Minutes 12th March 2025
SWABY GROUP PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING HELD
12th March 2025
Present: Cllrs, Gilpin (Chair), Millburn, Cooper, Dransfield, Young, Bailey, Taylor, Wright and Gibson.
Mr N. Hanson (until minute 66)
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
Cllr H. Marfleet (LCC)
3 members of the public
During the public session Cllr Marfleet updated the public and the Council on various LCC matters, including the many infrastructure projects in the pipeline – pylons, solar farms, nuclear storage etc. He confirmed LCC had asked National Grid for a proper breakdown of costings which had not been received. He felt that whilst LCC were fighting all the projects, there may be a case for accepting one, which would then help bring in funding to upgrade sea defences as currently the area has no major assets to defend. He briefly outlined the unitary authority plans for Lincolnshire and the Mayoral role.
64 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllr Start and these were accepted.
65 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
There were none
66 CO-OPTION
There was one candidate for the vacancy created by the resignation of Cllr Powis. Mr Nic Hanson of Swaby. He had sent in an email briefly outlining his details and confirmation that he fulfilled the criteria. It was proposed (Cllr Bailey), seconded (Cllr Young) and resolved that Mr Hanson be co-opted to fill the vacancy. He joined the table.
67 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Cllr Hanson completed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office, which was counter signed by the Clerk as Proper Officer of the Council.
68 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 15TH JANUARY 2025
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record of that meeting.
69 UPDATES FROM THAT MEETING
Cllr Young had fitted the new dog bin, thanks were expressed.
Clerk confirmed LCC were unable to fit a second dog bin in the Warren. Discussion on whether to look to place a dog bin outside the Warren by the gateway nearest to the garage. Clerk to enquire if ELDC would empty one in this location. To be discussed at the next meeting.
Thanks were expressed to Cllr Gilpin for clearing the bench outside the Old School in Swaby
70 VETS SCHEME
Cllr Taylor had received a few leaflets but insufficient to distribute to villagers. Cllr Gibson volunteered to print extras.
71 FINANCIAL
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (Feb/March) £322.82
Clerks expenses for year April – March £ 20.90
Louth Mens Shed (bench Sth Thoresby) £295.00
72 REPAIRS TO COUNCIL ASSETS
It was noted that in the financial year 25/26 the following would be required:
Pads for defibrillator
Stain to 2 no notice boards in Swaby
Bench next to Old School (No 11 in draft leaflet) will need repairs in 2025. It was agreed to approach the Mens Shed again, but noted that this had concrete ends which the Mens Shed may not be able to repair. (Agenda item May meeting)
The benches near Swaby Church & the Village Hall (nos 1 and 10 in the draft leaflet) 2026/27 financial year.
Discussion followed on whether all the benches in the list were the responsibility of the Parish Council, and it was noted that bench no 5 was in a garden and was to be deleted, and Chair to clarify ownership of bench no 6. The War Memorial was not part of the Parish Council’s assets or responsibilities.
It was agreed that the document circulated to councillors at the last meeting was a draft document and should not have been issued to members of the public due to its draft status. Discussion followed on circulation of documents to members of the public before being approved by Council, and the use of .gov email addresses for councillors. To be agenda item May meeting.
73 LITTER PICK
This was set as Tuesday 8th April (South Thoresby) and Wednesday 9th (Swaby)
74 CORRESPONDENCE
Letter of thanks from Swaby Village Hall for grant.
E mail of thanks from St Andrews Church for grant.
Good Cllr Guide 2024 circulated as email to members.
Email from new “LAND” group fighting infrastructure proposals.
Email from LCC regarding Footpaths Improvement Plan
Clerks and Councils Direct Magazine.
75 PLANNING
There were no fresh applications.
Decision – S173/1753/94 – The Elms – Change use barns to holiday lets. Conditionally approved (to be in accordance with plans; archaeological survey required; holiday purposes only; to be in accordance with Protected Species Report, external lighting to be approved; materials to be approved)
Ossian Scoping Report
Following receipt of an email requesting observations on the revised Scoping Opinion application for Ossian cabling it was resolved that the observations sent in response to the original Scoping Opinion application be re-iterated as observations on the revised Scoping Opinion.
76 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Cllr Bailey pointed out there were some large skips, a small tanker and potential construction beams stored at the quarry in South Thoresby – Clerk to contact LCC for any information. Next agenda
Additional items for next agenda: Dog bin, repairs to bench; circulation of documents and .gov emails; quarry in South Thoresby.
77 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
To be the Annual Council Meeting, preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting and followed by the Swaby Fund AGM – 14th May 2025
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:15pm