FPC April
Washingborough Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 16th April 2025 at 6.00pm in the Community Centre, small hall, Fen Road, Washingborough, Lincoln. LN4 1AB
Present:
• Cllr G Peck (Vice Chairman)
• Cllr A Fraser
• Cllr R Harrington (part)
• Cllr Mrs L Hannam
• Cllr Mrs A Nixon
• Cllr Mrs W Skelton
In Attendance: Miss K Broddle (Clerk).
Also present: Cllr I Carrington & Cllr C Goodwin (NKDC) and Cllr L Cawrey (LCC).
Members of the Public: There was one member of the public present.
a. Public Forum: None
b. Reports from LCC and NKDC are appended.
83. Localism Act 2011 requirements:
a. Apologies and reasons for absence were received and resolved from Cllrs Mrs L Simons, Mrs B Bland, Mrs Aspinall and Mrs R Whipp.
b. Declarations of interest: Cllr Harrington declared an interest in item 92.
84. Draft notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 19th March 2025 were proposed, seconded and resolved for signing as the minutes.
85. Matters raised at Public Forum: None
86. Clerks Report (for information only):
a. Council noted the documents from NKDC and LCC regarding the Government Reorganisation. The Clerk advised that currently there has been no mention of changes to Parish or Town Councils.
b. Council noted that the new road, off Canterbury Drive will officially be Warwick Drive.
c. The Public Notice from LCC regarding the proposed speed limit reduction on Ferry Lane and the B1190 was noted.
d. The email from Nineteen45 regarding land on Fen Road was noted.
87. To receive the draft notes from the Finance and General Purposes Committee Meeting held on 9th
April and to resolve the following recommendations:
a. The movement of Earmarked Reserves was proposed, seconded and resolved.
b. The discussion regarding the next stage of the bridge over the South Delph would be consultation
and further quotes.
c. The clarification of hire charges was proposed, seconded and resolved.
88. To discuss and resolve the following items:
a. To set up a working party to review Council’s policies and procedures – it was proposed, seconded and resolved for the members of the working party to be, Cllrs Mrs Hannam, Mrs Nixon and Peck.
b. To consider having an Environmental Policy – it was proposed, seconded and resolved to create an Environmental Policy and for this policy to come under Council’s policies and procedures working party.
c. To consider creating wild flower areas in the village – it was proposed, seconded and resolved to initially try the area around the pond in Chapel Park and see if this is a good environment for wild flower seeds to grow.
d. To discuss the letters received via Dr Caroline Johnson MP, from the Internal Drainage Board, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency regarding flooding and a meeting with all parties – it was proposed, seconded and resolved to restart the Flooding Working Party (Cllrs Mrs Skelton, Harrington and Peck) and for them to consider the information received and agree appropriate questions for the meeting.
e. The email from the Internal Drainage Board giving consent for the bridge over the first water course at the bottom of the playing fields – the consent was noted and it was proposed, seconded and agreed that the next step needed should be consultation with residents of the village.
89. Planning Matters.
a. To resolve any comments on the following applications received:
i. 25/0283/VARCON: Little Bear Storage, Five Mile Lane Business Park – application to remove condition 4 (flood protection) re application 23/0806/FUL change of use of land to B8, self-storage facility. Council do not wish to comment on this application.
ii. 25/0352/TCAL:15 School Lane - T1 Cherry - remove. Council do not wish to comment on this application.
iii. 25/0375/HOUS – 4 Park Crescent – proposed raising and remodelling of the existing roof, incorporating front and rear dormer window to facilitate an additional storey within the roof.
Council do not wish to comment on this application.
b. To ratify comments returned under Clerk’s delegated powers: None.
c. The decisions on the following applications were noted:
i. 24/1458: 124: 124 Granson Way – Approved.
ii. 24/469/FUL: Manor Farm, Church Hill – Approved.
