INFORMAL DISCUSSION:
Before the formal meeting the Chairman introduced Mr N Bristow, Project Manager of Renewable Energy Systems (RES), who had been invited to discuss their proposals to install 35 wind turbines in Nocton Fen. He had also held similar meetings at Nocton, Dunston and Potterhanworth. RES were looking at potential sites throughout Great Britain with a possibility of two sites in Lincolnshire, including Nocton Fen. All potential sites will require a full Environment Assessment Report carried out over at least a twelve month period and RES, appreciating the sensitivity of such proposals, start early with consultations, public meetings and exhibitions in local communities. The Chairman then questioned Mr Bristow over the impact of the turbines, some 125m high and covering a large area of fenland, and likely disturbance to local residents by airborne noise, ground vibration, television interference, visual intrusion and devaluation of property. Mr Bristow, referring to a survey carried out by an estate agent, said there was no obvious evidence to the devaluation of property and that RES would produce photo-montages to show how the turbines would fit into the landscape, modifying the layout if necessary to reduce the impact. The Chairman felt the sites are in effect power stations and not wind farms, a misconstrued terminology, which Mr Bristow accepted although he considered they were not an industry per se with no personnel and few site vehicles. Mr Bristow then discussed technicalities and the construction costs, in the region of £60 million, and answered questions on the benefits to the local community, which would be minimal apart from utilising local construction companies although a community fund may be set-up for neighbourhood sustainable projects. He then answered questions of concern expressed by Councillors over the size of the complex and environmental issues and in particular issues raised by Reverend R J Abraham, Londesborough Way, over the impact on wildlife especially to rare and endangered species found in the locality. Reverend Abraham also indicated that the Ministry of Defence had reservations over such proposals, particularly located in close proximity to RAF bases. Mr Bristow advised that Mr Steve Percival, a world expert, would be engaged to record and monitor wildlife over a twelve month period and that RES were looking into the problems concerning RAF bases. There being no further questions the Chairman thanked Mr Bristow for his presentation.

