Agenda and draft minutes

Having just remembered former District Council Director Jim Harrison, and Mr Michael Wragg, of the Royal British Legion-Local Branch,  in prayers prior to the meeting, in formally opening the meeting, the Chairman asked Members to remain standing for a moment’s reflection as a mark of respect to both gentlemen.

 

On resuming seats, before moving to the agenda, the Chairman and other Members paid moving tributes to both gentleman speaking of their dedication to the District, the former’s commitment to Council Services and its staff, the latter for his unwavering commitment to the local community, especially veterans, and his heavy involvement in creating two well established events in Gainsborough, the Annual Remembrance Service and the Christmas Day lunch.

 

The Chamber offered their sincerest condolences to the families of both, with official condolences to be sent from the civic office. 

 

Bringing tributes to an end the Chairman formally welcomed all those attending with a special welcome to representatives from the Saxilby with Ingleby Neighbourhood Planning Group, who would later in the meeting formally present their Reviewed Plan to Council.

 

 

To confirm and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Full Council held on 11 May 2026.

 

 

 

Having been proposed and seconded, on being put to the vote it was:-

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Full Council held on 11 May 2026 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

 

 

Members may make any declarations of interest at this point and may also make them at any point during the meeting.

 

 

 

No declarations of interest were made at this point in the meeting.

 

 

Setting out the current position of previously agreed actions as at 19 June 2026.

 

 

 

The Chairman introduced the report advising Members that it would be taken “as read” unless Members had any questions that they wished to raise.

 

With no comments or questions and with no requirement to vote, the matters arising were DULY NOTED.

 

 

 

i)               Chairman of Council

ii)              Leader of the Council

iii)            Head of Paid Service

 

 

Chairman

 

The Chairman addressed the meeting highlighting some of the great events, he had had the pleasure to attend and support, many hosted by West Lindsey, including the “Go Fest” spread over two days and over two sites, Market Rasen and Gainsborough.

 

The Chairman spoke of how positively the activities had been received in Market Rasen and of his pleasure at seeing many young families from all sections of the community enjoying the activities. Both events had been well attended and the Chairman placed on record his thanks to those Teams involved in producing and staffing the events over weekends.

 

The Chairman had had the pleasure of attending the Lincolnshire Show on both days and again the level of engagement from local communities and visitors to the area, alike was something to be congratulated.  West Lindsey’s marquee was busy throughout both days , with the Step Fusion Robo Dogs proving a real hit once again.

 

It had been an honour and a privilege for the Chairman to raise the Armed Forces flag outside the Guildhall,  the previous Friday.  Again engagement had been high and he thanked those Members who had supported him at the event and spoke of the thanks he had received from the veteran community for recognising the day with a formal raising of the flag.

 

Whilst the Chairman had been unable to attend the Armed Forces Day organised by the town Council the previous week, he took the opportunity to congratulate organisers on what he understood had been a very successful day. West Lindsey’s Armed Forces Member Champion, Councillor Carless was requested to pass on formal congratulations and thanks to the organisers.

 

The final event which Chairman referenced was the Curley’s Viking Running Event which had taken place on a baking hot day at the Roses Sports Field.  The Chairman congratulated those who had got involved despite the extreme heat and he spoke of his hopes that the event would become an annual fixture and go from strength-to-strength.

 

 

Leader

 

The Leader of the Council addressed Council and made the following announcements: -

 

Scampton

The Leader was pleased to confirm that following the last meeting of Full Council, the Council’s bid, alongside Scampton Holdings, for the purchase of RAF Scampton had been submitted. Thanks and praise were extended to Officers in acknowledgement of the considerable effort.  Members would be kept updated as soon as there was any further progress to share. An outcome was expected by the summer Parliamentary recess, with the Home Office targeting completion of the disposal before the end of the calendar year.

 

Local Government Re-organisation

The Government was still expected to make its announcement regarding Local Government Reorganisation in Lincolnshire during week commencing 13 July.

 

Local Council’s Network

Both the Leader and Deputy alongside Senior Officers had attended the regional meeting of the Local Councils Network, where information about LGR processes was shared by organisations who had already undergone the process.  The Leader had taken confidence that West Lindsey was well placed to deal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Questions, if received, under this Scheme will be published by way of supplement following closure of the deadline.

 

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that no public questions had been received.

 

 

Questions, if received, under this Scheme now attached.

 

 

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that two questions had been received pursuant to Procedure Rule No.9. The questions had been circulated to all Members, separately to the agenda, and published on the website.

 

The Chairman invited Trevor Young to put his question to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jackie Brockway, as follows:-

 

“The Savoy Cinema has now been open for approximately 11 months and, whilst the cinema itself has been a welcome addition to the town centre, it is disappointing that the retail units beneath the development remain vacant.

