Full Council Agendas - 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF RUSKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Councillor,

You are hereby summoned to attend the Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council which will be held on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at The Winchelsea Centre at 7.00pm. Members of the public and press are welcome to attend. This meeting incorporates the ordinary meeting for May 2025.

All members of the Parish Council are summoned to attend for the purpose of considering and resolving upon the business to be transacted at the meeting, as set out hereunder.

Prior to the start of the Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council, members of the public and press may ask questions or make short statements to the Parish Council. If you are unable to attend the meeting, a question or statement can be submitted beforehand by emailing Clerk no later than seven days in advance of the meeting – clerk@ruskington-pc.gov.uk

Agenda

1.  To elect a Chairman for the civic year.

2.  To receive a Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairman for Ruskington Parish Council.

3. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.

4. To receive declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs. Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests is to be in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.  The need for Disclosure is to be based upon agenda items or at any suitable time during the Meeting when it becomes apparent to a Member.

5. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 1 April 2025.

6.   To elect a Vice- Chairman for the civic year.

7.  To consider the co-option of Mr Bernard Harrison to Ruskington Parish Council.

8. To agree the Committees and Working Groups of Council

   8.1. Appointment of members to serve on Committees and Working Groups of Council, as required.

9. Appointment of representatives to outside bodies: -

   9.1. Ruskington Emergency Plan Committee

   9.2. Ruskington Village Hall Management Committee

10. Financial Matters.

   10.1. To nominate and approve the bank signatories.

   10.2. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 1 April 2025.

   10.3. To consider /approve the bank reconciliations for March and April 2025.

   10.4. To receive an end of year financial report for 2024-2025 and consider recommendations made by the RFO and Finance Committee regarding budget monitoring.

    10.5. To review reserves and consider transferring £10,000 from the current account to the building society count with immediate effect and a further £10,000 on receipt of the second instalment of the precept in October 2025.

   10.6. To complete via vote all statements of the Annual Governance Statement 2023/2024 (Section 1) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

   10.7. To approve via vote the Accounting Statements 2023/2024 (Section 2) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

   10.8. To consider the recommendation of the Finance Committee for the valuation of the parish owned properties for insurance purposes.

   10.9.  To ratify the costs for new electricity provider.

   10.10. To consider an eligible community project following receipt of £4262.42 of CIL funding from NKDC following development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).

   10.11. To receive an update on the s106 contribution from the development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).

   10.12. To consider the quotes for the emergency repairs to the exterior wall at the public toilets on Church Street.

11. Consider /approve of the following documents and consider any amendments recommended: -

   11.1.  Standing Orders (Revised in April 2025 to reflect changes to Financial Regulations)

   11.2.  Financial Regulations (Revised in March 2025 following changes to procurement legislation)

   11.3.  Code of Conduct

   11.4.  Terms of Reference for:

      a. The Chairman

      b. The Vice-Chairman

      c. Finance Committee

      d. HR Committee

      e. Delegates to outside agencies

   11.5. Volunteer policy/ agreement for the Ruskington Area Veteran’s Group to undertake volunteering activities in the Garden of Remembrance as authorised by the Parish Council.

   11.6. Revised CCTV policy as recommended by the Recreation & Environment Committee.

12. To receive the District and County Councillors’ reports – for information only.

13. To finalise the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 6.30pm at Ruskington Methodist Church and agree councillor roles for the event.

14. To consider an application to hold a fund-raising Park Run at Parkfield playing fields, if available, and consider the fees and terms and conditions for hire of the facilities. 

   14.1. To consider a request from employees at First Steps Nursery to hold a fundraising day at Parkfield playing fields on Saturday 19 July 2025 in aid of the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, and for the Parish Council to co-host this event by allowing the organisers to use the Council’s public liability insurance.

   14.2. To consider solutions to reduce inconsiderate and nuisance parking at Parkfield playing fields, the village hall, and neighbouring streets.

15. To receive the Clerk’s report (for information only)

   15.1. To ratify / approve the Clerk’s application to apply for a Little Book Stop for locating in the community garden as part of the 90th anniversary of Penguin books. If successful, the Book Stop will be supplied and installed by the organiser of the scheme, and books will be donated and borrowed by the community.

16. To consider the revised management plan for Horseshoe Hollow as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee.

   16.1. To consider the designation of Horseshoe Hollow as a local nature reserve, as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee.

17. To consider an ash dieback action plan for the ash trees owned by Ruskington Parish Council, as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee. (Information previously circulated.)

