Minutes 2024

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON 10TH JANUARY 2024

AT 7.00pm AT THIMBLEBY VILLAGE HALL

Present

Councillors              Cllr M. Doody (Chair) Cllrs A Doody, P.Buckingham.

Not Present:           All present    

In attendance          The Clerk, A. Everard.

Other representatives present: None.  Members of public present: Five

Public Participation began at 6.55pm

Residents of the Old Manor House reported a half-million litres of standing water in the garden following recent storms and flowing off neighbouring farmland following recent storms and having to use electric pumps to drain the water proprietors can get specialist drainage consultants to investigate drainage issues. Also surface water from neighbouring farmland had flowed along Green Lane over the B1190 affecting Brinkhill Lodge and Cleveleys and neighbouring houses since October as land is so waterlogged. Residents advised to continue raising issues on FixMyStreet and also email the Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Flood risk Team – email on LCC website. Residents raised concerns that LCC closed FixMyStreet incidents before the issue was fixed. Residents were very concerned that water was being pumped onto the fields and running down Green Lane and the ditches were not cleaned out. A resident advised the council that planned to organise a Litter Pick along Green Lane. In response to a question from a resident why the second speed indicator device had taken some time to be installed – the Chair advised that there are only 3 parish councillors and there had to be two people available at the same time to safely install the device – it was working at height, over a ditch and involved lifting heavy items – preparation and installation took over 4 hours (not the 45-60minutes suggested by the company to residents who had contacted them – this was probably marketing).

Formal meeting began 8.00pm

01/24. Apologies for absence to be approved if appropriate.

None

02/24. Declarations of Interest and consideration of any requested dispensations

None

03/24. To adopt the draft minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on 8th November 2023.

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED to adopt 8th November 2023 minutes and the Chair signed them.

04/24. To consider any matters arising from the previous meeting 8th November 2023 not already on this agenda including Clerk’s Report and actions taken.

The second speed indicator device had been installed on the B1190 near Green Lane, Thimbleby.  

05/24 Correspondence Received

The Parish Council noted receipt of LALC E-News (two-weekly); LALC Training Bulletin (monthly); ELDC/LCC Town and Parish News; Resident’s emails regarding Speed Indicator Device; LCC 30MPH limit extension Elmhirst Road; Post-Engagement Session Police Briefing; LRSP Archer Survey Results – Thimbleby Hill; Greater Lincolnshire devolution consultation launch; Flood Risk Team email regarding Green Lane junction flooding; Friends of Thimbleby Village Green Lane Litter Pick.

06/24 Planning – update on applications and any comments approved in respect of the following applications available to view on https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/applications

1. Application reference S/181/02284/23 | Planning Permission - Erection of 1 no. dwelling with associated parking. | ELMLEA FARM, ELMHIRST ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5LX

Thimbleby Parish Council: No objection however concern expressed about how many homes are being built on this site.

Previously considered and updates

2. Application reference S/181/02055/23 Listed Building Consent - Installation of an extractor fan on rear elevation of existing dwelling – WHITE COTTAGE, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5RE

Thimbleby PC Comment – No Objection

ELDC Decision: Approved with conditions

3. Application reference S/181/01980/23 Planning Permission - Conversion of existing garage into a study - WILLOW COTTAGE, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5RE                                                Thimbleby PC Comment – No Objection                                              

ELDC Decision: Approved with conditions

4. Application reference S/181/01963/23 Listed Building Consent - Alterations to existing dwelling to replace windows and door on east elevation - OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5RE                                          

Thimbleby PC Comment – No Objection

ELDC Decision: Approved

5. Application reference S/181/01962/23 Planning Permission - Alterations to existing dwelling which is a listed building to replace windows and door on east elevation - OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5RE

Thimbleby PC Comment – No Objection                                              

ELDC Decision: Approved with condition.                           

6. Application reference S/181/01090/23 Planning Permission - Erection of 14no. holiday lodges, construction of internal access roads and car parking and construction of a bund and fencing - THIMBLEBY LAKES LTD, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY

Thimbleby PC: Objection with comments.

ELDC Decision: Approved with conditions.

