NewsNK Autumn 2011 by North Kesteven District Council

News Focus

Don’t lose your vote in 2012 You never know when an election may be just around the corner, so it’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote. As well as regular national and local elections, there are occasional polls for all manner of reasons including one next year relating to the police. This is why it’s essential to ensure you are always registered to vote, which couldn’t be simpler. Every autumn the annual canvass takes place, with voter registration forms due to drop through letterboxes all across the District very soon. By completing and returning it you’ll ensure your eligibility to vote at any elections in the coming year. If there are no changes to the details listed on the form, you can save the Council money by using the online or phone automated response service. Otherwise changes need to be made on the form and returned using the pre-paid envelope provided. An important change to the canvass this year relates to the two versions of the register. There is the full register which has tightly controlled use for specific purposes, including credit checks. An edited version can be bought and may be used for direct marketing. In order to opt-out of this, it is essential that you tick the box to request your name does not appear on the edited version. It is important to remember that you can only vote if your name is on the current register. The revised electoral register will be published on December 1. If you don't receive a form, please call 01529 414155 or email electoral_services@n-kesteven.gov.uk

Broadband bid is successful A county-wide bid for £14.3m to secure faster broadband for Lincolnshire has been successful, but NKDC still wants residents to maintain their lobbying stance. The latest bid will help to ensure better provision by 2015, but since the Council is always arguing the case for better digital connectivity, further evidence is needed to show how significant the need is locally. To strengthen the case, residents, schools and businesses are being urged to complete a short survey at any time to give a better insight into current levels of access. Surveys should be completed at both www.onlincolnshire.org and at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk using the link to Digital Connectivity Survey. Or do it at Community Access Points across the District, detailed on page 2.

District tops the tables once more Prompt payment by residents and efficient enforcement has resulted in NKDC collecting in more Council Tax than any other authority in England After being placed joint-first last year, NKDC is now the single best performer for Council Tax collection, drawing in 99.4% of its dues in 2010/11. The Council has been in the top ten for more than a decade. Council Leader, Cllr Mrs Marion Brighton OBE said: “It gives the Council great pride to have only £332,000 outstanding from a Council Tax debit of £45.9m at the end of the year.” “Our success cannot go without thanks to our residents who understand the importance of their responsibility to pay their charges on time.” NKDC collects sums on behalf of the county, town and parish councils as well as the police and allocates the money, retaining only 9.4 pence in every pound to deliver NKDC’s services. Most residents (78%) pay by direct debit and the Council also has a very good recovery process in place to take firm but fair action against people who

default on payments. There are also support measures in place to help with payments and good partnership with enforcement agents for times when prosecution against debtors is required. Cllr Geoff Hazelwood, who has Executive oversight of revenues said: “Our continued success wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated team of officers administering the collection from initial billing right through to representation at the Magistrates Court.” As well as collecting Council Tax and Business Rates within North Kesteven, NKDC also collects Business Rates for West Lindsey District Council and carries out their enforcement, and is now part of a shared service with the City of Lincoln. The Council can help anyone struggling to pay with guidance on payment plans. Call on 01529 414155 or visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

Amnesty on single person discount ahead of tax audit An audit will be carried out during September to ensure that everyone claiming single person discount on their Council Tax is eligible to do so. North Kesteven District Council gives a 25% discount on council tax bills to 13,703 of its 47,000 households, where there is only one resident adult at the property. On average this is worth £345 in each case. To ensure that no one is claiming discounts they are not entitled to, the Council is cross referencing its Council Tax information with other databases to identify cases where more than one adult is resident at a property despite it being awarded a single occupancy discount. Last time NKDC carried out this exercise, in 2009, it was found that the discount was being claimed fraudulently in 359 cases, which was a 2.9% hit on the 12,551 cases examined. The resulting additional revenue collected amounted to £126,587. In advance of the audit the Council will operate an amnesty where anyone notifying their changed circumstances will be excused the £70 penalty; otherwise it

is a legal requirement to tell the Council within 21 days if they think they are no longer entitled to discounts. Cllr Stewart Ogden, Executive member with responsibility for benefits, said: “We believe most discounts are claimed honestly and legitimately but we know there are times when a household’s circumstances change and people forget to tell us that their eligibility to a discount should have ended.” “But there is a minority who believe they can cheat the system and claim discounts they know they’re not entitled to, which is unfair on everyone else and we intend to catch them through these checks.” The Council stresses that while cracking down on fraudulent claims, it still wants to ensure that everyone gets the discounts they are entitled to. Call on 01529 414155 to discuss your circumstances or see the booklet issued with this years bill. Similar checks are being carried out simultaneously by Lincoln City Council, a partner with NKDC in a new joint revenues service.

Natural beauty is found again on Millennium Green More Fit for Life North Hykeham’s Millennium Green has gone from strength to strength since the District Council took ownership in the spring. Now maintained by the Council’s WatchNK partnership, it has seen the start of a new facelift; with an official plaque to mark its title, tree surveys carried out, dead foliage removed, new litter bins installed and a wildflower meadow introduced, all of which have added to the beauty of the area. Removal of some unsightly and oppressive conifers was prompted by neighbours of the green who were unable to take in the views. New information boards are popping up all over the green, giving visitors an insight into the natural benefits of the area and what grows and lives there. It is hoped the new wildflower meadow will encourage butterflies, grasshoppers and other wild creatures to move in. Distinctive birds have been spotted in the area including the Great Crested Grebe, Long Tailed Tit and the Chaffinch, while boxes nested in the trees provide a perfect hideaway for resident bats. New boards are being designed to help visitors identify the different flora and fauna at the Green. Lincoln Conservation Group has been supporting the WatchNK rangers to maintain the area – collecting 25 bags of rubbish in one day in early August – but help is always needed. If you wish to become a volunteer contact Steve Donagain, Hill Holt Wood’s Project Director on 01636 892836.

Hill Holt Wood wins forestry award North Kesteven District Council’s partner, Hill Holt Wood has won a top award in a premier forestry competition. Hill Holt Wood is a small Social Enterprise charity based in woods at Norton Disney, from where it provides NKDC’s Countryside Rangers, WatchNK, and a range of open space maintenance and fly-tip clearance services. Through its hard work and dedication the charity has been awarded the Community Forestry Award by The Royal Forestry Society for its excellence in forestry. In a further extension of the partnership, Hill Holt Wood and NKDC are introducing a new Stepping Out Walk around the woodland, which is detailed on page 14.

Students identify future needs In October the Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit will be teaching children from North Kesteven schools about the work behind the committee, how the planning system works and what needs to be planned for the future of the area. As part of NKDC’s annual Local Democracy Week events the Joint Planning Unit will be opening up the views of students between the age of 13 and 14, engaging them in the planning process and how working with organisations, like the Environment Agency helps the process run smoothly.

A fourth Fit for Life NK course will start operating in Walcott soon, giving people chance to shape up for autumn. The 12-week course starts on Wednesday, September 14, at Walcott Village Hall, 10.30am to 12.30pm. While it is open to anyone over the age of 18, applications from people with responsibility for children under the age of five will be given first consideration. Those without children are still encouraged to apply. It is free to all and there is a free crèche if required. Transport can also be provided if none is available. The course is operated by the NK Health Trainers who have enjoyed great success with earlier schemes in Billinghay, Sleaford and Witham St Hughs, all aimed at people who want to lose weight and/or improve their fitness levels through healthy lifestyle changes. Call Debbie or Andy on 07733 368676 or 07798 925860 to apply.

The POD playbus will be out and about at various locations all across the District this autumn. To find out if the POD will be near you look it up on www.facebook.com/thepodnk call 01522 870252 or email nkyouthoutreach@leisureconnection.co.uk newsnk

Built in 1907 by Bass and operational through to 1959, the Maltings are Grade II* listed as among the top 10% of listed buildings in the country. They are uniquely significant in terms of scale, technological innovation, exceptional build quality and their impact on the landscape. In their heyday they represented the life and vigour of the town and that is how they are foreseen for the future as a bustling hive of commercial, residential and business industry. local environmental improvements. Each scheme represents around £50m of investment and would generate around 500 jobs - as well as inspiring other retailers and developers to bring their business to Sleaford. The link road is a significant factor in the success of the Maltings project as it is to easing current congestion and traffic flow issues. As a landmark building, the Maltings is the flagship to the wider regeneration package proposed for Sleaford through the ‘Sleaford Forward’ initiative. The permission for redevelopment secures most of the 110-year-old building intact and restores, extends and enhances it to provide 204 appartments, restaurant, retail, office and healthcare space, parking and 24 new houses. NKDC has invested seven years in working out the perfect solution for the

Our Homes – page 13

Maltings complex which preserves its past and protects its future. Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE said the Maltings’ redevelopment was of ‘great strategic and economic significance’ for Sleaford, and that part of the town especially, and would ‘act as a catalyst for wider investment in the town as a whole’. “As well as creating around 500 jobs through the significant employment space being provided, it creates additional housing opportunities and improves the historic environment by restoring the buildings and bringing them back into economic use. “So much of our vision for Sleaford to once again fulfil its potential and function efficiently as a thriving market town rests on The Maltings. It is integral to the wider South East Regeneration which, when taken

together, represents the biggest and most economically significant commercial investments Sleaford has seen since the opening of the Navigation more than 200 years ago.” Extensive measures have been taken to preserve as much of the iconic building as possible, with Block One conserved completely intact, parts of the industrial architecture retained as heritage displays, original iron windows preserved with financial support from English Heritage, repair and retention where possible and only partial demolition of fire damaged blocks to house parking.

Our Communities – pages 6 & 7

Sleaford Forward Our town, our future

Ian Carrington OBE Inverinain, Brighton Canwick, Mrs Marion Hall Drive, 2RG Council) Road, LN4 (Leader of Farm, BardneyLN4 1AQ Lincoln,521629 New Lodge Lincoln 01522 Washingborough, Moor Hykeham 01522 790438

North Hykeham

John Bishop Walk, 16 Sharp North Hykeham, 9TP Lincoln, LN6 01522 509711

North Hykeham

Witham

Ross Little Road, 212 Lincoln North Hykeham, 8NJ Lincoln, LN6 07825 681541

Holdingham

BEM Peter Haysum Grove, 5 All Saints Sleaford, 8AZ Lincs, NG34 01529 304395

Sleaford

Navigation

David Suiter Way, 20 Stephens Sleaford, 7JN Lincs, NG34 01529 306950

Ogden Howell, Mrs Gill Farmhouse, Howell Fen Sleaford, 9PJ Lincs, NG34 01529 460094

MBE Mrs Pat WoodmanChurch Road, The Old Vicarage, Lincoln, Aubourn, LN5 9FB 01522 788236

Howe Mrs Sue Oak, 12 Badgers Bassingham, 9JP Lincoln, LN5 01522 788496

Whittle DFM Geoffrey Road, 142 WestcliffeSleaford, Ruskington, 9AY Lincs, NG34 01526 833433

of of meetings Council Calendar District to North important body, it is be as closely involved North Kesteven