 

Can the Leader please inform Members:

·       What interest has been shown in the large retail unit beneath the cinema since the development opened?

·       What progress has been made towards securing a tenant and when does the Council anticipate the unit will be occupied?

·       What specific actions is the Council taking to attract retailers and businesses to these vacant units and strengthen the town centre offer?

·       Can the Leader provide assurance that Gainsborough will not experience a similar situation to that seen in Grantham, where retail units beneath the Savoy Cinema remained unoccupied for a considerable period of time?

Given the significant public investment in the development, I am sure residents will wish to understand what steps are being taken to ensure these commercial units contribute fully to the regeneration of the town centre.”

 

The Leader advised that Councillor Bierley, in his capacity as Chairman of the Thriving Council Committee, would respond on her behalf.

 

The Chairman of the Thriving Council Committee, responded as follows: -

 

“Thank you for the questions.

 

From its opening in July 2025 to early June 2026, the Savoy Cinema has welcomed over 85,000 visitors. The cinema is clearly establishing itself as a vibrant and positive addition to Gainsborough town centre, increasing footfall and supporting wider regeneration objectives.

 

In terms of interest in the commercial units, there has been a good level of engagement from the market since the marketing went live last summer. This continues, and over the past 120 days, the units have generated more than 2,000 listing views, and our appointed agents have directly contacted 112 food and beverage operators across the local, regional and national markets. This has resulted in a number of site visits, including from well-known national brands such as Nando’s and Edinburgh Woollen Mill, demonstrating that the opportunity has been actively considered by a range of occupiers.

Significant progress has been made in securing tenants. I am pleased to confirm that two of the three commercial units are now let. These lettings both support the growth of an existing local business and introduce a further national operator into the town centre. Blush Florist is due to open by the end of July, relocating from Marshall’s Yard and expanding its offer to include a flower school and enhanced wedding services. In addition, Subway is expected to open by the end of the summer, further strengthening the town centre’s food and beverage provision.

 

With regard to the remaining unit, despite extensive marketing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Motion 1  - Improving Rural Transport Access for Young People in West Lindsey

 

West Lindsey is a predominantly rural district where many young people rely on public transport to access education, employment, training, healthcare, leisure activities, and social opportunities.

 

Limited bus services, high travel costs, and poor connectivity between villages and market towns create barriers to opportunity and contribute to social isolation among young people.

 

Apprentices particularly under 18, often face even greater difficulties. Their income is minimal and they do not have the same financial support as someone in full time education. Some may not have independent transport, and bus services in our area do not align with early or late working hours typical of apprenticeships. This adds further pressure on working families.  Improving transport links supports economic growth, educational attainment, workforce development, and community wellbeing.

 

The Wheels to Work scheme has already proven successful in other rural areas, providing affordable scooter or bicycle hire schemes, enabling young people, including apprentices, to overcome transport barriers.

 

Young people, particularly apprentices, should not be disadvantaged because they live in a rural area. Resources should be directed towards addressing structural barriers faced by young people. Affordable and reliable transport is essential for helping young people, particularly apprentices under 18, to remain connected to education, employment, apprenticeships, volunteering, and community life.

 

Strategic Transport is now the responsibility of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. The Mayor has recently established a Rural Transport Group and a Transport Taskforce. Our Leader Cllr Jackie Brockway is a member of the Greater Lincolnshire Transport Board.

 

In order to highlight the barriers faced by our young people in rural communities and to instigate proactive planning to address this: -

 

Council Resolves To:

 

Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire to:

 

1)    Highlight the barriers faced by young people in rural communities such as West Lindsey and feed these issues into the emerging Local Transport Plan.

 

2)    Seek a review of rural transport provision for young people, including bus services and accessibility for apprentices.

 

 

3)    Request that action planning arising from the Rural Transport Group, Transport Taskforce and emerging Local Transport Plan include consideration of the following potential interventions:

-          Wheels to Work

-          Improved rural bus services

-          Affordable travel options for under 25s

-          Targeted Support scheme for driving lesson and tests for 16-18 year olds

-          Means tested bursaries for travel for apprentices and young people in villages with no evening or weekend bus services.

 

 

 

I so move

Councillor Emma Bailey

 

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that one Motion had been submitted pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No.10 and this was as set out in the agenda.

 

As the mover of the motion Councillor Emma Bailey was invited to read aloud her motion to the meeting, as follows: -

 

Improving Rural Transport Access for Young People in West Lindsey

 

West Lindsey is a predominantly rural district where many young people rely on public transport to access education, employment, training, healthcare, leisure activities, and social opportunities.

 

Limited bus services, high travel costs, and poor connectivity between villages and market towns create barriers to opportunity and contribute to social isolation among young people.

