2024 Rauceby PC Minutes of Meetings

Minutes
Rauceby Parish Council
email: raucebypc@gmail.com, website: https://rauceby.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk
Minutes from the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 at 7.30 pm at the Village Hall, South Rauceby. 

Present:      Cllr M Ireland (in the Chair), Cllrs J Malloch, G Hall, G Enstone, S Enstone, B Balderston, J Hoare and M Froggatt; A Hagues of NKDC and the Clerk, Mr I Grady. 

Public speaking time: There was no member of the public present. 
1. Apologies for absence: Apologies were received from Cllr P Ireland, Cllr J Clarke of NKDC and Cllr R Wright of LCC.
2. To receive any Declarations of Interest: None were received.
3. To decide on any items to be carried out in Closed Session: None required. 
4. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on 17 January 2024: Unanimously approved; the Chairman signed the minutes. 
5. Rauceby Gigabit Project: Cllr S Enstone distributed a progress report on the Gigabit project. The village is split into 3 areas regarding progress. The first, in South Rauceby, consists of 120 properties which are now able to place orders for final connection. The second group, in North Rauceby, will be connected by about the end of March. The third group, around the Spinneys, will be ready by early April. Those properties that have already signed up have reported significant improvements in performance and are, in fact, cheaper that the original set-up. 
It is very important that all those who pledged vouchers place an order as the company we set up to contract with Openreach becomes liable for any shortfall. 
6. Reports from Visiting Representatives and Police Matters if any: 
LCC   No report was presented. 
NKDC   A short report was made by Cllr A Hagues concerning The LCC flood investigation of 600+ affected properties in the county and giving notice of the Keep Britain Tidy, Great British Spring Clean initiative campaign, commencing shortly (see also item 11(v) below). 
Police   Nothing to report.
7. Planning Applications Received from NKDC (This may include plans received since the agenda was circulated):
i. 24/0219/FUL | Installation of agricultural Biomass boiler heating system within agricultural building and installation of solar panels (non-domestic). | Boiling Wells Farm Grantham Road Greylees Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QX. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 07/03/24.)
ii. 24/0145/LBC | Repairs and conservation works to roof including replacement leadwork, repointing, repair of coping stones, replacement finials and external refurbishments including replacement windows, replacement downpipes (cast iron) and internal refurbishments | The Middle House Rauceby Hall Tom Lane North Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QN. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 12/02/24.)
iii. 24/0144/HOUS | Repairs and conservation works to roof including replacement leadwork, repointing, repair of coping stones, replacement finials and external refurbishments including replacement windows, replacement downpipes (cast iron) and internal refurbishments | The Middle House Rauceby Hall Tom Lane North Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QN. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 12/02/24.)
iv. 23/1533/FUL | Erection of 2 no. broiler poultry units (meat production) with feed silos, roof mounted Solar PV panels and hardstanding | Boiling Wells Farm Grantham Road Greylees Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QX. No Objections at regular meeting of Rauceby Parish Council. (Submission to NKDC complete 19/01/24.)
v. 23/1321/LBC | Conversion and change of use of barns to class E retail gun shop | North Rauceby Lodge Church Lane North Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QU. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 07/12/23.)
vi. 23/1320/FUL | Conversion and change of use of barns to class E retail and gun shop | North Rauceby Lodge Church Lane North Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QU. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 07/12/23.)
Plans decided by NKDC since the last meeting
vii. 24/0164/TCA | T1 - Lawson Cypress - Fell. | 6 St Peters Close North Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8RA. No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 12/02/24.) Decided; TPO not served.
viii. 24/0129/PNAGR | Erection of agricultural biomass boiler | Boiling Wells Farm Grantham Road Greylees Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QX. (Prior notification of agricultural development.) No objections by Planning Sub-Committee. (Submission to NKDC complete 07/02/24.) NKDC treated as being withdrawn.
ix. 24/0013/TCA | T1 - Scots Pine - Reduce height by a maximum of 5m. Shorten back growth by 2m on the larger lateral branches to reduce weight and balance crown. | 5 Thorpe Drove South Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QH. No Objections at regular meeting of Rauceby Parish Council. (Submission to NKDC complete 19/01/24.) Decided; TPO not served.
x. 23/1490/HOUS | Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of single storey extension to rear and garage converted with alterations to roof. | 38 Pinfold Lane South Rauceby Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 8QE No objections by Planning Sub-Committee (Submission to NKDC complete 03/01/24.) Approved by NKDC.
