September 2022

 

Present: Cllrs F Adeyemi (arrived at 19.25), C Barr, C Broad, C Callan, V Marden, S Manders, J Moran, S Smith, R Stone, K Trought.

 

In attendance: Clerk to Council, Mrs S Knowles and Deputy Clerk to Council, Mrs R Fraser

One member of the public was present.

 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SESSION

REPORT FROM LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLOR CAWREY – Apologies received from Cllr Cawrey.

REPORTS FROM NORTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCILLORS BURLEY, CAWREY AND MORAN – Apologies received from Cllrs Burley and Cawrey. Cllr Moran had nothing to report.

 

QUESTIONS OR POINTS RAISED BY RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – Cllr Manders raised concern regarding online communication. A

member of the public had concerns regarding continued anti-social behaviour at Grantham Road Park. They have been advised to contact the police on every occasion. A resident had reported the security light which is permanently switched on at the village hall. The village caretaker will investigate.

 

PUBLIC COUNCIL SESSION

Code of conduct reminders

 

Nolan Principles

Members were reminded of the Nolan Principles which underpin the Council’s Code of Conduct - Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty & leadership.

Register of interests

 

The Chairman reminded members that they should submit to the Monitoring Officer at North Kesteven District Council any changes to the content

of their Register of Member Interest forms. Interests should be declared in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

 

22110. TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES AND ACCEPT VALID REASONS FOR ABSENCE – It was RESOLVED: That apologies be accepted from Cllr Walker and Cllr Blackmore.

 

22111. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

a. TO RECEIVE MEMBERS’ DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT –Cllr Manders declared non-pecuniary interests in matters relating to The Heath Christian Partnership and St John’s Evangelist Church.

b. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER MEMBERS’ REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADOPTED CODE OF CONDUCT AND STANDING ORDERS – Nil

 

22112. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING – 5th July 2022 - It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 5th July 2022 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.

 

22113. FINANCES

a. TO RECEIVE THE CLERK’S REPORT ON PAYMENTS BETWEEN MEETINGS

 

Payments made by Direct Debit

 

Presented at report 22113a:

Direct Debit payments July and August 2022.

PrePayments made using delegated authority since 5th July 2022

 

b. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS

It was RESOLVED: That payment of accounts as presented at reports 22113b – Payment of accounts – 6th September 2022 be approved.

 

It was RESOLVED: That a deposit of £50 be returned following hire of the pavilion.

 

c. TO REVIEW AND CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BANK RECONCILIATIONS – It was RESOLVED: That bank reconciliations 346 and 347 be accepted and signed by Cllr Smith.

It was RESOLVED: That bank reconciliations 348 and 349 be accepted and signed by Cllr Marden.

 

d. TO REVIEW BUDGET, INCOME AND EXPENDITURE – The budget, income and expenditure was reviewed. No concerns raised.

 

e. TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO THE COUNCIL’S BANK MANDATE AND AUTHORISED USERS -

It was RESOLVED: That Mr Warren, who is listed on the account in a decision-making capacity be removed.

It was RESOLVED: That Cllr Stone be added in a decision-making capacity, no access to the account required.

It was RESOLVED: That Rachel Fraser – Deputy Clerk to Council be added as an authorised user on the account.

 

f. TO RESOLVE CIL EXPENDITURE OF £10,000 TO BE USED TOWARDS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MULTI-PLAY TODDLER UNIT AT THE GRANTHAM ROAD PLAY PARK– It was RESOLVED: That CIL expenditure of £10,000 be used towards the replacement of the Multi- Play toddler unit at the Grantham Road play park.

 

22114. TO RECEIVE THE CLERKS REPORT ON CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED AND CONSIDER ANY RECOMMENDATIONS – Items noted: Warm Hubs to be added to the next agenda. The Clerk to make enquires with The Heath Christian Partnership regarding youth work. Correspondence from NALC, Historic England and the Police survey.

 

22115. TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT A REPORT ON DECISIONS MADE USING DELEGATED AUTHORITY – A written report was provided.

 

22116. TO RECEIVE THE CLERKS’ UPDATE REPORT FOR INFORMATION ONLY – A written report was provided. It was requested that consideration be given to whether this item should be published or transferred into a newsletter.

 

22117. TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTIONS FROM THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE HELD ON 25TH AUGUST 2022 - It was RESOLVED: That the publication of election materials supporting the promotion of the 2023 parish council elections be approved.

