At the Meeting of Firsby Group Parish Council held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 19 March 2025 in Irby & Bratoft Village Hall.
Present: Mr R. Kidd, who took the Chair;
Mr R. Currie; Mrs S. Wilford; Miss H. Smithson Whitehead; Mr S. Roachford; LCC Cllr Mrs W. Bowkett and ELDC Cllr Mr C. Drury.
Apologies were received from Mr R. Heane; Mr R. Harman and Mr P. Cavanagh.
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
Miss Smithson Whitehead stated that she had contacted Lindsey Marsh regarding the levels for the dykes on Pinfold Lane. The council were informed that the Farmer has agreed to clear out some of the dykes.
Miss Smithson Whitehead also stated that she had once again been in touch with representatives of Quickline who have not responded to her questions regarding the location of poles etc., and were supposed to come to the meeting. Miss Smithson Whitehead will try to take this matter forward and invite the representative to the next meeting.
3. Police Matters
Mrs Wilford stated that a white pickup truck has been going round the different villages going onto properties looking for scrap metal. The number plate is concealed/obscured so feels that it is not possible to report it to the Police. Cllr Bowkett stated that sightings should still be reported to 101.
4. County Councillor's Report
Cllr Bowkett attended the meeting but is in purdah awaiting the County Council elections so is unable to give a report but did inform the Council that Mill Lane, Irby in the Marsh will be closed for resurfacing on 12 May.
5. District Councillor's Report
Cllr Drury stated that he had informed the dog warden of the fouling on Station Road, Firsby. He stated that some signs will be sent to be put up and asked the Council to inform him of any waste or dog waste bins that have been removed in the various villages.
6. Correspondence
a) Email received from Sharon Atkinson regarding the co-option of 2 Parish Councillors to represent Firsby.
b) Email received from ELDC regarding the Mayoral Election. Notices to be placed on noticeboards.
c) Email received from ELDC regarding the Lincolnshire County Councillor Election. Notices to be placed on noticeboards.
d) Email received from Dean Flowers regarding the position at Kelsey Wood Country Park. Mrs Wilford explained the current position to the Council.
e) Email received from Chris Moore tendering his resignation as Parish Councillor for Little Steeping. It was agreed to write a letter of thanks to Mr Moore for his service to the Parish Council over many years.
f) Email received from Sharon Atkinson giving notice of the Parish Councillor vacancy for Little Steeping. The notice to be placed on the Little Steeping Village noticeboard and requests for expressions of interest to be put in the next 5 Parishes Newsletter.
g) Email received from Steven Coe from the Environment Agency in response to questions asked by the Great Steeping Parish Councillors. The Environment Agency will take Councillors on a tour of the system in May and then arrange a meeting.
7. Plans
Application No S/064/00224/25 by Mr P Jackson for Planning Permission Erection of 1 no. dwelling on site of existing bungalow which is to be demolished at Fairview, Firsby Road, Great Steeping. It was agreed to support this application.
Application No S/086/00283/25 for Consultation from the Planning Inspectorate on the Scoping Opinion in relation to Ossian Off-Shore Wind Farm. The Parish Council sent the following comments:
We object to this planning application on the basis of points 1) and 2):
1) If pylons and overhead cables are to be used to transmit any/part of/all of the electricity generated by Ossian coming onshore and transmitted through East Lindsey as pylons and overhead cables are ugly and an aesthetic abomination on the landscape, very early/mid 20th century, very regressive, grossly scarring and negatively affecting the environment long term. This will lead to a devastating effect on the health and well being of the local population, especially, and any visitors or tourists to the area which will result in a negative effect on the growth of the local tourist economy compounded by significantly reducing the value of surrounding land and residential property in the area. And
2) If converting stations utilised are close to residential properties and/or not totally screened which will result in a devastating effect on the health and well being of, especially, the local population and any visitors or tourists to the area hence also producing a negative effect on the growth of the local tourist economy compounded by significantly reducing the value of surrounding land and residential property. Total screening will prevent a deterioration in the environment and location well away from residential properties will ensure residents do not suffer from noise pollution and great negative equity in the value of their properties.
We do not object to the planning application:
If all of the electricity generated by Ossian coming onshore and being transmitted through Lincolnshire is transmitted via underground cables with any converting stations complying with Point 2.
This application assumes and is dependant on the Grimsby to Walpole pylons and the associated infrastructure being approved.
Application No S/020/00260/25 by Mr M Reeve for Planning Permission - Erection of a double carport and shed at Virley House, High Lane, Croft. It was agreed to support this application.
Full Planning Permission has been approved on conditions - Erection of a detached garage at Long Acre, Firsby Road, Great Steeping.
8. Highways
Notification has been received of a Culvert replacement at North Road, Bratoft. The works are planned to begin 2 June until 27 June 2025. The public highway will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles at North Road between Summergates Lane and Bratoft Lane. Diversions will be in place.
Mrs Wilford asked once again for the footpath from the Eaves Pub to the Church in Little Steeping to be cleared. Cllr Bowkett will ask Highways to carry out the clearance.
Miss Smithson Whitehead stated that she had downloaded the data from the speed camera which was positioned in Firsby and it showed, amongst other things, that the fastest speeds were in the middle of the night. The camera is next to be placed in Irby.
9. Any Other Business
Miss Smithson Whitehead stated that the Bratoft Parish Meeting will take place in the Bratoft Church Room at 7pm on Tuesday 8 April. All residents are welcome to attend.
The Noticeboard and Information box have also been revamped in Bratoft.
10. Accounts
It was agreed to pass the following accounts for payment:
Irby & Bratoft Village Hall for Use of Room £24
Bolingbroke Deanery for printing of April/May Newsletter £120
Clerk's 3 month honorarium £625.