2025 Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Caythorpe and Frieston Parish Council
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 16th April 2025
Present: 
Councillors: Crawley, Manderfield, Stevenson, Milnes, Macpherson,  
There was 1 member of the public
Clerk: Mrs D Manderfield

1 Apologies for Absence
Councillors: Macer, Sandy

2 Approval of Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting 2024
These minutes had been presented previously and signed by the chairman as a true record of the meeting.

3 Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.

4 Annual Report from Portfolio Holders and the Chairman

 4.1 Chairs Report for Annual Parish Meeting 2025
There has been a full complement of Councilors for the majority of the year and despite some changes, we are making good progress with the various portfolios that are designed to assist the community in which we live. New Councilors have undertaken training relevant to their roles and their knowledge is increasing.
It is fitting that I single out Andy Roberts who has served this community for many years both as a local police officer and member of this Parish Council. When Andy decided to retire from the Parish Council last year due to failing health, we felt it appropriate to provide a bench on the playing field marked with a commemorative plaque detailing his service to the community. We hope he has many hours of enjoyment contemplating activities on the Playing Field from this bench.
I would like to thank all of the Councilors who have stepped up to serve our community, as well as the numerous residents who serve on committees such as the Playing Field, Village Hall, and Allotments, as well as those involved with News and Views, that help to make our villages such desirable places to live. I know that many of you are passionate about your role and spend a lot of your valuable time serving our community. Thank you.
It would be unfair not to mention our Parish Clerk, who helps to ensure the smooth running of the Parish Council and applies her skill and knowledge to many, if not all, of the functions of the Parish Council.
In the last year we have recruited a new part time litter picker, and he has been conducting his work in a diligent and efficient manner. He has also taken on some additional duties helping to maintain the village, so thanks go to him for his role.
Work to electrify the Church Clock has now been completed with no cost to the Parish, thanks to a grant from SKDC. This was a difficult project that included unforeseen work when the existing clock was stripped down and it was found that a part of the mechanism had worn and needed replacing. A new purpose made part was manufactured and the repairs completed all without cost to the Parish.
We have completed the work to level out the sinkage in the burial ground and fitted a new gate at the rear to replace the section of fencing that fell down. We have also cleared and disposed of a tree that fell, blocking the access to the burial ground. In addition, the entrance gates have been treated with preservative to enhance their appearance and prolong their life. The verge outside the Burial Ground continues to be mown when required, to present a neat and tidy look to users of the amenity
Mid Uk have announced that they are transferring some of their operation to their Barkston Heath site and this has resulted in a decrease in the number of lorries using our local roads and the amount of litter arising. We continue to liaise with the company, and they are sending out litter picking patrols when asked and have instigated regular patrols which will hopefully ensure this is less of a problem to residents and visitors alike. The proposal for extended working hours and alterations to the premises, has been shelved, which is very good news for the villages.
Our County Councilor, Alexander Maughan, has announced he is standing down due to work pressures and we are expecting a new County Councilor to be elected shortly. I would like to thank Alexander for his attendance at our meetings and the great work he has done during his tenure on Lincolnshire County Council, particularly on issues that affect our community. We look forward to developing a good working relationship with his successor.
Our local Councilor, Penny Milnes, at South Kesteven District Council has been invaluable to the Parish Council and has continued to support and advise us on many aspects of local life. Whilst there is some uncertainty about the role of District Councils in the future, I take this opportunity to thank her for her past (and hopefully future) support of this Parish Council.
We are continuing to maintain the four defibrillators in our villages, and these are checked regularly to ensure they are fully charged and ready for use. We are also budgeting to replace these as they near the end of their working lives.
The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings took place last year and was a great success in the village. As part of this, we arranged for a representative of the 216 Parachute Regiment to attend the local school and talk to the children about the history and significance of the event, as part of their studies on the subject. They responded with a whole host of very intelligent and searching questions and it was felt that it was a very worthwhile event.
We are planning on a limited celebration of the 80th Anniversary of VE day in May this year when a commemorative flag will be flown outside the church and the beacon will be lit. In addition, there will be a service held at St Vincent’s Church.
Christmas was celebrated with a Christmas tree festival in St Vincent’s, and the Parish Council purchased and erected two Christmas trees - for Frieston Lower Green, and by the War Memorial outside the Church. These were lit and many villagers enjoyed the Carols Round the Tree service, which was accompanied by members of Sleaford Brass Band.