Heckington

democratic feel they can and accountable as possible. attend and, in most that residents As an open District Council making processto the public to Kesteven are open giving prior notice. in the decision but meetings by confidentially, and informed almost all the beginning to be dealt with For this reasonask questions at has business can public discussion. in a number cases, they circumstances some of open and working together In certain principle members there is a group by otherwise are taken by elected the controlling Decisions chosen from most key decisions. making six councillors, of ways. direction, a Full Council Board of capacity Executive to steer policy and sitting as > As the in Leader in a quasi-judicial of 43 Councillors the Council hearing sittingnon-Executive Members in certain Full membership or licensing the > As the committee which involves policies and progress > As a planningand scrutiny panel decisions, > An overview assessing and reviewing

Peter Burley Road, 49 Grantham Heath, Bracebridge 2LE Lincoln, LN4 01522 827365

Mike Powell Street, 13 Bridge Billinghay, 4HW Lincoln, LN4 01526 860527

Eagle, Swinderby St Hughs and Witham

Cliff Villages

Heckington

Rural

Cliff Villages

Conway Mrs Laura 37 High Street, Navenby, OEE Lincoln, LN5 07557 634303

Leasingham

David Dickinson House, The Manor Sleaford Evedon, 9PA Lincs, NG34 01529 307433

Wells MBE Mrs Barbara Scarle, Mayfield Lane, North 29 Chapel 9EX LN6 Lincoln, 01522 778249

Appleby Mrs Sally Lincoln Lane, 27 Aventine, the Hill, Thorpe on 9BH Lincoln, LN6 01522 681159

Overton Mrs MarianneWelbourn, Hilltop Farm, Lincoln, LN5 OQH 01400 273323

and Rauceby

North Hykeham

Stewart Ogden Member) Board Howell, (Executive Farmhouse, 9PJ Howell Fen Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 460094

Key Andrew Grange, Wadeley Road, Heckington, 9RS 52 Kyme Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 461161

North Hykeham

Forum

Memorial

North Hykeham

Mill

Metheringham

Rob Kendrick close, 12 Barley Waring Mrs Susan Board Member) Moor Metheringham, 3XB (Executive Lincoln, LN4 Cottage, Leasingham 8JW Pear Tree 01526 323364 Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 414632

John Money House, Grangeley 3AZ Lincoln Road, Lincoln, LN4 Blankney, 01526 320323

Clarke Miss Andrea Gardens, 50 Heather North Hykeham, 8RQ Lincoln, LN6 07557 634302

Lee Wallace Close, 14 Thirlmere North Hykeham, 8ES Lincoln, LN6 01522 686592

Barrett Mrs Kay Park Close, 2 Windsor North Hykeham, 9XZ Lincoln, LN6 01522 686286

Skellingthorpe

SKELLINGTHORPE

WEST

NORTH HYKEHAMWADDINGTON HEATH AND BRACEBRIDGEEAST WADDINGTON

AND HEIGHINGTON WASHINGBOROUGH

Skellingthorpe

Ruskington

EAGLE,

Ruskington

BRANSTON

SWINDERBY AND ST HUGHS

WITHAM

AND MERE

METHERINGHAM

Osbournby AND

Jim Cook Street, 17 North 0DR Osbournby, Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 01529 455369

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Terry Boston Close, 36 Poplar 9TL Ruskington, Lincs, NG34 Sleaford, 07557 634299

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Summer 2011

Sleaford

Castle

Keith Dolby 35 Meadowfield, Sleaford, 7AZ Lincs, NG34 07796 315278

Ron Oxby Road, 11 Washingborough Heighington, 1QW Lincoln, LN4 01522 826706

North

Mill

Clark Ms Helen Close, 12 Mercury North Hykeham, 9FH Lincoln, LN6 07557 634301

Sleaford

Thorpe Kirkby La Kyme and South

and Heighington Washingborough

Frost Miss Joyce 3 High Street, Heighington, 1RG Lincoln, LN4 01522 794242

Ray Cucksey (Vice Chairman) Branston, Road, 88 Lincoln 1NX Lincoln, LN4 01522 794644

Mike Gallagher Leader) (Deputy Hill Top, Mill House, Lincoln, LN5 9RL Waddington, 01522 722705

