Minutes

Minutes of a Meeting of the Bracebridge Heath Parish Council held on Tuesday 4TH October 2005 held in the Village Hall at 7.15pm

PRESENT Chairman Cllr P Burley
Cllrs W.Rawson MBE, G.P.Young, G. Fletcher, R.Clements, M Spencer,
Mrs K Storey, P Hunter, Mrs M Burton & Mrs S Manders

The Clerk, Mr J.E. Stanley was in attendance

There were 5 members of the public present together with District Councillors Mr M Gallagher & Mrs R Hubbard

Public Forum

The following matters were raised:-

Police
The Clerk read a report from PC Annall, which stated there had been 8 reported crimes in Bracebridge Heath between 30th August 05 and 30th September 05, Offences included theft, burglary, drink driving, public order offence and theft from vehicle.

County Council
County Councillor Mrs Talbot sent her apologies, being unable to attend due to a previous engagement. The Clerk read from correspondence received from both County Councillor Mrs Talbot and Mr Christie updating Council on the highways matters raised. It is hoped Mr Christie or the Area Officers will meet with the Parish Council on a regular basis in the future to discuss highways matters.

District Council

District Councillor Gallagher updated the meeting on the matters raised at the September meeting; the sign on Davy’s Lane is to indicate the location of the Council owned properties only and was posted as a result of the emergency services having difficulty locating one of the properties, the trees on Bentley Drive are the responsibility of the owners of Pegasus Garage, the street light of Akeman Drive is the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council.
The Chief Executive of NKDC, Mrs Marlow, has left the Council. Mr Alan Thomas is currently the acting Chief Executive.
Anti-Social Behaviour – Council was updated on the work of NKDC Anti-Social Behaviour team in relation to Bracebridge Heath including the issuing of 6 unacceptable behaviour letters and 4 acceptable behaviour contracts which can lead to the issue of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.. The CCTV van has recently been in the Parish.
The matter of the railing surrounding the site of St. John’s Hospital was raised by a member in view of recent incidents highlighting the dangers of such railings. NKDC had previously stated that the railings could not be removed it was requested that the matter be taken back to NKDC to review the policy not to remove the railings. District Councillor Gallagher advised Council to write to the Chief Executive of NKDC outling concerns and request the matter be taken to the Executive Board.
Cllr Hunter thanked District Councillor Gallagher for the enquiries he made regarding the street lamp on Akeman Drive.

District Councillor Mrs Hubbard suggested the Council discuss with the new owners of the site concerns regarding the railings and ask the owners to take the matter to the Planning Department. District Councillor Hubbard also reported that the mobile skate park would not be available in October; the Youth Club is now up and running. NKDC policy on affordable housing went ahead however more consultation will follow on the matter.

Cllr Rawson asked the District Council members as to why the District Council had made the decision regarding the railings as they did. The members responded that safety of residents and children getting out on the busy A15 was one issue; the other issues would be identified by referring to the minutes of NKDC Planning.

Cllr Mrs Hubbard reported she would look into problems with the footpath at junction of Grantham Road and Kennedy Road, the footpath joining Grantham Road and Main Avenue also required attention.

Residents of Caistor Drive addressed the meeting concerned about the increase of incidents of anti-social behaviour at the site of the former St John’s Hospital. Street lighting along Caistor Drive does not function increasing the problems. There were two reported incidents in September which had not been included in the Police crime figures. Concerns were also raised regarding the Planning Application for the site. The problems were discussed at length, the Clerk would contact Lincolnshire County Council to attend to the problems of street lighting, the planning application would shortly be issued and be available for residents to view in the library. The Council would contact the developer to highlight the problems with security of the site and attempt to arrange a meeting to enable the developer to present their plans to both Council and the residents and also address any concerns residents and Council members may have. Council would endeavour to work with the residents, Police, the developer and District Council to improve the situation in the vicinity of the site.

The Council had received a request from a local artist offering to paint a mural in the bus shelter on Sleaford Road to improve the appearance and deter graffiti. It was unanimously agreed this to be an excellent idea, the Clerk would write to the artist advising him to proceed.


1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Kwa, Ward, and Mrs B Young & County Councillor Mrs C Talbot

2. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda

Cllr M Spencer declared a prejudicial interest in the Planning Application for Plot Adj Heatcote, Davy’s Lane
Cllr P M Hunter declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Decision for 14 Grantham Road

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 6th September 2005, having previously been circulated were accepted and signed by the Chairman.

4. Matters Arising
Former St John’s Hospital Site – The new owners of the site are confirmed as Arenway Ltd; NKDC had been unable to confirm ownership of the site until receipt of a formal planning application.
War Memorial – further quotations are still being sought regarding the construction of the wall along with advice from War Memorials Trust.
Street Naming of development at 91 Grantham Road – the road name ‘Viking Court’ has been adopted.
Dog waste bins – additional replacement bins have been order the Handyman will install all the replacement bins on arrival of the additional bins.
Additional swings have been ordered for Grantham Road Play Area – work scheduled to commence on 3/10/05
LALC have been contacted regarding the Licensing Act – a reply is awaited
NKDC – Invoice re Mobile Skate Park remains on hold until response to request for reduction
Received
Replacement litter bin for outside Co-op store has been ordered, the Police have been notified of the disappearance of the previous bin. The litter picker will be asked to monitor litter in the area, the Co-op store will be written to regarding the cost of the new litter bin. It was reported the gullies in front of the store are damaged; the Clerk will contact the Highways Department to request attention.
Village Hall painting – the contractor for the painting of the village hall has been requested to survey the site re the damage to the paintwork.
The Clerk was asked to request the Dog Warden again patrols Grantham Road in the vicinity of the shops.

5. Planning, Lighting & Roads Committee
Cllr Mrs S Manders reported on meetings of the Committee held on 26th September 2005 the recommendations therein were accepted and made resolutions of Full Council

Planning applications received from 6th September 2005 to 3rd October 2005

Erection of rear extension and detached summer house – 70 Jenson Road – no objections
Cllr Spencer declared a prejudicial interest and left the meeting
Proposed 3 bedroom detached bungalow with attached garage – Plot Adj Heathcote, Davy’s Lane – no objections
Cllr Spencer returned to the meeting

Planning decisions received from 6th September 2005 to 3rd October 2005

Cllr Hunter declared prejudicial interest and left the meeting
Replacement of ground floor windows within bay windows, with a door and side light – 14 Grantham Road – Permission Granted
Cllr Hunter returned to the meeting
Erection of conservatory – 30 Sleaford Road – Permission Granted.

6. Playing Fields, Allotments & Open Spaces

Cllr Fletcher reported no meeting of the committee had been held

7. Recreation Ground Committee

Cllr Burley reported on the meeting of the Recreation Ground Committee held on 19th September 2005. The following matters had been discussed; damage to doors, this would shortly be repaired, a strimmer had been purchased, floodlighting and hiring of the tennis courts, bowling green, football, Youth Club are now using the Pavilion, maintenance of the Pavilion quotation to be sought for interior painting.
The provision of an additional seat on the Recreation Ground, Council was asked if they would consider purchase of an additional seat, the matter would referred to the next meeting of Playing Fields, Allotments and Open Spaces Committee.
Funding may be available from Rural Fizz Fund and schemes are being sought which may be eligible. Junior football coaching sessions have recently commences at the Recreation Ground on Saturday mornings.
Cllr Rawson urged the Recreation Ground Committee to attend to the damage to the doors as soon as possible, the matter is to be attended to.

