2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Monday 9th March 2026 at
The Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm

PRESENT:     Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
Councillors Geoff Day, Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton and Lucy Webb
Councillor Steve Appleyard (arrived 7.25pm)

LCC Cllr Alistair Arundell
BBC Cllrs David Scoot, Sarah Sharpe and Helen Staples
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were four members of the public in attendance of which the following questions/made short statements to the Parish Council:
•    Statements and comments were made by both the applicant and a neighbour associated to planning application B/26/0102

LCC Cllr Arundell gave his report (See Appendix C).
BBC Cllrs Scoot and Staples gave their reports (See Appendix D).
BBC Cllr Sharpe had previously circulated her report (See Appendix D).

Apologies were received from Lincolnshire County Councillors French via Cllr Arundell but no report had been received to be relayed at the meeting.

The meeting opened at 7.19pm

1.    Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Crawford welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Cllr Day for chairing the previous meetings whilst she was away

2.     Apologies for absence - To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Prior to the start of the meeting no apologies had been received by the clerk.

3.     Declarations of interest – (if any) To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests
Cllrs Armstrong and Lenton declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda Item 6f due to being neighbours of the applicant.

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 12th January 2026 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.

5.    Finance
a)     Payment of accounts to be approved

Following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Webb and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

b)    Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
Prior to the meeting no other payments had been received for approval.

c)     Payments & receipts: since 12th January 2026: Appendix A
Since the 12th January 2026 two payments had been made relating to Bank charges and one payment relating to the Staff Costs. Two receipts of payments were received relating to Wayleave and Allotment fees.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 31st January 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 31st January 2026 was £17,172.67.

e)     Balance of Community Account as of 28th February 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 28th February 2026 was £17,698.66.

f)    Balance of Savings Account as of 31st January 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 31st January 2026 was £35,761.49.

g)    Balance of Savings Account as of 28th February 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 28th February 2026 was £35,777.66.

h)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as at 31st January 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 31st January 2026 was £35,857.25.

i)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as at 28th February 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 28th February 2026 was £35,908.19.

At 7.23pm it was resolved to bring forward Agenda Item 6f 

6.     Planning matters 
f)     B/26/0102 - Proposed first floor extension and conversion of garage to form annexe at 14, Saxon Gardens, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0RS
It was noted that one concern had been submitted to Boston Borough Council which proposed that the applicant may wish to revise the proposal.

Cllr Crawford asked the Parish Councillors if they had any questions to ask both the applicant and the objecting neighbours of which Cllr Day asked if they could outline the proposal and the objections associated with this planning application:
The applicant relayed synthetically to the environment to the existing property and the dwelling behind and to the side, planning submission via the architect. The reason for the application is in regards to the in-laws because of the agility and getting around their own house is becoming a bit of a challenge therefore the ground floor is proposed to be downstairs bedroom, hallway and bathroom with a kitchen upstairs. It has been designed with no windows overlooking the property of which their direct neighbours have no resistance to this application.

The resident who had objected to the planning application relayed that the scale and the footprint amounts to overdevelopment and out of keeping with the areas established character. In addition, the design does not integrate with the street scene and key environmental drainage information is missing. For these reasons I respectfully ask that the application be refused until these issues are properly addressed.

Cllr Crawford conveyed that when the Parish Council review planning applications it is their perspective that bungalows are not overlooked by larger houses of which there has to be a decent area between the two properties.

Concerned raised by the Parish Council was associated with loss of privacy. LCC Cllr Arundell explained that this would not be a consideration viewed by Planning however, overlooking or impact on residential amenity would.

Cllr Crawford asked for the Parish Councillors views on this application. It was therefore addressed to relay back that the Parish Council are aware of the immediate neighbours at no 8 are concerned about the impact that this building will have on them and would wish that this would be taken into consideration.

At 7.37pm it was resolved to bring forward Agenda Item 9e

9.    Members reports and business
e)    Rochford Tower Hall
Rochford Tower Hall had to temporarily close due to structural concerns and because of ill health of the two committee members there is a predicament as unfortunately there is no access to the paperwork and financial records and in order to move forward there no-one to authorise any payments as the main factor is a structural engineer is required, but until what funds are known nothing can be officially arranged to ensure payment can be made.

Whilst the site is unused there are concerns the building is deteriorating and with no security system the premises have already been broken into as well as unauthorised people living there. In addition, the Tennis Courts are not fit to be used and as stipulated in the deeds so that the building can remain the courts cannot be removed from site.

The were discussions between members of the Parish Council, BBC Cllr Staples and trustee Paul Daubney on what was required in starting to rectify matters associated with the hall. It was considered that having a structural survey was the best first step so that as much information could be known on what would be required to get the building safe and secure but without the knowledge of finances and means of any fees being paid this may have to be underwriting of the Parish Council.

Cllr Crawford suggested to have a meeting with Rochford Tower Hall secretary Janice Vickers and any committee members to discuss the steps, find out what the financial circumstances are and how to obtain the money for any payments to be made. Cllr Lenton was asked to contact a structural engineer and find out when they would be available to assess the property and any costings involved.

