February 2025 Minutes
Meeting – Monday 24 February 2025
The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Centre, Hocklesgate. Fleet Hargate on Monday 24th February 2025, which was attended by 15 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Kevin Smith, Evelyn Penney, Chas Penney. Ashlie Smith & the Clerk.
Public Forum – A Parishioner asked if the CSW Team was still active. Cllr K Smith confirmed they were but due to time constraints and weather, had not been out as much as they had liked. He confirmed he would produce a list of sites visited recently. He remained all that the CSW Team was all Volunteers, and more were welcome to join.
Another Parishioner gave thanks for the no parking signs provided by Cllr P Barnes and hoped that this would improve the situation for the parents dropping children off. Consideration may be given to add drop posts at the Burgess Drive entrance, but it is not obvious who owns this land and concerns around emergency access need to be considered.
Cllr C Penney gave thanks for the help and Work carried out to repair the RBL Flagpole at the War Memorial.
Several Parishioners were in attendance to raise concerns about Planning Application H05-0985-24. Following a discussion, it was Resolved for our Planning Chair to discuss further after the meeting and take their concerns forward.
Lincolnshire County Councillor Report – LCC P Coupland reported that the Speed reductions for Fleet Road were going through. New drains and footpaths were being installed on Fleet Road, due to flooding.
District Report – District Cllr Barnes reported that 10 more parking spaces would be made available in Hocklesgate. He had been informed that the head of SHDC Policing, Matt Dixon would be tackling irresponsible parking outside schools. A campaign was ongoing for green waste bins to be rolled out, more to follow. SHDC were holding briefings on local government devolution.
25.02.126 Apologies for Absence – None
25.02.127 To receive applications (if any) for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy – One application had been received for the Councillor vacancy; the applicant was invited to say a few words by way of introduction and give a brief background. Having met the necessary criteria and vote was taken. This concluded in Alan Hammersley being successfully co-opted onto Fleet Parish Council. Members were pleased to welcome and invited Mr Hammersley to join the meeting.
25.02.128 To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations in respects of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in Agenda items – Cllr P Barnes noted an interest in Planning matters and the book was signed.
25.02.129 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 21 January 2025 were previously circulated, read and RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
25.02.130 Financial Matters:
• Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for January 2025 – The balance as of 31st January 2025 was £38,231.25 with no pending payments. Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.
• Payment of Invoices:
|
20/01/2025 |
Rent for Playing field & Pav |
- 25.00 |
|
22/01/2025 |
Open Space Project |
12,000.00 |
|
23/01/2025 |
District Budget (Ring Fenced P Barnes) |
1,250.00 |
|
27/01/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
03/02/2025 |
Upkeep of pavilion & playing field |
13.98 |
|
03/02/2025 |
Rent for Playing field & Pav |
- 60.00 |
|
03/02/2025 |
Rent for Playing field & Pav |
- 45.00 |
|
03/02/2025 |
Membership & Subscription Fees |
59.99 |
|
09/02/2025 |
Moles |
300.00 |
|
09/02/2025 |
Office supplies/stationery |
7.00 |
|
09/02/2025 |
Hire of hall for meetings |
55.12 |
|
10/02/2025 |
Litter Picker wage |
44.33 |
|
10/02/2025 |
Clerk/RFO Salary |
575.90 |
|
10/02/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
11/02/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
12/02/2025 |
Rent for Playing field & Pav |
- 25.00 |
|
15/02/2025 |
Upkeep of pavilion & playing field |
180.00 |
|
15/02/2025 |
Bus Shelters |
70.00 |
|
15/02/2025 |
SHDC District Grant - VE Day |
26.31 |
|
15/02/2025 |
SHDC District Grant - VE Day |
48.74 |
|
18/02/2025 |
Electricity to pavilion |
7.68 |
All noted and approved.
25.02.131 To receive reports - from:
• Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party
a) Update on works for accessible parking area and path – Cllr K Smith reported that the works were now completed, but the contractor will be back to rectify the grass areas damaged during the wet weather. Furniture and signage would be going in later this week so the Carpark can be opened. Cllr P Barnes gave thanks to Cllr K Smith for his time attending the Playing field every day whilst the works were carried out. Cllr K Smith added that a full size football pitch had been marked out with a team playing on Sunday, he welcomed all to come and watch.
b) Update on Moles on playing field – Clerk reported progress on moving the moles was good and still ongoing.
c) Review Independent Inspection report for Playing field – Details of the Inspection report was shared and noted that this is one of the best reports received, so thanks was conveyed to the Park working party for continued efforts. Following a review, it was resolved to order a new cradle seat, crotch straps and shroud for the Donkey.
