Minutes 2025/26

Draft Minutes of Lt Bytham PC Meeting 7th August 2025 7.30pm in the Village Hall

1. Public Forum (15 minutes maximum) Two residents attended the Public Forum. The Chair of Lt Bytham Village Hall explained he has obtained quotes to replace the heating system in the Village Hall at a cost of £4000. He asked if the Parish Council were able to make a donation towards the cost. The Councillors confirmed they are happy to do so. In an effort to reduce costs, Cllr Hodgkin suggested he may be able to order the heaters via a commercial supplier, this was greatly appreciated by the Village Hall representatives.
2. Apologies for Absence. None
3. To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the 2011 Local Government Act. – personal or prejudicial interest in any items for discussion. None.
4. Draft Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 8th May 2025 to be approved as the Minutes. Having been previously circulated, the Minutes were accepted unanimously.
   1. Matters arising: None.
5. Councillors’ and Clerk’s reports:

5.1 County and District Councillors’ Reports. Both County and District Councillors were unable to attend the meeting.

5.2 Councillors Reports.

Update on making enquiries about the owners of The Willoughby Arms by Cllr Penny Robins. In her absence, the Clerk confirmed he had received a comprehensive email from a local resident outlining the history and more recent activity of the Willoughby Arms. The information was circulated to the Councillors who agreed, this item should be kept under review.

Update on contacting local garden centres about the flower boxes by Cllr Hodgson. Cllr Hodgson advised she had spoked with a garden centre regarding the supply of flowers for planters at the entrance to the village. Although they were happy to supply the plants, volunteers from the village would be required to plant and maintain the planters. Cllr Hodgson will continue to explore the viability of flower planters in the village.

6.0 Financial Matters

6.1 Financial report: position at bank. The Clerk presented the accounts to date, which were accepted unanimously.

After all cheques were accounted for, the precept balance to date stands at £3645.52.

6.2 To resolve to pay the following: Clerks Salary & Expenses £521.30. Lt Bytham VH £2000. Annual contribution 2023/24 & 2024/25.

Zurich Insurance renewal £238.73. Subject Revolution £210. These were agreed and signed.

      6.3 To declare Lt Byham PC exempt from a Limited Assurance Review. The Clerk confirmed, as the financial commitment is less than £25000, the Parish Council is exempt from a Limited Assurance Review.

6.3.1 To Resolve the Approval of the Annual Governance Statement, for publication. The accounts having been independably audited,

The AGAR forms were approved unanimously and will be published on the Parish Council website.

7.0 Planning applications –

7.1 S25/0993, Mr and Mrs Willett, Submission of details reserved by condition 4 (Drainage Details) of planning permission S21/1710 (Outline planning permission - for the erection of eight dwellings), Land to The West Of St Medards Close, Little Bytham, Grantham, NG33 4RX,

(Circulated to PC). (23rd July 2025, Accepted by SKDC Planning).

7.2 S25/0728, Dr Christopher Wood, Construction of a wooden outbuilding (workshop), Mayhall 3 Wheatleys Yard Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 1GE, (SKDC Planning Grants Planning Permission).

8.0 Correspondence 

8.1 Email received from Lt Bytham VH requesting a contribution towards the cost of new heaters in the Hall. As discussed in the Public Forum, the Councillors agreed to contribute towards the cost of the new heaters once the final cost has been established.

8.2 Email received after the publication of the agenda, from Patrick Chandler of the Spinney, requesting funding towards the cost of repairs to the main slides at The Spinney, (£828.00). After discussion, the Councillors agreed a contribution of £276.00, the balance hopefully to be provided by other Parish Councils whose residents use the facility.

9.0 Other Matters for Discussion. Cllr Hoyles advised the Councillors of his intention to step down from the Parish Council on the 30th of August, this, coinciding with his 90th birthday, seemed to be a good time to step aside for other residents who would like to make a contribution to their community. All the Councillors thanked Ron for his years of service to the village.

10.0 Date of next Meeting – Thursday 6th of November 2025.

Website: https://little-bytham.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/