November 2020 Minutes
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Minutes of the Meeting of Harmston Parish Council
held via Zoom (due to Covid-19 Restrictions) on Tuesday 17th November 2020 at 7.30 pm
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PRESENT: Cllr M Jones (Chair), Cllr I Edgar (Vice-Chair), Cllr B Hamilton, Cllr P Wallace, Cllr E Stockbridge Sime, Cllr I Norman, Cllr J Graham-Walker, DCllr L Hagues, PC Matt Roberts Also present: Helen Jones (Clerk) Cllr M Shepherd has resigned, and this has been accepted. The HPC noted their thanks for Cllr Shepherd’s contribution to the HPC.
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APOLOGIES AND REASON FOR ABSENCE None to consider.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA Cllr P Wallace declared an interest on item 15 Allotments. He is a member of The Harmston Allotment Interest Group. Cllr M Jones declared an interest on items 3 and 6, regarding the village sign. Cllr E Stockbridge Sime declared an interest in item 10, Planning Application
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OPEN FORUM (15 MINUTES) Three members of public joined the HPC for the open forum, all of which were representatives of the Village Sign Committee. Mrs Christine Wright, the Chair of the Committee spoke on the committee’s behalf. Mrs Wright described how the new village sign that the committee have been responsible for designing and arranging was designed to reflect the locality – representing the church, memorial hall, the pub and the Parish Council. The sign is complete, and the brackets have been bought to support it. A variety of positions for the sign have been discussed and dismissed. As the sign belongs to the village, and is associated with the memorial hall, church and pub, these sites were discounted. The playing field and any other locations on the Sowerby estate were ruled out as the Sign Committee did not deem the field to be central to the village, and not near all other amenities. The Hill and Church Lane were ruled out as on busy road locations, and it was felt residents would be in danger approaching the sign to look at it, or that it might distract passing motorists. As a result, it was felt that the sign should be located in the old village. The two sites therefore that were considered were: the grass area outside The Old School; and on the grass verge overlooking the ridge at the bottom of Blacksmiths Lane. The grass outside the Old School was decided upon because of its central location, because it has a sign on already and because the sign would less likely to be damaged or vandalised. The residents of The Old School were upset by the decision as there had been no consultation with them, and shared their objections with the Sign Committee. The Sign Committee never intended to upset anyone, but still believe this is the best location, and did not agree with PC Chairman that the site was too dangerous for the village sign. Mrs Wright asked that the PC discuss and consider the request of the Sign Committee. The sign requires planning permission and therefore the Sign Committee need the support of the Parish Council to submit an application. The sign committee believe it is the decision of the NKDC planning committee to determine whether this site is suitable. If they deem the site unsuitable the Sign Committee will abide by their decision and find an alternative site.
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NEW COUNCILLOR COOPTION Following the resignation of Cllr M Shepherd, three places are now vacant within Harmston Parish Council. Following receiving letters of interest from all three candidates it was unanimously agreed that all three applicants would be suitable, and therefore a vote took place as follows: Mr Ian Norman: Proposed by Cllr P Wallace, Seconded by Cllr I Edgar – all in agreement Mrs Janette Graham Walker: Proposed by Cllr M Jones, Seconded by Cllr B Hamilton – all in agreement Mr Ewen Stockbridge Sime: Proposed by Cllr B Hamilton, Seconded by Cllr P Wallace – all in agreement. Cllr M Jones thanked all three candidates for putting themselves forward, for accepting a role as Councillors on the Parish Council, and welcomed them. The clerk will arrange the relevant paperwork to be signed before the next meeting, and share training opportunities with the three new councillors. It was agreed that due to the remote nature of the meeting (as a result of the pandemic restrictions) that the three new councillors would be welcome to stay at the meeting and to engage in discussions, however until the relevant paperwork was signed, they would not be able to participate in any votes.
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TO APPROVE THE NOTES OF THE LAST MEETING It was proposed by Cllr P Wallace and seconded by Cllr B Hamilton that the Minutes of the meeting of the Parish held on 22nd September 2020 to be approved.
