2025-26 Minutes

Open Forum

James Walker Senior Planning Manager from PS Renewables as well as Giles Houlstone wished to present to the Parish Council the work that his company had carried out on making access to the Solar Farm on Northorpe Fen more accessible. He had sent a report which had been prepared, and this had been circulated in advance. They went through the report and various questions were asked. The electricity generated from the site would provide electricity to 7000 homes. They were hoping the planning application would be decided by December 2025. There would be one passing bay which would be by the bridge and traffic would be managed by a Banksman who would be employed by them. They anticipated that there would be on average 2 lorries arriving every day for the 20-week period, but this could increase to a possible 15 lorries in a day. Mr Wade asked them about a water supply to his property on Northorpe Fen and if that was damaged by them would they be responsible for repairing it and to deal with it promptly. They said they would but did not expect to damage the water supply. The Chair thanks Mark Thomas for providing the projector and screen

T Hardy and C Elson from Chapel Lane wanted to address the council about their concerns for the safety of children along Chapel Lane. One of them personally witnessed an accident involving a child that day in another village and it was horrific to witness Their concern was the speed of cars travelling along Chapel Lane but also that fact that it was very busy when the school started and finished and during the football season with people parking. Many children were about on these occasions, and it would not be long before a child was seriously injured. They wanted to know if there was anything that the Parish Council could do to stop this from happening. They were advised that this should be taken up with the football club and the school to stop parents from parking on Chapel Lane. They could also advise the Police to investigate. As far as the Parish Council were concerned, they could place the reactive sign along Chapel Lane not just to monitor the speed of vehicles but to get some idea of the volume of traffic. This could be discussed later in the meeting.

The meeting was formally opened at 20.10

Apologies for absence, acceptance of Apologies & noting of resignations received

81.1

Apologies were received from Cllr L Day (personal) Resolved that the apologies be accepted.  

Declaration of Interest – To receive Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Interests, as set out in Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011 and the nature of those interests relating to any Agenda item

82.1

No one declared any Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Interests on any matter on the agenda.  

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on the 20 August 2025 (Min25-04)

83.1

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 20 August 2025 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

To receive a report from the County and District Councillors on matters relating to Thurlby

84.1

County Cllr K Redfern was present and said that he was still waiting to hear about the problem of parking and our request for double yellow lines in Church Street. It was explained to him that to give a specific day or time when there was a problem was very difficult.  It was a local farmer who Made the complaint as when he turned into Church Street from the A15 he might be confronted by cars blocking his passage which meant he was in a dangerous position as his trailer was struck out onto the A15. It was agreed that Cllr Gunner would have a word with the farmer to see if specific times could be given Cllr Redfern said that it was unlikely that Highways would come and inspect this area when it was unlikely that cars were blocking the road.

84.2

District Cllr Dobson had sent a report as follows

1.         Just to start with a quick look at climate change: So far this year there has been considerably less rainfall from February onwards, so it is possible that we could get another wet winter and consequently flooding. SKDC has issued sandbags that are stored for use. The sandbags will need to be filled using soil or other materials such as sand before use. Could I suggest that TPC has an emergency contact number to issue the bags in an emergency.

2.         Following the meeting at the last TPC meeting in August, there were discussions concerning the additional housing site proposed by Allison Homes. I had been asked by a group of residents concerning the eventual issues to discuss the situation. The meeting was attended by several people who had wished to meet, plus some of the Neighbourhood Plan group and our County Councillor, Ken Redfern. Following that meeting, Stephen Holland and I visited Allison Homes in Peterborough last Thursday, 25th September. I had arranged to meet Georgina McCrae, Director as well as George Wilkinson, who presented the proposal prior to the August TPC meeting. As most of you will know, the ground inspection was completed last Wednesday. Allison Homes will not make any decision to continue with the site until test results have been submitted, and the results considered. We questioned the density and type of homes, especially the large number of affordable homes which is far higher than required in a development of this kind. The main issues we discussed were traffic, including the HGV movement during the build as well as the subsequent traffic volume along Obthorpe Lane. We also discussed the employment and educational issues which were of considerable concern as highlighted at the short meeting. The primary school in Thurlby is at capacity with 2023 level showing a capacity for 205 pupils with 201 at that time being taken. We have been promised a further discussion after the results of the geological condition survey. The director of planning at SKDC has also offered to visit us at the next TPC meeting, but this will depend on the results of the survey to Allison Homes.

