Minutes
WESTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of meeting held on Monday 2nd December 2024 at Weston Village Hall
Commenced at 7.30pm
Present:- Cllrs, Dicks, Bellamy, Brotherton, Casson, Mews, Pennington, Clerk/RFO.
Apologies Cllrs Ellis (work commitments).
Absent :- Cllr Halgarth.
In Attendance:- Dist Cllr Woolf and four members of the public.
The chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting, and informed those present that the meeting was being recorded and asked that everyone refrain from using their mobile phones.
The Chairman then spoke on the sad passing of Cllr Pratt and a short silence took place. Cllrs Casson and Pennington also spoke of Cllr Pratts long service as a Parish Councillor, Chairman and Vice-Chairman and committee member on Weston Hills village hall. Those present agreed to make a donation of £50 shared between Cllr Pratts chosen charities, the east midlands air ambulance and Macmillan cancer support.
24.161 Declaration of interest in accordance with Localism Act 2011
Cllr Casson on all planning matters as he is on the SHDC planning committee.
Cllrs Mews and Pennington re. planning application H22-0898-24.
Cllr Dicks re. planning application H22-0960-24.
24.162 Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 4th November 2024
Minutes of the meeting having been circulated were taken as read by the Chair and signed as a true record. Proposed AC, seconded PM, unanimous vote in favour by those who were present at the meeting.
24.163 Co-option of new Parish Councillor
The Clerk informed those present that the Returning Officer had authorised the co-option of a new Councillor to replace Cllr Higgins. The Parish Council will look to co-opt at the January meeting. Protocol requires that the Notice of Vacancy for Cllr Pratt will be advertised after the funeral by the SHDC Returning Officer.
24.164 Public Forum
A resident said there was little to report on the energy projects in the parish. The resident queried their perceived accuracy of last month’s minutes with regards to when members of the public left the meeting. Any proposed changes to the draft minutes have to be proposed, seconded and voted on by the full council. The accuracy of the minutes is for the full council to resolve, they alone have the power to propose changes to the draft minutes not members of the public. Once signed as a true record minutes cannot be changed.
Dist Cllr Woolf told those present that SHDC was actively involved with other local district councils with regards objecting to the proposed energy projects. He also hoped that councillors would support his Chairman’s upcoming fun run.
24.165 Matters Arising
The Clerk reminded those present of the training evening for planning matters on Thursday 12th December at SHDC. Four councillors and the Clerk were due to attend but Cllr Casson gave his apologies as he is now unable to attend.
The Chairman reported that he had contacted Holbeach police on the matter of traffic on the Austendyke Road and parking outside Weston Hills School. A Police incident report has been registered but the Chairman voiced his concerns that anything would be done. The question was asked who is the local police officer responsible for the parish. Cllr Casson said that he was due to meet with the Chief Inspector in Spalding and would ask the question.
The Chairman asked Cllr Casson if he had any success in getting any 30mph speed signs. Cllr Casson replied that he had not to date been able to get any but would make enquiries.
24.166 Correspondence
email from the Emergency Planning and Continuity Manager at LCC inviting the Parish Council to Cowbit Parish Council’s meeting on Monday 13th January to discuss emergency response in the district.
24.167 SID/CSW
The SID unit is working on Austendyke Road and Cllr Bellamy will download the data and forward the data to the relevant organisations. The CSW is taking a one month winter break.
24.168 Allotments
The Clerk reported that meetings had taken place with two parishioners who wished to take over tenancy of the two vacant allotments. It was resolved to accept both applications. Proposed by AC, seconded AB, unanimous vote in favour.
24.169 Weston Playing Field
Cllr Bellamy reported that work is progressing on the installation of the CCTV and new play equipment.
24.170 Weston Hills Playing Field
Cllr Bellamy said she had received complaints about dog faeces on the field. Cllr Casson asked who was responsible for emptying the bin. Cllr Bellamy replied that two volunteers emptied the bin and if they were unavailable then she emptied it.
24.171 Planning Matters
Notification of application for consideration available via SHDC website:-
H22-0807-24, H22-0810-24, H22-0856-24, H22-0834-24 Approved by SHDC
Cllrs Mews and Pennington left the room while H22-0898-24 was discussed.
H22-0898-24 No Objections
Cllr Dicks deferred chairing the meeting to Cllr Bellamy having declared an interest in H22-0960-24.
H22-0960-24 No Objections
Cllr Dicks resumed chairing the meeting.
The Chairman and Cllr Brotherton commented on H22-0827-24 from the November meeting and both were pleased that highways had commented on potential parking issues.
24.172 Finance Report
The financial report to 30th November 2024 (Please see accompanying report) having been circulated was taken as read and its contents noted. It was resolved to accept the financial report, Proposed AC, seconded JB, unanimous vote in favour.
The Chairman announced that the grass cutting contract for 2025, 2025 Grant applications and the 2025/26 Budget and Precept would be dealt with in closed session as would Standing orders training, Delegation of Councillors on outside organisations and complaints procedures.
24.173 Items for Discussions
Cllr Brotherton voiced her concerns about road gritting in the parish. During one morning of cold weather six vehicles had left the road. Fulney Drove and Mill Drove North to its junction with the A16 in particular were highlighted as roads that need gritting in cold weather. The Clerk was asked to contact Dist Cllr Gibson on this matter.
The Chairman commented on the poor standard of work done by LCC highways on the High Road at its junction with the A151 at Flamingo Flowers. Concern was also voiced about access to McDonald’s restaurant now that work to upgrade the Springfields roundabout has been completed.
24.174 Date of Next Meeting
Monday 6th January 2025 7:30pm at Weston Hills Village Hall.
Dist Cllr Woolf and the four members of the public left the meeting and the meeting then went into closed session to discuss finance matters.
Chairman …………………………………………………