intensification of residential development in the open countryside. The proposals are for a two-storey building in place of single-storey outbuildings.
S02/0151	Adj. 147 Station Road	Erection of dwellinghouse (Outline). No objection.
S02/0155	Adj. 72 Eastgate	Erection of dwelling. Objection. The site is too cramped and there is insufficient delineation of access arrangements. Cllr Shinkins declared an interest and took no part.
S02/0216	Land between 55 & 57 Linchfield Road	Erection of 22 dwellings. No objection.
S02/0222	11 Swift Close	Two-storey side extension. No objection.
S02/0223	Former pre-cast concrete works, Spalding Road	Erection of eight dwellings (access to/from Hall Meadow Road). Objection. This would close the residential gap between Frognall and Deeping St James, which should be preserved. The site has an established light industrial use for which it is deemed there is still a demand and should therefore be retained. Carried by 8 votes for with 1 against.

Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure	Amount
Clerk	Salary	606.12
	Postage	9.20
	Stationery	22.44
L.C.C.	Pension	139.36
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field	11.75
Adcentre Ltd	Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.).	30.55
Robinson Construction	Bus shelter bases (6)	2,615.84
Autocross Plastics	Bus shelters (3)	9,723.13
B.T.	Quarterly account	144.14
L.C.C.	Memorial payment	5,000.00
B & R Fabrications	Final Payment Cemetery railings	470.00
Impact	Accounting software improvement	45.00
Parochial Church Council	Rent: Hall Meadow Estate	61.25
M Warrick	Expenses: Bus shelter posters	9.99
Cornhill Insurance	Additional premium: Bus shelters	18.58
Total		18,907.35

.1	Cemetery Committee	The report of the meeting held on 2 February 2002 was considered and all the recommendations contained therein were unanimously accepted. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.

.2	Ethical standards	The clerk s report of the training session for the new Code of Conduct was noted. All members had received a personal pack on the Code before the meeting and it is envisaged that the Code will be adopted at the next Council meeting.

.1	Railway station	Councillor Lewis reported that support to re-open the railway station had been obtained from Crowland Parish Council. Peterborough City Council had also given its qualified support to the proposal within the context of its transport policies. A response had been received from the Strategic Rail Authority, who confirmed that consideration was being given to upgrading the line to relieve freight traffic from the East Coast Main Line. This might give rise to an opportunity to develop passenger transport opportunities on the joint line’ as a result. The S.R.A. provided a comprehensive document on the Rail Passenger Partnership, which provides funding for facilities such as stations. Councillor Lewis advised that the best opportunity to re-open the station would come when the next round of operator franchises were awarded and recommended that the Parish Council keep the matter under close review, making a bid at the appropriate time. This was unanimously agreed.

.2	Leisure Centre provision	The Chairman drew members’ attention to a recent circular to members of the T.C.M.P. asking for their comments on the desirability of closing the centres in Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings in favour of one super’ centre, equi-distant between the three settlements. This was not only felt to be a bad idea, for a variety of reasons, but the Parish Council, along with the other Town Councils, had been bypassed in the consultation in favour of unelected bodies appointed by South Kesteven District Council. This was despite an assurance from the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services made at the Parish Council meeting in June 2001 that the Council would be consulted on any changes to leisure provision. Councillor Shinkins confirmed that she had received the memo as the Council’s member on the T.C.M.P but as it had only allowed a few days for response, she had been unable to consult widely upon it. Councillor Shinkins had raised the concerns directly with the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services, who had advised that this method of consultation had been decided upon by the Social/Recreation Policy Development Committee and was therefore out of his hands. He informally reported to her that the idea had so far received no favour from any quarter. Members were concerned that they were being bypassed on this important matter and instructed the clerk to write to the Head of Leisure & Cultural Services requesting that the Parish Council be involved in all future debate on this matter.