Meeting 2026

Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Monday  3rd August 2026.
Present: Cllr Creek (Chair), Cllr Lumb (Vice Chair), Cllr Earl, Cllr Warcup, Cllr Abel (Ward), Cllr Hill (District) and the Clerk, L. Davies.

Public Forum
Members of the public discussed planning application H22-0466-26 – Construction of the 400kV Weston Marsh Air Insulated Substation (Substation A). Questions were raised as to why the proposal would affect Rippingale, given that the substation itself is located outside the parish. It was explained that the application forms part of the wider National Grid infrastructure project and should be viewed within the context of the overall scheme rather than as a standalone development. It was noted that the substation application is progressing ahead of the associated overhead transmission line proposals, as National Grid requires the infrastructure to be constructed and operational in readiness for the future pylon network. Members of the public expressed concerns that this appeared to be premature, given that the transmission line proposals have not yet been determined. The discussion also covered the Government's Net Zero objectives, with comments that the project is being advanced to support the wider electricity transmission network required to meet future energy demands. A question was raised regarding the planning process and, should the application be approved, who any subsequent appeal would be made to. It was explained that planning decisions and any associated appeals are dealt with through the statutory planning process. A resident raised concerns regarding the appeal for planning application S25/2183 – Land off Brambling Walk, Erection of 10 Dwellings.
The residents noted that the appeal documentation comprises approximately 142 documents and referred specifically to statements within the submission regarding public transport provision. It was stated that the appeal references a regular bus service, a school bus service and a Thursday bus service to Sainsbury's in Bourne. The resident expressed the view that this did not accurately reflect the current level of public transport available.
The resident advised that the village is primarily served by the CallConnect demand-responsive transport service, which requires advance booking, no longer provides a door-to-door service and is subject to limited availability due to demand from surrounding villages.
Concerns were also raised regarding the sustainability of the village. The resident stated that Rippingale does not have a primary school, early years provision, GP surgery, convenience shop, post office or library, and questioned whether the village meets the criteria for a sustainable settlement.
It was further noted that the original refusal of the application was considered to be in accordance with South Kesteven District Council's housing policies. Additional concerns were expressed regarding the suitability of the proposed road access, the potential for traffic congestion at the site entrance, and the possible impact of the development on existing surface water flooding issues.
During the discussion, Members asked whether any objection submitted would still need to be based on material planning considerations. It was confirmed that planning authorities can only take account of material planning matters when determining an application.

Formal Meeting Agenda
1.    To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given.
Appologies received from Cllr Lambord due to personal reasons.  
2.    S25/2183 - Appeal Land off Brambling Walk - Erection of 10 Houses
It was RESOLVED that the Parish Council would submit further comments in respect of the appeal for planning application S25/2183. Cllr Lumb agreed to forward a copy of the proposed objection to the Clerk to assist in preparing the Council's submission.
3.    H22046626 South Holland District Council - Construction of Air Insulated Substation - 44kV Weston Marsh Substation The Parish Council considered planning application H22-0466-26 and the potential implications of the wider National Grid Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire infrastructure project. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED that the Parish Council would submit a formal objection to South Holland District Council in respect of the application. It was further agreed that copies of the objection would be sent to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, the local Member of Parliament, and the Leader of South Holland District Council, Cllr Nick Worth, to ensure the Council's concerns were brought to their attention. Members noted that the Lincolnshire Against Needless Destruction (LAND) website provides a template objection letter. It was acknowledged that, whilst the template may assist in preparing representations, Cllr Lumb would create a more personal response.

Next meeting 10th August 2026 General Meeting at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall