Full Council Minutes 2026

Minutes of the Full Council Meeting of Cherry Willingham Parish Council held at 7.00pm on 19th January 2026 held in The Vine, Cherry Willingham.

Present, Cllr A Burge - Chairman,  Cllr R Pitchford, Cllr R Houghton, Cllr J Robinson, Cllr Mrs Burge, Cllr P Bucke, Cllr S Bates, Cllr B Robinson, Cllr G Shaw, Cllr J Trahearn,, Cllr D Pitchford, Cllr P Moore,Cllr K Mellor

Clerk - Mrs J Atkins, RFO - Miss K Sinclair

Dcllr T Bridgwood

0  members of the public present.

108. To note and record apologies and absences.

Cllr J Betts, Cllr M Palmer

109. To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations in relation to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or other interests as outlined in the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Cllr A Burge and Cllr Mrs Burge - 12.f.i - both reside on Waterford Lane

Cllr R Houghton - 10.ii - as a member of the Bowls Club

110. To receive the draft notes of the Full Council meeting held on 17th November 2025 and EM on 12th November 2025

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the minutes of the 17th November  2025 with the suggested amendments by Cllr S Bates and Cllr J Robinson  as a true record.

Missing ‘s’ from name (Bates) and Robinson (misspelt name)

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the minutes of the EM of 12th November 2025

111. To receive any reports from outside bodies, including the Police, District and County Councillors (if any) and agree actions as required.

Dcllr T Bridgwood: Current position of the war memorial is the church gates which are not central to the village.  An  Armed Forces Memorial could be  placed at The Parade  which would recognise the service from all branches of armed forces personnel that had been involved in any conflict including those who have suffered for mental health issues (PTSD).  Suggestion that Lincoln College may be approached to help with design and build.  Cllr Bridgwood is happy to approach on our behalf and to research any funding that may be available from WLDC.  Design to be agreed by the Parish Council.  

WLDC - Green bin renewal has been sent out to all residents.  Several surveys have been sent out.  L
CC Highways have sent out a survey regarding What Your Priorities are (paths, pavements etc). 

The Central Lincolnshire Strategic plan renewal has started.  Request for potential sites.  The current government is aiming to increase the number of dwellings required for Lincolnshire.  Current plan 5 year supply, probably looking at more but no further details available.  Draft proposal to change the national planning guidance - significant changes which will be worth checking.  There will be a strategic level document produced by the Mayor - this will include housing allocation, transport links and GPs. This is only a draft at the moment - no plans to draw this up at this time but they are working on elements that will contribute to it.  Improved bus services across the county is the one element that they are focusing on at present. 

Fiskerton Road closure - water ingress through the road surface noted.  Reported to Anglia Water who tested the water but as it had no chlorine in the water, it was a drain problem.  Highways attended and found the issue was one of the drains that had tree roots growing into the system.  That was cleared and repaired but it did not fully resolve the issue. Anglia Water put in a porous pipe to absorb the surface water to alleviate the issue.  On further investigation on the opposite side of the road, blue tape used by AW was found and they took responsibility for the issue found there.  Water build up undermined the road surface and AW sent out a team to repair and reinstate this.  

Road issues are very complex and involve many different agencies/departments.  In this instance, National Grid, Cadent (Gas), Anglia Water, Highways (minor works) and Highways (major works) were all involved in the repair. 

Police report - request for Social Media Admin.  Clerk has responded. 

Cllr A Burge proposed that item 12.g.ii  - To discuss and resolve any necessary action regarding a war memorial at The Parade is moved to this point following Cllr T Bridgwood’s information.  RESOLVED to add to VIC agenda to discuss ideas and bring back to Full Council

112. To receive a report from the Chair.

Cllr A Burge wished everyone a Happy New Year.  

Thanks to all the volunteers who have helped with the Behind the Hedge path.  Thanks to Cllrs Darcell and Bridgwood for their CiF donations. 

Council to be aware of contact from ‘Julian’ (ex employer).  

113. To receive a report from the Clerk.

Council had been provided with survey results regarding Fiskerton Late Night bus service. 

114. To receive an update from WLDC funding for CCTV.

No update

115. To receive a report following a Reepham and Cherry Willingham village Hall meeting - Cllr R Pitchford.

RTA at the entrance to the village hall.  Police asked if the camera at the front end of the village hall could be equipped with number plate recognition.  In the process of upgrading. New camera will be installed in the foyer to detect unauthorised activity.  Another incident of damage to furnishings in the hall following a party. Recently repaired flooring is having to be repaired again.  CCTV to be installed in the hall.  2 volunteer vacancies - booking clerk and an events co-ordinator.  No update regarding the joint usage of the village - Cllr R Pitchford apologised for any ambiguity regarding this.  They have started to look at this and have been approached by two other entities.  

116. To elect the new co-opted members on to committees of their choice

Deferred to February meeting due to absence of Cllr J Betts

117. Financial matters:

To receive a report from the RFO including:

1. To resolve to accept the Receipts and Payments schedule since the November meeting 2025. Copies of the document can be obtained by emailing the Clerk at cwparishcouncil@gmail.com.

