January 2026
Sturton by Stow Parish Council met on Wednesday 7th January 2026 in the Old Schoolroom. The meeting starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Chaired by Cllr Cook
Minutes recorded by S. Hoyland - Parish Clerk
Present: Cllr S Christie, Cllr C Christie, Cllr Hawke, Cllr Capuano, Cllr Holtby and 5 members of the public
Absent: None
Cllr Cook welcomed everybody to the January 2026 Parish Council meeting and wished them a Happy New Year.
295. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
None.
It was mentioned that Cllr Mullally had sent apologies for her late arrival and was expected to join the meeting shortly.
296. To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests.
Cllr Holtby declared a financial interest in items 11a i). Salaries, it was noted that these had been pre-authorised at the last meeting.
297. To discuss updates from Anglian Water public meeting and agree action.
The Chairman confirmed that the proposed fact-finding meeting took place in December. Feedback from Highways representatives indicated that they are fulfilling their statutory duties and strongly encouraged the use of Fix My Street, supported by photographic evidence, to ensure that highway assets are monitored and maintained effectively. The Highways Manager has prepared an article for the village newsletter to reinforce the importance of reporting issues through this system.
The LCC Flood and Water Management Team focused heavily on Riparian Rights, stressing that, under common law, responsibility for a watercourse rest with the landowner unless deeds explicitly state otherwise. They expressed a willingness to work with the Parish Council to help educate residents about riparian responsibilities and encouraged residents to take preventative measures when extreme weather is forecast.
It was acknowledged by all parties that flooding is a county-wide issue. While there is demand for a public meeting, the Chairman was not convinced that such a meeting would currently provide additional benefit to residents or yield new information as those present were very much factual about their roles and responsibilities.
Highways confirmed that they are responsible for the highway itself. They stated that some drainage assets fall under Highways’ responsibility, while others belong to Anglian Water (AW). Once surface water leaves the highway, responsibility transfers to AW. It was also emphasised that existing drainage systems are not designed to accommodate extreme weather events.
The Chairman noted that since the public meeting with AW, there has been an increased presence in Sturton by Stow, with remedial works undertaken on Stow Road.
These actions are appreciated as minor mitigation measures. A monitoring device has also been installed in the culvert between Ashfield and Fleets Road to track water levels.
The Clerk highlighted that the CCTV investigations carried out on the culvert last year suggested that the lack of visible infiltration may have been due to exceptionally dry conditions at the time. AW had confirmed that they will review the situation and re-undertake CCTV surveys in the new year when groundwater levels are higher, in the hope of identifying the source of infiltration.
The clerk noted that the LCC Flood and Water Team made reference to the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board plan outlining the demarcation between Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board’s normal operating boundary (“internal drainage district”) and their extended area whereby they act as agent to the LCC Flood and Water Department with respect to consenting and enforcement on ordinary watercourses.
The clerk also highlighted that AW Public Meeting had referred to the Environmental Agency (EA) and made reference to a permit of capacity to discharge water. The permit is a flow figure that the EA allows. We are at the permitted limit during dry weather conditions. AW stated that there needs to be changes to how they manage and discharge the water. At the time of the meeting, it was discussed to whether the permit capacity could be increased.
The Chairman thanked the Clerk for her comprehensive notes from the fact-finding meeting and expressed his appreciation for her ability to the complex dialogue between the various agencies involved. The full notes will be published on the Parish website, along with a summary that will also appear in the forthcoming village newsletter.
It was agreed to initiate dialogue with both the Environment Agency and the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board to establish points of contact and to clarify their respective responsibilities within the Parish.
298. Public Participation
At 7.45pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting to enable public participation.
Three members of the public wished to speak.
The first resident highlighted to the council that representatives from STEP are due to risk assess the village Hall prior to hire for a consultation event for a Nuclear Fusion Power. A Nuclear Fusion Power Station is proposed to be developed at the former West Burton Power Station Site.
Cllr Hawke commented that he was aware and had heard of STEP Nuclear Fusion.
The Chairman stated that it was not an initiative that he had come across but was sure that the PC would be informed in due course.
The resident continued that after a year, final agreements have been signed for the receipt of the £13,000 grant from FCC and the grant received from the PC last year to refurb the kitchen in the village hall.
He also raised concerns regarding the Multidata cost that appears on the agenda each month. He explained that this relates to the provision of internet services at the village hall. He noted that the service was originally installed to allow West Lindsey District Council councillors and staff to park on the driveway and access Wi-Fi. However, he stated that the signal strength is poor and, to his knowledge, the service is not utilised and ceasing the services may be beneficial as the annual cost accumulates to a potential waste of an annual £750 Council funds.
Cllr C Christie questioned that to whether ceasing the service will impact on the village hall Wi-Fi. The resident replied emphasising its poor signal strength and that he feels that technology on mobile phones have succumbed the need for a Wi-Fi in the hall.
The Chairman stated that it seems beneficial for the service to cease if it is not being utilised and for the Clerk to contact Multidata and action this with immediate effect.
The clerk stated that she would initially have to raise the matter with WLDC. Though the parish council pay the monthly invoice, WLDC reimburses this. The agreement for the service is between WLDC and Multidata. She highlighted that District Cllr Mullally was due to join the meeting soon and asking her for advice may help.
The resident thanked the PC for their time.
At 7.48pm another resident highlighted that in regards to updates from the fact finding meeting, the residents of the village might like a meeting for the PC to speak about what has been done since the public meeting. It would give the PC an opportunity to feedback information and for residents to ask questions.
The Chairman stated that now the draft notes have been finalised they will be made available on the Parish Council website along with a summary of notes in the upcoming newsletter to keep residents up to date. He agrees that it would be useful to invite public comment to raise particular issues. Residents are more than welcome to send questions to the clerk and the PC will put them forward to be answered.
She noted that water is rising in the mains and with the rainfall due within the next week it will very likely that she will once again not beable to use water in her home. She reiterated that even though she has preventative mitigation measures in place the flooding or potential of flooding affects daily life. She highlighted that she has been informed from an AW representative that a property on the Stow side of her home is applying for planning permission and are known to be diverting rainwater into the main sewer. Assuming this is not stand alone practice these actions will be contributing massively to flooding on Stow Road. She questioned the AW representative that if AW are aware of the situation, then what is being done about it.
The AW representative has exclaimed that the issue has been identified and they can only educate, which in this case they have using a dye to show the flow of the rainwater to the homeowner. Homeowners are instructed to resolve the issue but once corrected and signed off there is no guarantee homeowners do not revert back to diverting the rainwater. It is suspected that similar issues happen in relation to planning applications and building regulations.
The Chairman stated that the PC have not been informed of a planning application on Stow Road yet and asked how new the information was and was the property in question within our parish. The resident stated that it was relatively new information and that the property does fall within the parish. She questioned that it is known that it is happening, what could be done with the information?
He stated that certain extensions can be classed as permitted development without the need for a planning application. He added that we should be concerned.
At 7.54pm District Cllr Mullally joined the meeting.
The resident continued that If AW says this is happening and it has the potential of being common practice and that would have a serious detrimental effect to flooding on Stow Road.
The Chairman asked if the name of the representative was known, if the issue has been raised with them it would stand that it is their job to resolve it.
The resident stated that the water should go into a soakaway and being diverted is contributing to the flooding and hoped the PC could throw some weight behind the issue raised.
Cllr S Christie added that now this issue has been drawn to our attention that it is occurring. The community needs to take responsibility and education on blocked soakaways would be benefitting.
The Chairman stated that the PC could use their contacts with enforcement at the planning office and Matt Moore at AW to raise awareness and concern.
At 7.58pm a third resident stated that she had received a very useful leaflet on Riparian Rights and asked if it would be possible to obtain copies for every household. She volunteered to deliver the leaflets to spread the word and help educate others who may not be aware of riparian rights.
She also recommended that the document was uploaded to the village social media page and website.