8. Finance & General Purposes Committee

Cllr G P Young reported no meeting of the Committee had been held

9. Accounts Requiring Approval

Payments made by Cheque

Bracebridge Heath Village Hall – Room Hire £ 19.50
Playground Management – Annual Inspection £ 86.95
Chairman’s Allowance – Purchase of photograph albums £ 35.97
Salary, Allowances & Handyman Expenses £ 829.93


Payments made by BACS

NKDC – Pavilion Rates October Instalment £ 222.00
Parish Dog Warden Services – September Account £ 147.33
Jackson Building Centres – Materials for repairs to bus shelters £ 173.50
Lincsgreen – Grass cutting £ 152.16
ABB Ltd – Street lighting maint Sept Quarter & repair St John’s Sq £ 750.04
Inland Revenue – Income Tax & NIC deductions £ 478.51


10. Correspondence

Lincolnshire County Council – Notification of revised deposit (re-deposit draft) Lincolnshire Waste Plan
Lincolnshire County Council – C103 Aubourn & Haddington, requested experimental 7.5 tonne weight limit – preliminary request for comments. Correspondence has also been received from Aubourn with Haddington Parish Council regarding the matter.
NKDC – Statement of Community Involvement; Pre-submission draft
NKDC – Consultation document on Local Strategic Partnership – circulated
Countryside Agency – Conclusive map of open country and registered common land
Gala Day Report 2005 – Circulated
Best Kept Village Competition – Marking sheet 2005 – Circulated
FWAG – September mailing
North Kesteven Council for Voluntary Service – Notice of AGM
Letter from residents thanking Parish Council for efforts regarding the local rabbit problem
Letter from resident regarding railings on London Road / Sleaford Road

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.40pm

Minutes of a Meeting of the Bracebridge Heath Parish Council held on Tuesday 6th September 2005 held in the Village Hall at 7.15pm

PRESENT Chairman Cllr P Burley
V/Chairman Cllr J Ward
Cllrs W.Rawson MBE, G.P.Young, Mrs B. Young. G. Fletcher, R.Clements, M Spencer,
Mrs K Storey, P Hunter & Mrs S Manders

The Clerk, Mr J.E. Stanley was in attendance

There were 2 members of the public present together with County Councillor Mrs C Talbot & District Councillor Mr M Gallagher

Public Forum

The following matters were raised: -

Police

The Clerk read a report from PC Annall, recently appointed Community Beat Officer, which stated there had been 13 reported crimes in Bracebridge Heath between 1st August 05 and 3rd September 05, Offences included theft, burglary, damage to vehicles, damage to dwelling, damage to library, assault and theft from vehicle.

County Council

County Councillor Mrs Talbot advised the meeting that all matters raised by the Council had been discussed with Mr Christie during a recent visit to the village. The Clerk read a copy of correspondence to Mr Christie confirming all the matters raised.
Consultation would shortly commence on the route of the Southern Bypass, presentations would be held during the period 3rd – 9th October 2005 at Bentley Hotel, Redwood drive Community Centre, Waddington Village Hall and the Waterside Shopping Centre. A presentation would also be held in Bracebridge Heath Village Hall on Sunday 9th October between 2pm & 4pm. All residents and members of the Council were urged to ensure all comments on the proposed routes were passed to Lincolnshire County Council. Three routes were currently under consideration.
County Councillor Mrs Talbot offered her apologies for being unable to attend the October meeting of the Parish Council.
Members asked for the following matters to be raised with the highways department; the drains outside Hospital Cottages and on Sleaford Road have not been cleaned and a cover is also loose. The road bumps on Lichfield Road were requested to be looked at, as they appear to be high and causing damage to vehicles.
There being no further questions County Councillor Mrs Talbot was thanked for her report.