Brief overview following 3rd quarter.  25.2% remaining in budget (not completely accurate as some of the costs are annual).  We have had additional £38,035 income (nearly £14,000 FCC Grant)

RESOLVED unanimously to approve the receipts and payments since the November 2025 meeting.

Ii  To approve a grant application from an outside body

  £300 from Indoor Bowls - electronic roller for the mats.  

     RESOLVED unanimously to approve the grant

118. To receive a report on the progress with the Green Synergy tenancy agreement and agree to any action as required.

Cllr B Robinson updated Full Council regarding the TP1.  The solicitors who dealt with the original purchase were able to find a copy which has been signed and dated and is a full legal document.  There is an overage clause in the document that allows the original owner of the land to have an interest in any further value increase on the land.  This clause is triggered on planning permission which could potentially increase the value of the land.  The only planning permission granted has been for Change of Use to a social and therapeutic garden.  There is also a clause stating that if a lease was to be granted for more than 7 years, a formal Covenant had to be granted between the leaseholder and Bower Estates to state that the leaseholder would adhere to the agreement.  

The TP1 also states that the Parish Council would pay for any legal fees that the Bower Estate incurred in evaluating the Deed of Covenant.  

If we wish to proceed, the process of getting the Covenant has to be dealt with legally.  

Green Synergy are happy with the planning permission for change of use as this fits in with their intention to use the space as a social and therapeutic garden.  They would be happy if we take responsibility for any overage prior to their taking over or on leaving the site. They require the Parish Council to sign a Resolution which will indemnify them for any historical overage claims but they will agree to pay any fees arising from any overage they initiate if they decide to apply for planning permission that would increase the value of the site

If we decided to terminate discussions with Green Synergy; as there has been no legal documentation signed and dated by the PC, we would face costs of a maximum of £1,650.00.  

Cllr B Robinson proposed: 

1. The PC  to be responsible for any overage payments before the lease begins and after the lease ends on the proviso that the tenant agrees to be responsible for any payments that become owed during the lease.  RESOLVED

2.  Green Synergy should bear any costs for legal fees owed to Mr Bowser and Ms Thomas for them to sign the Deed of Covenant as well as any costs incurred by themselves in preparing the Deed of Covenant. RESOLVED

3. The PC agreed to keep the annual rent as proposed in the draft lease. RESOLVED

119. To receive reports and recommendations (if any) concerning the business of the council and its committees, sub-committees etc, and agree to any actions accordingly: (Note: queries from minutes, please see individual chairs or members outside of the full council meeting to expedite the meeting)

1. Cherry Fields Committee (CFC) – Chair: Cllr J Robinson

To receive a report from the meeting 

  i. To approve the annual rent of the behind the hedge path to be £1.00 (if requested) 

RESOLVED .

Two members of the Cherry Fields team have walked the dog area and have reported that the drainage is much better.  An allotment holder has reported that their plot was much better this year due to the drainage works that have been completed.   Consider completing the drainage of the dog area in 2027.  Cherry Fields team have been busy coppicing and cutting down overgrown willow tunnels but have directed much of their time to the behind the hedge path.    

Permission to start preparations for the behind the hedge path was given on 5th December 2025.  Lease was reviewed and a few minor errors noted.  These were amended.  Query raised regarding Public Liability - still waiting for a response.  RFO is happy that our insurance covers the lease land.  

2700 free hedging plants, canes and tree guards were received.  24 volunteers planted 1250 hedges. Further volunteer days will be arranged. Applied for a permit to install a culvert bridge - this has been granted and is now available to use.  

Very positive response from the social media posts and from those passing by.  3 more name for the Cherry Fields committee.  

2. Events & Fundraising Committee – Chair Cllr R Pitchford.

No meeting has taken place

Following the Auditor visit - a new and transparent spreadsheet has been set up (thanks to Clerk and RFO).  This has been populated with details of all stall holders, vendors and entertainers from last year’s event and those who have been approached before.  Full details of contact information, bank account and type of provision is included.   This is available for all the PC to use if needed.   

I.  To approve the Christmas quiz and to book the Cherry & Reep[ham Village Hall for Saturday 5th December 2026   - RESOLVED 

Ii.  To discuss and approve any necessary action relating the the ‘Fun Dog Show’

Propose for Council to approve payment for hire of the portable toilets in the sum of   

     approximately £250.00  which will not be payable until after the event - RESOLVED 

Before the next meeting on 4th March, need to be approaching stalls and vendors.  Daisy Made 

     will not be available for the Dog Show or the Gala due to staffing issues.  Alternative has 

     been approached

Additional insurance for the Dog Show up to cost of £80.00  - RESOLVED

Money raised from the Christmas Light switch on and Quiz - £903.04.

Gala date - Saturday 1st August 2026

3. Finance & General Purposes Committee – Chair: Cllr Andrew Burge

To receive a report from the meeting on 13th January 2026  and approve any action taken.