 

Apprentices particularly under 18, often face even greater difficulties. Their income is minimal and they do not have the same financial support as someone in full time education. Some may not have independent transport, and bus services in our area do not align with early or late working hours typical of apprenticeships. This adds further pressure on working families.  Improving transport links supports economic growth, educational attainment, workforce development, and community wellbeing.

 

The Wheels to Work scheme has already proven successful in other rural areas, providing affordable scooter or bicycle hire schemes, enabling young people, including apprentices, to overcome transport barriers.

 

Young people, particularly apprentices, should not be disadvantaged because they live in a rural area. Resources should be directed towards addressing structural barriers faced by young people. Affordable and reliable transport is essential for helping young people, particularly apprentices under 18, to remain connected to education, employment, apprenticeships, volunteering, and community life.

 

Strategic Transport is now the responsibility of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. The Mayor has recently established a Rural Transport Group and a Transport Taskforce. Our Leader Cllr Jackie Brockway is a member of the Greater Lincolnshire Transport Board.

 

In order to highlight the barriers faced by our young people in rural communities and to instigate proactive planning to address this: -

 

Council Resolves To:

 

Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire to:

 

1.     Highlight the barriers faced by young people in rural communities such as West Lindsey and feed these issues into the emerging Local Transport Plan.

 

2.     Seek a review of rural transport provision for young people, including bus services and accessibility for apprentices.

 

3.     Request that action planning arising from the Rural Transport Group, Transport Taskforce and emerging Local Transport Plan include consideration of the following potential interventions:

-          Wheels to Work

-          Improved rural bus services

-          Affordable travel options for under 25s

-          Targeted Support scheme for driving lesson and tests for 16-18 year olds

-          Means tested bursaries for travel for apprentices and young people in villages with no evening or weekend bus services

 

I so move

Councillor Emma Bailey”

 

With the motion duly seconded debate ensued, with several Members speaking in support of the motion.  Members acknowledged the existence of the issues, referred to in the motion, across the District, and of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

The Chairman, prior to introducing the report, again welcomed representatives from Saxilby with Ingleby Neighbourhood Planning Group, Liz Hillman, Martin Furnish and Pete Crowther who would have opportunity to address the Chamber and formally present their Plan.

 

Members gave consideration to a report which sought Members’ approval to adopt the review of the neighbourhood plan for the parish of Saxilby. The reviewed plan would replace the original neighbourhood plan for Saxilby to form part of the development plan and thereby had a major influence on planning application decisions in the Saxilby parish.

 

A referendum, held been held on 6 May; the outcome of this was shown in section 3.6 of the report with  90.71% of residents who voted being in favour of the Revised Plan.

 

As such the Plan was now ready to be adopted or “made” by Full Council as it had completed all its stages and had the support of its local community.

 

The Chairman moved the recommendations before inviting Ward Councillors to address the Chamber, with both speaking of their support and admiration of the work undertaken in completing a Neighbourhood Plan Review.

 

The Neighbourhood Plan Group were then invited to address Members, with Mrs Hillman making the following statement to the Chamber: -

 

“Good evening Chair and Councillors,

 

Thank you for inviting representatives of the Saxilby with Ingleby Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group to address Members this evening and formally hand over our revised Neighbourhood Plan. I am pleased to be joined by Martin Furnish and Pete Crowther, members of the Steering Group.

 

The Parish Council considered it essential that the Plan was updated to reflect changes in national planning policy, emerging priorities such as climate change and biodiversity, and the evolving nature of our parish. Since the original Plan was adopted, around 366 new dwellings have been built. It was therefore important to understand the views of newer residents, alongside those of longer-established members of our community, on how the parish should continue to develop.

 

Community consultation lies at the heart of neighbourhood planning. The policies contained within the revised Plan are based on the views, priorities and aspirations expressed by local residents through surveys, consultation events and ongoing engagement. Those conversations helped shape the Plan before you today.

 

I had the privilege of chairing the first Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted in 2017. When we began this review, we expected it to take around a year. In reality, it took three years and involved a number of challenges, including delays caused by changing funding arrangements. We are particularly grateful to West Lindsey District Council for its support during the final stages of the process.

 

Despite those challenges, the revised Plan is underpinned by a strong evidence base, including the Design Codes and Guidance document and the Housing Needs Assessment. Together, these provide a robust framework for guiding future development in a way that reflects the character, identity and priorities of Saxilby with Ingleby Parish. We have retained the format used in the original Plan,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To note the Group Leaders of each Group and the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Act.