2. MINUTES:
The Minutes of the last Meeting were signed by the Chairman as being a true record.

3. POLICE REPORT:
PC R Parker had sent in a written report showing that no serious incidents of crime had been recorded recently in the village.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
a) Parking at Bus Stops:
Awaiting report from Councillor Mrs Bradwell. ACTION: Councillor Mrs Bradwell
b) Children's Playground:
Councillor Duggins reported that a quotation is awaited from Messrs. Leggett of Bardney for installing the new swings. ACTION: Councillor Duggins
c) Village Hall Car Park:
The Chairman reported on a meeting he had attended with the Clerk at Nocton Village Hall in connection with the grant award from Lincolnshire County Council for surfacing the car park. Issues relating to grant to be discussed under Any Other Business.
Three revised quotations had been received for carrying out the work and after due consideration it was AGREED for the Chairman and Clerk to look into the question of appointing one of the contractor's. ACTION; Chairman and Clerk
d) 2004 Fayre and Feast:
A Sub-committee meeting to be arranged to discuss this year's event. ACTION: ScFF
e) Street Lighting:
Following previous discussions Councillor Westall reported that the Lincolnshire County Council had put the matter in abeyance until sufficient funds were available, in the region of £1,000.00 per light. Following further discussion on a request for additional lighting in Pullman Close it was AGREED to leave the matter in abeyance until such time further requests are received. The Sub-committee to look at other areas of the villages were it is considered the lighting is poor. It was further AGREED that the County Council be asked to carry out a survey of highway lighting in respect of safety. ACTION: ScSL
f) Notice Board:
It was reported that the new Notice Board had now been installed. It was AGREED for the Sub-committee to consider utilising the new Notice Board for just the Parish Council and the old one for village organisations. Matter to be discussed at the next Meeting. ACTION: ScWM&OS
g) Public Conveniences:
It was reported that Building Regulations Approval was imminent from the District Council for incorporating a Unisex Disabled Toilet. Tenders to be invited once this has been received. ACTION: Clerk
Councillor Mrs Creasey to ask Darwood Builders to unblock a drain in the gentlemen's toilet. ACTION: Councillor Mrs Creasey
h) Annual Parish Meeting:
The Chairman confirmed that arrangements had be finalised and that the Guest Speakers will be Mr Alan Thomas, North Kesteven District Council, and Mr Alun Jones, Lincolnshire County Council, who will discuss the Council Tax. Village organisations had also been invited to display promotional material in the Village Hall. Councillor Duggins to organise refreshments and the distribution of publicity leaflets. ACTION: Councillor Duggins
i) Dog Warden:
The Vice Chairman reported that Dog Warden Services did not wish for their mobile telephone number to be publicised.
j) JMC
It was reported that the new security fence had been installed in the Playing Fields adjacent to the school and that the fencing to the additional playing fields had also been completed.
k) Fen Bridge Relief Road:
Councillor Mrs Parker declared an interest and took no part in the discussion. Officers from Lincolnshire County had been invited to display the plans for the proposed Fen Bridge relief road at the Annual Parish Meeting.
l) Correspondence:
It was confirmed that a letter had been sent to the Lincoln Co-operative Store requesting signage to
identify their car park.
m) Any Other Business:
i) The Sub-committee are looking into the possibility of providing permanent flood lighting at the War Memorial and are to invite quotations for a scheme similar to one at Branston War Memorial.
ACTION: ScWM&OS
ii) The Chairman reported that he and the Clerk had met the District Council Solicitors in respect of the Agreement for transferring the Shiregate Play Park to the Parish Council. The District Council had agreed to produce a new plan and transfer document for consideration.
n) Open Forum:
i) Councillor Duggins reported that the School Governors had agreed to make a contribution to the Swimming Pool Association. A meeting is to be arranged by Councillor Mrs Bradwell with the Lincolnshire County Council and all interested parties concerning the future of the swimming pool. ACTION: Councillor Mrs Bradwell
ii) Councillor Harrison reported that a decision in respect of a grant application for a skate board park was still awaited.
o) Correspondence:
1) It was confirmed that the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership had been asked to display speed reduction signs and their mobile speed indicator in the village.
ii) It was confirmed that action had been taken regarding dog fouling in Alfred Avenue.
p) Any Other Business:
i) It was confirmed that a letter had been sent to North Kesteven District Council requesting the Parish Council are consulted over proposals for installing wind turbines in Nocton Fen.
ii) Councillor Duggins reported that the matter of Metheringham Youth Club booking the Village Hall for a dance had been amicably resolved.
iii) The Lincolnshire County Council confirmed that the resiting of the bus stop on Station Road will be carried out as soon as possible.
iv) It was confirmed that Lincolnshire County Council had been requested to repair damaged kerbs in Drury Street.
v) It was reported that the overgrown hedge at Station Road/High Street had apparently been trimmed.

5. OPEN FORUM:
i) Following earlier discussion Reverend Abraham reiterated his concerns over the wind turbine site in Nocton Fen suggesting an action group be formed, including the Parish Council, to oppose the proposal. The Chairman advised the Parish Council would be unable to be involved in such a group. Councillor Rose gave Reverend Abraham a list of organisations who the District Council had contacted on the matter.
ii) Mrs Bellamy questioned whether any further information had been received regarding cycle paths in the village. The Vice Chairman advised that a study would have to be carried out over a number of years and was doubtful whether anything will be done.
iii) Mrs Pearce, Station Road, was informed that the County Council are to resite the bus stop outside her property.

6. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
There were no outstanding reports.

