January minutes 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 10th January 2023
Present: Cllr C. Charlton (Chairman), Cllr A. Vaughan, Cllr J. Petch, Cllr K. Palmer, Cllr B Ross, Cllr I Bruce and the Clerk, L. Davies.
In Attendance: Cllr R. Warren Dixon (SKDC), D Clipston, S. Barfield, S. Machen, D. Knibbs and S Knibbs
There were no Press in attendance.
Public Forum
1. Chairman’s Opening remarks
996. The Chairman welcomed attendees after the Council’s 2-month break since the last meeting.
2. Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public
997. D Clipston raised concerns regarding the planning application S22/2196 at the Willows Care Home, for change of use of a building to enable it to accommodate staff. She asked if the Parish Council will be taking the same stance as per its earlier objections to previous planning applications, namely concerning noise, light, loss of privacy and demands on the Village sewage system. S22/2196 also seemed to be in retrospect as the building is already being used to house staff. The application will be discussed later within the Agenda. Cllr R Warren Dixon highlighted he will seek to support any objections and has requested early insight of input, noting any individual slot at the Planning Committee is limited to 3 minutes.
S Machin and S. Barfield from Barmach Property Development attended part of the meeting to seek guidance on a proposed reapplication of the refused planning application S22/1715 for 9 properties behind 16 High Street, to better understand the requirements of the Village. The Chairman informed them the Council are unable to provide specific guidance but can comment on proposed revisions once received via SKDC. He detailed that the Council will generally comment on demands on the sewerage infrastructure, which is already under strain, the number, type and style of properties on a plot, including the need for homes to suit young families.
Agenda
1. To receive Apologies for Absence and Reasons Given.
998. Apologies were received from Cllr K Manley, due to the passing of her husband Adrian; the Council sent their condolences to Cllr Manley at this sad time.
2. To receive any new Declarations of Interest.
999. None
3. 5.1 To approve the Minutes of the last Council Meeting held on 10th November 2022 (All)
1000. The previously circulated minutes of the last meeting were found be a true record of the meeting and unanimously approved.
4. Receive External & Community Group Updates:
4.1 County & District Council Reports – as available.
1001. District Council. Cllr Dixon Warren reported that SKDC’s Cost of Living Task Force’s comprehensive infographic for those without internet access – or have difficulty working online – was sent to every household before Christmas in SKToday. For those who can access online information, SKDC’s website was available at: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/costofliving
He highlighted that SKDC-operated car parks have now been successfully upgraded to allow card and contactless payment only. The new payment system allows for faster, more convenient transactions and reduces the need for people to use coins, reducing queues and preventing people having to struggle for the correct change. The ticket machines have been reprogrammed and still provide a paper ticket for display in the windscreen. Cllr Petch noted that the system is in place but on a recent trip to Stamford out of the 3 machines only 1 was working. Grants totalling more than £13,000 have been approved in the latest round of awards from the Council’s Community Fund. The money will help deliver life-saving equipment, increase community activities and fund the replacement of a popular heritage sculpture. Grants have been paid for new defibrillators to replace outdated equipment, and extra equipment and resources to deliver new projects at Grantham’s Jubilee Church Life Centre. Any constituted group and organisation within South Kesteven can apply for Community Fund grants for projects or events that benefit the local community.
Cllr Charlton raised an on-going persistent issue with blockages to the dyke drain outside the Willows Care Home during heavy rainfall, which necessitates clearance by Villagers to prevent flooding on the adjacent road. It has been reported to SKDC as a health and safety hazard but no definitive answer has been received on which outside agency should keep the drain clear. Cllr Dixon Warren was to investigate.
4.2 Community Groups & Organisations – as available (NP; RGAG; Feast; HCS; VHMC; PCC; etc).
1002. Neighbourhood Plan - the independent inspector has completed the initial assessment of the Plan and walked the Village and seeks clarification on a few points. The SKDC 6-week consultation received comments from the Church, SKDC, Sport England and one village resident. Cllr Charlton will respond by 25/1/23.
1003. Row Gardens Allotment Group – the allotment hedges are due cutting by the appointed contractor. The Clerk was to chase. Ian Middleton has been appointed the Group’s new Secretary.
1004. Feast – the Christmas Tree lighting was a successful event and despite the rain the carol singers sang happily, creating a merry Christmas spirit. The Committee plan a raffle, Clerk to obtain a gambling license for this. The Feast Day booklet is under development.
1005. Hospital Car Service - running steady with 7 journeys being complete in the last period. Recruitment of new drivers continues, to be highlighted in the Newsletter.
1006. Village Hall - is functioning steadily and future plans include upgrading the security alarm system.
1007. Parochial Church Council – reported that a group of volunteers has been established to assist the Church in securing its future.
