Parish Council Minutes of Meetings 2026

Notes of the Meeting of

Harmston Parish Council

at The Memorial Hall, Harmston

on Tuesday 17th MARCH 2026 at 7.30 pm

The meeting was preceded by an informal meeting with Balfour Beatty who are the contractors for the by-pass construction. The HPC were given an opportunity to ask questions. Another meeting will be scheduled for further along the construction schedule.

OPEN FORUM – 15 minutes held before meeting commenced.

There were 5 residents in attendance

. ▪ A resident would like to help with the litter picking up Harmston Hill. HPC thanked her for her offer, but had concerns about Health & Safety. The clerk can provide High Visibility jackets. It was noted that the HPC litter picker does a great job, and this would be in addition, in an area not covered by them.

▪ Email from resident re heritage Lincolnshire comment on Planning Application 26/0015/FUL. Chair suggested resident should add their response to this to the Planning Portal – as this will be more visible to the planning officer than through the HPC meeting notes.

▪ Various residents have shared concerns about the traffic management due to the narrow road near the address for 26/0015/FUL. This is a concern of some of the residents on Harmston Park Avenue.

▪ The resident/applicant regarding 26/0015/FUL shared some further information regarding their application at the request of the Chair. A construction management plan can be created. This will be a family home – the family want to be in Harmston. He understands concerns re the size of the build. The house has been moved away from ridge to reduce the impact on the ridge, and is at the end of a road. More mature trees could be added to the garden. The site was originally Harmston Park Land – this is no longer the case. In terms of sustainability – this will be a new, future focussed home – with solar panels and heat pumps. The solar panels will be installed on a flat roof. Carbon net zero is the aim. Having spoken to the planning officers today, 30 + trees will be planted on site – the applicant has suggested removing the ivy in order to categorise the trees accurately with the tree officer. The build is intended to respect surroundings and contribute to the village. Resident wants to work with the residents.

Formal session began at 7.45pm

Cllr David Harrison Parish Councillor Vice Chairman Cllr Brian Hamilton Parish Councillor Cllr Barry Smith Parish Councillor Cllr Helen Robertson Parish Councillor Cllr Steve Chapman Parish Councillor Cllr Lance Pennell Councillor District Councillor Cllr Matthew Cooper Councillor District Councillor Mrs Helen Jones Clerk Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer

1/3 APOLOGIES AND REASONS FOR ABSENCE

Councillor Carrington sent his apologies via Cllr Pennell.

2/3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA

Full list is available to view here 

Cllr Wallace declared that he and the Clerk had attended an informal ‘meeting’ with several residents at 5 Ridge View on Weds 11/3/26 regarding planning application 26/0015/FUL. The meeting was at the request of the residents.

3/3 REPORTS OF REPRESENTATIVES

a) Local Police No report was received, however PC Roberts has enquired if there was anything to report via email. The clerk had shared regarding the thefts in Coleby and accident on the A607.

b) County Councillor Report No report was shared due to Cllr Carrington’s absence

c) District Councillor Reports Cllr Cooper stated there has been a bi-election. Food caddy collections start on 30th March. There is a weekly digital hub at Waddington Village Hall, Thursdays 1-2.30pm. There are subsidised advanced driving courses for 17-24 yr old drivers. NHS are asking for views on the dispensing practises at Cliff Villages Medical practise. There have been two break ins in Coleby (Chair added there has been one in Harmston) – please be vigilant.

Cllr Pennell reiterated how important it is that any opinions regarding planning applications are submitted through the planning portal as they will go directly to the planning officer. These must be planning issues, not just personal opinions. Local Government reorganisation – suggests public reads proposals and share their views. Council Tax Bills are arriving. Cllr Pennell explained how NKDC has to redistribute the monies they collect.

4/3 TO APPROVE THE NOTES OF THE LAST MEETING

It was RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 17th February 2026 were approved, and signed by the Chair.

