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Hough Parish Council news |
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Hough Parish |
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Hough on the Hill, Gelston and Brandon Villages |
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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF HOUGH ON THE HILL PARISH 13TH MARCH 2008.
The meeting was held at Carlton Scroop Village Hall at 7.30pm and was chaired by the Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Mrs S Morgan. The meeting was attended by 9 parishioners including the Chairman. Apologies were received from Mr R Kingscott, Mr J Hancock and District Cllr Kerr.
Notes from the meeting of 29th March 2007 were read and taken as a true record.
2. Annual report of the Parish Council.
The Chairman of the Parish Council presented the report. Since the last meeting the term of office for all Councillors came to an end. With only five nominees for seven places the election was uncontested. Subsequently the vacant two places were filled by the co-option of Mr J Hancock and Mrs P Manterfield. Mrs Manterfield however had to resign and Mr T Newcombe was co-opted into the seat.
Thanks were given to two long standing former members who retired in May 2007, Mrs R Robb and Mr J Lord.
With SKDC’s continued policy on restricting new build in the area planning applications have mainly been for extensions though two applications have been made for new build where outline planning had already been agreed. The Parish Council also commented on applications for vehicular access, lawfulness of garden land and opening hours of the shooting ground.
Following a survey by Cllrs the County Council have repaired/reinstated footpaths around the area and also the old style fingerpost sign at the Brownlow junction has been restored.
As part of the risk assessment of Parish Assets the Council is registering the land at the Playing Fields, Hough and the site of the old Village Hall, Brandon.
Following a Parishioners request the Parish Council has purchased a blue plaque to mark the Pinfold at Gelston, this was mainly funded by the remains of the Gelston Millenium Fund.
Over the next year the Parish Council will continue to work to obtain the best services from the County and District Authorities such as the safety of the C001 at Brandon.
3. Finance Report of the Parish Council.
The meeting was informed that the Parish Council was in a good financial position and would be able to maintain its planned expenditure over the forthcoming year. APM1/2008
4. Attendance records of Parish Councillors
The meeting was informed that there were 6 meetings over the year and out of a possible 37 attendances, 30 were achieved.
5. Report and Account of Hough Charities.
The meeting was informed that 36 households benefited from the Christmas payment of £32 and £65 was granted to assist a parishioner with funeral expenses. Currently the Charity Commission have been approached as to the replacement of an ex-officio Trustee (the Vicar) who will not be taking office.
6. Presentations from Local Organisations and Village Representatives.
a. Playing Fields Committee Parish Cllr. Lawson presented the report. She confirmed that the equipment was in good order and that monthly safety checks were in place. The accounts held £200. Presently the Committee was down to two members.
b. Hough Local History Society.
A record 42 members were now involved in the Society. Talks were varied and covered both national and local history including geology and how it affected the development of the area. Visits took place to Leadenham Hall and the Honington Fort Site, there were also two social occasions. Anyone is invited to either join the Society or attend one off events, details of which are posted on the Parish notice board.
c. Village Hall Fund.
The meeting noted that the fund is in a Capital Access Bond and has increased in value over the year by £188.89 to £5716.15.
d. Parochial Church Council
The meeting was informed that Leslie Harding was appointed as a ‘duty of care’ vicar for the Parish which means she is only available 3 days per week. The two lay preachers take the service in her absence.
Church attendance is static with the average age increasing. Activities include a monthly Sunday club which meets after service and a recent pet service was held that proved popular and may be repeated.
The Church itself is in reasonable condition but requires redecoration and unfortunately Health and Safety may prevent this being completed with voluntary help. Lead was stolen from the roof and will be replaced by stainless steel which has a poorer resale value.
APM2/2008 An application for a lottery grant to provide a meeting room in the Church unfortunately failed in the second stage but the Committee is continuing to seek further sources. Note was made that events included coffee mornings, whist evenings and the village fete which this year will be July 5th. Finally thanks were given to all the volunteers who kept the Church running.
e. Report from Brandon.
The meeting was informed that the Christmas Carol Service was well worth attending. The C001 continues to be a problem with yet another death along the road. New styles have been erected on the footpath to Caythorpe and it was noted that the local farm had marked paths which were off limits to the public.
f. Report from Gelston Comment was passed as to how well the daffodils were flowering. A date for the diary is 27th April when Lady Radice was opening her garden for Charity.
7. Matters of concern to Parishioners.
Drainage on Low Rd was still a problem and it was reported that the grass verge in places was being washed away. Also a drain cover was missing on New Hill. The Parish Council Chairman agreed to investigate.
The meeting was informed that the Hough Charities had leafleted the area to ascertain the number of parishioners who were entitled to assistance.
Motorcyclists using a track in Gelston were causing concern to residents who fear children may be injured by the speed in which they travel through the village. The Parish Council Chairman agreed to put this matter to the Parish Council.
The Parishioners were thanked for their attendance and the meeting closed at 8.05pm
APM3/2008
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HOUGH ON THE HILL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an Ordinary Meeting of Hough on the Hill P.C. held on the 2nd October 2008 at Carlton Scroop Village Hall commencing 8.00pm.
Present at the meeting- S.Morgan (Chair) C.Sherwood B.Gray I.Lawson T.Newcombe District Councillor Kerr also attended.