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VILLAGE SIGN Due to the declaration of interest from the Chair, Cllr M Jones, Cllr I Edgar chaired this part of the agenda. Cllr I Edgar stated that he was not happy to put the sign where it upsets any resident, Cllr P Wallace agreed with this. Cllr B Hamilton agrees with the sign committee (of which he is a member). Cllr J Graham-Walker suggested the sign and all locations need to be seen before a decision is made. Cllr M Jones explained the main issues the PC have: the owners of the house had not been asked; the suggested site is on a junction with low visibility; adjacent to where the home owners children play (the lawn is raised and therefore anyone stood on the site can see directly into the garden); there is no footpath for access for all. Cllr I Edgar suggested the sign and sites should be looked at together to weigh up which would be best. Mrs Christine Wright invited anyone who would like to see the sign to her garage (where it is currently stored) to view it. Due to lockdown restrictions, it was agreed that Mrs Wrights email address would be shared to enable everyone to arrange viewings separately to adhere to the lockdown rules. All councillors will need to arrange their viewings. Cllr P Wallace asked Mrs Wright if she could share her speech in case any details hadn’t been heard when the signal had waivered. Mrs Wright agreed. Cllr I Norman asked if a photograph could be circulated as well. Cllr M Jones pointed out the sign should be a focus of celebration.
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REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES
Cllr M Jones welcomed PC Matt Roberts to the meeting, thanked him for taking part, and asked to share a little about himself. A policeman with over 18 years’ experience, and with knowledge of the locality, PC Roberts has taken over Bracebridge Heath, the Cliff Villages, Metheringham and Bardney. He will attend those meetings which are most relevant to his role, and is happy to support the PC where he can. He directed the PC to the Lincolnshire Website where local crime figures can be accessed. Cllr M Jones explained that the main areas the PC requires guidance and support are: speeding and how the Bypass will impact Harmston. Cllr M Jones stated that the Parish Council would like to be proactive and pre-empt any negative influences on traffic, speed and volume of vehicles through the village. Cllr M Jones asked if PC Roberts could help find a contact in Highways. PC Roberts suggested that the Bypass will only vary the route of traffic, not necessarily the destination. Cllr J Graham Walker highlighted the speed of some drivers through the village, and how the bend in Church Lane reduces visibility, and suggested a sign warning of this could help. Cllr P Wallace explained to the new councillors that Harmston is part of the Cliff Villages SPID, which sees Harmston on a rota to use the device. Currently awaiting to be informed by Highways as to where the device can be used. It was discussed that investigating the cost of buying such a device for Harmston alone would be sensible. Cllr P Wallace suggested that some Police presence around 8.30am/5pm might help some drivers make other choices. PC Roberts agreed this could be a possibility as similar was utilised in Auborn. He suggested a week (Mon – Fri) of morning of Police presence could have a great effect, and that this should be the first action taken. Cllr I Edgar described how a survey was carried out some time ago, and that within one hour, 60 cars were noted to be using the road as a cut through. PC Roberts suggested asking Highways for ‘sleeping policeman’. Cllr I Norman also noted that there have been some inappropriate visitors at the view point (Cllr J Graham Walker agreed). PC Roberts explained that in July he spoke to a local resident who had reported similar events. He stressed the importance of calling the Police when such visitors are noted.
(Report forwarded to all HPC Councillors – to be forwarded to new councillors) D Cllr L Hagues ran through the report. The main points being: Leisure sites are shut due to Lockdown; Tourist sites remain closed (due to Lockdown); New contact number for those needing help whilst isolating; NK AGM rescheduled to 22 Oct, where D Cllr L Hagues became NK Vice Chair.
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CLERKS REPORT See separate report for details. Cllr M Jones went through the main points. Some points were discussed further. There were no issues raised. |
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FINANCIAL MATTERS As agreed at the previous meeting the Budget was shared with the HPC in advance of this meeting. See separate document for Finance Report. There were no issues. Cllr B Hamilton requested the format was evaluated to prevent paper waste. The Clerk will look into this. Cllr P Wallace proposed, and Cllr I Edgar seconded that the accounts were acceptable. All in agreement.
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PLANNING TREE WORKS
20/1336/TPO 36 Thorold Way The Parish Council had nothing to note regarding these applications.
