November 2023 Minutes
GEDNEY HILL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A MEETING held in the Memorial Hall on Monday 20th November 2023
PRESENT
Councillors N Watson (Chair), M Shepherd (Vice-Chair), K James, P Redgate, A Watson.
Also present: Cllr N Pepper, Lincolnshire County Council; Cllr L Eldridge, South Holland District Council and six members of the public.
PUBLIC FORUM
A parishioner explained to the meeting her idea for having various footpaths around the village converted to bridleways. Cllr Pepper explained the County Council’s responsibility for Rights of Way in the Parish; it was also noted that the landowners concerned would need to give their consent to any changes. (see also minute for Item 7 of the agenda).
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
There were no apologies
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest
3. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes were approved by acclaim following the addition of an item relating to the Pavilion CCTV. It was agreed to post a resume of the Cemetery rules in an appropriate place in the cemetery.
4. SPEEDWATCH AND SPEED AWARENESS
It was noted that some Speedwatch sessions had been carried out in conjunction with Shepeau Stow Community Speedwatch.
Cllr Eldridge has offered to provide additional 40mph signage to reinforce the existing speed limit signs on North Road where appropriate, and the Parish Council have sourced signs to reinforce the 30mph limit on Station Road, North Road, Mill Lane and Highstock Lane. Cllr Eldrige and her husband have kindly agreed to help with putting the signs up, which is greatly appreciated.
5. NEW DEFIBRILATOR
The generous donor company is based in the village, and has offered to host the defibrillator at their premises at the eastern extremity of the village, to even up the provision across the parish. The device has been delivered, the necessary paperwork is being completed between the donor and the parish, and installation is expected in the next few days. The possibility of a third-party maintenance contract for the defibrillators was discussed, to give comfort that they are suitably maintained and serviced – Cllr Redgate will provide the Clerk with details of a possible contractor.
6. HOUSE NUMBERING OF NEW PROPERTIES ON MILL LANE
Cllr Eldridge explained that the new properties will not be numbered, but will rely on names as has been tradition on that length of road. The developers and residents will be encouraged to ensure the house names are readable from the roadside and to ensure delivery drivers are given detailed instructions, perhaps including What3words references.
7. PUBLIC FOOTPATHS AND RIGHTS OF WAY
Further to the discussions in the public forum, Councillors discussed the proposal. It was noted that certain footpaths are unsuitable for anything but pedestrians (especially the path alongside the Church giving access to the churchyard and cemetery). Any change of status of footpaths is a matter for Lincolnshire County Council, with the agreement of the landowners. It was suggested that the horse owners in the Parish should seek guidance from an organisation such as the British Horse Society, via their Access and Bridleways Officers as to how to pursue this matter. The Parish Council committed to responding promptly to any enquiries from the BHS (or similar group) or the County Council on the matter.
8. MORRISONS DAILY – CHRISTMAS OPENING
Councillors noted that a number of parishioners have questioned the need for the village shop to open on Christmas Day. The Chair noted that the revised hours (including extended evening opening) are to ensure consistency across the Morrisons Daily estate. It was agreed that the Clerk should write to Morrisons, acknowledging their right to operate as they see fit but to bring parishioners feelings to their attention.
9. PARISH PAVILLION
a. Gutter Repair
The acting Clerk explained the difficulty in obtaining quotations for the work and that one quote only has been received in the sum of £500 to replace the gutters to the front of the pavilion. Cllr James noted that a temporary repair had been made. Councillors deferred the matter for a suitable budget provision to be considered for 2024/5 to effect a permanent repair.
It was noted that the contractor had yet to attend the pavilion to assess the CCTV system, the acting Clerk will remind them to do so.
10. PLANNING
a. Current planning applications
There are three current planning applications outstanding:
H07-0977-23 120 North Road
H07-0947-23 Plot 4, Highstock Lane
H07-0924-23 74 North Road
There has been one planning decision made since the last meeting:
H07-0706-23 19a Station Road, erection of annexe. This application was REFUSED by the local authority
b. Discuss consultations and concerns
The three extant proposals are matters of detail or renewal of previously granted permission; there are no material planning considerations requiring comment by the Parish Council.
11. FINANCIAL MATTERS
Bank Balances:
Current Account £15370.95
Investment Account £2865.61
TOTAL £18236.56
INCOME
Cemetery fees £480.00
Grants & Donations £2296.23
Bank Interest £2.89
EXPENDITURE
Playing field rent £273.50
Staff costs £619.76
Bank service charge £6.26
Electricity £62.00
LALC Training £30.00
Water Rates £35.32
Poppy Wreath £25.00
Dyke Clearance £75.00
Domain Name £87.22
12. TO CONSIDER THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO DATE
Deferred to next meeting
13. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
None
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
15th January 2024, 6.30pm, Memorial Hall
Meeting closed at 7.10pm