The Chairman noted that the PC are familiar with the leaflet. He informed the resident that in spring 2023 the PC hosted a riparian rights meeting which took place in the village hall where largescale maps of the village were used to highlight ditches within the parish to help determine riparian rights. At the same time the leaflets were distributed. Despite the effort the event was poorly attended, however maybe one that could be repeated in present times.
He noted that it is quite a lengthy document and that a link from the village social media page to the Parish Council website may be more efficient. He asked the clerk to see if more hard copies can be obtained.
The resident agreed that another riparian rights meeting would be beneficial. She informed the council that she has been in communication with the CEO of AW and he has said that there is a plan to divert the surface water to a larger pipe to prevent the water coming down the sewer. Once the water reaches the sewer, this is what affects our properties, so they are trying to divert the water before it reaches the sewer. She added that AW have applied for planning permission to lay the large pipe and are awaiting agreement with the landowner. She questioned, who is the landowner?
The Chairman reiterated that at the fact finding meeting it was acknowledged by the Flood and Water Department that none of the agencies hold a comprehensive list of landowners; landownership is identified on a “need to know” basis when issues arise. The LCC must pay a fee to search the Land Registry in the same way any individual would and does not have the budget to carry out searches for all parcels of land.
At 8.05pm the public was thanked for their involvement, and public participation was closed.
298. To approve minutes of previous meeting in December 2025 and authorise the Chairman to sign
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the December 2025 minutes as presented and authorise the Chairman to sign as a true record.
299. To receive the Clerks Report
The Clerks report can be viewed as Appendix A.
At 8.09pm Two members of the public left.
Cllr Holtby stated that he also helped to distribute the smaller trees and was pleased to announce that the refurbishment of the flagpole was complete. Cllrs thanked Cllr Holtby for his time spent refurbing the flagpole and to the men sheds for their contribution of the finial saying it looked remarkable.
Cllr C Christie queried if the clerk has any further information regarding the maintenance of a tree on Fleets Road which is overgrown and verging into the road and obscuring the streetlight causing a dark area. The clerk stated that she had informed the resident and he was aware of the maintenance required and would tackle it.
Cllr C Christie then questioned the process of hot spotting from the clerk’s mobile phone stating that a password was now available. The clerk suggested that they attempted to utilise the hot spotting after the meeting when completing the online payment process.
Lastly Cllr C Christe asked if the letter for the resident on the Glebe had been sent. The clerk stated that it is printed and ready to post tomorrow afternoon.
The clerk questioned if one set of the Christmas lights was not working. Cllr Cook replied that they were working but were extremely dim and that being open to the elements more robust lights maybe required for the outdoor use on the village tree. The councillors noted that the lights similar to the Stow village tree would be worth looking into.
300. Correspondence received.
A Christmas card from Ian Moore Contracting. All other correspondence has been received electronically. Clerk to share the recent monthly Play Park inspection document via email when received. She has been informed that the monthly inspection has been completed and all is well however the volunteer has had issues with his computer and unable to print off a form.
301. Planning Applications (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
None
302.Planning Granted (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
Application Number: WL/2025/00100 - THE WILLOWs, 22B SAXILBY ROAD – Reconsultation- amendments to site location and reduced BNG proposals.
Application Number: WL/2025/01024 Location: Hawthorn House, 2A Ashfield - Planning application for Proposed single storey rear and side extension including a garage.
303. Other planning matters.
It was noted that some homeowners may be in breach of planning regulations in relation to drainage of surface water.