5/3 CLERKS REPORT

1. Fosse Green response submitted on 20.1.26

2. Planning portal checked and up to date – extension to submit response after Feb meeting requested and agreed re 26/0015/FUL

3. Forms for new Cllr Chapman submitted to NKDC

4. New meeting dates shared with all

5. Evidence submitted to enable release of grant for picnic table – grant received

6. Payment sent for the reinstatement of lights at night in Thorold Way and Crescent Mews

7. Articles submitted to HMH, Graffoe Link and Heathcliff View

8. Teams meeting attended re Local Govt Reorganisation Scheme

9. All resident emails responded to and actions completed where relevant

10. Meeting attended with Cllr Wallace

11. All March meeting actions completed (with the exception of

12. Litter picking grant chased

13. Greater Lincolnshire local government reorganisation meeting attended

14. Procedure for period of time after a resignation researched

15. Salt bin chased – location has been suggested

16. Highways contacted regarding research on the Harmston traffic lights on the A607

17. A letter of thanks has been sent to P Chapman

NB: Please remember this report only lists some of the main actions, and not all actions carried out by the Clerk

ACTION: Clerk to create a log for ongoing actions, T/D: 19/5/26

6/3 FINANCIAL MATTERS

a) To consider the Financial Overview to date for 2025-2026 (emailed) It was RESOLVED: That the Financial Overview be accepted.

b) To consider the VAT report to date It was RESOLVED: that the VAT Report for 2025-2026 to date, be accepted Appendices 3

c) To consider the Financial Report A for March 2026 It was RESOLVED: that the Financial Report for March 2026, Part A be accepted Appendices 1

d) To consider the Financial Report B for March 2026 It was RESOLVED: that the Financial Report, Part B for March 2026, be accepted and for the Clerk to make these payments Appendices 2

e) Financial File to be checked and finances monitoring log to be completed Cllr Hamilton agreed to carry out this check and took the file home for checking ACTION: BH to return file to HJ by the end of the week 

f) Picnic Bench grant update The clerk has submitted proof of purchase and £745.20 has been granted and is now in the HPC account.

7/3 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

a) TREE WORKS

26/0162/TPO 10 Thorold Way, Harmston – this has been approved.

b) PLANNING

i. 26/0015/FUL Land adjacent to 5 Ridge View, Harmston A concern from some residents was shared: 10 yrs ago there were possible plans discussed for turning Harmston Hall into a hotel, however there is a covenant that prevents the hall being used as a commercial building, and for personal use only. It was RESOLVED that the HPC request that the same covenant be put on the new house if built. HPC do not have powers for this – but could request this in their consultee comment. ACTION: BS to draft and HJ to add to planning portal, before 24/3/26.

Some residents also have concerns regarding the scale of the proposed build, and the traffic that the build will generate – this will be greater than that predicted with the original proposal for this build due to the increased size of build. One of our Parish Councillor’s also noted and supported the planning solicitor’s detailed commentary that was commissioned by the residents directly affected by proposed development (available on the planning portal).

All councillors voted to decide if the HPC would support or object this planning objection: There were 2 votes of support, 2 objections, and 2 abstentions.

The Chair therefore made his casting vote (in lines with protocol). The Chair explained his choice was based on the tree officer’s comments, and along with the other comments on the planning portal from professionals, experts and residents. He clarified his decision was not based on the scale of the proposed build. The Chair voted to object to the planning application, and therefore it was RESOLVED that the Clerk submit a consultee comment of OBJECTION for planning application 26/0015/FUL, T/D: 24/4/26 (the clerk had requested and was given an extension to submit a response following the HPC meeting). ACTION: Clerk to draft objection based on Chair’s casting vote, and share with Chair for proof reading before adding to the planning portal, T/D: 21/4/26

ii. 25/0533/FUL BESS - proposed energy storage at Coleby update

No response as yet. With 1487 containers, it would be the largest in the country. Current traffic plan is to use Church Lane through Harmston. The Chair let the residents present know that the HPC had already submitted an objection to this. An archaeological dig has also been completed.

iii. 23/0325/NSIP Fosse Green proposed solar farm and energy storage

Hearing has been held. 20th March is the deadline for comments. There are currently 12 projects waiting to join the substation at Navenby. Hopefully all documents will be with the Secretary of State by the end of the year for a decision.