 

22118. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE FINANCE AND POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 7TH FEBRUARY 2022 -- It was RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 7th February 2022 be approved and signed as a true record by the chairman.

 

Cllr Adeyemi joined the meeting 7:25pm.

 

22119. PLANNING

a. TO CONSIDER PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL -

22/0965/FUL – Land to the rear of 14 Mount Road

It was RESOLVED: That Bracebridge Heath Parish Council objects to the application on the grounds of highway safety and design and

layout. In addition, the design and access statement does not refer to the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Plan or demonstrate how

it meets the relevant criteria.

 

Highway safety

Mount Road is a narrow cul-de-sac with a small turning circle at the end. Currently, vehicles belonging to the 10 existing properties on Mount Road are parked on the highway including on the turning circle. Images taken from Google Maps show the typical day to day parking for this road. There are existing difficulties on this road for cars to pass one another as well as access for emergency vehicles and

delivery vans. An additional 5 properties off Mount Road will increase the on-street parking. Whilst it is appreciated that each of the proposed properties will have an allocated space with some visitor allocation, in reality most properties require a minimum of 2 car parking spaces each and thus the proposal will inevitably lead to an increase in on-street parking on Mount Road. Additional on-street parking will exacerbate the existing issues on this small cul-de-sac and create unacceptable highway safety issues including problems of access for

emergency vehicles, deliveries and bin collections. On a day-to-day basis existing residents will have reduced access to their properties

and driveways.

 

Mount Road is also a well-used pedestrian route through to the play park on Grantham Road and also as a short cut through to the centre of the village. Additional on-street parking will increase the safety issues for pedestrians particularly disabled residents and those with prams. It should be noted that the existing (and increase in) on-street parking will mean that there is reduced visibility for vehicles

exiting the proposed access point. This is a particular safety concern for pedestrians.

 

The proposed turning circle within the new development does not provide adequate space to turn a large vehicle – grocery van etc if all the car parking spaces are full. In this scenario, vehicles will be forced to reverse onto Mount Road. In combination with the reduced visibility caused by on-street parking, the proposal causes unacceptable safety issues. The development does not meet the requirements of policy LP13 of the CLLP as the design and access statement does not refer to existing issues of on street parking. Policy LP13 requires that when considering parking provision the ‘number and nature of spaces provided, location and access should have regard for the surrounding conditions and cumulative impact’ of the proposal.

 

Design and layout

The proposed development is not in line with Policy LP26 which states that proposals should demonstrate ‘adequate storage, sorting and collection of household and commercial waste, including provision for increasing recyclable waste’. Further, there are no details outlining storage for a minimum of 15 wheelie bins with one property having no access to its rear garden except through the house

itself. The addition of properties, despite having lower eaves levels to negate overlooking, will result in a loss of sunlight and overshadowing to the garden of 16 Mount Road and to the bungalows on Stewards Way (to the east of the development).

 

The design and access statement does not refer to the Bracebridge Heath Neighbourhood Plan or demonstrate how it meets the relevant criteria. In particular, Policy 3 of the Neighbourhood Plan states that ‘proposals should provide the infrastructure for charging electric plug-in vehicles’ and ‘proposals likely to result in excessive unplanned on-street parking will not be supported’. Additionally, the

application does not demonstrate compliance with Policy 2 of the Neighbourhood Plan which requires that development proposals should show how the criteria throughout the policy and the Character Profile have informed the design.

 

In summary, Bracebridge Heath Parish Council considers that this application poses significant concerns for highway safety. In addition, it lacks the detail and information regarding the inclusion of environmental technologies, a robust and appropriate landscaping scheme and a construction management plan. Residents have also raised concerns about the effect of the proposal on the sewerage

infrastructure for Mount Road. Bracebridge Heath Parish Council requests that this is investigated before this application is considered further.

 

b. TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PLANNING DECISIONS – a written report was received.

 

22120. TO RECEIVE THE REPORT OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR AND CONSIDER ANY ACTIONS REQUIRED – It was RESOLVED: That the report from the external auditor is accepted, no actions required.

 

22121. TO CONSIDER QUOTATIONS FOR INSURANCE FOR THE VILLAGE HALL BUILDING - It was RESOLVED: That Financial Regulation 11.1h, is suspended in order for the council to effect insurance cover.

It was RESOLVED: To accept the quote for insurance from BHIB and if possible to put in place cover for 6 months instead of annual cover.

