October Minutes 2025
Minutes of the Meeting on 13th October 2025 at 7.00 pm at Rippingale Village Hall, Station Street, Rippingale.
In attendance Chair Cllr Ross, Vice Chair Cllr Creek, Cllr Lumb, Cllr Jones, Cllr R Dixon-Warren & volunteer clerk Chris Ross
Public Forum -
Chairman’s Opening remarks
Warm welcome to members of Rippingale community who have taken the time to attend this meeting. This is the place where residents can raise issues that are important to them. In this way, the Parish Council can address those issues and advise what is possible to be done to deal with them. It is also a platform for people to put forward good ideas of how we can maintain and improve the village for all residents.
Councillor Richard Dixon-Warren is stepping down from his role which included our voice in SKDC. A local bi-election will be held in 11th December 2025 to appoint a new representative for us at District Council level. Richard has been a strong and valuable asset to Rippingale over the past years and his support and guidance will be sorely missed.
A resident has come forward some time ago as a potential new councillor and the Parish Clerk is to provide an update regarding the application Action Clerk
Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public
Residents once again raised the issue of used sand bags being dumped at the rear of the village hall. Cllr Ross remined everyone that this issue was not a matter for the Parish Council but must be reported via “FixMyStreet” so that the relevant responsible body could take action. It was noted that the discarded bags were black, meaning that, as the PC has not issued any black bags, the dumped bags must come from outside Rippingale or being left by somebody who has access to the storage bins. Anyone with evidence, such as photos/videos etc. showing who may have left these bags, must report this to www.Fixmystreet.com or the Police as it is considered to be illegal fly-tipping and may result in perpetrators receiving a fine.
A resident asked RPC to contact LCC requesting that a “GIVE WAY” sign be erected at the junction of Linnet Drive and The Dovecote as vehicles from the new estate do not slow down at that junction. Cllr Ross to raise with FMS and a contact in LCC highways Action BWR
A resident raised an issue with street lamps being cloudy and obscured by branches. There appears to be a missing street lamp at the West end of Pinfold Close. The footpath from Station Street to he Playing Field has no lighting whatsoever. RPC advised residents to take photos and report via FMS www.Fixmystreet.com
Formal Meeting Agenda
1.0 To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given.
Parish Clerk, Laura Davies offered apologies due to a family issue.
2.0 To receive any new Declarations of Interest. None
3.0 To approve the Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 1st September 2025 Cllr Ross raised some matters in the previous minutes and asked that they be amended as follows;
• Ref - Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public – remove “If returning sand bags please notify the PC” as the PC do not need notifying (see above comments)
• Ref 5.0 – WMEL –“open the door to solar farms … ADD… on shore wind farms and battery storage facilities” NOTE:- Cllr Lumb requested that future reference to “Solar farms” be replaced with “Solar Installations” as they were not a “Farm” as such.
• Ref 5.6.2 – the requirement not to do a “tickle cut” is relevant to this year (2025) only.
• Ref 5.6 – This should read “To discuss and review the area management at The Pinfold and the JPF border – hedge & on-going maintenance. It was agreed and voted to engage Gary’s Gardens to maintain the hedge line at Pinfold Close to JPF fence line, both sides for the cost of £580 and at The Pinfold - to get the hedge and grass under control at a cost of £285. Clerk to liaise with Gary’s Gardens for a date to commence work and advise the PC before next meeting Action Clerk
• Ref 6.6.2 – ADD “Clerk to investigate taking out Trustee Insurance and contact the Charity Commission for advice. Clerk to advise before next meeting. Action Clerk
3.1. Cllrs voted to approve the minutes subject to these changes.
4.0 Parish Clerk’s Report (excluding matters raised later in the agenda)
4.1. JPF Septic tank cleaning – ongoing No action at this time
4.2. To discuss and review the need to move over to a .GOV emails to come in line with assertion 10 on the AGAR. – Existing e-mail addresses may be vulnerable. Clerk to advise reference changes to “.gov” format by next meeting. Action Clerk
4.3. To present community speed awareness information –
Cllr Ross advised that training and equipment was available from the Police, but required a team of volunteers from the village to come forward to undertake speed monitoring. Clerk to provide additional information by next meeting. Action Clerk
4.4. Allotments:-
A tenant has request permission to install a poly tunnel on Plot 6B (see 6.4.2 below). Cllrs voted to allow this provided it was in accordance with the sizes set out in the Tenancy Agreement Resolved
5.0 External & Community Group Updates:
5.1. County & District Council Reports – Cllr Dixon-Warren provided the following update for Aveland:-
National Grid – Great Grid Update – Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire
National Grid’s proposal is now Planning Application S25/1123, discussed at SKDC’s Planning Committee on Thursday 28 August 2025. Meeting details (Agenda, Report and Webcast) are on SKDC’s website at https://moderngov.southkesteven.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=165&MId=4714
The Proposal was ‘Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire Grid Upgrade stage 1 consultation’. It was recommended that the Committee endorse the draft response to the National Grid and delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Planning & Growth, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to issue the final response. Cllrs David Bellamy and I spoke up for residents. Liaison continues with neighbouring Parishes, District and County Councillors, and our MP, Gareth Davies MP, to make our voices heard.