The Remembrance Day service at St Vincents was well attended and the act of Remembrance by the War Memorial was again well attended, with numerous people laying wreaths of Remembrance, as well as members of the local scout group adding their own tributes in the form of commemorative crosses. The bugler engaged by the Parish Council added poignancy to this sombre occasion as we remembered those who gave their lives for our freedom.
It has been noted that the War Memorial in Love Lane has suffered some deterioration over the last 8 years or so, and we are seeking specialist advice and costs on how to refurbish this. It is hoped that a contribution towards the cost may be obtained from grants and / or a donation from the Australian air crew whom it commemorates.
Our ownership of the Village Hall has been confirmed and registered with Land Registry.
We continue to comment on all planning applications made that affect our villages and these are passed to the relevant planning authority for consideration.
Our Firework display in November was a great success and we were treated to a professional display from Galaxy Fireworks. The planning that went in to this, together with the effort from a number of volunteers, and donations from members of the public and local businesses,  ensured that all costs were covered, and a small surplus  was made, which will go towards upgrading equipment and any potential shortfall on this year’s display. All of those who volunteered deserve our thanks for making this a memorable village event, but especially those on the Firework Committee, who spent a lot of time planning and delivering the display and are already well advanced with planning for this year’s event.
We assisted the owner of Caythorpe Hall with a presentation and survey of residents about his plans to divert the footpath that runs across his land. The outcome was that there was insufficient majority in favour of diverting the footpath and I understand he will be fencing and hedging the existing route of the path so he can press on with his plans for landscaping and rearing rare breed cattle on his estate. Some alterations have already been made to improve the route including the removal of some of the stiles.
Routine maintenance and grass cutting around the villages (for which CFPC have responsibility) continues and we are assisted in this by various paid contractors and our handyman.
Tree planting and maintenance around the villages has continued and we have recently planted some more trees along the A607 to fill some of the gaps in the field border. Periodic watering and strimming around new trees have taken place, as well as trimming of hedges on the Playing Field and in front of the Police Office. We have employed the services of a tree specialist to survey and report on the condition of the trees around the village that are the responsibility of the Parish Council, and following his report and recommendations, some limited tree work has been carried out.
The insurance that the Parish Council is obliged to take out to cover risks associated with the assets that it owns, as well as public liability insurance has been renewed. This has included a change to cover volunteers assisting at the Playing Field, Sports and Social Club and the Village Hall. The cost has risen quite steeply as a result.
The Parish Council has a representative on the Village Hall Committee, and it is pleasing to note that they have repaired several areas of plasterwork within the hall and redecorated the entrance doors and lobby to ensure it is in good condition. The committee room and kitchens are currently being redecorated. Their fund raising with various events including the monthly Village Breakfast, Chill and Chat, Film Nights etc is significant and provides great facilities to the villages. They are supported by a grant from the Parish Council.
The Playing Field Committee has a number of new personnel and a new Chairman. They have a number of significant challenges that include maintaining bookings for the field and Pavilion, as well as fund raising to cover the cost of the increases in electricity, equipment and repairs around the Pavilion and Field as well as to the play area. They have held some minor fund raising activities but are missing the income that the DASH provided. The planning of the Gala is now in the hands of a Gala Committee who are busy planning for this year’s event in September. The Playing Field are also supported by a grant from the Parish Council. The Sports and Social club continue to serve members when open, and supports both the Gala and Firework events as well as serving the football and cricket teams, and pool team. The Pavilion is host to the Walking For Health Group as well as the Craft Club.
The lease on the Allotments was due to renew this year and after lengthy discussion with the agents for the landowner, and the Allotment Association, new leases were agreed. It is assessed that there will need to be significant expenditure on repairs to the Allotments (fencing etc) over the term of this lease and we are budgeting for this to take place.
News and Views suffered a setback when the Editors resigned due to a change in their personal circumstances. Fortunately, a new Editor has been found, together with a person who is going to look after the financial side of the publication. The existing network of distributors has been strengthened and a representative from the Parish Council has been appointed to oversee the operation
Finally finance. All of the Parish Council funds are obtained either through grants, or mainly through the precept that we raise each year. We have recently reviewed our budget for the coming year and settled on a slight increase in the precept to cover all of our anticipated expenses. We remain in a sound financial position with substantial reserves, to cover our cash flow and budget, although our precept compares favorably with those of similar Parish Councils.
So in summary, we have had a good year and achieved many good things. This is largely due to the time and effort that all of our employees and volunteers put in. I would like to end by thanking all who have contributed towards this success in the last year and look forward to your continuing support in the year ahead.

