MINUTES of the January 2022 Meeting
Folkingham Parish Council
MINUTES OF the PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
held on Thursday 20th January 2022
1. Welcome & Introductions
The meeting commenced at 19.30
The Chair welcomed those present – Cllr Lucy Robb (LR), Cllr Cath Lack (CL) and Cllr Richard Clark (RC). Several members of the public also joined the meeting.
Apologies – Cllr Anne Booth (AB), Cllr Julie Watson Grant (JWG), Clerk Emma Walken; PCSO
Cllr Sturrock has officially resigned from the Council; the position will be advertised and the co-option process followed.
2. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
3. Public Questions
- PB – CCTV at playing field
Brackets have been made for the cameras but there are some issues with locating them in order to capture the best footage. Hope to be up very soon.
- Cricket in the village (Inc ladies team). Hoping to start soon when the weather improves. ECB Coach of the Year will be involved.
- Neighbourhood Plan question – is there any progress?
- Chair confirmed that it was investigated pre-covid, a meeting has been arranged with someone from SKDC which was later cancelled due to covid. Chair explained it is a lengthy, complicated and potentially costly process which will need support from volunteers to implement – a team of Councillors and residents. Chair to contact SKDC to try and get some support. There is already a village design statement, designated conservation area and some heritage status, which is a good start.
4. Notes of 18th November 2021 Meeting
The notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 18th November 2021 were approved as the minutes with one amendment of removing a name.
5. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
6. Updates from SKDC/LCC
Cllr Hansen (SKDC) submitted an update for the meeting as follows:
“First of all, may I wish everybody a healthy and successful New Year!
Regarding the local covid situation, as always, the guidance from SKDC is to follow very closely, the national government guidelines, which most local people appear to be doing.
Nothing major to be reporting regarding local planning matters, apart from developments concerning the 'Mill Cottage' saga. As many local residents will know, this matter has regrettably been dragging on for far too many years now, at great cost to SKDC or the local taxpayers in fact. Recently, I have been assured that matters will finally be resolved in the not too distant future, don't hold your breath on that one though!
Regarding lighting around the Market Place, Folkingham, yet again, I have been chasing up matters trying to establish who is responsible for maintenance issues, and finally SKDC have assured me that they are on the case. Only very recently, a lamp outside of no.13, which incidentally was in perfect working order until a visit from E.on, is now not working along with numerous others. I also reported a 'falling over issue' by a local resident to SKDC. I was informed by the resident that this probably happened due to poor/faulty lighting.
SKDC has confirmed that it will be receiving funding to support local hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses impacted by the Omicron variant, further details upon request.
Regarding local unitary authority discussions, off record I am informed that there are a small number of local politicians intent on pushing it through, however, as the local rep. for SKDC, I am receiving very little in the way of updates on the matter.
Regrettably, there has been yet another resignation by a senior councillor at SKDC, for very controversial reasons it would appear, which were reported across the national media, and brought the kind of publicity that Lincolnshire certainly does not need.
As it is not possible for me to personally attend FPC meetings, would you please be so kind as to inform all local residents that although the situation for the time being has changed regarding my business premises, which is where numerous local residents would discuss local matters of concern with myself, I of course will always be available by arrangement, to discuss any local issues of concern with pleasure.
I can be contacted by telephone on 07941 353305, or by email at jan.hansen@southkesteven.gov.uk”
No update was available from Cllr Hill (LCC)
7. Playing Field
It was noted:
• CCTV – will be installed soon. Cameras now purchased and waiting to be installed. Signs to be ordered also. Need some proper equipment to get through the walls of the pavilion.
• RoSPA Inspection:
- Roundabout – clearance is too large. Needs new hardcore and replace the matting. May need to be decommissioned until it can be appropriately repaired. Cllr Clark to consider the options.
- Other issues raised have been partially resolved, pending better weather to undertake maintenance and repairs
8. Other Village Matters
It was noted:
a) New Benches:
- £189 trade price. One in market place needs replacing. Proposal for a second one in that area. Also additional benches facing church. One on West St when the bin was, Greenfields (facing church) Wilkie Drive facing the playing field.
- Sponsorship being considered and explored SKDC have a wellbeing scheme – May have funds available?
- Is planning required for new locations?
b) Do we still want to replace the bollards near Quaintways/Chocolate Shop? Is parking still an issue now that the business opening hours have changed?
- Chair to ask local residents if it is still an issue before a decision is made
c) Contact received from Streetways, who are contracted to undertake grass cutting in the village. Offering a walk around and review of the services currently provided. Cllr Clark to arrange a meeting.
9. Planning
Applications:
- 8 Bourne Road - Changes to entrance
- 21 Market Place – New front door and double-glazed windows. Metal railings and various minor alterations. Double glazing is usually refused. Listed Building Consent required also.
- 54 Churchfields – single story extension
- Old Rectory – single story extension and alterations to existing detached garage. Listed Building Consent
Decisions:
- Application for 2 houses with double garages on land adjacent to 18 Chapel Lane – Approved
- 64 Churchfields extension – approved
10. Finance
It was noted:
- All payments and receipts were reviewed.
- Precept application for 2022/23 was discussed
It was agreed:
- All payments were approved.
- It was agreed not to apply for any increase to the precept from 2021/22 (£11,000).
11. Correspondence
- Dead Tree in Market Place – will be replaced again. There have been 2 attempts which have both failed, will be replaced once more when the time is right
- Lighting on the White House – is being investigated along with others.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 17th March 2022 at 7.30pm in Folkingham Village Hall. Members of the public may submit any questions in advance and are welcome to join the meeting – details will be posted on the website in advance of the meeting.
13. Close
There being no further business the meeting closed at 20:03
Future Meetings:
Confirmed:
20th March 2022
Provisional:
May (Annual Meeting) 2022
July 2022
September 2022
November 2022