90. Finance matters
a. The payment schedule for April 2024 was proposed, seconded and resolved and the salaries were noted.
b. The accounts and budgets for March 2025 were noted.
c. The Unity Trust Bank statement for March 2025 was noted.
d. The purchase of three hours (total £54) of the LALC Webmaster was proposed, seconded and resolved with the addition of further requests coming under Clerk’s delegated powers.
e. To consider the purchase of an extending hedge trimmer and a lawn mower, for the Groundsman, was proposed, seconded and resolved, with the monies coming from the Playing Fields earmarked reserves.
f. To note and adopt the changes to the model standing orders and financial regulations: it was proposed, seconded and resolved to adopt the changes to both of these documents.
91. Under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 it was proposed, seconded and
resolved to move into closed session for the following items:
Councillor R Harrington left the meeting, following his declaration of interest in Point 83b.
92. Grants:
a. A sum of £60 was held back for any Donation Application received during this financial year
b. Grant applications were received from Washingborough Bowls Club and Penfold Players.
It was proposed, seconded and resolved to award the following:
Washingborough Bowls Club - £328.84.
Penfold Players - £1361.16.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 6.45pm.
SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS: April 2025 Amount
Petty Cash
£0.00
Current Account
16-Apr-25 NKDC NDR (CC) £525.75
16-Apr-25 NKDC NDR (P) £353.40
16-Apr-25 XLN Telephone & Broadband £125.33
16-Apr-25 Wave Water Rates (P) £116.00
16-Apr-25 Unity Trust Bank Charges £11.40
16-Apr-25 LALC Annual Subscription £766.74
16-Apr-25 LALC Annual Training Scheme £210.00
16-Apr-25 ESPO Teapots £27.54
16-Apr-25 ESPO Noticeboard £238.80
16-Apr-25 Clear Council Annual Insurance £4,768.91
16-Apr-25 Ricoh Photocopier Charges £226.63
16-Apr-25 Electromec Work to Trailer Electrics £51.60
16-Apr-25 Deacon Electrical Replace Light Unit in Comm Centre £60.00
16-Apr-25 JKBS Remove Old and Instal New Hot Water Cylinder - Pavilion £1,680.00
16-Apr-25 Welton Tree Services Agreed Work to Trees On Playing Field £8,484.00
£17,646.10
Salaries etc.
Salaries etc. £10,713.12
Total expenditure: April 2025 £28,359.22
District Council Report April 2025
Forum held last week
The NK Parish & Town Council Forum took place on Thursday April 10 and welcomed Clerks and Members from parish and town councils across the District to our Council Chamber.
They heard from the Leader and Chief Executive about Local Government Reorganisation, alongside planning updates including the National Planning Policy Framework and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which was introduced to Parliament in March 2025. Information about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and projects undertaken within North Kesteven, and future opportunities, was shared too.
Local Government Reorganisation has stolen a march on other policies. Lincoln City have unfortunately written out various to various NK parishes without prior notice of their intention to submit a Lincoln proposal involving some NK villages. However, I believe you had all this explained to you by Cllr Richard Wright at the forum.
The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to network with colleagues from other councils. The feedback was very positive, and we’re already starting to plan the next event.
Voter deadlines for elections on 1 May 2025
Elections will be held on Thursday 1 May 2025 to elect the first mayor for the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority and 11 County Councillors to Electoral Divisions across North Kesteven.
Here is some key information for electors:
• If eligible they must be registered to vote by midnight tonight, Friday April 11. To do so, visit the GOV.uk website to register.
• For deadlines for applications to vote by proxy or by post, or to amend/cancel a proxy or postal vote - see our webpage.
• To vote in person at a polling station they must show an accepted form of photo ID. See the full list of accepted ID types here. This now includes (from May 1) the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card (MoD Form 100).
• The deadline to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate for use at elections, is 5pm Wednesday April 23.
Survey works to be carried out
Anglian Water is writing to landowners and other key stakeholders ahead of further technical and ground survey works within the early stages of shaping its proposals for a reservoir.
