November 3rd 2022
SCOTTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AT SCOTTON VILLAGE HALL NORTHORPE ROAD DN21 3RB
THURSDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2022 AT 6.00PM
Present: Councillors R. Walker (Chairman), S. Walker, Dr. M Johnson
In attendance: Leticia Cooper (Clerk & RFO)
Item 110/11/22 Chairman’s welcoming remarks
The chairman opened the meeting with the public forum. There were two members of the public. Thanks were given to all members of the public for speaking. There were no reports from District or County Councillors.
Item 111/11/22 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
There were none.
Item 112/11/22 To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensation
There were none.
Item 113/11/22 To receive and approve the notes of the meeting on 6th October 2022
It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to accept the notes of 6th October 2022 as a correct record and signed as Minutes.
Item 114/11/22 Village Amenities
a) Field allotments
1) The clerk’s report was received. Following a thorough discussion, it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to revert to the tenancy agreement rules from 2021-22 for the current year, to allow time for the allotment agreement to be carefully considered. One of the tenants asked if the agreement could be extended for a period of 5 years, to allow participation in the Countryside Stewardship scheme. The Council were open to the suggestion and would investigate the possibility, as it would benefit overall land management. All tenants would be fully consulted of any developments. The clerk was asked to seek advice about the suggestion raised.
2) The tenant renting two strips of land on the D’Allison plantation asked to relinquish one strip of land, retaining the strip running up to the allotment access road. The Council agreed the land could be divided and it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to reduce the tenant’s allotment plot by one strip.
b) Community Orchard
1)The contractor had cut the grass around the Orchard and spread weed killer under the bench. Cllr. R. Walker would winter wash the trees. Replacement tree stock had not yet been delivered. It was reported that the bench in the orchard was being well used.
2) The options available to provide a water source to irrigate the trees in hot weather were discussed. It would be difficult and expensive to fit a pipe. The matter would need further consideration and was deferred.
c. Book kiosk
Cllr. R. Walker had replaced older books with more recent donations. Any items removed that were in good condition were donated to Bransby Horses Rescue and Welfare.
Item 115/11/22 Jubilee Tree Plaque
Cllr. S. Walker expressed disappointment that there had been no entries for the competition. Following a short discussion, it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to defer any further work to replace the plaque.
Item 116/11/22 Finance
a) It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to approve the following expenses for November:-
- Clerk’s salary for November
- Clerk’s mileage for meeting in October - £19.35
- HP Instant Ink, printing costs £6.99
- Training, LALC - £72.00
- Information Commissioner, ICO Certificate - £40.00
- Grass cutting September - £120.00 & October £190.00
The contractor had forgotten to submit an invoice for September but forwarded it along with this month’s invoice. Both invoices were approved for payment in the next payment run.
b) The budget against spending report and monthly breakdown figures were noted. All invoices and bank statements were available for scrutiny.
Item 117/11/22 To discuss the Parish Agreement and consider whether to continue in the scheme for 2023-24
The clerk reported that LCC were altering the scheme to make it a rolling agreement, which would mean it was renewed automatically every year. The agreement could be cancelled by either side giving two months’ notice. Following discussion, it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to continue in the scheme for the next financial year.
Item 118/11/22 To consider revised preliminary budget for 2023-24
The revised budget was received. There were no suggested changes to the preliminary budget.
Item 119/11/22 To set and agree an estimate for the precept 2023-24
Following discussion, it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to set the precept at £11,000. No increase would be sought in the next financial year. The clerk would notify WLDC.
Item 120/11/22 To agree revised meeting dates for 2023
It was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to agree the revised meeting dates.
Item 121/11/22 Speed Watch Initiative
Cllr. R. Walker had spoken informally to the lead Speed Watch volunteer from Scotter. It was reported that only three volunteers were needed to start up the scheme. Three residents in Scotton had volunteered for the scheme but it was thought that a few more would be needed to keep the scheme working well. It was decided to defer the matter for a month, to allow time for further residents to come forward.
Item 122/11/22 To hear any reports from the Village Hall Committee – Cllr. S. Walker
- Planning permission would not be needed for the proposed Muga project, but it would be needed for taller pieces of play equipment, which were proposed for the play area.
- The ladies’ toilets had been repainted and the new cladding would be fitted early December.
- A quiz night had been arranged for 3rd December 2022.
- The calendar would be priced at £5.50.
Item 123/11/22 Planning
a) Decisions pending were noted.
- 145495 – Land at Bleak Farm Northorpe Road Scotton DN21 3QR
Following issue of the agenda it was noted that permission had been granted on 28.10.22
b) Applications determined
- 144232 – Land south of Eastgate Scotton DN21 3QR
Refused 20.10.22
1). Cllr. S. Walker had emailed Planning Enforcement, prior to the meeting, with continuing concerns about the development. A copy of this email and a response from WLDC had been circulated to the council. Following discussion, it was voted upon and unanimously RESOLVED to give retrospective approval to this email, as it supported the feelings of the Council.
Planning applications may be viewed on the West Lindsey District Council Planning portal at:-
Planning | West Lindsey District Council (west-lindsey.gov.uk)
Item 124/11/22 Parish Councillors’ Report – Information only
There were none.
Item 125/11/22 Date of next meeting
5th January 2023 - 6pm
There being no further business the meeting ended at 6.50pm