2026-27 Minutes

Open Forum

Stephn Holland asked what the council were going to do about the public consultation that they received on 1 September relating to the proposed application for outline planning permission on land between Woodside East and the Maths & Elsea Woods. He understood this was received after the agenda had been posted. It was explained that we could deal with it under correspondence in the Clerks Report.

Adrian Clarke Chair of Baston Parish Council explained that he wanted to attend this meeting to observe how we were going to deal with the consultation as mentioned above. Baston were having similar problems, but they were objecting to a development of 283 houses. He would expect that the land had already been purchased by Land First who were now simply getting planning permission and then selling the land onto the highest bid from a developer. This he understood was what had happened in Baston. He recommended that people do not react to the consultation as the questions were very misleading and could be argued that the responses were in fact an agreement to the development taking place. Likewise, how could anyone make a proper decision when there was no information on the type of houses etc which would be made known when the planning application was filed. In Baston they had facilitated a public meeting for residents to attend and make their feelings known and advice could be given on how to respond to the planning application as and when it was received.

Cllr Dobson said that he had attended a meeting in Grantham when planning was discussed. He was pleased to say that from now on the planning department would take into account our Neighbourhood Plan on all matters in the future. He also explained that if, and he would recommend that this did happen, the Council wanted the planning application to be called in he would do what he could to ensure that this happened.

David Stevenson said that he was very worried about heavy vehicles travelling down Obthorpe Lane. He had lived in the village all his life and was aware that by the Pingles was a pipe that went under the road. His concern was that the road was not strong enough to take the weight of these heavy vehicles and might collapse  He wondered if Highways was aware of this information.

The meeting was formally opened at 19.50.

       69.

Apologies for absence, acceptance of Apologies

69.1

Apologies were received from, A Thomas(personal)  L Day (personal)   Resolved that the apologies be accepted.  Apologies were also received from County Cllr K Redfern

       70.

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

70.1

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

        71.

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Parish Council held on the 15 July 2026 (Min26-05)

71.1

Resolved: That the minutes of the special meeting held on the 15 July 2026 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

      72.

To Co-opt a Councillor

72.1

The Clerk explained that he had advertised the fact that we were going to co-opt at this meeting. One person had come forward but the email he sent went into the spam folder. There was not enough time for the person to attend tonight so it was agreed that we would deal with this in October.  

       73.

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

73.1

County Cllr Redfern having sent his apologies sent the following report

• Two officers came to look around Bourne and Thurlby area. The relevant parts to Thurlby are below:

 1. Drop kerb on A15 requested by Paul Vine – cannot happen because the kerb has an integrated water drainage system. The whole area would have to be reconfigured. They are going to put a sign showing older people crossing on the way from Deeping towards Bourne.

 2. Just to confirm, the light that is permanently on in the parking area near Lawrance Park building is not the responsibility of LCC (they believe it is the responsibility of SKDC).

 3. The post on Swallow Hill will be placed several metres beyond the footpath, at the beginning of Thurlby. The officers thought this would be the best place to have a post (hence a sign) for the parish to use. Small yellow mark on the road has been made in line with where it will be.

 4. Crown Lane is not suitable for a 20mph limit, and they could not find a suitable place to put a post. However, they are planning to write the word “slow” on the road as people approach the school area.

• It has been proposed that partial no waiting signs be placed on Crown Lane in places where people shouldn’t park anyway, i.e. corners. This however helps for enforcement. This was not looked at by the officers but has come through on a different request.

• For more help with Crown Lane, it was suggested that you contact the FA who will then notify travelling football teams not to park or to be considerate when parking. This has been done before they assured me.

• If the parish hasn’t already done so, they recommend contacting Road Safety Partnership about speed awareness signs

73.2

District Cllr B Dobson had sent a report as follows:

 1. Here is the Local Government Review plan for Lincolnshire. Despite all our input, SKDC’s suggestion of the Unitary Authority for our area would unite North Kesteven, South Kesteven (that’s us) and South Holland. However, everything that we and our fellow councils have suggested has been ignored. I have attached the map which for some reason has been called a doughnut.

Key considerations were listed as:

            - well-structured

            - carefully designed

            - programme-managed

            - driven by senior leadership

The two unitary authorities in the north of Lincolnshire remain the same. The City of Lincoln Council is increased in area, taking a large part of existing councils. The rest is one complete Lincolnshire Council with some 600 residents and growing.

My initial comments have been that they have only allowed for 89 councillors but later realised 100 would perhaps be better. However, there is no chamber in this new district to accommodate 100 councillors even if we could assume that 100 councillors would suffice. Each councillor would have a large number of parish councils to attend. To meet at Council Meetings would require a new chamber as there isn’t one at this time to accommodate over 100 people (some 130 would be required for visitors and senior staff members). Mileage would increase as councillors are required a minimum of two visits to council offices each week. Time on the road and excess pollution would be drastically increased. Of course, we are fighting this, but time is of the essence as this will be rubber stamped very soon.

 2. The bin at the eastern end of Long Drove has been rammed and, thanks to help from the community now standing. I have asked for this to be replaced. However, apart from that, we do appear to have had less fly tipping and discarded tins and food boxes – long may it continue!!

 3. The accident on the A15 south of the Horseshoe Pub caused tremendous issues with traffic of all types were diverted along Obthorpe Lane. It made everyone aware of the narrowness of the carriage way with double-decker buses, HGVs along with every other mode of transport attempting to negotiate driving in both directions.

      74.

Clerk’s report and correspondence received.

74.1

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 further correspondence had been received as follows:

1. An email from NJL Consulting  regarding the proposed application for outline planning permission on land between Woodside East and the Maths & Elsea Woods. They will be sending out leaflets to residents and asking them to comment on the application. They have indicated that once the 2-week consultation period finished, they would be submitting the planning application. Following the discussion in the Open Forum it was agreed that as a Parish Council we objected to the proposal, but this would not stop each Councillor as an induvial/resident writing their own objections. It was agreed we would facilitate a public meeting to take place on 24 September 2026 in the main hall of Lawrance Park starting at 7 p.m. The Clerk was able to confirm the booking with the Booking Clerk. In the meantime, Cllr Daines would prepare a leaflet to place on the website on Facebook and in the noticeboards.

 2. An email from LCC regarding consultation documents regarding proposed waiting restrictions on Crown Lane in Thurlby. It was agreed we had no objections to the proposal,

 3. An email regarding Lifesaving services on display for Emergency Services Day The time and date, 9am on 9th September mirrors the UK’s familiar 999 number for emergency calls.

 4. An email from South Kesteven District Council stating that South Kesteven District Council is currently considering how it can fund the Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme from April 2027 and has put forward a ‘no change’ scheme for 2027/28 for public consultation. A consultation has been published on our website, which can be viewed at https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/CTaxSupportSurvey

 5. A letter had been received from Joyce Stevenson about the problem of traffic being diverted from the A15 onto Obthorpe Lane. This was as a result of an accident by the public house on the 11 August. It was agreed we should write to Highways stating we agreed with the matters raised by Joyce and asking Highways if they were aware of the pipes under the road. It was considered that it might now be appropriate that we have a weight restriction on Obthorpe Lane.

      75.

Planning applications: 

75.1

To consider any Planning Applications received – S26/1233 -  Provision of essential workers accommodation. High View Farm , Swallow Hill, Thurlby. Resolved: that we would not object to this application but only on the strict understanding that planning permission was given with an Agricultural Restriction being placed on the property.

S26/1060 - Erection of extension and alterations to existing dwelling, removal of existing ancillary structures and erection of a detached dwelling to rear 34 High Street, Thurlby Response extended to 3 September 2026. Resolved: that we would object to the planning application for the following reasons

 1. The development would be out of keeping with the existing character and appearance of the area. It is also contrary to the policies as set out in the Thurlby and Northorpe Neighbourhood Plan.

