Minutes of Meeting 3 November
Present: Councillors: Valentino Calabrese, David Haydon, Charles Henriques (presiding), and Paul Smith
Residents: None recorded
Others: Bernard Champness (Clerk), District Cllr P Robins
Open Forum
The meeting was formally opened at 19.02.
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Apologies for Absence, Acceptance of Apologies
50.1 Apologies were received from Cllr R Burbidge (personal).
Resolved: that the apologies be accepted.
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Declaration of Interest
To receive Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Interests, as set out in Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011, relating to any agenda item.
51.1 No interests were declared.
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Minutes of the Meeting Held on 22 September 2025 (25-03)
52.1 Resolved: That the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 22 September 2025 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
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Matters to Report
53.1 The Clerk reported that Office 365 had not yet been purchased but wished to do so as it is software he is familiar with. A decision was deferred until January.
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Report from County and District Councillors
54.1 County Cllr Charlotte Vernon had not sent apologies and did not submit a report.
54.2 District Cllr Penny Robins reported:
Shoppers will benefit from festive free car parking at selected South Kesteven District Council car parks in the run-up to Christmas.
In Grantham, unlimited free parking will be available at all Council-operated car parks on Fridays during December before Christmas Day (5th, 12th and 19th December).
In Stamford, Cattle Market Car Park will be free for up to four hours Monday to Thursday from 1 December until Christmas Eve.
A question was raised about fruit trees being available, and it was suggested the Clerk apply for five trees.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the Local Plan and the future of the District Council.
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Clerk’s Report and Correspondence
55.1 The Clerk had circulated notice of emails received since the last meeting. Councillors could request copies if required.
After the agenda was issued, an email was received from a local farmer and mole catcher who noted mole activity on The Green. It was agreed the details would be recorded.
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Planning Applications
56.1 Planning Applications to Approve:
S25/1924 – Demolition of existing conservatory and porch; construction of replacement orangery and porch and first-floor extension; cladding with stone and re-roofing with clay pantiles at Cleeve Acre, Bottom Street, Witham on the Hill.
Resolved: No objections.
56.1.1 S25/1986 – Section 211 notice for tree works at Somersby House, Main Street, Witham on the Hill.
Resolved: No objections.
56.1.2 S25/2082 – Tree works at Witham Hall Preparatory School, Main Street, Witham on the Hill (received after agenda publication).
Resolved: No objections.
56.2 Planning Applications Approved:
S25/1517 – In-ground swimming pool and installation of gates at Cleeve Acre, Bottom Street, Witham on the Hill.
56.2.1 S25/1630 – Tree works at Sheridan House, Main Street (approved after agenda publication).
56.3 Planning Applications Refused or Withdrawn: None.
56.4 Appeals or Appeal Decisions: None.
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Reactive Speed Sign Data
57.1 Cllr Smith removed the reactive sign to recharge the battery and will reinstall it at the east entrance to the village.
Data showed vehicles entering the village at speeds of 70 mph on two occasions and 65 mph on another.
It was agreed that although no enforcement action could be taken, the sign encourages reduced speeds. Cllr Smith will provide data to Cllr Haydon to prepare a report for publication on the website.
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The Stocks and Picnic Tables
58.1 No additional updates beyond District Cllr Robins’ report.
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Footpath Update (Village to A6121 Crossroads)
59.1 No update; awaiting confirmation of budget availability from SKLDC.
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Draft Budget 2026–27 and Precept
60.1 The Clerk presented a draft budget spreadsheet covering current spending and projected expenditure for 2026/27.
After adjustments, it was agreed the Precept would increase by 3.5%.
Final approval will take place at the January meeting.
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Quotation for a New Noticeboard
61.1 A quotation from Greenaway totalled £1,136.04 plus VAT (£1,363.25 total).
The Chair suggested obtaining a quote from Allsopps at Castle Bytham. The matter will return to the January agenda.
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Future Use of the Telephone Kiosk
62.1 Requested by Mrs Plummer, who was unable to attend. Discussion deferred pending resident input.
Mrs Plummer also raised concerns about a fallen willow tree reported twice via FixMyStreet.
Cllr Henriques will photograph the tree and send images to Cllr Robins for follow-up with the District Council.
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Gov.uk Domain and Council Email Requirement
63.1 Cllr Haydon reported contacting Lincolnshire County Council for clarification but had received no reply.
The Clerk explained Thurlby Parish Council’s experience, where only the Clerk required a gov.uk email account rather than all councillors. Licensing costs were also noted.
Cllr Haydon will continue seeking advice; item deferred to January agenda.
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Save a Life Session – 9 December 2025
64.1 The session will proceed as scheduled at the hall.
Attendance limited to 16 people. Participants may be invited to contribute financially. The Council will provide refreshments.
Cllr Haydon will advertise and manage bookings.
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Expenditure Approved
£1.70 – B M Champness (postage)
£180.00 – D Thornburn (payroll services, 6 months)
£96.60 – HMRC (PAYE)
£386.88 – B M Champness (salary for Oct–Dec)
£19.50 – Lloyds Bank (service charges July–Oct)
Payments marked [ ] denote payments approved between meetings.
65.1 Resolved: Payments approved.
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Any Other Business
(No decisions permitted under this item.)
66.1 Cllr Smith wished to raise a matter.
66.2 There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20.55.
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Date of Next Meeting - Monday 5 January 2026 at 7.00 p.m. St Andrew’s Parish Hall, Witham on the Hill.
Signed: Bernard Champness - Clerk Parish Council Witham on the Hill