March 2026 DRAFT Minutes
MARCH 2026 MINUTES
The Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday 5th March at 7.30 p.m. in Hough on the Hill Church community area.
Present: Councillors S Sharman (Chair), R Harris (Vice-Chair), A Seage and District Cllr P Milnes. There was 1 member of the public present
Clerk/RFO - Donna Lang
Absent: Councillors L Rann, S Allen and County Councillor K Bamford
Cllr Sharman opened the meeting with a welcome to those present.
79/26 To receive apologies and valid reasons for absence, these having been submitted to the Clerk prior to the meeting. Apologies for absence had been received from Cllrs Rann, Allen and County Councillor Bamford.
80/26 To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and receive Requests for Dispensations. There were none.
81/26 To approve the draft notes as the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 13th November 2025 and for the Chairman to sign them as the agreed minutes. It was proposed by Cllr Seage, seconded by Cllr Harris and resolved to approve the Parish Council Minutes. The Minutes were duly signed.
82/26 To receive reports from County and District Councillors (for information only). These are attached to the Minutes (posted on website only).
83/26 To note the list of correspondence since the November council meeting. Noted. (Posted on website only).
84/26 To note the resignations of Jeremy Pope in January 2026 and Vicky McLean in February 2026 and SKDC confirmation that these vacancies can be filled by co-option. Noted.
85/26 To consider co-option application(s) received. Applications had been forwarded to all councillors prior to the meeting to consider. The Chair will invite proposed applicants to say a little about themselves. Resolution to propose a vote for each candidate. There had been one applicant who had put themselves forward for the role. The Chair invited Megan Powell Vreeswijk to introduce herself and say why they wanted to join the Council. The Chair then asked councillors to vote. It was proposed by Cllr Harris, seconded by Cllr Seage and resolved to co-opt Megan Powell Vreeswijk. Megan signed her Declaration of Acceptance of Office and joined the meeting.
86/26 Any other business. A member of the public had submitted a request before the meeting to address the large scale of Panda/Mountain lorries coming through the village. District Cllr Milnes recommended that clerk email Cllr Bamford and LCC Highways to follow through as she believed they had limited access through the village.
Policies and Procedures:
87/26 Resolution to approve the adoption of an Information Technology Policy. This had been forwarded to all councillors prior to the meeting. The Chair wished it to be noted that it was very important to be aware of the content of emails sent between the PC and councillors which would not be detrimental to the PC or an individual. As Cllr Powell Vreeswijk had only just joined the PC and had not had sight of the IT policy it was decided to delay the approval until the May meeting to give Cllr Powell Vreeswijk to review before approval.
Planning and Tree Matters:
To note tree works applications received from SKDC:
88/26 S25/2276 – Section 211 Notice to reduce limb of apple tree at 4 Gelston Road, Hough on the Hill. Work allowed. Noted.
89/26 S25/0704 – Section 211 Notice to remove 4 no. conifer trees and replace with suitable alternatives at Forge Farm House, 8 Grantham Road, Hough on the Hill. Work allowed. Noted.
To note planning applications received from SKDC:
90/26 S25/1061 – Construction of new building on paddock land for commercial cattery at Brandon Lodge Cottage, Stubton Road, Brandon. Planning permission granted. Noted.
91/26 S25/0128 – Side extension and alterations to attached rear store building at Hough Grange, Grange Lane, Hough on the Hill. Planning permission granted. Noted.
92/26 S25/1903 – Construction of three no. residential dwellings at Wayside Farm, Lower Road, Hough on the Hill. Planning permission refused. Noted.
93/26 Play Area. To note play inspection reports received for November, December 2025 and January and February 2026. Park clean and maintenance required. Date to be determined and volunteers required. The Chair expressed concerns about the longevity of the play area equipment and at what stage it would become unsafe. The Chair asked clerk to enquire of Wicksteed who do the play area inspection reports of a more detailed report to identify these concerns.
94/26 Neighbourhood Plan/Design Code: Cllr Sharman update. The Chair had reported on this in the APM report but wished to further clarify that there had been an extensive publicity campaign advertising the SKDC consultation dates by household flyers, noticeboards and website.