Public Form There was one member of the public in attendance, no issues were raised. Apologies for absence Apologies were received and accepted from R.Kingscott and J.Hancock Members Declarations of Interest on Agenda There were no declarations of interest. Notes of Previous Meetings. Notes of AGM 15th May 2008 were read, approved and duly signed by the Chair as an accurate record. Reports from Clerk and Members on any matters outstanding The following outstanding items were noted. Registration of land- It was noted that Hough on the Hill Playing field had now been registered with the land registry. ii Eastern House replacement of tree. – It was agreed that a letter be sent to the occupiers of Eastern House asking when the tree will be replaced. Copy to SKDC. iii. Opening of Footpath 14 Brandon. . – It was agreed that a further letter be sent asking for an update and expected time when the whole of the footpath would be re-opened. iv. Energy Efficiency meeting Old School Steps. vi. Ploughing of verges Carlton Rd.- It was agreed that a letter be sent to Carlton Scroop PC regarding the narrowing of verges as it is also in their boundary. v. Traffic through Gelston. Any other matters outstanding. It was noted that following the last meeting members had agreed to accept the quote of £10 to cut the war memorial grass.
6. Planning matters 1. Planning outcomes shown below were noted. a. Erection of earth mound, Stubton Clay Ground. Approved conditionally b. Variation of shooting times, Stubton Clay Ground Approved conditionally c. Erection of dwelling and garage, Adj. The Cottage, Lower Rd Approved conditionally
d. Conservation Pond, Hough Rd. Brandon. Approved conditionally e. Conversion of outbuildings to accommodation. Hough House, Hough Approved conditionally. Extension. 26 Carlton Rd Hough Approved conditionally Menege. Lovedon Farmhouse Gelston Approved conditionally. Change of Use, Gorse Lodge, Stubton Awaiting decision i. Vehicular access and extension. 6 Gelston Rd Hough. Awaiting decision j. Extension to dwelling. The Summer House, Carlton Rd Hough Awaiting decision To consider any related matters – There were no related matters. Review of Planning Procedures – members considered the Planning Procedure notes attached. It was agreed they be accepted. Members were reminded to file the document in their Standing Orders folder.
7 The following items from Councillors were considered. Cllr Morgan – Closure of BT Payphones. Following debate it was resolved that considering the implications of future costs the Parish Council would not avail themselves of the ‘Adopt a Box Scheme’ Cllr Morgan – Mobile Library – It was explained to the meeting that the mobile library service no longer stops at Hough even though the vehicle drives through it on its way to Gelston. Members were informed that there did appear to be a demand and no consultation was done regarding the closure. It was further reported that the Clerk had asked LCC for an explanation prior to the meeting but one was not forthcoming. It was resolved that a letter be sent asking for an explanation. c. Cllr Morgan - Playing Field matters. Hedging within field.- It was resolved to use the free hedging plants allocated to the Parish to thicken the boundary hedge along the footpath. It was further resolved to accept the quote of £80 per hundred to plant the same. ii Hedge boundary with Main Rd. - It was resolved to accept the quote of £350 to cut the front playing field hedge. The Clerk to liaise with the Contractor. iii Gate repair – It was resolved that Cllr Lawson would obtain a cost to repair the gate iv Monitoring of Equipment – It was reported that an annual visual safety check was provided by a qualified company alongside the inspections of the playing fields committee. It was noted that Playing Field funds are low. The Clerk had obtained costings over the internet of companies who provided this service. Considering that the P.C. was ultimately responsible for the Field it was resolved that Wicksteed should provide an inspection and risk assessment of the field and its equipment at a cost of £71 plus vat, and additionally for this year only a DDA audit should be completed at an additional cost of £28 plus vat. d. Cllr Morgan - Mobile Library alteration of route. – This matter had already been discussed at item b above. e. Cllr Morgan – Closure of Fivegates Rd, Belton. – It was explained to the meeting that following discussions with Highways this matter had been resolved and there was no closure of the rod in force. f. Cllr Lawson - Conservation Village Planning – Concern was expressed at the number of properties in the Hough conservation area that had erected high fencing to the front boundaries. It was resolved that a letter be sent to SKDC conservation for comment.
8. Financial matters. 1. The following payments were authorised- Village Hall Meeting 2nd October 2008 £10. Audit fee Clement Keys £141. Mr Flowers grass cutting 11.8 & 26.8 £210. 2. The following payments made on tender for grass cutting were approved. Mr Flowers grass cutting 8th,19t2h and 31/5 £305. 9th and 23/6 £220. 7th and 21/7 £210. 3. Closure of Audit and Auditors Comments – The Clerk reported that the audit had now closed and the notice displayed accordingly. Members noted that the form had been originally returned as question boxes had been ticked rather than answered ‘yes’. Members noted the report. 4. Financial Statement (attached). The financial statement was noted. 5. Any other financial matters. The following payments were additionally authorised. Mr Flowers for 10/9 and 24/9 £210. Land registry for registration of playing field £30.
12. Correspondence a.To note correspondence received as shown on attached list. The correspondence was noted. b.To note any other correspondence received. There was no further correspondence. 13. Matters requiring urgent discussion. Cllr Gray informed the meeting that Joe Porter who had cut the War Memorial for 72years had sadly died. Members recorded their sympathies for his family. There were no other matters for discussion. 14. Presentations by other invited speakers. District Cllr Kerr informed the meeting that – The Development Control Board had deferred the application on Gorse Lodgefor further information due to objections from the Highways Department. He further informed the meeting that the Planning Application for a caravan site on the C001 Fulbeck had been received.
15. To note the date and time of the next meeting. Thursday 4th December 2008 at 8.00pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20pm. |