2025 Parish Meetings

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Monday 17th March 2025 at 7pm, at the village hall.

Present Cllr Bell – Chairman

Rachel Popplewell – Parish Clerk.

Cllr Peter Overton, Cllr Mitch Elliott & Cllr Marianne Overton.

1. Welcome from the Chairman of the Parish Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. 

2. Notes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Thursday 4th April 2025 to be approved as minutes. 

It was Resolved to approve the notes as minutes and a true record of the meeting, signed by the Chairman.

3. To receive the Annual Chairmans Report.

Good evening everyone and thank you all for attending. The 2024/2025 year has been an excellent one for the Witham St Hughs Parish Council. With lots of projects on the go, our Councillors have been working tirelessly to provide support to all aspects of the Village.

Starting with staffing, in May of last year we took on a new litter picker, Willow. Over the year Willow has settled in well with the PC and become a friendly local face around the village. Alongside our caretakers Bianca, Kimi and James, our staff continue to do excellent work for the village and for that I would like to thank each of them. We have also been advertising for a School Crossing Patrol Worker on behalf of LCC but currently have no applicants.

Throughout the past year we have undertaken some much-needed maintenance on our local play parks. We began this year working with Play Dale on the refurbishment of Hedge Lane and Warren Lane play parks. Unfortunately, this took longer than anticipated due to several installation and equipment issues which had to be resolved. I’d like to thank Cllr Strickland and ex-Cllr Fletcher for all their hard work on resolving these issues. We were however able to move onto refurbishing our other park on Cuckoo Walk. Despite an unsuccessful application to the rural England Prosperity Fund to financially support this work, we have been able to work with Wicksteed to make this park an enjoyable area for children to use. Through all this work, we have replaced all our old park benches. We have also been in close collaboration with Strawson’s, regarding the fourth park in the village on Juniper Way, which is currently under their ownership. They are working hard to bring this park up to a suitable Standard for us to take over in the Phase 2 land transfer and we’d like to thank them for all their work on this. Additionally, to this we have been attempting to install signage at all four parks, depicting no smoking, no dogs etc. Unfortunately, we have seen a large amount of antisocial behaviour surrounding these signs with repeated vandalism to both plastic and metal signs.

During this year, the village has seen many excellent events happen. We had the James Town Circus in October whose tickets are highly sought after and very clean and tidy guests. The Parish Council organised the village D-day service in June, our Remembrance Day service in November and we will soon be holding a Parish Councillor Recruitment Night. We have also seen several events held by the WI, namely the farmers market they hold in the Village Square. Finally, we work closely with the local Village Events Committee, who have put on some amazing events this year. The beer festival during the summer months, the bonfire night in November and the Christmas Tree Lighting are just some of the fantastic things they do for our village. Although only a few of these events are organised by the Parish Council, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the people who put time and effort into making this Village an amazing place to live by providing us with these outstanding events.

As some of you may be aware, we have been working hard for the past several years on a Village Hall Extension, working with the fantastic company Lindum. It was however discovered this year, that our vision may not be able to come together as we wanted, as we would likely need to leave the changing rooms at the village hall to secure planning. The alternative to this was to provide changing facilities elsewhere, prior to the hall extension, so we could continue to provide this provision to the village. We are now working closely with the Football Association and our local teams, to attempt to secure funding for this. The road map is currently to complete this step and relocate the Multiuse Games area, prior to continuing the hall extension plans. There are no timescales for this work currently, however with a fast-approaching deadline for S106 monies, all our councillors are working hard to make this come to fruition.

This year has brought our Councillors a lot of work regarding the transfer of Land to and from different bodies and organizations. Firstly, 2024 saw the transfer of the second field behind the Village Hall (often referred to as the old football field) to Lincolnshire County Council. The intention is that they will provide this land to the school for a future expansion. A big thank you to Rachel for working so hard on this, even when it proved to be difficult at times. Secondly, Phase 2 of the village is to be set to be transferred from the developer Strawson’s to the Parish Council, hopefully this year. We are aware that Strawson’s are working hard to make sure this land is in the best condition it can be for our use prior to transfer. We appreciate them working closely with us and taking our views and concerns so seriously throughout. Finally, throughout 2024, a small part of the Phase 3 Land was to be transferred from Strawson’s to the Parish Council, with the intent that the local Scout Group, 26th Lincoln Witham St Hughs, would use it to create a bespoke hall for their use. This has finally been transferred to the Parish Council earlier in 2025, and we are now working to prepare a lease for the benefit of the scout group. We would like to thank the Scouts for their continued patience and understanding on this matter, and hope that they can begin plans for their own facility in the immediate future.

