2026 Minutes

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held at 6.30 pm Tuesday 1st September 2026 in the Village Hall

Present: Cllr L Hughes (Chair), Cllr M Clayphan, Cllr M Kinning, Cllr J Oldfield, Cllr F Parish, Cllr H White, Cllr C van Straubenzee, and Cllr A White.

In attendance: Mrs S Phillips (Clerk), LCCllr C Vernon and DCllr D Bellamy

Apologies: DCllr B Green

Public Forum

There was one member of the public present.

26/27-35.           Welcome by the Chair

The meeting was declared open at 6.30pm with all welcomed. 

26/27-36.           Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Ashton.

26/27-37.           Declarations of interest for items on the agenda

None.

26/27-38.           Reports from County/District Councillors

Apologies were provided by DCllr B Green, but notes provided.

Local Government Reorganisation – Keep Kesteven

The Government has now chosen the City of Lincoln proposal for local government reorganisation, subject to Parliamentary approval. This means that South Kesteven District Council is due to disappear and our area will be swallowed into a vast new rural unitary authority in 2028.

The geography is striking. An enlarged Lincoln authority will take the city itself together with parts of North Kesteven and West Lindsey. The enormous area left over when that expanded Lincoln council is effectively subtracted from the present county will become the new rural authority – stretching from South Kesteven in the south, through South Holland, Boston, East Lindsey and the remainder of North Kesteven, all the way north to Gainsborough and the remaining parts of West Lindsey.

I remain strongly opposed to making local government more remote in this way. Whatever happens, however, I am determined that the historic identity of Kesteven should not simply be erased from the map.

In July I brought a motion before South Kesteven District Council arguing that the new authority should recognise Lincolnshire's historic Parts, with Kesteven, Holland and Lindsey Council proposed as an inclusive name.

I have also launched the Don't Kill Kesteven campaign, calling for Kesteven to be retained in the official name of the new authority and for residents to be properly consulted before its permanent identity is decided.

Please sign and share the petition: tinyurl.com/keepkesteven

I would be very grateful if parish councillors and residents would consider supporting and sharing the campaign.

Kerbside Battery Collections

Unfortunately, South Kesteven's kerbside household battery collection remains suspended.

This is particularly disappointing to me because it was a service I originally introduced to the Council, bringing forward the proposal for household batteries to be collected separately from residents' kerbsides.

I am seeking answers from the Council about exactly why the service has been suspended, what has gone wrong with the collection and disposal arrangements, how long the suspension is expected to last and, most importantly, when the service will return.

Residents should meanwhile remember that batteries should not be placed inside household waste or recycling bins because of the fire risk.

Constitutional Changes – Restricting Backbench Scrutiny

I am particularly concerned about a package of changes to South Kesteven's Constitution which is due before an Extraordinary Governance and Audit Committee on 7 September.

One of the most troubling proposals concerns the call-in procedure – one of the principal tools available to backbench councillors to challenge an executive decision before it is implemented.

At present, a Cabinet or other qualifying executive decision can be called in for scrutiny by the Chairman of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee or any five members of the Council.

The proposed new rules would remove that council-wide right. Instead, a decision could be called in only by the Chairman of the relevant scrutiny committee or three councillors who are themselves members of that particular committee.

At present, five ordinary councillors from anywhere across the Council can come together when they believe an executive decision requires further scrutiny. Under the proposed system, backbench councillors who do not sit on the relevant committee would effectively be locked out of initiating the call-in process, regardless of the strength of their concerns.

The proposals also give the Proper Officer a more explicit role in determining whether a call-in request meets the required criteria.

I regard this as an unnecessary restriction on one of the few meaningful checks which backbench councillors possess over executive decision-making. It is particularly difficult to understand why we should be reducing councillors' ability to hold the administration to account during the final years of South Kesteven District Council, when major decisions are being taken ahead of local government reorganisation.

I will oppose attempts to make scrutiny more difficult or to concentrate control over who is permitted to challenge decisions.

Canner's Lane Battery Energy Storage Development

There has also been a major planning decision directly affecting our part of the district.

