Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 25...
Transcript of Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 25...
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 25 September 2008
Page 303
25 September 2008 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 25 September 2008 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. C Paterson (Mrs) (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R
Greenwood (until 8.46pm), W Gent, R Ledner.
In Attendance: D Cllr A Webster, Members of the Press 0, Members of the Public 4.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited questions from the public at 7.31pm.
Questions from the Public
a) Pointon Primary School
The headteacher enquired regarding further comments on her presentation at the previous meeting. Cllr
Gent suggested that the PTFA would provide a suitable platform for cooperative ventures with the
community; Cllr Ledner agreed it was important to get parents on board.
b) Proposed erection of wind turbines at Neslam Farm
The Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines reported that three parish councils, a residents‟
association and an MP had pledged their opposition to the proposal.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.38pm.
959 Apologies for Absence
None received.
960 Declarations of Interest from Members
Cllrs Templeman, Gent and Greenwood each declared a personal interest at minute 967 on account of their
membership of the Committee of Pointon Sports and Social Club.
961 Meeting Held 24 July 2008
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 24 July 2008 having been previously distributed, were approved by
members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
962 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) District
D Cllr Webster reported that a number of parishes threatened by British Telecom‟s payphone removal
proposals were taking up the BT Adopt-a-Kiosk scheme.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that the decking outside the Clubhouse has been extended further and that clubs
from the Boston Football League, visiting for the first time, have been very favourably impressed by the
facilities.
Cllr Templeman advised that the RoSPA Play Area Safety Inspection report, received since distribution of
this meeting‟s agenda, considered the general standard of maintenance of the site to be very poor. RoSPA
again drew attention to the need to secure the 5-a-side goals. Cllr Gent suggested that the erection of a
football wall would render the goals redundant, whilst Cllr Greenwood and others felt that moveable goals
avoided excessive wear of the grass surface.
Cllr Hennessy presented a quotation to fell the ash tree alongside the Clubhouse, and three quotations to
reduce the height of the conifers on the eastern boundary. Cllr Gent indicated that volunteers were available
to deal with the conifers; members suggested that this would be considered if costs and proof of insurance
cover were provided.
Cllr Ledner reported that dog fowling, including that by loose dogs accessing the playing field through gaps
in the fencing, remained an issue. After some discussion, members indicated they would be inclined to
approve Cllr Gent‟s offer to attend training to become an officer authorised to issue fixed penalty notices
under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.
Cllr Greenwood reported that the Lincolnshire Scouts will be holding a Night Hike in the area on 18/19
October, with participants camping on the Playing Field.
963 Planning
a) S08/LB/6999 Outbuilding adj. St Andrew‟s Church, Sempringham. Conversion of church outbuilding to
visitor centre (Listed Building Consent). Received 20 June 2008. Withdrawn by applicant’s agent.
b) S08/0759 Outbuilding adj. St Andrew‟s Church, Sempringham. Conversion of church outbuilding to visitor
centre. Received 5 July 2008. Withdrawn by applicant’s agent.
c) S08/0237 37 West Road, Pointon. Erection of dwelling. Notice of Appeal to the Secretary of State ref.
APP/E2530/A/08/2079306/WF against SKDC refusal, received 21 July 2008.
Agreed: No change to original representations (minute 928d).
964 Finance
a) Annual Return 2007/08
Council received the External Auditor‟s certificate and opinion, which had no matters requiring attention.
b) Financial Statement 16 September 2008
Council received the RFO‟s financial report and made no amendments to the budget therein.
c) The following bills were approved for payment:
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Community Lincs £25.00 Play Area Safety Training course (Cllr
Paterson)
Clearance Bargains Corby £9.98 Battery Charger & Grease Gun
Holland Road Service Station £7.25 6.15 litres Unleaded Petrol
Huck Nets (UK) Ltd £254.98 2x pairs Football Nets
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £162.15 60 litres Line Marking Paint
Clement Keys Chartered Accountants £158.63 Statutory Audit, year ending 31 March 2008
Cllr Lambert commented of the difficulty of establishing the true cost to the precept of maintaining the
Playing Field.
d) Council noted the following receipts:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: July, August
Pointon Sunday Football Club £82.50 Field Hire for season 2007/08
e) Council approved the following quotation:
Conservatories & Windows Direct £625.00 (+VAT) 2 windows for Pavilion
965 Other correspondence received
a) Billingborough PC: Invitation to Public Open Meeting 10 September 7pm at Billingborough VH
Members expressed their appreciation of Billingborough PC‟s organisation of this meeting for the purpose
of assessing local opinion on the proposed wind farm. The meeting had been attended by about 60 persons
none of whom spoke in favour of the proposal whilst several expressed very great concerns.
b) EMDA: EMDA News, Summer 2008
c) AGAST: Summary of concerns regarding proposed Wind Farm at Neslam Farm
See minute 968. Members thanked the Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines for their very helpful
summary of the material considerations.
d) Community Lincs: Booking forms for Play Area Safety Training events, 23 & 24 September
e) Lincs Fire & Rescue: Invitation to official launch of new fire appliances 21 August
f) Lincs Road Safety Partnership: re A15 enhanced verge maintenance
g) EM Fire & Rescue Control Centre: information & brochure
h) Community Lincs: Invitation to AGM 25 September at Osbournby VH
i) Email from parishioner regarding speeding vehicles on Fen Road, Pointon
See minute 966.
j) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 5 September 2008 and Minutes 4 July 2008
k) LALC: Newsletter July 2008, Annual Report 2007/08, Training Schedule 2008
l) LCC: Booklets concerning Personalisation and the Vision for Adult Social Care
m) Clerks & Councils Direct: September 2008
n) Voluntary News: 2008 No 3
o) Lincs Police Authority: Invitation to Local Police & Community Forum, Stamford, 2 October
p) Junior resident: Pointon Dirt Track Proposal
A proposal from a young resident requesting the establishment of a Dirt Track for Pointon was discussed at
length. Cllr Paterson presented a guidance leaflet prepared by Community Lincs. Members felt that adult
volunteers, probably parents, needed to come forward to form a working party to put together a proposal.
Cllr Greenwood left the meeting for reasons approved by members present.
q) Lincs Playing Field Association: Invitation to AGM, Cranwell VH, 23 October
966 LRSP Speed Indicating Device
The Council agreed to the loan of a Speed Indicating Device from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.
The Council also agreed to indemnify Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership in respect of any claim arising
out of the use of the Speed Indicating Device by any user.
Cllr Templeman advised that use of the device had been suggested by a resident and that no cost was
involved. Sufficient volunteers had come forward to operate the equipment.
967 Playing Field Pavilion
Consideration of a request by Pointon Sports and Social Club for electrical rewiring of the pavilion was
deferred as three quotations would be required.
968 Neslam Farm
The council unanimously expressed its opposition to the anticipated proposal to erect six wind turbines at
Neslam Farm. In the event that a planning application is received, it was agreed it may be necessary,
depending upon the timing, to convene a special meeting of the Council.
969 Date of next Meetings
a) Parish Council Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 27 November 2008 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9.27pm.
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27 November 2008 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 27 November 2008 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. C Paterson (Mrs) (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R
Greenwood.
In Attendance: D Cllr A Webster, Members of the Press 0, Members of the Public 4.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited questions from the public at 7.31pm.
Questions from the Public
a) Proposed industrial development of the Lincolnshire Fens
The Chairman of AGAST (Action Group against Sempringham Turbines) drew attention to an invitation to
E-ON from the Crown Estate to assess the potential of the Billingborough Crown Estate for development as
a Windfarm. She also reported that planning permission of the meteorological mast at Neslam Farm has
now expired although the mast remains in place.
b) Village Hall
The Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee described plans to open a Community Club
venture at the Hall in the New Year to provide various facilities enhancing the sustainability of the village.
Grants are being applied for, and she asked the Parish Council to consider a donation of £1,000 for purchase
of equipment required for the Community Club.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.37pm.
970 Apologies for Absence
Cllr R Ledner for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr W Gent for reasons accepted by members
present.
971 Declarations of Interest from Members
None received.
972 Meeting Held 25 September 2008
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 25 September 2008, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
973 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) District
D Cllr Webster had nothing to report.
b) Parish
Cllr Templeman reported that the LRSP Speed Indicating Device (minute 966) had been deployed in
Pointon by volunteers during the last two weeks of October. A proportion of drivers exceeding the 30mph
limit were observed on all occasions: about 20% in Fen Road and West Road, about 60% on High Street. It
was agreed to request the LRSP to deploy an “Archer” speed measuring device on High Street to gather
more data which the LRSP would use to determine any further action.
c) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that great use is being made of the field with the football season now well under
way. Pointon Football Club, with Pointon Junior Football Club, have received notification from the
Football Association that they have achieved the FA‟s Charter Standard status.
974 Planning.
a) S08/0237 37 West Road, Pointon. Erection of dwelling. Notice of Appeal to the Secretary of State ref.
APP/E2530/A/08/2079306/WF against SKDC refusal, received 21 July 2008.
Received: Planning Inspectorate‟s dismissal of the appeal.
b) S08/1122 Neslam Bridge Farm, Sempringham. Replacement of existing overhead line with new 11kv
overhead line on wooden pole, received 4 October 2008.
Agreed: no representations by Council.
Received: SKDC‟s approval of 14 November 2008.
c) S08/1083 The Grange, Millthorpe Road, Pointon. Erection of garden lounge to rear of existing health spa,
received 6 October 2008.
Agreed: no representations by Council.
Received: SKDC‟s approval of 14 November 2008.
d) S08/1159 4 Pinfold Lane, Pointon. Change of use of agricultural land (paddock) to domestic garden,
received 5 November 2008.
Agreed: no representations by Council. Cllr Templeman drew attention to planning policy which requires
landscape character to be preserved when extending a garden into open country. Members felt it best left to
SKDC‟s professional planning officers to assess appropriate conditions should the change of use be
permitted.
e) S06/0487 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 50m tall steel meteorological mast. Approved
conditionally by SKDC 14 November 2006.
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Members noted that Condition 1 of this permission, limiting the carrying out of the development to a period
of two years, has now expired. As the development remains in place, it was unanimously agreed that the
Acting Clerk should write to SKDC requesting enforcement action be taken without delay to remove the
development. Noting reports from the public that SKDC appeared disinclined to act, the Acting Clerk was
asked to endeavour to obtain clarification.
975 Finance.
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
Play Safety Ltd. £74.03 Annual Inspection
Conservatories & Windows Direct £734.38 2x Windows for Pavilion
Lincraft Building Services £88.13 Repairs to roundabout and re-stain woodwork
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration 2007/08, 2nd
instalment
J A Templeman £13.61 Print, stationery & postage expenses 18 Jul to
18 Nov
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: September, October
c) Playing Field eastern boundary
After consideration of two alternative quotations, members agreed that Willow Tree Services be contracted
to top the row of conifers along the Playing Field eastern boundary by approximately a third and face up the
farmer‟s side, for the sum of £1,750.00 plus VAT.
d) Ash tree, Playing Field boundary adjacent to pavilion
After consideration of two alternative quotations, members agreed that Willow Tree Services be contracted
to fell the ash tree on the Playing Field boundary adjacent to the pavilion (timber to be left for firewood),
for the sum of £650.00 plus VAT.
e) Drainage of Pointon Playing Field pitches
Cllr Templeman presented a quotation by Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance to Verti-Drain the football
pitches for £200.00 plus VAT per pitch, a treatment claimed to improve drainage by spiking the ground.