At 7.58pm it was resolved to return to agenda order

6.     Planning matters - Town and Country Planning Act 1990: To consider and make observations on all planning applications received and to note planning approvals, refusals, enforcement complaints and appeal decisions advised by the Borough Council.  To include applications received after this agenda has been posted and the day of the meeting
a)    B/25/0322 - Construction of a composite wood effect garden room for Therapy Service use; counselling, support groups and counsellor CPD training, as well as Hospice staff training and team meetings. Use by 3rd party agencies will be by arrangement only at Butterfly Hospice, Rowan Way, Boston PE21 9DH
There were no objections to this planning application.

b)    B/26/0070 - Proposed single storey rear extension, two storey rear extension, extension above existing garage and proposed front porch including alterations and change of external materials at 107, Pilleys Lane, Boston, PE21 9RA
There were no objections to this planning application.

c)    B/26/0067 - Proposed extensions & alterations to form annexe and garaging at Pear Tree House, 163 Church Green Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0RN
There were no objections to this planning application.

d)    B/26/0085 - Erection of attached double garage at Marsh Farm Bungalow, Wythes Lane, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0RG
There were no objections to this planning application.

e)    B/26/0072 - Proposed change of use from part existing dwelling from bed and breakfast to form single dwelling, studio and annexe at The Limes, Horncastle Road, Cowbridge, Boston PE22 7AY
There were no objections to this planning application.

f)    B/26/0102 - Proposed first floor extension and conversion of garage to form annexe at 14, Saxon Gardens, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0RS
This agenda item was discussed earlier in the meeting.

g)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Full Planning Permission has been granted to the following:
•    B/25/0462 – Application for the approval of Reserved Matters (Access, Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale) Following Outline Approval B/24/0509 (Outline planning permission for the construction of a 1 no. detached dwelling) at 49, Sibsey Road, Boston, PE21 9QY
•    B/25/0502 – Proposed extension to staff car park and associated extension works at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, PE21 9QS

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
LCC Cllr Arundell relayed that Highways were waiting to review information as the FOI data that the Parish Council had received from the Police relating to incidents in the area contradicted LCC figures.

b)    A52 Road Crossing
LCC Cllr Arundell conveyed that this something at the present moment that LCC Highways are considering.

c)    Scalp Road
Freiston Parish Council had contacted the clerk in relation to their concerns regarding this agenda item. The clerk had replied to them informing them of the information that was known by Fishtoft Parish Council and their concerns. However, LCC Cllr Arundell informed that LCC Highways are not going to do anything associated with this area.

d)    Church Green Road – Footpath required
Cllr Arundell informed that new footpaths are not scheduled in the next financial year, however, if information could be sent to him in relation to where it is recommended to start and end, the application process could possibly be started so that this can then be reviewed in the future.

e)    Heavy Traffic through the Village of Fishtoft 
Cllr Armstrong relayed that there are concerns relating to the amount of heavy traffic though the parish especially associated with HGVs who seem to use Fishtoft as a cut through to avoid using A52. The clerk was instructed to write to Metsa and George H Kime & Co and ask them to inform their drivers to refrain from using the centre of the village of Fishtoft.

f)    Interactive Speed Signs
The signs have been delivered and following discussion the first sites were resolved on where to put them. These being Eastwood Road and Clampgate Road.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following information:
•    A grant has been submitted to aid with the costs of running the group
•    Looking at submitting a grant to Fishtoft Eleemosynary for costs towards a day out for the group.
•    They are struggling to hold the group at Fishtoft Playing Field & Pavilion, though their committee have offered to hold an extra morning session for free.  
        
b)    Parish Council Website
It was deemed the website was ok.

c)    Fishtoft Playing Field & Pavilion – Report from Cllr Lenton
Cllr Lenton had previously circulated a report and additionally relayed that a proposal had been made to extend the Pavilion but the committee are not currently looking at doing this. Therefore, he conveyed that he would rather focus on getting Rochford Tower Hall refurbed and reopened.

d)    Update from Cllr Appleyard in regards to Noticeboard, Lectern and Bench
The Men’s Shed have been concentrating on a new unit and unfortunately held up by members of the group being ill but will be moving forward with these soon.

e)    Rochford Tower Hall
This agenda item was discussed earlier in the meeting.

f)    Light outside Fishtoft Playing Field Pavilion – update 
Cllr Armstrong relayed that she still needs to look into this.

g)    Emergency Plan
Adjoining Parish Council’s Frithville with Westville and Sibsey are interested in talking with Fishtoft Parish Council in having a joint group of which a meeting will need to be arranged to discuss this matter.

h)    Gov.uk Domain and emails
Due to the requirement of Assertion 10 in the 2025/26 Annual Governance and Accountability Return gov.uk domain and emails are required by Parish Councils. The clerk circulated the information relating to this and following discussion and following proposal by Cllr Day, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to go ahead with the new domain and email address.

i)    Great British Spring Clean
BBC Cllr Sharpe is looking into doing Priory Road and BBC Cllr Staples is looking at doing Wainfleet Road therefore it was decided that the Parish Council would look at doing Fishtoft Road and Whitehouse Lane.

10.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
The following correspondence has been received: 
•    National Highways & Transport (NHT) Survey – The deadline of this had passed before the meeting.
•    Toot Lane Parking outside school – The Parish Council agreed with the proposal from Lincolnshire County Council
    
In addition, information relating to the Outer Dowsing scheme that was in association with the land owned by the Parish Council that was currently rented that the percentage scheme offered following compensation had been received of which the tenant was requesting 25%. Following discussion, it was proposed that only 10% be offered with rent deducted from fee or that no rent be paid whilst the work was in progress. A vote was taken of which 3 councillors were in favour of offering 10% with rent deducted and 3 councillors that no rent be paid whilst the work was in progress which resulted in a stalemate. As the Chairperson had the resolution vote it was decided to offer 10% with rent deducted.

Also, a resident of The Furrows had requested a Dog litter bin be sited in the area. As Boston Borough Council have a new policy now associated with Litter and Dog Bins this would need to be followed.

11.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
There was nothing to report.

12.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

The meeting closed at 8.54pm