.4.2 Cllr Peter Sandy – Housing & Burial Grounds Portfolio Holder

that I have had a successful year, eventually finding a capable contractor who was able to fill all the sunken graves, level up and reseed the affected areas. It’s now looking extremely good, and the  grass cutters are now able to do a professional job .The storms before Christmas destroyed a barrier at the rear of the grave yard and so I have organised a replacement wooden gate which is fitted and looks in keeping with the surrounding . I check the burial ground every week and so can keep on top of any problems. I have also asked that the crack in the main path be filled with liquid tar so that water doesn't destroy it.

4.3 Cllr David Manderfield – Highways and Village Hall Portfolio Holder
I became a councillor in June 2023 and hold portfolios for Highways and The Village Hall. 

Highways
I continue to report potholes via Fix My Street on a regular basis most of which have been marked for repair or have been filled.
I liaised with Cllr Alexander Maughan to facilitate the resurfacing of the High Street during the summer of 2024. 
I met with our local LLC councillor and the Local Highways Manager to discuss the condition of Waterloo Road. The road is now planned for resurfacing in 2026.  

Village Hall
I regularly attended the Village Hall committee meetings as the Parish Councils representative.
 
My detailed reports can be found in the Parish Council minutes.

4.4 Caroline Stevenson – Footpaths, Public Transport, Shops, Businesses & Employment Portfolio Holder 

I became a councillor in January this year and will be attending an induction training course in May. I currently hold a portfolio which includes Footpaths, Public Transport, Shops, Businesses and Employment. I have also been co-opted as one of 2 representatives of the Parish Council on the Gala Committee.
 Footpaths
 I met with Peter Sowerby at Caythorpe Hall in March to discuss his plans for the area around the footpath that crosses his land. He does not intend to pursue the proposed diversion and plans to add hedging to the current footpath route to allow the introduction of cattle to the meadow. The proposed removal of stiles across the length of the footpath and lowering of the bridge over the ditch will improve accessibility. I have reviewed the draft improvement plan for public rights of way as issued by LCC and am currently discussing this with the organisers of the village walking group to provide feedback. 
Public Transport 
An alternative route for the local bus service running through the village is to be considered subject to public consultation. 
Shops, Businesses and Employment 
No issues have arisen. I look forward to engaging with local business owners to understand any specific requirements for support from the Parish Council. 
Gala Committee Representative I look forward to joining the committee at the next meeting and offering my support.

