November 2023 Minutes
Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at Woolsthorpe Social Club Monday 6 November 2023
Present
Cllr McCallion
Cllr Packer
Cllr McPhilbin
Cllr Bradshaw
Janet Morton – Clerk
Guests
District Councillor Rob Leadenham
District Cllr Mark Whittington
District Cllr Pam Bosworth
8 Residents
Belvoir Estate
- Adam Haslam
- Nick Turner
- Paul Whaley
Remarks during the open session: -
Concern regarding the Land Rover event entrance and the volume of traffic going through one gateway.
Concern regarding traffic management for all events. Belvoir Estates explained that traffic management is not done by themselves but is in agreement with the event organisers and highways.
Belvoir Castle has 5 events planned for next year.
Concern was expressed regarding the change of use of Castle Farmhouse to a children’s residence which is directly next to a farm with a shared access. Belvoir Estates explained that new fencing and a new driveway are planned. There was still concern regarding the closeness of the property to a working farm and hazardous materials.
Cllr Whittington explained that all the children sent to the homes are from outside of Lincolnshire and therefore SKDC has little control over the properties and their management.
It is believed that this would make a total of 5 children’s homes within Woolsthorpe Parish which appear to be owned by different companies.
The Belvoir Estates representatives commented that they do have difficulty in renting out the larger properties to families.
1. WELCOME REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
Councillor McCallion welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the 3 Belvoir Estate representatives for coming along.
2. APOLOGIES: TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN
3. TO RECEIVE DECLARIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
No declarations of Members interests in relation to agenda items.
No requests for dispensations from Members.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was resolved to accept the Clerk’s notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 6 September 2023.
Proposed Cllr Bradshaw, seconded Cllr McCallion unanimously agreed.
5. PLANNING
S23/0710
Applicant: Her Grace Duchess of Rutland
Proposal: Change of use of grazing land to events venue
Location: Land To West Of The Junction Of Belvoir Road And Cliff Road, Woolsthorpe
App Type: Full Planning Permission (Major)
Full Planning Committee is on Thursday 7 December.
S23/1812
Applicant: Mr Sercan Sozugecen
Proposal: Change of use of dwellinghouse from Use Class C3 to a therapeutic children's home for up to 4 no. children, with carers accommodation (Use Class C2).
Location: Castle Farm, Main Street, Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, Lincolnshire, NG32 1NN
App Type: Full Planning Permission
Further information is required regarding the health and safety of the site especially the entrance to the house. Belvoir Estates said that the planning application will need to be amended.
Concerns regarding the closeness to a working farm and hazardous materials.
6. CORRESPONDENCE.
Slow Ways walking initiative
Housing Strategy Invitation
Forbidden Forest
Polling Station Review by SKDC
Road Closure
Recycling new procedures for paper and cardboard
Melton Licensing – Forbidden Forrest has withdrawn the application for an increase in numbers.
7. FINANCE
Income to note since 6 September 2023 as outlined in the respective Finance Reports
No income received.
It was resolved to approve the expenditure since 6 September 2023 as outlined in the respective Finance Reports. Accepting clerks amendments at the meeting.
It was resolved to approve Quarter 2 Accounts.
Clerk's report
Quarter ending Sept 23
Opening balance £7,748.80
Income
Precept
VAT reclaim
Community Cleaner Grant
subtotal 0.00 £7,748.80
Expenditure
Playing area outgoings 893.20
Salaries & Income Tax 1758.24
Churchyards 945.00
Insurance
Administration expenses 227.14
Chairman's expenses
Village maintenance 181.58
Grants & Donations
subtotal 4005.16
Closing balance 3,743.64
I was resolved to approve the budget to date. The clerk raised concerns as to the funding for the rest of the financial year. It was outlined the expected turnover which will leave no money left for anything unexpected due to the council having no reserves. Cllr Packer informed the council that the reserves were spent on upgrading the playing area the previous year.
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
The list of volunteers for the speedwatch program is to be sent to DC Leadenham.
A flood contingency plan is required for the village should be in place especially since the recent floods. Monies can be added to the next years precept if required for flooding/snow contingencies to ensure the village is not cut off.
The Forbidden Forest application to increase numbers has been refused but it is believed that they will appeal.
DC Rob Leadenham is going to hold monthly surgeries at the village hall for residents to be able to ask questions and get advice.
DC Whittington asked for one of the councillors to be a road champion, he can then liaise with the councillor regarding the mending of the streets. He explained to everyone attending the meeting how to use Fix my Street.
9. PLAY AREA
The play area has now been upgraded as to the specification of the original invoice. The rubber matting has been delivered and will be placed under the high usage areas.
An extension of the lease for the play area needs to be agreed to enable the council to apply for funding for new equipment. Adam Haslam asked the clerk to contact him regarding extending the lease.
10. HIGHWAYS
The data from the speed cameras is being looked into as instructions are still being sourced.
The community speedwatch will incorporate the 7 Belvoir districts and anyone who is uncomfortable helping in their own village can assist in other villages.
11. COBLEAS
Officially since 1951 it has not been village property. The 10th Duke donated the parcel of land to the Church. Therefore the church is responsible for maintaining the area and the parish council will no longer fund the cutting of the grass or pay for the water.
12. PARISH POLICING PRIORITY SETTING MEETING FEEDBACK FORM
To discuss and resolve to approve content for the policing feedback form - Cllr Packer could not remember what he wanted to discuss regarding this topic.
13. DEFIBRILLATOR AND FIRST RESPONSE TRAINING
It was resolved to request a training session for residents who are interested in learning what to do in an emergency and usage of the defibrillator. Clerk to arrange.
14. VALE PLANNING GROUP
Cllr McPhilbin to give an update of the discussions with Vale Planning Group.
The group has been set up so that all the local parish councils can communicate with each other regarding any events or issues that may happen in the area. They are in direct communication with Melton Borough Council and SKDC. The group want to work with the Castle to improve the impact on the local communities whilst understanding that Belvoir Castle has to raise funds. Further parishes would like to join the group but currently they are keeping it small.
15. CO-OPTION
It was resolved to approve the co-option of Julie Duff and Mark Eurich Cllr Packer proposed Cllr Bradshaw seconded unanimously agreed.
16. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Risk assessment
Precept
Speed Camera data
Play area lease
Vale Group update
17. DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
15 January 2023
Closed Session if required