District Council

Cllr Gallagher reported that applications under the new licensing act must be submitted by 24th September 2005, The John Bull and Blacksmiths Arms have already submitted applications. The Parish Council is not consulted on the applications under the terms of the Act and therefore cannot make objections however the Police are able to make comments and objections. The District Council now has a mobile camera system, which can be used in areas of severe fly tipping. North Kesteven District Council Planning Services have been awarded the Charter Mark. A funding fair has been organised by the District Council and will be held on 3rd October at Washingborough village hall. The Head of Environmental Service at NKDC is now Mark Taylor. A planning application has been received for the St John’s Hospital site and the Parish Council will be consulted in due course. NKDC are responsible for the shrubs on Davy’s Lane and they will be attended to at the back-end.
A member remarked on the erection of a sign on Davy’s Lane indicating the location of numbers 2 to 28 and asked if a similar sign could be erected to identify properties on the opposite side of Davy’s Lane; Councillor Gallagher would investigate this. A member asked if an application had been submitted by the Homestead under the new Licensing Act; to date no application had been submitted by the Homestead. District Councillor Gallagher was asked as to the new owners of the St John’s Site; the Council had requested confirmation from NKDC that the new owners were Wentworth Anderson and no response had been received, Councillor Gallagher was unable to confirm the owners of the site.
With reference to the Licensing Act it was resolved that the Clerk write to LALC to enquire as to their responses to consultations on the Act and the lack of the consultation with Parish Councils when application are submitted
Cllr Burley reported correspondence from residents of 1 Bentley Drive regarding large lleyandi potentially causing damage to the property; Councillor Gallagher would investigate to establish if the District Council were the owner of the trees.
A member reported a complaint from a resident that the street lamp outside 34 Akeman Drive shines directly into the property. Councillor Gallagher would establish the responsibility for the lamp and report back to Council.
There being no further questions District Councillor Gallagher was thanked for his report.


Residents of London Road reported problems of litter in the area between the Homestead and the crossing on London Road and asked if the Council had plans for a litter pick as held previously. The Chairman responded that it was too late to hold such an event this year however it is hoped to organise a litter pick in 2006. The Clerk would ask the litter picker to attend to the area.

1. Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Cllrs Kwa, Mrs M Burton & District Councillor Mrs R Hubbard

2. Declarations of interest in items on the agenda

Cllr P M Hunter declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Applications for 14 Grantham Road & 10 Redhall Lane

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th July 2005, having previously been circulated were accepted and signed by the Chairman.

4. Matters Arising

Village Map – The order has been placed with Mr Horner to commission the new updated village map
Correspondence with Central Networks is continuing to effect repair of the fencing surrounding the sub-station on London Road
Development at 91 Grantham Road – Amended plans have been received which incorporate the matters raised by Cllr Mrs Manders with the Principal Planning Officer
War Memorial – New quotations have been received for the construction of a wall surrounding the War Memorial; the matter referred to Private Session due the involvement of monies
Street Naming of development at 91 Grantham Road – Copies of correspondence attached; Cartwrights Close is not acceptable to the developer, the new suggestion being Roman Court. Roman Court was not considered acceptable to Council and alternatives of Viking Court and St John’s Court were suggested.
Dog waste bins – replacement bins now received awaiting installation by the Handyman who will be again asked to attend to the bin on Lancia Crescent. It was considered that a replacement bin would be required for Lancia Crescent and also the bin in Cross O’Cliff Court is showing damage. It was resolved to order replacements for both bins.
The litter bin form outside the Co-op Store has disappeared, it was resolved that a replacement bin be purchased and the missing bin be reported to the Police.

Cllr Mrs C Talbot left the meeting the time being 8.00pm

5. Planning, Lighting & Roads Committee

Cllr Mrs S Manders reported on meetings of the Committee held on 25th July 2005 & 6th September 2005 the recommendations therein were accepted and made resolutions of Full Council.