Local Government Reorganisation https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/LGR
SKDC has put an engagement survey online giving residents of South Kesteven the opportunity to have their say on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This reorganisation will see larger authorities replace the current system of county, city, district and borough councils in Lincolnshire. Have your say at www.givemyview.com/lincolnshirelgr . The Government is due to decide how may Unitary Authorities there will be in the UK in November 2025.
Moving on I have decided to step down as Aveland Ward Councillor by the end of October 2025, for personal reasons. A by-election will be called on 11th December 2025. I intend to leave matters in good order with full regard for my constituents and will endeavour to find someone to bridge the gap.
5.2. Community Groups & Organisations –
5.2.1. Village Hall Management Committee - Village Hall Trustee policy. A date is still to be set for a meeting between PC & VHMC to discuss the role and relationship with the Trustees on the VHMC. Lack of RPC Cllrs and other factors have delayed the setting of this date, but it will continue to be included at future meetings until a meeting has taken place. Action AL
5.2.2. Hospital Car Scheme – 5 requests, 2 of which could not be accommodated as there was no driver available. One driver has resigned, leaving only 3 other possible drivers. Very low take up.
5.2.3. RGAG - A month of continual harvesting and getting the soil prepared for next spring’s planting. Over winter crops are now either in the ground or imminently being planted. The 7th September, coffee morning Open Day was a nice event with lots of members popping along and members of the public stopping by for a cuppa. We have let a full plot from a couple looking round on the day, so the event achieved what we hoped it would. We have had a further delivery of wood clippings and manure so we have ample for all RGAG members to benefit from. All the new plot holders have made positive starts and we will continue to try to work with those members who need some extra help/support. We have slowed down on advertising due to committee members holidays etc but will keep putting adverts out over the autumn/winter months to try to fill the few remaining empty plots. We will be commencing on the first phase of the water harvesting plan, next to the lean to over the autumn/ winter. Enquiries are being made to try to obtain reduced cost IBC’s and funding opportunities will be looked into. We would like to say thank you to the Parish Council for the work on the culvert at the entrance to the allotment site.
5.2.4. PCC – No recent feedback to report but next meeting set for November 2025 Action JJ
5.2.5. Police Update – nothing to report Action TC
5.2.6. Feast Committee –
• Cllr Lumb advised that a discussion has taken place with FORC group at which it was proposed that the Feast be held every other year with a FORC event happening in the intervening years. Cllrs to consider this proposal – Action All Cllrs
• Cllr Ross requested a summary of the Feast accounts as soon as possible. Action AL
6.0 Parish Matters:
6.1. Newsletter To discuss and review printing quotations – Cllr Lumb to provide quotation comparison by next meeting Action AL
6.2. Jubilee Playing Field
6.2.1. To review the SKDC Prosperity Fund grant –
Cllr Ross advised that, following feedback from Cllr Dixon-Warren after his contact with SKDC Assistant Director of Finance, this grant would unfortunately need to be repaid to SKDC once access to the Nar West bank account has been resolved. Cllr Ross to follow up his contact with SKDC’s ADF to try to retain some of the monies. Action BWR
6.2.2. To review the Tesco Community Grant –
The relevant works (Tennis court repairs & Goal posts installation) have now been completed. Clerk to confirm this with Tesco, with evidence to claim remaining grant funds if still available. Action Clerk
6.2.3. To review and discuss the Goal post installation –
Goal Posts have been fitted. As the goal posts are 21ft x 7ft, they are Junior sized goals for 13-14 age group. The corners of a Junior Pitch has been marked out, (90 x 55 yards) allowing for appropriate safety run off at the sides and ends.
This has ensured the the goals are positioned, such that, if a junior team wanted to have a pitch and the use of the pitch, the goals are in the right place. The siting of the goals did highlight the scale of the slope of the ground, which is quite pronounced.
