Neighbourhood Plan Sets Out Aspirations for the Future of Nettleham

Residents in Nettleham have officially submitted its Neighbourhood Plan to West Lindsey District Council.

The much anticipated plan which has taken three years to create sets out the future housing requirements as well as identifying sites suitable for development.

It’s the first in West Lindsey to consider environmental impact and to allocate sites accordingly. Environmental specialists who live and work within the community were also consulted.

John Evans, chair of the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee thanked the committee for working hard on the plan and said it felt fantastic to hand it the district council. He said:

“The overall theme of the plan makes sure any new developments fit with the character of Nettleham. People in the village are very passionate about the place they live and we’ve been very impressed with the response.”

The committee has included policies about open space, design, affordable housing and infrastructure.

Key recommendations include:

• That a green wedge of land between the village and Lincoln remains,
• Development is of a sustainable nature 
• A number of small developments are in place in order to gradually integrate newcomers

West Lindsey will now look at the plan before sending it on to an independent inspector to be examined. Once the plan is adopted it will form part of the planning consideration for the village when determining future planning applications.

Now it’s time for residents to have their say on the plan.

West Lindsey District Cllr Giles McNeill, who represents Nettleham praised those that people that have dedicated their time to the plan. He added:

“Now is the time for residents, particularly those who don’t necessarily live in Nettleham, perhaps in neighbouring parishes, to have their say.”

There are currently nine neighbourhood plans underway in West Lindsey. The district council is encouraging other communities to get involved in the process.

Neighbourhood plan champion at the district council, Cllr Steve England said:

“Neighbourhood Plans are extremely important and it’s great to see West Lindsey support them.

“There’s been ideas shared with the Welton Neighbourhood plan alongside this work and this collaboration has made sure of its success. It’s also had the support of the Department for Communities and Local Government which is ideal in progressing plans forward.”

The Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan will be available for public comment from Friday 5th June until Friday 17th July 2015. If people wish make comments on the proposed plan, then they can by visiting www.west-lindsey.gov.uk and searching for Neighbourhood Plans.  Alternatively, they can email luke.brown@west-lindsey.gov.uk for a copy of the document and response form.

New Year's Message

It is with continued pride that I serve and represent the people of Grange-de-Lings, Greetwell, Nettleham and Riseholme on West Lindsey District Council.

The obvious highlight of the year was the Royal visit in March to Nettleham of His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. He came to officially open the Bishop’s Palace Site which Nettleham Parish Council has been working to make into an amenity area. If you haven’t visited the site yet, it is well worth taking a stroll through.

In February I was very pleased to act as Agent for Conservative candidate Mrs. Pat Mewis in a by-election to the Scotter ward of West Lindsey District Council. I am pleased to say that Pat and her team’s efforts secured victory for her and we welcomed her on to the council, early in the year.

The Conservative administration at West Lindsey, acutely aware that the benefits of growth and an improving economy are not being felt by everyone, once again froze our portion of the Council Tax.

I was surprised, pleased and delighted to be elevated to the Chairmanship of the Governance and Audit Committee at West Lindsey District Council in May; having previously been Vice-Chairman in the preceding year. I continued my role as the administration Chief Whip. 

If there has been one issue that has been most prominent in 2014 it has been planning. Be it new homes to be developed, the Lincoln Eastern By-Pass or Wind or Solar Farms; they have all generated considerable interest from local people. As a member of the Planning Committee at West Lindsey I have tried, within the constraints of the planning system, to get the best possible results. Planning decisions must always be determined on planning grounds. The best representations that we receive at the committee are when people come armed with our local planning policies and demonstrate how a proposed development conflicts with those policies. Based on the number of appeals, which have been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate, in the council’s favour; I think we are doing a very good job for our residents.

It was with sadness that I learnt of the death of Nettleham Parish Councillor Allan Bonney in October. He will be much missed. I have been pleased to support and welcome his successor Mr. Richard Porter to the council, who will formally sit with us for the first time this January.

As we approached the end of the year my time, and that of my colleagues, has become increasingly focussed on getting the district council’s budget to balance. It has not been easy. Tough decisions continue to lie ahead and that means that the local elections in May will be terribly important. They will be a choice between a competent Conservative administration that has weathered the choppy waters of austerity and has a plan for the future or the risk of the untried and untested alternatives. 

I have very much enjoyed the past two years as a district councillor for the Nettleham Ward. I hope that local people will be kind enough to re-elect me in May so that I may continue to keep our community at the forefront of the minds of local decision-makers.

For each and all I offer my sincere wish for health, prosperity and happiness in 2015.

Two Solar Farms Refused Planning Permission by West Lindsey District Council

West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee has rejected two applications for solar farms between Burton and Riseholme following representations of planning grounds for refusal by local residents.