There have been multiple smaller scale projects through the village this year, including footpath repairs, balance pond inspections and work, fence and gating works, maintenance and cleaning of public open spaces and the immanent piping in of the ditch behind the hall. A proportion of these were related to our Village Hall, we have repaired parts of our fire alarm, replaced our emergency lighting, and due to the failing of both our heating and hot water boilers, the replacement/repair of two boilers in the space of a few months. Thanks go out to all the Councillors and the Clerk, who worked together in the Christmas season to source temporary space heaters so the hall could continue to function without heating. 

We have also worked hard this year on our Emergency Plan. Thank you to Councillors Harrison and Strickland for taking the lead on this daunting project.

I wanted to take this final opportunity to thank some of the excellent people we have had the pleasure of working with this year. Thank you to all our staff for a consistent smooth running of the Hall and Village facilities. A big thank you to our District and County Councillors, Peter, Marianne and Mitch for their continued support. Thank you to all our local companies and groups that we have the pleasure of working with all year, the VEC, the WI, the Scouts, Strawson’s, Lost Village, and many others. And massive thank you to our Councillors for their continued hard work and dedication they put into everything they do. Whether it’s recently departed Councillors Fletcher and Henson, or fresh faces like Councillor Gascoigne, the work that you all do really is the foundation of the Village so thank you! A personal thanks to Councillor Harrison, who has provided much needed support during my first year as Chair.

Finally, a huge thanks to our Clerk Rachel, who is the driving force behind our Councillors, and the main reason anything gets done in the first place. She always goes above and beyond and, as our internal audit reports always show, does so to the highest of standards, so thank you Rachel!

Thank you all for attending tonight, I hope you found this report interesting and understand better how we function. Thank you!

4. Annual reports from District & County Councillors.

Cllr Peter Overton. 

FULL COUNCIL MAIN BUSINESS SUMMARY

Thursday 9th May

Waste Reforms

Members were advised that the Environment Act 2021 placed a statutory duty on the Council to implement significant waste reforms.  The most significant, in terms of impact on residents and resources was the mandatory implementation of weekly kerbside food waste collections by March 2026.

New burdens funding would be allocated by central government to cover the necessary costs of delivering the new service.  To enable progression of the reforms in a timely manner through to delivery, it was proposed that decision making of the reforms be delegated to Executive Board and supported by Scrutiny.

Thursday 11th July

Housing developments

Recommendations which sought approval of the acquisition of 23 properties in North Hykeham.  

It was noted that there was a need and demand for sustainable housing in the area the discounted price of the s106 properties met the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) viability model.  Confirmed that the properties would be built to the Building Regulations 2022 standard with the addition of Solar PV which enable an upgraded EPC rating for the properties.

Members considered that the purchase represented good value for money and welcomed the opportunity for additional homes in the area.

Recommendation which sought additional funding for continuance with a project which would deliver an Extra Care and Working Age Adult housing scheme at The Hoplands site in Sleaford in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC).

1.  That the approved budget for the development of The Hoplands is increased following the tender process as detailed within the Executive Board report, to support the delivery of the scheme.

2.  That the Homes England grant funding awarded to this scheme be allocated to the project budget subject to a successful bid submission.

3.  That the purchase of part of the site (0.442 Ha) from the Councils General Fund be approved together with a budget of £267,000 inclusive of SDLT and Legal Fees.  This is in addition to the required HRA budget increase of £6,780,000.

4.  That, subject to further discussions with Lincolnshire County Council, Delegated Authority be granted to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader to agree the funding details of the nominations agreement for the Working Age Adult (WAA) properties.

5.  That the Chief Executive be delegated authority to determine the rent levels charged for the scheme.

Thursday 3rd October

Extraordinary meeting to deal with retirement of CX and appointment of replacement with effect from 1st January

Thursday 17th October

Council to agree in expressing regret that the Government has made the decision to end Universal Winter Fuel payments which could push circa 24000 people in the district into fuel poverty and in doing so, agree that as Leader of Council, I write to the Chancellor, urging a review of the decision to restrict eligibility to those in receipt of pension credits and other benefits. This is to ensure vulnerable pensioners, particularly those that do not claim pension credits are protected from financial hardship.