3.         Discussions on the proposed Lincolnshire devolution proposals are continuing. We have had more meetings with the same solutions/suggestions reappearing with and without alterations. Several proposals are being considered with submissions from all existing councils in the county.  The government target is to have unitary councils of 500,000 residents which would mean two divisions for what is now Lincolnshire County Council, but there are other proposals. Rutland sits on its own, but with just 45,000 residents, it will have to become part of one other major unitary. My concerns are the local contact currently provided by SKDC in Bourne. Above all, it will in effect bring all categories of local government under one authority.

4.         Our new bin collection rounds have now entered the third week, and I believe that everything has gone fairly smoothly. We are still split in two with some being collected on the same day as the rest, but with alternatives for the green bin collection. Please let me know if anyone is having issues and I’ll get it checked. According to the refuse section at SKDC, the changeover has been achieved with very few recalls, i.e. repeat visits for missed collections. I would say that’s a thumbs up for the residents. Any bins not emptied/missed will be collected if notified to SKDC. It is envisaged that the bin collections will be carried out by the same teams even after devolution. At least something that will, hopefully, remain the same.

5.         Still on bins: A weekly food waste scheme has been set up by DEFRA and is now mandatory for all councils. There will be two orange bins: one internal that is 5 litres and for use indoors. I have been told that these will be issues with compostable bags for the first few weeks but then is up to residents to purchase these locally. Food waste should be put in the bag and put out as they become full into the outdoor 50 litre bin which has a clip seal to prevent it being opened by animals who fancy a snack. This is NOT an idea by SKDC, it is for all councils and is now mandatory. Containers (bins) will be delivered soon.

6.         Just a reminder of the bench project that TPC has not yet taken up:

Legend-on-the-bench.co.uk is an organisation that will come and install a high-quality special awareness bench at their expense. If the PC would like to apply for this, I think this would be a feature or maybe two somewhere in the village.

Cllr Broadbent said that he was disappointed that there was no mention of the problem of sewerage and the pumping station on Church Street in his report in relation to the Obthorpe Lane development.  The pumping station was already a full capacity, and he did not look forward to his garden once again being flooded with raw sewage. Cllr Dobson was sure his report did mention this, but he was aware that this was a problem and one which was being investigated by Anglian Water.

Clerk’s Report and correspondence received

85.1

The Clerks Report had been circulated and explained that he had received various emails from NALC, ICCM and various playground equipment providers but if anyone wished to see copies, they can be forwarded on. He had received the additional correspondence as follows:

1. An email from a resident regarding cold calling and would like details of how to get this stopped, It was agreed that an application be made to the Police to ensure the whole village is designated as a no cold caller area.
2. An email requesting financial support for Cubs and Scouts attending Poacher 2026 International Jamboree. The Clerk would write to ascertain how many Cubs/Scouts would be going from Thurlby.
3. An email asking if we wanted as a Council to join CPRE, it was agreed we would join subject to agreeing any fees we might have to pay.
4. An email from Alicia Kearns MP stating following on from last year’s meeting on flooding, I would be grateful if Parish Councils would meet me again to review progress over the last year, discuss preparedness for this year, and how we can build resilience. The meeting will be held at Greatford Village Hall, Carlby Road, Greatford, Lincolnshire, PE9 4PR at 1pm – 2pm on Tuesday 14th October. Cllr Pace said that he would attend.
5. An email from SKDC - Invite to Attend Parish Council/Parish Meeting Local Government Reorganisation Briefing. The nearest meeting will be on Monday 10th November, 7pm to 8pm.  Venue: Bourne Corn Exchange, 3 Abbey Rd, Bourne PE10 9EF. Cllrs Thomas and Broadbent have already booked a place for the Bourne meeting.
6. An email from Anglian Water regarding an update on our Grantham to Peterborough pipeline project. It is hoped the project will conclude in 2027

Planning applications: 

86.1

To consider any Planning Applications received – S25/1179 - Installation of solar farm comprising ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels, including mounting systems, inverters and transformers, electrical substation, underground cabling, stock proof fencing, CCTV, internal access tracks and associated infrastructure for a temporary period of 40 years Land At Northorpe Fen Farm, North of Fen Road, Bourne Response: by 2 October 2025. As nothing had been agreed between the Applicant and Highways we would repeat our previous objections. If however, an agreement was reached as set out in the Construction Traffic Management Plan then we would withdraw our objections. Mention should be made that to ensure that lorries do not travel down Northorpe Fen during the morning and evening rush hour the agreement should be that the times for this should be between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

86.1.2

Reg 25 Adjoining Parish - CATEGORY A - County Matter Planning Application Consultation Further Information - PL/0070/23 - development: for sand and gravel extraction with restoration to agriculture, recreation and nature conservation, the creation of new public footpaths, the erection of associated plant and infrastructure and a new/altered access from the A15 Location: Thetford House Farm, Baston. Resolved: that we write back and say we can only repeat our previous objections to this matter.