 2. The development is back land development.

 3. The site is very small to take 2 large properties and both being very close to each other

 4. One vehicle can be parked on the drive at the front of No 34. The access onto the High Street from the drive has a very restricted view and  to increase this to four vehicles) would be a safety issue and the neighbours would be affected by the noise of these vehicles leaving the properties

 5. A similar application for development of a single storey new dwelling in the garden of an existing property further up the High Street (22 The Green - application Ref: S25/2178) has been turned down even after appeal (Appeal ref; 6005222). This planning application must be considered in exactly the same way as the Planning Inspectorate’s findings and decision which were only made on 3rd June 2026

75.2

To note Planning Applications approved:

S26/0900 -  Proposal: Front elevational improvements including changing flat roof (over garage) to pitched roof, creation of enclosed porch, replace facing materials of front elevation, replacement windows, front door, screen and rainwater goods at Thorn Croft House 54 Northorpe

S26/0604 Date Received: Proposal: Two-storey front/side extension to form additional living space and entrance lobby to ground floor, additional master bedroom and ensuite to first floor, new windows and render finish throughout, rear bi-fold door opening and associated internal alterations at 11 Northorpe Thurlby

S26/0801 - Proposal Erection of single storey warehouse in connection with the existing business on the site at The Barn 59 Northorpe Thurlby. Approved conditionally

S26/0724 -  Submission of details reserved by condition 2 (1 bird box and 1 bat box) of planning permission S24/2201 (Change of use of land from agricultural use to mixed agricultural and equine use, and the erection of a new tractor shed to replace a small shelter previously sited on the land) Location: The Stables 50 High Street

S26/0427  Proposal:  Protected by TPO 22. T1 Ash - fell due to very low crown density, poor physiological condition and limited long-term retention prospects. T2 - carry out dead wooding works only, removing dead, dying or defective branches in accordance with BS 3998:2010 at Ash Cottage 22 Obthorpe Lane

S26/0989: - a certificate of lawful development for existing development FIRST SCHEDULE Use/operations/other matter Claire Gray Residential dwelling without conditions imposed by Planning Permission (ref: SK/1040/75/1837).

75.3

To note any Planning Applications refused or withdrawn:

75.4

To note any Application appealed or any decision made regarding an appeal: 

      76.

To confirm Expenditure

£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as office)
£574.26– B M Champness (salary)

£44.00 – Elaine Reynolds (salary)

£52.74 – BT (broadband charges) (DD)

£39.09 – Bluecom Services (monthly charges)

£306.00 – Bourne Skip Hire (weekly bin collection charges x 5 August)

£114.50 – Thurlby PCC (insert in Village Link)
£60.00 – CPRE (renewal of membership fee)

£252.00 - PKF Littlejohn LLP (External Audit fee)

£42.70 – B M Champness (2 black ink cartridges)

£81.59 – B M Champness (New pads for defibrillator)

£8.99 – B M Champness (AED prep kit)   
[  ] 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

76.1

Resolved: that the payments be approved.

76.2

The Clerk explained that he had received notice of another payment which needed to be made. The was as follows:

£52.00 – Information Commissioners Office (annual fee)

Resolved that this be paid as well

      77.

To discuss the accounts for June, July and August and for the bank reconciliations to be signed as a correct record

77.1

The Clerk has prepared a bank reconciliation for June and July  2026 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. The Augst Bank Reconciliation would be dealt with at the October meeting. It was resolved that both bank reconciliations be signed by the Chair.

        78.

To discuss the report from the External Auditor and to agree the length of time to publish the Notice of Conclusion and a fee to charge for any copies requested.

78.1

Notice had been received from PKF Littlejohn LLP the External Auditors that the Audit was completed. Everything was in order apart from a minor error and reported the following

The date for the approval of Section 1 and Section 2 has been incorrectly recorded on the AGAR. The minutes of the meeting at which the AGAR was approved have been reviewed and demonstrate that Sections 1 and 2 were both approved in the meeting on 21 May 2026. The minute references on the AGAR are correct. The smaller authority should ensure that the correct dates are recorded on the AGAR in future.

The above comments were noted

The notices have been published and were placed on the noticeboards and website on the 18 August. This means that this would have been advertised for 2 weeks. The notice states that we as a council can agree the length of time for this to be advertised. Likewise, it was left blank on the form the fee we would charge anyone for a copy of any document that was requested. The Clerk had inserted £1 per copy. Resolved: that we would advertise the conclusion of the audit for and that we would charge £1 per copy. It was also agreed that the notices advertising the conclusion of the audit could be taken down.