We hope that the goals are well used by the young people in the village, and feel that they enhance the playing fields. We think it is important that young people have safe spaces to play sports, especially at a time where so many playing fields are being lost to development etc. Resolved
6.2.4. To discuss the Tennis net & post repairs –
At the same time as the goals were fitted, the tennis posts were reset. The amount of force used in the vandalism of the post had caused a weld to fail in the post ground mount. The resetting has improved this. As the net had been cut several times, it has been replaced and hopefully it will be treated with respect and will be slackened off after each use. The village is fortunate in having an accessible tennis court. Resolved
6.2.5. To discuss and review progress on the removal of old Store –
Including emptying of its contents & disconnecting Services. – this may form part of the proposal to set up a JPF Committee (see later in these Minutes at 6.6.1). There remains an offer to remove the old unit free of charge and to provide contact with services experts to deal with electrics & water supply.
6.2.6. To discuss waste bins emptying –
Thanks go to a volunteer from the village who has stepped forward to empty these bins, but a provisional cost may still need to be included in future budgets. A quote to empty these bins is to be obtained. Action Clerk
6.2.7. To discuss the possibility that the playing field is used by a youth football team –
A request to use the field for training and matches has been received from Thurlby Tigers under 14s football club. Cllrs voted that this would be acceptable as the field is a public place, available to all for recreational activities. However, if a formal match was to be held, then full and proper paperwork would need to be in place (Risk Assessment, insurance, parking arrangements etc) and the possibility of a nominal charge considered. Refer to item 6.6.1 below. Action RS
6.3. Flooding
6.3.1. To receive an update from Anglian Water infiltration. -
We await further updates from Anglian Water, who, as previously reported, have undertaken infiltration surveys with our network. Some may have seen BBC Look North in the village a few weeks ago, who used Rippingale as a case study, after reaching out to the Parish Council. Cllr Creek was also interviewed on BBC Radio Lincolnshire.
The publicity was due to the water regulator, OFWATt, ordering Anglian Water to pay £62.8m over its failures in managing its wastewater treatment works and network that meant it was unable to cope with sewage flows.
The regulator found that the company “failed to operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater assets adequately”, leading to a breach of its legal obligations. Something that we have been arguing for many years.
6.3.2. To receive an update on the SKDC & LCC walkabout
• Cllr Creek has been chasing the Environment Officer at SKDC for months without any meaningful updates. This is disappointing, given the initial enthusiasm during the walkabout. Cllr RDW to contact Tom Lighthowler (SKDC) for a response Action RDW
• Cllr Lumb advised that the sewage being pumped into Rippingale’s sewage system from Dowsby is not being treated as it supposed to be. Cllr Lumb to provide details to Cllr Creek to add this to his dialogue with AW and SKDC Action AL & TC
6.3.3. To receive an update on the following dykes – awaiting contact with SKDC (ref 6.3.2 above)
• Grinder’s Lane
• Rear of Linnet
• Station – Allotments to A15
• Rear of Dovecote
6.4. Allotments.
6.4.1. Allotment Water Supply
• To receive an update of the Deed of Easement – route plan sent to Lawhive. Awaiting update from Parish Clerk. Action Clerk
• To discuss and review the alternative quotes for on-site pipework for the water supply at the allotments – on hold awaiting rain harvesting feasibility study by RGAG
• To receive an Anglian Water updated quote for Hydrant connection only for the allotments - on hold awaiting rain harvesting feasibility study by RGAG
• To discuss the proposal to promote water harvesting and to invest in creating communal stations – Cllr Ross restated that RPC are investigating, with the help of the RGAG, this alternative solution to water provision for the allotments. This alternative would provide many positive benefits over and above the installation of a piped water supply, including but not restricted to -
• No cost for Anglian Water to instal a metered connection (£6500)
• No cost to install on-site pipework (£700)
• Easier access to ALL plot holders as proposed standpipe was to be located at the far south easterly corner of the site, whereas the harvesting stations would be placed around the full site
• No standing charges or metered water costs from Anglian Water, reducing the need to increase plot rents to cover these costs.
• No cost or use of resource to monitor and charge for water usage.