After discussion, it was agreed to accept the quotation in respect of the northern pitch only.
f) Groundsman‟s Remuneration
Agreed: As from 1 November 2008 the position of Groundsman (responsible for cutting the playing field
and marking the pitches) is to be remunerated in accordance with the National Joint Council for Local
Government Services Payscales at Spinal Column Point 8 on a part-time (hourly) basis.
g) Financial Statement 18 November 2008
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
h) Budget 2009/10 and Precept 2009/10
Cllr Templeman had circulated a draft budget topping up the various expenditure headings as appropriate,
based on his estimate that funds of £15,700 would be carried forward at 31 March 2009, which suggested
that the sum carried forward would be sufficient to meet next year‟s anticipated spending of around £6,500
even if with a nil precept. After discussion, Council approved the draft budget without amendment and
agreed to set the precept at £6,500.
976 Other Correspondence received
a) Lincolnshire Assembly: Big County Survey
b) Lincolnshire Police Authority: re Access to Scrutiny Online Survey
c) Standards Board: Town & Parish Standard, September 2008
d) Communities & Local Government: Consultation on making & enforcing byelaws
e) Lincolnshire Police: Notification of visit of Mobile Police Office, 6 November 9.30am – noon
f) SKDC: Summary of Accounts 2007/08
g) LCC: Notification of Minerals and Waste Core Strategy consultation (until 5 December)
h) SKDC: Re 3rd Town & Parishes Conference 26 November at Bourne Corn Exchange
i) Communities & Local Government: Codes of conduct – A consultation
j) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 7 Nov and various meeting Minutes
k) LCC: Re Planning Application Validation Checklist Consultation
l) Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2008
m) SKDC: Re Improving the energy efficiency of local homes
n) LCC: ePlanning Review with regard to consultation on planning applications
o) Rural Links Autumn/Winter 2008
977 Training
Agreed: Council to appoint an officer to attend the ENCAMS Introduction to Fixed Penalty Notices for
Litter, Graffiti, Flyposting and Dog Control Orders obligatory course for Parish Council „Authorised
Officers‟.
Cllr Templeman advised that this is a one day course and that a course is due to be held in Derby on 22
January 2009 at £185+VAT. On completion of the course the attendees will be authorised to issue fixed
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penalty notices lawfully, safely and appropriately. Cllr Gent had indicated a willingness to attend; members
agreed however that the Groundsman, Mr W Chessum, should first be offered the opportunity to attend.
978 Playing Field Boundary
Members considered the security of the Playing Field boundary adjacent to the Old Ship public house
following the Old Ship‟s application to the Camping and Caravanning Club to set up a “Certificated” small
campsite; it was agreed that the fence needed to be repaired prior to the opening of the campsite (the
boundary fence remains in an insecure condition since the Council‟s cessation of repair work following the
Old Ship‟s claim to ownership of the fence). Although welcoming the Old Ship‟s initiative in seeking to
establish the campsite, members nevertheless agreed that the Acting Clerk should write asking the
Camping and Caravanning Club to refrain from granting certification without an assurance that the Council
can repair the boundary fence without obstruction.
979 Pointon Village Hall
Agreed: The Council fully endorse the application by Pointon Village Hall Management Committee for
grant aid to support the opening of the Pointon Community Club project.
980 Matters for discussion only
a) Proposed Dirt Track
Cllr Hennessy reported that he is seeking to obtain a price from the Crown Estate for purchase of land
adjacent to the Playing Field away from residential properties. It is not yet clear how much land is required.
In discussion, it was felt that as a well-designed Dirt Track would be likely to attract youngsters from
neighbouring parishes there should be financial contributions from those parishes. Cllr Paterson indicated
that to date two youngsters within this parish had expressed an interest in the project and were willing to
participate in its design.
981 Date of next Meetings
a) Parish Council Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 22 January 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.43pm.
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22 January 2009 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 22 January 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. C Paterson (Mrs) (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R
Greenwood, R Ledner.
In Attendance: C Cllr M Hill OBE, Members of the Press 0, Members of the Public 6.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
982 Resignation of Chairman
a) The Chairman Cllr Paterson presented her written resignation from the Council.
b) Election of Chairman
In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Ledner was elected Chairman of the Council, proposed by J
Templeman, seconded by C Lambert. Cllr Ledner signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
Cllr Ledner chaired the remainder of the meeting.
On behalf of the Council, Cllr Ledner thanked Mrs Paterson for her contribution as a member over a
number of years and more recently as the Chairman. Mrs Paterson then left the meeting.
c) Election of Vice-Chairman
In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Hennessy was elected Vice-Chairman of the Council,
proposed by R Ledner, seconded by J Templeman.
It was agreed to adjourn the meeting for ten minutes for Questions from the Public.
Questions from the Public
d) Roads and verges
It was reported that the roadway to Sempringham Church is in poor condition, and that the verges alongside
23-27 West Road would require restoration on completion of the current works to the roofs of properties.
e) Pointon Village Hall
The Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee gave a report on progress on the extensive
improvement plans for the Hall and on the intention to open a Community Club at the Hall, expected to be
around Easter. Cllr Ledner expressed the appreciation of the Council for the efforts of the Village Hall
Management Committee to improve and make available this valuable asset to the community.
f) Windfarm proposals
The Chairman of the Action Group against Sempringham Turbines informed members that Scottish Power
had delivered their planning application for the Neslam windfarm to SKDC on 24 December, but this was
found to be invalid due to the inclusion of indicative plans and approximate dimensions and returned to
them for resubmission. She also reported that E-ON in partnership with The Crown Estate are consulting
SKDC regarding a 17 turbine windfarm alongside the eastern borders of Billingborough and Horbling; she
has also received evidence of unacceptable noise and shadow flicker problems affecting neighbours of the
operational Bicker windfarm.
There being no further questions, the Chairman resumed the meeting at 7.45pm.
983 Apologies for Absence
Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members present; D Cllr A Webster.
984 Declarations of Interest from Members
None received.
985 Meeting Held 27 November 2008
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 27 November 2008, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
986 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Police
Cllr Templeman reported that the Mobile Police Office will be outside Pointon Village Hall on 29 January
from 9.30am to noon.
b) County
C Cllr Hill reported that Lincolnshire Highways will be undertaking essential works to Kingston‟s Bridge
(on the B1397 at the South Forty Foot Drain) at a cost of around £400,000 scheduled to begin in February
and expected to last 17 weeks. Every effort will be taken to reduce inconvenience to a minimum, however
traffic will be reduced to single lane with traffic lights whilst on occasions totalling around ten days the
route will need to be closed completely.
Local Authorities are in the process of determining their 2009/10 precept requirements; after taking note of
the current financial conditions Lincolnshire County Council is anticipating an increase of around 2½% in
its precept whilst indications are that Lincolnshire Police are considering 5% and South Kesteven District
Council 3%.
c) Parish
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Cllr Templeman reported that Highways have agreed to conduct a traffic speed survey on High Street,
Pointon early this year and we will receive the results.
Following Cllr Paterson‟s resignation, the prescribed notice of a vacancy on the Council will be posted on
the noticeboard and in the newsletter.
d) Playing Field
Cllr Templeman reported that following the felling of the ash tree on the Playing Field boundary (minute
975d) there is a quantity of firewood available for parishioners to take away.
987 Planning
a) S08/1159 4 Pinfold Lane, Pointon. Change of use of agricultural land (paddock) to domestic garden,
received 5 November 2008.
Received: SKDC refusal of 3 December 2008.
b) S08/1279 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 50m tall steel meteorological mast (extension of
planning permission for a further 2 years).
Agreed: that the Council objects to this application for the reasons stated in its letter to Development
Control, South Kesteven District Council dated 5 January 2009.
Cllr Templeman reported that the application is due to be debated by SKDC‟s Development Control
Committee on 27 January as it is considered to be locally controversial; members agreed that Cllr Ledner
speak to the Committee as the Council‟s representative if he is able to do so.
c) Consultation by Lincolnshire County Council: St Gilbert‟s C of E Primary School, West Road, Pointon.
Single storey extension to accommodate a secure entrance lobby, WC and storage cupboard (received via
email).
As the application papers had not been received or circulated in time, consideration was deferred to the
next meeting.
d) Proposed Neslam Windfarm.
As notice of a valid application has not yet been received, consideration was deferred to the next meeting.
988 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
Willow Tree Services £2,056.25 Reduce conifers, Playing Field eastern
boundary
Viking Direct £75.67 20x reams yellow copier paper for newsletter
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: November, December
c) The following requests for financial assistance were agreed:
Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association £50.00
Pointon Village Hall £1,000.00
The Village Hall Management Committee had written requesting the Council‟s support to replace the main
hall lighting system and had obtained quotations for the work. Members agreed that funds covering the
amount spent up to £1,000.00 will be paid to the Village Hall on presentation of invoices received in the
execution of the project.
d) Subscriptions
Members considered LALC‟s invitation to join their Annual Training Scheme 2009/10 for £45, but
declined. The scheme covers all the Council‟s attendees at LALC training courses without further charge,
however it was felt that payment on an ad-hoc basis would be more appropriate.
e) Financial Statement 14 January 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
Cllr Templeman drew attention to the amended figure in the 2009/10 budget for income expected from
Bank Interest, the deposit account rate now being 0.1%pa.
f) Banking Mandate
Following Cllr Paterson‟s resignation, members agreed that Cllr Ledner be added to the list of Authorised
Signatories. Acting Clerk to obtain the appropriate form from Lloyds TSB.
989 Other Correspondence received
a) LCC Highways: Salting Routes and advice on winter driving
b) EMDA News, Autumn 2008
c) SKDC Planning: Notification of completion of Joint Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
d) LCC Fire & Rescue: Consultation on Year Six Action Plan
e) SKDC: Notification of Rural South Local Forum next meeting 20 January at Colsterworth VH
f) Information Commissioner: Requirement on Parish Councils to adopt new model publication scheme
g) SKDC Planning: Parish Council involvement in the emerging Local Development Framework
h) LCC: School Admissions Consultation
i) National Probation Service: Offer of presentation on the subject of crime and sentencing
j) LCC Children‟s Services: School Admissions Consultation
k) Communities: Consultation on Code of recommended practice on local authority publicity
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l) SKDC: Rural South Local Forum Agenda 20 January & Minutes 26 June
m) Clerks & Councils Direct January 2009
n) Lincolnshire Police: Notification of visit of mobile police office 29 January 9.30am – 12noon
o) Lincolnshire Police: Information Leaflet from new chief constable
p) Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association: Letter announcing a grant scheme
990 Freedom of Information Act 2000
Agreed: that the Council adopts such Model Publication Scheme as the Information Commissioner may for
the time being impose and that charges for information provided through the scheme shall be in accordance
with the Information Commissioner‟s guidance.
991 Matters for discussion only
a) Proposed Dirt Track
Cllr Hennessy reported that Cater Jonas is awaiting a response from The Crown Estate regarding a price for
the land purchase (minute 980a).
