2025 - Minutes

DRAFT Minutes December 2025

                     DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 

Held on Tuesday 9th December 2025 at 7.00pm at Nocton Hub, Main Street, Nocton.

 

MEMBERSHIP:

Chair:​​ Councillor Andy Hone

Vice-chair: ​Councillor George McDonnell

Councillors:​ Lesley Routh-Jones, Richard Robinson, Richard Marshall, Andrew Davy (1 vacancy) 

Clerk: ​​John Money RFO: Gordon Roe

ATTENDANCE:

The​ Chair:​​ Councillor Andy Hone; Councillors Richard Robinson; Richard Marshall; Andrew Davy: John F Money & Gordon Roe.

 

Public forum (15 minutes):

  • The planning application at 72 a Steamer Point Road was mentioned 

  • A Street lamp that is not working properly on Nocton Park Road was reported - Fix My Street was suggested 

  • The Hub Christmas tree was complimented.

 

County & District Council reports:

Councillor Dave Parry apologised for his recent absences from our meetings due to work commitments. He said that the leader of the district council Richard Wright together with other members of the council have been busy putting together their bid in the local government reorganisation; he also said that the NKDC lottery is now two years old and has given £130,000 to good causes and went onto to say that there is free parking in Sleaford over the Christmas period in the district council car park.

 

The Chair of the Council moved the meeting into formal session

Agenda Items:

1. Apologies for Absence: Apologies for absence apologies were received from Councillors McDonald and Routh-Jones; the absence of Councillor Ian Carrington was noted.

 

2. Declarations of Interest: None given

 

3. It was resolved that the draft minutes of the meeting held on the 11th of November 2025 was a true and accurate record of the meeting and it was further resolved the Chair of the Council sign them as the official minutes. Action the Chair of the Council and the Clerk

 

4. 2026/27 Budget and Precept Request.  The Chair of the Council invited the RFO Gordon Roe to give an overview of the proposed budget for the year 2026/27, the Chair further thanked Gordon for his efforts in preparing such a comprehensive document which members have had the benefit of for some days. The RFO recommended a precept request of an increase of 9.8% which would represent £11.00 extra council tax on a Band D residence within the Parish. It was noted that the expected loan repayment for the remedial work to the streetlamps was included in the increased sum. It was proposed seconded and resolved that the precept be increased by 9.8% based on last year ‘s sum. There being no further business to transact on this item Gordon Roe left the meeting with the permission of the Chair of the Council Action the RFO.

 

5. Chair’s Report:  The Chairs report included an update on the toilet overflowing damages caused by antisocial behaviour and the CCTV records of such; he also went on to say that he believed we will have to purchase a new garage door as the repairs to the existing one have not been successful. He went on to thank Counsellor McDonnell for sourcing the Christmas tree and the Hub manager for the decoration of the internal tree; he updated the Council on the transaction between AG properties and the Parish Council and the clawback overage condition was mentioned.

 

6. Hub Manager’s Report: The Hub manager reported that the heating system is now fully regulated and is working as it should do.  There are a number of additional bookings in the pipeline.  The Hub Manager wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

 

7. Parish Clerk’s Report: The Clerk reporte that all the correspondence is up to date. He made comment on the proposed dado rail; the subject of the tankering from the sewage works was raised and it was agreed that he further communicate to Anglian Water Services to get an update on exactly what is happening with the tankage. Action the Clerk.

 

8. To receive an update on progress in the plan to update the NPC risk register: Councillor Davy updated the council related to the formulation of the risk register that he and Councillor Routh-Jones have been drafting. It was agreed to bring a further draft before the January meeting for resolution on the way forward. Action Councillor’s Routh-Jones and Davy.

9. To receive an update on the situation regarding lamp post replacements and the arrangement of a loan to facilitate it: The Clerk reported that the Eon officer was still awaiting concrete pricing from LCC Highways relating to Road Closing orders and the cost of such. Action the Clerk.

10. To receive an update on progress towards installing ventilation into the event hall at The Hub: The Clerk informed Members that schedule of the proposed works had been sent out to three contractors, at the moment he had received one quotation back,  he further went on to explain the technicalities of air flow management required to better ventilate the events hall. Action Clerk.

11.  Planning Matters: It was resolved to support the two tree works applications; with regard to 25/1350/FUL 72a Steamer Point Road. After some debate. It was resolved that the Parish Council support this application in principle but highlight the road safety issues which had been identified in the public forum. Action the Clerk.

12 Bridleway update (reoccurring item until resolution): Regarding the Bridleway, it was resolved that the Clerk communicates with LCC Highways to get some further assurances that they are progressing this matter. Also Clerk to communicate the other outstanding issues relating to the standard of work to repair the highway in Main Street and the night working adjacent to the Green. Action the Clerk.

13. Christmas Tree on the Green: The Clerk/Council had received a communication from the parishioners who provide the Christmas tree on the Green each year. And further requesting from the Parish Council if in the future they would assist with the costs of its (Christmas tree) provision and associated entertainment costs. It was resolved to communicate further and get some indication of the costs involved and bring this back to a future meeting but in principle the Council felt that it would like to support this initiative in some way. Action the Chair of the Council and the Clerk

 

15. Financial Matters:  (Documents previously circulated by the RFO).

(a) To note the current bank balances

(b) To ratify payments for the months of November 2025 and to approve the list of upcoming payments: The financial documents had been circulated by the RFO 

a) The current bank balances were noted and b) it was resolved that the Chair signed the authorisation for payment. Action the Chair of the Council.

13. Date of Next Meeting: To agree when the next meeting will take place (13 01 26)

Public forum (10mins)

The issue of grant aid for the provision of street lighting was raised as was the security of the front door whilst meetings are taking place. It was provisionally agreed that the Council would research the provision of a ‘Bing Bong’ alarm to indicate when the door is opened; The Chair answered a question regarding the fencing around the Old Hall and updated the meeting on the net cost saving relating to the grant aided solar panel installation.

 

The Chair of the Council closed the meeting at 8:25 pm; thanked everyone for their attendance.  The Chair wished all a very happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.