2021 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

OSGODBY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in Osgodby Village Hall, 13th September 2021 at 7.30pm

Present – Cllr M Bodman, Cllr J Smith, Cllr A Wilkinson, Cllr M Heavens, Cllr S Masterman, Ms S Harvey (Parish Clerk), Cllr S Bunney

8 members of the public in attendance.

1. Apologies for Absence – none received.

Public forum 7.30pm – 8.15pm

Parishioners reported the following issues:

Turning right out of Low road towards Market Rasen – overhanging trees. Action: Parish Clerk to report to Highways.

State of the road from Alms Houses to Gulham – potholes and uneven road surface. Action: Parish Clerk to report to Highways.

Bridleway at Kingerby known as ‘The Chase’ – it was reported that a lot of work had been going on with heavy machinery, which has made the path unusable.  In addition, slurry had been tipped onto the pathway. Action: Parish Clerk to investigate and report. 

Also, a question was raised as to why retrospective planning had been requested for an agricultural building, sited off the village green and whether this had been instigated by the Parish Council.  Cllr Bodman responded, advising that all planning applications and comments can be viewed on the West Lyndsey District Council website. One parishioner questioned some of the comments made regarding the objections to access across the village green.  Some parishioners expressed views very strongly and challenged the Committee on the validity of their information. They questioned how the village green would be developed in the future and whether the access across the village green would be closed.  One parishioner also commented that the turning circle on the village green is used by parents to avoid unsafe manoeuvres on Main Street.  In addition, those resident at Chapel House were parking on the village green, which made it difficult to use. Parishioners requested that, if the turning circle is to be removed, the opinion of parishioners should be sought in the first instance.  Parishioners discussed that the village green is common land and as so they are permitted to use the land as they wish.  Cllr Smith advised the meeting that, as the land belongs to the Parish Council and not common land, that it is illegal for vehicles to drive on the village green.

Further discussions were held as to the development of the village green and the importance of the space to the village, and how frequently the village green is used. 

Chairman Bodman, commented that the decisions made by the Parish Council had been based on legal advice and that the Parish Council had taken the decision to not engage a solicitor in this matter. 

Cllr Heavens commented that the future of the village green is an agenda item and it has been previously minuted that those ideas would be taken through a competition. Parishioners were informed that the results of the village questionnaires had been included in the Parish Pump magazine which included comments relating to the village green.

Cllr Bodman advised the meeting that the time permitted for the public forum had now ended and that the tone of the meeting had become inappropriate with regards to this subject.  Cllr Bodman invited any further comments in respect of other matters.

It was suggested that signage be put in the village warning of horses, as there are a lot of riders that in the local area. Action: Parish Clerk to investigate this through highways. 

One parishioner asked about parking at the school and whether the Parish Council were supporting plans to ensure that current issues are resolved.  Cllr Bodman and Cllr Bunney provided information as to how proactive the Parish Council were with regarding this matter.  Cllr Heavens also explained that a letter of support had been sent by the Parish Council. The Parish Clerk invited members of the public to add comments to the website in support of this. 

Cllr Bodman formally closed the public forum.

2. Chairman’s and Councillor’s remarks

Cllr Masterman had emailed Graeme Butler (LCC Road Safety) regarding the signage and improvements to the junction at Walesby.  Cllr Bunney had met with Highways to discuss this and anticipates improvements to be made in the new year.

Cllr Bunney reported that planning had been submitted, for 3-4 parking spaces at the school.  Up to 12 spaces have been requested, as it was felt that 4 was insufficient.  Cllr Bunney had met with educators and costs had been discussed and a decision is awaited.  The school are considering options and the development plan is with planning.  Cllr Bunney has put in an objection to the development plan in its current format.  The developers have spoken to the school regarding this.

Cllr Bunney informed the meeting regarding the position regarding lines outside the school.  It was discussed with the school that teachers should be able to use the village hall car park, however the reason for this is that the pathway is not lit and teachers would have heavy resources to carry. Cllr Bunney advised parishioners that lot of support is being put into the school at parish and county level. The bus parking bay has been asked to be reinstated by the Parish Council although there is some suggestion that the lines should not have been in there in the first place. Action: Parish Clerk to contact Cllr Bradwell, responsible for schools.