992 Date of next Meeting
a) Parish Council Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 26 March 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.25pm.
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3 March 2009 Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 3 March 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S. Hennessy, J. Templeman (Acting Clerk), C. Lambert, R.
Greenwood, W. Gent.
In Attendance: C Cllr M Hill OBE, D Cllr A Webster (Mrs), Members of the Public 2.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
993 Apologies for absence
None.
994 Declarations of Interest
None received.
995 Planning
a) S09/0296 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 6 no wind turbines and ancillary development.
Collected from SKDC 9 February, the Council‟s representation to be received no later than 6 March.
Council received the above planning application and, having studied it with the accompanying
documentation including the Environmental Statement, it was proposed by Cllr Ledner, seconded by Cllr
Templeman, and agreed unanimously that the Council make representations to the Planning Authority,
South Kesteven District Council, objecting strongly to the planning application.
Cllr Templeman, as Acting Clerk, presented a draft letter for consideration expressing some of the concerns
and reasons for objection as expressed by members following study of the applicant‟s submission. After
discussion and hearing evidence from the Chairman of the Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines,
members felt that on account of the complexity of the submission and of the magnitude of the impact upon
the Council‟s area of the proposals contained therein, the Council‟s own arguments required the support of
more rigorous and professional substantiation than its lay members could provide alone. Accordingly it was
proposed by Cllr Ledner, seconded by Cllr Gent, and agreed unanimously that the Council engage, for the
benefit of the community, Hilary Ludlow BSc, MSc, CBiol, MIEMM, MLI, CEnv, principle of Landscape
Science Consultancy Ltd., to assess and report on the landscape aspects of the proposal. Cllr Templeman
advised that the fee due to Landscape Science Consultancy Ltd. would be £1,500.00.
Members then considered the content of the draft letter prepared by the Acting Clerk. After discussion
resulting in some modification, it was agreed unanimously to adopt the letter as the Council‟s response to
the planning application.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and declared the meeting closed at 7.50pm.
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26 March 2009 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 26 March 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R Greenwood,
W Gent.
In Attendance: D Cllr A Webster, Mrs C Green, Mr J Sharples, Mr M Wren, Members of the Press 0, Other
Members of the Public 0.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
Mrs C Green, the Chairman of Pointon Village Hall Management Committee, reported that the Pointon
Community Club would be opening at the Village Hall during August, and gave an overview of the various
facilities that would be available. Cllr Ledner expressed the appreciation of the Council for the initiative of
the Hall Committee in setting up the Club.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.32pm.
996 Apologies for Absence
None.
997 Resignation of Cllr C Paterson
No election having been claimed following the resignation of Cllr Paterson, the acting clerk advised that the
following three persons had indicated their willingness to fulfil the duties of the office of Member:
Mrs Christine Green of St Gilbert‟s Close, Pointon;
Mr James Sharples of Pointon Fen;
Mr Martyn Wren of Pointon Fen.
A ballot was held and it was agreed that Mrs Christine Green of 15 St Gilbert‟s Close, Pointon be co-opted
as a member of the Council. Mrs Green signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and the Chairman
welcomed Cllr Green onto the Council. Acting clerk to confirm with SKDC Monitoring Officer upon receipt
of Cllr Green’s completed Register of Member’s Interests.
998 Declarations of Interest
None received.
999 Minutes of meetings
a) Meeting held 22 January 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 22 January 2009, having been previously distributed, were approved
by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
b) Extraordinary Meeting held 3 March 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Extraordinary Meeting held 3 March 2009, having been previously distributed,
were approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1000 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Parish
Cllr Templeman reported that the public callbox had been repaired by BT following vandalism in January
when all the glass was broken. Cllr Ledner reported that a witness had seen the culprit drive up in a vehicle,
and that callboxes in Billingborough and Dowsby had also received the same treatment.
Cllr Green reported that Scottish Power, the Neslam windfarm developer, had enquired regarding a booking
of the Village Hall in late May or early June.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that football had suffered from the waterlogging of the field during January and
February. Some dyke clearance had been undertaken to attempt to alleviate the situation. The boundary
fence alongside the Old Ship Inn has been repaired, potholes in the access road and car park have been
patched as a temporary measure and the damaged fence by the felled ash tree is being restored and a gate
inserted.
1001 Planning
a) S08/1279 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 50m tall steel meteorological mast (extension of
planning permission for a further 2 years).
Received: SKDC conditional approval. Members noted that a condition is that the mast be removed once
the necessary data [for inclusion in an Environmental Statement] has been collected. As that Environmental
Statement forms part of planning application S09/0296 (see minute 995a), it was agreed that SKDC be
asked to take enforcement action to remove the mast.
b) S09/0104 St Gilbert‟s of Sempringham School, West Road, Pointon. Single storey extension to form lobby,
wc and storage.
Received: LCC conditional approval.
c) S09/0296 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 6 no wind turbines and ancillary development.
It was agreed that the Council should sent a representative to speak at the SKDC Development Control
Committee meeting which will determine this application. The date of the meeting is not yet known. Cllr
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 26 March 2009
Page 313
Gent offered to act as representative. It was also agreed that the Council‟s thanks should be conveyed to
AGAST (Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines) for their efforts both in informing residents of the
implications of the application if approved and in presenting to SKDC very coherent arguments to protect
the local environment and the well-being of the area‟s residents and visitors.
d) S09/0239 Land at Billingborough Fen, Sleaford. Erection of 50m tubular steel anemometry mast with
guyed supports (24 months).
This application relates to land in the parish of Billingborough. It was agreed that the Council make
representations to SKDC objecting to the planning application for the same reasons as given in the case of
S06/0487 (see minute 793a as updated by 987b).
1002 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
Willow Tree Services £747.50 Fell & cut up ash tree on Playing Field boundary
Lincolnshire Playing Fields Assoc. £50.00 Donation per Minute 988c
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration 1 Nov 08 to 31 Jan 09
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £349.03 45 litres line marking paint & vertidrain 2x half football
pitches
Chandlers Oil & Gas £104.03 200 litres Diesel for tractor
J A Templeman £15.46 Print, stationery, postage expenses 28Nov08 – 17Mar09
D Hardy £330.73 Dyke cleaning
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: January, February
c) Campaign to Protect Rural England
Council agreed to pay the fee of £25 to affiliate to the Lincolnshire branch of CPRE for 2009/10 and noted
that this included a free entry to the Best Kept Village Competition.
d) Review of Playing Field finances
Cllr Templeman had circulated a report detailing income and expenditure relating to the playing field
during the current year 2008/09 and highlighting areas where further maintenance could be considered:
dyke clearance; verti-draining; line marking; boundary fencing; access road and car park surface; signage.
Agreed: An account to be submitted to the Council by the organising committee following any Car Boot
Sale held on the playing field and the fee for hire of the field to be 10% of the profit.
A quotation from RoSPA of £395 or £450 for a professional Sports Pitches Performance Quality
Assessment of the field was declined following Cllr Lambert‟s suggestion that a visual inspection would
suffice.
Consideration of other fees for field use was deferred, following a suggestion by Cllr Gent that a fee per
match might be fairer than per season.
e) Financial Statement 18 March 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
f) Audit of Accounts Year Ending 31 March 2009
Council agreed to appoint Melanie Rouse as our Internal Auditor and agreed that the Honorarium be
£45.00.
1003 Other correspondence received
a) SKDC Planning: Core Strategy Submission document consultation
b) SKDC: Standards training for Parish Councils
c) NHS Lincolnshire Research newsletter
d) Community Lincs: Bumper information pack incl. training events
e) Calor Lincolnshire Village of the Year Competition 2009 entry form (closing date 5 May)
f) SKDC Street Scene Services: Dog Control Order consultation
g) Clerks & Council Direct, March 2009
h) Letter from parishioner regarding damaged Sempringham road sign
i) LALC News, February 2009 with training information
1004 Dates of next Meetings
a) Annual Parish Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 28 May 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm, agenda as last year.
b) Annual Parish Council Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 28 May 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club immediately following the Annual
Parish Meeting.
c) Subsequent Meetings schedule
Agreed: Every 4th Thursday of odd-numbered months, unless otherwise agreed by the Council.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.56pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Annual Parish Meeting held 28 May 2009
Page 314
28 May 2009 (APM) Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held Thursday 28 May 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllrs R Ledner (Chairman), J Templeman (Acting Clerk), S Hennessy, C Lambert, W Gent, C
Green (Mrs), Mr J Sharples, Mrs G O’Shea
In attendance: Cllr R Greenwood, C Cllr M Hill, Members of the Press 0, Other Members of the Public 0.
The Chairman Cllr R Ledner welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
1005 Apologies for Absence
None received
1006 Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held 22 May 2008
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Parish Meeting held 22 May 2008, having been previously distributed, were
approved by the meeting and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1007 Annual Report of the Chairman of the Parish Council – Cllr R Ledner.
Cllr Ledner began by thanking all parish councillors for their valuable contributions, with a special thanks
to Cllr Templeman for his tireless work as acting clerk which he does voluntarily. He also thanked District
Councillor Andrea Webster for her help throughout the year, and welcomed Cllr Christine Green who
replaces Cllr Celia Paterson who worked tirelessly for the parish and chaired council meetings.
Cllr Ledner said the proposed Neslam windfarm continues to be a source of concern and the Council‟s
efforts have contributed to the campaign not to allow this development. The Council has worked closely
with the Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines to oppose this unwanted development which is the
greatest threat to village life that even life-time residents can recall.
1008 Presentations by Representatives of Parochial Organisations
a) Chairman of Pointon Village Hall – Cllr Mrs C Green
Cllr Green reported that around 260 people use the Hall each week. In the last financial year income
exceeded expenditure by £500 and the Hall has recently secured two further grants which will enable the
flat roof at the entrance to be replaced. The committee‟s links with funding organisations can assist groups
wishing to start new activities, with funding “pots” of up to £50,000 available.
b) Vice-Chairman of Pointon Sports and Social Club – Cllr W Gent
Cllr Gent reported a good year for the Club with membership up and the football clubs achieving the
Football Association‟s Charter Standard status. Efforts are continuing on the provision of the new Changing
Facility, with the business plan approximately 75% complete; it is estimated about £100,000 needs to be
raised locally.
c) Proprietor of The Old Ship Inn – Mrs G O‟Shea
Mrs O‟Shea reported that the Inn intends to continue its support for raising funds for local groups and
would like to be involved in community activities.
1009 Parish Council’s Financial Statement for the Year Ending 31 March 2009 – Cllr J Templeman
There were no questions concerning the statement, which showed a decrease of £1,157.15 in the council‟s
funds over the year to £14,093.94 at 31 March 2009.
1010 Forum on the Parish Council’s performance and future directions for the Parish
Mr Sharples commented on the recent parking on Fen Road, Pointon of a considerable number of Highways
vehicles causing some difficulty to other road users. Cllr Green apologised for any inconvenience and said
the vehicles were parked for around 45 minutes whilst highways staff received instruction at the Village
Hall; these meetings occurred at the Hall at approximately two-year intervals. The meeting felt it would be
helpful to suggest that highways use the playing field car park on future occasions.