PLANNING
Cllr M Jones asked Cllr E Stockbridge Sime (who lives adjacent to the Thorold Arms, if he would kindly share a little background knowledge about the planning applications, which he kindly did: The new chimneys added to the pub during the renovations were much bigger than the adjoining neighbours had expected. The fan speed was set at its lowest on the recommendation from the Noise Survey & Environmental Service. In October a C02 survey was carried out, it stated that the C02 levels in the kitchen (with the fan on its lowest setting) was above guidelines. Therefore, it has been requested that the fans are adjusted to a higher setting, and that a muffler or silencer will be added to reduce the noise. There are two fans (1 for intake and 1 for outtake). The chimneys should be shielded from public sight, but currently are not. The impact of the change in planning is the potential of noise pollution. There are lots of unknown factors. Cllr M Jones asked if there is a noticeable difference between low and high settings. The Manufacturer states that noise is 66 decibels, ambient noise is 38, without a silencer there would be a 30+ decibel difference. Cllr E Stockbridge and his neighbour would like a new survey carried out with a silencer fitted. The old fans went into the field behind which previously reduced the noise levels. However, the new fans mean the noise is now open to the houses that are adjacent on either side. It was discussed that if the fan is set higher, then it would be assumed the noise would also be higher. The fans are permitted between 12pm and 9pm each evening. Finding the cause of the C02 seemed a sensible option, rather than to just find a solution. It was agreed that for the benefit of the residents, neighbours and customers in the pub, that reviewing the fans, reviewing the air in and out and finding out why there is so much C02 was important. Therefore, it was agreed that the PC would submit an objection to the planning on the basis that the PC would not wish for more additional noise to be produced by the fans than previously agreed for the benefit of all concerned. Cllr M Jones to draft, share and submit such a statement. Cllr PW Proposed this, Cllr I Edgar Seconded, and all were in agreement. Cllr E Stockbridge Sime pointed out that as supporters of the pub, this was about finding a solution suitable for all involved, in a positive and proactive, and not a negative way. |
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HARMSTON PLAY AREA
The need for a gate was discussed and it was concluded that a gate was essential for keeping younger children safe and keeping dogs out.It was also agreed that a slow-release spring would be essential to avoid fingers getting trapped.
The arrival of a sign stating ‘PRIVATE Harmston village residents only’ at the playing field was discussed. The clerk has received several letters of complaint, from residents saddened by the sign. From looking at the planning, it was considered that the sign was in breach of planning. Under section 106 the play area and field should be open for all. Clerk was asked to respond to the residents asking them to question the planning with the Management Company. |
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FOOTPATHS To be added to the next meeting’s agenda. |
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road traffic
Cllr I Norman suggested requesting weight restriction from Highways to help reduce traffic.Cllr I Edgar explained this has been previously requested, but this will not be an option until the bypass is complete. Cllr M Jones has spoken to Highways about the pending bypass – and will seek further information. It was discussed that seeking the support of D Councillors Hagues and Overton could help secure some help.
Clerk to look into costing of buying a SPID device for Harmston.
There was an accident recently on one of the village footpaths. The lady involved had informed the Clerk of her accident. It was agreed that the incident was reported to LCC through Fix My Street. Clerk to let the lady involved know. |
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VILLAGE STREET LIGHTING Costs and Funding: Replacing the existing bulbs with energy saving bulbs will bring a saving of 67% on the bills, and will be more environmentally friendly. Clerk has been investigating grants to help cover the cost, and will continue to do so.
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ALLOTMENTS Following the last meeting, letters were drafted and sent to all local landowners requesting land for either allotments or a community garden. Clerk is awaiting replies. |
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CHRISTMAS
It was agreed that an alternative event was essential considering the events of the year. It was agreed how important some community-based events would be for the residents. Cllr M Jones asked that ideas be shared with the clerk so that arrangements could be made. Ideas so far included: decorating houses for Christmas; reaching out to people living on their own; children searching for hidden baubles in the village. |
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SOCIAL MEDIA It was agreed that a Harmston Parish Council account on Facebook should be set up, to enable the PC to engage in the Harmston Community page without having to use an individual’s personal account. Clerk to set this up. |
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TRAINING Clerk shared training and seminar that she would like to attend. Cllr P Wallace proposed a Training amount of £250.00 be cleared for the Clerk to use to book and attend relevant training. Cllr M Jones seconded this. All in agreement.
Clerk to share training schedule with new councillors. |
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MATTERS RAISED FOR THE NEXT MEETING
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DATE FOR NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be Tuesday 26th January 2020, 7:30pm. Location, or use of zoom tbc based upon most current Covid-19 Government Guidelines
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There being no further business the Chair closed the meeting at 10.30pm
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