It was commented that there should be secure parking for staff at the school and requested that the Parish Council provided financial support for the school for this.

One parishioner asked who to write to in support of this and was directed to the planning application via the website.

Cllr Heavens reported that she had attended training regarding the use of Facebook, which was very good.  In order to move forward, we require terms of reference and social media policy.  The information received was very positive.  C.F to next meeting. Action:  Cllr Heavens to meet with Chair and Parish Clerk to discuss.

3. To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act

Nothing to declare.

4. Reports from District & County Councillors, Police and the Village Hall, if present

Village Hall – dates for future events:

Field day 26th September 2021 – general tidy up.

Litter Pick 23rd October at 10.00am to include a bacon butty and a cuppa

Bingo Evening 11th December – 7pm

Carols / Mince Pie evening /100 club draw  17th December – 7pm

1 parishioner had enquired about the development of the playing field and woodland area, which has been passed to the village hall committee.

Meeting of the pantomime – disappointed at the number of people who attended the meeting recently. 

5. Minutes of the last meeting on 12th July 2021 and matters arising

Matters arising – Certificate of Honour found at the school. Action Cllr Smith to discuss with Mr Taylor at the school.

Working with other clerks to attract younger people to the council, Parish Clerk had made enquiries regarding collaborative working with other groups, but no responses have been received. 

Overhanging trees – Pegasus Nursery have cut back the trees down the walkway.

Tree inspection and maintenance – Parish Clerk met with Ben from Redford Trees – a plan of trees in the parish for which Parish Council has responsibility has been sent to Ben.  He will provide free of charge, a tree report, identifying which trees, if any, require maintenance.

It was agreed the minutes are signed as an accurate record.  

6. Correspondence

Email communication from Emma Clegg, WSP – Water Risk Management and Engineering, regarding flood investigation at Bishop Bridge.  Information has been sent to WSP from Cllr Wilkinson and Cllr Bodman.

Platinum Jubilee joint committee with the village hall.  3 members of the VH committee have been nominated.  1st meeting will decide the terms of reference for the committee, membership and an action plan. Cllr Smith, Cllr Bodman were happy to represent the Parish Council, All agreed. It was also commented that Chris Caton (Pub without a pub) is interested in helping.  Action Parish Clerk to contact the Village Hall Committee to arrange a joint meeting.

Minimum requirements for documentation on websites – Parish Clerk advised Councillors that audits were about to start and an update will be provided at the next meeting.  

A parishioner had requested a change to the burial plot reserved, which has now been completed.  

Concerns received regarding a grave that had not been cut appropriately from one parishioner – Parish Clerk looked into this and could not see any evidence that the grave had purposely been uncut, as was the suggestion. One parishioner also raised concerns that the plinth on the headstone of a family grave had been damaged.  Discussed with contractor and explanation accepted by parishioner.

Councillor concerns regarding the quality of the cut of grass verges, which was raised with contractor.

Defib batteries and pads – still awaiting delivery of these, chasing regularly. Currently 2 bars on the village hall defib. Parish Clerk monitoring and will advise EMAS should this need to be taken out of service.

New laptop has arrived.  Action: Parish Clerk will set up.

Minutes of closed meetings – Parish Clerk circulated via email confidential minutes as well as minutes which can be advertised for public view.

