2025 Parish Council Resolved Minutes

Minutes of Sibsey Parish Council Annual Meeting held Tuesday 6th May 2025 at Northlands Village Hall, Northlands, Sibsey commencing at 7.00pm

PRESENT:    Cllr I Watts presiding as Chairman 
Cllr G Limb            Cllr A Heath        Cllr J Ladds                Cllr J Adiotomre             Cllr S Barker        
    
Clerk – S Knowles

There were two members of the public present.

1.    TO ELECT A CHAIRPERSON FOR THE ENSUING YEAR (2025/2026)
Following proposal from Cllr Limb, it was thereby seconded by Cllr Heath and resolved that Cllr Watts should be Chairperson for the 2025/2026 ensuing year

2.    TO RECEIVE THE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE AS CHAIRPERSON OF SIBSEY PARISH COUNCIL 2025/2026
Cllr Watts signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairperson of Sibsey Parish Council for 2025/2026 which was witnessed and signed by the Proper Officer, S Knowles.

3.    TO ELECT A VICE CHAIRPERSON FOR THE ENSUING YEAR (2025/2026)
Following proposal from Cllr Watts, it was thereby seconded by Cllr Heath and resolved that Cllr Limb should be the Vice Chairperson for the 2025/2026 ensuing year.

4.    PUBLIC FORUM
At 7.08pm it was resolved to suspend the meeting to allow maximum of 15 minutes  to members of the public to ask questions or make short statements to the Parish Council.

Andy Frankowski representative for Sibsey Community Speed Watch relayed the following information:
•    The Community Speed Watch only currently have three members on their team and therefore have been concentrating on the speed within Station Road and Frithville Road. Main Road does not seem to be effective with the traffic from Spilsby  however, this is a different matter with the traffic flow from Boston.
•    He asked would it be possible to have a 30mph flashing sign as that on the A16 within the two main concentrated areas to stipulate that they are in a 30mph zone.
•    Would io=t be possible to contact the police and ask if they personally could have police presence when they are doing their speed check.
•    Would LCC Highways put painted 30mph markings on the roads.
•    Noticed that there is no effect “Children Playing” signs near to the Community Park

At 7.24pm it was resolved to return to Standing Orders of the meeting

5.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN
All Parish Councillors were in attendance therefore there was no apologies for absence needed to be given.

6.    TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOCALISM ACT 2011, AND TO CONSIDER ANY APPLICATIONS FOR DISPENSATIONS IN RELATION TO DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
No declarations of Interest were received.

7.    NOMINATIONS FOR POSITIONS ON COMMITTEES AND WORKING FORUMS
Cllr Watts put a motion to keep the original members on the Committees and Working Forums as per previous year. It was proposed by Cllr Ladds, seconded by Cllr Adiotomre and resolved to accept this motion.

8.    NOTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 4th MARCH 2025 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES
It was proposed by Cllr Limb, seconded by Cllr Adiotomre and resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record and thereby signed by the Chairman.

9.    OUTSIDE BODIES REPORT
ELDC Cllr Jones forwarded his apologies for not being able to attend this evening’s meeting as he has had personal engagement to attend.

Prior to this meeting no apologies or information have been received from ELDC Cllr Ashton.

Prior to this meeting no apologies or information have been received from LCC Cllr Matthews.

According to Police.UK website:
During January 2025 two incidents were reported
One incident of other crime was reported on or near to Meyers Close - Action to be taken by another organisation

One incident of Vehicle crime was reported on or near to Besant Close – Still under investigation

During February 2025 four incidents were reported
One incident of Violence and sexual offence was reported on or near to the Main Road (A16) at Northlands – Unable to prosecute suspect

One incident of Violence and sexual offence was reported on or near to Northlands Lane  – Unable to prosecute suspect

Two incidents were reported on or near to Church Close
1 x incident of Violence and sexual offence - Unable to prosecute suspect
1 x incident of Criminal Damage and arson – Still under investigation

It was addressed that the resurfacing of the A16 has not satisfactory been done by LCC, Councillors and residents were expecting a complete coverage of the road being done not patched.

10.    CLERK’S REPORT
•    Notification has been received from LLC Highways in regard to a temporary road closure at High Ferry Lane between 2nd and 4th June 2025 in relation to the new water connection being conducted by Anglian Water.

