2025-26 Minutes

Open Forum

Although C Murrant was in attendance he explained that he was the Treasurer for Lawrance Park and was at the meeting to help explain the accounts. There was no Open Forum, and the meeting was formally opened at 19.31

121

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

121.1

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

122

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

122.1

Cllr Pace declared a personal interest in Item 126.1 as he was friends with the neighbour of the Applicant    

123

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on the 29 October 2025 (Min25-06)

123.1

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 29 October 2025 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

124

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

124.1

County Cllr K Redfern had nothing to report but during the item below he explained that the County Council had a different view on the Local Government Review in that they wanted one Council

124.2

District Cllr Dobson had sent a report as follows:

1. Local Government Review: There are still several proposals with LCC suggesting that the whole of Lincolnshire should be under one council.  This would not include the two unitary divisions in the north because they already have that status. At this time, three district councils are putting in their bid, which includes SKDC, to propose a joint Unitary Council with North Kesteven (confirmed) and South Holland (not yet officially confirmed). This would give our new Unitary a total population of around 350,000. The ideal size issued by the government is between 400 – 500K. My argument has been that with all the proposed developments in the three existing districts; it would be very close if not exceed the required number. I was told that even with larger houses being built that, despite the numbers of bedrooms, these would still only be counted as having 1 occupant. I find this absolute nonsense, but those are the ‘guidelines’ from Westminster. 

2. According to the baseline financial model for devolution, it is estimated that we will not see any financial benefit for five years. However, there are some benefits based on insight and evidence for what it should produce: 

1. Delivering financial sustainability 

2. Value based on better outcomes and value-for-money whilst keeping Local Government local and accessible to all residents. 

3. Addresses and meets the challenge provided for Children’s and Adults’ services with local access to further improvement. 

4. Ensuring the retention and coordination for Fire and Rescue services. 

5. Maintaining services throughout the change and improving ease of contact for all as central offices, such as childcare, must be represented locally. 

3. I hope everyone has come to terms with the new bin rounds. It has been a success in terms of efficiency and less pollution. By planning the movement of vehicles in coordinated and efficient routes, there has been greater efficiency both in terms of collections and fuel consumption. Our new depot in Grantham has also complete and ready to store and maintain the existing vehicles as well as the new food waste vans. 

4. In one of my previous reports, I mentioned the new food waste collection required by DEFRA. However, there has been a delay in roll out of this due to the fact SKDC needs to purchase new vehicles specifically for this purpose. I now understand that the roll-out will be in spring 2026. The impact from Fairer Funding Review and Business Rates Reset is currently still unknown. 

5. Although we are not directly affected by this, I thought it interesting enough to report it as the effects of build alone are going to affect us all who travel to Stamford. There have been meetings with the Mallard Pass construction company where plans were discussed which I was invited to attend. The developer’s representatives agreed that traffic volumes during the construction of the tessellated areas of the plan will cause inconvenience to us all for a long period until it is complete. We don’t have any options as to movement of HGVs carrying large components on to the sites. The presentation last but one meeting by the company wishing to instal a solar farm off the A15 to the south of Lidl is going to affect the A15 and traffic. Firstly, there is going to be LGVs interrupting traffic for weeks during the build (if it were to be approved). Secondly, the DC cable that takes transports the power to a sub-station for conversion into AC needs to traverse the length of the A15 through High Street. My first thoughts are not only for the public but for the retail community along High Street. My suggestion would be to oppose this vehemently.

Councillor Dobson explained that there was not going to be zig zag lines at the crossing at Thurlby as there would not be enough room for a vehicle to stop between the crossroads and the crossing.

He had attended a recent Mallard Pass meeting and understood that the development would take over 2 years to conclude with possible delays for traffic during this time. He also understood that the cables for the electricity would not be buried underground causing massive disruption for traffic travelling through Essendine as the cables would be diverted under the railway bridge.

125

Clerk’s Report and correspondence received

125.1

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.

Since the agenda was posted an email had been received from South Kesteven District Council regarding Local Government Reorganisation November 2025. The Clerk wondered if we needed to comment on this. It was agreed that there was no need to make any comments.

Cllr Thomas asked if the Clerk could send to everyone the email about the update on the reservoir.

126

Planning applications: 

126.1

To consider any Planning Applications received – S25/2178 - New single storey dwelling with integral garage and parking 22 The Green, Thurlby, Response by 11 December 2025. Resolved: after considering the planning history of this application and that fact that it had been lodged on four separate occasions and went to appeal, we would not have any comments provided it complied and conformed to the conditions set out by the Inspector who dealt with the Appeal.