Council is also aware that many pensioners eligible for credits do not apply for them and we must therefore resolve to keep up our awareness campaign to ensure residents in NKDC check their eligibility and help to ensure eligible pensioners are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to and need to avoid having to make the decision between eating and heating.

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). The charity works with men and boys to change long-established harmful attitudes and behaviour around traditional gender norms and the toxic masculinity that too often leads to violence. According to White Ribbon’s website, their aim is “to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes”. Every year the charity devotes a day to raising awareness about VAWG. White Ribbon Day is 25th November. Motion not carried on Conservative leader said “we were already doing it” and did not have confidence in the charity.

Motion proposed by Councillor Mrs Overton MBE

Mayoral Combined Authority

This Council notes the recent announcement of a combined Mayoral Authority being in place for Lincolnshire by May 1st2025.  The details are yet to be announced.

This Council calls on the Minister

1.  To ensure that all seven Lincolnshire District Councils have a full voting seat on the combined authority.  This can be relatively simply achieved. If it suited, the upper tier authorities can maintain a majority by increasing their numbers.

2.  To ensure that Independents are proportionately included in the scrutiny committee of the Combined Authority, the new regulations need to recognise that many independent councillors are not in a political group at all, yet do properly represent the people who elected them and have an important contribution to make.

Monday 11th November Extraordinary Full Council meeting

The Chief Executive presented the report which sought approval of the establishment of a Lincolnshire District Joint Committee for the purposes of Greater Lincolnshire Devolution.  The report also sought approval that the Leader of the Council be appointed to represent North Kesteven at the Joint Committee.

In his presentation, the Chief Executive reminded Members of the process so far and the subsequent steps in the creation of the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined Authority (GLMCCA).  He explained that the NK Plan had supported the vision and shared ambitions of a Greater Lincolnshire and that the process of devolution provided an opportunity for the Council to participate in the newly established government structure. It was noted that the governance model would allow for four district seats on a joint committee with subsequent seats being allocated to policy, scrutiny and audit committees.

Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority would be formed as soon as the Statutory Instrument was enacted. Following the election of a Mayor in May 2025, the Mayor would join and lead the body, which would then be known as the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Combined Authority. In addition, he confirmed that in headline terms the impact of the combined authority would not affect current structures.

Whilst there were concerns raised that this proposal did not guarantee a seat for North Kesteven on the Joint Committee, on the whole Members were supportive of the proposals made.

Thursday December 12th

Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has arrived after consultation.  Disappointment in terms of implications.  Response given through District Council’s Network and will provide a briefing to Members on the implications for the district.

District Joint Committee held its first meeting today and established the four authorities who would sit on the County Combined Authority for the first two years, these included City of Lincoln, East Lindsey District Council, North Kesteven District Council and South Holland District Council.  The Leader also confirm that he was elected as Chair of the committee for the first two years.

Follow up motion from that of January 2024 concerning large scale Solar installations:

This Council believes that the Government’s current planning policy on large scale solar energy installations puts farmland and food security at risk whilst missing out on alternative opportunities for solar electricity generation.

The Council should therefore write to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero urging that:

1.  The written ministerial advice dated 15th May 2024 and issued by the last Government is retained and reiterated, and in particular that planning decision makers (whether dealing with local decisions or nationally significant schemes) shall give great planning weight a) to the preservation of best and most valuable farmland and b) to the cumulative impacts of large scale solar developments on the landscape, character and communities of any area;

2.  That the sequential principle is added to the criteria which any decision on large scale solar (whether locally or nationally determined) is made and that a Sequential Test must be provided by any applicant which demonstrates that all viable local opportunities to install solar generating capacity on the roof spaces of commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings within a fifteen mile range of a proposed development has been explored and shown to be impracticable prior to any scheme utilising best and most valuable farmland being allowed.)

Thursday 23rd January

Council Tax for next financial year discussed

The calculation followed a prescribed format and resulted in a Tax base of 40,000 for Band D equivalent properties.  It was noted that this was an increase of 600 on last year. The position reflected the delivery of new housing and continued growth across the district, alongside the need to provide additional support through the Council Tax Support Scheme.

Thursday 27th February

Marianne Overton Motion on LGR

1. To set up a cross-party working group within North Kesteven District Council to support the process of local government re-organisation and consideration of options.

2. To engage in a program of meaningful consultation with residents to ascertain the views of local people, before any specific realignment of district councils takes place which affect our District’s residents. 