Mrs O‟Shea expressed concern that the conifers on the Playing Field boundary bordering her property had
regained their original height which she estimated as 40ft. Cllr Hennessy recollected that the conifers had
been reduced to 15ft in 2006. Cllr Gent suggested that an estimate to reduce the conifers again could be
obtained.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 28 May 2009
Page 315
28 May 2009 Minutes of Annual Meeting held on Thursday 28 May 2009 at Pointon Social Club following the Annual
Parish Meeting.
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, W Gent, R
Greenwood, C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: C Cllr M Hill, Members of the Press 0, Members of the Public 2.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 8.00pm.
1011 Annual Appointments
a) Election of Chairman
In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Ledner was re-elected as Chairman, proposed by Cllr Gent,
seconded by Cllr Green.
Cllr Ledner signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
b) Election of Vice-Chairman In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Hennessy was re-elected as Vice-Chairman, proposed by Cllr
Gent, seconded by Cllr Green.
c) Appointment of Officers and Committees In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Templeman was re-appointed as Acting Clerk and Responsible
Financial Officer.
It was agreed that the Cllr Green be appointed to the Funding Committee with membership of the Funding
Committee and the Playing Field/Events Committees otherwise unchanged.
1012 Apologies for absence
None.
1013 Declarations of interest
None
1014 Meeting held 26 March 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 26 March 2009 having been previously distributed, were approved
by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1015 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) County
C Cllr Hill reported that he understood a decision by SKDC on the proposed Neslam windfarm was
unlikely before August/September 2009 as the developer had been asked to carry out additional work on the
impact of the proposal on the Sempringham and Billingborough churches. He commented that Lincolnshire
had already nearly met the entire eastern region‟s wind turbine target single-handed and felt that the County
Council, subject to the outcome of the forthcoming elections, would be likely to resist further turbine
deployments.
Cllr Ledner queried if more could be done regarding vehicles speeding on High Street, Pointon. After
discussion, C Cllr Hill indicated he would add Pointon to the list for consideration for an interactive sign.
b) Parish
Cllr Green reported that the Neslam windfarm developer, Scottish Power, had booked the Village Hall for
22 October 2009.
1016 Planning
a) S09/0296 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 6 no wind turbines and ancillary development.
As reported at 1015a, there is no date yet for the committee meeting to determine this application.
b) Pointon Playing Field: proposed Changing Facilities and alterations to existing Clubhouse
Cllr Templeman, on behalf of the Funding Committee, reminded members that planning permission had
been obtained in 2006 for new Changing Facilities, but the design did not fully comply with the Football
Foundation‟s requirements for funding. He presented an amended architect‟s drawing which the Committee
understood to comply with those requirements. The incorporation of en-suite toilets into each changing
room increased the floor space by 29% to 240.25m2.
It was proposed by Cllr Greenwood and agreed by the Council that the Funding Committee be authorised
to submit a planning application for the proposed Changing Facility as amended by the architect.
1017 Finance
a) Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2009
The Council approved the Statement of Accounts prepared by Cllr Templeman, received the report of the
Internal Auditor, which raised no matters of concern, executed a review of the effectiveness of the internal
audit, expressing full satisfaction with both its adequacy and effectiveness, and executed the Annual
Governance Statement wholly in the affirmative. Cllr Templeman to forward the Annual Return to the
External Auditor.
b) Insurance Cover from 1 June 2009
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 28 May 2009
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Cllr Templeman reminded members that this would be the second year of our three-year binding agreement
with Came & Co. Members agreed that no changes were required to the cover provided by the renewal
premium, which automatically increased property sums assured by 5% and included a no-claims discount of
5%, resulting in a slightly reduced overall premium.
c) The following bills for payment were approved:
LALC £138.00 Annual Subscription 2009/10
D Hardy £364.50 54hrs @ £6.75/hr Fence Repairs, Clearance etc.
Fine Mesh Metals Ltd. £221.26 25m Weldmesh & Delivery
Mesh Direct £24.55 6kg Line Wire & Delivery
Landscape Science Consultancy £1,725.00 Landscape survey and report per minute 995a
Pointon Village Hall £1,000.00 Donation per minute 988c
Came & Company £1,414.21 Insurance premium 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2010
M Rouse £45.00 Honorarium re Internal Audit 2008/09
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration 1 Feb 09 to 30 Apr 09
d) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: March, April
e) Children‟s Play Equipment refurbishment
Cllr Templeman had obtained two quotations to refurbish the play equipment. As the quotations were not
like-for-like a decision was deferred.
f) Children‟s Play Safety Surfaces
Cllr Templeman had obtained an estimate of £219.00 to clean the safety surfaces using Micro-ban Cleaner,
which would be left for three days then jet-washed. This was accepted by the Council, subject to an
assurance from the contractor regarding the safety of the cleaner.
g) Playing Field Access Road and Car Park
Repair quotations ranging from £967 to £11,191 had been obtained. As the numerous potholes had since
been filled with loose material at no cost, and in view of the possibility of heavy construction traffic during
construction of the proposed changing facility, it was agreed to continue with the no-cost option for now.
h) Playing Field finances
Following last meeting‟s deferment (minute 1002d), a report by Cllr Gent on field finances had been
circulated with the agenda. The purpose of the report was to assist the Council in determining the extent to
which the Council‟s expenses should be met by the users of the field to the relief of the precept, bearing in
mind the higher standards now expected by users. After discussion, the following fees for the season
2009/10 were agreed by all members except Cllrs Ledner and Lambert who abstained:
Pointon Football Club (includes all senior teams) £350.00
Pointon Junior Football Club (includes all junior teams) £160.00
Cup Matches (per match) £15.00
It was felt it might be helpful to suggest that the Clubs pay by instalments rather than in one lump sum.
i) Financial Statement 19 May 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
1018 Other correspondence received
a) Carter Jonas: letter expressing view that potential land purchase is unsuitable for a BMX track.
b) Letter from a parishioner regarding Sempringham road sign
c) Letter from a neighbour regarding Playing Field boundary
d) SKDC Planning Policy: Invitation to feed local knowledge & concerns into LDF SSA&PDPP
e) ICO: “Tick tock” DVD featuring the Freedom of Information Act 2000
f) Equality & Human Rights Commission: re likely timing for a single 7-strand public equality duty
g) Rural Links Spring/Summer 2009
h) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 15 May, Minutes 6 March
i) SKDC Democracy Services: Reports re Standards Board Annual Return & Investigation Process
1019 Parish Council Membership
A proposal by Cllr Ledner that the Council ask South Kesteven District Council to increase the number of
members of this Council to nine was defeated, Cllrs Ledner, Lambert and Green being in favour but the
remaining four against.
Cllr Ledner felt that with four strong applicants for the recent casual vacancy it was regrettable that only
one could be elected. Cllr Hennessy, the longest serving member, commented that it had generally been a
struggle to maintain the current membership of seven, with no contested elections in recent memory. Cllr
Templeman commented that it was not necessary to be a councillor to contribute to the community, the
function of the Council was to represent the people and the District Council would therefore, as required by
legislation, have regard to the number of electors and any change likely to that number in the next five
years. To avoid membership going up and down according to interest or whim, the District Council could
be expected to use a formula to determine membership. One such (published by North Norfolk DC)
allocates 7 councillors where there are 201-800 electors. Our electorate is currently 418.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 28 May 2009
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1020 Matters for discussion only
a) Children‟s Play Area, Pointon Playing Field
Cllr Green advised that she has applied for a £20,000 grant for new play equipment, which would include a
fenced enclosure.
1021 Date of next Meetings
Agreed: Thursday 23 July 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 9.52pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 23 July 2009
Page 318
23 July 2009 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 23 July 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R Greenwood.
In Attendance: Members of the Public 0.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and, in the absence of any questions from the public, opened the
meeting at 7.30pm.
1022 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Mrs C Green, for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members
present.
1023 Declarations of Interest
None received.
1024 Minutes of meeting held 28 May 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Annual Meeting held 28 May 2009, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1025 Reports from Councillors
a) Police
Cllr Templeman reported he had received a courtesy visit from PC Doe, who mentioned that the police are
seeking persons from the community to join their Neighbourhood Panel. The panel helps to set local police
priorities.
b) County
Cllr Ledner reported he had been advised by the police, when he enquired at the mobile police office during
its recent visit, that the 30mph limit could not be enforced in the village due to the obscuring of one of the
southern signs by overgrown hedging. At his request, Highways have since inspected the sign and given an
assurance that the landowner will be asked to remedy the matter.
c) Playing Field
Cllr Templeman reported that RoSPA have confirmed that their annual play area safety inspection will take
place in August. The contractor expected to be available to clean the safety surfaces imminently, and would
also be able to undertake the refurbishment of the play equipment. Members present felt that both tasks
needed to be attended to as soon as possible and that the contractor should therefore be asked to undertake
both the refurbishment and the cleaning.
1026 Planning
a) S09/0296 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 6 no wind turbines and ancillary development.
Received 9 February 2009. “Additional information” received 22 July 2009.
Cllr Templeman tabled the voluminous “additional information” from the applicant and advised that any
representations upon it by Council should be received at SKDC by 10 August 2009. It was agreed that a
working party would prepare such representations for approval by Council.
b) S09/1291 Poplar Farm, Pointon Fen. Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation. Received 4 June
2009.
Agreed: no representations by council.
Cllr Templeman advised that, although the documentation for this application had been sent to the council,
he understood that more information was required from the applicant before the SKDC planning department
would formally lodge the application as received.
1027 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
Gary Walton Tyres £156.91 Callout to tractor, repair puncture, fit new battery
W R Chapman & Son £92.00 Spray Pointon Playing Field
Printerbase Ltd. £134.61 Imaging Unit for newsletter printer
J A Templeman £17.56 Print, Stationery & Postage expenses 27-Mar:14-Jul
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: May, June
c) Financial Statement 14 July 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
d) Annual Review of Risk Assessment
Council reviewed its Risk Policy Statement and Risk Management Arrangements as tabulated in its
Financial Regulations adopted 22 September 2005 (Minute 755a) and agreed that no amendments were
required thereto.
1028 Other correspondence received
a) Lincs CPRE: Newsletter Spring 2009
b) Lincs Wildlife Trust: Letter re Life on the Verge wild flowers survey project
c) Lincs Police: Visit of police mobile office 16 July 9.30am to 12 noon
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 23 July 2009
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d) LCC: Consultation on the proposed St George‟s Academy, Sleaford
e) EMDA News, Spring 2009
f) LCC Trading Standards: re SCAM talks
g) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 12 July, Minutes 15 May
h) SKDC Rural South Local Forum: Agenda 9 July (Castle Bytham VH)
i) LCC: Trees for Lincolnshire Communities (formerly Free Trees for Parishes)
1029 Matters for discussion only
a) Football Goalposts
Cllr Greenwood reported that one of the top bars of the senior goalpost has badly deteriorated. This was
immediately evident to members upon inspection. As investigations had indicated that replacement cost
would be in the region of £600, there was some discussion on whether a replacement might be fabricated
locally. Cllr Ledner offered to make enquiries.
b) Clubhouse
Cllr Ledner suggested that quotations should be obtained for the rewiring of the Clubhouse. The suggestion
met with general agreement.
1030 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 24 September 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.32pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 24 September 2009
Page 320
24 September 2009 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 24 September 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R Greenwood,
W Gent, C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: C Cllr M Hill OBE, D Cllr A Webster, PC S Smith, PCSO D Doe, Other Members of the
Public 5.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited PC Smith to address the meeting at 7.30pm prior to
taking questions from the public.
Questions from the Public
a) Police
PC Smith gave an overview of the activities of the 1,200 police constables and 169 police community
support officers within Lincolnshire, involving around 500 to 600 requests for assistance daily, with special
reference to the neighbourhood policing team serving our area and which he manages from Bourne. The
target attendance time for a village like Pointon is 20 minutes. He provided contact information leaflets and
a quantity of fridge magnets showing the non-emergency contact number, and concluded with a tip that
thieves had been seen following oil tankers to help themselves from newly replenished domestic oil tanks.
b) Overgrown Hedges
A complaint was received regarding an overgrown hedge in West Road and one alongside the footpath
between Queensway and Pinfold Lane. D Cllr Webster offered to bring the latter to the attention of the
owners, SKDC.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.59pm.
1031 Apologies for Absence
None.
1032 Declarations of Interest
None received.
1033 Minutes of meeting held 23 July 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 23 July 2009, having been previously distributed, were approved by
members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1034 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) County
C Cllr Hill drew attention to the public consultation now underway regarding the future of the Aveland
School, Billingborough. It is proposed that the school become one-third of an academy, but falling pupil
numbers are likely to result in the closure of the Aveland site in 2012.
In response to a query from Cllr Ledner, C Cllr Hill confirmed that Pointon is on the waiting list for
consideration as a candidate for interactive speed signs and offered to enquire whether a financial
contribution by the Parish Council might accelerate the process.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that the RoSPA safety inspection was carried out in August, at a time when a 5-a-
side goal had been left out on the field contrary to the conditions notified to users. Members felt that the
goals should be disposed of if users continue to fail to observe the conditions, Cllr Gent suggesting that a
football wall would better meet users‟ requirements.
Cllr Templeman reported that the play equipment had been repainted; however the requirement to observe
COSHH regulations when applying Micro-ban cleaner (minute 1017f) has left the cleaning of the safety
surfaces outstanding as this is considered impracticable. The RoSPA report recommends pressure washing,
so an alternative contractor will be sought.
c) Village Hall
Cllr Green reported that dog mess remains a problem on the footpath alongside the Village Hall. Members
felt that, in view of the conspicuous presence of a bin for disposal, the training of an authorised enforcement
officer (minute 997) offered the most realistic prospect of dealing with the matter. Cllr Green offered to
undertake such training; Cllr Templeman to obtain course details.
1035 Planning.
a) S09/0296 Neslam Farm, Sempringham Fen. Erection of 6 no wind turbines (maximum height 125m from
base to tip), together with ancillary development including a control building and compound, on-site
cabling, on-site access tracks, temporary storage/construction compound, hard standing areas, permanent
meteorological mast, associated habitat enhancement and access from Neslam Road. Received 9 February
2009.
The chairman of the Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines had reported (prior to the meeting) that
the applicant withdrew the application on 16 September. It is understood that this followed objections by
the MOD due to the impact of the proposal upon radar facilities at RAF Cranwell and RAF Cottesmore.
Nevertheless, the applicant has indicated an intention to submit a new application for the same site in 2010.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 24 September 2009
Page 321
Members endorsed Cllr Ledner‟s thanks to the AGAST team for their efforts in bringing the community‟s
attention to the consequences of this proposed development.
b) S09/1291 Poplar Farm, Pointon Fen. Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation. Received 4 June
2009.
Cllr Templeman reported that this application is now under consideration by SKDC, the requested
additional information now having been provided by the applicant (minute 1026b). A copy of the additional
information had been received by this Council today, but did not appear likely to impact on our decision not
to make any representations regarding the application.
c) S09/1930 34 High Street, Pointon. Erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling. Received 1 September
2009.
Agreed: no representations by Council.
d) S09/2143 (invalid submission by Parish Council) Playing Field, Pointon. Erection of changing facilities.
Cllr Templeman reported that this Council‟s application had not been accepted by SKDC due to
shortcomings in the information provided. Cllr Greenwood said that action was being taken to provide the
additional information requested.
1036 Finance
a) Annual Return 2008/09
Council received the External Auditor‟s certificate and opinion, which had no matters requiring attention.
b) The following bills for payment were approved:
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £119.03 45 ltr Line marking paint
South Kesteven District Council £670.00 Planning Application (Erection of Changing Facility)
Clement Keys Chartered Acc‟ts £155.25 External Audit fee, year ending 32 March 2009
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration 1 May 09 to 31 Jul 09
A Wicks £760.00 Prepare and recoat play equipment & gate
M Lingard £50.00 Repairs to roundabout (new slats and bolts)
c) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: July, August
Pointon Sunday Football Club £70.00 Field Fee, season 2008/09
Pointon Sports & Social Club £670.00 Donation (re New Changing Facility)
Smith‟s FC £25.00 Pitch Hire
HM Revenue & Customs £310.81 VAT repayment
d) Financial Statement 15 September 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
e) Financial Year 2010/11
With next year‟s budget and precept due to be determined in November, Cllr Templeman asked members to
consider the Council‟s spending proposals in order that a draft budget might be presented at the next
meeting. Cllr Templeman drew attention to the external auditor‟s request for an explanation of why our
reserves exceed twice the precept, and to his own opinion that reserves are more than adequate to meet
anticipated expenditure. Some members appeared to favour maintaining the precept at £6,500 because
taxpayers are accustomed to it, with the money precepted to be spent rather than accumulated. As an
example, Cllr Gent suggested a concrete table tennis table for the playing field. Cllr Ledner advised that
quotations were being sought to rewire the Sports and Social Club pavilion. Cllr Lambert drew attention to
the costs incurred on tree and hedge maintenance. Cllr Ledner requested members with specific proposals to
put them to the acting clerk in good time and sufficient detail to enable a realistic draft budget to be
prepared for discussion at the next meeting.
1037 Other correspondence received
a) LCC: re Sustainable Development Guide
b) SKDC: Guide to Dispensations
c) E-on: Billingborough Fen wind farm update
d) Crown Estate: Building in partnership (glossy brochure)
e) CPRE: Acknowledgment of affiliation
f) SKDC: Invitation to 4th Town & Parish Conference 24 November 2009 at Grantham Guildhall
g) SKDC: Request for councillor contact details for Rural South Local Forum
h) SKDC Economic Development: Possible assistance for “last shop in the village”
i) SKDC Planning Policy: LDF Submission Core Strategy Development Plan Document
j) E-on: Notice of public exhibition re Billingborough Fen wind farm 23 & 24 September
k) Clerks & Councils Direct September 2009
l) Letter from Pointon Village Hall Committee re wind farm objection notices
Cllr Green reported that several notices had been affixed to the exterior of the Village Hall without the
consent of the Village Hall committee; the committee felt it should remain neutral on the matter. The
Council received assurances that the notices had been posted by an individual acting entirely on his own
behalf who now readily accepted that permission should have been sought.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 24 September 2009
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1038 Matters for discussion only
A query by Cllr Gent as to whether the Council would fund new showers for the Playing Field changing
rooms led to a discussion on the relationship between the Council as landlord and the Sports and Social
Club as tenants. Cllr Green suggested that the landlord should take responsibility for fixtures and fittings,
whilst others felt this would need to be reflected in the rent paid by the tenant and as such a Tenancy
Agreement would need to be drawn up. Cllr Greenwood said that the Club had already purchased the
showers and would be installing them in keeping with its policy of many years standing to contribute to the
well-being of the Playing Field, the care of its facilities and the raising of funds, to the relief of the precept.
In the absence of anyone drawing up a formal Tenancy Agreement, it was felt that this policy was likely to
continue.
1039 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 26 November 2009 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 9.11pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 26 November 2009
Page 323
26 November 2009 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 26 November 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, R Greenwood, C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: Members of the Public 3.
In the absence of the Chairman the Vice-Chairman Cllr S Hennessy chaired the meeting and after
welcoming everyone invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
a) Dog fowling
A request was made for the parish newsletter to carry regular reminders to dog owners to pick up after their
dog.
There being no further questions, the Vice-Chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm.
1040 Apologies for Absence
Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members present; Cllr R Ledner.
1041 Declarations of Interest
None received.
1042 Minutes of meeting held 24 September 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 24 September 2009, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1043 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Parish
Cllr Templeman reported that the Parish Noticeboard in the Old Ship Inn car park has been reinstated
following refurbishment by Mr Lingard,
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that the Playing Field is in good order. Cllr Templeman reported that the play
safety surfaces have been pressure washed and their appearance is much revived.
c) Village Hall
Cllr Green reported on progress with efforts to procure a bus shelter alongside the wall of the Hall. The bus
companies are willing to stop at the Hall, Highways are willing to mark out a pull-in and a parish-based
company has offered to donate the roof. Cllr Greenwood congratulated Cllr Green on the progress made.
1044 Planning.
a) S09/1291 Poplar Farm, Pointon Fen. Conversion of barn to holiday let accommodation. Received 4 June
2009.
Received: notification of withdrawal by applicant.
b) S09/1930 34 High Street, Pointon. Erection of conservatory to rear of dwelling. Received 1 September
2009.
Received: SKDC conditional approval of 5 October 2009.
c) S09/2143 (invalid submission by Parish Council) Playing Field, Pointon. Erection of changing facilities.
Received: notification of withdrawal by applicant. Cllr Greenwood explained that the project team has
agreed to revert to the previous design, for which planning permission has already been granted.
d) Letter from SKDC Lead Professional (Development Control) re Electronic Consultation
Agreed: The acting clerk to write to Development Control requesting that we continue to receive
notification in writing of planning applications in our area in accordance with Schedule 1 paragraph 8 of the
Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
1045 Finance, Year to 31 March 2010
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
Playsafety Ltd £75.90 Annual safety inspection
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £158.70 60 litres Line marking paint
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration 1 Aug 09 to 31 Oct 09
Pointon Sports & Social Club £670.00 Refund of donation (New changing facility)
J A Templeman £16.16 Print, Stationery & Postage expenses 29-Jul:17-Nov
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: September, October.