On 6 August, South Kesteven's Planning Committee approved the enormous Canner's Lane Battery Energy Storage System on land east of the B6403 High Dyke at Stoke Rochford.

The scale is extraordinary. The development covers 44.6 hectares of open countryside – almost the size of Vatican City – and can contain up to 1,142 battery containers, with a maximum capacity of 1GW, together with associated infrastructure and a transmission substation of up to 15 metres in height.

Both Cllr David Bellamy and I raised concerns as the local District Ward Councillors, and Stoke Rochford and Easton Parish Council had also objected to the proposal. Concerns included the industrialisation of the countryside, proximity to ancient woodland, fire and emergency response, drainage, construction traffic and the long-term effect on the landscape.

Despite those objections, the application was approved with the support of Conservative members.

I regard the sheer scale as particularly troubling. This is not a few batteries tucked away beside existing infrastructure but a major industrial development in open countryside on a site approaching the land area of an entire sovereign state.

I will continue to represent residents' concerns as the project moves into its next stages.

Local Government Association Conference

It is also concerning that I understand the Leader of South Kesteven District Council, Cllr Ashley Baxter, had his conference pass revoked for the final day of the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth.

I understand this followed his attendance at a confidential Reform UK meeting taking place during the conference.

I am not aware of this ever having happened to a South Kesteven council leader before, and I believe it raises legitimate questions about judgement and about how somebody representing the Council at a national local-government conference came to have their accreditation withdrawn.

As ever, I am happy to assist parish councils and residents with any South Kesteven District Council matters affecting our villages.

DCllr D Bellamy reported on the following matters:

• Local Plan Review: Councils that were already at Regulation 18 would be able to continue with the existing process. However, the District Council has decided to discontinue the old scheme and move to the new plan, as it considers this to be the way forward and believes the timescale for completion would be similar.
• It was reported that there is currently no five-year land supply allocated, meaning that planning applications can currently be submitted.
• A briefing had been received regarding planning delegation. The proposed changes would reduce the number of applications going before the Planning Committee and give the Head of Planning greater authority to make final decisions.
• AD Plant Enquiry: The enquiry took place in July, with the Inspector due to undertake site visits on 14th September.
• Western Marsh Grid: The second stage of consultation is due to commence on 6th September. A notice has been placed at North Witham, and there appears to be a proposal to compulsorily purchase fields on top of the hill.
• Battery Storage: Planning permission has been granted for the battery storage facility, together with outline planning permission for a substation.

LCCllr C Vernon reported on the following:

• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Lincolnshire will become part of a Lincolnshire unitary authority covering a large geographical area. No changes are expected to take effect until 1 April 2028. Lincolnshire County Council has submitted a letter regarding the way the decision was made and will seek further clarification if it is not satisfied with the responses.
• Councillor Grant Scheme: Councillors can apply for grants of up to £3,000 for projects with a community impact.  Community Impact Grant: Grants of between £3,000 and £15,000 are available.  Details of the grant schemes will be emailed to the Clerk. Possible projects for consideration include the village hall, fireworks, play area and tarmacking of the car park.
• A survey has been circulated, with some complaints received regarding quarry traffic travelling through the village. Residents are encouraged to provide examples of incidents.
• The Fire Service has been extremely busy. On-call firefighters attended 58 call-outs in one week and have been working hard throughout the summer.
• A large number of drains will be cleared, although some cannot be accessed because of parked vehicles. Residents are asked not to park over drains.  It was noted that the drains in Great Close have been cleared, but this has not resolved the flooding. There remains an ongoing issue relating to land ownership.

26/27-39. To Approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting Held on 7 July 2026

The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 7 July 2026 were considered.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record.

26/27-40. Financial Matters

a) Monthly Accounts

The monthly accounts were considered as detailed in the financial statement.  It was noted that some payments were missing but the clerk explained that these will be on the next bank statement.

b) Payments

Payments were considered and approved.

VAT is to be reclaimed.

