2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Morton and Hanthorpe Parish Council
5, The Paddock, Morton, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0NY
Telephone: 01778 571249      Email: mhpc.clerk@btinternet.com

Minutes of the Morton & Hanthorpe Parish Council Meeting - Tuesday 9th January 2024

In attendance: Cllrs:   R. Wells, B. Hyde, W. Lawrance, S. Reynolds, M. Harris, A. Morris, K. Morris, M. Tuohy, C. Holden.

Also in attendance:  County & District Cllr.  S. Woolley & N. Walker – R.F.O. & Clerk.

Rev’d. Neil Bullen, 13 members of the public.

7.15 pm PUBLIC FORUM

Rev’d. Bullen highlighted the damage to the northern verge alongside the church. County & District Councillor Sue Woolley had already investigated possible solutions given that significant damage was evident in early November. Cllr. Woolley had approached Highways to look into a potential one-way system around the church and had also spoken with the Refuse Services Dept. about their vehicle accessing this section of the High Street from each end rather than driving down it. Options are being assessed. 

A specific issue relative to the recent flooding occurred in Hanthorpe at The Grove. The water level across the road had levelled out above the pond height making the pond obscure. A vehicle turning around was not aware of the pond and nearly reversed into it. Could a fence/barrier and sign be installed at the roadside pond edge to highlight the boundary/pond edge. Clerk to investigate costs and raise as an agenda item for the next MH PC meeting.

The eastern end of Station Rd. and adjacent southern end of Paddington Way suffered during the recent flooding. The problem was exacerbated by thoughtless drivers progressing at speed through the water causing bow waves extending the flood affect. Even after the High Street was closed (signs and cones deployed) vehicles continued to drive through the notification/closure. Residents believe that blocked or partially blocked road drains/dykes significantly contributed to this problem. Clerk tasked to write to SKDC requestion kerb gulley and drain clearing (much detritus will have been washed into them). This request for gulley sucker/drain cleaning to be submitted at end of October each year. Clerk to organise. Additionally, clerk requested to update the Parish Council’s comments regarding water concerns of the 71 dwelling development supported by photos of the recent flooding.

7.45 pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

1.   TO CONSIDER APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies from: Cllrs. A. Tilley, S. Walker & C.Cllr. M. Hill

2.   TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA.

None submitted.

3.   TO CONSIDER CLERK’S NOTES OF MEETING HELD ON 28th November 2023 FOR APPROVAL AS MINUTES. 

Following a proposal by Cllr. B. Hyde, seconded by Cllr. M. Tuohy, the Clerk’s Notes of the meeting held on 28th November 2023 were approved as Minutes and duly signed by the Chair Person, Cllr. R. Wells.

4.   CLERK’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED.

Report:

Sad to report that past Councillor Peter Chubbuck sadly passed away over Christmas. The Council acknowledges his good works on the PC over many years and sends their sincere condolences to his family. 

Chairman’s mid-year audit was undertaken. No issues. This was delayed due to the resolution with Barclay’s Bank of an historic administration issue. Now resolved.

3 cases of fly-tipping. All addressed.

A site visit was undertaken to the proposed 71 dwelling location, north-east of Morton crossroads. A number of points/concerns were raised and these were submitted to SKDC Planning by the Clerk prior to the response deadline of 13th December 2023. Key concerns raised were surface water drainage, foul water removal and access concerns, not least until the A15 access is addressed the concern being use of the High Street for heavy/muddy plant. The Clerk had requested and extension to this short response period given the size and 58 respective documents to the application. This was subsequently agreed & further comments may be issued until c.o.p. 11th Jan.

ProWs – post correspondence referenced at the last PC meeting; the Rights of Way Officer has investigated. Certain items currently under review. Thank you to Cllr. S. Woolley for this action.

The Pastures – I was tasked to follow-up on the situation regarding S106 payments re: this development. As per the Hill View Gardens S106 payment previously the monies have been allocated to the expansion of secondary schooling in Bourne.

Correspondence:

Notification of Information Commissioners Office fee - £40.oo

Payment notification of ½ year litter picking grant.

5.   TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PAYMENTS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH BUDGET:

Payments:

Total payments in period=         £       2,890.73

Following a proposal by Cllr. M. Harris, seconded by Cllr. A. Morris, the Council approved the payments.

Receipts:

Total receipts in period =           £          463.32 

6.   TO CONSIDER PLANNING MATTERS:

Applications:  

S23/1964    Holme Farm, 19 High St., Morton. Partial demolition of outbuilding.

S23/2056    24 Bakers Way, Morton. Proposed ground floor rear extension.

Due to required response dates by SKDC Planning the above applications were reviewed by consultation with available councillors. No objections or comments were raised.

Decisions: 

S23/1901   2 Bourne Rd. Morton. Photovoltaic array to existing flat roof.

Formal submission of details not required.
  
7.   TO CONFIRM THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY 20th February 2024
  
8.   TO RECEIVE REPORTS FROM OUTSIDE BODIES.

County & District Cllr. S. Woolley: A meeting has been arranged this week with LCC Highways to clarify access conditions and drainage aspects in respect to the 71 dwellings development and the use of access from Morton High Street.

In respect to the S106 payments re: building/housing developments it is for agencies to identify and substantiate their need for funding consideration and apply/bid accordingly. 

OTHER MATTERS:

Reported street lights have not been addressed. 2 additional failures noted. Clerk to re-report failures requiring address to the respective authority (Highways/SKDC).

Overhanging hedge on Haconby Lane causing people, especially those with buggies/mobility scooters, to pass using road. Clerk tasked to send a polite letter requesting address.

Given last Tuesday’s flooding Clerk tasked to investigate availability of sand bags and sand storage options. (May be available from SKDC).

Parking adjacent to the gates of the cemetery, Haconby Lane, becoming increasingly difficult due to erosion of verge (dips, mud and puddles). Clerk to arrange infill with hardcore/shingle.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 8.20 pm.