Minutes 15th February 2024
WILLOUGHBY & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Council Meeting held
15th February 2024
Present: Cllrs Eyre(Chairman); Cook; Jenkinson; Havell; Fairfield; White; Hedges & Mulhearn
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
7 members of the public.
During the public session concern was raised regarding the hedging around the side and back of the Village Green – Chairman to look into this with regard to a suitable time for cutting.
Concerns were still raised regarding sewage in the drainage system on Bonthorpe Road/Church Lane and any additional development in the village will only add to these problems.
99 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllr Hale and these were accepted.
Cllr Davie (LCC) also tendered his apologies.
100 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Fairfield declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 relating to the pylons as she lived in the affected area.
101 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 18th JANUARY 2024
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record of that meeting.
102 UPDATES
Concern relating to the ongoing issue of an overgrown hedge into the highway at Sloothby. Cllr Fairfield to let the Clerk have details and it was agreed the Council would write to the owner.
103 LCC/ELDC UPDATES
There were none.
104 FLOODING
The Clerk had received e mail from LCC regarding the drainage system in Bonthorpe Road/Church Lane – Highways team were currently looking into all matters raised, there were a number of factors to investigate and they would be looking to arrange any local works to address the immediate issues; it may be that larger improvement works are necessary in the area which will need building into their works schedules. If it was felt a site meeting was needed, LCC officers would contact Council to arrange.
The Clerk had also written to Anglia Water regarding the sewage, but had not received a reply and would write again.
105 PYLON ROUTE
After discussion it was resolved that the Council would object to the proposed pylon route and substations, and request that any cabling be laid on the sea bed. Objections were :
Preservation of unindustrial landscape – The area boasts a rare and precious unindustrialised landscape and such a proposal will be out of character.
Proximity to Wolds/Coastal – The proposed line runs close to the AONB, the AONB designation is not limited to the physical area within its boundaries, but extends to the views from the AONB to the coast and vice versa. This proposal will have an adverse material impact on the aesthetic value of the area, which will then impact on the tourist trade upon which many inland and coastal towns in this part of the country rely. Putting cables off shore will remove this issue.
Agricultural Land impact – Pylons will occupy valuable primate agricultural land, resulting is some permanent loss. In addition the proposed substations are sited on prime food producing land. To lose that amount of food production at a time when the country needs to look to sustainability in food production and lessen reliance on imported foods (which are subject to issues with the producing country and or the effects of war on the producing country – evidenced by issues with Ukraine) and the resultant increase in emissions in transport. Putting cables off shore will remove this issue.
Wildlife – The coastal strip is a migratory route for geese, pylons will disrupt that migration. Wildlife on the margins of and adjacent to land proposed for substations will inevitably suffer, particularly substation A which is adjacent and established woodland. Putting cables off shore will removed this issue.
Flooding – the area suffers from flooding from land which is a natural drain and which is struggling to cope at present, to have such land covered in concrete and buildings which are not permeable will only add to surrounding flooding issues from surface water run off. In addition, the Climate Change Lobby keep telling us that the coastal area is under great threat of flooding within a few decades, putting the substations and pylons at great risk. Putting cables off shore will remove this threat.
Health/Environmental impact – The electromagnetic envelope of high voltage overhead cables produces a significant hum, buzz and crack, which has been shown in some studies to harm health. Putting cables off shore will eliminate this impact.
Mental Wellbeing – The area between Wolds and coast has numerous footpaths, bridleways, cycle routes and serves as a haven for residents and visitors alike. The potential for introduction of noise, electromagnetic effects and visual disruption will have a significant negative impact on the mental well-being of the overall community. Added to this the complete collapse of property values, leaving many struggling to pay mortgages on unsaleable properties which will only add to mental health issues in the area.
It was also agreed to look at leafleting residents to ensure all were aware of the proposals and given opportunity to object if they wished.
106 VILLAGE MATTERS
a) Playing Fields:
Cllr Cook confirmed that a site visit had taken place between Play ground group, Mrs Vines and Premium Play regarding the siting of the Trim Trail. It could be possible to incorporate the existing Monkey Wall into the Trail, and a goal post would need relocating. Date for installation was 4th March.
The Clerk confirmed having received donation from Mrs Vines of £4685 towards the cost, and the grant application had been approved to cover the remainder.
Cllr Cook confirmed that other works should be completed shortly.
b) Village Green
Concerns were raised that now the double yellow lines had been painted, parents would still be pulling onto the edge of the Green and churning the ground. It was agreed to look into purchasing 6 no “No Parking” signs – Clerk to investigate types and costs and report back.
c) Allotments
Cllrs Eyre and Cook to liaise and look at schedule to clear the overgrown plots when ground conditions permitted.
Members could not agree on any improvement to the entrance road at this time, it was felt if the roadway was smooth it would invite unauthorised vehicles to enter the allotments. Thought to be given to having the entrance gate shut and locked overnight.
107 FINANCIAL
It was resolved that the following be paid by BACS:
Clerks salary & PAYE (Feb) £159.64
LALC subscription £186.38
Premier Play (deposit Trim Trail) £5100.00
108 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerks and Councils Direct (circulated)
Report on the Outer Dowsing Project Liaison Meeting (Cllr Fairfield) – circulated to members earlier. This covered the consultation period for the cables was now completed and feedback gathered, introduction to the community funding scheme (Sloothby was within the corridor ) and proposal that the scheme be extended to villages on the construction traffic route.
109 PUBLIC MEETING
The Clerk had been approached by ELDC Climate Change and Environment Team who would be willing to attend a meeting. Suggested date for the Annual Parish Meeting was 25th April at 7:30pm. Clerk to contact ELDC.
110 PLANNING
Amendment to application relating to Former Radar Station, principally being the external materials. It was agreed to support the proposal.
111 ANY OTHER MATTERS
There were none.
112 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was set at 21st March 2024.
The Chairman then asked if members could move into Closed Session to discuss information received relating to Adverse Possession.
113 CLOSED SESSION
It was resolved that the Council move into Closed Session to discuss the next confidential item, and members of the public left the meeting.
After the Confidential Item the meeting closed at 8.55pm