2025 Parish Council Resolved Minutes

Minutes of Sibsey Parish Council Meeting held Tuesday 7th October 2025 at
Northlands Village Hall, Northlands, Sibsey commencing at 7.00pm

PRESENT:    Cllr I Watts presiding as Chairman 
Cllr G Limb        Cllr J Ladds
Cllr J Adiotomre         Cllr S Barker (left at 9.42pm)
                 
ELDC Cllr N Jones (arrived at 7.09pm, left at 9.45pm)    
ELDC Cllr T Ashton (arrived at 8.57pm, left at 9.45pm)
LCC Cllr S Matthews (left at 7.48pm)
Clerk – S Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were three members of the public present of which the following questions/short statements were made to the Parish Council during the time allocated:
•    Film show on at the Church on Friday October 10th 2026
•    Remembrance at the War Memorial on Sunday 9th November 2026.

1.    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND REASONS GIVEN
Cllr Heath had forwarded his apologies for absence of which the Parish Councillors were aware of the reasons of which it was resolved to accept this reason.

2.    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.

3.    NOTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER 2025 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES
It was proposed by Cllr Ladds, seconded by Cllr Limb and resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record and thereby signed by the Chairman.

4.    OUTSIDE BODIES REPORT
LCC Cllr Matthew reported:
•    Surveys had been continued the Main Road (A16) (12th August and 19th August) on speeding and parking of vehicles which resulted in not giving any useful information but another one may be different done actually during school term time.
•    After discussing with Highways regarding Average Speed Cameras – there is no recognition of any meeting or anything requested beforehand in the form that this has been asked to look into by the previous County Councillor.
•    Asked if gritting can be done in front of the school, to be informed that they don’t think a gritter lorry would be able to turn around, to be relayed back by the Parish Council that buses can and that there is a mini roundabout outside the school so think that this needs reviewing. Cllr Matthews said that he will get this matter relooked at.
•    Looking into the speed reduction from Hilldyke to Spalding to get the speed reduced to 50mph. The clerk previously in the meeting had given a recent FOI report received from Lincolnshire Police in relation to speeding and accidents etc within this area,
•    The Local Government reorganisation – Four different plans with be going before Central Government on how the areas should be divided and governed. As previously reported, this will mean that there will no longer be any District Councillors and there will be no increase in County Councillors.
All applications and information have to be submitted by November 2025 of which a final decision by Central Government will be given March/April 2026.
With the loss of District Councillors there is an importance that Parish Councils exist  of which County Councillors will need to remain in communication with them. Therefore, will be looking at from the decision of the division, LCC are planning to hold roadshows to aid with increasing the number of Parish Councillors.
Cllr Ladds enquired if there will be a more officers part of the United Authority, of which Cllr Matthews replied this is unknown as some of the repetitive area officers will have to go but there are matters managed by District Councils that are not by County Councillor some jobs relating to these areas will probably remain but there will unfortunately be job losses.
Cllr Watts relayed there is currently poor communication with ELDC officers, so hope that the Parish Council will be given more information and contact.
Cllr Barker asked about the Precept will the Parish Council be allowed to ask for more considering that they will be given more responsibility as will need to assure residents the justifiability of the increase. LCC will be looking at taking on majority of the responsibility but until decision is known in reality it is unsure what, where and who actually have responsibility for certain aspects. It is also believed that there will be unpaid Neighbourhood Bodies (former District Councillors) to oversee certain areas.

Cllr Ladds asked Cllr Matthews, following roadworks, why is the signage left for so long after the work has been completed? He replied that County Council sub-contract out the work and becomes the responsibility of Traffic management.

Cllr Watts relayed the controversial matter associated with the TPO tree in Station Road. He asked if thanks could be given to Chris Miller at Environmental Services for his help and information related to the following issue:  
o    The Parish Council received December 2024 a request to remove a TPO from a tree with Station Road which had historical value to the village of which objections to this had been sent to ELDC. 
o    In September, the Parish Council were made aware that the tree was in the process of being cut down. No decision notice or any information relating to the former request was received by the Parish Council. 

