NPSG March 2023 Agenda
Grasby Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Meeting Number: 1
Date: 14th March 2023
Location: Grasby Village Hall Meeting Room
Time: 19:00
Attendees:
Chris Mead (Chairman)
Janet Brown (Treasurer)
Rob Bennett
Julie Turnbull
Mike Downing
Steve Riley (Secretary)
Apologies: None
Agenda:
1. Progress since last meeting
2. Initial ideas on plan content
3. Community engagement
4. Future meetings and communication
5. Any other business
Major Points of Discussion
1. Progress since last meeting
The Chairman reported the following progress since the initial set-up meeting on 11th October 2022:
• Several potential consultants to assist with the development of the Neighbourhood Plan have been contacted, three of which have so far responded:
• Helen Metcalf
• Luke Brown
• Clive Keble (now retired)
Nev Brown of West Lindsey District Council can provide more consultancy contacts if required. The decision to use an external consultant and in what capacity will be discussed at a future Steering Group meeting once we have, 1) a clearer understanding of where help is needed, 2) secured a form of funding to facilitate engagement.
• Janet has produced a Terms of Reference for this Steering Group which has been approved by the Grasby Parish Council. This will be circulated to the group for information and comment.
Action: JB 1.1
• Janet has investigated sources of government funding to support the development of the Neighbourhood Plan. Currently no new applications are being accepted while the government review their local planning policy. Janet will continue to monitor the situation and report updates to the Steering Group.
• Chris will confirm whether a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is required between the Parish Council and West Lindsey District Council in relation to the Neighbourhood Plan. The initial view is this may not be needed.
Action: CM 1.2
2. Initial ideas on plan content
The following ideas on the contents of the Neighbourhood Plan were discussed:
• Including historical information on the parish. Janet has a booklet produced in 2000 entitled ‘The Grasby Churchyard Trail’ which contains some good content for this section. In addition, local enthusiasts on parish history and its environ such as Roy Harvey and Dick Pike would be useful contributors. Mike is to follow up with Roy on his engagement with the Steering Group.
Action: MH 1.3
• Improving recreational facilities in the parish for all age groups. For example, the parish currently does not have a playground for children or a sports pitch for teenagers.
• Opening an information point on Grasby and the Viking Way. Many people pass through the village, especially in the summer months, without any reason to stop and discover more about the area, its history and future ambitions.
• Providing a village shop for basic goods and consumables. This could be incorporated with the information facility to provide a focal point for locals and visitors alike.
• Prioritising and producing affordable housing in the parish. This would encourage the younger people in the parish who wish to stay and older residents who wish to downsize within the community.
• Improving energy efficiency of the parish and homes. There is potential for developing wind and solar energy in the area subject to the usual local and national permissions. Also encouraging all new builds to be very energy efficient by incorporating features such as solar panels and better insulation.
• Providing allotments for local residents. There used to be allotments on the approach to the sewage works but these are no longer available.
Chris will investigate obtaining suitable maps, available under the Parish Council's OS licence, which can be used to record current land use and other information and ideas for the development of the neighbourhood plan.
Action: CM 1.4
3. Community engagement
Members of the Steering Group will consider ideas on how best to engage with parish residents to ensure the inclusion of as many views and contributions as possible, across all age and social groups. Initial thoughts are to use the social networks of the Steering Group members to invite contributions and suggestions on developing the Neighbourhood Plan. This topic will be discussed at the next meeting.
Action: All 1.5
A long and short version of a resident questionnaire is to be produced to elicit feedback from the community. Viv Forbes produced a draft questionnaire before she left the parish, Janet will review, update and circulate to the members of the Steering Group.
Action: JB 1.6
Chris will progress contact with the Owmby and Searby parish meeting members to invite their participation on the Steering Group. It is also recognised the residents of Clixby should also be kept informed of developments.
Action: CM 1.7
At some point an open meeting will be held at the Village Hall to present and discuss the Neighbourhood Plan.
4. Future meetings and communication
For information, the scheduled meetings of the Parish Council in 2023 are on the following dates:
• 17th May
• 19th July
• 20th September
• 15th November
It is proposed the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group meet each month. The following dates are proposed for the next three months:
• 18th April
• 9th May
• 13th June
It is proposed to use the meeting room at the rear of the Village Hall for all future meetings. Janet will contact Jane Mager regarding room availability on the above dates.
Action: JB 1.8
Email will be used as the primary method for communication between Steering Group members for the time being. Alternative channels will be considered going forward if available to all members, for example WhatsApp.
5. Any other business
Chris will report at the next meeting on existing planning applications which may include development of retail facilities in the parish, for example the farm shop on the old quarry site and the fishing lake development on Station Road.
Action: CM 1.9
Next proposed meeting 19:00 on the 18th April.