2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

BENINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT THE BEONNA ON Monday 19th FEBRUARY 2024 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT:

Parish Councillors K Pinner (Chairman), R Bell, G Gostelow, J Grant, and B Holland

Boston Borough Councillor D Broughton

Lincolnshire County Councillor P Skinner (left 7.30 pm)

Mrs J Barnes (Clerk)

1   APOLOGIES were received from Boston Borough Councillor P Bedford
 
2   MINUTES

The minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 8th January 2023 having been previously circulated were approved and signed by the Chairman.

3   MATTERS ARISING

3.1   Bay Hall  -  No further information to date. 

3.2   Overgrown Hedge  - Still ongoing, being dealt with by Councillor Pinner.

3.3   Goldsons Corner  -  It was noted that the land had now been sold.

3.4   Bus Shelter Maintenance  -  Councillor Pinner stated he would obtain a quote from Pearsons.

4   NO DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

5   PLANNING

5.1   B/24/0019  -  Application for installation of a SD3 Wind Turbine on a 15m mast at Honey Lodge, Sea End for Mrs C Anderton.  After discussion it was agreed to forward the following comment:
Benington Parish Council understand the need for green energy and, in general, are supportive of these initiatives and any wind turbine under 11.1 metres maximum height would be allowed under permitted development.

That said, we do note the comment from Environmental Health regarding the noise impact on local properties and at a blade tip height of approximately 17 metres there could potentially be an issue (unassessed) with light flicker.  Both issues are likely to affect the localised properties in question as they are closely grouped in an otherwise largely rural area.

We do also note however, so far, there have been no responses from neighbouring properties either favourably or unfavourably.

6   PARISH MATTERS

6.11   Highways  -  Councillor Grant reported that he was continually reporting pot holes.  Councillor Skinner reported that West End Road, near Clements would be resurfaced and that the speed limit on David’s Lane was being investigated.  

6.12   Mention was made of comments received from a resident of West End Road, who had agreed that his letter complaining about the state of the road, could be used if required.

6.2   Councillor Grant Scheme 2022/Bramble Patch    -  Councillor Pinner reported work here had been held up due to the weather conditions.

6.3   Footway Lighting  -  It was reported that the only light not yet dealt with was the one on the Churchyard Path, although an update had been received from Nigel Hall.  It was agreed to make further contact with Nigel Hall.

6.4   Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Update  -  A further meeting of the Community Liaison Group had been held and Councillor Grant had attended.  He reported that the Community Benefit Fund had been highlighted.

6.5   Parish Liaison Meeting  -  Councillor Pinner reported on the meeting held on the 25th January 2024 at the Borough Offices, which had been fairly well attended by parishes, with several points raised, included Community Funding.  The next meeting was to be held on Wednesday, 17th April, which Councillor Pinner stated he would attend and hopefully another councillor.

6.6   Benington Emergency Plan  -  It was reported that Councillor Pinner and the Clerk had now updated the plan which had been forwarded to Steve Eason-Harris.  This had been acknowledged and we waited for the comments.

6.7   Litter Picking Day  -  Posters had been displayed for the event on Sunday 17th March 2024 and it was hoped more villagers would join in.

6.8   Newsletter  -  It was agreed that the Clerk produce a newsletter for hand delivery during May.  After that, it was felt that emailing to those interested would be more beneficial.  Content left with the Chairman and the Clerk, with a draft produced for the April meeting.

7   CORRESPONDENCE

7.1   Numerous emails including those from Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and LALC, had been forwarded to all councillors.  

7.2   King’s Portrait Scheme  -  Information had been received from Boston Borough Council inviting applications from Parishes for a free framed portrait.  It was agreed to complete the registration.

7.3   Electric Vehicle Charger Location  -  It was agreed that no suitable location was available in Benington.

8   FINANCE

8.1   The clerk presented the up-to-date accounts, precept spending to date and evidence of the bank balance, which showed the latest VAT refund and that £50 had been paid for a Brown Bin at The Beonna.  

8.2   The following payments had been authorised and paid following the previous meeting.

9   NEXT MEETING

9.1   The next meeting was arranged for 15th April 2024, at 7.00 pm at the Beonna. 

10   FURTHER BUSINESS

It was agreed to place a Village Sign on the next Agenda, Councillor Grant stated he would make enquiries.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked those in attendance and closed the meeting at 8.15 pm.