304. Accounts: Online payments to be authorised
a) Pre-Authorised Payments agreed
i) Salaries-Clerk and expenses/litter picker/OSR Cleaner/Handy-man/PAYE
It was noted that Cllr Holtby did not leave the room as the payments were pre-authorised at the last meeting where a dispensation was granted.
b) Payments to be agreed
i) LALC Internal Audit- £336 including VAT
c) Direct Debits paid
Multidata £68.42 (December)
British Gas OSR –£18.96 including VAT
British Gas Village Green- £24.39 including VAT
ID Mobile- Phone Contract- £8.00
Charge Card- (£16.49) including £3 Charge fee. £13.49 HP Ink Subscription
d) Bank Fees
Multi Charge Card monthly charge £3 included within charge card total
Monthly Bank Account Fee £6
e) Monies Received
Multidata reimbursement December - £68.42
English Woodland Grant Scheme - Farm Woodland Payment for Jubilee Wood £155.47
N-U-C/A £10,180.07 N-U-D/A £1,964.26 N-U-S/A £27,834.54
305. To approve the January 2025 accounts (circulated)
It was noted that the scheduled payments for Fillingham trees and salaries had been successful. The Multidata charge has increased its monthly charge to £68.42 and that this month’s reimbursement has not been received due to the Christmas break. The clerk has successfully set up the amazon business account and ordered cleaning supplies for the cleaner. The HP Ink Subscription has been switched to the new bank charge card. The Invoice for the LALC Internal Audit was requested for this financial year. Due to this when we next review the Quarterly review the Audit section will be over budget as it is usually paid in the new financial year. It was noted that the Farm Woodland Payment from the English Woodland Grant had been received for the upkeep of Jubilee Wood. Cllr C Christie stated that she believes that the agreement was for 10 years. The clerk mentioned that on the paperwork there was a year date of 2015, so it would make sense for this to be the last payment. It was noted that the British Gas bills were allocated the incorrect figures. British Gas OSR amount should be recorded as £24.39 (including VAT), and the British Gas Village Green amount should be recorded as £18.96 (including VAT).
The figures are correct on the accounts. It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the January 2025 accounts
At 8.23pm the Chairman asked Cllr Mullally about the query of the ceasing the Multidata contract. She stated that she has never used the available Wi-Fi and agreed that technology has most likely succumbed the use of the service. She added that if it is a facility that is not required then it makes sense to use the funds elsewhere. She stated that she would raise the query of ceasing the contract with her contacts at WLDC though the clerk may have to send an official letter. Cllr Mullally also offered some funding towards new Christmas lights for the village tree from her Councillor Initiative Fund.
Meeting closed to Cllr Mullally at 8.25pm
306. To agree the monthly reserves summary sheet (circulated)
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the monthly reserves summary sheet.
307. To agree bank reconciliation.
It was noted that the £6.00 bank charge had been placed under the charge card heading on the December Accounts. The clerk confirmed that the payment should be under the Unity Bank heading. It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the hard copy bank reconciliation provided by Cllr S Christie and the electronic bank reconciliation produced by the Clerk on the account summary sheet.
Two members of the public left at 8.30pm
308. To refer to the Neighbourhood Plan in reference to potential sites for new development within the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan and to highlight locations where development would not be supported.
It was discussed that, aside from the areas identified on page 94 of the Neighbourhood Plan, the Parish Council would only support development on existing brownfield sites, for example the LCC depot when it cease s operations.
It was reaffirmed that, as set out in the Neighbourhood Plan, the area between Sturton by Stow and Stow should remain undeveloped in order to preserve the separation of the two villages.
Members noted that any further housing development would have a critical impact on flooding, an issue from which the village already suffers.
Cllr Hawke queried the deadline for submissions. The Clerk confirmed that the deadline for online submissions is 12th February.
Cllr Hawke volunteered to collate the discussions and the re-emphasise the zones already identified in the Neighbourhood Plan into a draft statement to be presented at the next meeting for agreement.
309. To agree to apply for a grant from WLDC to support purchase of additional speed indicator devices.
It was noted to alter the agenda item to agree to apply for a grant from WLDC to support the purchase of speed indicator mounting infrastructure.
The Clerk requested information from Cllr Mullally prior to the meeting, in regard to what grants were on offer prior to the meeting. She shared feedback from WLDC, who advised that they would not normally offer grants for road-related projects, as such improvements fall under the responsibility of the County Council. However, it was noted that LCC does not, as far as the WLDC department is aware, fund speed indicator devices.