4.5 Cllr Andy Crawley – Playing Field, Litter Picking & Environmental Sustainability Portfolio Holder
Litter Picking
Our part time  litter picker continues to work diligently keeping litter at bay around the villages.
I organized a litter pick along the A607 from the bottom of the High Street to Fulbeck. Nine volunteers collected 18 bags of rubbish and assorted pieces of large debris, and this was collected by Dave Molde from Fulbeck.
Environmental Sustainability
I have purchased some more tree stakes and guards from the cash held in the tree fund, which is now depleted. Together with Steve Atkins,  we planted 16 additional trees which were raised and donated by ourselves along the A607 outside Caythorpe Hall.
Hedging planted previously on the Playing Field will be trimmed shortly.
Playing Fields
Costs are being carefully monitored and rents and hire fees have been reviewed and increased where appropriate. A new electricity tariff has been contracted. This is approximately 25% higher than the previous costs. We still await a report from a specialist regarding renewable energy.
The wicket mower needs replacement, and a reconditioned replacement has been sourced. The cost of this was originally going to be shared between the Playing Field Committee and the Cricket Club, but due to issues with use, maintenance and insurance, it will be purchased by the Playing Field and the cricket club rent adjusted accordingly.
An order has been placed for painting the external joinery and this will be carried out when the weather improves.
A section of the fence at the back of the Play area has rotted and collapsed. Quotes have been obtained and an order placed for repair and replacement.
It is believed that the DASH running fund raiser will not take place this spring, which will leave a gap in funding.
Ideas for fund raising are being sought and considered and a quiz night is planned for the pavilion. A grant from the Parish Council has been paid. Some of the money from the 2024 Gala has now been paid over to the playing field.
The organization of the 2025 Gala is proceeding with a new Gala Committee. I have obtained and passed data from the previous Gala Organiser to the new committee.
Fireworks Committee
The committee has met twice so far, and Galaxy are booked for Saturday 1st November 2025. A deposit has been paid to Galaxy and planning is well underway for many aspects of this event.

4.6 Cllr Andrew Page – Chairman of the Planning Committee 
This is my first year as a Councillor, having been co-opted onto the Council at the May 2024 meeting. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve the community in this wonderful Parish we call home.  Since joining ,I have completed all the necessary training for my role and in particular as the Chair of the Planning Committee.
In the next year, I may well take on additional portfolios if required. I have a full time Head of Department role as a day job but am always keen to support our Parish where I can. 
 CHAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE update on activity 2024-25
The Parish Clerk received a communication from a resident of Caythorpe regarding the proposed solar farm west of Navenby. The request is copied below:
As a resident of Caythorpe and a clerk to neighbouring Councils, I am aware of the two solar farm applications - Springwell and Leoda.  If both these go ahead we will lose all our countryside from Navenby (and beyond) across to Brant Broughton.
Could you please let me know how Caythorpe Parish Council is dealing with these applications and their views?

Since these are not in our Parish ,I replied that we are not consulted on these applications rather than become embroiled in matters that are not CFPC concern.

S24/2138 – Application for a large extension. We had no objections but asked for consideration be given to remove windows in North Elevation to protect privacy of neighbouring property

S24/2186 an application for tree work – applicant is a serving councillor. Work proposed is to remove low level growth to allow inspection of main trunk for safety reasons. We had no objections
S25/0054 – Single storey extension in keeping with the restroom of property. We had no objections
S25/0089 – Retrospective application for conversion of storage building in the rear garden of a property in the conservation area to provide self-contained accommodation for an elderly relative. We had no objections to the proposal but request that a condition of the grant of planning permission is that the annex is only occupied by family members and cannot be sold off separately.
S25/0115 – Reduction in height of Lime Tree off Back Lane . We had no objections
S25/0134 – noted this application is for necessary tree work at St Vincent’s church to protect the fabric of a boundary  wall. We had no objection
There was an application to create a polo pit in the rear garden of Mouse Hall – we had no objections
Consultation S24/2124 – removal of storm damaged branches from conifer – we have no objections
Consultation S24/2159  – removal of a Roman and a beech tree that were at risk of damaging neighbouring property – replacement  to be planted elsewhere - we have no objections
Consultation S24/2160 – removal of a large monkey puzzle tree that poses a risk to adjacentlisted buildings … no objections
S25/0204 Application to deal with a tree damaged by recent storms
S24/1101referred to tree work under Section 211 – we have no objection.

