2026 Minutes

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Present: Cllr James Avery (Chair), Cllr John Smith (Vice-Chair), Cllr Emma Beavis, Cllr Andrew Chamberlain (from 19:35), Cllr Terry Moore, Cllr Peter Ruysen, Cllr Elizabeth Sneath, Cllr Oliver Wood, Mr Robert Smith (Clerk), Ms Nicola Jowett (Administration Assistant).

Absent:   Cllr Geoff Garner, Cllr Toby Hughes, Cllr Samantha Jeffery, Cllr Ann Savage and Cllr Phil Tweddell.

In attendance:    County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard; Mr Tom Bonner (South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership); Mr Ashley Behan and Mr Richard Paul, (Lincolnshire County Council), Mr Ben Nicholls, Mr James Rudkin and Ms Ashton Carradine (Anglian Water).

Press & Public: Ms Victoria Fear (Lincs Free Press & Spalding Guardian), seven members of the public, including two children.

Unless otherwise stated, actions arising were assigned to the Clerk.

26.153.Attendance and apologies for absence

Members' attendance was noted. Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Geoff Garner, Cllr Toby Hughes, Cllr Ann Savage, and Cllr Phil Tweddell.

26.154.Declarations of interest and requests for dispensation

No declarations of interest or requests for dispensation were made.

26.155.Waste collection changes presentation

Mr Tom Bonner gave a presentation on the forthcoming changes to South Holland's household waste collection service. The service was expected to begin in early November 2026, with the precise start date and each household's collection calendar to be confirmed by letter and an information booklet.

The four-week collection cycle would provide general waste collections in weeks one and three, mixed recycling in week two and paper and cardboard in week four. Food waste would be collected weekly using a kitchen caddy and a larger kerbside caddy. Existing garden waste collection arrangements would continue.

The presentation explained the separation of clean paper and cardboard from mixed recycling to reduce contamination, the treatment of food waste by anaerobic digestion, and the types of material suitable for each bin. General waste could remain bagged; mixed recycling and paper and cardboard should be placed loose in their respective bins. Food caddy liners would be supplied initially, and ordinary plastic bags could subsequently be used.

Residents could apply for assisted collections and additional capacity where eligible. Missing or incomplete bin deliveries could be reported through the waste transformation page on the District Council's website. Printed and large-print information was available. Initial implementation would focus on education and support.

Members and residents raised concerns about bin sizes, wind exposure, storage beside roads and rivers, potential liability if bins caused an obstruction, and holiday collections. The question of insurance and liability required further clarification. The Chair thanked Mr Bonner, whose departure was noted at 20:00.

26.156.Update on local highways issues

01.Coordination and disruption

Lincolnshire County Council Highways and Anglian Water representatives acknowledged the disruption caused by the volume of roadworks in Pinchbeck and Spalding. Mr Ashley Behan reported a 52% increase in works in the local area over the preceding two years, compared with 6% across Lincolnshire. Highway maintenance, water infrastructure renewal and telecommunications works were contributing to the pressure. Officers described inspections, challenges to proposed durations and refusal of permits as measures used to limit disruption.

02.Enterprise Way

Representatives explained that the prolonged closure involved complex excavations approximately 3.5 metres deep and defects affecting both foul-water and surface-water infrastructure. Further problems had been identified during reinstatement. The decision had been taken to complete a durable repair rather than reopen the road with a temporary solution. Sewer repairs and lining had been completed, assets checked by CCTV and the road stabilised. Anglian Water acknowledged that communication with affected residents could have been better.

03.Surfleet Road

Officers were seeking inclusion of the existing footway between Crossgate Lane and Milestone Lane in the 2027/28 resurfacing programme, but funding and delivery were not yet confirmed.

Anglian Water reported that a bung had been removed from the sewer, which was now clear and flowing. Representatives believed that the bung had been left following earlier works; the circumstances were being investigated. No-dig lining was planned for Wednesday, 30 September, between approximately 07:00 and 19:00, from Surfleet Road towards Poachers Gate. Existing two-way lights would remain, with additional three-way traffic management at the Crossgate Lane and Flaxmill Lane junction to support tankering.

