At the Meeting of Firsby Group Parish Council held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 18 June 2025 in Irby & Bratoft Village Hall.
Present: Mr R. Kidd, who took the Chair;
Mr R. Heane; Mrs S. Wilford; Miss H. Smithson Whitehead; Mr S. Roachford; Mr R. Currie; Mr P. Cavanagh and 1 member of the public.
Apologies were received from Mr R. Harman and LCC Cllr Mrs M. Hume.
1. Minutes of the last Meeting
It was agreed that these be signed as a correct record of the proceedings.
2. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting
Mr Heane stated that he had visited Spilsby Surgery and has been informed that there are now 5 doctors on site and that the pharmacy is now fully staffed.
Mr Heane also stated that the lock on the gate on the right side of the Lady Wath Beck still has not been removed. A further chasing letter will be sent.
3. County Councillor's Report
Cllr Hume sent her apologies and the following report:
"Hello everyone,
As a new County Councillor, I have been on a on a steep learning curve, and although the training and induction process will continue, all new councillors have now completed the bulk of the induction process, and I am eager to be more involved and present in our local communities.
I am very much aware that this is a time of change for so many of us. Some see the change as something that has been a long time coming, and others perhaps, not so much. Nonetheless, I am so very honoured and privileged to have been voted for by so many of you, and have committed myself to the next few years of 100% focus - serving the needs of our communities.
A point to note is that some parish meetings are on the same days and at the same times as other parish meetings, and I therefore am unable to be at all of them. Having said that, I will always do my best to be here when I can going forward.
If you need to contact me, I do try to respond to emails within 48 hours (and much earlier if possible), but it may take longer than that, depending on the workload.
I’m looking forward to working with you!"
4. Correspondence
a) Email received from Dean Flowers in response to a letter from the Parish Council regarding Kelsey Wood Country Park. Following a lengthy discussion regarding this email it was agreed that a response is to be sent to the effect that the ELDC & the site owners do not appear to be following their own occupancy conditions which are on all 4 of their planning applications.
b) Notification has been received of an enforcement complaint from the Parish Council against Kelsey Wood Country Park.
c) Letter received from Tinn Criddle regarding correspondence that has been received from Little Steeping Village Hall objecting to the registering of 2 plots of land and the Village Hall. It was agreed to write a letter in response to the Village Hall and in the meantime continue to register the 2 plots of land.
5. Plans
Notification has been received of an Appeal to the Secretary of State against the decision of ELDC to refuse planning permission for the erection of 3 no. dwellings on site of an existing agricultural building which is to be demolished at Poplar Farm, Great Steeping Road, Monksthorpe.
Notification of Appeal decision has been received from The Planning Inspectorate regarding Bridgewood, Fendyke Road, Firsby for the erection of a single storey affordable residential dwelling. This appeal was dismissed.
Notification of Appeal decision has been received from the Planning Inspectorate regarding Woodlands, Summergates Lane, Bratoft for change of use of land to provide 8 glamping pitches, the excavation of a wildlife pond, the creation of an embankment and the construction of an internal access road. This appeal was allowed with costs.
6. Highways
It was agreed to re-report the following matters:
The drains near Great Steeping School and on School Lane, Great Steeping are not working and need flushing out.
It was also agreed to ask Highways for a directional sign for Irby & Bratoft Village Hall to be supplied and erected on the junction of the B1195 & Pinfold Lane, Irby.
7. Review of Parish Council Policies
All polices are up to date. No further action taken.
8. Any Other Business
Mr Cavanagh asked if the Parish Council could have a new decorative village sign for Irby in the Marsh, the one currently on the entrance to the village is rusting and unsightly. Miss Smithson Whitehead agreed to enquire with Bratoft as to the costs of their signs. It was also suggested that as this type of sign would have to purchased, an application could be made to the Firsby Group Charitable Trust for funds towards the costs of the sign.
Mr Cavanagh also enquired whether the Post Office van which currently visits Little Steeping could also come to Irby in the Marsh. Enquires will be made to the viability of this.
10. Accounts
It was agreed to pass the following accounts for payment:
Irby & Bratoft Village Hall for use of room £24
Clerk's 3 month honorarium £625.