March 2024 Minutes
Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at Woolsthorpe Social Club
Monday 4 March 2024
PRESENT
Cllr McCallion
Cllr Bradshaw
Cllr Duff
Cllr Packer
Janet Morton Clerk & RFO
GUESTS
CC Mark Whittington
DC Rob Leadenham
DC Pam Plummer
5 Residents
PUBLIC FORUM
A resident asked that the Parish Council ensure that any public objections are represented regarding Belvoir Castle events as per the apology given at the previous meeting. Previously Woolsthorpe by Belvoir Parish Council has not put a single objection regarding any events or planning applications for The Forbidden Forrest, Wedding Venue or Care Home.
Cllr McCallion assured the residents that the Parish Council has now an appointed planning councillor who will collate information and send to the clerk for presentation to the planning office. Each councillor can also put their own objections individually as a resident.
Residents were also encouraged to put their own objections in individually to show the planning office there is a problem with the proposed plan.
A resident commented on the proposed Caravan & Motorhome Camping Club development. The Clerk has spoken to the planning officer for the C & M Club and has suggested to them that they hold a public forum open to all the surrounding villages. Concerns were expressed regarding the traffic along Sedgebrook Road plus the possibility of light and noise pollution. The quality of life within the village will be affected by this site and a resident reminded the council that a previous site by the double bridges was rejected by the council and would like to see the council refresh their minds on this and reject the planning application accordingly. They would like to see that notifications are sent out to all the villages that will be affected by the traffic leading to the site. A request to call it in to LCC Highways to assess the access road to test its suitability for large motorhomes is required, CC Mark Whittington said he will organise this. Another issue is the changeover day when the vehicles cannot check in until around 2pm this could mean 30 plus vehicles queuing to check in as happens at many other sites on a Friday and Saturday.
The residents were informed about the Vale Parish Group which is formed from members from 8 – 10 local parish councils from both counties who meet to discuss any issues as a collective. The VPG will be opposing the planning application which has been called in and will be heard with representations from the public and local bodies.
The VPG have so far worked together regarding The Forbidden Forrest, Noisily Festival and The Wedding Venue etc. They are trying to work with Belvoir Castle for the best solutions as everyone understands that the Castle requires events for its future success.
Concern regarding speeding on the Denton straight was raised, Denton are trying to push out 30mph signs and suggested that Woolsthorpe did the same. Evidence is required and can take several years for this be applied.
A resident has suggested that leaflets be dropped regarding any meetings to encourage people to attend ie if the Campsite Q & A.
1. WELCOME REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. APOLOGIES: TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN
None received
3. TO RECEIVE DECLARIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
No declarations were received from 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 15 January 2024
5. RECRUITMENT UPDATE
A new clerk has been appointed; the handover is in process which will hopefully be completed by May. The current clerk has agreed to do the end of year accounts prior to the handover.
6. PLANNING
S24/0270
Applicant: Mr Andrew Majcher
Proposal: Change of use of land to form Camping and Caravan Site comprising 140 touring and motorhome pitches, 15 glamping units, and 10 tent pitches; with associated reception building, toilet block, staff accommodation and play areas; and formation of new access
Location: Land at Sedgebrook Road, Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, Grantham
Overall the consensus regarding the planning application is road access, light and noise pollution. All objections must be in at SKDC planning by 18 March 2024.
S24/0228
Applicant: Her Grace Duchess of Rutland
Proposal: Section 73 application to vary/remove conditions 1 & 2 (Time Limit), 3 (Approved Plans), 4 (Tree Survey), 5 (Noise Management Plan), 6 (Annual Siting), 7 (Traffic Management) 8 (No. of attendees). 9 (No. of events) and 12 (No Fireworks) of planning permission S23/0710 for the change of use of land to events venue
Location: Land To West Of The Junction Of Belvoir Road And Cliff Road ,Woolsthorpe By Belvoir, , , , App Type: Full Planning Permission (Major)
Silent fireworks and number of events are the main items under appeal. This is now a fresh application and residents and council must put their objections in accordingly regarding noise, traffic, loss of amenities within the village due to the amount of traffic coming through the village especially at the crossroads and wildlife habitat. Objections must be in to SKDC planning within 21 days from date of publication
Residents are urged to report to SKDC and Melton Mowbray CC any issues that happen at any events. The local authority is obligated to investigate the complaint. Fines can be issued for noise abatement.
Castle Farm update
The entrance to the farm has been rerouted. However, no planning permission has been given no communication with highways, no wheel wash system in place. Currently they are breaking all planning regulations. Trees and hedges have been removed without consent and the verges belong to highways. This has been reported to the planning authorities.
7. CLERKS REPORT
Correspondence.
SKDC Budget and Council Tax Proposal 2024/25
SKDC Tree and Woodland Strategy
Parish Council Engagement Session on Road Safety Date
Save a Life Session
Grantham Mayor Charity Ball
Road Safety Engagement
Caravan and Motorhome planned campsite letter
State of Main streets road and drains from a resident
Finance
There has been no income 15 January 2024 as outlined in the respective Finance Reports
It was resolved to approve the expenditure since 15 January 2024 as outlined in the respective Finance Reports.
Insurance quotations are in process for May.
It was unanimously agreed join the LALC Training scheme for 2024/25 this will give the Councillors and clerk valuable training regarding council procedures.
8. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT
The Speedwatch programme will be having another training session for those that couldn’t attend the first one. 25 people attended from 4 villages.
Sedgebrook has caught a large number of speeders during sessions which is helping to reduce speeding within the village.
The planning and highway issues had already been discussed. Residents are encouraged to use Fix My Street and report any failings to the council.
9. HIGHWAYS
Main Street drains blocked and in a poor condition have been reported by several residents, the response from Fix My Street was that it had been checked and rectified when nothing has been done. CC Mark Whittington will request the drains are jetted. Ditches and gullies are the responsibility of the landowners. Unfortunately the landowners are also being restricted by animal welfare ie toads and other wildlife.
10. DEFIBRILLATOR AND FIRST RESPONSE TRAINING
The planned defibrillator training session is on Tuesday 12 March, 9 residents have signed up for the event so far, there are still spaces available for this very worthwhile free event.
11. VALE PLANNING GROUP
No meetings have been held recently but some will be coming up shortly. Noisily Festival - it has been agreed no noise after 12 midnight.
Cllr Duff attended the Forbidden Forrest consultation at Melton Mowbray CC she was disappointed that only one other person from the area was in attendance.
VPG is a very active group which is working hard for the local communities.
12. DELEGATION OF ROLES FOR COUNCILLORS
It was decided that the initial responsibility for various roles and reporting at meetings as below.
The playground checked on a weekly basis – Cllr Bradshaw
Highways (potholes, ditches, drains) – Cllr McCallion
Planning – Cllr Duff
13. PRESENTATION OF THE PC WEBSITE
This will be discussed at a future date
14. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Highways
Planning
Play Area Lease
15. DATE OF THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING & ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Monday 29 April 18:45
Closed Session if required