September 2022 Meeting NOTES
Folkingham Parish Council
NOTES of the PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held on Thursday 22 September 2022
(This record of events is considered NOTES until approved as the MINUTES at the next PC Meeting)
1. Welcome & Introductions
The meeting commenced at 19.30. The Chair (CL) welcomed those present: Cllr. Anne Booth (AB) Cllr. Lucy Robb (LR) Cllr. Richard Clark (RC) Cllr. Hannah Weston Smith (HWS) Cllr. Martin Smith (MS) Cllr. Nickey Pretty (NP); Four members of the public also joined the meeting.
Apologies: Emma Walken (FPC Clerk)
NP was welcomed, as a new member of the council. Acceptance of Office and Statement of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests signed by Cllr. Pretty and accepted by CL.
2. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest.
3. Public Questions
With regard to the Washdyke Solar Farm proposal, a member of the public wished to know more about the posters currently on village notice boards along with the voting forms held in Folkingham Village Stores – the latter offering residents an opportunity to say whether they are for or against the idea. CL advised that FPC has no involvement in this project but has been kept abreast of its progress by the landowner. MS confirmed that an exhibition had been staged in the village hall for interested residents and advised that the project is very much in its infancy (pre-planning) therefore discussions about hardship grants (see July minutes) and other details were at present, purely hypothetical. MS confirmed that more information is available online Washdyke Solar Farm public consultation
A member of the public, who rents an allotment on the playing field, queried a recent communication (13/09/22) from the FPC Clerk, on the topic of the yearly rental. CL agreed to seek clarification from FPC Clerk.
It was noted that the FPC Clerk is to step back from duties, at the beginning of October, for personal reasons; intending to return to post for the first meeting of 2023 in January (date tbc). During this absence, CL and HWS are to deal with financial matters and RC will manage other correspondence and website updates.
There was a request for an update on the proposed CCTV cameras on the playing field. RC agreed to contact a resident of the village who specialises in this area, to request a quotation for installation.
A member of the public informed the council that the 30 MPH speed limit sign at the south end of the village has still not been replaced. RC has reported the problem to www.fixmystreet.com as has this member of the public. The bushes covering the Folkingham signs also need cutting back - HWS and CL to investigate.
4. Notes of Previous Meeting
The notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 21st July 2022 were approved as minutes.
5. Matters Arising
- Allotments
1 and 9 are, at present, somewhat neglected. LR has spoken to the tenant of 9 who has been suffering from poor health; he confirmed that he is now in a position to resume tending the plot. CL to establish situation with plot 1.
- Aveland History Group – Georgian Weekend
HWS raised the matter of the status of the Folkingham Parish Council grant, awarded to the society for the event. MS was unable to give any concrete information on rescheduling or how the funding has been affected, as a result of cancellation. The History Group is to meet, early in October, after which there should be a clearer picture.
6. Updates from SKDC/LCC
SKDC – no updates
LCC – no updates. CL to forward minutes to Cllr. Hill
7. Playing Field
Allotments: See Matters Arising
Playground: Lucy has received the ROSPA safety inspection. Concerns include visibility of signage, at the field entrance, and some requirement for maintenance/repair of equipment. It was agreed that a working party of councillors are to meet at the playground (02/10/22 @ 2pm) to carry out repairs, where possible, and further investigate non-compliant equipment needing specialist attention. SDKC are currently inviting applications for grants from their Community Fund. LR to apply for assistance with repairs and maintenance.
HWS to get a quotation for more robust signage for the playing field, with a view to including these costings in the SKDC grant application.
8. Other Village Matters
- Benches
HWS confirmed that the replacement bench for the Market Place Green is ready to be installed plus one more – location yet to be decided.
- West Street
NP raised the matter of overgrown hedging on the northside and is to contact SKDC.
AB will visit the new occupiers of Woodlands (southside) with a polite request that they trim back the hedging which is currently obstructing the path.
- Village Skip
HWS to book for the morning of 29 October 2022. Cheque required for payment, on the day.
9. Planning
MS further detailed his aims for an FPC Planning Committee. The proposed group would:
i) consist of FPC councillors and interested members of the public (including those previously involved in the creation of The Village Design Statement).
ii) be chaired by an FPC councillor.
iii) consider planning applications, sending these to councillors for comment before submission.
iv) report on planning issues at bi-monthly FPC meetings.
v) establish a relationship with SKDC Conservation Officers.
vi) prepare a new Design Guide for the village, to inform planning decisions and work with SKDC Conservation Officers.
vii) explore creating a Neighbourhood Plan for Folkingham, to legally influence new development and protect important green space around the village; this would also bring investment via a local levy on any new builds.
It was agreed unanimously that MS begin the process of forming the group.
10. Finance
It was noted:
• All payments and receipts were reviewed.
It was agreed:
• All payments be approved.
11. Correspondence
No further correspondence.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 17 November 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
Being no further business, the meeting closed at 20:26
Future Meetings:
Confirmed: 17 November 2022 Provisional: 19 January 2023