The depression in the carriageway would be addressed through the reinstatement guarantee. LCC intended to coordinate that work to avoid adding to current disruption, unless deterioration required earlier action. Members questioned working hours, apparent inactivity on sites and whether compensation would be pursued. Representatives explained the constraints of deep excavations, safety, noise, working practices and competing emergency demands.

04.Water mains renewal and communications

Ms Ashton Carradine described approximately £1.7 million of mains-renewal investment in Pinchbeck and £6.7 million across Pinchbeck and Spalding. Updates were given on local schemes, including work around Dozens Bank, Tongue End Road and Glenside. The scheme's revised completion date was 4 October. Traffic lights were being used where practicable to keep roads open.

Members requested wider communication about works affecting the parish. Ashton Carradine would review the communications issued. County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard offered to help circulate information through Parish Council and community channels. A joint highways and Anglian Water webinar for councillors and parish councils was planned for November.

05.Spalding active travel scheme

Mr Behan explained the reasons for the extent of the works area and one-way arrangements. He acknowledged that more resources should have been deployed initially and advised that four teams were now working on the scheme. It remained broadly on programme, with resurfacing expected from late October and completion in December, subject to conditions.

Members discussed future links into Pinchbeck, including a connection with the Two Plank Bridge route. Further phases depended on funding and would be subject to consultation. Unanswered questions could be referred through the Chair, Clerk or County Councillor. The Chair thanked the representatives, whose departure was noted at 20:35.

26.157.Public Forum

01.Children's proposal for a pump track

This part of the public forum was taken immediately after declarations of interest, ahead of the presentations, to allow the children to leave early. Two children and their accompanying adults proposed a cycle pump track in the village, potentially at Rotten Row Playing Field. They described the benefits of a safe local cycling facility for older children and discussed earth and surfaced options, drainage, maintenance, nature features and possible involvement by young people.

The Chair undertook that the proposal would be examined, including a design, specification and costs. County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard offered to explore a contribution from available funding, subject to approval. Possible District Councillor and developer support was also discussed. No construction or expenditure commitment was made. The Clerk would write to thank the children for attending. Four members of the public left at 19:43.

02.Accessibility and Glebe Field enquiries

A resident thanked the Chair and Cllr John Smith for joining a mobility-scooter journey around the village to experience accessibility difficulties. The findings were considered further under minute 26.166.

Residents asked about expenditure on the Glebe Field dispute and arrangements for a proposed fireworks event. The Chair explained that Council expenditure was met from its income, including the precept and land rents, and that professional costs also related to the wider review of Council land. The Chair stated his understanding that donations, rather than compulsory admission charges, could be sought for the event. No decision on permission for the event was taken during the public forum.

26.158.Minutes of previous meeting

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday, 27 July 2026, and to authorise the Chair to sign them as a true record.

26.159.Chair's report

The Chair reported proposed changes to local planning decision-making from 31 October, with more decisions delegated to officers and a gateway process determining which applications would reach the planning committee. He emphasised the importance of effective Parish Council consultation responses and offered to circulate the relevant criteria. A suggestion that the Council consider a planning subgroup at a future meeting was raised; no subgroup was established at this meeting.

26.160.Clerk's report / matters arising

01.Two councillor vacancies remained available for co-option.

02.Planning comments had been submitted.

03.The website had been updated with minutes, agendas, and audit information.

04.Routine governance, administration and responses to residents continued.

05.Cemetery administration continued. Spreadsheet mapping of graves at Cherry Holt Lane Cemetery had been completed, and the redesign of cemetery records and registers was progressing alongside preparations for Blue Gowt Lane Cemetery.

06.Preparations for the Remembrance Day Parade were progressing. The licence application and route plan had been submitted to LCC, and the traffic management contractor reappointed. Letters would be delivered to affected properties two weeks beforehand. Cllr Terry Moore was coordinating an officiating representative, the band and volunteer marshals. Permission to display poppies on streetlights had been sought, and stocks of poppies and fixings were being checked.

07.Following issue of the warrant of control for the unpaid oak noticeboard deposit, an instalment arrangement had been agreed. The first payment of £250 was received on 1 September. The County Court had been notified and suspension of the warrant requested while payments were maintained. Enforcement would be pursued again if an instalment was missed.

08.The abandoned vehicle at Rotten Row Playing Field car park had been reported to SHDC. Access permission was given on 8 September and a follow-up sent on 25 September; a response remained outstanding.

09.A coffee morning in aid of LIVES raised £270. Thanks were recorded to the organisers and supporters.

10.No further information had been received from LCC about the proposed Hub & Library lease.

11.Cllr Phil Tweddell had fitted the War Memorial post reflectors previously approved.

12.A small society lottery registration application in the name of Pinchbeck Community Hub had been submitted to SHDC on 25 September, following the Council's earlier approval. The £40 application fee and renewal fee would be met from the All Kinds of Everything Fund. Cllr John Smith would prepare a short document identifying the requirements and responsibilities for raffles, proceeds, records and returns.

13.Arrangements would be made for the Christmas tree outside Pinchbeck East Primary School within the approved £750 budget. Cllr Peter Ruysen kindly agreed to assist again with sourcing the tree.

26.161.Financial matters

01.August 2026 bank reconciliation and cash book

It was RESOLVED to approve the August 2026 bank reconciliation and cash book as circulated (appendix 1).

02.Payments to 31 August 2026

It was RESOLVED to ratify payments to 31 August 2026 as circulated (appendix 2).

03.Payments to 28 September 2026

It was RESOLVED to approve payments to 28 September 2026 as circulated (appendix 3).

04.Insurance renewal

It was RESOLVED to ratify the Parish Council's insurance renewal for 12 months from 21 September 2026 at a premium of £3,622.17.

05.Interim external auditor's report

The interim report and certificate issued by PKF Littlejohn LLP on 18 September 2026 were received and noted. The Clerk reported that an enquiry about pay and pensions had been answered to the auditor's satisfaction. A further query concerning the relationship between asset additions in AGAR Box 9 and payments reported in Box 6, including the timing of cemetery fencing expenditure, remained outstanding. The interim report had been published on the Council's website.

26.162.Recent correspondence

01.Blue Gowt Lane and Two Plank Bridge

Further correspondence concerning the continued closure and alleged obstruction was considered. It was reported that the resident's complaint was progressing through LCC's complaints process. The Council agreed to allow that process to continue without further action at this stage.

02.B1180 Glenside South closure and diversion

The Clerk reported correspondence from a resident seeking to pursue a claim against LCC. The resident had been advised of the relevant responsibilities. The Council agreed that no further Parish Council action was required.

03.Good Companions community day club

Information about the new day club at Project St Thomas, Spalding, opening on 9 October and providing support for unpaid carers and people experiencing isolation, had been published on the Council's website.

04.Glenside speeding and signage

Concerns about speeding, particularly by heavy goods vehicles, the position and clarity of 30 mph signs and pedestrian safety had been referred to the appropriate authorities and taken up by County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard.

05.Pennytoft Lane and Mountbatten Avenue vegetation

LCC had confirmed that part of the area fell within Internal Drainage Board responsibility, while ownership of the hedge area remained unresolved. LCC had arranged cutting back on this occasion for highway safety reasons without accepting continuing responsibility, pending further investigation.

06.Willow tree adjoining the Glebe Field and Brayfields

The Clerk reported correspondence about a damaged willow branch leaning towards neighbouring properties. The Council's earlier investigation and a review of its registered title indicated that the tree was outside its boundary, and the Council did not accept responsibility. Brayfields Management Company had been asked to arrange urgent inspection, and any necessary safety works and to confirm its intended action and timescale.

07.Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire consultation

Residents had requested the Council's Stage 1 response and raised concerns about the proposed overhead line, proximity to homes, vegetation, rights of way, construction access, Cuckoo Lane, noise and safety. The previous objection and minute extracts had been supplied, and residents' representations would inform consideration of the Stage 2 response. Concern was also expressed about the absence of a consultation event in Pinchbeck.

26.163.National Grid Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire project

It was RESOLVED that the Working Party comprising Cllr James Avery, Cllr Andrew Chamberlain, Cllr Ann Savage and Cllr John Smith, working with the Clerk, should prepare the Council’s response to the Stage 2 consultation. The draft would be circulated to all councillors for review before being finalised and submitted by the deadline of 3 November 2026.