86.1.3

After the agenda was posted another planning application had arrived. S25/1661 -Replace existing driveway with Marshalls standard block paving on type 1 MOT hardcore at 29 Swallow Hill Thurlby Lincolnshire PE10 0JB Resolved: that we have no objections

86.2

To note Planning Applications approved: none to note

86.3

To note any Planning Applications refused or withdrawn: none to note

86.4

To note any Application appealed or any decision made regarding an appeal:  none to note

To confirm Expenditure

£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as Office August)

£644.38 – B M Champness (Salary to include back payment August)

£51.40 – Elaine Reynolds (salary August)
£306.00 – Bourne Skip Hire (Fee to empty waste bins x 5)

£75.00 – Bourne Computer Store (new monitor)

£252.00 – PKF Littlejohn LLP (External Audit fee)
£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as Office September)

£574.26 – B M Champness (Salary September)

£51.20 – Elaine Reynolds (salary September)

£476.20 – HMRC (PAYE)

[  ] denotes those payments paid between meetings, which have been approved by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Parish Council or at a previous meeting but not listed

87.1

Resolved: that the payments be approved.

87.2

Since the agenda was posted three more invoices had been received which were

£114.50 – Thurlby PCC (insert in Village Link)
£120.00 – C S Harris (cutting hedge, sweep paths and level graves)
£39.90 – B M Champness (black bags for waste bins)

Resolved: that these invoices be paid as well

To discuss the bank accounts for August and for the bank reconciliation to be signed as a correct record

88.1

The Clerk has prepared a bank reconciliation for August 2025 which had been circulated in advance. He also sent reports from Scribe showing what money had been spent or received as well as a budget report. It was too early in the new month to reconcile the bank accounts for September Resolved: that the bank reconciliation be signed by the Chair as a correct record. The Clerk was able to report that all reclaims for VAT were up to date and he would send off the last quarter up to the end of September which amounted to £435.31

To note the conclusion of the 2024/25 Audit and to agree a time period for advertising the conclusion and fee to charge for copies of the AGAR if requested.

89.1

Notice had been received from the External Auditor that the accounts for 2024/25 had successfully been concluded. However, they wanted to explain that there were other matters not affecting their opinion. This was that in the completion of the Annual Internal Audit Report the Internal Auditor has drawn attention to weaknesses in relation to the website. The smaller authority must ensure that action is taken to address these areas of weakness in a timely manner.

The Clerk pointed out that at the time when the Internal Audit was completed the Internal Auditor pointed out that the new website did not have the last 5 years of completed accounts on it. The Clerk said that he understood the information had been transferred from the old website to the new one and he took this matter up with the Webmaster. He sincerely apologised for this oversight and thought that it had been done but as it had not, he corrected this immediately. This matter was picked up by the External Auditor as when we agreed everything at a council meeting it was noted that we had not addressed this issue. After two or three emails between the Clerk and the Internal and External Auditor the matter was clarified. We did not have to address the issue as it was dealt with a few months ago.

To discuss the opportunity to request delivery of a one-tonne bag of salt to support local winter maintenance efforts

90.1

The County Council had sent an email saying that they could supply each council 1 tonne of salt to help with their winter maintenance efforts. The Clerk explained that this offer was the same in the past years and was declined as we had nowhere to store the salt. Resolved: that we decline the offer but to write back and ask that the salt bins in the village are refilled in readiness for winter.

To agree dates when to Tommy Silhouettes be placed around the village and taken down.

91.1

Cllr Lowe had asked for this matter to be placed on the agenda as she wanted to know when the Tommy Silhouettes should be [placed around the village along with the Poppies.  She also wanted to know when they should be removed. Resolved: that the Tommy Silhouettes be placed around the village on the weekend of the 24 October and removed on the weekend of the 21 November. Cllr Lowe said that she would need help with this work as her son and husband could not help this year.  It was also resolved that the Clerk purchase 10 poppies to place on lampposts

To agree a representative to lay the wreath at the Memorial on the Remembrance Sunday Service

92.1

The Clerk included this item on the agenda as this matter should be agreed now rather than at the next meeting. He also wanted to know if a wreath needed to be ordered.  Resolved: that Cllr Bradley be the council representative. The wreath would be purchased by Mr Moore, and we would make a contribution of £50 to the Royal British Legion

To agree a date for the next hosting of a Save A Life session

93.1

An email had been sent with various dates in October, November and December when a Save a Life session was to take place. They suggested we ask for 3 dates which were suitable, and one would be selected by the. Resolved:   that we would like the 2nd or 9th December. The Clerk would also check if those dates were free.