11.    ANNUAL GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN (AGAR) 2024/2025
a.    To receive the report of the internal auditor and RFO’s response
The report from the Internal Auditor was read out during the meeting, which relayed that she was very satisfied that the Parish Council finances were being maintained. Though one query was raised during the audit asking about Invoices received from Fenland Leisure Products as both invoices dated the same day was for the same information and amount and asked was this a duplication that had been missed or 50% balance on work to be carried out but then done in a quick timescale or did this relate to something else. The RFO informed her that this was relating to two different aspects of work done in the park associated with the gates of the toddler area and invoiced to the fact.

b)    To approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)) for financial year 2024/2025 and authorise the signing by the Chairperson and Parish Clerk
A copy of Section 1 was circulated to the councillors. On evaluation it was proposed by Cllr Limb, seconded by Cllr Heath and resolved to authorise the signing of this section.

c)    To approve the Accounting Statements (Section 2 of the AGAR) and authorise the signing by the Chairperson and Responsible Financial Officer
A copy of Section 2 was circulated to the councillors. On evaluation, it was proposed by Cllr Limb, seconded by Cllr Barker and resolved to authorise the signing of this section.

12.    FINANCIAL MATTERS
a.    Financial Report
Since the last meeting £63,891.70 has been credited to the Community Account (£1440.00 associated with Burial Ground Fees, £3626.51 for reimbursement associated with LCC Ground Maintenance, £6275.10 for VAT Rebate, £52,500 relating to the first instalment of this year’s precept and £50.09 for reimbursement of Printer Ink).

b.    To approve payments

It was proposed by Cllr Limb, seconded by Cllr Ladds and resolved that these payments should be made.

13.    PARISH MATTERS
a.    Pymoor Lane
Cllr Watts relayed that following conversation with representative from The Bears committee after recommendation they had received from ELDC Health & Safety that a stainless-steel sink in the kitchen with hot water facility for hand washing asking permission for this to be installed.

The Parish Councillor were happy for the work to be done and for the Committee to pay the person responsible for doing the work directly.

Permission was also asked for a sign approximately 2mx1m to be erected on the building with The Bears Logo and Club name. The Parish Councillors agreed this but relayed that this be done professionally and proof of the installation be given to the Parish Council.

Cllr Watts also relayed that work had begun on the building though expressed that they did not give adequate notice of start for the work commencing. Excuses were also given that the work had not started earlier was they were waiting for the manufacture of the windows that were to be installed, but later evidence proved actually this was not true as they were on site later measuring for them prior to being made.

On visiting the site, it was deemed that the Health & Safety fencing was not too standard and this was conveyed back to the builder. It was also discovered that the cantilever for holding up the end wall was not sufficient either.

It was also relayed that the Committee/Club had asked the builder to do extra work that they Parish Council were not aware of or had given permission for and informed the builder that no additional work can be done without first contacting the Parish Council about this.

Also discovered that no asbestos report to date has been received. This is needed before any further work is conducted inside and advance notice must be given.

Other work that needs to be looked at is a disabled ramp from the carpark area to the field.

A meeting is to be held in relation to the combined fete between the Club and School. Permission was granted however, no alcohol can be served during the event, adequate insurance for holding the fete at this site must be obtained and proof sent to the Parish Council and any damage to the infrastructure is at the expense of the club and school to be rectified.

b.    Burial Ground
There was no information to report.

c.    Village Maintenance
i)    Maintenance areas and ownership update for LCC assets
There was no update to this and following the recent LCC Election which incurred that a new County Councillor was elected it was deemed that this discussion in relation to this would have to be relooked into before this matter could be resolved.