S24/1131 – We object to the proposal. This is an application by the home owner, to fell two trees that are subject to a tree Preservation Order at the new development on Waterloo Road. A similar application was made by the developer during the construction stage, and that was withdrawn/ rejected and a TPO imposed. The two trees in question, form part of a group of trees which are partly rooted in the garden of an adjoining property. As they have grown together, removal of a number of the group, will doubtlessly leave the remaining trees in a poor condition and will inevitably lead to an application being made to fell the rest of the group. We note the proposal to plant three replacement trees, but feel that although this is a welcome gesture, it does not override the need to preserve the existing landscape. These 'replacement'  trees are proposed to be container grown so will not have the wildlife benefits nor carbon reduction properties of mature trees planted in the soil.
S24/1219 was our own application in respect of tree work to a horse chestnut in Church Lane and we had no objection.
S24/ 1316 was an application to reduce a Walnut Tree height by 3m in the rear garden of 9 Frieston Green – we had no objection

S24/1435 We have no objections to the proposal subject to conditions being imposed on the home owner.  This is an application to carry out works to trees that are subject to a tree preservation order at the new property at 15 Waterloo Road. There have been previous applications by the developer during construction, and home owner (S24/1131) to remove these trees, that were objected to by the Parish Council, on the basis that to do so, would encourage the later felling of the remaining trees in this group.
It appears that the home owner has now met with the council representative responsible for trees and has agreed a revised scheme, where only one tree (T1) will be removed, and a second tree (T2) will have the crown lifted to 4 - 4.5m. It is proposed to replant with a Quercus Ilex (holm oak) that has been container grown.to 14 - 16 cms girth.
This is probably the best that can be achieved given the considerable investment the householder has made in the property. We would however wish to see the following conditions imposed:-
That there be a complete ban on further applications being submitted for this group of trees for the next ten years (to prevent piecemeal removal)
That there be a condition attached to the work, that the replacement Quercus Ilex is planted in the ground (Not remaining in a container) and maintained for a period of ten years.

S24/1348 was an application to reduce the height of a lime tree by 3m at Ewerby House, Back Lane -we had no objection. 
S24/1366 We had no objections to the application -  This application is for retrospective approval of matters relating to external refurbishment at Caythorpe Residential Care Home, specifically materials to be used.
The materials proposed are sympathetic to the existing structure and in keeping with the building. 
Quickline Following a number of notices appearing around the village on behalf of Quickline stating that new poles were being proposed under Permitted Development, a representation has been made to Lincolnshire County Council and Quickline that we would prefer roadworks inconvenience over new poles. 
S24/0778 and S24/0779 both of these are in respect of communications apparatus to be installed utilising typical steel cabinets painted in bronze, green. These are presumably in connection with the Quickline Broadband ongoing installation works and it is assumed that each application is under permitted development rights.
S24/0778 is sited  at the A607 Crossroads adjacent to the existing BT Openreach Cabinet. We have no objections.
S24/0779 is sited on the grass verge on the north side of Church Lane opposite the entrance to Mouse Hall. We have no objections.
S24/106 relate to tree work on tress that are protected by TPO .We have no objections.
S24/0982 relates to tree work under a Section 211Notice. We have no objections. 
We have also been consulted on the South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024-2028, details of which are shown below.
South Kesteven Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028 Consultation
 
South Kesteven District Council - Consultations (oc2.uk)
 
The above link offers you an opportunity to help shape the provision of economic development services across South Kesteven. Following a review of the local economic conditions, a draft Economic Development Strategy 2024 – 2028 has been developed. 
 
The strategy sets out South Kesteven District Council’s vision and ambitions for the future growth of the District’s economy over the next four years. It focuses on five key areas, but also includes a practical Action Plan setting out more detailed streams of activity. The five focus areas are as follows:
 
Business, job creation and employment safeguarding
Skills development
Inclusive growth and regeneration
Inward investment
Enhancing South Kesteven’s tourism and visitor economy offer
 
Respondents are invited to share their thoughts on each of the five areas, as well as the action plan and the vision online at South Kesteven District Council - Consultations (oc2.uk)
The consultation will be open for four weeks, closing on 8th June.

4.7 Report from Cllr Milnes – SKDC

Cllr Milnes spoke in length about the disillusionment of the District Councils and the effect this will have on the District and Parish Councils. please visit SKDC website for more information

5 Any Other Business: 

As there was noother business Cllr Crawley thanked all those present and closed the meeting