 

 

 

Members considered a  report which set out the details of the political groups on the Council, the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee and the allocation to different political groups of seats on the Committees as a result of a new Group having been formed as detailed in  Section 1 of the report.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, with no questions or comments, it was RESOLVED that: -

 

(a)    the details of political groups, as set out in Appendix A, be noted; and

 

(b)    that the allocation to different political groups of seats on committees, and the number of Members to be appointed to serve on each Committee as set out in Appendix B, be approved. 

 

 

Updated report including nominations now attached.

 

 

The Chairman of the Council presented the report which set out the wishes expressed by the political groups in respect of the appointment of Members to serve on each of the Council’s formal Committees for the remainder of 2026/2027 Civic Year.

 

Members were advised that an updated report could be found within the supplement pack which included all nominations put forward by Group Leaders based on their allocations.

 

Councillor Bailey advised she would take the seat on the Planning Committee, allocated to the Community Independents Group still showing blank in the report. 

 

With no further adjustments made, having been proposed and seconded, including the verbal notification above, it was

 

RESOLVED – that in accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the wishes expressed by political groups, Members be appointed to serve to the Council’s Committees for the remainder of 2026/2027 civic year as follows: -

 

Chief Officer Employment Committee (9 Members)

 

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Jackie Brockway

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Paul Key

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Baptiste Velan

Councillor Moira Westley

 

 

Thriving Council Committee(7 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Matthew Boles

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Paul Key

Councillor Paul Swift

 

 

Thriving Places Committee(7 Members)

 

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Peter Morris

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Moira Westley

 

 

Thriving People Committee (7 Members)

 

Councillor Owen Bierley

Councillor Frazer Brown

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Jeanette McGhee

Councillor Tom Smith

Councillor Moira Westley

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Governance and Audit Committee (7 Members)

                    

Councillor John Barrett

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Chris Darcel

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Paul Swift

 

 

Licensing Committee (10 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Lynda Mullally

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Regulatory Committee (10 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Lynda Mullally

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Jim Snee

Councillor Mandy Snee

Councillor Trevor Young

 

 

Planning Committee (9 Members)

 

Councillor Emma Bailey

Councillor Matthew Boles

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Adam Duguid

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Ian Fleetwood

Councillor Sebastian Hague

Councillor Tom Smith

Councillor Jim Snee

 

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (9 members)

 

Councillor David Dobbie

Councillor Jacob Flear

Councillor Jeanette McGhee

Councillor Lynda Mullally

Councillor Maureen Palmer

Councillor Roger Patterson

Councillor Roger Pilgrim

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Mandy Snee

 

 

Standards Committee (6 Members)

 

Councillor Trevor Bridgwood

Councillor Karen Carless

Councillor Adam Duguid

Councillor Paul Howitt-Cowan

Councillor Paul Lee

Councillor Moira Westley

 

 

 

 

 

Members considered a report which presented the findings from the Council’s recent LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review, which was designed to assess the Council’s progress against the eight main recommendations made during the full Corporate Peer Challenge, which took place in January 2025. 

 

Members were asked to note the Peer Team’s findings, having regard to the considerable progress that the Council were considered to have made in all areas since the original Corporate Peer Challenge in January 2025.

 

RESOLVED that: -

 

(a)    the findings of the 2026 Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review be noted; and

 

(b)    the significant progress made by the Council in implementing the original recommendations within the 2025 Corporate Peer Challenge Report be noted.

 

 

 

An updated report following Thriving Council Committee meeting on 25 June 2026.  

 

 

 

 

The Chairman of the Thriving Council Committee introduced the report which stood recommended from his Committee. 

 

The report was required under the CIPFA Treasury Management Code and provided Members with assurance on the Council’s borrowing, investments and treasury indicators during a period of continued economic uncertainty.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, with no questions posed, on being put to the vote it was: -

 

RESOLVED -  that  the recommendation from the Thriving Council Committee be accepted and the Annual Treasury Management Report and actual Prudential Indicators 2025/26 be approved.

 

 

 

An updated report following Thriving Council Committee meeting on 25 June 2026.  

 

 

 

 

The Chairman of the Thriving Council Committee presented the report which sought approval of new statutory fees for inclusion in the fees and charges schedules for 2026/27, as recommended by the Committee at their meeting on 25 June.

 

Having been proposed and seconded, with no questions or comments, on being put to the vote it was RESOLVED that: -

 

(a)       the recommendation from the Thriving Council Committee be accepted and the new statutory fee be approved for inclusion in the fees and charges schedule for 2026/2027 ‘Building Safety Levy’ (paragraph 1.3 of the report) for implementation on the 1^st October 2026; and  

 

(b)       the recommendation from the Thriving Council Committee be accepted  and the new statutory fees be approved for inclusion in the fees and charges schedule for 2026/2027  ‘Planning Applications (Operations)’ (paragraph 1.4 of the report) for immediate implementation.