January 2025 Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 15th January 2025 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, N Moore, A Radcliffe, J Bunster and G Edwards. Also present R Atkin House (by phone link), D Cllr D Simpson and clerk Mrs K Elliott. There were 5 members of the public present.
The meeting commenced with the public forum at 7.30 pm.
PUBLIC FORUM: There were 3 people associated with the planning application for Wolds Yard and those present discussed the change of use application. The aim is to provide affordable space for their businesses to use and to provide similar space, storage or offices to rent to others. There are also indoor sports facilities available to be used and spaces for fitness clubs, training places. The applicants have contacted the neighbours and the neighbouring landowner to explain their plans. Planned opening hours are 7am until 7.30pm but these might change depending on future users of the site. The applicants state they want to have the right people on site as it immediately at the rear of their home. The applicants are willing to show any parish council members who are interested around the site. It is advised that the site will remain gated and secure and all partners can view the site security remotely. The applicants are currently tidying up the site and they have had lots of interest from potential customers. A neighbour raised their concerns with the proposed change of use which include noise and light pollution as it neighbours residential properties, and also the length of the opening hours and being open at the weekends and Bank Holidays. There appears to be a difference between the proposed opening hours and those listed on the online planning application. There will also be a potential increase in traffic to and from the site during the whole of the proposed opening hours. All members of the public left the meeting.
2025/050 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Bunster welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2025/051 Apologies – from S Summerlin Benton.
2025/052 R Atkin House declared an interest in the planning application change of use.
2025/053 The notes of the meeting held on 20th November 2024 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record. The chairman requested that the notes from the meeting were circulated within 2 weeks of the meeting. The mowing looks good at the cemetery. Surplus soil may be available from a neighbouring property to fill any rabbit holes at the cemetery.
2025/054 Reports from District & County Councillors: Cllr Simpson advised that the local plan is still on hold and allocated housing numbers have increased from 500 to 1500. Consultation with Government is ongoing regarding this increase. Challenges are going ahead for the proposed overhead pylons and substations, which could take up 6000 acres of land. Lindsey Marsh Drainage Board, 30% is under sea level and new pumps are being installed which can work against the tide. Community Grant funds are still available and a grant form will be sent to the clerk to help with an information board at the new community orchard. C Cllr was not present.
2025/055 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) CSW report – JB presented the latest figures from our SiD pole mounted device. Some vehicles were exceeding 90mph in the 30mph zone. 600 were travelling at double the speed limit. 50% of vehicles were travelling at over 30mph. Figures are from mid-November to mid-January. 110,000 vehicles in this period of time.
b) S Summerlin Benton has tendered her resignation from the parish council. Her letter was read to the council. The clerk will notify ELDC and the vacancy will be advertised.
2024/056 Cemetery:
a) Tree Planting – A date has not yet been advised but should be at the end of January or the beginning of February. The area will be marked out before they arrive.
b) Bulb planting – aconites and snowdrops will be planted in the autumn.
c) Moving Yew hedge plants – this will be done at the same time as the new fruit trees arrive.
2025/057 Plant Sale Event – this will be discussed further at the March meeting.
2025/058 Summer Sausage Sizzler – A village event on 26th July, the village hall has been booked. A save the date will be sent to all residents. This is to be a fund raiser for parish projects. This may be a good date for the plant sale too.
2025/059 Highways matters
a) Build out proposal from LCC – This proposal is supported and the clerk will confirm with LCC and we will budget for another planter.
2025/060 Planning Matters:
a) S/201/01800/24 – Change of Use for Wolds Yard. As discussed during the public forum. Noise and light pollution are a concern as is the proposed opening hours. 7am to 7pm is acceptable but with no Sunday opening/working. The parish council support this application with conditions to be taken into consideration regarding noise and light pollution and opening hours.
2025/061 To agree Budget and Precept for 2025/2026 – As per the circulated documents the proposal is to increase the precept from £2,900 to £3,900. The figures were explained and discussed and the parish council resolved to accept this budget and precept proposal for 2025/2026. Members discussed the forthcoming year’s expenditure and donations were agreed for LIVES and Horncastle Matters Magazine of £50 each, and also not give a donation to the WA Village Church, WA Village Hall, and Citizens Advice.
a) Review of clerks salary – this was also reviewed and discussed and the proposed increase for 25/26 resolved.
b) The parish council also resolved to stop the Wi-Fi contract for the village hall and also not give a donation to the village hall committee or Citizens Advice.
2025/062 Proposal to transfer to digital banking – this was agreed to and resolved and the clerk will make arrangements for the accounts to be accessed digitally.
2025/063 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting. All payments were approved and cheques signed.
a) Clerks Salary and expenses £950 & £59.94
b) LALC Training Scheme £132 and Subscription £95.86
c) Christmas Tree £27.50
d) Donations to LIVES £50 & Horncastle Matters Magazine £50
2025/064 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th March 2025.
b) Items for the next newsletter – RAH will compile the next newsletter.
c) Items for the next agenda will include Litter Pick, information boards at the community orchard and Summer Event.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
Chairman: Date: