March Minutes Approved 2023
Minutes of the Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 14th March 2023
Present: Cllr C. Charlton (Chairman), Cllr A Vaughan, Cllr I Bruce, Cllr B Ross, Cllr K Manley and the Clerk, L. Davies.
In Attendance: Cllr R. Warren Dixon (SKDC), Laurie Pancutt, Anthony Cliffe and from the Pegasus Group for the presentation of development of land adjacent to Brambling Walk, Andrew Hodson and Thomas Kilvert. There were no Press in attendance.
Public Forum
1. Chairman’s Opening remarks.
1045. The Chairman gave a warm welcome on this dismal dank evening to those who have made their way to the Village Hall.
2. Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public.
1046. Anthony Cliffe raised on behalf of the Village Hall Committee regarding the regular occurrence of dog fouling in the car park and on the disabled ramp. The Chairman agreed to highlight dog fouling in the Newsletter.
Short presentation by Pegasus Group regarding possible development of land adjacent to Brambling Walk, Rippingale.
1047. Prior to any formal planning application, in order to gauge initial opinion, Thomas Kilvert, from the Pegasus Group on behalf of Seagate Homes, delivered proposals, with site location plans, already e-mailed to Councillors prior to the meeting, detailing there were two possible options being pursued:
• As qualified in the SKDC Local Plan SP4, an edge of settlement proposal for 10 family 4-5 bed sized homes, seen as a natural extension of the Brambling Walk development. This was viewed as of a similar density as the adjoining properties
• As part of the SKDC Local Plan Review Seagate Homes have submitted a Call for Sites form for an additional 35-40 homes on a larger site to the west of the smaller scheme. The timescale for concluding the Local Plan review will be long term and is still to be concluded.
1048. Cllr Charlton advised that the District Council were the prime arbiters of advice for planning issues and Mr Kilvert confirmed they had yet to contact SKDC on the initial development and the need to meet SP4’s edge of village criteria. It was highlighted that in the past the Parish Council took the view that any development should encourage young families into the village, which it was noted the smaller proposal’s housing range did not seem to meet. It was thought obvious that a full consultation with village residents would need to result in an over whelming view that the scheme was required. It was seen there would most likely be complaints from residents regarding proximity and loss of amenity and that local facilities had to be enhanced to meet any development. Cllr Ross raised the on-going issues of sewage and surface water drainage, which is causing concern on a regular basis, especially heavy rainfall. Cllr Bruce raised what he saw as resultant large volumes of traffic constricting the limited access via Brambling Walk.
Agenda
1. To receive Apologies for Absence and Reasons Given.
1049. Due to work commitments both Cllr J Petch and Cllr K Palmer sent their apologies.
2. To receive any new Declarations of Interest.
1050. None received
3. To approve the Minutes of the last Council Meeting held on 14th February 2023 (All)
1051. The previously circulated minutes of the last meeting were found be a true record and they were unanimously approved.
4. Receive External & Community Group Updates:
4.1 County & District Council Reports – as available.
1052. Cllr Richard Warren-Dixon highlighted that Local Elections on 4 May 2023, will be taking place in 152 District authorities, 46 Unitary authorities and 33 Metropolitan districts. This includes South Kesteven District Council. He will be standing for re-election to the Aveland Ward.
He then detailed Voter ID Requirements. From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections, recall petitions and, from October 2023, UK General elections. Voters who do not have acceptable photo ID can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate at: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id/applying-a-voter-authority-certificate
1053. He next highlighted that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund has agreed to ring-fence £1 million for projects across the District. Applications can now be made by town councils, parish councils, chartered trustees, and community groups to finance projects that deliver community improvements and build pride in place. Most of the money is available for projects in 2023-24 and 2024-25 but there is a small allocation for projects that can be delivered by Friday 31st March 2023. Applications are required without delay for building improvements to any public or community building, green space and outdoor improvements in any public area, culture, arts, and heritage initiatives that provide public benefit, Full information and how to apply for the South Kesteven Prosperity Fund is via: https://bit.ly/SKprosperityfund. The Chairman noted that the Parish Council had already applied for funds for the proposed new Pavilion.