Cawrey Miss Lindsey Park Lane, 1 The Oakleigh, Heath, Braceridge 2TH Lincoln, LN4 01522 569696

Heath and Bracebridge East Waddington

Martin Billinghay, Kyme and North

and Bassingham Brant Broughton

la Launde Ashby de and Cranwell

Council approval of landmark schemes sows significant seeds for future growth Massive strides have been taken in recent weeks on a number of key projects to secure private investment of around £100m and create 1,000 much-needed jobs in Sleaford. In close succession, the applications were approved for redevelopment of the Maltings, for a new Tesco store and for the South East Regeneration link road to help ease traffic flow through the town. Collectively these three initiatives dovetail into what has been described as ‘the most economically significant commercial investments Sleaford has seen since the opening of the navigation’ and they mark the beginnings of a broader vision for long-term regeneration. Each scheme contributes towards the success of another and is the result of lengthy and detailed negotiations between applicants, interested parties and statutory consultees to ensure delivery of maximum community benefit for the town and further opportunities for regeneration. As part of its approval, Tesco is obliged to pay for the £12m link road among other benefits totalling around £15m. And as part of the approval for the Maltings, applicants Gladedale must offer up crushed rubble towards the Link Road foundations valued at around £300,000 - which leaves Tesco more to spend on its commitments. Further community benefits secured through Section 106 agreements on Tesco and the Maltings amount to around £530,000 to improve and promote local transport options, infrastructure and awareness, £10,000 for public art, money for public open space and a number of

la Launde Ashby de your Councilllor 27 and Cranwell Conservative May 5 election the went at the 4 service to councillors came and after long and loyal keenly fought Independent Sleaford Councillors retire came seats through chose to change also lost their as some 4 and others box. In two cases, with Conservative Council join chose to Independent at the ballot contests Councillors of all 43 3 continuing Chamber. associations about as in the Council names and party four years. As your MBE NK Independent the colleagues concerns for the next bring you Ian Cartwright Here we serve you take up your 3 to (Chairman) 67 Sleaford Road, elected to all are available to been chosen Councillors they have shown here, Orwell House,Lincs, NG34 9BL Liberal Democrat a elected representatives the communities at the addresses one also has 2 Ruskington, behalf of and act on can all be contacted and each Independent 01526 834292 Sleaford Skellingthorpe serve. They Council Officers in at: through the Council’s website Branston the own page. section on to find their Branston www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/councillors Heath and to Your Councillor Bracebridge East Follow links Waddington Heath and Bracebridge East Waddington

Contact

Your Council works for you. Find out who your Councillor is inside

The newspaper for all North Kesteven residents

Town regeneration boost

Mark Allan Close, 11 Crampian Sleaford, 7WA Lincs, NG34 07557 634297

Ian Dolby Rose Cottage, Sleaford, Road, 64 North 7AW Lincs, NG34 01529 306812

Wright Richard Board Member) (Executive Ruskington, 8 Moor Park, NG34 9AJ Lincs, Sleaford, 01526 834994

Quarrington Sleaford and Mareham

Flint Mrs Shirley Close, 23 Goldfinch Skellingthorpe,5SF Lincoln, LN6 01522 688821