1. To resolve any action regarding a council owned domain 

 RESOLVED to go ahead with Cloud Next. Set up from 1st April so payment is out of next     

year's budget. Discuss Domain Name at February’s meeting. 

2. To resolve the grass cutting contractor for 2026-27.   Propose Glendale - RESOLVED       RFO to request cutting continues to December. 

3. To approve the 2026-27 final budget.. 

            RESOLVED unanimously to approve the final budget of £118.440 with £10,280.00 to come from balances. 

1. To approve the precept request for WLDC  - calculator comes out at 2.15% increase (Band D property £1.60 per year).       RESOLVED to accept precept                                                                                                                                                                      

4. Human Resources Committee – Chair: Cllr M Palmer

To receive a report from the meeting on 12th November 2025 and approve any action taken.

The HR minutes had been previously circulated.

1. To review and approve the Harassment & Bullying policy.

               RESOLVED unanimously to approve the Harassment & Bullying policy.

               Ii.  To review and approve the Equality & Diversity policy

  RESOLVED unanimously to approve the Equality & Diversity policy

5. Leisure & Amenities Committee (L&A) – Chair Cllr Mrs Burge

To receive a report from the meeting on 24th November 2025 and approve any action taken.

Project moved to install a double swing with inclusive seats in St Paul’s Play Area - RESOLVED up to a sum of £7,000.  

There is £15,000 in the Project Fund and we have received a quote which includes provision for welfare, removal of rubbish, and security fencing which we can provide.  Decking repair/replacement on the sensory path should be completed mid Feb (weather permitting).  A replacement basket swing seat for Laburnum and two replacement swing seats for St Paul’s have been ordered.  This will be paid from the Maintenance funding account.  New signage for gates at play areas  to be ordered (final wording to be confirmed).  Drapers have been requested to carry out further repairs to the identified headstones in the topple test.  

I.  To approve the wetpour quotation for repair work required at Laburnum play park

     RESOLVED to in the sum of £3,400.00 from maintenance budget

6. Planning Matters – Chair: Cllr R Houghton

To receive a report from the meeting on 9th December 2025 and approve any action taken.

3 meetings in 7 weeks - 1 formal planning  and 2 working groups for the Neighbourhood Plan.   

2 x planning applications received.  One for the old airfield on Reepham Road and one from the National Grid to replace poles - no objections

1. Update on the progress of the neighbourhood plan (version 5)

The consultant has changed the wording slightly and will return the document to us with the changes made. The new version will be given to FC for review and comment and communications meetings for residents to be held over a 6 week period.  Once agreed, it can be printed.  2 quotes for printing version 5 of the NP and advertising the communications meetings.  Propose costs of up to £650.00 - RESOLVED

Nev Brown from WLDC has been asked to read the draft to give an indication if a referendum will take place as a result of the changes.  The housing section is a substantial change and WLDC may feel that a referendum is due.  WLDC will cover the costs of the referendum, not the PC.

Communications meetings to be held on dates to be confirmed with members of the Planning Committee available to give residents a chance to discuss and feedback.    Feedback to be added to February agenda

Received Terms and Conditions for an original application made in 2016 for 9 properties in Waterford Lane.  Change of conditions relates to materials being used to take away water on driveways.  Committee felt they were not technically competent to comment on the developers proposals and requested that WLDC planning officers decide.

2. Update on the Marina

 Close to concluding a deal.  

  Iii,     Viking Way benches

FC preferred options are to purchase 3  benches made from recycled materials rather than wood.  ACTION: Cllr Houghton to order

Propose locations added to next FC agenda - RESOLVED

Standing Orders suspended (time) - RESOLVED

Youth Club building - the original renters have pulled out and new people have been accepted. Email has been sent stating this is contrary to the process for tenders and leases.  Still waiting for a response.

7. Village Improvements Committee (VIC) – Chair: Cllr A Burge

To receive a report from the meeting on 8th January 2026 and approve any action taken.

   I.  To discuss and resolve any necessary action with the pest control quotation.  Quote received for £400 for first visit and £95 every 6 weeks.  The rats can be controlled but total extinction will not happen.  Respond to the Allotments Committee that the PC are unable to fund - RESOLVED

 Ii.  To discuss and resolve any necessary action regarding a war memorial at the Parade. 

 Iii.  To approve an Allotment Association request.  Cllrs A Burge and B Robinson to attend a site visit to determine location - RESOLVED 

 Iv.  To discuss and approve any necessary actions regarding the communication strategy - deferred to next meeting - RESOLVED

1.  Social Media Policy - deferred to next meeting - RESOLVED 

TO RESOLVE TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION IN THE ACCORDANCE WITH THE PUBLIC BODIES (ADMISSION TO MEETINGS) ACT 1960 DUE TO THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE BUSINESS TO BE DISCUSSED IN RELATION TO THE FOLLOWING MATTERS

RESOLVED unanimously to move into closed session 20:38

d. Human Resources

1. To receive a report and discuss any necessary action regarding staff salaries and pensions

120. To confirm the date of the next meeting as 16th February 2026 at 19:00 

RESOLVED.