Protestors from Riseholme, Burton and South Carlton outside
the Guildhall, Marshall's Yard, Gainsborough

The two farms, allocated to agricultural land between the villages of Burton and Riseholme, were previously deferred so that the applicants could satisfy concerns over whether the sequential test had been met - meaning the the applicant had chosen the site for the best possible reasons.

The first application by AEE proposed a 42 ha site comprised of two separate elements off the B1398 around Burton by Lincoln village and the A15; whilst a second application by RGE Energy was for the construction of a farm on land off Middle Street, Burton-by-Lincoln.

Numerous residents from Burton and South Carlton (in the Saxilby ward) together with residents from Riseholme (in the Nettleham ward) attended the planning meeting on Wednesday, 12th November 2014 at the Guildhall, Marshall's Yard, Gainsborough. Prior to the commencement of the meeting the group protested with placards, demanding the refusal of the schemes.

Both planning applications were refused by the council.

Cllr. Giles McNeill, who represents the Nettleham Ward, and who seconded refusal of the first application and proposed refusal of the second said:

“Both applications have been refused due to incongruency with the saved Local Plan policies STRAT 12 (Development in the open countryside) and STRAT 13 (undeveloped breaks between settlements and green wedges around Lincoln). We also considered the National Planning Policy Guidance issued in March, earlier this year related to ground-mounted solar photovoltaic farms. 

“Whilst I am all in favour of reducing our dependency on fossil fuels, building a low carbon economy, to protect our global environment - I must have regard to planning policies, and in my view these proposals did not accord with the substantive weight the committee felt should be placed on maintaining the green wedge, and the distinctive breaks between settlements.”

Before the meeting, the group argued that while they were not against the idea of solar power, it was the positioning of the two farms that they disagreed with. Mr. Bill Maris, who farms at South Carlton, said:

“I farm the land near to where the solar scheme is proposed. I’ve just had my soil analysed and some of my land is grade one and it’s certainly all grade two.

“A lot of the land that is proposed for this site will also definitely be grade two and some of it will be grade one.

“I don’t object to solar, I object to it going on good, agricultural land. It should be used for farming and there are many alternatives to energy but there is only one place you can produce food, and that’s on land.

“I suppose to the farmer that is renting the land it’s easy money if you’re offered a thousand pounds an acre for 25 years.”

Local resident Mrs. Sue North said:

 “We are not opposed to solar energy, what we are opposed to is where the farms are proposed for. These farms are on what’s called the green wedge, which was given that status by West Lindsey District Council to separate the countryside from the town.

“The two farms, which we have to look at together because they are side by side, would create a tunnel for the old coach road that people walk through.”

Mrs. Alison Richards added:

“For a lot of people the historic coach road, which is mentioned in the Domesday book, is a recreational route for a lot of people in the area; walkers, cyclists, horse riders and a lot of families use it.

“For many it’s the only route for people to the north of Lincoln without trespassing on a field.”

Mrs. Desiree Applewhite said:

“It might only be a temporary twenty-five years slot but it would ruin an amenity for a generation. There are plenty of other brownfield sites which can be used, such as disused airfields.”

West Lindsey District Council Refuse Planning Permission for Wind Farm

West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee last night voted to refuse planning permission for a proposal to erect two 50Kw, 3 blade, 35m wind turbines at Normanby-by-Spital.

Local Councillors heard from local residents and the applicant's representative, together with County Councillor Lewis Strange, Conservative (Ancholme Cliff Division).

After some considerable discussion Cllr. Roger Patterson, Conservative (Scampton Ward) moved refusal of the application on the grounds that it was inconsistant with local planning policy. Specifically that because development should protect the environment, with regard to the impact on the character, appearance and amenities of neighbouring, and where relevant, other land, including visual encroachment into the countryside (STRAT 1), the construction of two turbines was not consistent with local planning policy. It was the view of the committee that  that the development would have detrimental impact on skylines and important views (NBE 10) and the development would detract from the rural character of the settlement edge and the counrtyside beyond (NBE 20).

Only Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward), voted to support the granting of planning permission. Whilst his party colleagues abstained together with with Cllr. Richy Doran, Labour (Gainsborough East Ward) and Cllr. Alan Caine, Independent (Caistor Ward).

EXCLUSIVE: Nettleham Parish Council Object to New West Parade in Nettleham

Nettleham Parish Council, tonight, held over two hours of discussion and debate on a proposal, brought forward by Lincolnshire Police and G4S, to build a replacement to the West Parade Police Station, in Lincoln, at the force's Headquarters site on Deepdale Lane, Nettleham, with a firm resolution to oppose the current plans.

At a packed meeting of over 200 residents at Nettleham Village Hall, Brookfield Avenue the Parish Council welcomed Cllr. Barry Young, Conservative (Sleaford Rural South Division), Chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority, Chief Constable Neil Rhodes, together with Mrs. Judith Hogan, Head of Strategic Development (Lincolnshire Police), Chief Inspector Steve Taylor, Super Intendant Paul Gibson and Mr. Jerry Mayor from G4S - the private company involved in delivering £200m of services to Lincolnshire Police over the next decade.