Pointon Sports & Social Club £34.12 Field Fee, Car Boot Sale 31 August
SKDC £670.00 Planning refund (S09/2143 invalid)
c) The following quotation was accepted:
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £300.00 Pressure wash and treat play safety surfaces.
d) The following request for financial assistance was agreed:
Lincolnshire Playing Fields Assoc. £50.00
e) Financial Statement 17 November 2009
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 26 November 2009
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1046 Finance, Year beginning 1 April 2010
In response to the Chairman‟s request at the previous meeting (minute 1036e) the council considered a
number of proposals involving expenditure during the year beginning 1 April 2010:
a) Additional outdoor seating
Cllr Gent had proposed the provision of seating near the play equipment to form a communal area, at an
estimated £270 per bench. Agreed: up to £1,200 to be allocated for this purpose. Cllr Green suggested
using maintenance-free wood-effect recycled plastic and also suggested consideration might be given to
additional areas of the parish.
b) Nature reserve
Cllr Gent had proposed creating a nature reserve on the neglected area of Playing Field between the
conifers and the garden of 20 High Street, in association with the Primary School or the Brownies. He had
estimated £500 start up costs, and had suggested a development plan would be need to be drawn up to
ensure the scheme was maintained. In Cllr Gent‟s absence it was not known when such plan might be
available; consequently consideration of the proposal was deferred.
c) Bird boxes
Cllr Gent had proposed encouraging wildlife by providing bird boxes including owl and bat boxes around
the Playing Field, for an estimated £200. The proposal was rejected as it did not appear to those present to
be within the ordinary business of a parish council.
d) Website
Following an inspection of local parish websites, Cllr Gent had withdrawn his proposal for an improved
web site with links to village hall, social club, football clubs, church, public house etc. for an estimated
£900 to start up. Therefore the proposal was not considered.
e) Summer Fete
Cllr Ledner, having been approached by many residents citing that the village lacks a “hub”, had proposed
using Council funding to hold a fete on the Playing Field in July/August. In Cllr Ledner‟s absence it was
not clear whether these residents had formed a committee to organise the fete. Members felt that it would
take some time to put together a successful event and until details were available it was not realistic for the
Council to consider the proposal. However, it was felt that any fete to be supported by the Council should
have the intent to raise funds for local groups.
f) Budget 2010/11 and Precept 2010/11
Cllr Templeman had circulated a draft budget topping up the various expenditure headings as appropriate,
based on his estimate that a cash reserve of about £15,000 would be carried forward at 31 March 2010.
After discussion and taking into account the decisions on the above proposals (a) to (e), Council approved
the draft budget without amendment and agreed to set the precept at £2,000.00.
1047 Other correspondence received
a) LCC Children‟s Services: Consultation re St George‟s Academy, Stamford
b) EMDA: EMDA news, Summer/Autumn 2009
c) Lincs Criminal; Justice Board: Invitation to Community Leader Event 19 October
d) SKDC Chief Executive: Invitation to send delegate to Parish Forum 29 Oct or 12 Nov
e) SKDC Planning Policy: Site Allocations suggested sites consultation
f) LCC Spatial Planning: Mineral & Waste Core Strategy revised issues & options consultation
g) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda, 6 November
h) Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2009
i) SKDC: Invitation & tickets, 4th Town & Parish Council Conference 24 November
1048 Payphone Kiosk, High Street, Pointon
Agreed: The Council declines British Telecom‟s invitation to adopt the payphone kiosk on High Street,
Pointon and requests SKDC (as the relevant authority BT must consult) to object to any proposed removal
of the payphone equipment and to request reinstatement of the cash payment facility.
Cllr Templeman explained that BT‟s charge to adopt the kiosk is £1.00; however BT would require the
Council to take over the electricity contract etc., to agree to the removal of the telephony equipment, to
agree not to uphold BT‟s obligation as the Universal Service Provider to provide a public payphone at this
site and to undertake not to install alternative telephony equipment. BT had removed the cash payment
facility in July 2009 without consultation, as now permitted in 30% of public payphones nationwide.
1049 Matters for discussion only
a) Proposed Bus Shelter at Village Hall.
Cllr Green invited any members of the Council available to do so to join her in any site discussions with
Highways etc. in connection with the proposed shelter.
1050 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 28 January 2010 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Vice-Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and declared the meeting closed at 8.13pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 28 January 2010
Page 325
28 January 2010 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 26 November 2009 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: D Cllr A Webster (Mrs), Members of the Public 1.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
a) Proposed Bus Shelter
In response to a query, the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee, Cllr Green, reported that
over 30 letters of support have been received and local contractors have proposed a steel structure with
panel roof. The police, highways and bus companies are all agreeable to the scheme. Grant funding,
however, is proving problematic and it may be necessary to seek financial assistance from the Parish
Council.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm.
1051 Apologies for Absence
Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr R Greenwood, for reasons accepted by
members present. Cllr C Lambert, for reasons accepted by members present.
1052 Declarations of Interest from Members
None received.
1053 Minutes of meeting held 26 November 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 26 November 2009, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1054 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Parish
Cllrs Ledner and Hennessy had both been approached by parishioners regarding the impact of the recent
inclement weather in the West Road area of Pointon. There was some discussion and it was felt it would be
useful to advise parishioners that the grit provided by Highways in the bin by the primary school could be
spread on the road and footway by any person willing to do so. It was felt unlikely that Highways would
consider hard surfacing the grass verges used as vehicle parking by residents due to the impact this would
have on the character of the area.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Templeman read out a letter from the Football Club drawing attention to water being held on the
playing field after rainfall. It was noted that some dyke cleaning work was undertaken last year at the
Council‟s expense and that the Council had declined a quotation for a professional Sports Pitch
Performance Quality Assessment (minute 1002d). It was felt it could be useful to enquire whether such an
assessment was still available.
Cllr Ledner reported parishioners‟ concerns regarding potholes on the Playing Field driveway and car park.
It was noted that last year the Council had declined quotations for remedial action (minute 1017g) on the
understanding that loose material was available which would be spread by volunteers as required, however
the situation had continued to deteriorate. It was felt it could be useful to obtain fresh quotations.
c) Village Hall
Cllr Green advised that, in addition to letters of support for the bus shelter, there has been generous support
offered by local contractors, the indicated project cost being £2,446 inclusive of VAT. Unfortunately grant
assistance appears unlikely (minute 1057j). Members felt that if all the relevant information is supplied to
the Council in good time, a decision on Council funding should be possible at the next meeting. Cllr
Templeman pointed out that if the project is undertaken by the Council under its powers to provide and
maintain shelters then the VAT could be reclaimed. He also suggested that funds could reasonably be
sourced from the Council‟s Youth Projects Fund founded at the Trafalgar Thanksgiving Service (minute
764d) and reminded members that the Council had allocated a further £1,000 to a bus shelter (minute 690h)
since absorbed into Contingencies.
1055 Planning.
a) S09/2710 Poplar Farm, Pointon Fen. Proposed barn conversion to holiday let accommodation. Received 21
December 2009.
Agreed: no representations by Council.
b) Department of Energy & Climate Change: Consultation on National Policy Statements for Energy
Infrastructure.
Agreed: the Council will endeavour to respond to this consultation by the 22 February 2010 deadline.
1056 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
M Lingard £50.00 Parish Notice Board: clean down & 3 coats of paint
Printerbase Ltd £138.31 Imaging Unit (Toner) for Newsletter Printer
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 28 January 2010
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b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: November, December.
c) Subscriptions
Members declined LALC‟s invitation to join their Annual Training Scheme 2010/11 for £65. The scheme
covers all the Council‟s attendees at LALC training courses without further charge; however it was felt that
a pay-as-we-go basis would be more appropriate.
Cllrs Ledner and Green wish to attend the Councillor and Chairman Training Evening on Wednesday 17
March at 7.00pm at Kirkby Underwood Village Hall (acting clerk to confirm bookings).
d) Financial Statement 19 January 2010
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
1057 Other correspondence received
a) Letter from a resident regarding dog fowling
b) SKDC Democracy Services: Notification of Rural South Local Forum meeting 28 January 7.00pm
c) Lincs Playing Fields Assoc: Acknowledgment & thanks for donation
d) Lincs Fire & Rescue: Annual Action Plan 2010/11 Consultation
e) LALC News No 135, December 2009
f) EMDA News Winter 2009
g) Lincs Police Authority: Letter re Appointment of Independent Member
h) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 8 January 2010
i) Clerks & Councils Direct January 2010
j) LCC Accessibility Unit: Letter re public sector frugality with regard to bus shelter grants
k) Lincs Police: Chief Constable‟s 6-monthly update
l) EM Fire Rescue & Control: Information re Castle Donnington Control Centre under construction
1058 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 25 March 2010 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.41pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 25 March 2010
Page 327
25 March 2010 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 25 March 2010 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm
Present: S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), R Greenwood, C Lambert, C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: Members of the Public 3.
In the absence of the Chairman the Vice-Chairman Cllr S Hennessy chaired the meeting and after
welcoming everyone invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
a) Overhanging hedge
Concerns were expressed regarding a tall leylandii hedge on the southern approach to the village forcing tall
vehicles into the path of oncoming traffic. Cllr Green offered to make the concerns known to the
landowner.
There being no further questions, the Vice-Chairman opened the meeting at 7.38pm.
1059 Apologies for Absence
Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr R Ledner, for reasons accepted by members
present.
1060 Declarations of Interest from Members
None received.
1061 Minutes of meeting held 28 January 2010
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 28 January 2010, having been previously distributed, were approved
by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1062 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Parish
Cllr Green reported that cars parking on West Road alongside the pavement at school drop-off and pick-up
times were forcing passing traffic onto the verges where large vehicles could loose traction on the mud, thus
creating a hazard.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that there appeared to be a drainage problem, which it had been suggested could
be addressed by clearance of the surrounding dyke.
1063 Planning.
a) S09/2710 Poplar Farm, Pointon Fen. Proposed barn conversion to holiday let accommodation. Received 21
December 2009.
Received: SKDC conditional approval of 8 February 2010.
1064 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s Remuneration, 1 Nov 09 to 31 Jan 10
Lincolnshire Assoc of Local Councils £144.53 Annual Subscription 2010/11
J A Templeman £13.46 Print, stationery & postage expenses Nov 09 – Mar 10
Community Lincs £25.00 Playground Inspection Training 9 June (Cllr
Greenwood)
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: January, February.
c) Campaign to Protect Rural England
Council agreed to pay the fee of £25 to affiliate to the Lincolnshire branch of CPRE for 2010/11 and noted
that this included a free entry to the Best Kept Village Competition.
d) Pot Holes in Playing Field roadway and car park
The Council considered quotations in the range £1,470 to £6,620 to repair a number of pot holes. After
discussion, and noting advice offered by the public present and the stresses likely from heavy delivery
vehicles should building work occur, it was agreed to authorise volunteers to clear out the holes to receive
concrete and to render the concrete surface flush and level. Expenditure of up to £600.00 on materials,
delivery and equipment hire by the Council in connection with this project was approved. Cllr Greenwood
offered to make the arrangements.
e) Proposed Shelter at Pointon Village Hall
Cllr Green, representing the Village Hall Management Committee, presented for inspection representations
from many members of the public expressing the need for a public shelter in the village of Pointon. These
representations from a wide range of individuals had encouraged the Committee to seek designs and
quotations for a shelter alongside the Hall. Four quotations (ranging from £2,236 to £6,600 excluding VAT)
were now put to the Council for consideration with a request for funding from the Council. Cllr Green also
presented for inspection the Village Hall deeds and constitution, and confirmed that the Village Hall
Committee will allow the public access into the shelter at all times for its intended use. The Village Hall
Committee will also provide seating and lighting as considered appropriate by the Committee.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 25 March 2010
Page 328
After discussion the Council agreed to place an order with GRP Canopies Ltd. to design, manufacture and
install a canopy approximately 5m by 4m of translucent glass reinforced polyester sheeting supported by
white powder coated structural grade aluminium posts with a white uPVC guttering system at a cost of
£3,138.00 excluding VAT.