8/3 GREATER LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION

a) Discuss and agree response The closing date for submitting a response is 26/3/26. There are 4 proposals. Concerns re: the size of the area – however there is not a smaller option; possible dilution of services. It was RESOLVED: That the HPC support the LCC proposal, and that the lowest score be given to the 3 other proposals (all proposals have to be responded to). ACTION: Clerk to submit a response in support of LCC, before 26th March. Clerk will add feedback as a group, but individuals can also add personal thoughts.

9/3 LCC BUS GRANT SCHEME a) Discuss and agree if to proceed HPC are responsible for 3 bus shelters – one at the top of Vicarage Lane, and two at the top of Church Lane on either side of the A607. There are several tasks that need carrying out such as tiles, painting and benches. It was RESOLVED: That the HPC will apply for a bus shelter grant, ACTION; apply for bus shelter grant T/D: once quotes are received and have been approved by HPC

b) Discuss and agree works CLERK: Clerk to look into bus shelter quotes for 3 items as listed above, T/D: 19/5/26 

10/3 CHURCH LANE HGV

a) Discuss weight restrictions on Church Lane – to start a new campaign now for a weight restriction, or wait until NHRR (By-pass) is nearer completion

Auborn and Haddington Parish Councils are keen to ask NKDC for a weight restriction for the road that comes through their villages and Harmston. HPC considered if to support this now, or wait until after the by-pass (which is what Cllr Carrington has expressed is the best option). Concerns that this request would not currently gain the support it needs. Or do we wait until further into the by-pass construction to start the weight restriction process? Although the HPC would like to start this process now, they have tried and failed in the past as County Council support is needed – this will not be an option until after the by-pass. Requesting reduction in speed restrictions from 40mph to 30 mph, and then from 30mph to 20mph from HMH up until the lights. It was RESOLVED: That the HPC start a campaign for weight restrictions on Church Lane nearer the completion of the Relief Road and in conjunction with Aubourn & Haddington Parish Councils and Cllr Carrington. ACTION: Clerk to add to log for ongoing actions, T/D: 19/5/26

11/3 STREET LIGHTS

a) Update on Thorold Way and Crescent Mews after midnight lighting being reinstated

After a very long process we have now paid LCC to have lights reinstated throughout the night on Thorold Way and Crescent Way. We are now awaiting scheduled works when this will be carried out.

12/3 VILLAGE MAINTENANCE TASKS

a) Discuss requirement for clearing of paths – especially School Lane, High Street and on Church Lane. Village signs – some need cleaning and others need plants clearing from around them. Do we seek volunteers or contract this work at a cost to the PC

Fix my street could be used for village signs that need cleaning. It was RESOLVED: That the Clerk organise a HPC ‘Ward walk’ to create job list. ACTION: Clerk to select date and time and organise, T/D: 17/4/26

b) Dog mess in copse on HPA development

NKDC dog fouling form needs completing. ACTION: Clerk to complete form on behalf of resident (and let resident know this has been done), T/D: 17/4/26

ACTION: Clerk to add form to HPC website, T/D: 17/4/26 Salt Bin on HPA – location has been chosen, and the resident whose home it is near has agreed. It was RESOLVED: That the additional salt bin location is suitable and approved by the HPC. ACTION: Clerk to let NKDC and the resident know HPC’s decision, T/D: 17/4/26

13/3 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next Parish Council Meeting will be the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on: Tuesday 19th May 2026, to be held at The Memorial Hall, Harmston.

This will be preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting for Harmston at 6.30pm, to be held at Harmston Memorial Hall (It was RESOLVED: That the Annual Parish Meeting start time be moved from 7.00pm to 6.30pm to allow more time).

There being no further agenda matters to discuss the meeting was closed by the Chairman at 8.57pm Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the Clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes.