March 2026 Minutes
Fleet Parish Council
Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 16th March 2026 at 7.00pm
Councillors present: Councillors Barnes (Chair), Hammersley, C Penney, E Penney, McKendry
Councillors absent: None.
Apologies from: Cllr Neil Carey, Lincolnshire County Council
Also present: Neil Watson, Clerk & RFO and five members of the public.
PUBLIC FORUM – Incorporating reports from elected members of Lincolnshire County Council & South Holland District Council
A member of the public enquired about progress with the Baptist Church site, and the disposal of historic funds from the sale of the village hall. Cllr Barnes responded.
On behalf of Councillor Neil Carey, LCC, Cllr Barnes advised that:
An assessment of the tree at the war memorial has been instructed; double yellow lines at Fleet garage is under consideration; and Cllr Barnes has been supplied with a list of potholes reported in the Parish.
Councillor Barnes gave his District Councillor’s report:
Some brown bin (garden waste) collection rounds have been changed, to allow future expansion of the scheme; fine details of the wheelie bin roll-out are still being discussed; and various enquiries and enforcement visits have been carried out at Fleet Road garage and 1 Princes Street.
Finally, Cllr Barnes reminded everyone of the open meeting on Thursday evening (6.30pm at the Anglia Motel) to discuss the BSFL conversion facility. (LCC Planning Reference PL/0089/25, SHDC ref H05-0187-26).
Agenda Item 1: To receive, consider and accept apologies for absence.
No apologies as all Councillors present, meeting is quorate.
Agenda Item 2: Receive applications (if any) for the office of Parish Councillor and to co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy.
None
Agenda Item 3: Receive declarations of interest on agenda items.
No declarations were made.
Agenda Item 4: Approve the minutes of the meeting on 24th February 2026
The minutes were accepted by acclaim and duly signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr E Penney, Sec Cllr Hammersley (Minute reference 26/014)
Agenda Item 5: Financial Matters
a. Reconciliation of Bank account for February 2026
The reconciliation was agreed as correct by acclaim and signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr McKendry, Sec Cllr Hammersley (Minute reference 26/015)
b. Payment of invoices
The payments list
Electricity to pavilion 24/02/2026 Electricity to pavilion EDF Energy £30.31
Bank Charges 28/02/2026 Bank Service Charge Unity Trust Bank £ 2.32
was agreed by acclaim (Minute reference 26/016)
Agenda Item 6: Reports on or from:
a. Playing Field and Pavilion Working Party
b. Pavilion Refurbishment
c. Installation of benches and tables
d. Fund Raising and Grants Working Party
e. Submitted Grant Applications
f. War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane)
g. Observations following asset inspections.
Cllr Barnes gave a consolidated report as follows:
Councillor Barnes started his report by reminding everyone of the open event on Thursday 19th March at 10.30pm to thank Brewers Decorating Supplies for their generous support of the pavilion project. Light refreshments will be served.
The external windows and doors will be painted when the weather permits.
A dog waste bin is being misused.
The builder is to quote for installing the hardstanding for the benches etc.
The grant application with the Football Foundation is ongoing.
Users are sought for the pavilion, and local social or sporting group, and families for children’s parties.
We are still looking out for a cleaner/caretaker.
The signage relating to parking at the pavilion will be reviewed.
Music in the Park will be considered for future event.
The car-park extension will be pursued as soon as possible.
Cllr E Penney reported that the war memorial is looking very colourful.
Agenda Item 7: Correspondence Received
a. Bus Shelter damage – insurance quotation
Insurers have accepted liability and have authorised a like-for-like replacement which has been ordered from the original supplier.
b. Verge Cutting
A parishioner has requested the Parish Council to cut the verges opposite the school; these verges are not PC responsibility so the parishioner will be advised that the matter has been referred to Highways.
c. VAT reclaim.
The Clerk submitted a VAT reclaim on 1st March in the sum of £8310.38. These funds were received after the bank reconciliation was struck.
Agenda Item 8: Speedwatch Initiative.
A session was held on Lowgate on 25th February, 13 vehicles were reported with a maximum speed noted of 55 in a 40mph limit.
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership 30mph warning signs will be placed along Old Main Road shortly.
Agenda Item 9: Planning Matters
Applications received:
No new applications since the last meeting
Decisions Received:
H05-0187-26 Intergreen Flower distribution – application approved.
Undecided Planning Applications:
H05-0729-25 Land west of Langary Gate Road
H05-0969-25 Ladypud Lodge, Low Gate
H05-1112-25 Cream House, Church End
H05-0137-25 5 Cross Street, Fleet
H05-0150-26 Delph Park Touring Park
Full details of all planning matters can be found at www.sholland.gov.uk.
Agenda Item 10: Forward Planning & Events
a. Fleet Summer Fete 14th June 2026
Cllr McKendry gave an update on progress with the arrangements. 3 banners have been ordered; so far, we have in attendance the Ukulele Band, Holbeach Town Band (prov.), the ATC band, face painting, ice cream, sweet stalls, donuts, cream teas, Royal British Legion, dog show, children’s trail and classic cars.
A quotation is awaited from Lincs Security for first aid/security marshals.
Agenda Item 11. To Note Date of Next Meeting
Monday 20th April 2026 at Fleet Hargate Community Centre
Annual Parish Meeting followed by an Ordinary Parish Council Meeting
Meeting Closed: 8.05 pm.