Financial Matters:
95/26 To approve bank reconciliations for 30.11.25, 31.12.25, 31.01.26 and 28.02.26. The bank reconciliations had been checked by Cllr Sharman prior to the meeting. It was proposed by Cllr Harris, seconded by Cllr Seage and resolved to approve bank reconciliations. They were duly signed.
96/26 To note AA Glazing invoice for £130.74 in respect of Gelston noticeboard glass repair. Noted.
97/26 To note LALC invoice for £183.12 in respect of annual subscription. Noted.
98/26 To note receipt of £49.12 in respect of annual wayleave. Noted.
99/26 Resolution to approve the payment of clerk’s expenses for the period from November 2025 to February 2026 in the sum of £112.80. This had been forwarded to all councillors prior to the meeting. It was proposed by Cllr Harris, seconded by Cllr Seage and resolved to approve clerk’s expenses. They were duly signed.
100/26 To appoint a parish councillor for a trustee role in respect of Hough on the Hill Relief in Need Charity. Cllr Powell Vreeswijk put herself forward for the role of trustee. Clerk would advise the Chair of Hough on the Hill Relief in Need Charity.
101/26 To note date of next meeting – Thursday, 7th May 2026. Noted.
The meeting closed at 8.23p.m.
Please be advised that these are notes of the meeting taken by the clerk and cannot in any way be regarded as the official minutes of Council proceedings until they are approved and signed at the next meeting.
Attachments: (on website only)
Correspondence received since the November 2025 council meeting to 27 Feb 2026
County and District Councillors Reports
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Correspondence received since 31st October 2025 meeting
SKDC Validation of HOH NP and consultation dates
SKDC planning application S25/1903 – construction of three residential dwellings (2 no two storey and 1 no one storey) on previously developed agricultural land
The Community Heartbeat Trust Invoice x 3 telephone emergency system £270
Cllr Bamford report for Nov meeting
Cllr Bamford/LCC Highways – refusal of reduction in speed limit along Lower Road, Hough
LALC News
Cllr Harris DPI form in respect of Planning application S25/1903
SKDC decision notice – S25/0704 – Forge Farm House, 8 Grantham Road, Hough on the Hill Section 211 Notice to remove 4 conifer trees – work allowed
SKDC decision notice – Hough Grange, Grange lane, Hough on the Hill - Side extension and alterations to attached rear store building to form annex – Approved
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
SKDC request for more info on NP and consultation date period
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner objection letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
LCC Town and Parish News
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
Parishioner support letter to Planning application S25/1903 – Wayside Farm
V Clark – Mid year internal auditors report and invoice for £70
SKDC enquiry on NP consultation date period
LCC Town Parish News
Cllr Milnes – Planning S25/1903 notification of calling in to committee
Cllr Milnes – Planning S25/1903 – notification of extension to planning decision deadline date
SKDC – Request for NP design code
Cllr Milnes – Planning S25/1468 – Brandon Clay shoot – notification of planning committee date
LALC News
SKDC Local Government Reorganisation November 2025 council briefing notes
LALC enquiries
LCC Highways – notification of temporary traffic restriction – Hough 19/1/26-21/1/26
LCC Highways – notification of tree removal Grantham Road between Gelston Road and point 2639m south 23/1/26
LALC News
SKDC Draft Design Code
LCC Town and Parish Council Newsletter
SKDC April start for food waste and recycling letter FAQ
SKDC Decision notice Section 211 notice – 4 Gelston Road, Hough on the Hill – work allowed
SKDC NP Review Submission and next steps with consultation dates
LN correspondence – Flood storage reservoir
LCC Town and Parish News
LCC Budget 2026/27 consultation
Cllr Bamford letter from constituent regarding trail hunting
Cllr J Pope resignation letter
LALC News
LALC Annual Subs invoice £183.12
SKDC walking festival
Innovative Resilience – Project groundwater flooding newsletter
Innovative Resilience – Telemetry installations
Parishioner enquiry re: councillor vacancy
SKDC Community and volunteer groups invitation to funding workshops
SKDC Webcasting advice notice
LALC News
SKDC Local Development Scheme 2026-2029