7. CORRESPONDENCE:
a) Letter from Lincolnshire County Council saying they will consider restoring the verge adjacent to the District Council Depot on Sleaford Road and carry out improvements to the footway on Dunston Road.
b) Letter from Lincolnshire County Council advising that a Diversion Order will be required regarding the position of Public Footpath No. 8 crossing Metheringham Delph, which is incorrectly shown on the Definitive Footpath Map, although this may take some considerable time to implement.
c) Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing a report on low cost housing.
d) Letter from North Kesteven District Council advising that they hold the sum of £19,992.00, being a Section 106 Agreement with Chanceoption Homes Limited for their new development off Lincoln Road, which the Parish Council are already aware of.
e) Letter from Reverend Abraham, Londesborough Way, in connection with the proposed wind turbines at Nocton Fen and urging for an action group to be formed. As discussed previously under Open Forum Reverend Abraham was advised that the Parish Council are unable to form part of such a group. Councillor Mrs Parker said that although individual Members could become involved they should declare an interest to the Parish Council.
f) Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing details on their Second Lincolnshire Local Transport Plan.
g) Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing details of their Saturday Morning refuse service.
h) Copy of a letter sent by Councillor Rose to Anglian Water asking that the foul water drainage problems in Metheringham be given priority in their capital programme for 2005-2010.
Letter from Mrs R Parker, Drury Street, expressing concern over traffic congestion in Drury Street and the difficulties of large vehicles negotiating parked cars. After due consideration it was AGREED to try and set up a meeting with Lincolnshire County Council and coach companies to discuss alternative routes for service buses.
i) Letter from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership advising that road safety measures in the form of additional signage and road markings are to be provided at the A15/B1202 junction.
j) Letter from Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee enclosing information on a Village May Fayre from 9.00am to 12noon on Saturday 8th May 2004, where organisations will be able to hire a table in the Village Hall.
k) Letter from Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee inviting the Parish Council to attend the official opening ceremony of the new extension at 10.30am on Saturday 8th May 2004.
l) Letter from Metheringham Village Hall Management Committee asking for a Parish Council representative to serve on their Committee. Councillor Duggins AGREED to be nominated.
m) Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing information on the North Kesteven Local Plan Inquiry to be held at 10.00am on Tuesday 6th July 2004.
n) Invitation from The Community Council of Lincolnshire to enter this year's Best Kept Village and Small Town Competition. It was AGREED to enter and pay the £6.00 entry fee.
o) Letter from Mrs Bellamy, Metheringham Youth Club, seeking financial support from the Parish Council towards the cost of their insurance, being £88.00. After lengthy discussion, where Mrs Bellamy discussed the group's activities and problems in raising funds, it was RESOLVED to pay the insurance for the next financial year on the understanding that the Youth Club's accounts and a forward plan are presented to the Parish Council, which was AGREED by Mrs Bellamy.

8. PLANNING:
The following applications were considered;
39/0225/04 Extension to dwelling at Grange Road for North Kesteven District Council SUPPORT APPLICATION
39/0266/04 Proposed conservatory at Shiregate for Mr S Thornton SUPPORT APPLICATION
39/0340/04 Proposed double garage at Fen Lane for Mr J Harrison SUPPORT APPLICATION
39/0370/04 Proposed conservatory at Newton Close for Mr and Mrs Watson SUPPORT APPLICATION
LCC/04/CM Waste Transfer and Storage at Moorlands Trading Estate for Walcott Skip Hire SUPPORT APPLICATION

9. ACCOUNTS:
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Waddington SECONDED by Councillor Mrs Creasey that the following accounts be passed and paid:

CARRIED

10. DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:
No matters were raised for discussion.

11. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
a) Councillor Mrs Webb was informed that delivery was still awaited for the new seats.
b) Councillor Westall advised that the seat his family are donating for Shiregate will be delivered in 4-5 weeks time.
c) The Vice Chairman reported that part of the builders compound on the new development off Lincoln Road had collapsed during recent high winds resulting in waste material, particularly polystyrene, being blown all over the village. After due consideration it was accepted, because of the exceptional circumstances, that little could have been done to prevent the occurrence.
d) Following a report by the Chairman it was AGREED to discuss the following matters at the next
Meeting:- i) sewer infrastructure, ii) Swimming Pool Association, iii) Equal Opportunities Policy and
Environmental check list in respect of grant for Village Hall car park, iv) Playing Fields and Skate Board Park.

12. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:
To be held in the Pavilion at 7.30pm on Monday 26th April 2004.

The Meeting closed at 10.30pm

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