3. To request our MPs work alongside the District Council to achieve the best possible outcome for local people with respect to the future structure of local governance.

Tuesday 18th March

Extraordinary meeting:

Response to Government’s LGR proposal

Planning applications

23/4 Proposal: Removal of existing garden wall and fence and installation of 2m concrete post and wooden panel fence along boundary line.

Location: 84 Warren Lane Witham St Hughs Lincoln Approved

4/6 Proposal:  To vary conditions 3 and 9 of planning permission 22/1342/CCC to increase the maximum annual throughput limit for inert and non-hazardous construction, demolition and excavation waste from 30,000 tonnes per annum to 75,000 tonnes per annum and to extend temporary consent for a further three years.

Location:   Swinderby Quarry Camp Road Witham St Hughs 

Applicant: Lincolnshire County Council Approved

16/9 Proposal: Reserved matters submission for the strategic landscaping around Cells 2, 3 and 5 (part) of Phase III as required by conditions 1,4 and 6 of the outline planning

permission 15/1347/OUT -Erection of up to 1,100 dwellings and 150 care/retirement units (C2/C3), the formation of a roundabout to Camp Road, A46 junction improvement works, public open spaces and associated service infrastructure (outline with means of access) Location: Witham St Hughs Phase III East Of Camp Road And North Of Hannah Crescent. Witham St Hugh's Approved

Landscape Masterplan submitted.

Proposal:  Reserved matters application for construction of private access road to Sheepwalks Farm pursuant to outline application 15/1347/OUT-Erection of up to 1,100 dwellings and 150 care/retirement units (C2/C3), the formation of a roundabout to Camp Road, A46 junction improvement works, public open spaces and associated service infrastructure (outline with means of access)

Location:   Sheepwalks Farm Sheepwalks Witham St Hughs 

Applicant: Strawson’s

I am writing to inform you that amended details relating to the application for the development referred to above have been received by the Planning Department. Details of the amendments are:

Amended plans submitted to reduce the scope of the application (revised redline) to remove the footpath and peripheral landscaping (which are to form part of a later reserved matters application for the adjacent areas) and for a slight realignment of the new access road to Sheepwalks Farm. Approved

14/1 Proposal:  Reserved matters application for the erection of 170 dwellings (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to outline consent 15/1347/OUT - Erection of up to 1,100 dwellings and 150 care/retirement units (C2/C3), the formation of a roundabout to Camp Road, A46 junction improvement works, public open spaces and associated service infrastructure (outline with means of access)

Location:   Cells 7A And 7B Witham St Hughs Phase III East Of Camp Road And North Of Hannah Crescent. Approved

I am writing to inform you that amended plans/ additional information relating to the application for the development referred to above have been received by the Planning Department, a copy of which have been forwarded to the relevant Parish Office and the Local Access Point. Details of the amendments are: 

Amended and additional plans and documents submitted to address comments and concerns raised by the Case Officer, NKDC Tree Officer, NKDC Environmental Health, NKDC Client Operations Manager, LCC Highways and the Parish Council.

21/2 Proposal: Single storey rear extension

Location: 46 Nettleton Drive Witham St Hughs Lincoln

Proposal:  Reserved matters application for the erection of 167 dwellings (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to outline consent 15/1347/OUT - Erection of up to 1,100 dwellings and 150 care/retirement units (C2/C3), the formation of a roundabout to Camp Road, A46 junction improvement works, public open spaces and associated service infrastructure (outline with means of access)

Location:   Cells 7A And 7B Witham St Hughs Phase III East Of Camp Road And North Of Hannah Crescent  

6/2 Proposal:  Reserved matters application for the erection of 167 dwellings (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to outline consent 15/1347/OUT - Erection of up to 1,100 dwellings and 150 care/retirement units (C2/C3), the formation of a roundabout to Camp Road, A46 junction improvement works, public open spaces and associated service infrastructure (outline with means of access)

Location:   Cells 7A And 7B Witham St Hughs Phase III East Of Camp Road And North Of Hannah Crescent  

5. Open Forum

A representative from the 26thLincoln Scouts thanked the Parish Council for their work in getting the Land Transferred from Strawson’s to the Parish Council. 

Cllr Elliott asked if a timeline of events be posted on social media so residents were aware of what is happening in the village & when. 

Signed ………………………………………………

Date ………………………………………………….

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