2025 minutes

Public Forum

3 members of the public were in attendance.

Concerns were raised due to the proposed development on Moor Lane.

Cllr Parish confirmed that Distinctive Development had previously done a presentation to the pc. The parish council confirmed that they were not in support, the main points being traffic issues, flooding, the loss of feeling of being in the countryside and a general feeling that the development is not in keeping with the village among others. The parish councils’ position has not changed and will be responding that the parish council is opposing the development.

25/30

Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr H White, Cllr J Oldfield.  Cllr L Hughes was not present.

25/31

Declarations of interest for items on the agenda

Cllr A White declared an interest in item 25/36 (e) Hedges on Moor Lane.

25/32

Chairman’s remarks

Cllr Ashton will be stepping down as Chair but explained how he has enjoyed his time being part of the parish council.  Thanks were given by Cllr Parish on behalf of the parish council for his 21 years’ service on the parish council.

25/33

Reports from County/District Councillors

District Councillor

• The A1 clean-up has begun and 2 tons of rubbish has been collected.
• There has been a full council debate as the current administration would like to join with Rutland.

County Councillor

The parish council raised issues with parking from the school to the shop, as well as not being able to see if cars are coming. 

Letters have been sent re the parking issues on Thistleton Lane, but nothing has changed. 

Cllr Vernon agreed to report both issues and request they be investigated but will not be able to until after the elections.

Cllr Ashton thanked Cllr Vernon for all her hard work.

25/34

To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 4 March 2025

It was approved that minutes of the parish council meeting held on 4 March 2025 were a true and accurate record and signed as such by the chairman.

25/35

Financial matters

a)

Monthly Accounts

South Witham Parish Council – Financial Statement- April 2025

b)

Internal Audit update

The clerk has contacted LALC and awaiting a response if they are able to allocate an auditor.

25/36

Operational Matters

a)

Review of Councillor Responsibilities

All were in agreement to defer this item until after a new chair is elected.

(b)

Review of village information and location board

It was noted that documents in the noticeboard are fading.  Documentation to be put into black and white and no colour to prevent the colours fading.

c)

Policy Review: Data Protection policy, Data Breach policy, Records Retention policy, Subject Access Request Procedure

All presented policies were approved and noted that dates are to be amended.

d)

Draft public rights of way improvement plan

All were in agreement to defer until the next meeting.

e)

Hedges on Moor Lane

It has been reported that hedges on Moor Lane have not been cut back.  It was agreed that this be brought back to the next meeting.

The hedge on Mill Lane has been reported via FixMyStreet as it is covering the 30MPH sign.

f)

Councillor Co-option

Councillor co-option vacancy is to be advertised on Facebook by Cllr Kinning.  Clerk to provide advert details.

25/37

Village Hall updates

a)

Village hall lease progress

The finance committee have met with the VH management committee. It was confirmed that it was a very open and honest meeting and both want the same outcome of the VH being a success.  The VH management committee is not in a position to take on utilities but have agreed to pay an additional £500 in rent putting the total payable to £2000 pa.– Councillors were all in favour.  The VH management committee have been asked to look at how they are charging for events and to look at additional charges for electrics and additional rooms being used.

A discussion took place that the football team should be charged for the use of the field and showers, an agreement should be put in place each season.

The parish council felt that a parish councillor should be linked to the VH management committee.  The linked parish councillor would be there to offer support and provide suggestions.  It was agreed that arrangements will be put in place in August once the future of the committee is decided.

b)

Gas expenditure

Cllr V Straubenzee met with Cadent who confirmed everything was fine in relation to the gas.  They suggested that the parish council go back to EON as the meter is owned by EON.  For EON to come out to investigate will cost £338.  It was agreed that the amount be paid, and the meter be investigated.

An agenda item to be added for a discussion of a smart meter.

c)

Other

None.

25/38

Allotments

Cllr V Straubenzee confirmed there are 5 vacant plots but have 5 people coming to view the allotments.

25/39

Play Areas

No update to provide.

a)

VH rec play park monthly maintenance

Ongoing.

25/40

Planning Matters

a)

Proposed new self-build homes – Land at Moor Lane, South Witham

It was agreed that Cllr Parish is to send the parish council objections.

b)

SKDC Planning permission granted/refused

c)

Planning applications received for comments

25/41

Additional items

The changed date of the next meeting has been agreed as Wednesday 30th April.  The meeting will commence at 6.30pm with the Annual Parish meeting followed by the parish council meeting.

The annual litter pick will take place on 11th May.

The meeting was declared closed at 8.25pm.