Draft Minutes for Oct 2026

Download a PDF copy of the minutes here

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 7.30 pm

Venue: Willoughby Memorial Gallery, Corby Glen

Present: Clerk Neil Southwell (NS); Cllrs Walsingham (Chair)(JW), Shepperson (Vice-Chair) (LS), Baker(MB), Harty(KH), Hamblin(MH) and Harwood(RH)
In attendance: Cllr N Robins(NR) and two residents

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs S Mardling (SM) and J Ellam(JE) and S Thompson ( ST)

No apologies were received from Cllr M Hill ( MH) LCC

2. District Councillors’ report

The report is attached.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2026 were approved as a true record. LS abstained from this vote

4. Declarations of interest

There were no declarations of interest.

5. Previous action log

Outstanding items from the previous action log were placed on hold and marked as inactive per JW

6. Clerk’s and Chair’s reports on outstanding matters

• Quotes are to be obtained for defibrillator pads.
• Section 106 funds from new developments are to be reviewed.
• An objection is to be raised regarding the pylons and substation, as set out in LS’s email. The Council is to investigate whether community funds can be accessed. The objection is to be noted as Council policy. Outcomes from other similarly affected councils are to be obtained and shared. A vote was unanimous
• The ongoing “Severn Trent smell” issue was noted.
• There was no update from Highways. The officer is to be followed up.
• Parking issues are to be referred to LCC. This relates specifically to Barleycroft

7. The Beacon

Quotes are to be obtained for restoration work to The Beacon.

8. Planning

There were no planning updates, other than that Muller Homes may adjust its policy and revisit planning within the prescribed guidelines. This is a note for future reference

9. Greens working group

Sovereign is to be followed up regarding asset maintenance, as breakages have occurred. The scope of the insurance cover is to be checked. A dedicated record is to be kept of work carried out.

10. Finance

The receipts and payments schedule is attached.

Once full banking access has been obtained by NS accounting records are to be transferred to the FreeAgent accounts package. This is intended to provide greater visibility and security. These comments were recorded under finance not “open forum “

A resident asked why payee names were no longer recorded. It was explained that this was due to GDPR requirements.

A draft budget is to be prepared for the December meeting. (NS)

11. Other matters

• Parking on the green remains an issue. NS is to write to the dance academy and the school.
• The Buttercross is to be used for Christmas lights only if it is safe to do so. English Heritage is to be contacted regarding restoration, as the Buttercross may be an important monument.
• Previous minutes are to be searched for references to this matter.
• Christmas lights are to erected on the Buttercross as in previous years .A vote was unaminous

12. Items for the next agenda

• Fencing for the Buttercross
• Tree arrangements
• Christmas road closures
• Follow-up on road refurbishment relating to new developments
• Can items to be included in future agendas be notified to NS in good time

The meeting closed at 8.40 pm.

Finance annex

N Robins Report

Please find below my report for tonight’s parish council meeting, covering the latest developments at South Kesteven District Council. 

Local Government Reorganisation 

Local Government Reorganisation remains a significant issue for Lincolnshire. The Government announced a review of reorganisation plans in several areas, including Lincolnshire, in September. SKDC has also taken preliminary steps towards a potential legal challenge to the original decision. 

There are no immediate changes to the day-to-day delivery of council services. I will continue to monitor developments, particularly their implications for local representation, accountability and service delivery. 

Planning and the New Local Plan 

SKDC is preparing to begin a new Local Plan process following the decision to stop work on the previous Local Plan Review. 

The indicative timetable envisages adoption of a new Local Plan in August 2029, with an initial consultation on its scope scheduled for November and December 2026. 

This will be an important opportunity to consider future housing requirements, infrastructure, employment opportunities and the protection of our countryside. The existing adopted Local Plan remains in use while the replacement is prepared. 

Housing and Support for Residents 

Housing and homelessness prevention remain important priorities for the district. Early intervention and partnership working are intended to help residents at risk of homelessness access support and longer-term accommodation. 

I will continue to raise local housing concerns and encourage residents who require assistance to contact the appropriate council services. 

Leisure and Community Facilities 

SKDC recently announced a £190,000 investment in a new interactive water-play area at Stamford Leisure Pool, replacing the old flume, which was beyond economical repair. Improvements to leisure facilities remain part of the council’s wider programme of investment in community services. 

Council Finance and Services 

Financial management and value for money remain important as SKDC continues to deliver its services and prepares for potential local government reorganisation. I will continue to monitor decisions affecting residents and the services available to our communities. 

Parish and Ward Issues 

Please continue to bring forward any local concerns relating to planning, housing, environmental matters, waste services or other district council responsibilities. I welcome communication with parish councillors and residents and will endeavour to ensure that issues are directed to the appropriate department and followed up. 

My priority remains representing residents across Castle Ward and ensuring that the needs of our local communities are considered in decisions made by South Kesteven District Council. 

Nick Robins