It was approved to move forward with this proposal and, in principle, contribute to the cost Resolved
• Parish Clerk to confirm that a letter has been sent to all plot holders outlining this trial asking for their comments. Action Clerk
6.4.2. To discuss and review re-sizing plots to provide smaller areas that may increase interest – Cllrs voted to approve the revised plot plan that has previously been circulated Resolved
6.4.3. To review the culvert repair at the entrance to the allotments –
• Repair works completed in the last month Resolved
• There is another culvert across Station St near to the Allotment field that was raised with SKDC during the walkabout and may require full investigation and potential clearance in due course. To be added to Cllr Creek’s dialogue with SKDC Action TC
6.5. Overgrown Hedges
6.5.1. To discuss and review the ownership at Grinder’s Lane – Clerk to report if letters have been sent to relevant owners advising that if these hedges are not dealt with by a specific date, the RPC will have no choice but to involve Lincolnshire CC, who will carry out the work and charge the costs directly to them. Action Clerk
6.5.2. To discuss and review the Hedge cutting tender for 2025, to include the tickle cut mid growing season - This was approved at the last meeting, the tickle cut not being required this season. Clerk to confirm that the changes have been included for the next year’s tender Action Clerk
6.5.3. To discuss and review the area management at– hedge & on-going maintenance
• The Pinfold – quote approved at last meeting – Clerk to confirm when works are to be done Action Clerk
• The Pinfold Close/JPF border - quote approved at last meeting – Clerk to confirm when works are to be carried out Action Clerk
6.6. Community Liaison
6.6.1. To receive an update on the Youth Engagement Initiative – Cllr Ross proposed that a JPF Committee be set up to manage and promote the use of the playing field and associated sports facilities. This Committee would be chaired by Mr Richard Shuttlewood (RS) who has volunteered his time and enthusiasm to help promote the use of this valuable village asset. His initial thoughts include –
• Use of the Tennis court over winter – 5-a-side / Basket ball / other games
• Purchase and Installation of a concrete Table Tennis table on the existing concrete area to the west of the tennis court
• Purchase and Installation of football goal nets
• Fundraising events in the Village Hall to encourage involvement of Parents & Grandparents in the future health of their children.
Cllr Ross reminded everyone that the PC does not presently have funds available for these initiatives so welcomes the proposal to hold fundraising events in the coming months.
NOTE :- Richard’s contact e-mail is - rshuttlewood@outlook.com
Councillors voted to approve the setting up of a JPF Committee by RS Resolved
6.6.2. To receive an update on the “Street Champions” - initiative on hold due to lack of Councillor resource.
6.7. Planning: To receive and consider planning applications: - The Parish Council noted applications this month were very high at 28 dwellings in total. The cumulative effect particularly on an already struggling sewerage system and potential increase in flooding issues was highlighted as was the lack of infrastructure in the village.
6.7.1. S25/1272 – Change of use for car storage at 155 Doctors Surgery – Cllrs approved the submission of an objection to this proposal and Cllr Lumb provided and related a comprehensive objection for submission to SKDC by the close of business 14th October 2025 Action AL
6.7.2. S25/1685 -30 East Street - Application for reserved matters relating to access, appearance, layout, landscaping and scale following outline planning permission S24/0315 14th October – Cllr Lumb provided detailed reasons why this application did not meet the needs of Rippingale nor its compliance with planning requirements. Parish Council comments, developed in consultation with residents to include items discussed at the meeting relating to, but not limited to 2 issues that were raised at the outline stage but deferred. i.e, lack of turning circle and site sewerage pumps. Cllr Lumb to submit an objection to SKDC before the 14th October deadline, either via the Parish Clerk or directly if the Clerk remained unavailable to do so. Action AL
6.7.3. S25/1695 Conversion of barn to 10 dwelling houses (22nd October) at Manor Farm – Cllr Lumb outlined the Class Q planning process.
Class Q regulations were updated in May 2024 and the criteria allow the conversion of agricultural buildings to dwellings through permitted development rights, but the building must have been part of an agricultural unit on or before July 24, 2023, or have been in agricultural use for 10 years if established after that date. The development is restricted to a total of 10 dwellings, each with a maximum floor area of 150 square meters, and a maximum total cumulative floor space of 1,000 square meters. Additional restrictions apply, including limitations on listed buildings, protected areas, and the extent of structural changes, and a prior approval process is required. As it is permitted development, consults cannot object but can comment on whether the site meets regulation. It is worth noting that Developers do use class Q as a stepping stone to get full planning permission on a site that ordinarily would be refused, using the fall back position to argue a conversion could legally be built but a new builds would be better. The Parish Council will submit comments. Action AL
6.7.4. S25/1654 Class Q Barn Farm: Conversion of a poultry shed into 5 dwellings - deadline for consult comment 22/10/25. As for 6.7.3 above Action AL
6.7.5. S25/1705 Land to the rear if 16-22 High St - outline planning application for 5 dwellings -deadline for consult comment 29/10/25.
