Minutes 2025

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   Minutes of the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held 19:00hrs Tuesday, 29 July 2025, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.
Present: Cllr T Baldry, Cllr C Brewis, Cllr M Booth, Cllr D Cook, Cllr T Judd, Cllr J Kirby-Fox, Cllr S McLaughlin, Cllr M Middleton, Cllr M Philpott, Cllr M Pitt, Cllr A Scarlett, Mrs C Smith, (Clerk), Mrs K Croxford (Admin Assistant), County Cllr R Woods
Absent: None
Members of the Public: Three
Unless otherwise stated, actions are to be undertaken by the clerk.
25.158. There were no apologies.
25.159. Cllr M Booth declared an interest on allotment agenda items, as he was a family member of a tenant
25.160. Public Representations.
i. It was reported that the drain in the car park was blocked, could something be done about this.
ii. A member of the public commented that that an old lorry tyre had been dumped on the roundabout near the bridge. It was requested that this be removed as soon as possible
iii. Flooding was also reported along Churchgate, which had overflowed onto the pavement, rendering it inaccessible to residents. Concerns were raised regarding the condition of the drainage system in the area, and it was asked whether any action could be taken to address the issue and ensure the drains are properly maintained. County Cllr Woods would look into this.
iv. It was asked if the Council were aware that the recent planning application for the Mobile Asphalt plant had gone to an appeal. Cllr Brewis reported that this would be discussed later in the meeting.
v. Thanks were expressed to Ms Davies for all her hard work in maintaining the Memorial Garden located in the car park.
vi. A query was raised regarding whether the boat on the roundabout near the bridge would be receiving any flower planting this year. Cllr Booth responded that due to the recent dry weather conditions, it had not been suitable for planting. However, it was hoped that the boat would be planted up later in the year when conditions improve.
25.161. It was resolved to approve the minutes of meeting held Tuesday 24 June 2025; they were signed by the chair.
25.162. Police
i. The clerk reported that there was a Lincolnshire Police and Council briefing session on the 18 September 2025 via Microsoft Teams if anyone wished to attend. Cllr Brewis & Cllr Middleton advised that they would be available. Cllr Kirby-Fox would let the clerk know her availability
ii. The Speed Indicator Sign had been removed and was being charged up in the Parish Office.
25.163. Chairs report
i. It had been noted that a number of developments had taken place regarding the trees and fences. These matters would be discussed in more detail later in the agenda
ii. Thanks were expressed to Cllr S. McLaughlin for stepping in and covering the last two meetings during her absence.
25.164. Clerk’s Report
i. Vandalism Memorial Park. An incident had occurred on the 16 July, resulting in damage to several trees, a bench, and the football target wall. This had been reported to the Police and CCTV footage was being obtained. The Police advised that the damaged trees should be cleared promptly to reduce the risk of further fires. The contractor had carried out the tree clearance at a cost of £25.00 and also repaired the football target wall for an additional £25.00
ii. Trees – Ongoing tree work continued in the Memorial Park. Concerns had been raised about two large Poplar trees along the Arnie Broughton Walk, which had been dropping branches. A recent tree report recommended reducing these trees to 5 metres.
iii. However, once work began, the contractor discovered that the trees were in distress and several branches contained large cracks. Following discussions, it was agreed that the trees should be reduced back to good wood. This resulted in a reduction of 19 metres, with an additional cost of £450.00 per tree. Further work outlined in the tree report was scheduled to
take place in October. In addition, a recent play equipment inspection had identified a Beech tree near the children’s play area that also required reduction work due to overhanging branches
iv. Memorial Park – Following a recent emergency, the air ambulance had landed in the Memorial Park. As a result, the lock on the park gate was cut off once again to allow access. Two further locks had been brought at a total cost of £11.65 + VAT. The emergency services would again be contacted regarding the access code to the lock.
25.165. County and District Councillors Reports
1. County Cllr Woods LCC (Lincolnshire County Council) – Nothing to report.
2. Cllr Booth reported on the following SHDC (South Holland District Council) matters
i. A Teams meeting had been arranged to discuss increasing support for individuals transitioning to independent living after leaving hospital. This initiative had the support of Cllrs Booth and Brewis
ii. It was noted that the number of members on District Council committees had been reduced to eleven per committee. Concern was expressed regarding this decision, particularly given the number of wards in the area. He felt that this reduction may compromise full democratic representation
iii. A letter had been sent out to remind recipients of the single person discount for council tax, residents are required to inform the Council of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their eligibility
iv. He commented that Lincolnshire Police were financially in a difficult situation, and it was hoped that no more additional cuts to the Police would be made.
3. Cllr Brewis reported on SHDC (South Holland District Council).
i. It was noted that Lincolnshire Police had the lowest per capita funding of any police force in the country. Concerns were raised that the force was significantly underfunded.
ii. It was reported that the construction of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) was scheduled to begin following the completion of the multi-storey car park. However, concern was expressed regarding the proposed design of the hospital, specifically the plan to replace traditional wards with single rooms as this may not be a beneficial approach for patient care.
iii. The District Council were soon to be introducing the new wheelie bin refuse collections; however, some homes could be exempt from the changes because bins would not be suitable for terraced and rural properties.
iv. Extra funding had now been received from Government following the recent campaign for fairer funding for the Internal Drainage Board levies.
v. Voluntary Car Scheme – Bus passes could be used on this service
vi. He had made a long response towards the recent planning appeal for the mobile asphalt plant, if anyone would like a copy please contact him. All objections previously submitted would be forwarded but any further comments should be forwarded to https://www.gov.uk/appeal-planning-inspectorate or sent to Planning Inspectorate Registry/Scanning, Temple Quay House,2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN by 25 August 2025 under reference number APP/A2525/W/25/3369055
vii. All councillors who were able to attend to remove the ivy on the trees should meet in the Memorial Park on Sunday 3 August 2025 at 10:30 am.
25.166. Financial Matters
i. It was resolved to approve the June cash book and bank reconciliation.
ii. It was resolved to approve payments to 29 July 2025 as circulated at Appendix A. Cllr Middleton and Cllr Scarlett would authorise bank payments.
iii. Receipts of £261.01 bank interest, £10,000 grant, £2563.82 other income were noted
25.167. Correspondence from residents at Tyco Close.
i. Members discussed correspondence from residents concerning the fence and ownership of the damaged fence bordering the Memorial Park and Tyco Close, including a letter from Sir John Hayes on the matter.
ii. It was resolved to meet with residents to discuss the issue further, the clerk to liaise with the chair to arrange an extraordinary meeting if necessary. Cllr Kirby – Fox abstained from voting.
iii. The meeting was arranged for Tuesday, 5 August 2025 at 18:00, to take place at Tyco Close. The clerk would write to the residents to inform them of the meeting and review the budget.
25.168. Correspondence from resident at Tyco Close inspection of trees

i. It was resolved that the trees in question would be inspected during the meeting on 5 August 2025, allowing councillors the opportunity to view them on site prior to any further discussion or decisions being made.
25.169. CCTV proposal
i. The proposal had been circulated to Cllrs; further information was required before we could proceed with a quotation. Cllr Booth would arrange a meeting with South Holland District Council (SHDC) to discuss the proposal in more detail.
ii. Cllr Scarlett asked if CCTV could be installed in the Memorial Park at the same time due to the increase in vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The Clerk reported that this had been previously investigated, but due to the absence of an electricity supply in the park, it was not financially viable. Installation may become feasible once the PlayZone and new Pavilion had been constructed.
25.170. Councillors’ open surgeries were being held in the Police Room at the Curlew Centre, Sutton Bridge on the second Saturday of the month between 10am and 12, the next one would be on the 9 August 2025.
25.171. Correspondence
i. Love Parks South Hollands Roadshow Event – Wednesday 30 July 2025 in the Memorial Park, Sutton Bridge from 11am to 15:00hrs.
ii. Golf Club Anti-Social Behaviour – An email had been received concerning anti- social behaviour at Sutton Bridge Golf Club. The clerk had informed the club chairman that anti-social behaviour had been reported by the Council as one of its Police priorities.
iii. Temporary Traffic Restriction - 28 August to 24 November 2025 overnight from 19:00 to 06:00 for Bridge maintenance on A17 Lynn Road, A17 Tydd Bank and A17 between Tydd Road roundabout for further information contact https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/roadworks
iv. VJ80 Anniversary – A parade and service of thanksgiving and reflection would be held on Sunday 17 August 2025. The parade would start at 13:30 hrs from Ayscoughfee Tennis Courts and a service held at 14:30 hrs in St Mary’s & St Nicholas Church, Church Street, Spalding.
v. Churchgate Resident – Details of overgrown vegetation was reported near a residents property. This matter would be considered at the next Open Spaces Committee
vi. Burial Plot Enquiry – Further to correspondence sent to all exclusive rights holders concerning the placement of items on burial plots. The circulated rules and regulations were in place to ensure the cemetery was maintained as a lawn cemetery. As such, it had been agreed that all personal items should be removed and only be placed on the memorial stone plinth
vii. Fenland District Council – An invitation had been received from the Chairman of Fenland District Council on the 19 September 2025 from 18:30hrs to 20:30hrs at Gorefield Community Hall.
25.172. Playzone Project
i. Cllr McLaughlin reported that they had held a Teams meeting with Edge who were the builders for the new Playzone. There was to be a site visit on the 11 August to discuss where it will be formally sited
ii. Currently funding had been acquired from the levelling up fund of £68,000, £10,000 from the East Coast Solar Farm and £2000.00 from the Grange Wind Farm. We were still waiting on £15,000 from Sports England and £2000,00 from Sutton Bridge Power Station.
iii. Thanks were expressed to the clerk for all her hardwork in obtaining the grants for the project.
iv. Cllr Middleton reported that prior to the site visit on the 11 August 2025 the new Pavilion would be marked out so that the area could be determine before the new Playzone was built.
v. The Clerk reported that a Letter of Intent had been issued by Edge to the Parish Council, outlining the jobs, surveys and planning permissions still required. The associated costs were estimated to be in the region of £12,000. It was resolved that a solicitor be appointed to review the Letter of Intent. If possible the costs for the legal advice would be shared with Pinchbeck Parish Council if they were reviewing the same documentation.
25.173. Planning Applications
i. Cllr Brewis declared an interest in the agenda item and did not participate in the vote.
ii. H18-0682-25: The Rookery, 171 Rookery Road, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9QG, change of use of agricultural building to dwelling. No comment.
Chair’s signature: …………………………………….
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iii. H18-0659-25: Land between East Bank/Gunthorpe Road, Sutton Bridge PE12 7JJ: Details of Biodiversity Gain Plan & 30-year habitat management & Maintenance plan (HMMP): No comment
iv. H18-0622-25: Gunthorpe Road Solar Farm, Land south of Gunthorpe Road, Walpole Marsh PE14 7JH: Modifications of conditions 2, 6 and 7 under H18-0448-24. No comment
v. H18-0528-24: Greenworld Park, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9RN: Appeal Erection of Mobile Asphalt Plant
20:42 hrs Standing orders were suspended to allow a member of the public to ask a question.
vi. It was asked if it was more beneficial to write a letter to object to the mobile asphalt plant?
20:44 hrs Standing orders were reinstated
vii. Cllr Brewis commented that all previous objections would be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate. However, it would be helpful for more individuals to submit their objections again, as greater public response would be beneficial.
viii. It was resolved to object on the following grounds as before.
1. Proposed site close to neighboring residential properties, play areas, proposed new Sports Pavilion and The Wash which was a special area of conservation. Some affected areas had not been mentioned in the assessment.
2. Visibility from the main A17 as the proposed height has now increased
3. Flood Zone stated as two when in fact it was in Flood Zone three.
4. Small employment opportunities.
5. Increase in traffic movements and a visible change of character in the local community.
6. Next to trees along the Arnie Broughton Walk which were under Tree preservation order 15.
7. Impact on health from toxic smells, noise pollution and dust pollution to neighbouring properties including the Health Centre nearby.
8. Requirements to conduct a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
9. No allowance had been made to store materials.
20:46hrs Cllr Booth left the meeting.
25.174. Planning Decisions – Councillors noted the planning decisions made by South Holland District Council as listed below:
20:48hrs Cllr M Booth returned to the meeting
i. H18-0586: Bridge Hotel, 4 Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9UA: Change of use from hotel Class 1 to residential Class C3 including the creating of 15 residential units: Refused
ii. H18-0445-25: Bould Minerals, West Bank, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9UR: Details of soakaway system: Approved
iii. H18-0416-25: Adjacent to 37 New Road, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9RQ: Details of existing & proposed site and floor levels: Approved
25.175. Committee Reports
01. New Pavilion Committee
i. Pavilion – Cllr Middleton reported that acquiring funds was still difficult. A meeting had been arranged on the 15 August with SBUFC, the Parish Council and Sir John Hayes to discuss a way forward.
ii. Open Spaces, Burials and Allotments –An allotment meeting had been held on the 6 July 2025, this had been very wet, but the allotments were looking much better. A tenants meeting had been arranged for Tuesday 9 September 2025 at 18:00 hrs
iii. A working group would meet on Sunday 3 August 2026 at 10:30 in the Memorial Park to cut back the ivy on the trees.
02 Other Committees
i. Events Working Party – The Clerk reported that a meeting of the Events Working Party had been held on Monday, 28 July 2025, to discuss arrangements for the Fireworks Display scheduled for Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It was noted that the Fair would be extended into the car park area, and therefore, no vehicle parking would be permitted. Discussions were to take place with the Constitutional Club regarding the provision of disabled parking.
25.176. There were no outside body representative reports
25.177. There were no public participations
25.178. Next date of Meeting – Tuesday 23 September 2025 at 19:00hrs
25.179. It was resolved to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1(2).
Chair’s signature: …………………………………….
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20:55hrs Three members of the public and County Cllr Woods left the meeting.
25.180. Cllr Middleton reminded all Councillors that matters discussed during the closed session are to remain confidential at all times and must not be disclosed outside the committee.
25.181. Quotes
i. Structural Testing of the lighting for the Christmas Lights – It was resolved to approve the quote for the structural testing of the Christmas Lighs @ £1350.00 + VAT
ii. Play area maintenance quote – It was resolved to purchase graffiti wipes @£13.00 and obtain a grant for the maintenance work.
iii. The clerk reported that a further tree survey in the Memorial Park would cost in the region of £830 + VAT.
25.182. Staffing and administration matters
i. It was resolved to approve the staff pay increase for the 2025/2026 financial year in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services pay award, to be backdated to 1 April 2025.
The chair closed the meeting at 21:10 hrs.

Appendix A