All twelve Parish Councillors were in attendance. At the beginning of the meeting, so that, subsequently, it would be possible for anyone to know how the Parish Councillors voted, Cllr. Giles McNeill called for all votes taken to be recorded votes, under Schedule 12 Section 40 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Proceedings began with a presentation by Cllr. Young and Chief Constable Rhodes. Cllr. Young hightlighted that this was not a 'done deal' and that they were very much at the beginning of the process. In difficult fiscal circumstance the police authority 'would rather invest in police officers and not in buildings'. Cllr. Young confirmed that the new facility would operate as the the main operational divisional headquarters for Lincoln and West Lindsey.

The Chief Constable made it clear that G4S would be providing only back room, support services, saying:

"Lincolnshire Police is run by the Police, not G4S"

Seeking to reassure the meeting the Chief Constable said:

"I choose my words carefully. This is not a done deal. We look forward to a sensible conversation with our neighbours. However, we will not discuss any other sites or commercially sensitive matters.

"I used to live on All Saints Lane, I still have a pint in the Black Horse Pub, This is our village too."

It became clear during the course of the discussion that the proposal was for a significantly more substantive facility than merely a custody suite with 30 cells, but in fact is a replacement for the majority of the West Parade  facility.

Following the presentation a question and answer session took place with residents and councillors participating, broadly the questions were hostile to the proposals and many went unresolved. Cllr. Hill made a substantial point, having been the chartered engineer, who in the 1970s, working for Lincolnshire Laboratories investigated the site and published a report that it was unsuitable for development for various reasons, primarily because the site is a formally uncontrolled public tip with unknown contaminants, possibly vehicles with varying depths.

A number of residents raised concerns over the release of those detained at the site, which, at the conclusion of the meeting, it was felt had not been sufficiently addressed by some councillors.

Cllr. McNeill raised concern about the plans were being done to tie the hands of the Police and Crime Commissioner, expected to be elected on Thursdsay, 15th November 2012. Cllr. Young informed the meeting that the Police Authority were conducting 'business as usual'.

Prior to the debate by the Parish Council, Cllr. Young and the Chief Constable left the meeting.

Each Parish Councillor commented on the outlined proposals. Cllr. Evans, having reviewed a considerable amount of the relevant planning documentation considered that the 'proposals fail on a number of levels, sustainability and edge of a settlement development' contrary to many established policies. Cllr. Siddall highlighted that this was not Nimbyism, it was an objection based on the depth of feeling in the village and the concern over the impact of the proposal, particularly the traffic on Deepdale Lane and the A46. Cllr. McNeill raised his objection, referrring fellow councillors to Planning Police Statement 23 Annex 2 (Contaminated Land) 

Cllr. Downs stated his view that  we should 'applaud the desire to improve facilities and minimise costs' but that as times move on, requirements alter. He believed that 'there are a lot of problems associated with this development and it really should be sited in a much more urban area'. Cllr. Hill made one of the most damning crticisms stating that:

"Others [developers] have been open, honest and frank. They have not answered the questions we wanted to know."

Cllr. Spencer concurred saying 'I think they are not being truthful'.

Cllr. Mrs. Clayton, the Vice-Chairman, stated

"Here we are again, finding ourselves up against another unwelcome intruder - and it's the police!

"This will turn them into the neighbours from hell. Not this. Not hear. Please Don't make us pay the price."

The Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Williams, echoed the comments of his fellow councillors however he wanted to make mention that the Parish Council recognises the enormous task the Chief Constable has in policing the county. He said he was 'completely opposed to the current formulation of the proposal as previously outlined'.

The Chairman proposed, seconded by Cllr. McNeill and the Parish Council resolved that:

"The Parish Council request that Lincolnshire Police Authority defers any further action in relation to this Project until the new Police Commissioner has been appointed; 

"In any event, meaningful dialogue needs to be held with the Parish Council before any decision is taken to submit a planning apllication; and 

"In the meantime, the Parish Council is opposed to the current proposals as formulated by the Lincolnshire Police Authority."

Nettleham Parish Council Await Information and Facts on Police Custody Suite

Nettleham Parish Council was first notified of the proposal ,by the Lincolnshire Police Authority, to construct a custody suite at the Deepdale Lane site, at the beginning of March 2012. At a Council meeting held on the 20 March, The council discussed how they should respond. Their immediate reaction was that they needed to have a great deal more background information and facts from the Police Authority concerning their proposals before they could possibly comment on the matter; moreover, the local community would need to be consulted beforehand. To this end, the Parish Council has arranged for the Police Authority and G4S to hold an Exhibition in the Village at which they will roll out their plans; this will take place on the Friday, 11th & Saturday, 12th May 2012 at the Old School, Nettleham.