7. Application reference S/181/01013/23   Planning Permission - Change of use, conversion of, extension and alterations of existing barn which is a listed building to form a dwelling - VILLAGE FARM, MAIN ROAD, THIMBLEBY, HORNCASTLE, LN9 5RE

Thimbleby PC: Objection with comments.

ELDC Decision: Decision awaited.

07/24 To receive written and verbal reports from ELDC & LCC Councillors

A written report was received from Cllr Bradwell. ELDC councillors sent apologies due to other commitments but welcomed any issues being raised with them.

08/24 To consider any highways, footpath and related issues.

a)       To approve comments on the extension of 30MPH speed zone-Elmhirst Road.

Proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED to approve the 30mph zone.

b)       To receive an update on recent flooding issues in the parish

Proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED for the Clerk to report recent floods reported by members of the public to LCC Flood Risk Team and County Cllr Bradwell. Concern was noted about any new developments in the village while drainage along B1190 was so poor.

c)       To consider the speed indicator devices installation and future rollout.

Council noted the installation of the second speed indicator device in Thimbleby on the B1190 as recommended by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and noted recent Archer Survey results on B1190 coming up Thimbleby Hill showing average speed was above the speed limit.  A third speed indicator device will be purchased when funds allow.  Proposed, seconded unanimously RESOLVED to build up earmarked funds to purchase a third speed indicator device in a future financial year as part of the annual budget-setting process.

09/24 To consider and approve any bin moves, noticeboard changes and other asset updates.

ELDC had not provided any update on the proposed bin move raised in 2023. Clerk to follow up. The noticeboard near Green Lane junction was to be replaced soon to show the parish council aimed to support all parts of the parish and village. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED a budget of £1500 to obtain a metal noticeboard and the Clerk was to obtain quotes from providers for approval at a future meeting.

10/24 Finance                 

a) To approve the payment of bills paid between meetings and bills to pay on the payment schedule.

£518.40        R&H Plant Ltd          2023 grass-cutting

£236.84        Salaries                   Pay, tax, pension

£157.69        Clerk’s expenses     Expenses

The Clerk reported that Cloudnext payment £59.98 in minute 37/23 had not been paid because they rejected low-value cheques but offered a 3-year deal with a 15% discount so Clerk had paid online and claimed this back as expenses under delegated authority to enable the email system subscription to continue.

Proposed, seconded unanimously RESOLVED to pay the listed payments.   

b) To note the bank reconciliation and account balance.

Proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED to note the bank balance £8,104.91 (12th December 2023). Cash book balance £6224.37

c) To receive update on amendments to bank signatories.

The Clerk reported awaiting outstanding cheques to clear to then change signatories.

d) To approve budget for 2024-25 financial year.

The Clerk produced a draft budget for consideration showing estimated expenditure taking into account estimated increases, the cost of maintaining or replacing assets and other changes.  Councillors considered earmarked reserves and increased the budget to cover estimated costs identified in Minutes 08/24 and 09/24(c ) and would also seek grants if available.

Proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED to adopt a budget of £5276 for 2024-25.

e) To approve precept for 2024-25 financial year

The Clerk provided the expected Band D equivalent charge on Council Tax Bills for 95 dwellings will be £55.14 per dwelling.  Councillors noted this is a £0.58 a month or £0.14 a week increase from the previous year (15.17% increase).  Proposed, seconded and unanimously RESOLVED precept of £5276 for 2024-25 and the Clerk to inform East Lindsey District Council.

11/24 To consider and approve any nominees for co-option.

There were none to consider.

12/24 To approve any bookings for training.

The Chair was awaiting a place on the Chair’s Workshop approved in Minute 44/23.

13/24 To note date of next meeting of Thimbleby Parish Council – 13th March 2024 and any items to be proposed for the agenda.

The Clerk was requested by Councillors to make contact the Hall Booking Secretary that the temperature at the Village Hall had only risen to 15C at the end of the meeting and it was not comfortable, and wondered if the Village Hall heating could be turned on earlier and the room unlocked ready for the meeting in Autumn and Winter or, if not, can alternative venues be identified. 

Meeting ended 9.05pm.