78.2

The Clerk wanted to report that he attended a webinar organised by Scribe about the Audit process becoming digital. This was free and lasted an hour. Rather than being impressed with the possibility of the work becoming digital it was explained that we could complete the AGAR online but still had to print the various pages for the Chair and Clerk to sign them. Those pages would then have to be scanned and uploaded. All that we would benefit is not having to pay postage. It seemed that we really had little or no choice in doing this as we have now heard from Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments Ltd who have set up a portal for the Clerk to register the Council. This he has not done to date as he is checking with Scribe as to the validity of this company. They had responded and they were the company who presented the presentation for Scribe. It appears that next year it would be for Councils to voluntarily use the digital format, but the following year would be mandatory.

      79.

To discuss dates for the Tommy Silhouettes being placed around the village and taken down.

79.1

This item was requested by Cllr Lowe as she wanted to organise the Tommy Silhouettes being placed around the village and when they should be taken down. Resolved: that they be placed around the village from the 22 October 2026 with the poppies being placed on the weekend of 24 & 25 October  and removed on the weekend of 21 & 22 November 2026.

      80.

To discuss further the request for a grant from Odd’Uns.

80.1

A reply had now been received from Eileen Dilley asking for further information. It seems they did advertise for games and they now have plenty. After their last meeting it was decided that they would like money  for the following:

• Money to pay for fuel to the drivers who collect and take home the members after their meetings
• Money for birthday cards and other cards
• Money towards printing photographs for their album scrap book. This is to record their activities to hand down.
• They would like £175.00 which would be very helpful to pay for the above.

Resolved: that we pay them the sum of £175.00

    81.

To receive an update on the proposed amendments to the Neighbourhood Plan

81.1

The Clerk explained that he had placed this on the website as he anticipated there might be news from Mr Holland. Nothing has been received so the matter should be adjourned to October.

    82.

To consider the data received from the reactive sign

82.1

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

During July & August, one radar unit was positioned on Swallow Hill recording inbound traffic and the second in Chapel Lane recording northbound traffic.

Compared with the previous results, July 2025, on Swallow Hill there was a 10 &12% increase in the daily count for the 5 & 7day periods and is more in line with 2024. The increased count is also reflected in the peak counts with peak times changing to 08.00 - 09.00 & 16.00 -17.00. The average speed has remained similar to last year at 29.00mph with the average speed for those travelling above the limit at the same 33mph. However, those travelling above the speed limit has increased on average by 12% and a 43 & 41% was recorded for the 5 & 7day periods. A maximum speed of 72mph recorded at 23.55 hrs. is up from 63.00mph.

On Chapel Lane compared with the previous results, October 2025, there was a small increase in the daily count, 8 & 2% (26 & 8 vehicles) for the 5 & 7day periods. Both the peak AM & PM counts are similar to before for the weekday period however the 7day period indicates a 44 & 20% reduction in traffic. There is a marginal AM peak time change from 11.00- 12.00 to 10.00 -11.00 with the PM time remaining the same. The average speed has remained similar to last year at 23.50mph with the average speed for those travelling above the limit at the same at 33mph. However, those travelling above the speed limit has increased on average by 24% with a 21 & 27% increase recorded for the 5 & 7day periods, but this remains low at 7.08 & 7.48%. The maximum speed of 55mph recorded at 23.00 hrs. is up from 45.00mph.

Further details can be found on the Parish Council Website.

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

    83.

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

83.1

The Clerk explained that there was no report from Cllr Thomas, but the Clerk had arranged the purchase of 4 more plots. It was noted that there were only a few plots left on the eastern side so we would have to start using the plots on the western side.

     84.