126.2

To note Planning Applications approved: none to note

126.3

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

126.4

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

127

To confirm Expenditure

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

£574.46 – B M Champness (Salary November)

£51.20 – Elaine Reynolds (salary November)
£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as Office December)

£574.26 – B M Champness (Salary December)

£51.40 – Elaine Reynolds (salary December)
££462.80 – HMRC (PAYE)
£244.80 – Bourne Skip Hire (waste collection charges x 4)

£108.00 – LALC (5 hours additional hours)
£102.27 – P Flynn (plants for flower tubs)

£80.00 – T Hill (clean 4 bus shelters)
£114.50 – Thurlby PCC (insert in Village Link

[] 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

127.1

Resolved: that the payments be approved.

127.2

Since the agenda was posted one more invoice had been received which was

£60.00 – E C Charlton & Son (new Christmas Tree)

Resolved: that this invoice be paid as well

128

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

128.1

The Clerk has prepared a bank reconciliation for October 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. Resolved: that the bank reconciliation be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

129

To discuss the draft budget for 2026-27 and to set a Precept for that financial year

129.1

The Clerk had prepared a budget/spreadsheet showing the expenditure in 2024/25 the budget for 2025/26, the expenditure for the first 6 months of this financial year and an estimate of the final spend by the end of the financial year. He was then able to show a projected budget for 2026/27.This was circulated in advance and the budget for the 2026-27 financial year was discussed at the meeting. The Clerk explained that there would appear to be a large increase in the Precept for 2026-27 and there was a simple explanation. We had money set aside to possible pay for the crossing at Thurlby crossroads, but we did not have to pay anything. That being so over the last 2 years we had been able to keep the precept low as we would use the funds that we had. In 2024-25 we had a precept of £19,992.00 with expenditure of £30,548. In this financial year 2025-26 the Precept was the same, but the expected expenditure would be £29,270.00. In 2026-27 we anticipated that we would spend £30,706.00 and we would have to increase the precept to £27,026.00. This would enable to council to continue to employ a litter picker, pay for the grass verges to be cut in the summer, pay to have 6 waste bins emptied each week, support Lawrance Park and the Churchyard. Taking all factors into account, it was resolved that the Precept for 2026-27 would be £27,076.00 It appears from the paperwork sent to us by SKDC that this precept would increase the Band D contribution by £8 per year to £33 per year within the Council Tax account.

130

To further discuss future requirements of the Reactive Sign

130.1

 Cllr Bill was able to produce data from the reactive sign showing the speed and volume of traffic in Chapel Lane. He was able to report the data obtained is as set out in Item 131.1. He will now position the reactive sign in the opposite direction to gather details to consider.

It was agreed we would consider the new data as and when that was available and consider further any future requirements.

131

To consider the data received from the reactive sign

131.1

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

During October/November the Radar unit was positioned in Chapel Lane recording traffic in a northbound direction.

During a typical week there would appear to be no difference between the overall weekday and weekend count figures with a peak AM time of 11.00 -12.00 and PM 17.00 -18.00hrs. Delving deeper into the data it is clear to see that the greater volume of traffic at the weekend is around midday compared to weekday traffic which is spread throughout the day. The average speed was 23.4mph with 5.86 & 5.80% travelling above the speed limit at 32.54 & 32.60mph respectively for the 5 &7day periods.

Comparing a typical school week against the half term break would indicate a 13% increase in daily count however, the average speed is lower and those above the limit is also down. The peak times also change as would be expected from AM 11.00-12.00 to 08.00-09.00 & PM 17.00 -18.00 to 15.00 -1600.

For the overall 4-week period the maximum speed was 45mph with 4.38 & 4.18% travelling above the speed limit at 32.46 & 32.54mph respectively for the 5- & 7-day periods

Further details can be found on the Thurlby Parish website.

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

132

To discuss further the request to meet to talk about planning

132.1

Following the last meeting the Clerk had spoken to the person asking for a meeting and explained the decision that was made. It was suggested that if he did not want to attend the meeting, he should send a letter/email to the Clerk who was duty bound to bring this to the attention of the Council. An email had been received and was circulated. The council noted receipt of the email offering a financial contribution if planning permission is granted. The council discussed the matter and decided that they must consider the planning material considerations when a formal planning application is submitted to SKDC.  This process is separate to any financial contribution that may be on offer from the developer through S.106, CIL or other agreement that may be offered to this council if SKDC decide to grant permission. The Council decided not to make any comments at the pre-application stage and would acknowledge the email. .

133

To discuss the Bourne Parish Neighbourhood Plan and to decide if we need to make any comments.