Sleaford

Westholme

Chris Goldson Avenue, 70 Swallow Skellingthorpe,5XR Lincoln, LN6 01522 689302

Waddington

West

BASSINGHAM BRANT BROUGHTON

CLIFF VILLAGES

LA LAUNDE ASHBY DE AND CRANWELL RUSKINGTON

LEASINGHAM AND RAUCEBY

SLEAFORD

OSBOURNBY

scrutinising, appropriate. are panels as areas these meetings groups and Up to date guide to when > Other committees, as a useful added and cancelled. on the is intended can be are available meetings as meetings and reports This list of is not definitive agendas, minutes held, but and meetings 12 details of at www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/committees Year 2011/ & Resources Overview Council website in the Civic 13, Panel - June 11 Meetings 21, September 29, Performance 7, January and Scrutiny - July November and June 11 13 Full Council December 15, February August 1, 1, February (budget), November and May 10 26 for 3pm in 23, April and Information at 5pm, except in the Council Development Scrutiny Panel These start 14, and are held and Overview December, Sleaford. 15, December at meetings - July 27, October Chamber first two of these 29 the February Either of only if required. 25 Panels and April will be called and Scrutiny 9, July 7, The Overviewat 5pm at the Council Board - June October 6, 13, usually meet Executive Sleaford September 6, January Offices in July 28, 3, December 12, Joint Strategic November 9, March 8, April 6, Central Lincolnshire - June 26, February 5, June 14 Committee Planning May 3 and 2pm in the Council 3, December at October 2 July 25, These start the Sleaford Offices. 6, and April at February Chamber dealing with and committee - meets as This is a matters across Committee members, but it planning West strategic Planning with all at of North Kesteven, the areas Lincoln City. It meets the when required two smaller committees into either across Lindsey and is broken sitting on locations member 10am in various with every or Lafford Planning three areas. the Eastgate 27, Committee. Panel - June July 14, Tenant Liaison - June 14, 12, November April 23 Planning 18, September February 6 and Eastgate 6, October 23, up of tenant January 26, September January 10, February 29, body made across the This is a 15 November from 3 and May representativesare a Council tenant 21, April you your August District. If - July 5, in representing with the 8, and interested direct discussion Lafford Planning27, November in MARTIN housing officer. neighbours 16, September January 31, March BILLINGHAY, KYME 13, contact your AND NORTH Council, December and June 12 to 24 6, basis as 13, April Panel - July no geographic with what Licensing February 1 There is deals 26, are October which committee or how members up for 18 LA THORPE KIRKBY KYME and April applications residents can sign AND SOUTH but agenda. allocated - June 14, of a committee’s Chamber 21, Council Audit Committee notification 19, November 5pm in the RURAL HECKINGTON September and April 16 All start at offices. 30 January at the Sleaford - July 20, & Community - June Committee Standards January 18 Environment Scrutiny Panel and 12, 30, October Overview 7, November 11 and April 8, September May 30 and March 21

Summer

Geoff Hazelwood Member) Board (Executive Road, 57 Grantham NG34 7NG Lincs, Sleaford, 01529 304931

Brian WatsonCrescent, 6 Sandhurst Sleaford, 7PE Lincs, NG34 01529 307583

2011 newsnk

Lance Pennell School Lane, Chiltern Lodge, Canwick, 2RP Lincoln, LN4 01522 541888

Historical, architectural, civic and regeneration agencies line up to support the plans as the most viable long-term future for the Maltings 10 newsnk

Summer

2011

Regeneration East Midlands “This redevelopment has the potential to make a considerable contribution to the regeneration in this area. This is a positive scheme, rescuing and reinvigorating these significant buildings without adversely affecting the character of this striking listed building.” Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology “This is an ambitious scheme to save the complex from stagnation and secure its future. The Society is anxious to see this development take place as it is the optimum solution for the buildings and a good one for Sleaford.” Sleaford & District Civic Trust “We are pleased to see this well considered and detailed application and, without dissent, welcome each aspect of the development.” Lincolnshire Historic Building Committee “The Sleaford Maltings is a magnificent complex; probably the finest range of large floor maltings left in the country. The glory of the Maltings is in their magnificent scale and open setting which should not be diminished.” Ancient Monuments Society “Given the scale and number of Maltings on this site, successful re-use was never going to be easy. The Maltings were industrial and stark in their appearance but have certain grace which is retained through this extensive and detailed application.”

Our Economy – pages 14 & 15

Autumn 2011 newsnk 3  01529 414155 / 01522 699699  info@n-kesteven.gov.uk