26.164.Planning applications

01.H14-0900-26 - Wisteria Farm, Northgate. Amendments to previously approved plans for three dwellings and demolition of agricultural buildings, including details relating to site and finished floor levels. It was agreed to make no comment.

02.H14-0896-26 - 106 Six House Bank, West Pinchbeck. Proposed side extension. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

03.H14-0880-26 - Baptist Church, Knight Street. Single-storey rear extension and internal and external alterations to the church hall. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

04.H14-0868-26 - Howard's Yard, Herdgate Lane. Agricultural chill store and pack house. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

05.H14-0846-26 - 17 Spalding Road. Works to trees in Pinchbeck Conservation Area. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

06.H14-0827-26 - Milestone Nurseries, Herdgate Lane. Proposed two-storey side and rear extensions and demolition of the front hip-end element. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

07.H14-0806-26 - Lilac House, Herring Lane. Retrospective application for a detached garage. It was agreed to make no comment.

08.H14-0731-26 - Land adjacent to 4 Clay Drove. Three-bedroom self-build dwelling, domestic workshop and garage. Members considered the design and relationship to surrounding properties. It was RESOLVED to support the application.

26.165.District Council planning decisions

The District Council planning decisions circulated to members were taken as read and noted as follows:

01.H14-0798-26 – Glen Pastures, Bourne Road, Guthram Gowt: Two containers for agricultural machinery storage and workers’ welfare facilities – refused.

02.H14-0678-26 – 25 Orchard Close, Pinchbeck: First-floor extension and alterations – refused.

03.H14-0680-26 – 30A Milestone Lane, Pinchbeck: Single-storey rear extension – approved.

04.H14-0669-26 – 42A Knight Street, Pinchbeck: Change of use of commercial premises to a tattoo studio – approved.

05.H14-0618-26 – St Mary’s Churchyard, Church Street, Pinchbeck: Tree works within Pinchbeck Conservation Area – approved.

06.H14-0605-26 – Park Farm Cottage, Dozens Bank, West Pinchbeck: Single-storey side extension – approved.

07.H14-0585-26 – Land north-west of The Chestnuts, Glenside South, Pinchbeck: Implement store and welfare pod – approved.

08.H14-0523-26 – The Bell Inn, 33 Church Street, Pinchbeck: Change of use of the former public house to a shop, including partial demolition, a single-storey rear extension and external works – approved.

09.H14-0455-26 – Brylaine Travel Ltd, Glenside South, West Pinchbeck: Retrospective change of use from general industrial to storage and distribution – approved.

10.H14-0350-26 – 27 Wardentree Lane, Pinchbeck: Roof conversion, ridge raising, front and rear dormers and a ground-floor conservatory link extension – appeal lodged.

The Chair drew attention to the approval of the redevelopment of the former Bell Inn to provide a retail unit.

26.166.Highways matters

The Chair reported on the mobility-scooter journey undertaken with Cllr John Smith, highlighting uneven surfaces, cambers, narrow and overgrown footways and awkwardly positioned dropped kerbs. The findings had been referred through County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard to highways officers.

Cllr Sheard advised that immediate work was constrained by funding and competing priorities, although vegetation clearance and specific safety issues could be pursued. The concerns would be broken down into individual locations for follow-up. Members noted the need to update the Parish Council's traffic strategy to reflect the needs of different road and footway users. The possibility of a further visit involving Ashley Behan was raised.

26.167.Pinchbeck Community Hub & Library

01.Coffee cart trial

It was RESOLVED to approve a coffee cart trial at the Hub & Library on Tuesday and Friday mornings from October to December 2026. The trial would support the Tots and Teas group and serve other users and the public, without cost to the Parish Council. Existing free tea and coffee provision would remain available.

The Clerk, in consultation with Cllr John Smith, was authorised to agree the operating arrangements, subject to any necessary landowner consent, appropriate insurance, risk assessment and safety requirements.