5. Parish Matters:
5.1 Ian Bruce to formally accept a place as a Parish Councillor and certify as such
1008. Ian Bruce formally accepted. This was recorded.
5.2 To consider progress with refurbishment of Village signs and extra JFP finger sign.
1009. Ongoing.
5.3 To consider and approve the contractor for the Grass Cutting Contract 2023.
1010. Due to an email issue the tender for the contract was not sent out as planned to prospective contractors. Tenders now sent and with a closing date of 20th January. Clerk will forward tenders’ information via email to Councillors. To be considered at the next meeting.
5.4 To consider the progress in fundraising to replace the portacabin at Jubilee Playing Field.
1011. This is still under way and the 3rd quote has been received for a log cabin style building, to enable SKDC Community Fund application. There are currently 2 x Bourne and 1 in Spalding Tesco Community competition boxes underway for the Pavilion. Amazon Smile and Easy Fundraising donation portals have been set up for access by Villagers to use. Clerk to update website.
5.5 To consider and discuss Mains water connection to the Allotments.
1012. Anglian Water’s quote to locate mains water at the Allotment hand gate entrance is £4145.45 including VAT. Based on calculations on usage and current water billing in the Parish, it is considered each allotment holder would need to be charged £0.24 per square meter to recover usage costs. It was decided that the Clerk is to canvass all Allotment holders on their agreement to meet this cost before taking the project further forward.
5.6 To consider Allotment contract renewal.
5.6.1 Price per square metre
1013.It was decided to retain the cost at £0.14 per square meter after considering allotment occupancy levels and also the current economic outlook.
5.7 To consider the establishment of the Village programme of events
1014. In the past there have been clashes of events, so to prevent this it was agreed a central calendar of events would be beneficial. Clerk to manage the calendar on the website, after promulgation in the Newsletter.
5.8 To consider S22/2322 – Planning application for the construction of 5 dwellings at 13 East Street (Outline only – all matters reserved)
1015. Concerns were raised regarding the proposed density of housing, the lack of affordable housing for young families, no local consultation and any compensating proposal, increased sewage outflow on an already creaking system, the need for efficient drainage from the site, swollen traffic flow from a constrained entrance onto a busy road and a loss of privacy issue. Chairman to propose points for SKDC and Clerk to email objections once approved.
To consider application S22/2196 The Willows Residential Care Home, Section 73 application to vary condition 2 of previous planning ref SK.93/1237 to temporarily provide sleeping arrangements for overseas residential care home staff.
1016. It was clear that in material terms the affected local residents are in opposition to this proposal for the change of use of the building in question. They deem the building’s use for accommodation would affect their privacy, with noise ramifications, with staff moving around at unsocial hours. There are also concerns regarding additional sewage and flooding implications. Chairman to propose points for SKDC and Clerk to email objections once approved.
6. Financial Matters:
6.1 Financial Reports:
i. FY 2022/23 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure (All)
1017. The below items were unanimously agreed and passed for payment; D Knibbs had agreed to meet 50% of the digger hire costs for allotment use.
Date Description Supplier VAT Type Net VAT Total
08/09/2022Annual Costs D KNIBBS Z £ 50.00 £ - £ 50.00
06/01/2023 Annual Costs RGAG Plot management E £110.00 £ - £110.00
06/01/2023 Newsletter Warners Group Z £ 82.00 £ - £ 82.00
28/01/2023 Clerk Salary The Clerk X £505.05 £ - £505.05
06/01/2023 JPF maintenance Chair s £ 17.74 £3.55 £ 21.29
TOTAL £764.79 £3.55 768.34
ii. To consider and approve Draft Precept and Budget for 2023/2024
1018. The Council considered the Precept and Budget for 2023/2024. It was detailed that the budget was based on the Precept remaining at the same levy, supported by VAT reclaim, allotment and land rent, with minor LCC and SKDC contributions. The majority of budget costs are for the Clerk’s salary and administration at 32% of the budget, followed by a 39% allocation for general maintenance, and 25% allowance for grass cutting contracting. There is a £3k inflation contingency sum within the budget and a £7,500 project allocation. It was considered that the budget met the Council’s needs and it was unanimously approved. The budget details are to be posted on the Village Noticeboard and website.
7. To Receive any Urgent Reports.
1019. The Council considered the trial of allowing dogs on the Playing Field. As no adverse remarks had been received or incidents reported it was concluded that dogs are to remain allowed on the playing field. Additionally, it was agreed to consider purchasing a bench for use on the playing field, as all benches at the moment are within the playground fenced off area.
1020. The Millennium board on the Village Green has become weather worn and requires repairing. It was agreed to take this forward.
1021. It was noted that despite signage and being against regulations cycles are still being used on public footpaths This was to be raised the community police team.
8. Public Forum.
Next meeting: Tuesday 14th February 2023 – Village Hall
L Davies C Charlton
Clerk Chairman