Planning applications received from 5th July 2005 to 5th September 2005

Provision of a disabled ramp – The Homestead, Canwick Avenue – no objections
Internal alterations to level raised floor and provision of disabled access ramp – The Homestead – Amended plans for information only, no comments required
Provision of disabled access ramp – The Homestead – Amended plans for information only, no comments required
First floor and two storey extension to garage – 14 Norfolk Crescent – Information only the changes are minor, no comments required.
Part change of use from dwelling to beauty clinic – 4 Caistor Drive – Objections raised
Erection of 24 dwellings and associated car parking – 91 Grantham Road – Amended plans, no comments required
Erection of conservatory – 30 Sleaford Rd – Comments raised
Erection of conservatory on side elevation – 15 Redhall Drive – no objections
Erection of 24 dwellings – 91 Grantham Road – Amended plans for information only, no comments required
Proposed semi-detached bungalows to replace existing bungalow – 28 Sleaford Road – Objections raised.

Planning decisions received from 5th July 2005 to 5th September 2005

Loft conversion with introduction of dormer windows – 28 Redhall Drive – Permission Refused
First floor extension to front to dwelling – 61 Sycamore Grove – Permission Granted
Erection of various replacements illuminated and non-illuminated signs – Homestead, St John’s Park
Erection of rear extension – 66 London Road – Permission granted
Erection of two dwellings (amendments to approved house types for Plots 11 and 12) – 91 Grantham Road – Permission granted
Internal alterations to level raised floor and provision of disabled access ramp – Homestead, St John’s Park – Permission Granted
Erection of 24 dwellings and associated car parking – 91 Grantham Road – Permission granted
Erection of two storey side extension – 2 Chichester Road – Permission granted
First floor and two story extension to garage – 14 Norfolk Crescent – Permission granted
Erect rear conservatory & porch – 14 Heath Road – Permission granted
Erection of conservatory – 19 Norwich Drive – Permission granted
Erection of two story side extension – 2 Chichester Rd – Permission granted
Determination of planning appeal – Site at 41 London Road – Outline permission granted

The Clerk was asked to write to NKDC advising them of the Council’s concerns regarding the lack of a response to the correspondence regarding the new owners of the St. John’s Site.

6. Playing Fields, Allotments & Open Spaces

Cllr Fletcher reported on the meeting of the Committee held on 1st August 2005 the recommendations made therein were accepted and made resolutions of Full Council.
It was recommended that the hours of employment of the Dog Warden be increased to six hours per week and individual areas of the Parish to be concentrated on for the majority of the time.
New swings for the Grantham Road Play Area are to be purchased from Wicksteed Leisure to be sited in the area from which the wooden ship has been removed. The handyman is also to be asked to remove the wooden plane.
The owners of a building plot on Redhall Lane are to be contacted to request the weeds covering the public highway are cut back.
No cycling signs are to be erected at either end of the Grantham Road to Sleaford Road footpath.
Options for the use of the Section 106 monies in respect open space provision in relation to the development at 91 Grantham Road were discussed. It was resolved that quotations would be obtained for the following: basketball/football goal module, floodlighting for tennis courts, additional equipment for the Grantham Road Play Area and a climbing structure. It was also resolved to recommend to NKDC acceptance of the quotation obtained by the Open Spaces Office for the installation of play equipment on the Barrett Estate.
The matter of the proposed bowling green was discussed and this matter is referred to Private Session due to the involvement of finance.
Correspondence had been received from the Allotment Holders Association requesting the Council pay to mount a sign at the allotments stating access is for allotment holders only. It was resolved that Council would consider this on an undertaking from the allotment holders that the gate remains locked shut to prevent unauthorised access.

7. Recreation Ground Committee

Cllr Ward reported on the meeting of the Recreation Ground Committee held on 19th August 2005, the following matters had been discussed; signs and floodlighting for the tennis courts, football, bowls green. No further progress had been made on the use of the pavilion by the Youth Club however the Club have been using the field. Damage had occurred to the front door and fire door a quotation was awaited for the repairs. The contract for cutting of the Recreation Ground grass needs to be reviewed for next year. The climbing wall organised by the Youth Service over summer had been a great success. A strimmer has been purchased for use by the groundsman on the field.