Cllr Templeman advised that discussions with SKDC‟s duty planning officer had indicated that as village
halls have no permitted development rights planning consent is required. As GRP Canopies Ltd. would
undertake the work to submit an application for £200.00, this expenditure was also agreed together with the
planning fee to SKDC understood to be £85.00 after the 50% discount available to parish councils. GRP
Canopies Ltd. require a deposit of 17.5% with our order, returnable apart from the £200.00 should planning
consent be refused.
f) Dyke alongside Pointon Playing Field
Agreed: to accept the quotations of D Hatcher and Sons of £762.00 to clear out the dykes to south and west
of the field and rod pipes and £300.00 to clear away all excavated material, both excluding VAT.
Cllr Gent had sought quotations in the interests of alleviating perceived drainage problems on the field.
Although some members were unconvinced that there would be any significant impact on the field
drainage, especially as some clearance of the southern dyke was undertaken in 2009, it was evident that the
dykes remained badly in need of clearance of accumulated material. It was also felt that, following
completion of the clearance work, some action may be required to deter fly-tipping into the dykes.
g) Playing Field fees, season 2010/11
Agreed: The fee for Pointon Football Club to be unchanged at £350.00 for the season; the fee for Pointon
Junior Football club to be unchanged at £160.00 for the season; the fee for single pitch hire to be increased
to £25.00 per match.
h) Financial Statement 17 March 2010
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
i) Audit of Accounts Year Ending 31 March 2010
Council agreed to appoint Melanie Rouse as our Internal Auditor and agreed that the Honorarium be
£45.00.
1065 Other correspondence received
a) SKDC Planning Policy: Core Strategy Policy H3 (Affordable Housing) – proposed changes
b) SKDC Democracy services: Standards training 23 February & 16 March
c) LCC Highways: Letter re Grit Bin provision policy
d) Community Lincs: re Play Area Safety Training course, Washingborough, 9 June
Cllr Greenwood is booked to attend this course.
1066 Pointon Football Club – Goalpost Safety Grant application
Agreed: The acting clerk to write a letter confirming that Pointon Football Club has the agreement of this
Council, as the landowner, to use Pointon Playing Field.
Cllr Templeman explained that Pointon Football Club is seeking a goalpost safety grant from the Football
Foundation. The grant is conditional on provision of evidence of entitlement to use the field, which this
letter seeks to meet.
1067 Matters for discussion only
Cllr Greenwood reported that there had been instances of fowling by unaccompanied dogs on the Playing
Field. Cllr Templeman to encourage the groundsman to remedy the remaining defects in the boundary
fencing.
1068 Dates of next Meetings
a) Annual Parish Meeting:
Agreed: Thursday 27 May 2010 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm, agenda as last year.
b) Annual Parish Council Meeting:
Agreed: Thursday 27 May 2010 at Pointon Sports and Social Club immediately following the Annual
Parish Meeting.
c) Subsequent Meetings schedule:
Agreed: Every 4th Thursday of odd-numbered months, unless otherwise agreed by the Council.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Vice-Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9.00pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Annual Parish Meeting held 27 May 2010
Page 329
27 May 2010 (APM) Clerk‟s Notes of the Annual Parish Meeting held Thursday 27 May 2010 at Pointon Social Club at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllrs R Ledner (Chairman), J Templeman (Acting Clerk), S Hennessy, C Lambert, W Gent, C
Green (Mrs), other Parishioners 0.
In attendance: Cllr R Greenwood, other Members of the Public 0.
The Chairman Cllr R Ledner welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 7.30pm.
1069 Apologies for Absence
None received
1070 Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting held 28 May 2009
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Parish Meeting held 28 May 2009, having been previously distributed, were
approved by the meeting and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1071 Annual Report of the Chairman of the Parish Council – Cllr R Ledner.
Cllr Ledner began by thanking the acting clerk for his work during the year, which being voluntary does not
impact on the precept. He went on to thank all Parish Councillors for their input and attendance throughout
the year, and the groundsman Wayne Chessum for keeping the playing field in such good order. The
Meeting concurred, noting also the care Mr Chessum takes with the Council‟s equipment.
Cllr Ledner reminded the Meeting that windfarm proposals remain the biggest threat that long standing
villagers can recall. His survey of 43 households in High Street and West Road elicited that 2 were in
favour, 34 were extremely concerned and would write a letter of objection and 7 had no view on the matter.
It appears that many windfarm projects are on hold due to MOD objections concerning radar interference;
however developers and the Crown Estate are investing in research to overcome these concerns. The
Meeting concurred that the Parish Council should continue its opposition to windfarm proposals impacting
upon its area.
Cllr Ledner concluded by bringing the Meeting‟s attention to projects undertaken by the Parish Council
during the year, which included refurbishment of the play equipment and surfaces, removal of an unsafe ash
tree threatening the Pavilion and entering a contract to provide a shelter alongside the Village Hall.
1072 Presentations by Representatives of Parochial Organisations
a) Pointon Village Hall
Cllr Green reported that the Village Hall is going well, with new bookings coming in and the Youth Club
will be open during August. The contractors for the Village Shelter have found the submission of a valid
planning application to be a more complex matter than they anticipated, the lack of a postcode for the Hall
apparently contributing to delays which are expected to be overcome shortly.
b) Pointon Sports and Social Club
Cllr Greenwood reported that two estimates for the new changing facility have been obtained, with a third
awaited. Club membership has increased and football teams from outside the parish have expressed an
interest in the facilities available, with the possibility of a girls‟ team moving here next season.
1073 Parish Council’s Financial Statement for the Year Ending 31 March 2010 – Cllr J Templeman
The statement showed an increase of £1,345.56 in the council‟s funds over the year to £15,439.50 at 31
March 2010. Cllr Templeman commented that we have set this year‟s precept to £2,000 with the intention
that this will reduce our reserves more into line with accepted good practice. It is unclear at present what
effect the government‟s announced freeze on the Council Tax will have on the Council‟s flexibility to set
next year‟s precept.
1074 Forum on the Parish Council’s performance and future directions for the Parish
In the absence of any other parishioners, no matters were raised.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 7.46pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 27 May 2010
Page 330
27 May 2010 Minutes of Annual Meeting held on Thursday 27 May 2010 at Pointon Social Club following the Annual
Parish Meeting.
Present: Cllrs. R Ledner (Chairman), S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), C Lambert, W Gent, R
Greenwood, C Green (Mrs).
In Attendance: Members of the Public 0.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and opened the meeting at 7.47pm.
1075 Annual Appointments
a) Election of Chairman
In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Ledner was re-elected as Chairman, proposed by Cllr
Greenwood, seconded by Cllr Gent.
Cllr Ledner signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.
b) Election of Vice-Chairman In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Hennessy was re-elected as Vice-Chairman, proposed by Cllr
Gent, seconded by Cllr Ledner.
c) Appointment of Officers and Committees In the absence of any other nominations Cllr Templeman was re-appointed as Acting Clerk and Responsible
Financial Officer, proposed by Cllr Ledner, seconded by Cllr Greenwood.
It was agreed that membership of the Funding Committee and the Playing Field/Events Committees be
unchanged.
1076 Apologies for absence
None.
1077 Declarations of interest
None.
1078 Meeting held 25 March 2010
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Meeting held 25 March 2010 having been previously distributed, were approved
by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1079 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Police
Cllr Ledner had received complaints from parishioners regarding obstruction to the High Street pavement
by parked vehicles, and had asked the police to speak to the vehicle owners. This has resolved the matter,
but he was concerned that it had required three requests to the police before action was taken.
b) Parish
Cllr Green had observed a number of incidents of dog fowling and had taken the matter up with the culprits
where practicable, with some degree of success. She has made enquiries regarding attending Authorised
Officer training (minute 977) and understands it is intended to run a course at Grantham which she hopes to
attend.
Cllr Ledner reported that the public footpath from High Street to the playing field is rather overgrown. An
immediate neighbour had previously tended this voluntarily; although strictly a highways responsibility it
was felt that our groundsman could be asked to cut it.
c) Playing Field
Cllr Templeman reported that the contractor had indicated an intention to commence dyke clearance
(minute 1064f) over two weeks previously but has not so far shown up.
Cllr Ledner reported that much of the post and rail fencing around parts of the boundary is now in very poor
condition. Some members felt this fencing served little purpose, however if renovation costs were obtained
the matter could be considered for next year‟s budget.
d) Village Hall
Cllr Green reported that a Dog Club meeting at the Hall had enquired about training on the Playing Field.
As the dogs would be under close control at all times members did not anticipate there would be any
objections.
There were some concerns that the contractor for the Village Shelter (minute 1064e) has not yet submitted a
valid planning application on our behalf as our agent. The contract had been signed immediately following
the March meeting of the Council. However, recent telephone enquiries by Cllrs Ledner, Green and
Templeman indicate that efforts are now being made to resolve issues between the contractor and SKDC.
1080 Planning.
No activity notified.
1081 Finance
a) Annual Return for the year ended 31 March 2010
The Council approved the Statement of Accounts prepared by Cllr Templeman, received the report of the
Internal Auditor, which raised no matters of concern and reviewed the effectiveness of the internal audit,
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 27 May 2010
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expressing full satisfaction with both its adequacy and effectiveness. After noting that this year‟s precept
has been set at £2,000 with the intention to correct our reserves to a level members considered appropriate,
the Council executed the Annual Governance Statement wholly in the affirmative. Cllr Templeman to
forward the Annual Return to the External Auditor.
b) Insurance Cover from 1 June 2010
Cllr Templeman reminded members that this would be the third and final year of our binding agreement
with Came & Co. Members agreed that no changes were required to the cover provided by the renewal
premium, which automatically increased property sums assured by 5% allegedly offset by a further no-
claims discount of 5%. Nevertheless Cllr Gent queried whether the increased premium (13%) was within
the conditions of the binding agreement whilst Cllr Green suggested that more reasonable premiums could
be obtained elsewhere. It was felt that the matter should be looked at more closely, certainly in good time
for the next renewal. Cllr Green advised that the Village Hall Committee will insure the proposed shelter.
c) The following bills for payment were approved:
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £352.50 Pressure wash play safety surfaces
Rick Webster Grounds Maintenance £162.15 60lt Line marking paint
Lincolnshire branch of CPRE £25.00 Affiliation fee, 2010/11
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s Remuneration, 1 Feb 10 to 30
Apr 10
GRP Canopies Ltd. £645.25 Deposit, Village Hall Shelter
GRP Canopies Ltd. £200.00 Planning application submission
Came & Company £1,602.30 Insurance premium 1 June 2010 to 31 May
2011
Chandlers Oil & Gas £136.50 200 litres Gas Oil
W Chessum £27.44 4hrs Ground clearance, western conifer hedge
Mrs M Rouse £45.00 Internal Auditor‟s Honorarium 2009/10
d) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: March, April.
Pointon Junior Football Club £160.00 Field fee, season 2009/10
Pointon Football Club £360.00 Field fee, season 2009/10
South Kesteven District Council £2,000.00 Precept 2010/11
HM Revenue & Customs £149.38 VAT refund 1 Sep 09 – 31 Mar 10
e) Pointon Football Club request for financial assistance
The Council was asked to consider a written request, previously distributed to members, from the Club for
1 pair full-size goals with nets at £590+VAT. The Club had succeeded in obtaining a 50% grant from the
Football Foundation (minute 1066) for 1 pair full-size goals, subject to the destruction of the old goals
which are now in a very decayed state (minute 1029a). It was now desired to replace the other pair although
their condition had not been inspected and a grant towards them was not forthcoming from the Foundation.