In addition, a Special Meeting of Nettleham Parish Council has been arranged for the evening of Thursday, 24th May 2012 in the Village Hall. At that meeting, the Police and G4S will make a formal presentation and the Council will listen to residents’ views before debating the issue. As a Statutory Consultee the Parish Council will have the opportunity to comment on the Planning Application when it is submitted by the Police Authority to West Lindsey District Council. West Lindsey has the final say on whether or not the development goes ahead.

Cllr. Terry Williams, Chairman of the Parish Council stated:

"Until the Parish Council have been provided with all the relevant facts and the Village has been consulted, it would not be appropriate for the Parish Council to comment any further on this matter at this stage."

Nettleham Parish Council Wants Answers On Police Custody Suite

Mulsanne Park Pavilion was packed with nearly one hundred local residents from Nettleham this evening; for what was widely expected to be a routine meeting. However, events took a dramtic turn over the weekend when Mrs. Sue Turnbull, of Washdyke Lane, instigated a campaign to raise awareness, that the plans for a new operational facility, at the Police Headquarters on Deepdale Lane, were due to be discussed.

For the multitude who attended their were audible gasps when they were informed that they would need to sit through over an hour of discussion between the Parish Council and Mrs. Manjeet Gill and Mr. Mark Sturgess, Chief Executive and Director of Planning at West Lindsey District Councl respectively. Undeterred, shortly before a quarter to eight, the Chairman, Cllr. Terry Williams, moved the item up the agenda to take as the next item; and discussion began.

A number of speakers from the floor put questions to Inspector Stubbs, who was representing Lincolnshire Police. He wanted to stress that talk of a massive custody suite was misguided; that in fact what was being considered was a replacement facility to the West Parade Police Station in Lincoln.

Parish Councillors sought answers from Insp. Stubbs. After nearly an hour of discussion, questions and answers Cllr. Giles McNeill proposed that a suitable letter be drafted to the Deputy Chief Constable asking for a dialogue to commence with the Parish Council. Further that they arrange an Exhibition to explain the plans to local residents and make themselves available to attend a Public Meeting, convened by the Parish Council. This was seconded by Cllr. Mike Spencer and unanimously agreed. Cllr. McNeill said, following the meeting:

"Residents of Nettleham are demanding answers, and the Parish Council has said it will facilitate this. This is such an important issue that we must get the fact about what is proposed. It was really good to see so many residents of the village turn out and demonstrate their strong feeling. Now we absolutely must act, and act quickly, to ensure that people get the information want and deserve."

Details of a facebook page that has been set up as a focus for the campaign can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/CampaignForG4SToHearNettlehamsVoice

Custody Suite Plans Likely To Cause Controversy at Parish Council Meeting

Following on from Lincolnshire Police's announcement about the possibility of establishing a new custody suite at the Nettleham Headquarters on Deepdale Lane local campaigners have begun the process of making their voices heard loudly and clearly.

The message they want to send to Mr. Barry Young, the Chairman of Lincolnshire Police Authority is 'No'.

In a letter to Parish Councillors Mr. Young says:

"[T]he media had been told in general terms that G4S intended to build a new operational deployment base incorporating a state-of-the-art custody suite somewhere in the county.  No location was given. During interviews following the contract signing, reference was made to the building being constructed, subject to consultation and planning permission, on the Headquarters site at Nettleham 

"The important point here is consultation.  It was not our initention to spring any surprises on our neighbours, and this letter is to assure you and your fellow councillors that Nettleham Parish Council will be an important part of the consultation process. We like to think we have always been good neighbours, and we can assure you that we will do all we can to ensure this remains the case."

However, in an unsigned letter, posted on a number of notice boards in the village and delivered to a number of homes for circulation, states that:

"When criminals are released from the new Nettleham cell block where Do [sic] YOU think they will go? They will be released into the village and can look for places to burgle to raise funds for the drink or drug habit many of them have, or try to take cars to get back to where they have come from."

There is properly a lot of concern about this proposal, regardless of how embryonic it may be. Tonight's Nettleham Parish Council Meeting is expected to seethe with resentment.

Police Announce Custody Suite Plans

In what has been a fairly badly kept secret locally Lincolnshire Police have announced that a new multi-million pound police station could be built in Nettleham.

An artists impression of the new facility.

The news comes after private security firm G4S was awarded a £200 million contract to provide a host of services to Lincolnshire Police. As part of the deal, G4S would build and run a new state-of-the-art police station.

It is understood that the force's preferred site for the development would be at its existing headquarters in Nettleham, north of Lincoln. In addition, older stations around the county could be replaced.

The project is expected save Lincolnshire Police Authority an estimated £28 million and an eco-friendly design will cut running costs by £5 million over the next ten years.

