Parish Council Report

Report of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10 November at 7.00pm

Nocton Hall

Over thirty residents attended this month’s meeting to hear LEDA Properties’ latest proposals for Nocton Hall and the former RAF Hospital site.

Stephen Sensecal from Kemp and Kemp (Planning Consultants who have been working on behalf of LEDA since they first purchased the old hospital site some 20 years ago) said that they were beginning to work up plans for a development of some 200 houses, the bulk of which would be built on the site of the former hospital with access via Woodhall Drive.  A smaller number of more exclusive houses would be constructed to the south of this site with access along the drive leading to the Cottage Care Home.  Up to 6 houses would be built within the “Walled Garden”.

Mr Sensecal is to let the Parish Council have a detailed plan of the proposed development which will be posted on its website as soon as it is has been received.  A more detailed report on the proposals is currently available on the Nocton Blog.  It is important to note, however, that the plans are at a very early stage and it is likely to be some months before any planning application is submitted – if at all.

Work on preserving the old Hall as a ruin, in accordance with the agreed Options Appraisal would not begin until sufficient houses had been built (and sold) to cover the cost.

At present the draft Local Plan for Central Lincolnshire does not deem it necessary for any further development in Nocton (we already more than meet the criteria).   LEDA is, however, considering seeking an “Exception” to this through the current Local Plan consultation process which would allow for a development of this size on this site.

If outline planning permission is ultimately granted, LEDA would sell to a developer/builder to construct.

It was confirmed that IF the Hall was not preserved as a ruin (as proposed in the Options Appraisal and agreed by Heritage England) then the number of houses (if there were to be any) would be reduced significantly.

Other Matters on the Agenda

Security at Nocton Hall
LEDA is proposing to put a barrier on the road after the Cottage Hospital turn off.  Signs showing that the whole area is “Private” are to be displayed although residents will still be free to walk on the woodland paths (with or without their dogs!).  A metal fence similar to that around the field opposite the Village Hall is to be erected around the Hall and at such a distance to ensure that should any masonry, etc fall off the building, it will not be a danger.  The area around the perimeter of the fence is also to be cleared – leaving any mature trees (with or without TPOs) in place.  Hopefully this will deter any would-be intruders.

Finally, it was noted that the local Police were committed to taking incidents of trespass and damage at the Hall seriously and that if anyone sees any such activity taking place they should immediately call “999” rather than, as previously advised, “101”.

Central Lincolnshire Draft Local Plan
The Parish Council agreed to respond further to the latest version of this Plan although it was not confident that any of its comments would be taken on board.  All residents are urged to put forward their comments, even if it is only to support or not, any of the Plan’s proposals.  In particular, residents may wish to comment on the plan to construct some 40,000 homes in our area and the possibility of Lincoln spreading out into neighbouring villages.  The closing date for comments is 25 November, with forms available on the Lincolnshire County Council website to download or post.
A copy of the Parish Council’s response is available on its website.

Neighbourhood Plan
A huge thank you to all who sent back their questionnaire – between the two villages we had a 42% return, which provides ample information to compile a meaningful first draft of the Plan.  It is hoped to present the draft Plan to residents for comment before Christmas.  Please see the blog at http://nocpotplan.blogspot.co.uk/ for more information.

Youth Club
A new leader, Spencer Watkins, has now been appointed and the Youth Club will start up again on Thursday, 12th November.  Spencer is not only a youth worker but a football coach as well - so he may even find the next Wayne Rooney/Jane Ludlow in our midst!

Village Newsletter
The Parish Council is planning to publish a short  monthly newsletter delivered to all households publicising village events and activities.  Initial costs will be met from 200 Club monies.  Although the Parish Council will start the ball rolling, it would prefer someone else to take over responsibility for its future publication.  If you are interested in helping out in this way – it will not be an onerous task and you will not be required to do all of the deliveries! – please contact the Parish Clerk or one of your local parish councillors.

However, to reach a wider audience and so that other groups can see when events are taking place it was also suggested that these were posted on the FREE LCC Events Website.  To add events to this list go to the Nocton Parish Council website; at the bottom click on NKDC website and events click on either and submit an entry.  Alternatively, email your event details to events@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Village Hall Refurbishment
The Architects’ Brief was approved which will now be sent inviting tenders from at least three architects.  Councillor Kaye has drawn up a timeline that will help to show when each part of the process is scheduled to be completed and when the Hall will need to be closed for building work to begin.  In the meantime, please be aware that by the summer it is possible that the Hall may no longer be available and alternative premises will need to be found for a period.  As such, only provisional bookings will be taken after 30th June, 2016.  However, the Parish Council will be keeping the matter under review as things progress and will work closely with the Village Hall Management Committee to ensure that disruption to bookings is kept to an absolute minimum. Once construction starts build time is estimated at 26 weeks.

Date of next meeting:  Tuesday, 8th December. Please come along and join your councillors for a festive glass of wine and mince pie.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Councillor MaryAnn Williams