2026 Minutes

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 in the Village Hall

Present: Cllr L Hughes (Chair), Cllr R Brabbin, Cllr M Clayphan, Cllr M Kinning, Cllr J Oldfield, Cllr F Parish, Cllr H White.

In attendance: DCllr D Bellamy and Mrs S Phillips (Clerk) 2 members of the public.

Apologies from LCCllr C Vernon and DCllr B Green

Public Forum

Two members of the public, who had lived in the village for ten months, attended to gain a better understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Parish Council.

26/27-15 Welcome by the Chair

The Chair welcomed all present and declared the meeting open.

26/27-16 Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr C van Straubenzee, Cllr C Ashton and Cllr A White.

26/27-17 Declarations of Interest for Items on the Agenda

No declarations of interest were made.

26/27-18 Reports from County and District Councillors

DCllr Bellamy reported that the public inquiry had been postponed again.

An update was provided regarding the Moor Lane appeal. It was noted that the outcome was not unexpected given the current lack of a five-year housing land supply. Reference was made to Policy SP48, which had not been mentioned during proceedings.

Members were informed that proposals are being considered for a national scheme of delegation for planning decisions. Currently, decisions are made by the local planning authority; however, under the proposed changes, planning committees could be significantly reduced or removed, with decisions delegated under a national framework.

A concern was raised regarding an error within the documentation where North Witham Road had been incorrectly referred to as North Witham Lane.

Discussion took place regarding the implications of the absence of a five-year land supply and the potential impact on future developments at the edge of settlements.

Members expressed their thanks to DCllr Bellamy for his assistance and support regarding these matters.

26/27-19 To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 19 May 2026

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record.

26/27-20 Financial Matters

a) Monthly Accounts

The Clerk presented the financial statement.

Members discussed funds previously transferred to the Parish Council following the closure of the Playgroup. It was noted that £2,300 had been provided for the benefit of toddler play provision within the village and should therefore be ring-fenced for this purpose.

An update was provided on funds allocated towards the proposed play park project. Members noted that existing funds would contribute towards play equipment, alongside applications to external funding bodies. It was anticipated that work on the play park could commence during the following year.

Members reiterated their aim for the playing field to provide facilities and opportunities for residents of all ages and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum on the project.

b) To Approve Payments

RESOLVED: That the payments presented for approval be authorised.

c) To Approve Reconciled Accounts

RESOLVED: That the reconciled accounts be approved.

26/27-21 Operational Matters

a) All Councillors to Complete DPI Forms

Members were reminded to complete and return their Declaration of Pecuniary Interests forms.

b) To Review the Asset Register

RESOLVED: That the Asset Register be approved.

It was noted that consideration should be given to future improvements and upgrades within the village.

26/27-22 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)

a) To Approve the Annual Governance Statement for the Year Ending 31 March 2026

RESOLVED: That the Annual Governance Statement for the year ending 31 March 2026 be approved.

b) To Approve the Accounting Statements for the Year Ending 31 March 2026

RESOLVED: That the Accounting Statements for the year ending 31 March 2026 be approved.

26/27-23 Village Hall Update

a) To Receive an Update on PAT Testing

Members were informed that the PAT testing information had been passed to the Village Hall Committee.

It was noted that the village litter pick would take place on Sunday at 10.00am. Cllr Brabbin agreed to investigate the cost of obtaining a trolley to assist with transporting collected litter.

Members noted that no response had yet been received from CCllr C Vernon regarding Church Lane.

The Village Hall Committee was also planning to hold a village gala event.

26/27-24 Planning Matters

a) Planning Applications Received for Comment

S26/0687 – Proposed substation, display totem, high brand totem and associated works, Colsterworth, Grantham, NG33 5LN

RESOLVED: That the Parish Council had no objection to the application.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

The meeting closed at 8.25pm

Signed: ....................................................
Chair

Date: ....................................................