 

22122. TO EXECUTE A DEED OF TRANSFER RELATING TO A PARCEL OF LAND AT THE RECREATION GROUND - It was RESOLVED: That the deed

of transfer is executed by way of signature of Chairman, Cllr Callan and Vice-Chairman, Cllr Barr, witnessed by the Proper Officer for the Council.

 

22123. TO CONSIDER THE ACQUISITION (FREE OF CHARGE) OF LAND AT ROCHESTER CLOSE - It was RESOLVED: That Bracebridge Heath Parish Council would acquire the land at Rochester Close, accepting ownership and responsibility for its upkeep.

 

22124. TO CONSIDER AN EXTENSION TO THE AGREEMENT FOR A TEMPORARY TELEPHONE MAST AT THE RECREATION GROUND - It was RESOLVED: That an extension to the licence for a temporary telephone mast on the Recreation Ground is permitted for a period of 6 months subject to its removal by 15th February 2023, ensuring that the site is made good and left in its original condition. In granting this extension, neither Bracebridge Heath Parish Council as lessees nor North Kesteven District Council as landowner, assume responsibility for

the requirement to obtain planning consent for this temporary site.

 

22125. TO CONSIDER ARRANGEMENTS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY - It was RESOLVED: That Bracebridge Heath Parish Council will support an outdoor service as requested by Reverend Bell, subject to a risk assessment and pending permission from the landowner.

 

22126. TO CONSIDER A GRANT APPLICATION FROM THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB (DEFFERED FROM JULY 22) - It was RESOLVED: That £250 be awarded to The Friendship Club.

 

22127. TO REVIEW HIRE CHARGES FOR COUNCIL’S FACILITIES - It was RESOLVED:

- That the adult football season fee be increased to £500 and single use or matches be increased to £65 per use, commencing August 2023.

- That the pavilion hourly rate is increased to the following rates: uniformed services/non-profit making £9.00 per hour, commercial/private bookings £10.50 hour, commencing January 1st 2023.

 

22128. TO CONSIDER PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A CLIMBING WALL FROM FINDING FITNESS – There was no resolution to accept the quotation for the equipment. It was agreed that the Deputy Clerk would investigate further options for purchase of a climbing wall in the village and identify possible locations.

 

22129. BRACEBRIDGE HEATH VILLAGE HALL

a. TO CONSIDER A QUOTE FOR SPECIALIST VAT ADVICE - It was RESOLVED: That a quote from The Parkinson Partnership LLP be accepted.

b. TO DETERMINE THE PROCUREMENT METHOD FOR REFURBISHMENT OF THE HALL - It was RESOLVED: That the Council seeks to  award a single contractor to design and oversee the full project of refurbishment.

c. TO CONSIDER A CONSULTATION FRAMEWORK - It was RESOLVED: That the outline consultation plan v1.0 is approved, materials to be developed by officers and councillors and approved at a meeting of the council.

d. TO ACCEPT A BROAD DESIGN AND KEY ELEMENTS FOR THE VILLAGE HALL REFURBISHMENT - It was RESOLVED: That the draft

design for the village hall refurbishment shall include:

- Refurbished spaces throughout including the kitchen and toilets.

- Addition of a separate disabled toilet, to include a changing places toilet

- A permanent space for the Community Library, with the versatility to be used for other purposes.

- A main hall (in the region of 130m2)

- A parish office/meeting room

- Storage throughout and external storage for parish council grounds staff

 

22130. TO CONSIDER CO-OPTION TO A COUNCIL VACANCY – no applications received.

 

22131. TO CONSIDER ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING – Financial deposit account, Warm Hubs.

 

Items of a confidential nature to be debated in the absence of the press and public. Under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (due to the confidential nature of business)

It was RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of the following items on the

grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information.

 

22132. TO CONSIDER QUOTATIONS FOR A REPLACEMENT TODDLER MULTI-PLAY UNIT AT THE GRANTHAM ROAD PARK - It was RESOLVED: That the quote for the Diabolo Multi-Play Unit from Proludic be accepted.

 

22133. TO CONSIDER QUOTATIONS AND APPOINT A CONTRACTOR FOR THE REFURBISHMENT OF THE VILLAGE HALL – It was RESOLVED: That the quote from Kingsmead Design Ltd be accepted subject to receipt of:

- Public liability insurance

- Employers liability insurance

- Evidence of competency to carry out services described in accordance with the CDM Regulations

 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20.58pm

 

 

Signed___________________________Chairman                         4th October 2022