A prior application had been made for 9 dwellings on the site and this application was refused. The Parish Council raised issues to then and the same issues remain a concern particularly the scale therefore the Parish Council will comment on the new application for the site. Cllr Lumb to draft proposals for comments from RPC in relation to the proposal’s compliance with various “Criteria” (size/number of units/access to the highway etc) Action AL
6.7.6. S25/1654 Conversion of former poultry shed into 5 3-bedroom single storey dwellings. 22nd October – another Class Q planning application. Similar comments to be presented by Cllr Lumb on this application Action AL
6.7.7. S25/1705 – 5 houses to the rear of High St – previous application for 9 units objected to by RPC and subsequently refused by SKDC. Cllr Lumb to comment on this application so that Cllrs can decide to submit an objection or not. Action AL
6.7.8. S25/1476 – 2 houses at 83 Station Street (Little Farm) – re-submission varying the details of a previously approved application which has expired. The main concerns raised previously by the Parish Council related to the size, design and sitting of the dwellings. The Parish Council agreed to submit comments on design, sitting and size of the dwellings. Action AL
6.7.9. To Discuss request to lay pipe work across the JPF to main surface water drain from development at 30 East Street. – not discussed, but initial Cllrs’ response is that this would not be acceptable. To be discussed at next RPC meeting Action Clerk
6.8. War Memorial To discuss update of names and maintenance of the war memorial. – Cllr Jones advised that her enquiries into obtaining funding for the work and the cost of a “Faculty” (about £2000) has not been successful, but she will continue to research other sources. Action JJ
6.9. Dovecot – To discuss parking issue at the Dovecot – the petition was considered sympathetically by SKDC but, due to lack of funds the work would not be possible at this time. Cllr Dixon-Warren suggested to Mr Kirk that a more fully detailed proposal, including design and costs may be a way forward, but SKDC’s present emphasis was on the provision of housing.
6.10. Feedback from SKDC walkabout in Sept 2024
6.10.1. Removing 30mph signs on East St. – to remain Action BWR
6.10.2. Re-positioning 30mph signs on Station St West to A15 and/or adding a footpath - to remain Action BWR
6.11. WMEL – To receive an update on National Grid proposal for a pylon route South of Rippingale – Cllr Dixon-Warren’s report above covers this but Cllr Jones urged everyone to use the Facebook platform to read about and respond to this proposal, especially as it was not restricted to just the Pylon route but other related projects that would also be built in Lincolnshire. Cllr Jones to add this to the RPC web-site and Facebook pages. Action JJ
7.0 Financial Matters
7.1. Bank Accounts
7.1.1. To receive an update on the JPFT - access to these funds remains a problem. Clerk to report on attempts to close the Nat West account and open a new account at a different bank.
Action Clerk
7.1.2. To discuss Trustee status for the JPFT – no update available due to Clerk’s absence. Cllrs Ross & Creek agreed that unless a Trustee Insurance policy was put in place urgently, then they would both resign as Trustees of the JPFT Action Clerk
7.2. Financial Reports:
7.2.1. To review FY 2025/2026 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure. – Cllr Ross advised that the Finance committee has had recent meetings to discuss and establish the status of the RPC accounts including budgeting for the next four years. The present status is that the Parish Council’s income is only just covering its annual expenditure.
7.2.2. Expenditure approvals – to be paid before the next meeting by Parish Clerk Action Clerk
• On-Line Playgrounds - invoice for tennis court repairs and installation of goal posts – Approved
• M Cuffe – invoice for repairs to allotment access culvert - Approved
8.0 Close meeting
2nd Public Forum.
8.1. Cllr Ross advised that SKDC had offered a supply of Road Salt for the village. This had to be declined due to insufficient volunteers to unload it and a lack of suitable container boxes
8.2. A request for publication of the schedule for hedge cutting has been received. Clerk to issue a copy for the notice board and include on RPC’s web-site and Facebook page Action Clerk
8.3. A request has been received that the hedge at 3 East St be trimmed urgently as it is causing a hazard to pedestrians. A letter is to be sent to the resident urgently Action Clerk
8.4. A resident suggested that a contribution be requested from formal users of the Playing Field facilities. This to be considered by the JPF Committee once established. Action RS
8.5. Cllr Jones advised that due to not having a power supply to the defibrillator at The Bull, that that unit was no longer available for use. Cllr Jones to check with The Bull in order to re-instate the power and then to provide what is necessary to have this unit back in action urgently Action JJ
Next meeting: 10th November 2025 General Meeting at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall