March 2025 Minutes
Meeting – Monday 17 March 2025
The meeting of Fleet Parish Council was held at the Community Centre, Hargate Close. Fleet Hargate on Monday 17th March 2025, which was attended by 8 members of the public and the following Councillors: Paul Barnes, Kevin Smith, Chas Penney, Ashlie Smith, Alan Hammersley & the Clerk.
Public Forum – A Parishioner asked what the latest update on the parking issues in Hargate Close. Cllr P Barnes reported that 10 parking spaces have been identified, and it was now with LCC to confirm the logistics.
A Parishioner raised concerns with the unsafe pavements on Old Main Road. LCC P Coupland advised that some works had been carried out but will review again and take up with Highways. Cllr P Barnes reminded parishioners to report concerns on Fix My Street.
A Parishioner asked: A) what the plans were for the pavilion. Cllr Barnes advised we are looking into funding for a potential refurb. B) He raised concerns about young adults climbing onto the pavilion roof again. This will be monitored. C) He also advised that the suspicious activity (thought to be involving drugs) was still happening on the playing field but will continue to inform the authorities. D) He was annoyed at how many dogs were still off the lead in the park. Cllr Barnes advised this is an ongoing issue and very difficult to enforce. E) Why is Fleet PC spending so much money on the playing field, when there is lots more to do within the Parish. Cllr Barnes asked what else could be done, the Parishioner will provide a list. Cllr Barnes reminded all that following the last Parish survey, we had tried our best to fulfil the requests, which included the hard Standing/Inclusive Car Park. He also confirmed the new survey will be going out this month.
Cllr C Penney raised concerns over local companies putting refuse bags out too early. Cllr Barnes advised this is considered early presentation/fly tipping and someone was looking into it.
Lincolnshire County Councillor Report – LCC P Coupland raised concerns over the illegal activities on the playing field, which is Parish Land. Cllr Barnes confirmed that the matter is being discussed with the police. He also confirmed that he had made enquiries and the land accessing the playing field from Burgess Drive is not the responsibility of LCC but will need to be maintained. Fleet Pc to investigate adopting this land. He further reported concerns about the speeding issues on Old Main Road, any speed data FPC can provide will help with his request for assistance from Highways. He is also concerned about the volume of cars parked on Old Main Road when the field is used for football training. He does not feel the Car Park will help. He went on to raise concerns on behalf of Parishioners: Why did we spend money on a footpath and not a bigger car park? Cllr Barnes replied that results of the last Parish survey asked for a footpath around the playing field and the initial request to the UKSPF for more funds was capped, so we were limited to a smaller budget. Therefore, because the cost of a path was less than a larger car park, the intention is to apply for more funding to extend the car park later, but in the meantime the path is now in place allowing inclusive access to the inclusive play/gym equipment and benches. The more the playing field is used, the more evidence we can gather to apply for further Grants and funding. He added that all the decisions have been made by full Parish Council. LCC P Coupland asked what FPC have spent on the car park to date. Cllr Barnes confirmed the cost of the Car Park was £28,342.91 and iron works for barriers £1,929.60. With works for the gravel boards yet to be completed, but this will be done by Parish volunteers. A Grant had been awarded for £24,999 from the UKSPF levelling up funds. LCC concluded with a request that we continue to review the Car Parking on Old Main Road.
19:34 LCC P Coupland left the meeting
District Report – District Cllr Barnes reported that he is still pursuing Brown Bins for the Parish and fines for Fly tipping are being reviewed. Currently in SHDC the fine is £500, but in other neighbouring areas like Boston they are £1,000. The update of Devolution, SHDC will continue for another 2 years or so, then larger unities are planned. But with larger unities, funds will be harder to spread, so we need to fight and maybe consider joining with neighbouring Parishes.
25.03.138 Apologies for Absence – Cllr E Penney. Reasons were noted and accepted by all.
25.03.139 To receive applications (if any) for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy – None received
25.03.140 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 – None Received.
25.03.141 Signing of the Minutes – Clerk’s notes from the meeting on 24 February 2025 were previously circulated, read and RESOLVED by all, as a true record and signed by the Chairman.
25.03.142 Financial Matters:
• Reconciliation of Bank account - Clerk talked through current bank balance following reconciliation of the bank statements for February 2025 – The balance as of 28th February 2025 was £37,077.31, which included payment of the balance for the works on the Inclusive Car Park, there were no pending payments. Members were provided with a copy of the latest bank statement for their records.
• Payment of Invoices:
|
20/02/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
27/02/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
01/03/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 25.00 |
|
05/03/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
06/03/2025 |
Hire of hall for meetings |
55.12 |
|
06/03/2025 |
Office supplies/stationery |
49.37 |
|
06/03/2025 |
Upkeep of pavilion & playing field |
6.46 |
|
12/03/2025 |
Litter Picker wage |
44.33 |
|
12/03/2025 |
Clerk/RFO Salary |
576.10 |
|
06/03/2025 |
Office supplies/stationery |
13.51 |
|
17/02/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
07/03/2025 |
Fleet Parish Summer Fete 2025 |
- 10.00 |
|
10/03/2025 |
Open Space Project |
95.23 |
|
10/03/2025 |
Cherry Lane Project |
100.00 |
|
10/03/2025 |
Noticeboards/signs |
900.00 |
All noted and approved.
• Pre Renewal Insurance Questionnaire – Clerk had previously circulated the questionnaire and following discussion it was agreed to add the Car Park, Cherry Lane and obtain costs for the Meridian Stone to update the value.
25.03.143 To review the following:
• Fleet Parish Council Privacy Statement – Resolved all in order and no amendments required.
25.03.144 To receive reports - from:
• Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party – Cllr K Smith reported that all the new materials for the play equipment had now been replaced.
a) Update on works for accessible parking area and path – The Car Park remains closed until the signage is put up but plans to open later this week.
b) Update on Moles on playing field – Moles still evident and treatment sill ongoing.
c) Renewal of Park Swing Chains – Following an assessment of the chains, Cllr K Smith had obtained quotes for replacement of the chains. Following discussion, it was Resolved to apply for a Grant to fund the replacement. As the chains were not unsafe, it was agreed to wait the outcome of the Grant decision in June and if successful change them all. If not, we will re Agenda to discuss further.
• Fund Raising and Grants Working Party – Cllr A Smith’s report was shared prior to the meeting concluding: With the completion of UKSPF GRASSroots 2024 and One Stop grants, Fleet Parish Council has successfully delivered key community improvements. While some applications were unsuccessful, we continue to explore funding opportunities and work with partners to support community projects.
• Update on submitted Grant applications – Ongoing, as above
• War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane) – Cllr E Penney shared her report prior to the meeting, which highlighted works required to the front of the War Memorial. Cllr Barnes asked if quotations can be obtained. The works required will be remove old gravel, replace membrane, return gravel adding a further 2 ton of new. There was also a request to add two new planters at the front of the memorial. Costs were requested. Discussions were also had about replacing the hedge with a wall, maybe asking for help from the college? Enquiries need to be made about planning requirements.
• Observations following asset inspections – Asset inspections were up to date with nothing of major concern at this time.
25.03.145 Parish Survey – Update on launch of new Parish Survey – Cllr A Smith previously shared details of updates to the Survey which will be distributed from tomorrow (18/3).
25.03.146 Correspondence Received:
• Further Freedom of Information Request following on from previous request – Resolve to discuss response in Closed Session
• Letter from RBL requesting consideration for the War Memorial to be listed as Grade 2 status. – Following discussion, it was Resolved for Cllr P Barnes to take forward and discuss adding to the Heritage list first with further investigation to requirements for Grade 2 listing. It was also Resolved to add the Meridan Stone to the Heritage list at the same time.
25.03.147 Actions List - To discuss completion of outstanding items and agree timescales
• Update on tree works at Church End – Clerk confirmed a contractor had agreed to look and provide an estimate for the works. But questions about ownership were raised. Further discussions with the Church required.
25.03.148 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 Long Lane, Eastgate and Hocklesgate. Despite Parishioner concerns raised at the last meeting about speeding vehicles on Hocklesgate, none were recorded on the day.
25.03.149 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 this forward.
Applications received since last Meeting:
|
Date |
Reference no - Type |
Proposal |
Location |
Comments by: |
|
17/02/2025 |
H05-0120-25 – Advertisement |
Display of 3 illuminated advertisement signs |
MORNING GLORY 102 FLEET ROAD |
10/03/2025 |
|
17/02/2025 |
H05-0119-25 FULL |
Change of use from dwelling to dwelling and motorcycle repair (within an existing building), MOT testing, sales and stationing of temporary |
MORNING GLORY 102 FLEET ROAD |
10/03/2025 |
|
24/02/2025 |
H05-0985-24 Full |
Change of use of previously reclaimed land to enable a mixed residential and equine use to include two residential static caravans and two touring caravans and erection of two stables and ancillary works to create a home for a Gypsy / Traveller family |
Land to West of Langary Gate Road Fleet Coy |
17/03/2025 |
|
24/02/2025 |
H09-0125-25 S73A CONTINUATION |
Residential development - Erection of 188 dwellings - Approved under H09-0287-24. |
Land off Damgate |
17/03/2025 |
Decided Planning Applications by SHDC:
|
Date |
Reference |
Development |
Location |
Decision |
|
16/02/2025 |
H05-1098-24 Prior App |
Conversion of agricultural building into dwelling including extension |
The Gables Nursery New Fen Drove Gedney Hill |
Approved |
|
23/02/2025 |
H05-1023-24 FULL |
Change of use of premises from Class E to Class B2 |
19 Fleet Road Industrial Estate Fleet |
Approved |
|
23/02/2025 |
H05-1078-24 Prior app |
Conversion of an existing agricultural building to residential dwelling |
Harrington Hall Farm Little Marsh Lane Fleet |
Approved |
|
23/02/2025 |
H05-0037-25 Full |
Replace existing window with french doors |
Battleford Hall Proudfoot Lane Fleet |
Approved |
25.03.150 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.
25.03.151 To Note Date of Next Meeting – Tuesday 15th April 2024 – Gedney Hill Memorial Hall – To include Annual Parish Meeting
20:08 – The open meeting closed and public left.
Additional Agenda Item – Resolved to discuss missed item that was due to be discussed under item 7. Following on form our last meeting, when it was Resolved to order benches to the value of £5000 (25.02.131d). A quote had been received. Following a lengthy discussion a vote was held to agree the colour required for the playing field. This resulted in 3 in favour of green and 1 in favour of Brown. Therefore, an order will be placed for 2 brown benches for Cherry Lane, 5 Green Benches for the playing field and 2 picnic tables for the playing field. Including fixings the total cost will be £4,397.50. Further discussion will be had for benches in the South Ward once land ownership and permissions have been granted.
25.03.152 Closed Session to Discuss:
• Further Freedom of Information request following last request – Details of the letter received were shared, followed by the drafted reply, all we in agreement that the draft reply was open and transparent, containing answers to the questions asked. It was again noted that all the information requested had been shared during meetings, where the Parishioner was present.
20:40 Meeting closed