18. To consider ways to commemorate VJ 80 day on Friday 15 August 2025, or the end of the war and agree any expenditure.

19. To consider planning applications and amendments to planning applications received since the last meeting:

      a. Planning Application Reference: 25/0300/HOUS

 Proposal:  Erection of porch

 Location:   46 Hillside Estate Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9TJ

      b. Planning Application Reference: 25/0358/FUL

Proposal: Proposed change of use and conversion of existing dwellinghouse (use class

C3) to form extension to existing retirement home (use class C2)

Location:   2 Holme Lane Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9DN

      c. Planning reference PL/0016/25

Development: for proposed erection and operation of biogas plant (biogas generated on site upgraded to biomethane, with a range of by-products for export) including connection to the national gas transmission system, associated highway modifications (including new road link to Moy Park facility from the a153), proposed landscaping and associated development (including pipeline connections)

Location: Land to the west of Moy Park facility and the south of the a153, Anwick

Grid reference: 510848 350225 (Responses to LCC.)

     d. Planning Application Reference: 25/0455/FUL

 Proposal:  Retrospective application for siting an InPost Parcel Locker

 Location:   Ruskington Convenience Store 30 - 32 Millview Road Ruskington Sleaford

     e. PNTEL PO1

Removal of the phone box on Lincoln Road, Ruskington. Copy of draft approval notice received on 15/4/2025 for Council to comment on by 14/5/2025.  (NKDC has sent a copy to the Secretary of State. Use of the phone box has decreased form 12 uses in 12 months to 6 uses in 12 months.)

     f. Application Reference: 24/1158/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of single and two storey front extension, single storey side extension forming a new porch, conversion and extension of existing stable block to form Annex ancillary to the existing house. (Amended Description)

Location: 1 Manor Street Ruskington Sleaford

   g. Application Reference: 25/0502/HOUS

 Proposal:  Erection of a 2-storrear extension and front porch.

 Location:   49 Westbeck Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9GU

   19.1. To receive notification of planning applications approved by NKDC.

      a. Application Reference: 23/1093/FUL

Proposal: Erection of 3no. dwellings and formation of new vehicular access to Rectory Road

Location: Land North Of Rectory Road Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 31/3/2025)

      b. Application Reference: 25/0095/FUL

Proposal: Erection of detached garden building

Location: 77 Westcliffe Road Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 31/3/2025)

Proposal: Erection of single and two storey front extension, single storey side extension

forming a new porch, conversion and extension of existing stable block to form Annex

ancillary to the existing house. (Amended Description)

Location: 1 Manor Street Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 23/4/2025).