Other Village Maintenance issues discussed:
•    Via Fix my Street, LCC Highways stipulates that the fence surrounding the Duck Pond in Chapel Lane that work has been contracted out for this to be rectified.
•    The trees on the land to the entrance of Chapel Lane that had not grown to be removed and larger ones to replace them at a later date.
•    Quote to be obtained for the cleaning of the Play equipment within the Community Park.
•    Work on the Church Clock repairs still to be completed

d.    Play Areas
The bench in Amos Way has been vandalised and needs to be fixed. Cllr Limb relayed that instead of replacing it with the slats of wood as currently is to actually have a full seated area. After discussion it was agreed that this was the better option of which Cllr Limb agreed to look into obtaining a quote for the work.

e.    Adoption of land in Amos Way from ELDC to Parish Council
The process is now in the hands of each party’s solicitors, of which the Parish Council’s legal fees will be £855-£1425 excluding VAT plus any disbursements.

ELDC Andrew Sweeney Housing Development Manage has notified the clerk that he has today received the details for the advertising of the transfer for the two sites. The Council is required to advertise the disposal of land which is recreation or open space amenity land for 2 weeks, under the requirements of Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act, 1972.
He is not sure why this has taken until now to do this but will ensure the advertisement is published quickly so solicitors can engage in progressing the preparation of contracts.

f.    Land for Play Area at Northlands
There is no update information to relay.

g.    Correspondence received
The following correspondence has been received:
•    ELDC Media Release - New shell-shaped recycling bin for plastic bottles installed at Sutton on Sea 
•    ELDC Media Release - East Lindsey District Council sets balanced budget that supports communities and economic growth 
•    LALC e-news 7th and 21st March, 25th April 2025 
•    ELDC Media Release - Statement from Cllr Craig Leyland, Leader of East Lindsey District Council: North Sea Shipping Collision 
•    ELDC Media Release - Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival returns in 2025 for its fourth year 
•    LCC Town & Parish Newsletter - March & April 2025 
•    ELDC Town & Parish Newsletter - March & April 2025 
•    ELDC Media Release - Almost £290,000 awarded to community projects through the East Lindsey Investment Fund ‘s LCF GRASSroots Scheme 
•    ELDC Messenger - Spring 2025 
•    ELDC Media Release - East Lindsey District Council complete multi-million Campus for Future Living, in partnership with Acis Group 
•    ELDC Media Release - Spilsby Sessions House restoration moves a step further with the submission of planning and listed building consent 

14.    PLANNING
a.    Discuss all planning applications currently being reviewed for consultation
Five planning applications were received and circulated to the Planning Forum for their perusal and observations.
i)    S/152/00303/25 – Outline erection of 1 no. dwelling – The Hawthorns, Trader Bank, Sibsey
There were no objections to this planning application

ii)    S/152/00041/25 – Listed Building Consent – Alterations to existing roofs to provide roof mounted solar panels – Blacksmiths Cottage, Boston Road, Sibsey
There were no objections to this planning application

iii)    S/152/00120/25 – Alterations to existing roof to provide roof mounted solar panels, and a single tile vent to existing dwelling which is a listed building - Blacksmiths Cottage, Boston Road, Sibsey
There were no objections to this planning application

iv)    02049/25/FUL – Extension and alterations to existing dwelling to provide additional living accommodation – Green Acres, Frithville Road, Sibsey
There were no objections to this planning application

v)    S/152/01863/24 – Reserved matters application relating to the erection of 48 no. dwellings and electricity substation (Phase 3)(outline planning permission reference no. S/152/01072/18 for the erection up to 175 no. dwellings, granted on 17th June 2021) – Millers Walk Development Site, Main Road Sibsey
It was agreed that previous comments made and concerns raised are what should be considered on this planning application

b.    Discuss other planning matters
There were no further planning matters to be discussed.

c.    Report on any information received associated with Planning
No further information associated with Planning has been received.

15.    HIGHWAYS
Notification has been received from Anglian Water in relation to replacing of mains and service pipes being conducted from 6th May 2025 until 22nd August 2025.

Other Highway matters discussed:
•    Yellow lines along Frithville Road still need to be done.
•    Pavement to Littlemoor Lane from Northlands needs replacing
•    Re-evaluate the footpath from the Village to Trader Mill

16.    ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION BY LEAVE OF CHAIRMAN
Cllr Ladds relayed that it is the Primary Schools Sports Day is on 22nd May 2025 and asked if she could give permission for them to borrow the gazeboes. This was granted.

17.    DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The date of the next Parish Council meeting as previously scheduled will be held on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 at Northlands Village Hall

There being no further business the meeting finished at 9.16pm.