Meeting Minutes 2026

Minutes of the Sutton St Edmund Parish Council Meeting held on 22nd July 2026 at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs C. Hatch (Chair), C. Hunns (Vice-Chair), R. King, Cllr Condell, Cllr Eldridge, 16 members of the public and Miss D. Leedham (Clerk).

Public Forum

A presentation was given by David Reed of South Holland District Council (SHDC) regarding the forthcoming changes to the waste collection service. David Reed explained that the changes formed part of the national move towards simpler recycling, following changes in legislation. The new requirements included the introduction of weekly food waste collections and the separate collection of paper and cardboard. It was explained that the current recycling rate within South Holland District was approximately 30%, compared with a national average of 44–45%. Contamination of recycling was also a concern, with approximately 20% of collected waste being contaminated. The new arrangements were intended to improve recycling rates, reduce contamination and improve the efficiency of the service.

New Waste Collection Arrangements, residents would receive three bins:

• Black bin – general waste.

• Blue bin – mixed recycling.

• Purple-lidded bin – paper and cardboard.

The collection cycle would operate over four weeks:

• Week 1 – General waste.

• Week 2 – Mixed recycling.

• Week 3 – General waste.

• Week 4 – Paper and cardboard.

Food waste would be collected weekly using a lockable food waste bin. A kitchen caddy would also be provided. Food waste would be taken for processing through anaerobic digestion. David explained that all three bins and the kitchen caddy would be delivered at the same time. The new service would begin on 9th November, with implementation activity commencing from 3rd August. Further information, including indicative collection dates, was expected to be circulated the following week. Residents would receive a booklet containing information about the new arrangements, including a collection calendar and guidance on what could be recycled and where. SHDC confirmed that the intention was to provide a hard copy to every household. Food waste bin liners would be provided annually. Further guidance would be issued regarding suitable bags and liners.

Exemptions and Assisted Collections - residents who did not have sufficient physical space for the additional bins or whose access route required waste to be taken through their property, could apply for an exemption. The existing collection arrangements would remain in place for approved exemptions. Assisted collections would continue to be available for residents requiring additional support. There were currently approximately 400–500 assisted collections. Residents could contact SHDC to apply for either an exemption or an assisted collection. Application forms were available. David advised that residents with multiple properties sharing one collection point should contact the SHDC engagement team to discuss the arrangements.

Questions and Matters Raised:

• Members of the public raised concerns regarding the proposed food waste bags. David noted that residents felt strongly about this matter and agreed that the feedback should be passed to SHDC for consideration and review.

• A question was raised regarding dog waste. David confirmed that dog waste should continue to be disposed of in general waste and that public bins would continue to be emptied as usual.

• Concerns were raised regarding maggots and the management of food waste bins. David explained that food waste would be collected weekly.

• A question was raised regarding missed collections. David advised that missed collections should be reported as they’re now.

• It was confirmed that there was currently no wheeled version of the food waste bin available. The average weekly food waste produced was approximately 1.5kg.

• Regarding the provision of bags, it was explained that black bags would no longer be provided for general waste or recycling. General waste could continue to be placed in black bin bags, but mixed recycling should be emptied directly into the blue bin. Food waste could be placed in a black bag within the larger food waste bin.

• A question was raised regarding larger families. David confirmed that households with six or more family members could request additional bins. Provision would also be considered where there were healthcare requirements.

• A question was raised regarding the financial implications of the changes. David explained that a significant amount of central government funding had been provided, with some costs already incorporated into the existing arrangements. Central government funding would support the introduction of food waste collections, alongside contributions from food producers and packaging manufacturers.

Other Matters:

• Garden waste collections would remain unchanged, although collection routes may be subject to adjustment.

• It was confirmed that general waste would continue to be taken to North Hykeham for processing at the energy-from-waste facility.

• David advised that members of the public would be supported during the first month of the new service, with staff accompanying collection crews to assist residents and answer queries.

The Chairman thanked David Reed for attending and providing the presentation.

No other items were raised during this section of the meeting.

The meeting commenced at 7.51pm.

46.26 Apologies for absence and acceptance of reasons given

Apologies were received from Cllrs Beatty and Sleight, reasons given were accepted.

47.26 To receive any declarations of interest in accordance with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations

Cllr King declared a personal interest in the Meridian Action Group due to family involvement, although he is not directly involved with the group himself. 

48.26 To consider notes from 24th June 2026 and resolve to approve as minutes

The notes from the meeting held on 24th June 2026 were reviewed. It was resolved to approve the minutes as a true record, and they were duly signed.

Co-option

49.26 To review and resolve accordingly on Co-option

None.

Finance

50.26 To review and resolve accordingly on the:

a. Latest Financial Report

The latest financial report was reviewed. All agreed.

b. 2026-27 Budget v Actual (1st Quarter)

Deferred to next meeting.

c. Bank Statements

Deferred to next meeting.

Planning

51.26 To review the latest planning applications and resolve accordingly:

Planning Consultations:

1. H19-0069-26 – Erection of two-storey 4-bedroom dwelling with garage/car port.

Appealed:

2. H19-0329-24 – Temporary ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm with battery.

The Council was advised that the matter was awaiting an amended Environmental Report and further next steps.

3. H19-1200-25 – Single-storey side extension.

52.26 To discuss and resolve accordingly on Infrastructure Projects including Solar Farms and Pylon upgrades.

None.

Projects (current and potential)

53.26 To receive updates and resolve accordingly on:

a. Speed signs including grant application to Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant

Clerk to progress with LRSP.

b. Notice Boards including grant application to Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant

Composite materials were discussed. Photographs of each option from each company would be circulated, with a decision to be made by email.

c. Roundabout including grant application to Wrydecroft Wind Farm Grant

A revised quotation would be obtained, with a decision to be made by email.

d. Park and Playing Field App

The council discussed and voted no to app. Council to progress google form.

e. Community Newsletter

Deferred to next meeting.

f. Allotments

Update to be circulated once received.

g. Woodland Trust – Community Orchard

The Council voted no at present.

h. Santa Sleigh

Cllr Eldridge gave an update, noting the route would be Sutton St Edmund, Throckenholt and onto Gedney Hill.

9. Allotments

Please see above.

10. Church Car Park and Volunteer Day

A budget of £2000 was agreed by council. Cllr Eldridge agreed to fund £1000 and Cllr Condell agreed to fund £250, the Council thanked Cllrs Eldridge and Condell. 

RK and CHa to progress.

k. Defibrillator

None.

l. Speedwatch

A resident was thanked for stepping forward as lead for the CSW team, Cllr Hunns agreed to input data and enquire regarding interest on the message group.

m. Parish Council Standing Orders, Training plus CDM provisions in documents

To be reviewed/drafted and forwarded to member.s

Wryde Croft Small Grants Programme

54.26 To receive an update and resolve accordingly on the Wryde Croft Small Grants Programme

None.

External reports

55.26 To receive and resolve accordingly on reports from representatives on external bodies:

a. Village Hall

i. Party in the Park

Clerk to chase documentation.

b. SSE Charities

None.

56.26 To discuss and resolve accordingly on a Village Hall representative

Deferred to next meeting.

Cllrs Condell and Eldridge provided updates regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Correspondence

57.26 To consider any correspondence not included within the agenda

None.

Future meetings

58.26 To advise of items for inclusion at the next meeting

Cllr Eldridge sent her apologies for the meeting scheduled for September.

Council agreed to draft a letter to the Village Hall Committee regarding funds, together with the relevant information.

59.26 To confirm the date of the next Parish Council meeting as:

Wednesday 9th September 2026, 7pm at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall.

Meeting closed at 9.08pm