The 30-cell station, based on a hub-and-spoke design, would house up to 120 staff. It would also be extendable in the event of major incidents or anticipated peaks in arrests and is expected to account for a 'major proportion' of the savings, said G4S.

A formal decision on where the new station will be has not been made. Lincolnshire Police Authority spokesman Alan Hardwick said:

"The chairman of the authority has made it known the site that's favourably under consideration is actually at the headquarters site in Nettleham. 

"The next step is that G4S and ourselves will be preparing plans to go to West Lindsey District Council. 

"It's land we already own and subject to planning permission that's the preferred site. But we have not ruled out alternatives. 

"We are carrying out a review of our entire estate which also includes the south of the county. And we will look very critically at some of our older stations."

It is thought around 544 of nearly 900 full-time civilian employees in the authority could be affected by the deal.

From Sunday, 1st April 2012 G4S will be Lincolnshire Police Authority's partner for other services. This will cover areas such as human resources, information technology, fleet management, custody services and firearms licensing for at least the next ten years. Lincolnshire Police Authority chairman Mr. Barry Young said:

"G4S shares our values and our ambition to maintain and improve services. 

"Crucially, the new strategic partnership will also deliver significant infrastructure investment that will offset the budget reductions called for by the Government. I believe we are leading the way."

Ms Kim Challis, group managing director of G4S Government and Outsourcing Services, said:

"G4S is excited to be partnering with Lincolnshire Police in delivering this landmark programme. 

"We are particularly delighted to have the opportunity to implement many new innovations, such as our purpose-built Bridewell custody suites – the first of which will be completed within a year."

County Councillor Criticises Town Council Colleagues

A Liberal Democrat County Councillor has launched a bazaar attack on his colleagues on Gainsborough Town Council.

Cllr. Mick Tinker, Liberal Democrat (Gainsborough Hill Division) has demanded to know why his Liberal Democrat colleagues (they have 12 of 18 councillors) in control of Gainsborough Town Council failed to discuss a planning application until only a handful of days remained before a decision would be taken by Lincolnshire County Council.

The criticism is published on the Gainsborough Liberal Democrats website it points out that Gainsborough Town Council received the planning application at the end of November last year, and mentions that three council meetings elapsed before the matter was discussed.  Cllr. Tinker, doubtlessly with one eye on re-election in 2013, objects to a proposal for a waste and refuse facility which will see the districts rubbish being processed potentially close to homes, which have yet to be built.

Whilst it is odd that Cllr. Tinker has attacked a council run by his Liberal Democrat colleagues, what is truly surprising is that Mr. Barry Coward, the Chairman of Gainsborough Liberal Democrats, who took up his post at the start of 2012, has decided to publish the article on an official party website. It will be interesting to see what, if any, response follows from the Liberal Democrats on Gainsborough Town Council.

EXCLUSIVE: New Development Considered for Nettleham

A consortia of three landowners have started preliminary discussions with Nettleham Parish Council which will ultimately lead to them seeking to develop a 30 acre (14 hectare) site off Larch Avenue, Nettleham.

It is understood that the range of housing developed could include starter homes for first-time buyers, accommodation for the elderly and even provision of a care/nursing home.

However, owing to changes currently happening in the planning system it is likely that planning permission will not be applied for for at least 18 months, if not 24 months. It is to the credit of the developer that they have approached Nettleham Parish Council to begin consultation with both the council and the wider community.

It is understood that technical assessments have previously been undertaken including ecological, highways and flood risk but that owing to the proximity of the Sewage Treatment Works there may well be some constraints to the extent of the development.

The possibility of what sort of 'planning gain' - benefits for a local community from development - the developer might offer are now being considered. Part of the development of the site might include landscaped areas, woodland planting, walks or an open space amenity which could include sports provision. Local community organisations such as the Nettleham Woodland Trust and the various sports organisations in the village will doubtlessly be approached for comments and ideas.

If and when planning permission is sought by the developer, from West Lindsey District Council, who are the local planning authority, Nettleham Parish Council becomes involved as a statutory consultee. Local people are free to express their view to both the Parish and District Councils. The most persuasive arguments that hold sway, when the Planning and Development Committee at West Lindsey District Council are determining a planning application, are those based on planning policy guidance.

'Planning Win' for Parish Council

Members of Nettleham Parish Council have been pleased to learn that planning permission was refused, last night, by West Lindsey District Council's planning committee, for a substantial development on Greetwell Lane.

Nettleham Parish Council objected to this proposed development; the council maintained its strong opposition to the application, which fails to address the reasons for rejections previously made (Section 3 (PP3), Section 6, Section 7 and Section 8). 'In principle the Parish Council supports the provision of Sustainable properties; however, the design, intensity and siting of this development is not in keeping with the other properties in this rural location.' The council also felt that the development did 'not respect its close proximity' to the Bishops' Palace, an scheduled ancient monument, site and ignored the open aspect to the east of the site. The parish council stated that such an extensive development of this site would not respect the Nettleham Village Design Statement. If this application were to be approved it would, in the opinion of the council, set a precedent for future intensive tandem developments in this location.