26.168.Memorial safety at Cherry Holt Lane Cemetery

The ICCM memorial stability inspection undertaken on 28 August 2026 identified 41 Priority 1 memorials requiring immediate temporary make-safe action and 37 Priority 2 memorials. Members noted the extent of the work required, including identification and isolation of affected memorials, notification of grave owners and arrangements for permanent repairs.

The Clerk reported that a cross near the entrance could not safely be laid flat and would be moved to secure storage with appropriate assistance. Contacting the grave owner could be difficult because the burial dated from 1933.

It was agreed that the Clerk would convene a Cemetery Committee meeting to assist with prioritisation, notification, a memorial management policy and the future inspection programme.

No separate expenditure figure was approved during this discussion.

26.169.Blue Gowt Lane Cemetery

The Clerk reported progress with the cemetery works and the proposed concrete memorial landing strips. The provision of reinforced concrete headstone strips across two burial rows had originally been approved on 26 January 2026 under minute 26.019.05(ii), at a cost of £5,012.66 plus VAT.

Following a visit to Stamford Cemetery and further consideration of the construction and future use of the strips, a revised specification had been developed. The proposed works comprised two strips with a combined length of approximately 81 metres. The strips would provide a consistent foundation for memorials, assist with their alignment and the identification of grave plots, and facilitate future grounds maintenance.

It was RESOLVED to approve the revised proposal and cost of £6,076.27 plus VAT for the first two concrete memorial strips, representing an increase of £1,063.61, or approximately 21.22%, over the previously approved price. The Clerk was authorised to agree the remaining technical and construction details with the contractor and to instruct the works, provided that these did not materially alter the approved scope or cost.

It was further agreed that a future review of memorial charges would consider an appropriate contribution towards the cost of providing the strips. No revised charges were set at this meeting.

26.170.Grounds maintenance contract from April 2027

The draft specification had been circulated on the day of the meeting. The areas and mapping required further review to reflect changes since the previous contract. It was RESOLVED that the Clerk should work with Cllr Terry Moore to finalise the draft specification and maps for approval at the next Parish Council meeting, with tendering proposed for November and the contract to commence on 1 April 2027.

26.171.Exclusion of press and public

Item 26.173 was brought forward and considered in open session before this item because the quotation was not confidential.

It was RESOLVED, under section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, to exclude the press and public during the remaining confidential land and staffing business because publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential legal advice, commercially sensitive information and personal employment information to be considered. The motion was proposed by the Chair, seconded by Cllr John Smith and carried. The Chair declared the meeting to be in closed session.

County & District Cllr Ingrid Sheard and the remaining members of the public left at approximately 21:26.

26.172.Parish Council land matters

01.The Glebe Field

The Council considered the update and legal advice in confidential session. It was RESOLVED to authorise appropriate action. The detailed resolution is recorded in the confidential meeting notes.

02.PlayZone

The position was noted and further follow-up agreed.

03.Leaveslake Drove

The position was noted. No further progress was reported.

04.Starlode Drove

The update was noted and further action agreed. Details are recorded in the confidential meeting notes.

05.Farm tenancies and garden allotments

The Council received an update on the tender process and decisions taken under delegated authority. It was RESOLVED to authorise completion of the agreements within the approved terms. Details are recorded in the confidential meeting notes.

26.173.Quotes for works

This item was taken in open session before minute 26.171.

The Clerk reported difficulty obtaining alternative quotations for specialist aerial cableway work at Rotten Row Playing Field.

It was RESOLVED to approve servicing, re-tensioning and commissioning of the cableway by Online Playgrounds, including finger-protection guards and the recommended brake springs, at a total quoted cost of £849.12 excluding VAT (quotation reference 78993, dated 10 September 2026).

Before instructing the work, the Clerk would obtain confirmation that the approved price included fitting both brake springs and establish whether any additional replacement work, including replacement of the cable, was required. Any work outside the approved scope or expenditure exceeding the approved amount would require further Council authorisation before proceeding.

26.174.Staffing and administration matters

01.2026/27 NJC pay award

It was RESOLVED to approve implementation of the 2026/27 NJC pay award. The detailed resolution is recorded in the confidential meeting notes.

The Chair closed the meeting at 22:00.