26/27-41. Operational Matters

a) Winter Salt Request

No winter salt is currently required.

b) Councillor Recruitment

Cllr Brabbin has resigned from the Parish Council.

An interested person attended the meeting. The matter of co-option will be added to the agenda for the next meeting.

ACTION: Add co-option to the October meeting agenda.

c) Fence Damage Caused by Tree

The Council considered correspondence from a resident regarding damage to their fence caused by a Parish Council tree.

The Council agreed that the tree stump would be removed and that the condition of the fence would then be reviewed.

Concerns were raised regarding nesting birds. The tree was checked and it was confirmed that there were no nesting birds present.

ACTION: Arrange for the tree stump to be removed and subsequently review the condition of the fence.

It was also noted that the bushes along the Village Hall require cutting back, as when the car park is full, they are scraping against vehicles.

d) Ash Tree on Field Growing Towards a Shed

A resident had raised concerns regarding an ash tree growing towards a shed.

The Parish Council had inspected the tree and did not consider it to be an immediate issue. However, it was agreed that professional advice should be obtained.

ACTION: Cllr van Straubenzee, and to arrange for the tree to be inspected and advice provided. The resident is to be informed that the Parish Council is arranging for the tree to be professionally assessed.

e) Condition of the Blue Cow

Concern was expressed regarding the condition of the Blue Cow, which was described as being in a very poor state. Concerns were also raised that the sign may present a danger.

It was agreed that the matter should be raised with DCllr D Bellamy.

ACTION: Cllr Parish to email DCllr D Bellamy with the Parish Council's concerns.

26/27-42. Village Hall Update

It was reported that a large party had recently taken place at the Village Hall and there had been no volunteer available to open the bar.

Cllr Hughes is working with the Village Hall committee to address the issue. A lack of volunteers continues to be a concern.

The YMCA encourages Village Hall committees and Parish Councils to work closely together. It was agreed that more joined-up working would be beneficial, and a new system is being considered.

It was reported that catering would not be provided by the Village Hall at the Bonfire Night event.  This was considered disappointing, but arrangements will be made to ensure that catering is provided.

a) Removal of Undergrowth

The removal of undergrowth at the Village Hall was discussed.

The members initially agreed that expenditure of up to £600 could be authorised, but the quote received was for £650 which was authorised by Cllr Hughes.  Cllr v Straubenzee was concerned that the daily rate was an additional £100 to what was quoted and queried if the parish council should increase what was paid.  It was agreed that that only the amount quoted would only be authorised as have to be mindful of the budget as well as further work may be required. 

26/27-43. Play Areas

a) Request for a Bin at Great Close Park

A request for a bin at Great Close Park was considered.

It was confirmed that the Parish Council is unable to install a bin on the land as it is not owned by the parish council.

b) Report of Broken Bin on Play Area

The broken bin on the play area was discussed.

It was noted that a like-for-like replacement may be required.

Quotes and possible sources of funding will be investigated.

ACTION: Cllr Hughes to investigate suitable replacement bins, obtain information on costs and consider possible funding options.

c) ROSPA Report

The ROSPA inspection report has been received.

ACTION: Cllr Kinning and Cllr Hughes to review the report and consider any works required.

A resident had contacted the parish council regarding the play area.  Cllr Hughes assured the resident

that matters are being worked on and that grant funding is being investigated.  Cllr Hughes has had a meeting with an organisation that assists charities with funding and provides support with the grant application process.

26/27-44. Planning Matters

No planning matters were reported.

26/27-45. Members' Updates

• Cllr Kinning will arrange for a volunteers poster to be placed on the village noticeboards.
• Cllr van Straubenzee reported that there will be one Remembrance Service at the war memorial on Remembrance Day (Wednesday 11th November 2026), involving the school.
• Cllr H White reported that the den had been very successful and that the area has now been semi-blocked off.It was suggested that some of the wood could potentially be used for the Bonfire Night event, subject to checking whether it is suitable and whether it is required elsewhere.

Closure of Meeting

There being no further business, the meeting was declared closed at 8.20pm.

Date of Next Meeting:  Tuesday 6th October 2026