The Parish Council also noted that West Lindsey District Council's own report (PL24 10/11 dated 17th November 2010) by the Director of Strategy and Regeneration states that 'the authority has exceeded the required 5 year deliverable housing supply and that residential development in primary rural settlements should be resisted unless material considerations indicate otherwise' which removes the pressure on the Planning Authority to achieve set targets.

Cllr. John Evens made representations on behalf of the parish council at the Development Management Committee meeting whilst members of the public from Nettleham also Spoke against the scheme. Cllr. Evan praised the work done by Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward) who spoke against the proposal, saying:

"Malcolm Leaning did an outstanding job as our ward member speaking against the proposal, clearly having done a lot of preparation on the various planning policy reasons and put such a strong case across that the vote was unanimous to reject the application. The site visit of a couple of weeks ago also had a big impact on the members appreciation of the setting."

The development in question was an amended version of a previously rejected proposal to site a number of homes on land abutting the ancient scheduled monument of the Bishops' Palace. Cllr. Evans continued:

"I was also personally very pleased to hear the Nettleham VDS referenced on many occasions by Simon Sharp and Members, it is being taken notice of and was clearly a worthwhile project which will benefit our community for years to come."

Former Council Leader Receives An Apology & A Substantial Sum in Damages

Above: Mr. Theobald in the Council Chamber when he was
Leader of West Lindsey District Council

The Lincolnshire Echo has today published an apology to Mr. Bernard Theobald, the one-time Leader of West Lindsey District Council, for linking information about the council's operations, a planning application by Mr. Theobald and the dismissal of a member of the planning department. The paper summerised there apology saying:

"We apologise unreservedly to Mr Theobald for any distress or embarrassment caused by this error."

Although the periodical spent, however, the preceding seven paragraphs quantifying their apology and blaming a press release from the Council; apparently the connection between 'potential fraud and mismanagement' and Mr. Theobald's planning application was made, relying on a press release from West Lindsey District Council dated 24th September 2009.

Mr. Theobald, who was singer Barbara Dickson's manager before entering politics, brought proceedings in the High Court, in London. The former Leader of West Lindsey District Council and Chairman of the Planning Committee, was caused serious distress and embarrassment by the stories, said his counsel, Mr. Ronald Thwaites QC. The first article appeared in December 2009 and alleged there were good and solid reasonable grounds to suspect Mr. Theobald had committed fraud in relation to the application, which he had made the previous June. Three days later, the allegation was repeated and it was also claimed that Mr. Theobald had lied in denying the newspaper's claim that his planning application had resulted in a council officer's suspension and investigation by the Audit Commission. A third article appeared in January 2010.

Mr. Thwaites said:

"There was nothing to justify the allegations as published. The allegations made against Mr Theobald were completely false and should never have been published."

On behalf of the publisher, Mr. Manuel Barca QC, said it apologised 'fully and unreservedly' for the publication of the false allegations. It is understood that they have agreed to pay Mr. Theobald a substantial, yet undisclosed, sum in compensation and his legal costs.

Opening of 'Bishops' Fold' is Full of Local Flavour

Above: (From Left to Right) Cllr. Malcolm Leaning,
Cllr. Giles McNeill, Gerard Baker, Cllr. Mrs. Stephanie Rouse,
Cllr. Mrs. Susan Harland & Mr. Richard Beal.

Nettleham Parish Councillors were pleased to meet the chef, food writer and food historian to the Hairy Bikers for their recent BBC television series, whe he was invited by developer Beal Homes to prepare a Lincolnshire sampling menu for guests at the launch of Bishop’s Fold on North Street in Nettleham.

The developement of consists of fifteen three, four and five bedroom family homes in the historic village on the site of the old Poplar Farm. Each home is unique and compliments the style of existing properties in the surrounding area.

Bishop’s fold draws inspiration from the historic Old Bishop's Palace landmark and Nettleham’s unique history with each home being named after a Bishop of Lincoln spanning the past 400 years.

Conservatives Cleared Over 'Inappropriate Behaviour' Allegations

Two members of West Lindsey District Council who faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been cleared following the investigation undertaken by Standards for England.

Standards for England have revealed that Mr. Adam Duguid, formerly Leader of the Council, and Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) did not breach the code of conduct when they met a suspended council officer last year.

The two men were accused of bringing West Lindsey District Council into disrepute after they were present at a meeting with a suspended council worker in September 2009. However, Standards for England has concluded neither man discussed a disciplinary hearing that was ongoing at the time.