20.  Correspondence - for information only. (Circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting).

1. LALC – (via email) - Fortnightly e- news
2. LALC (via email on 31/3/2025 – March Training Bulletin
3. Internal auditor (via email on 31/1/2025) – Internal audit report and completed checklist for 2024-2025. (Reviewed by Council at its meeting on 1/4/2025). 
4. LCC (via email on 31/3/2025) – Invitation and date for Ruskington Parish Council to meet with LCC Flood team and Stantec in Ruskington to investigate flood events.
5. Anwick resident (via email on 31/3/2025) – Request to speak at the Council meeting on 1/4/2025 to raise awareness of the proposed biogas plant in Anwick. (The Clerk advised that they would be welcome to attend the public session commencing at 7pm.)
6. Anwick resident (via email on 1/4/2025) – Advised that they were unable to attend the Council meeting on 1/4/2025 to raise awareness of the renewable biogas plant proposed for Ruskington.
7. Gallagher (via email on 1/4/2025) Spring newsletter from Council’s insurance company.
8. LALC (via email on 1/4/2025) – Changes to the model Standing Orders issued by NALC. (Council’s Standing Orders will be updated accordingly and in line with the revised Financial Regulations.)
9. National Lottery Heritage Fund (via email on 1/4/2025) – Update on the funding application and consent to start the lychgate renovation.
10. ICCM (via email on 3/4/2025) - Public consultation regarding EA Standard Rules Permits for cemeteries.
11. NKDC (via email on 3/4/2025) - Statements of Persons Nominated for the County Council and CCA Mayoral elections on 1 May 2025. (Displayed as requested.)
12. NKDC (via email on 5/4/2025) – Draft condition report and list of fixtures and fittings for the public toilets on Church Street undertaken on 24/3/2025.
13. NKDC (via email on 5/4/2025) – ID posters for the elections on 1 May 2025. (Shared as requested).
14. Resident (via email on 5/4/2025) – Littering (especially of cigarette butts outside a barber’s shop on High Street South). The Clerk has spoken to a staff member and issued a letter.
15. Resident (via email on 7/4/2025) – Thank you for the “Important Update for Ruskington” post regarding the ducks on 1 April 2025. (Comments passed on to the Admin Assistant who created the April Fool’s post.)
16. Ruskington Bingo Co-ordinator (by email on 8/4/2025). Complaint about an interaction with a member of the Lions JFC regarding parking at the Village Hall. (Email forwarded to the secretary of the Lions JFC with the consent of the Co-ordinator).
17. Resident (via email on 8/4/2025) – Expression of interest made in sponsoring a flower tub beside the Beck. (The Clerk responded with information).
18. Resident (by email on 8/4/2025) – Copied into email sent to PC Green and the ASBO Team at NKDC with a report of drug taking and drug taking paraphernalia being left in Horseshoe Hollow. (This follows an in-person complaint made to Council on 7/4/20.)
19. National Infrastructure Planning (by email on 9/4/2025) – Invitation to attend a preliminary meeting regarding the proposed Springwell solar farm on 7 May 2025.
20. LCC Flood Team (by email on 14/4/2025) – Revised dates for the flood team to visit Ruskington and meet with members of Council.
21. Resident (by email on 15/4/2025) – Photos to show the crumbling edge of the public footpath alongside the allotments. (Clerk reported this to LCC Highways via Fix My Street on 15/4/2025).
22. NKDC Planning (by email on 15/4/2025) – Copy of draft decision (agreed) for the removal of the phone box (PCO1) on Lincoln Road. NKDC has sent a copy to the Secretary of State. (Agenda item.)
23. Resident (by email on 16/4/2025) – Information for the RFO regarding sponsorship of a tub beside the Beck (please see q above).
24. LCC Flood Team (by email on 16/4/2025) – Date and time for a meeting with representatives of Council regarding flood events in Ruskington. (Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 10am.)
25. RAF Cranwell (by email on 23/4/2025) – Request to use the pavilion for 15 minutes on 24/4/2025 prior to personnel setting off on a heritage trek to support of Royal Air Force and Allied Forces personnel. (Approved by the Clerk.)
26. LALC (by email on 23/4/2025) – Information on, and a link to, a new Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Directory.
1. Resident (by email on 23/4/2025) – Complaint regarding grass cuttings covering a headstone and silk flowers in Sleaford Road cemetery.  (Responded to by the Clerk on 23/4/2025
2. Climate Change Team at NKDC (by email on 23/4/2025) – Free signs available for promoting the community orchard created as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. (The Clerk has requested a sign).
55. Ruskington and Area Veteran’s Group (by email on 23/4/2025) – Proposal for the veterans to volunteer to help maintain the Garden of Remembrance under direction from the Council/ Environment Caretaker. (The Chairman, Cllr Hislop and Clerk met with a representative of the veteran’s group on 24/4/2025 to discuss. Agenda item.)
82. NKDC (by email on 24/4/2025 and 25/5/2 – Update on the s106 contribution from the development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).
109. M.O.D. (by email on 28/4/2025 and 29/4/2025) – Audit of grave deeds held by the Ministry of Defence for a member of military personnel interred in Sleaford Road cemetery. (Information provided.)
136. LCC (by email on 29/4/2025) – Town and Parish Newsletter for April 2025.
163. Resident (by email on 30/4/2025) – Suggestion for Council to erect anti-littering posters in the village to educate the community and reduce littering.
190. Member of public (by email on 30/4/20245) – Objection to the public payphone on Lincoln Road being removed. (Agenda item.)
217. Architect (by email on 6/5/2025) – Updated plans for the proposed pavilion and overflow carparking following the small sites assessment.
244. Employee of First Steps Nursery (by hand on 6/5/2025) – Request to hold a fundraising event at Parkfield playing files on 19/7/2025 and for the Council to co-host this event by allowing the organisers to use the Council’s public liability insurance. (Agenda item.)
271. Resident (by email on 7/5/2025) – Poor condition of Hillside play area. (Caretaker sent to inspect).
298. NKDC (by email on 7/5/2025) - Declaration of election results - Lincolnshire County Council division. (Displayed as required on Council’s website and noticeboard).

21. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only. (Any items raised for decision will appear on the agenda for the next meeting.)

22. To resolve whether to exclude the public and press, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to discuss the following legal matter below.  Should this resolution be passed, members of the public and press will be required to leave the meeting. The meeting will end, and a further meeting of the Council will be convened immediately.

23. To consider/ approve the amended draft lease for the public toilets following inclusion of the disabled facilities and receipt of a condition report. The lease agreement to be signed and returned by 1 July 2025 (extended deadline).

End of agenda.