Minutes of Ordinary General Meeting of Honington Parish Meeting on 23rd September 2026, held at Honington Grange at 6:30pm.
Present: Mr. A Rattey (AR) (Chair); Mr. B. Hope (BH) (Clerk); Mr. T. Carter (TC); Mr. C. Hainstock (CH); Mrs. K. Holley (KH); Mrs. D. Parker (DP); Dr. C. Paske (CP); Mr. M. Paske (MP); Mr. S. Perlish (SP); Mrs. P. Swift (PS); Mrs. V. Wing (VW)
Apologies for absence: Mrs. R. Ambrose: Mrs. M. Applewhite; Mrs. H. Cameron; Mrs. N. Carter; Mr. R. Coney; Mrs. W. Coney; Mrs. H. Dyson; Mr. B. Holley; Mrs. L. Knowles; Ms. M. Parker; Mr. G. Watkin; Mr. M. Wing.
1: Minutes of AGM held 15th April 2026
- MP proposed approval of the Minutes, seconded by KH. The Minutes were signed by AR.
2: Matters arising
- BH reported on the planning proposal for 4 detached houses on Hallfield Crescent in early 2026. This was declined by SKDC on the basis it did not comply with the character of the area, being an obtrusive extension of built form. In addition, it was rejected because it was located on the edge of Honington deemed to be open countryside and thus did not meet criteria of several policies adopted by SKDC of the National Planning Policy Framework. There was a right of appeal but BH was not aware of any further development.
- BH advised that he and TC would examine in more detail the row of Oak and other trees that lined Main Street exit beyond Hallfield Crescent to Sleaford Road with a view to applying for a Tree Preservation Order through SKDC. It was important to determine the owner of the land on which the trees stood. It was also important to ensure that any further planning proposals did not endanger the trees, recorded as Calf Close Plantation in the OS County Series map of 1889.
Action: TC/BH
- Footpath diversion: VW advised the meeting that discussions were still in progress regarding the proposed diversion of the footpath from Main Street to the exit on Sleaford Road. VW would advise of any developments in due course.
- There were no other matters arising
3: Review of year to date
- Whilst the year had been generally quiet, BH thought it appropriate to express appreciation to MP/CP for the use of their garden for a Summer Picnic on 12th July. This was an event organised by Mrs. Kylie Evans with significant help from, amongst others, MP, AR and another not present at the Meeting, Uros Heindl. It was entirely separate from Parish Meeting involvement and was a great success.
4: Activities/Proposals for remainder of 2026/2027
- A subsequent meeting in early September of AR, BH and Mrs. Evans discussed the possibility of more events organised by an independent Social Committee and proposals are awaited.
- Given the pleasure that some 55 people derived from the Garden Picnic, it was clear that the Village would enjoy future events, but it needed organisation separately from the Parish Meeting, hopefully to develop soon.
- AR said that he hoped communication with the Village would bring forward other suggestions, but it was vital to initiate that contact. Hopefully a Social Committee would help in that regard. It was suggested that Mrs. Evans’ contact details should be advised so that residents could forward proposals for events.
Action: BH to contact Mrs. Evans for permission
5: Election of Chair of The Parish Meeting
- AR advised the meeting that it was necessary for him to resign the position of Chair and expressed his embarrassment and disappointment at having to do so after such a short period. The meeting was unanimous in stating there was no need for embarrassment, recognising that outside influences meant that AR would be leaving the village in the very near future. Appreciation of AR’s efforts and involvement in village affairs was expressed by MP and supported by the whole Meeting.
- AR asked if there was anyone willing to take on the role. CH asked if it was essential to have a Chair as well as a Clerk and this was confirmed to be so, not just preferably for a balanced view on Village matters but also as a legal requirement. After some discussion, CH put himself forward as Chair and this was formally proposed by TC and seconded by MP. CH was therefore duly confirmed as the new Chair of Honington Parish Meeting.
- A brief discussion took place around the Village remaining a Parish Meeting rather than being part of a larger Parish Council. The case at previous AGMs, was to remain as a Parish Meeting but the issue may well arise in future Meetings.
6: Any other Business
- BH mentioned the litter-picking activity held in March, which although effective, was sad to see yest again, the amount of litter thrown from passing vehicles.KH suggested that perhaps it was time to do another and this was agreed.
Action: BH to issue a note asking for volunteers in early October.
There being no other business the meeting was closed and BH said that the next Meeting would be advised in due course, likely to be the AGM in April 2027. Finally, a vote of thanks was made to Mr. and Mrs. Coney for allowing the use of Honington Grange for this meeting.
Signed:
Chair, Honington Parish Meeting