xi. 23/1325/LBC | Conversion of existing barn to form 1no. dwelling and erection of a detached outbuilding | Stone Barn Dovecote Rise South Rauceby Sleaford NG34 8WZ. No Objections at regular meeting of Rauceby Parish Council. (Submission to NKDC complete 16/11/23.) Amendment regarding windows added 04/01/24; no comments invited by NKDC. Approved by NKDC.
xii. 23/1324/FUL | Conversion of existing barn to form 1no. dwelling and erection of a detached outbuilding | Stone Barn Dovecote Rise South Rauceby Sleaford NG34 8WZ. No Objections at regular meeting of Rauceby Parish Council. (Submission to NKDC complete 16/11/23.) Amendment regarding windows added 04/01/24; no comments invited by NKDC. Approved by NKDC.
8. Matters Arising and New Business Notified to Clerk prior to meeting
i. Propose and ratify Budget for 2024/25 
The final draft budget was presented to the Parish Council. A slight modification from the interim budget presented at the last meeting was described. There was unanimous agreement in accepting the budget.
ii. Donations considered in the new budget. 
It was agreed to increase the level of donations as they had remained static for many years. Contributions to churchyard maintenance will increase from  £450 to  £600 and to Citizens Advice from  £50 to  £100. In addition there is a contingency amount of  £130 for other causes.
iii. Donations considered in the present financial year. 
The Church management committee has approached the Parish Council regarding an increase in this year s donation as their finances are vey strained. The Council agreed to increase the donation for this FY to  £600.
iv. Consider request by pub owner to support their application for a brown road sign advertising the pub location.
After some discussion it was agreed by majority vote (5 for, 2 against, 1 abstention) to support the pub owner s request. 
Action Mar (1): Clerk to write to Pub
v. Electric Vehicle Charger Locations
LCC has asked the Parish Council to consider the Village requirements for EV Charging points for public use. After some discussion it was decided not to follow this up at the moment because there is too much uncertainty about which types of charger are available. It is acknowledged that there is a need in those properties that do not have off-road parking facilities so we will keep a watching brief on the matter.
vi. Infrastructure needs for the future 
LCC also asked the PC to identify any infrastructure needs that would improve sustainable travel for the residents. After discussion it was decided to not consider this matter further as we have been asked similar questions in the past without any noticeable changes resulting from our feedback. 
vii. Councils  new duty to prevent sexual harassment 
This was a preview of new legislation to come into effect in October 2024 which the PC will be bound to comply with. It was agreed that when more information becomes available about how compliance is to be managed the Clerk will prepare a policy document for adoption by the PC. 
viii. Staffing Committee requirements 
LALC has made a strong recommendation to all PCs to instigate a Staffing Committee in order to obviate personnel problems in the future becoming over-complicated. After discussion it was decided that as such a committee is not mandatory Rauceby PC would only set up the committee on an ad-hoc basis in the event of a personnel issue. It should be noted that the committee cannot include the Chair as this is the person who hears any appeals.
ix. Review Policies and Procedures for Fitness for purpose. 
Councillors were asked to carry out reviews individually and report back at the next meeting any issues that may need examining more closely. All these documents are visible on our website. 
Action Mar (2): Councillors to review P&Ps
x. Check Safety and Condition of Parish owned and other assets in the village.
In accordance with our procedures this is required to be carried out annually. The Chairman agreed to carry out the inspection.
Action Mar (3): Chairman to inspect village assets 
xi. 80th Anniversary of D-Day
There was no response from councillors on an action from the last meeting to make suggestions of events that may be promoted to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day. It was therefore agreed that the PC would not proceed with a programme of celebration. As a consequence it was decided not to pursue the purchase of a beacon.
xii. Signs for gates at the South Rauceby entrance 
After a quote had been received to manufacture a sign for the South Rauceby gates it was apparent that the sign would completely mask the gates. It was therefore decided to forget the issue.
A suggestion was made to investigate the installation of a permanent SID speed display. The clerk is to check with Wilsford PC Clerk whose village SID appears to be very reliable. The matter will be raised again in the May meeting.
Action Mar (4): Clerk to check with Wilsford PC Clerk
xiii. Telephone kiosk   maintenance progress feedback
The painter has commenced repainting the kiosk which should be complete by the end of March.
xiv. Involvement in Lincolnshire National Grid Pylon Construction debate
There is concern in other parts of Lincolnshire that the process of public consultation regarding the installation of new electricity pylons was not carried out adequately. We (as part of a Lincolnshire-wide request by the affected areas) have been asked for support in their campaign. After discussion it was decided that Rauceby PC would not get involved.
9. Update on Outstanding Matters 
i. Actions from previous meetings: 