7. Planning         

LCC REFERENCE: PL/0127/21

DEVELOPMENT: TO VARY CONDITION 2 OF PLANNING PERMISSION 135137 TO RETAIN THE MOBILE CLASSROOM FOR A FURTHER 5 YEARS

LOCATION: OSGODBY COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL, MAIN STREET, OSGODBY

LCC REFERENCE: PL/0115/21

DEVELOPMENT: TO REINSTATE AN EXISTING INFORMAL PARKING AREA, CREATING A MORE PERMANENT PARKING AREA, INCLUDING NEW KERBS, PROVIDING 3-4 UNMARKED PARKING SPACES

LOCATION: OSGODBY COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL, MAIN STREET, OSGODBY

APPLICATION REFERENCE NO:           143462

PROPOSAL:      Planning application for the erection of agricultural building for storage of bales and equipment       

LOCATION:      Red House Main Street Market Rasen  LN8 3PA

Responses required back by 21 days – 21.09.21

8. Financial Matters – ratification of payment schedule for September 2021

Accounts:

£16340.73

£535.96

£26216.29

September payments:

9. Update to Village Green project

Cllr Smith commented that ideas should be put into the village pump around ideas. Dates for articles were discussed.

10. Update to Speed restriction signs and cameras in the village

Speed restriction signs had been received.  6 had been delivered, free of charge, and the location of each of these had to be sited appropriately.  The height of signage had to be appropriate so as not to be a hazard. 

11. Update to school parking

Cllr Bunney emailed Martin Smith at LCC, regarding plans for 3 to 4 car parking spaces to be created, stating that this was insufficient and requested this was reviewed.  M Smith has passed this on to Corporate Property.  The Parish Council has responded to the planning application regarding landscaping at the school, stating that the space would be better utilised for much needed staff parking.

12. Update – Cycle storage and management of pods

Ordered – approximate delivery 2-4 weeks. £2934.00 (incl vat). Delivery will be to Cllr Wilkinson’s yard. Alan will be able to fix the pods to the base. Management of the pods – it was agreed that Individuals would self-manage the pods, although concerns expressed that we should be aware of who uses the pods.

It was agreed that appropriate signage and a disclaimer would need to be displayed.  Action – Parish Clerk to investigate via LaLC. Cllr Smith is happy to do weekly checks.

13. Update to the Gigabit scheme

A good number of people have responded and agreed that their information can be used with open reach.  Cllr Heavens reported that there are complications around making the initial enquiry and asked Councillors if, in light of the requirement for a legal entity to be named, Councillors wanted her to proceed. Councillors all agreed that Cllr Heavens should proceed.

 Cllr Bunney suggested that the Parish Council contact West Lindsey Council (Cllr Steve Brookes and Ian Knowles) who have been running a support group for a number of years and supporting other parishes regarding the complexities of this, including Claxby and Tealby. Cllr Bunney will email Parish Clerk the contact details.  

14. Grant application from Pegasus Nursery

Parish Clerk outlined the application.  Agreed that the maximum grant of £100 be awarded.

15. Update regarding repairs to the War Memorial

Awaiting repairs to the memorial and repairs to the railings.  It was commented that it was proving difficult to find someone to carry out the specialist work.  The landscaping works have been awarded to one company.

16. To discuss ideas relating to use of the St Andrews Church

Cllr Bodman contacted Archie Dobbs with suggestions for ideas.  The ‘knit and natter’ group are looking for a bigger space and it was suggested the church could be a good venue.  

17. Ordering of the wreath for Remembrance Sunday

It was agreed that the Parish Clerk will order the wreath.  

18. Review of burial fees currently charged

C/F to next meeting

19. Progress and review of the neighbourhood plan

C/F to next meeting

20. Any other business

Bottom of Lincoln Lane – road closed sign.  Acton: Parish Clerk to arrange for this to be collected.

Meeting closed at 21.20 hrs.

Signed   11th October 2021.

Agenda items for October 2021

Apologies for Absence

Chairman’s and Councillor’s remarks

To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Localism Act

Reports from District & County Councillors, Police and the Village Hall, if present

Minutes of the last meeting on 13th September 2021 and matters arising

Correspondence

Planning         

Financial Matters – ratification of payment schedule for October 2021

Village Green project

Facebook policy

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

Review of Village Questionnaires and action plan

Speed restriction signs and cameras in the village

Update in respect of school parking

Review of burial fees currently charged

Progress and review of the neighbourhood plan

Any other business