While it involves some activity on the ground, this second phase of survey work is not a sign of construction starting. The survey work will take place at different times from late spring through to early autumn and will all be progressed by Anglian Water in accordance with the agreed approach with North Kesteven District Council (under Anglian Water’s permitted development rights and by engaging with landowners to request access). In some places a small Anglian Water team will conduct site visits, and in other locations Anglian Water will undertake ground investigations including boreholes and trial pits to understand more about land and soil factors to consider. A works compound will be set up on land off Mareham Lane to support the surveys. Disturbance to any species or habitats will be avoided wherever possible, and land worked on will be reinstated after. Anglian Water is planning for future consultations to take place between 2026 and 2027. The proposal when finalised will be submitted to the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for consideration under the Development Consent Order process.
New scheme available to support farming businesses in Lincolnshire
To support farm businesses in navigating challenges such as increasing financial pressures, changing regulations and workforce challenges, Business Lincolnshire has launched the Lincolnshire Farm Support Programme, delivered by Savills.
The programme supports farmers with resilience and offers guidance with exploring diversification. The support is only available to farm businesses where the main source of income comes from farming
April digest of climate/eco awareness days
We've put together a rundown of the top green awareness days coming up this month, and plan to do so for each month going forward.
Although we can't undertake activities for each of these many events as a Council, we hope that by sharing you might discover something that inspires you to take action, or simply to share with others.
Easter fun at Sleaford Market Place this Saturday Families searching for Easter fun can hop into Sleaford for free outdoor activities including a trail with the chance to get a Cadbury chocolate egg – all for free.
A special Easter Garden will be in the main square of Sleaford’s Market Place from 11am-4pm tomorrow, Saturday April 12.
New guide on flooding, drainage and emergencies – A new, comprehensive guide setting out how North Kesteven District Council works with partners and on behalf of communities when it comes to drainage and flooding, including in emergencies. It can be downloaded here. The guide set out the NKDC position, and should be read in the context of the wider recommendations for co-operation by responsible authorities set out in the Lincolnshire County Council Storms Impact Report.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) – NKDC has submitted its proposed grouping to central Government. Cllr Carrington noted that all Tier 1 and Tier 2 councils could submit proposals, so there was a variety of views. The decision would be made by ministers. Feedback was expected in late spring, and more detailed proposals from Lincolnshire councils would be required by November 2025 on the current timetable.
Building Works off Canterbury Drive – Cllr Carrington reported contact from a parishioner about site vehicles parking on a nearby residential street. The matter had been investigated by NKDC. A Construction Management Plan (CMP) was secured by a planning condition, and this requires site traffic to park on the site ins a designated area. There are also provisions for the control of noise, dust, mud etc. The offending parking happened during preparatory works and the contractor had been warned that the CMP must be strictly adhered to.
VE and VJ Day Commemorations - All Parish and Town councils were sent a more detailed newsletter on 11 April with information about the planned commemorations, and recognition of those in the Armed Forces. Details included:
• Organising street parties and community celebrations
• Community grants to aid celebrations
• Armed Forces Day
• Photo flashbacks
• Beacons of Light
• Bunting and flags
• Inviting the Chairman to events
The Council Chairman or Vice-Chair would be pleased to attend any community activity, if they can.
County Councillor Report
16 April 2025
Parking Problems
I am still being contacted about parking issues – primarily reference to Park Lane in the past month. I am currently liaising with Highways officers about Oak Hill and Policeman’s Lane following a site visit in February. I am still trying to arrange an available date for a site visit for those locations as well as Park Lane and Main Road.
I will update the parish council when I have a response from Highways.
Sadly, as members will appreciate, it is not currently ‘expressly illegal’ – to use a phrase from the current Highway Code – to park on pavements in England, outside of London. It is, however, illegal to block pavements preventing safe use by pedestrians and those using mobility aids etc.
Lincolnshire County Council supports moves to introduce legislation to make it expressly illegal to park on any part of the pavement and verge. In the welcome event of a change in the law, Lincolnshire County Council will be happy to pursue those drivers who endanger pedestrians and damage pavements and verges by parking on pavements.
For reference, here is a link to the relevant section of the Highway Code pertaining to parking: The Highway Code - Waiting and parking (238 to 252) - Guidance - GOV.UK
It has been a genuine honour and privilege to serve the people of Washingborough, Canwick and Bracebridge Heath over the past eight years, and, whatever the outcome of 1 May, I wish the parish council and the community of Washingborough all the very best.
With many thanks.