DRAFT minutes - 21st July 2026
DRAFT minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 21st July 2026 at 7.30pm at Nocton Hub.
MEMBERSHIP:
Chair: Councillor Andy Hone
Vice-chair: Councillor Richard Robinson
Councillors: Richard Marshall, Lesley Routh-Jones, Andrew Davy (2 vacancies)
Clerk: John Money RFO: Gordon Roe
ATTENDANCE:
Chair: Councillor Andy Hone; Vice-chair: Councillor Richard Robinson;
Councillor Andrew Davy and the Clerk John Money. Plus 4 members of the public
Public forum: A resident raised concerns regarding the outstanding highway bush trimming works on Wellhead Lane which has been reported to LCC. Other issues that were raised: dangerous bridge at Wasps Nest; a tree that was cleared by residents; potential clearing of the Beck and increased evidence of dog excrement the village
District Councillors' report Cllr Dave Parry (NKDC) gave an overview of the new Lincolnshire County unitary authorities commencing 1st April 2028, the election for Councillors to form a shadow authority will be held in the first week of May 2027, when the parish elections will be held too. He also went on to speak about the NKDC community awards, new housing and a new care home facility. The viability of developing a new local plan in light of the change to a unitary authority was questioned.
Agenda Items:
1. Apologies for Absence were noted from Councillors Marshall, Routh-Jones and Carrington (LCC).
2. Declarations of Interest: None and no Dispensations were sought.
3. Minutes: The notes of the Full Council Meeting held on 09 June 2026 were accepted as drafted and signed.
4. Chair’s Report: The Chair of the Council spoke about the injury that Cllr Lesley Routh -Jones has sustained while on holiday in Madeira and on behalf of the parish council he wished her a speedy recovery and we hope to see her soon at parish events. He reported the new lamp standard has now been erected by Eon and National Grid. He also mentioned the ongoing benefits of solar panels producing electricity not only for our use but now we are exporting power to the grid for which we are being paid.
5. Hub Manager’s Report: The use of the hub is increasing and therefore producing cash benefits; together with small maintenance items that have been carried out.
6. Parish Clerk’s Report: he reported to Members that administration matters were up to date he went on to to further describe the impacts of unitarisation will have locally. The proposals that the government have accepted create a greater City of Lincoln authority which will encompass the parish of Nocton. The remainder of the old LCC area will be within the new Lincolnshire Rural authority; he went on to examine the potential effect this may have on parish as far as future development is concerned. He assured Members that he would keep them informed of all developments as they occur.
7. Adoption of outstanding policies: it was resolved to accept the following policies as drafted: Co-option procedure; Disciplinary, Dismissal and Grievance; Standing Orders. Regarding the Personnel Committee terms of reference - to be reviewed by Personnel Committee at its next meeting. The Charity Hub Hire Policy to be determined on the return of Cllr Lesley Routh-Jones. The Chair thanked all for their input to this important subject.
8. To agree wording to be used in the proposed letter to Dyson regarding Nocton Hall. It was resolved to accept the draft prepared by Cllr Richard Robinson with a few minor amendments. The Clerk to post the letter to Sir James Dyson so he may receive it before the minutes are posted, also copies to be sent to two senior members of the Dyson organisation locally.
9. To receive an update on lamp post work in the village and funding to carry it out: The Clerk reported that the RFO was dealing with the PWLB with regard to sourcing a loan to procure the works, as soon as we have anything more concrete, or an agreement to sign, we may have to call an extraordinary meeting in August to deal with the business.
10. To receive an update regarding grant aid availability. The Clerk reported that there is a £3,000 LCC grant available for certain works within each Counsellor's area. He also reported that he had contacted Anne Marie Shepherd, the partnerships officer at NKDC to inquire if there were other grant aid schemes available for certain works within the parish but there are no schemes that would be suitable. Ideas for projects within the parish that require funding should be proposed to the Clerk.
11. To consider whether it would be prudent to collate a written record of Nocton Hall and the old RAF Hospital site for future planning consideration (use of existing materials plus memories of villagers or ex-workers). It was resolved that this exercise should be undertaken for future use should any planning applications be submitted for either the Old Hall or the old RAF hospital site.
12. To consider a reply to the Ramblers regarding footpaths on Nocton Hall and Hospital land. After a short debate it was resolved that the parish council adopt a neutral position to this proposal and leave it up to Ramblers Association to make their own submissions to the County Council.
13. Planning Matters: After a short debate it was resolved to recommend the following to the LPA regarding the following planning and tree works applications. 26/0807/HOUS Erection of new gates Potterhanworth Road.: to support the application. 26/0837/TCA Clear fell a Hawthorn tree at The Avenue Nocton: to support the application.
14. Financial Matters:
(a) To note the current bank balances: Noted. Current reserves forecast for year end is £14835 (up from £13909 last year).
(b) Payments for the month of June 2026 and upcoming payments were approved.
15. To confirm that the next meeting will take place on 08/ 09/ 2026 on the proviso that an extraordinary meeting may have to be called within the month of August 2026.
Public forum: A resident raised the question of the redecoration of the Event Hall, the Chair replied to say that it was proposed to redecorate below the new dado with a more resilient oil-based paint. A question was raised to ascertain the amount of money held by the parish council in respect of the now redundant 200 Club. Members replied to say there is £1,932.00 within that allocated account, applications may still be made for deserving causes. A question was raised regarding the allotment dispute which was heard in the courts on the 7th of May 2026 and if anyone had any information relating to it. The Chair stated that this was not a parish council matter but a private legal dispute between two parties. He said he had heard that the judge was still making his decision. The installation of warm air extraction in the hall is looked forward to.
The meeting finished at 8:48pm and The Chair thanked all for their attendance.