The only potential funding currently available would be via the Councillor Initiative Fund, although this would be unlikely to cover the full costs, as speed indicator devices typically cost several thousand pounds.
The Clerk suggested that, if agreed, she would approach WLDC to clarify that the request for funding is only being sought for the additional infrastructure required, mainly poles and brackets, at an estimated cost of approximately £800 and that CIL funds will be used to cover the costs of the devices.
In addition, WLDC suggested applying for a grant from the National Lottery. Cllr C Christie raised the concern of moving the unit to various locations and who would be responsible for this. The clerk stated that if not a joint effort from the PC then she could contact Ian Moore who would be more than capable and has a highways permit.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to apply for a grant to help cover the installation costs.
At 8.45pm the Chairman opened the meeting to Cllr Mullally to provide any updates of interest to the PC. Cllr Mullally wished the councillor and public a Happy New Year. She highlighted that the recent indecent exposure has been dealt with by the police. The individual is deemed as not having capacity and preventative measures have been but in place by the individuals care team to ensure the individual is supervised at all times. Cllr Mullally added that she will network with Stow PC at their next meeting in regard to the supplier of the Christmas Lights as she funded their new lights via a grant for them to purchase new lights last year. She will also pass on the details of the grant request to the grant department and find out the process of ceasing the Multidata contract at the village hall.
She stated that she would circulate any information or updates via the clerk.
Cllr Mullally thanked the councillors and left the meeting
The councillors queried if the remaining unfamiliar member of public needed to raise a question to the council. The resident declined explaining that she was new to the village and came to spectate a council meeting to learn about happenings in the village. Councillors welcomed the resident to the village and expressed that it was wonderful to see her interest in Council matters and the village. The Chairman noted that there are currently three vacancies on the Council should meet the criteria and wish to apply.
The meeting was closed to the remaining resident at 8.47pm
310. To receive a progress report from the project walking leaflet sub-committee (if required)
It was noted that there was no new movement over the festive period and a work party was to take place after the meeting. Updates will be provided at the next meeting. It was noted that once the map is completed the leaflet can be collated and the walks can be edited on. When complete the geographical representation can be projected onto a large board to be installed on the village green. The working party are hopeful to have the project competed by the end of the financial year.
311. Reports from local organisation.
Jubilee Wood- A work party has taking place; the central meadow area and pathways were cleared.
Another work party is scheduled for 25th January 26 for anyone who wishes to volunteer to conduct tree work such as haloing, strimming and raking. In regard to the damaged owl box, it was noted that upon installation the owl box was fixed into place before the pole was installed and concreted in position. It now poses a challenge to retrieve as a three-part ladder is required to reach it.
It was noted that there were no other reports from local organisations.
Cllr Christie questioned who the representative for the Youth Club was. The clerk stated that it used to be former Cllr Hoyland. It was noted that the clerk had checked in with the local organisations, the recreational committee and the village hall are happy to send updates and the Youth Club would welcome a new PC representative though it seemed since the resignations of former Cllr Hoyland and Cllr Taylor that duties weigh heavy on the remaining parish councillors.
312. General maintenance in the Parish
It was noted that the watercourse barriers in Bransby have been damaged by a vehicle and had been reported to the PC by Bransby Horses Home. The clerk has informed Bransby Horses Home that they are not PC asset and advised to report to Fix My Street.
It was noted that the clerk’s husband has made the new plates to and acquired hinges to refurb the electric box on the village green prior to painting.
313. Items to be noted for the next meeting.
Figures required for village green electric for box for electricity used over the festive period.
S106 due for re-investment in February, clerk to circulate interest rates when received.
Explore options of Tree Survey. Cllr Hawke volunteered to make a list of the trees which the PC are responsible for.
Both the Litter picker and OSR cleaner appraisals’ have been scheduled for the middle of January and the Handy is due in March
The clerk’s appraisal is due in February and to be carried out by the HR Committee.
Agenda item for possible riparian rights meeting
Meeting Closed at 9.10pm
One member of the public left
Smoke alarm tested and passed at 9.20pm.