Cllr. Parish was said to have acted out of 'genuine concern for the officer's wellbeing' whilst Mr. Duguid's behaviour was described as 'not likely to compromise the impartiality' of the council's investigation.

Mr. Duguid, who lost his Market Rasen seat at the local elections in May, told the Echo:

"I think they did a very fair investigation. There were plenty of opportunities to raise points. My only criticism was it took rather a long time to be sorted."

Bernard Theobald addresses
the council lst year.

Meanwhile an announcement made by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, means that local residents may never know the outcome of a report by the Audit Commission - which is pending publication in to matters related to governance at the authority - after the body was announced that it is to be scraped with the loss of 2,000 civil service posts as part of government cuts. Doubtlessly Mr. Bernard Theobald, Mr. Duguid's predecessor as Leader of the Council, who also lost his seat in recent elections, is probably delighted at that news.

Lincoln Rugby Club Granted Planning Permission for Lodge Lane Site

Last night West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee granted Lincoln Rugby Football Club Planning Permission to build a new clubhouse and playing area on thirty-two acres of land on Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

The club, ten years ago, somewhat reluctantly, came to the decision that the facilities at the Lindum Sports Club, off Wragby Road, Lincoln were no longer large enough to cope with a rapidly growing number of players, particularly in the mini and junior sections. The club is naturally delighted after years of difficulties and frustrations to have finally got the go ahead. Once new facilities are ready for use the club will be in a position to achieve its aims of increasing participation across all age groups, introducing girls' and women's rugby and becoming a for in rugby in the area.

The proposed clubhouse will have six changing rooms as well as a bar and social areas.  The playing area will allow for up to four full size pitches and seven smaller junior and mini pitches.  In the summer months it is hoped that the facility will be used for Rugby League as well as tag rugby and rounders.  The clubhouse, which is designed to cater for the disabled, has been identified as a potential centre for 'boccia', a game similar to indoor bowls suitable for the disabled.  The club is keen to work closely with the local community.

Above: Mr. Bill Green, Prsident
of  Lincoln Rugby Club.

Club President, Mr. Bill Green, said:

"I am delighted with this decision which will allow us to develop a facility to meet our current and future needs.  It will allow us to introduce girls' and women's rugby as well as resolving the situation where we have turned players away in some of our junior and mini age groups due to lack of space.  We are looking forward to working closely with West Lindsey District Council and other bodies to develop participation in active sport in the area."

If everything goes to plan the club hopes to open the facility in January 2012, providing that a gap in funding can be filled.

Nettleham Parish Council had previously decided to object to the proposals and Cllr. John Evans represented the council at last night's meeting.

Speaking at the meeting Cllr. Evans said the proposal would be 'overwhelming and disproportionate' for the village.

Cllr. Evans said:

"The issue of congestion and safety through the middle village has been dismissed by the planning officer's report.

"We live there and we know how bad the traffic can get, even when it's not time for the school run."

 He summerised his thoughts following the meeting last night, via email, saying:

"I had five minutes to put the parish council view, and provided as much supporting planning related evidence as I could. We also had two members of the public addressing the issue and they were both against. The planning issue which I raised was not addressed, and the traffic issue was debated but finally dismissed, clearly the opinion of the Highways Dept counts for nothing."

Cllr. Evens noted that both of Nettleham's District Councillors supported the application and said:

"The only person to vote against the application was the councillor for Sudbrooke".

The application was carried by six votes in favour to one vote against.

You can watch the meeting of West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee here.

District Councillor Says 'Yes' to Nettleham Rugby Development

Cllr. Malcolm Leaning, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham Ward) has given his support for planning permission to be granted to the Lindum Rugby Club's proposed development on Lodge Lane, Nettleham.

With a meeting of the West Lindsey District Council's Planning Committee only days away, Cllr. Leaning has stunned local residents opposed to the plans by endorsing the proposed scheme, recommended for approval in the officer's report, which states:

"Anticipating that a decision on the application could well be made whilst he was going to be away, Councillor Leaning has explained he is fully aware of the lengthy discussions which have taken place between the Club and the parish council and at public meetings. He has received messages of support and objections. Whilst he would have preferred to have the benefit of a full report from officers, as this was not available at the time he decided on the basis of what information was available on balance to support the proposal. In so doing he pointed out that Mulsanne Park has no spare capacity for pursuits other than those which take place there at present and this will result in a greater choice for residents, and that Nettleham as a community tries to cater for all age groups in its population."

The meeting of the Planning Committee to discuss the planning application will take place on Wednesday, 28th July at 6:30pm at the Guildhall, Marshall's Yard Gainsborough and it is widely expected that planning permission will be granted.

Shopping Centre Plans Demonstrate More Confidence In Gainsborough

Plans for a shopping centre including a convenience food store in Gainsborough have been approved by West Lindsey District Council.