• Fund Raising and Grants Working Party – A detailed report produced by Cllr A Smith was previously circulated.
d) Update on submitted Grant applications - Cllr Barnes confirmed that the application for the Benches was refused. But, proposed that we go ahead and order benches to the value of £5000, which had previously been agreed so Parishioners making use of the Car Park and new path can enjoy additional seating around the Park. This was agreed by all. Cllr P Barnes further reported that a meeting had been held with the Football Association, who indicated that grants were available for un upgrade to the Pavilion. More to follow. He gave thanks to Cllr A Smith for her continued work in sourcing and applying for Grants.
• War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane) – Cllr C Penney confirmed he did not have anything to report at this time, other than the Acer tree, previously though dead is not! Cllr P Barnes confirmed that the waste ballast at Cherry Lane will be removed this week.
• Observations following asset inspections – Nothing of concern raised at this time. Clerk reminded Cllrs that Asset inspection forms were required monthly.
25.02.132 Parish Survey – Update on launch of new Parish Survey – Cllr A Smith previously shared details of updates to the Survey which will be distributed soon.
25.02.133 Correspondence Received:
• Freedom of Information Request – Resolve to discuss response in Closed Session
• Email from SHDC with Quite for Verge Grass Cutting – Resolved to review with Tenders received for Grass cutting during Closed session.
25.02.134 Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales
• Update on tree works at Church End – O/s Now urgent due to birds nesting.
25.02.135 Speed Watch Initiative - To review any information gathered from the interactive speed sign & Police Speed Camera - Cllr K Smith shared information gathered from the last CSW session on Lowgate, he asked who we could share to escalate concerns about the volume and speeds. Clrr P Barnes advised he would share with SHDC Policing Matt Dixon to see what else we can do. A CSW member asked if we could approach local companies to encourage them to take part in a Community day project involved with the CSW, to maybe highlight the speed issues? Cllr P Barnes to take forward.
25.02.136 Planning Matters - To note all Planning Applications and decisions received from SHDC since the last meeting: Cllr C Penney discussed concerns he had with a couple of planning applications, and would be taking these forward.
Applications received since last Meeting:
|
Date |
Reference no - Type |
Proposal |
Location |
Comments by: |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:
|
Date |
Reference |
Development |
Location |
Decision |
|
19/01/25 |
H05-0991-24 Prior Approval |
Proposed change of use of agricultural building to dwelling |
Primrose Farm Maisdyke Lane Fleet Spalding |
APPROVED |
|
19/01/25 |
H05-0989-24 Prior Approval |
Proposed change of use of agricultural building to dwelling |
Primrose Farm Maisdyke Lane Fleet Spalding |
APPROVED |
|
23/01/25 |
H05-0326-24 S73A CONTINUATION |
Residential Development of 25 Dwellings (Phase 2) - outline approval H05-0468-18 - with access via Phase 1 - approved under H05-0303-22. |
50 Fleet Road Fleet |
APPROVED |
|
09/02/25 |
H05-0004-25 FULL |
Proposed two storey rear extension |
Cherry Trees 2 Joys Bank |
APPROVED |
|
09/02/25 |
H05-0099-25 S191 LAWFUL USE CERT |
Occupation of dwelling by persons not employed in agriculture - Condition 3 of H05-0835-82 |
Sanderi Winslow Gate Holbeach |
REJECTED |
25.02.135 Forward Planning & Events
• 8th May VE Celebration – Cllr Barnes confirmed all plans in place. It would be a 9pm start with the Beacon lit at 9:30, then a free soup and roll at the Rose & Crown Public house.
• VE Day 10th May 2025 – All in order with posters advertising.
• Update on plans for Fleet Summer Fete June 2025 – Plans in place with Stalls starting to book in. The Summer Fete working party asked in the Parish Council could support the Fete with an allowance of £1000.00. This was agreed by all.
25.02.136 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Monday 17 March 2024 – Fleet Hargate Community Centre
20:35 – The open meeting closed and public left.
25.02.137 Closed Session to Discuss:
• Freedom of Information request – Details of the letter received were shared, followed by the drafted reply. It was agreed by all to send the reply. It was also noted that the letter had been received by a Parishioner who attended the meetings when the subjects were discussed, and further details were also available on the Parish Website minutes.
• Tenders received for Grass Cutting and Amenity Maintenance within Fleet Parish - Tenders received in preparation for 2005 Grass cutting for Playing Field and Amenity areas were reviewed in depth, and a proposal put forward to go ahead with JAH on a 3-year rolling contract, at a total cost of £ 10,600 for the season, this includes the Playing Field and all amenity areas. This was agreed by all.