SKDC Decision Notice S25/1061 Brandon Lodge Cottage, Stubton Road, Brandon – New Business of commercial cattery – Approved
SKDC notice of food caddies arrival on Monday 2 February 2026
Cllr Bamford – Notice of strategy consultation Local Nature Recovery Strategy
LCC Highways and Transport feedback survey
LCC parish council community newsletter
Cllr Bamford – Summer 2025 surface dressing programme newsletter
SKDC HOH NP Development Review consultation public notice for consultation dates
Parishioner application letter for parish councillor vacancy
LCC Highways notification of traffic restriction Lower Road, Hough 16/3/26 – 20/3/26
LCC Local Government Reorganisation update
Microsoft reminder notice for invoice due in March for £84.99
NHS Supporting residents with sight and hearing newsletter
LALC News
SKDC Local Government Reorganisation consultation dates
V McLean resignation letter
Parishioner email re pot holes along Hough Road to Grantham
SKDC Walking festival invitation
Hough on the Hill Relief in Need charity update – resignation of Cllr Allen
Cllr Bamford sensory impairment newsletter
LALC webmaster invoice for 2026/27
LALC update on remote meeting attendance
Parish Online Newsletter
Parishioner enquiry as to large amount of skips coming through Hough
SKDC decision notice – Construction of three no residential dwellings at Wayside Farm, Hough on the Hill. Planning permission refused.
LCC Highways – update on works to Hough Road from Hough to Barkston
LALC News
LCC Town and Parish Community Newsletter
Hough on the Hill Relief in Need Charity end of year report
SKDC Walking Festival
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Councillor Ken Bamford
Hough Division
Lincolnshire County Council
County Offices
Newland
Lincoln LN1 1YL
Email: cllrk.bamford@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Dear fellow councillors,
Hough Councillor Report - March 2026
I am continuing to work with LCC to try and progress ongoing broader issues such as speeding, parking, roads and drainage (flooding), which are recurring themes across Hough.
In particular on roads, we are starting to look at how repairs are categorised and prioritised, and the quality of the repair itself, with more robust solutions, rather than fill patching.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Our proposal was submitted to the government at the end of November, along with other proposals from other Lincolnshire councils. A public consultation has now started on all the proposals and is expected to last for 7 weeks. Details of our proposal and the work to date is at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/yourlincolnshire.
Local Updates
Nothing to update.
All new issues that are proposed for LCC intervention should be logged in the PC meeting minutes and shared with Cllr Bamford. They will then be updated on in this report at the next meeting.
Thank you for your selfless service and continued vigilance in our community, we need everyone’s eyes and ears to help ensure our area remains a safe and well cared for place to live.
________________________________________
Hough on the Hill Parish Council 5 March 2026
Report District Ward Councillor Penny Milnes
LGR
The Government consultation on proposals for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Greater Lincolnshire continues.
You can participate by visiting the following weblink before the closing date of Thursday 26th March:
Proposals for local government reorganisation in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire - GOV.UK
The council’s preferred proposal is the BEST4GreaterLincolnshire proposal which has been drawn up with North Kesteven. It suggests Greater Lincolnshire be reorganised as follows:
• A new unitary authority consisting of the Kestevens with South Holland.
• A new unitary authority consisting of the Lindseys with Boston and Lincoln.
• North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities would remain as they are now.
Full details of all the proposals for Lincolnshire are available here:
Proposals | Greater Lincolnshire LGR Hub.
When the consultation has concluded, the Government will assess the feedback and decide which proposal will be implemented.
An announcement on the Government’s preferred outcome for Greater Lincolnshire is expected in July.
Food Waste
A reminder about the forthcoming introduction of food waste recycling.
It will commence from 12 April onwards on each household’s ordinary collection day.
Small caddies are being delivered to all households in the district.
You might also like to share this link to a myth busting video:
https://youtu.be/W3x9LLAtpD0?si=1Dzi6xs_3yCt3rPA
Planning
• Local Plan continues to be on track for submission to the Inspectorate by 31 December 2026. It will include all the allocations required to fulfill the new government targets for housing growth. There are no allocations in this Ward.
• Design Code should be completed this summer and will include helpful and prescriptive requirements for developers.
SKDC Budget
South Kesteven District Council has approved its budget for the year ahead.
It includes plans to build strong communities, support vulnerable people and protect the environment.
Community projects benefit from an allocation of £200,000 and a programme of events across the District include preparations for the Newton 300 festival, which will be a celebration in 2027 of Lincolnshire’s most famous son.
For the first time in many years, councillors voted to increase financial support for Citizens Advice – an organisation which offers support to people legal and financial difficulties.
Another eye-catching proposal is the introduction of mobile CCTV to deter illegal fly-tipping across the district.
The council also agreed a 2.99% increase to its share of Council Tax equivalent to an extra 11p per week, which is annual average increase of £5.66 for Band D properties.
Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter said: "SKDC’s element of the Council Tax pays for the delivery of effective council services. Our focus remains on our five priorities: communities, environment, economy, housing and good governance.
"The modest increase helps to fund essential frontline services including refuse collection, street cleaning, planning, housing and CCTV.
"Tackling environmental crime, enabling economic opportunity and public events are also important public duties that we must pay for.”
Council Tax bills for 2026/27 will soon land on doorsteps across the district.
They increase the average amount a household would pay for services provided by SKDC from £189.37 to £195.03 in 2026/27.
Out of every £1 of Council Tax collected by SKDC, 74p goes to Lincolnshire County Council and 15p to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire.
SKDC receives around 9p of each £1 collected, of which about 2p is passed on to town or parish councils.
The SKDC share pays for more than 100 services that it provides, from bin collections and social housing to ensuring takeaway and restaurant food is safe to eat.
For 2026/27, starting in April, the average Council Tax for a Band D property in South Kesteven will be £2,260 made up of:
• Lincolnshire County Council – £1673.01
• Police and Crime Commissioner – £333.09
• South Kesteven District Council – £195.03
• Parish/Town Council average – £58.87
Discounts and exemptions are available to some Council Taxpayers.
Full details can be found at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/benefits-and-support.
Help is available for those struggling to pay, including advice on benefits they may be entitled to, contact details of other agencies that may be able to offer support or setting up an arrangement to pay off arrears.
For information on Council Tax Support: www.southkesteven.gov.uk/benefits-and-support,
or contact SKDC’s Revenue and Benefits Team direct on
01476 406080 (option 1).
Other agencies that may be able to help include:
South Lincs Citizens Advice – 0808 278 7996;
StepChange Debt Charity – 0800 138 1111;
National Debtline – 0808 808 4000.
A snapshot of some of the services provided by SKDC:
Abandoned vehicles; Council tax collection; Air quality; Alcohol, entertainment and leisure licensing; Allotments; Animal welfare licensing; Anti-social behaviour and community safety; Appeal your council tax bill; Appealing benefit claim decisions; Armed Forces Community Covenant; Arts centres and venues; Arts, leisure and culture; Benefits; Bins, street care, recycling and commercial waste; Bourne Corn Exchange; Building Control; Bulky waste collections; Business rates; Business rates relief; Car Parks; CCTV; Climate Change and Sustainability; Club premises certificate; Economic Development; Elections and voting; Emergency planning and business continuity; Environmental health; Food Hygiene Rating Scheme; Gambling and lotteries licensing; Garages to rent; Garden waste collections; Grants and assistance; Grass cutting, verges and trees; Heritage and tourism; Help with homelessness or those at risk of being homeless; Household Support Fund Grant; Housing; Listed Buildings; Local Land Charges; Markets and street trading; Mutual home exchange; Noise and pollution; Parks and playing fields; Planning (Development Management); Register to Vote; Safeguarding; South Kesteven Prosperity Fund; Sports and leisure; Street lighting; Street Name and Numbering; Taxi and private hire vehicle, driver and operator licensing; Temporary Event Notices; Youth Council.