Members had concerns regarding the already high level of subsidy the Club received from the precept,
noting that the players‟ contributions of £3 per match mostly went to kit wash and referee fees, but also
noted that volunteers proposed to repair the driveway and carpark potholes (minute 1064d). Cllr Lambert
enquired whether the Social Club would be willing to contribute; other members indicated this was
unlikely.
Cllr Ledner proposed that the Council agree to the Club‟s request subject to satisfactory completion of the
pothole project. On a show of hands the proposal was carried by 5 votes, Cllrs Lambert and Green not
concurring.
f) Financial Statement 18 May 2010
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein. Cllr
Templeman drew attention to the fact that we have made a number of financial commitments not
anticipated when setting the budget last November; nevertheless our reserves are sufficient for the current
year‟s proposed spending although there is uncertainty surrounding next year‟s precept following the
announced Council Tax freeze. Cllr Gent suggested that the purchase of outdoor seating (minute 1046a)
should be put on hold.
1082 Other correspondence received
a) LCC Accessibility & Policy Unit: New funding to improve access to key services
b) EMDA News, Spring 2010
c) LCC Chief Execs: Invitation to Focus Groups re Integrated Local Working
d) LALC News, March 2010
e) Fields in Trust: Covenanted Fields review for Pointon Playing Field
Cllr Templeman had replied confirming the Council remained the owner of the field.
f) SKDC Standards Committee: Agenda 7 May 2010
g) SKDC Democracy Services: invitation to Use of Planning Conditions training 18 May
h) Clerks & Council Direct, May 2010
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 27 May 2010
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1083 Matters for discussion only
a) Roles and Responsibilities for the Playing Field
Cllr Gent suggested, in view of the issues raised during discussion at minute 1081e, that a review of roles
and responsibilities for the Playing Field should be undertaken. It was hoped that members would give
some thoughts to this matter before the next meeting.
1084 Date of next Meetings
Agreed: Thursday 22 July 2010 at Pointon Village Hall at 7.30pm.
After some discussion about how to make the Council‟s meetings more appealing to parishioners it was felt
it could be beneficial to vary the venue. It was proposed by Cllr Green, seconded by Cllr Greenwood and
agreed to hold the next meeting as above at the Village Hall.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.49pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 22 July 2010
Page 333
22 July 2010 Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 22 July 2010 at Pointon Village Hall at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs S Hennessy, J Templeman (Acting Clerk), R Greenwood, C Lambert, W Gent.
In Attendance: Members of the Public 3.
In the absence of the Chairman the Vice-Chairman Cllr S Hennessy chaired the meeting and after
welcoming everyone invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
a) A neighbour of the playing field commented that the group of leylandii by the swings are overhanging the
entrance path from the High Street. Members who had previously inspected the area agreed that the group
were now causing various problems whilst no longer serving any purpose. Reduction to ground level would
be unlikely to meet any objection, especially if a no cost option was forthcoming in exchange for the wood
harvested.
b) There was a request for cigarette butts not to be discarded on the ground outside the pavilion, and attention
was drawn to the accumulation of bird droppings on the swings.
c) Two Millthorpe residents enquired whether the Council would consider supporting their proposal for a
footway alongside the B1177 linking Millthorpe and Pointon, or alternatively the upgrading of the existing
public footpaths into cycleways with hard surface.
There being no further questions, the Vice-Chairman opened the meeting at 7.58pm.
1085 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Mrs C Green, for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr R Ledner, for reasons accepted by
members present.
1086 Declarations of Interest from Members
Cllr W Gent declared a personal interest in item 1092b as a member of the Committee of Pointon Sports
and Social Club.
1087 Minutes of meeting held 27 May 2010
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Annual Meeting held 27 May 2010, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1088 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Land between 11 & 13 Pinfold Lane, Pointon
Cllr Templeman reported that SKDC had enquired whether the Council supported a proposal from a
member of the public willing to cultivate this land, and after enquiries had replied in the affirmative.
b) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood had attended the Playground Inspection training course (minute 1064a). The instructor had
reiterated the benefit of keeping written reports of the routine visual inspections.
Cllr Gent reported that the remedial work on the potholes by volunteers (minute 1064d) is scheduled for
August.
c) Dyke Clearance
(Minute 1964f) Cllr Templeman reported that the contractor has partially cleared the southern dyke and
removed the resulting debris. All the land drain exits have been left damaged and blocked in the area
cleared and a number of the concrete fence posts were snapped during the operation. The contractor has
been notified of these matters but has not attended since.
1089 Planning
a) S10/1172 3 Pointon Cottages, Pointon. Demolition of dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling and
realignment of access. Received 26 May 2010.
Received: SKDC Conditional Approval of 6 July 2010.
b) S10/1122 Pointon Village Hall, Pointon. Erection of canopy to the side of the village hall. Received 7 June
2010.
Agreed: no representations by the Council.
1090 Finance
a) The following bill for payment was approved:
M Lingard £230.00 Clean down, repair & paint 3x Parish Seats
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £100.00 Clubhouse rent: June
Smith‟s of Bourne £50.00 2x pitch hire, 9 & 23 May
Members noted that the Clubhouse rent for May is outstanding.
c) Financial Statement 14 July 2010
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
d) Annual Review of Risk Assessment
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 22 July 2010
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Council reviewed its Risk Policy Statement and Risk Management Arrangements as tabulated in its
Financial Regulations adopted 22 September 2005 (Minute 755a) and agreed that no amendments were
required thereto.
1091 Other correspondence received
a) SKDC Electoral Services: Notification of Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places
b) SKDC: Notification of Budget Consultation workshops
c) LCC Emergency Planning Unit: Introducing the Community Risk Register
d) SKDC Democracy Services: Notification of Rural South Local Forum meeting 22 July 2010 7.00pm
e) LCC: Locality Management, June 2010
f) LCC: Notice of consultation on Preferred Minerals and Waste strategies
g) NHS Lincolnshire Research Newsletter, Spring 2010
h) CPRE Lincs Branch: Invitation to AGM 14 July at Grimsthorpe Castle Coach House
i) Lincs Police: Chief Constable‟s review of 2nd year in post
j) Clerks & Councils Direct (July 2010)
k) LALC News (June 2010)
l) SKDC: Notification of adoption of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document
1092 Matters for discussion only
a) Parish Clerk‟s vacancy
The acting clerk reminded members that the position of Parish Clerk has been vacant for some years.
Having an acting clerk has relieved the Council of the urgency of appointing a clerk, thus affording an
extended opportunity for suitable applicants to come forward or to be approached. It was felt that all
members could keep a watch for and encourage an enquiry where this seemed appropriate (LALC have
scheduled a Clerks’ Training Day at Pointon Village Hall on 20 October 2010).
b) Roles and Responsibilities for Playing Field
Picking up from the previous meeting (minute 1083a), members clearly appreciated the need to fairly and
appropriately share the costs of routine maintenance and the provision of facilities between parishioners and
field users, and to establish the extent to which roles and responsibilities should be formally defined. A
number of parameters emerged during a constructuive discussion which it was hoped would continue, not
necessarily wholly within the formal setting of a public meeting of the Council.
1093 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 23 September 2010 at Pointon Village Hall at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Vice-Chairman thanked everyone for their
attendance and declared the meeting closed at 9.08pm.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 23 September 2010
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23 September 2010 Clerk‟s Notes of Meeting held on Thursday 23 September 2010 at Pointon Village Hall at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs R Ledner (Chairman), J Templeman (Acting Clerk), R Greenwood, C Lambert, C Green
(Mrs).
In Attendance: D Cllr A Webster (Mrs), Members of the Public 5.
The Chairman welcomed everyone present and invited questions from the public at 7.30pm.
Questions from the Public
a) A resident gave a report on a questionnaire he put to Millthorpe residents regarding support for a hard
surface path between Millthorpe and Pointon. 14 of 30 households had responded positively with no
negative comments received.
b) A resident reported that efforts are being made to install a toilet in Christchurch, Pointon, a project towards
which it was hoped the Council could give support.
There being no further questions, the Chairman opened the meeting at 7.46pm.
1094 Apologies for Absence
Cllr S Hennessy, for reasons accepted by members present. Cllr W Gent, for reasons accepted by members
present.
1095 Declarations of Interest from Members
None received.
1096 Minutes of meeting held 22 July 2010
The Clerk‟s Notes of the Annual Meeting held 22 July 2010, having been previously distributed, were
approved by members and signed as the Minutes by the Chairman.
1097 Reports from Councillors and Outside Bodies
a) Playing Field
Cllr Greenwood reported that repairs to the car park and access road had been undertaken by volunteers
from the Sports and Social Club. Members together with the public present expressed their appreciation of
the high standard of the work undertaken.
b) Village Hall
Cllr Green reported that the new shelter alongside the Hall is now in use by the public and that several
favourable comments had been received, particularly from schoolchildren. It is anticipated that lighting and
benches will be provided very shortly and that the surface will be improved in the spring.
1098 Planning
a) S10/1122 Pointon Village Hall, Pointon. Erection of canopy to the side of the village hall. Received 7 June
2010.
Received: SKDC conditional approval of 28 July 2010.
1099 Finance
a) The following bills for payment were approved:
W Chessum £300.00 Groundsman‟s remuneration: 1 May to 31 July
W Chessum £10.00 Unleaded & 2-stroke fuel
Billingborough Cars & Commercials £212.98 Callout to tractor (specialist radiator repair)
G R P Canopies Ltd £2,841.90 Balancing payment, Village Hall Shelter
Printerbase Ltd £250.49 2x imaging units for newsletter
J A Templeman £24.02 Print, stationery & postage expenses 22 Mar to
15 Sep
b) The following receipts were noted:
Pointon Sports & Social Club £200.00 Clubhouse rent: July, August.
Mrs Oakes £10.00 Donation to Newsletter
c) Financial Statement 15 September 2010
Council received the RFO‟s financial statement and made no amendments to the budget therein.
d) Financial Year 2011/12
The acting clerk asked members to indicate any upcoming spending requirements (other than those
routinely anticipated) to assist in the preparation of a draft budget for the Council‟s approval in November.
It is not yet clear what flexibility the Council will have to set the precept following the government‟s
announced freeze on Council Tax. Cllr Ledner indicated that he would like to see the Council contributing
towards flashing speed signs on the B1177 at Pointon and to undertake a modernisation of the children‟s
play equipment. It was agreed that informal discussion should take place between members before the
November meeting regarding the financing of the playing field.
Pointon & Sempringham Parish Council Meeting held 23 September 2010
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1100 Other correspondence received
a) SKDC: Rural South Local Forum Agenda 22 July & Minutes 28 January
b) SKDC Planning Policy: Site Allocation notification of additional suggested sites consultation
c) Clerks & Councils Direct September 2010
d) LCC: re Economic significance of the Third Sector in Lincolnshire
1101 Date of next Meeting
Agreed: Thursday 25 November 2010 at Pointon Sports and Social Club at 7.30pm.
There being no other relevant business before the Council, the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance
and declared the meeting closed at 8.20pm.