8. Finance & General Purposes Committee

Cllr G P Young reported no meeting of the Committee had been held

9. Accounts Requiring Approval

Payments between meetings

Anglia & Midland Sports Surfaces – Final payment on tennis courts £ 6117.05
NKDC – Pavilion Rates August Instalment £ 222.00
Parish Dog Warden Services – July Account £ 147.33
Anglian Water – Pavilion Account to 29th June £ 113.75
Lincsgreen – Grass cutting – Recreation Ground £ 128.66
ABB Ltd – New columns – Beech Close & Home Close £ 1191.45
Jackson Building Centres – Concrete for Handyman & Allotment tap £ 27.23
Elonex – Laptop & Projector £ 1562.75
British Gas – Pavilion account to 18th July 2005 £ 125.21
Lindum Fire Services Ltd – Maintenance Pavilion £ 29.04
Bracebridge Heath Village Hall – Room Hire £ 19.50
Hiatt Decorating Ltd – Village Hall exterior painting £ 972.25
Salary, Allowances & Handyman Expenses £ 873.63
Society of Local Council Clerks – WWYC Training Package £ 195.00

Payments made by Cheque

Bracebridge Heath Village Hall – Room Hire £ 12.00
NKDC – Hire of mobile skate park £ 705.00
Gasforce Ltd – Maintenace contact Village Hall BoIler & Water Heater £ 683.07
Salary, Allowances & Handyman Expenses £ 1003.62

Payments made by BACS

NKDC – Pavilion Rates September Instalment £ 222.00
Parish Dog Warden Services – August Account £ 147.33
Anglian Water – Allotment Account to 27th July 05 £ 65.76
ABB Ltd – Street light repairs Bentley Drive & St John’s Road £ 82.69
Jackson Building Centres – Allotment keys & Equipment for litter picker £ 88.16
Powergen – Pavilion acount to 5th August 05 £ 87.58
ESPO – Cleaning materials for Pavilion £ 101.39
Powergen – Street lighting account to 20th June 05 £ 780.31

It was resolved to pay all invoices excluding the invoice for the hire of the mobile skate park, the advertising information had been delivered late and the Council had been given inaccurate information regarding school holidays, therefore it was resolved to contact NKDC to request a reduction of 1 day’s charge. There has been a small fault detected in the exterior painting of the Village Hall, the Clerk was asked to request the contractor to assess the damage.

10. Correspondence

Lincolnshire County Council – Information and contact telephone numbers for The Customer Service Centre
Lincolnshire County Council – Copy of the Provisional 2nd Local Transport Plan – available from the Clerk
NKDC – Statement of Community Involvement; details of presentation evenings
NALC – Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill – further information available via the Clerk
Lincolnshire Police Authority – Dates for Local Police and Community Forums
Letter from a Mrs Harris regarding a number of issues within the village – the contents have been noted
Report from Gala Day Committee – to be copied and circulated
The chairman reported that an internet notice board had been started at http://bracebridgeheath.blogspot.com/ Council members will be able to write notes on the site and members of the public will be able to comment.

There being no other business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 9.05pm

PRIVATE SESSION

Minutes of a Private Session forming part of the meeting of Bracebridge Heath Parish Council held on Tuesday 6th September 2005

The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 5th July 2005, having been circulated, were accepted and signed by the Chairman.

War Memorial – details of quotations received were discussed, it was resolved that further quotations would be sought together with advice from War Memorials Trust.

Bowling Green – It was recommended by the Playing Fields, Allotments & Open Spaces Committee that the resolution passed on 5th July 2005 relating to the funding of the bowling green be rescinded and members study the details of the costing of the project provided by the Clerk and the matter be further discussed in Private Session at the October 2005 meeting. A show of hands was taken; resolved unanimously.
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.35pm.