Applicants Tillbridge Developments and Thonock & Somerby Estates have got the green light to develop a former commercial site that has now been cleared off Corringham Road close to the Trent Valley Academy and opposite a modern housing estate.

A food store will be the main building on the site and there will also be five other units and parking for thirty-three customers and ten staff.

Leader of the Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) said:

"At a time when development throughout the country is still largely stalled as a result of the recession, this is another massive vote of confidence in the future of Gainsborough. It is vitally important that the largest town in West Lindsey will now act as a focal point to create jobs for the entire district that will benefit many families in all our communities.

"The fact that the town has Growth Point Status which will see Gainsborough double in size in the next twenty years will continue to make the area attractive to investors and I look forward to seeing more schemes like this which will ultimately benefit the whole district."

A report from planners warned of the need to protect the viability of the town centre from out of town developments, but approval came after a study calculated the catchment area for the Tillbridge development as being from the railway and The Avenue in the west, to the A631 in the east and from The Belt in the north through to Whites Wood Lane in the south.

Cllr Keimach added:

"Properties in this area are within a fifteen minute walk of the site which is the accepted guide. There are currently no convenience outlets in the main catchment area so as well as being a good new facility for local people, I think this scheme will also be well placed to serve new development planned for the area."

Permission has been granted subject to conditions including layout and design of an access road, landscaping and approval of a drainage system.

A spokesman for West Lindsey District Council's planning department confirmed that a second application, from a company called Morbaine in Cheshire, had been submitted for a site also at Corringham Road.

During pre-application discussions, Morbaine had been told that officers felt that the scale of their application was too large, but they applied anyway and the scheme was refused.
The latest position is that a written request has been received from a ward councillor that the new application should be reported to the planning committee rather than be dealt with by officers under delegated powers.

If this course of action is agreed the earliest date the councillors could consider it would be the July meeting. An objection has been received to this second application from Marshall's Yard.

The Council stressed that the authority needed to be sure that the scale of the development was in line with the local neighbourhood it would serve and that it would not have a negative impact on the town centre.

Search For Oil Continues In Fiskerton

The Lincolnshire Echo is reporting that drilling tests searching for oil under a disused RAF airfield in Lincolnshire have been allowed to continue.


Cirque Energy (UK) Limited has until Wednesday, 31st March 2011, to complete its investigations near Fiskerton after Lincolnshire County Council granted the company more time.
The energy business had been required to stop work at Fiskerton Airfield on March 31, 2010.

However, the search at the Reepham and Fiskerton No. 1 wells can proceed following a decision by the county council's planning and regulation committee.

Cirque Energy will be required to make a separate application if it finds oil and wants to expand operations.

Committee Chairman, Cllr. Ian Fleetwood, Conservative (Cherry Willingham & Fiskerton Division) is reported to have said:

"I have been to Fiskerton Parish Council meetings and they have not registered any issues with me."

Cllr. Fleetwood, who was re-elected as a West Lindsey District Councillor for the Bardney Ward, last week and added nodding donkeys had not been a campaign trail issue.

Temporary planning permission allowing one exploratory bore hole to be drilled was first granted in July 1997. This was extended further in March 1998 and in 2002 permission to allow oil production was given to Cirque Energy.
The nodding donkeys were later left unused for five years and work has just recently been carried out to prepare for future testing.
Ministry of Defence land manager, Defence Estates, and West Lindsey District Council made no objections to the application during the consultation period.

Cllr. Mrs. Meg Davidson, Conservative (Fiskerton Ward) is reported to have said rising oil prices could make the business near the village 'economically viable' for its owners.

Lincoln Rugby Football Club Development Plans Stalled

The Lincolnshire Echo is today reporting that plans to spend £1.6m developing a new home for Lincoln Rugby Football Club have divided opinion in the village where it could be built. The Red & Greens are looking to move away from The Lindum in St. Giles Avenue, Lincoln, to a bigger purpose-built ground in Nettleham, north of the city.

As reported in the paper, the rugby club submitted plans to West Lindsey District Council last October to develop four full-size pitches and seven smaller ones on 32.5 acres of land based off Lodge Farm, Lodge Lane.

Parish councillors in Nettleham narrowly voted to oppose the proposal in November, with four members speaking out against it and three in favour, and Liberal Democrats district councillors Malcolm Leaning and Alf Frith unhelpfully expressing no view.

Traffic concerns were expressed by villagers, with an estimated 180 attending the parish council meeting along with club representatives.

In the most recent edition of Nettleham News a number of letters were published showing residents are both in favour and against the project, while West Lindsey has so far received seventy-two responses during the public consultation.

In total, fifty-nine have opposed the rugby club move with thirteen welcoming it.

The rugby club had hoped to start building work in April, but the paper reports that it understands the application is not currently scheduled to be considered at next month's planning committee meeting.

The authority is believed to be waiting for more information to be submitted before the application can progress later in the year.