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

84.1

On the 30 July Cllrs Pace and Bill attended the A15 Speed Safety Meeting chaired by Alicia Kearns MP.  Also in attendance were LCC Cllr Ashley Baxter & Philip Dilks, Julian Tatam Vice Chair Langtoft P.C. & Adrian Clarke Chair Baston P. C. The main issues of discussion were the current speed limits and access on to the A15 particularly at busy times. Langtoft also had issue with the instigation of the weight limits on their 'side roads' and Baston the expected increase in heavy goods vehicles following the recent approved planning for gravel extract. It was pointed out that Thurlby had not Yellow Box Junction or Speed Camera unlike the other villages. Alicia Kearns was to meet LCC Highways to discuss a reduction of the speed limit through the villages however a reduction of overall speed was not generally supported.

84.2

Cllrs Thomas and Pace attended Local Government reorganisation Decisions meeting at Bourne Corn Exchange 23 July 2026. The meeting was organised by SKDC with the Leader and CEO of SKDC presenting the plan approved by The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government (Steve Reed) just before he was replaced in the reshuffle this week.

Thurlby Parish Council Members present were Alan Thomas and Ian Pace.  Other Parish councils represented included Tallington, Market Deeping, Bourne, Baston, Morton & Hanthorpe, Swinstead & Little Bytham.

• The model approved by the secretary of state is the one supported by Lincoln City Council. This proposes two unitary authority – UA1 and UA2 and North and Northeast Lincolnshire DCs remaining unchanged.
• UA1 consists of an expanded Lincoln City taking some wards in North Kesteven and West Lindsey (population approximately 160K).
• UA2 is the rest of Lincolnshire (population 570k)
• The plan excludes North Lincolnshire (Scunthorpe etc 120K) and Northeast Lincolnshire (Grimsby area – 130K) which will remain unchanged
• UA1 will have 65 counsellors - approximately 1:2000 of the electorate
• UA2 will have 100 counsellors – approximately 1:7000 of the electorate
• Each UA will receive 900K to help the transition.

Services affected will have to be split up and reorganised and include

• Adult Social Care
• Children’s services
• Bin and waste services in North Kesteven and West Lindsey
• Fires services currently Lincolnshire based may be broken up
• Homelessness and other services

Policing will be unaffected

SKDC is the only district council which is financially in the black with a healthy financial reserve. All other Lincolnshire councils are in the red.  Staff, property, and financial reserves will be tuped over to the new authority

Going forward a Voluntary Joint Committee will be set up for each area.

UA1 – 8 members

• 4 Lincolnshire County Council
• 2 Lincoln City
• 1 North Kesteven DC
• 1 West Lindsey DC

UA2 – 12 members

• 6 Lincolnshire County Council
• 1 SKDC
• 1 NKDC
• 1 Boston DC
• 1 South Holland DC
• 1 South Lindsey DC
• 1 East Lindsey DC

A formal Joint committee will be set up in March 2027.

District and Country Council elections will be cancelled, and counsellors will serve for a further year

Shadow elections for the new UA1 and UA2 will be held alongside normal parish council elections in May 2027

New Councils start operating March 2028

Problems with the new model

No Parish councillors present supported this model for many reasons, but a few include:

• Reduced representation of UA2 residents in the Council.
• No space anywhere for 100 councillors to meet except at SKDC in Grantham
• New councillors will have to travel large distances for meetings every 6 weeks e.g. Skegness to Grantham so people less likely to stand
• Financial loss to SKDC residents and possibility of higher council taxes to support other parts of Lincolnshire
• Very larger area to administer – approximately 5100 square miles
• Elections will be very complicated to administer during council elections
• The proposed UA2 area will be very difficult to administer geographically
• The proposed model did not meet two of the three guidelines given the Government for this reorganisation whereas other proposals did meet the criteria.
• Does not represent “fair” or sensible devolution

The counsellors present expressed the opinion that Lincoln City had essentially got the ear of Government and pushed through their model and no due consideration was given to the political disenfranchisement of the UA2 area residents.

Suggestions for how to proceed expressing opposition to the plan included writing to our MP, publicising the flaws in the plan as much as possible, setting up a national petition to have this debated in Parliament.

     85.

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

85.1

There being no other business the meeting was duly closed at 21.37

    86.

The date of the next meeting – to be held on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 7.30 p.m. in the Lawrance Park Social Room, Thurlby