133.1

The Clerk had received details of the Bourne Neighbourhood Plan, and this was circulated to all Councillors. We were invited to make comments on the Plan, and we had until 12 January 2026 to do so. Within the plan was several pieces of land which they wanted to use for building new houses. One on was close to the boundaries of Thurlby. It was the land to the south-west of Bourne on the west side of Raymonds Mays Way. They envisaged 900 houses being built on that land. This would be very close to the Maths and Elsea Woods which is an SSSI site. These sites are protected to conserve their unique natural characteristics and biodiversity. It was felt that the mass of development so close to the woods would have a harmful effect on the wildlife that lived in the woods. Likewise, there was concern about the sheer increase in the volume of traffic that would be using the A15 which already is very busy and that the increase in traffic would cause major disruption from Bourne to Peterborough.  If there is an accident on the A15 the traffic is diverted through Thurlby which cause severe disruption which again would be made a lot worse if 900 more houses were to be built. It was felt that Raymond Mays Way should remain the boundary between Thurlby and Bourne. It was envisaged that when this road was built it was a natural barrier between Bourne and the Maths & Elsea Woods. If development was to be considered on the west of Raymond Mays Way, there would be no barrier between the development and the woods as well as the potential for further development towards Thurlby. It was agreed that these comments would be made in response to the Bourne Parish Neighbourhood Plan

134

To receive a report on the Save a Life session and whether we make a financial donation to the organisation.

134.1

Cllr Thomas said that 9 people attended the event which was very well received. Two people has sent their apologies and three did not attend. It was agreed that if another session was offered, we would consider hosting an event and we would like to invite children between 12 and 18 years of age. It was resolved we would make a financial contribution of £50 to the organisation which provided the training.

135

To consider our strategy regarding localised flooding.

135.1

The Clerk had placed this on the agenda as he was concerned about how we should deal with handing out of the sandbags if there was another heavy downpour of rain. This had come about because during a continued rainfall over several days in November Cllr Lowe asked by email what we as a council could do to alert residents of the sandbags we had stored. This message was received on a Friday and whilst efforts were made to send out messages on Facebook there was a problem in that if a resident telephoned the Clerk who in turn was to telephone Cllr Thomas both were out in the evening, and no one would be able to get to Lawrance Park to give them out.  To avoid such a scenario happening again the Clerk wondered if there was a strategy we could adopt to make sure we were being proactive and helping residents during a difficult period when their houses were likely to be flooded. After discussion it was agreed that we would continue as we were on the hope that residents would be proactive in getting their own sandbags but we would have our sandbags available in an emergency.

136

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

136.1

Cllr Thomas had nothing to report.

137

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

137.1

Cllr Bradley had sent a report of the Churchyard Committee she attended on the 16 November 2025. For safety reasons the tree in the car park paddock was felled, having been damaged by lightening some years ago. Multi stemmed sycamore by the gate of the paddock was removed before it became too large and caused problems at the entrance.

The churchyard is being very well maintained by Tim and Jill Sleight. The local volunteers, led by Mary-Anny Creedy, keep the churchyard tidy. Volunteers from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust help with the heavy work. The committee is extremely grateful for the assistance given by both parties. People are respecting the request to not use artificial flowers.

Churchyard statistics for the year end 29/10/2025 were received as were the accounts so a request for a grant could be decided.

138

To consider what information should be placed in the Village Link

138.1

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.

139

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

139.1

The Clerk pointed out that he took his dog for a walk in the Maths & Elsea woods and walked along the path next to the A15. He was disgusted by the fact that at the first layby (from Northorpe) it appeared that drivers/passengers of vehicles would use the woods as a public toilet and there were signs of these people defecating. It was agreed that this should be reported to Highways.

139.2

Cllr Haley said that the cleaner at the school had noticed that on a Sunday people would allow their dogs to walk in the park without being on a leash and allowing the dogs to pooh without cleaning up the mess. Cllr Lowe said that she too had witnessed mothers when collecting their children from school would allow their dogs to do the same. It was agreed that a letter would be sent to the school asking them to send a message out to all parents advising that we have seen people allowing their dogs to be off the lead and pooh in the park. We have also advised the Dog Warden. It was also agreed that the same email be sent out to Thurlby Tigers

139.3

Cllr Haley also asked if dropping cigarette butts into a drain was litter picking. H e has seen this happen on many occasions and wondered if the council would object to him pointing the offence out when he next sees it happening. He was told he could do that.

139.4

There being no other business the meeting was duly closed at 20.57

140

The date of the next meeting – to be held on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 7.30 p.m. in the Lawrance Park Social Room, Thurlby