10. Financial report
i. The financial report was approved and signed off by the Chairman.
The Current account stands at  £6,323.47 as of 14 February 2024.
ii. This month s payments were approved:
* LALC: Subscription
* I Grady: fees (2 months) 
* Handfords: painter of telephone kiosk
* ICO: Subscription
* Church donation.
iii. The Savings account stands at  £10,000 at 20 March 2024 (interest will be added at the end of the FY)
11. Any Other Business:  Any matters which have arisen after the agenda was published. 
i. Repairing ground outside church after Openreach works
Although this ground was  made good  after the OpenReach civils works, it needs further attention to enable proper verge growth. Cllr G Enstone has volunteered to contact Mr G Earle for him to grade, clean and seed the affected area. 
Action Mar (5): Cllr G Enstone
ii. Gulley at bottom of Rauceby Drove
Cllr G Enstone raised the issue of the gulley choking. This is getting filled with broken branch debris and is likely to choke the drainage system in the near future. Cllr Enstone has been asked to contact FixMyStreet to attend to the matter. 
Action Mar (6): Cllr G Enstone
iii. Railings at entrance to Village Hall
The hand rail along the wheelchair access to the village hall need extending so that it reaches the road. The Hall management has asked the PC for assistance. After discussion it was decided that this was a village hall matter as the access was on their property. We have decided not to pursue the matter.
iv. Gutter damage to bus stop near village hall
The damage to the bus shelter needs to be examined before any action is proposed.
Action Mar (7): Chairman
v. Litter pick 6 April 2024
Cllr Enstone notified the Council that there would be a village litter pick starting at 10h00 on 6 April at the Village Hall. Refreshments will be available at the end of the exercise.
vi. Bench Repairs (1)
Mr D Elmes will be repairing the two benches that need new slats with the replacement slats purchased in the last month.
vii. Bench Repairs (2)
One of the cast iron arms of the bench on Thorpe Drove has been snapped off. The Chairman is discussing the repair with a contact.
Action Mar (8): Chairman
12. Date of Next Meeting: The meeting closed at 20h30. The next regular meeting will be held at 19h30 on Wednesday, 15 May 2024 at Rauceby Village Hall. It will be preceded by the Annual Open Meeting which will commence at 19h00.

Matters which have been raised in meetings and which may be considered further at a future date:
* South Rauceby Well refurbishment: deferred until more appropriate.
* Rewilding of Rauceby Drove verge: deferred until results of pilot study on the land by Main Street have been evaluated.