Cllr Adiotomre informed that the A16 footpath from Northlands is deteriorating and showed recorded evidence of this to LCC Cllr Matthews.

According to Police.UK new updated website:
During July 2025 five incidents were reported
1 x Public Order on or near to Trader Bank
1 x Anti-Social Behaviour on or near to Church Walk
2 x Anti-Social Behaviour on or near to Goosemuck Lane
1 x Criminal Damage and Arson on or near to Goosemuck Lane

During August 2025 eleven incidents were reported
1 x Other Crime on or near to Northlands Lane
1 x Violence and Sexual Offences on or near to Goosemuck Lane
2 x Anti-Social Behaviour on or near to Church Walk
1 x Violence and Sexual Offences on or near to Glebe Close 
1 x Criminal Damage and Arson on or near to Church Close
4 x Anti-Social Behaviour on or near to Lucan Close
1 x Anti-Social Behaviour on or near to Willows Lane

5.    CLERK’S REPORT
•    Notification has been received from LCC Highways of future works being conducted by Sunbelt Rentals UK Ltd between 20th & 22nd October 2025 within Chapel Lane in association with Cadent Gas connection
•    Notification has been received from LCC Highways of future works being conducted by Anglian Water between 3rd and 19th November 2025 in several areas within the village in association with the installation of a new water main.

6.    FINANCIAL MATTERS
a.    Financial Report
Since the last meeting £53,577.08 has been credited to the Community Account (£52,500 for the second half of the precept, £980 associated with Burial Ground Fees, and £97.08 for reimbursement of Printer Ink).

b.    To approve payments

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

The Invoice from Tony Skinner & Sons for Changing of Consumer Unit within Pymoor Lane Building for £2184.00 is still outstanding until the onsite inspection meeting has been completed and signed off as satisfactory and that the Electric Installation Certificate is received. It was agreed at the previous meeting that once this has been completed the Invoice can be paid.

7.    PARISH MATTERS 
a.    Pymoor Lane
The sewer works need still to be looked into of which quotes have been asked for regarding the work.

b.    Burial Ground
i)    Burial Ground Forum meeting
The Forum met on site the 4th October 2025 and evaluated the area of which the following was discussed:
•    Definitely would like to progress with the Tranquillity Garden.
•    Need to meet with representatives from the PCC to discuss various matters that were in the areas that they were responsible for. Such as trees
•    Trees in the area of Parish Council responsibility need pruning.

c.    Village Maintenance
i)    Maintenance areas and ownership update for LCC assets
Waiting to discuss this further with LCC Cllr Matthews.

ii)    Quotes for removing old noticeboards and installing with new ones.
Deferred to the next meeting.

The WI have purchased a Crab Apple Tree of which following giving them previous permission will be planted on the land on the corner of Chapel Lane and the A16. Cllr Watts has informed them that they require a service search for due diligence to ensure there are no amenity piping in the vicinity.

Cllr Limb informed that the hedges have been cut around Amos Way but the one usually done by ELDC in Harvester Way/Church Walk needed being done.

d.    Play Areas
Deferred until next meeting.

e.    Adoption of land in Amos Way from ELDC to Parish Council
The solicitor has advised on obtaining searches for these areas of which it was resolved to go ahead with these. The clerk was given authority to pay the fees if required before the next meeting. 
A query was raised into whether being a statutory authority would these be required or an alternative be advised. ELDC Cllr Jones said that he would enquire about this.

The solicitor also informed that ELDC requires to have an Overage Clause attach to the transfer of which was an unnecessary expense considering other clauses requested covered the transfer. The clerk was asked to request information from ELDC to explain their views for needing this.

f.    Land for Play Area at Northlands
The trust was still looking into information in regard to the sale.

g.    Christmas Event
A meeting with the Friends of the School was set for the next week of which Cllrs Ladds and Watts would be attending. During the meeting it was agreed that the Parish Council would pay towards sweets, entertainer and prizes.

Cllr Ladds informed that the lights have been checked. It resulted in that new ones were required for those decorated at the church. It was agreed that these could be purchased and if required an additional £250 allowance towards the cost associated with lights.

Cllr Ladds also informed that the poppies to be placed on the lampposts will be over the next couple of weeks before Remembrance Sunday.

h.    Correspondence received
The following correspondence has been received:
•    Join our Town and Parish council virtual event on Local Government Reorganisation 
•    Town and Parish council virtual event on Local Government Reorganisation 
•    ELDC Town & Parish September 2025 newsletter 
•    ELDC Media Release - Two new Pride in Place grant schemes, funded by the East Lindsey Investment Fund, open for applications 
•    ELDC Media Release - Have Your Say: Council Tax Support Scheme consultation launched by East Lindsey District Council 
•    LALC e-news 12 and 26th September 2025 
•    ELDC Media Release - East Lindsey District Council responds as government announce a further £20 million in additional funding for Mablethorpe 
•    ELDC Media Release - East Lindsey District Council launches ELIF-funded community wellbeing map 
•    Town and Parish council virtual event on Local Government Reorganisation 
•    East Lindsey Messenger - Autumn 2025 
•    Press Release - Council Leaders pledge support to businesses on Lincolnshire Day in bold bid to reshape Greater Lincolnshire 
•    ELDC Media Release - East Lindsey District Council extends support for community groups tackling social isolation with additional investment funding 

8.    PLANNING
a.    Discuss all planning applications currently being reviewed for consultation
No planning applications have been received prior to this meeting

b.    Discuss other planning matters
TPO order EZY/0073/TPA in regard to removal of trees associated with The Laurels, Main Road, Sibsey to stop the influence of the tree(s) on the soil below building foundation level and provide long term stability to the property.
Concerns were raised that this will be a similar scenario to that associated with the TPO removal of the tree in Station Road. 
•    Reassurance was required into what other matters have been considered. 
•    Has the arborist been and assessed the building personally and review if there are other alternatives.
•    If the trees are removed will this result in the building having heave.
It was agreed to object to the removal of the TPO.

During the meeting it as relayed to ELDC Cllr Ashton the disappointment on how ELDC had communicated with the Parish Council in relation to the TPO removal of the tree on Station Road that had recently been felled. Cllr Watts relayed that all protocols at ELDC need to be evaluated and reviewed especially in informing both the Parish Council and residents.

At 9.30pm it was agreed to extend the meeting by 15 minutes

ELDC Cllr Jones recommended that it may be best for the Parish Council to have a Local Plan of which ELDC Cllr Ashton advised that it would be beneficial to get an outside company to do this for them as this would alleviate the stress and time consumption of the Parish Councillors actually doing it themselves.

At 9.45pm it was agreed to extend the meeting by 5 minutes

c.    Report on any information received associated with Planning 
There was no further planning information to be reported.

9.    HIGHWAYS 
a.    Village Gateways
This agenda item was deferred.
    
Finally received the Freedom of Information request in respect to A16 in relation to accidents and speeding incidents.

A Community Speed Watch survey was conducted on the 19th September 2025 between 8.20am and 9.20am on Frithville Road of which out of 319 vehicles recorded that passed during this time-span 27 vehicles were recorded of doing more than 35mph, with 12 being more than 40mph of which 54mph was the highest recorded but more disturbing was a taxi going towards the village overtaking another vehicle at 60mph, unfortunately too fast to get his license plate number nor the name of the company to officially log it.

They are requesting that addition volunteers are required to help with future surveys.

10.    ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION BY LEAVE OF CHAIRMAN
No other matters were discussed.

11.    DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The next scheduled Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday 4th November 2025 at Northlands Village Hall, Northlands, Sibsey commencing at 7pm.

There being no further business the meeting finished at 9.49pm.