Willoughby on the Wolds
COUNCIL. Willoughby on the Wolds Parish Council, under the chairmanship[ of Coun Andy Edyvean, continue to meet during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic situation under the Zoom on line system.
During a report given by parish clerk Mike Elliott, the meeting was told that Midlands Rural Housing are looking at a possible scheme for affordable housing for Willoughby, Widmerpool and Wysall. It is understood there is land available likely to be offered in Widmerpool and it would be a joint scheme for the three villages.
The council is now in a position to co-opt a new member in regard to the retirement of James Hallam. There will be a second vacancy because Coun. Neil Clifton was attending his final meeting before retiring because of his move to live in Cornwall. An official notice for that vacancy was placed on the notice board and residents given 21 days to ask for an election. No one has and the council can fill by co-option.
The chairman offered warm thanks to Coun. Clifton for his efforts on behalf of the council since he joined them and wished him well in his move to live in Cornwall
Report from Borough council member Coun. Rob Inglis spoke on a number of aspects of work of the Borough and said the waste sites were now open. He mentioned the ongoing situation concerning grant funding and commented on the extremely complicated arrangements involving this matter.
The chairman commented on a proposed boundary review of parishes aimed at looking at the population of each of the existing areas. The County were focusing much of their work on the Covid-19 situation. He mentioned the fact that the Government had not agreed at the present time to support progress on a possible unitary plan for the county.
Correspondence: Nottinghamshire Rural Gibabit Voucher Scheme from Notts County Council was discussed, with its aim being to assist in gaining access to high speed broadband to those properties where it is not currently available. Cameron Jones, the County Council Broadband
Engagement Officer, said the County as a whole were planning to invest £750,000 to top-up the scheme to hand vouchers out to residents and firms who needed help to improve the service available, with the same amount of funding coming from the Government.
The parish council were expected to assist in the contacting of the people concerned. The clerk pointed out during the current Lockdown of the country because of the coronavirus pandemic situation it would not be possible to make door visits to the people concerned and confirmed he would be able to send letters to those concerned.
The voucher scheme would only be operating until the end of March after which the voucher funding would cease.
Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards advised the council of a J9 initiative to assist victims of domestic abuse. The MP said the aims were to raise awareness of domestic abuse and to assist survivors to access support safely by training professionals and members of the community to recognise domestic abuse and respond to survivors. The council welcomed the aim of the scheme and agreed to give it their support.
Planning matters : Borough Council applications: Mr R Ashpole 141 Main Street, Proposed single storey house extension, raised patio area and detached garage and workshop No objection. Mr & Mrs Smith Old Hall Farm, Westhorpe, Erection of two storey detached dwelling. No objection. Mr and Mrs Jacques 161 Main Street. Single storey side extension No objection. Waleed Sbitan, 121 Main Street. Erect side garage extension, new windows, convert loft, internal works and lift roof height, gable end on west elevation. External alterations include slate roof tiles and external render. Outbuilding to rear. Revision. No objection. Rushcliffe decisions: Mrs Anita Jane Westley The Grey House Wysall Lane Temporary siting of glamping site, including one yurt and two bell, tents, fencing and car parking facilities. Grant
Coun. Edyvean advised the meeting that the Carr’s application for prior approval to convert the barn on Back Lane to a dwelling house, refused by Rushcliffe, has gone to the Planning Inspectorate for appeal.
Finance: Budget 2021 – 2022: Members discussed a financial report by the clerk and raised a number of points.
The chairman said the balance held in the council funds was appropriate for its needs and he suggested the precept for the coming year remain the same as for 2020-2021, at a figure of £10,836 .
He said this would mean taking a small amount from the ongoing funds because the estimated expenditure for the coming year was £11,340. The council unanimously accepted the proposal of a precept figure of £10,836.
The clerk said the council were awaiting a bill from Proludic for over £900 for work on the playing fields but had already agreed to pay it.
Environment: Coun. Aldiss raised a point in regard to bulb planting by Dick Merriman on the east end of Main Sweet. The clerk was asked to inform the County Council of the planting in the hope they would not cut off the growing plants during their annual maintenance cutting session.
The clerk was asked to again seek committee from Leicestershire County Council in regard to the need for repainting the white lines on Hades Lane.