4.2 Community Groups & Organisations – as available (NP; RGAG; Feast; HCS; VHMC; PCC; etc).
1054. Neighbourhood Plan – The Independent Examiner’s minor amendments to the proposed Rippingale NP have been accepted by both SKDC and Parish Council. The Plan will be voted on at Referendum on the 4th May. A pack of relevant documents to inform residents will be promulgated via the SKDC website, the Village website and noticeboard and paper copies probably placed at the Church and Village Hall for review. Details will be published in the Grantham Journal and may be promulgated via social media by SKDC.
1055. RGAG - There is concern that the Group may be disbanded due to a lack of support. This was viewed as detrimental to the effective running of the allotments, as a close working relation existed with the Parish Council with a sharing of tasks. Cllr Ross highlighted that the allotment contractual agreement did seem to require some revision and certain allotment holders were loath to sign it at present. It was agreed that a review by Cllr Ross should be undertaken for the Parish Council to assess. The Clerk confirmed the allotments are covered by the Parish Council’s Public Liability insurance.
1056. Feast – Formulation of the programme is well under way, with the Dog Show taking place on the Friday evening at the Jubilee Playing Field. It was as agreed to apply for a Temporary Events License, which it was thought covered a bar licence and live and recorded music playing.
1057. Hospital Car Service – The Service is working effectively with 12 journeys in the period to be undertaken but as 6 journeys had to be declined it would benefit from additional drivers. The need will again be advertised in the Newsletter and the Village Facebook page.
1058. Village Hall - Running smoothly with steady regular events on going.
1059. PCC – Nothing received but fund raising is under way.
5. Parish Matters:
5.1 To consider progress with refurbishment of Village signs and extra JFP finger sign.
1060. Village sign production remains underway, deadline to be set for completion. JFP finger sign to be ordered via Clerk.
5.2 To consider the progress in fundraising to replace the portacabin at Jubilee Playing Field.
1061. Fundraising is continuing; £2000 has been raised so far. The Tesco community scheme competition ends in March and will result in a £500, £1000 or £1500 award from Tesco. Application to SKDC Community Fund remains underway, with a date for entry to be clarified. Additional bids have been made as follows:
• £20,000 National Lottery Fund
• 20,000 SKDC Prosperity Fund
• £5,000 Screwfix Fund
• £500 Magic Little Grants
5.3 To consider and discuss use of carpet as a weed suppression at the Allotments.
1062. Discussion revealed that the allotment contract stated that no harmful substances or chemicals were to be used, therefore it was resolved that foam backed or plastic/polytene line carpets are not to be utilised but carpet of natural products eg wool would be permitted to help suppress weeds.
5.4 To consider and approve repair to the Millennium Noticeboard at the Village Green.
1063. Billy Walker who installed the Jubilee benches has been asked to quote to repair the Millennium Notice board.
5.5 To consider the annual inspection report for the play equipment at the Jubilee Playing Field and approve any remedial works.
1064. The report highlighted all findings were low risk, mainly requiring minor maintenance and monitoring throughout the year:
• Turf edges needed clearing: C Spinks has been asked to provide a quote to do this.
• Benches require painting/staining
• Gate closures to be adjusted
• Rings, bolt covers, basket swing showing wear
Councillor Vaughan volunteered to assess remedial work needed.
5.6 To review and approve the Parish Council’s policies and procedures.
1065. The policies and procedures were reviewed and found to be in line with the current guidelines, no amendments required. Clerk to update the review note on the Village website accordingly.
6. Financial Matters:
6.1 Financial Reports:
i. FY 2022/23 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure (All).
1066. The following items were vetted for validity by the Council and were unanimously approved for payment
Code Supplier Total
Equipment Maintenance The Play Inspection Company LTD £ 87.54
Allotment - General RGAG Plot management £ £ 85.00
Clerk Salary The Clerk £505.05
Clerk Mileage The Clerk £ 48.60
Printing Warners Group £ 82.00
Meetings Village Hall £ 10.00
Office Costs The Clerk £ 25.00
Printing Warners Group £ 82.00
£925.19
ii. To consider internal audit.
1067. Under way, report to be made once complete.
7.To Receive any Urgent Reports.
1068. Celebrations to mark the King’s Coronation date were considered. It seems no community interest has been generated as it is thought the Feast weekend preparations are absorbing the Village’s capabilities.
1069. The planned next meeting on the 11th of April was found to be impractical as many Cllrs would be absent. Clerk to investigate a revised date. The Clerk also highlighted that May’s meeting date may be unfeasible due to Parish Councillors’ election notification requirements. Clerk to monitor.
8. Public Forum.
No comments.
Next meeting: TBC