To approve the purchase of new bulbs, compost, and two replacement plants needed near the post office.

94.1

Cllr Thomas had been sent an email from Pat Flynn who looked after the planters for us around the village. He stated that he needs to make a request for the cost of replanting for the winter, He thought it would be around £80 for plants, some new bulbs, compost and there are two replacement plants needed near the Post Office as the blight had killed them, Resolved: that  Mr Flynn could spend up to £100.00 for these purchases.

To consider the data received from the reactive sign

95.1

Cllr Bill had submitted before the meeting the data he had obtained from the Reactive Sign

During August the Radar unit was positioned on Swallow Hill recording traffic in an eastbound (downhill) direction.

Generally, the results show a large reduction in the vehicle count compared to this time last year and more in line to previous years. The average daily count compared to last year indicates a decrease of 12.5% and 11.6% on the 5- & 7-day data. This is reflected in the AM count but remains similar to the PM count. Peak times have changed slightly to 10.00 - 11.00 & 15.00 -16.00hrs. The average speed is marginally down at 28.0mph. with the average speed for those above the limit very similar at 33.48 & 33.47 mph. The number travelling above the speed limit is down at 36.98 and 37.06%.  A maximum speed of 63 mph recorded at 18.50 hrs is the same speed as last year.

Further details can be found on the Parish Council Website

During September the Radar unit was positioned on Northorpe recording traffic in an eastbound direction. This is at a different location and month to previous years and in its new location the radar will also record additional traffic from Homestead Gardens, Elsea Drive etc. and this should be taken into consideration with the results.

Compared to last year there has been a 19% and 11% increase in the daily count for the 5 & 7 count. This is reflected in the peak counts, their times remaining the same 08.00 -09.00 & 15.00 -16.00hrs. The average speed has increased to 26.8mph (from 21.6mph) with the average speed for those above the limit marginally increased to 33.64 & 33.69 mph. However, the number travelling above the speed limit has significantly increased to 33.06 & 32.70% previously 8.54 & 8.12% and may be the result of the new sign position. A maximum speed of 66 mph was recorded at 23.00 hrs

Further details can be found on the Thurlby Parish website.

Thanks to be recorded to Cllr Bill for undertaking this task every month.

To discuss the future use of the Reactive sign

96.1

Cllr Bill requested this item as the radar and reporting has been in use for the last 8 years and he thought its use and reporting was due for a review. As you know the unit is positioned at 12 locations for approximately 4 weeks at a time.

Here are a few questions to consider in advance of the meeting. These were discussed and the following was agreed.

• Do we carry on as we are - both display and reporting? Yes
• Do we change the locations (although this is limited)? Yes, include Chapel Lane and Crown Lane
• Do we change the recording duration - increase/decrease? Keep it the same
• Do we change the recording month? - With increased positions the recording month will change
• Do we continue with the reporting and/or change the format? We would see a new style report showing just one location at a time

It was agreed that if we were going to add two more areas then we would need new back plates. Cllr Bill would check the price before an order was placed.

To receive an update on the Cemetery to include grass cutting, maintenance and burial fees

97.1

Cllr Thomas was able to report that the hedge had been cut by the farmer and the groundsman. The paths had been swept, and some graves had the ground levelled which would make it look tidier, and the grass would be easier to cut.  More soil was needed so more graves could be levelled and Cllr Thomas said that he could order 2 large sacks of soil at £50 each. The soil could be delivered to the farmers home address, and he would then convey this to the cemetery. It was agreed that the soil should be ordered.  

For any Councillor to produce a written report of any meeting that he/she has attended as a representative of the Parish Council

98.1

Cllr Bill had attended a meeting of the Causeway Charity on 16 September 2025; Lisa Day had sent her apologies. Items discussed included inspections of the properties in Church Street, rents and the Charity's financial position

To consider what information should be placed in the Village Link

99.1

It was agreed that the Clerk would draft a report for the Village Link. This would be sent to all for approval before going to print.

Members Questions - reminder only questions given to the clerk a week in advance will be answered.

100.1

100.2

There being no other business the meeting was duly closed at 21.28

The date of the next meeting – to be held on Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 7.30 p.m. in the Lawrance Park Social Room, Thurlby