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Leven Parish Council
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026 at 7pm
Location: Church Meeting Room
Councillors Present and Attendees
Cllr. S. Mathison, (chair) Cllr. J. Richardson (Vice Chair), Cllr. A. Fearnall, Cllr. A. Hall, Cllr. G. Jones, Cllr. I. Lamping, Councillor. G. Oldroyd, Cllr. D. Robins, Cllr. K . Roydhouse, Cllr. B. Towse
Present: Ann Woodward (Clerk), Cllr. Paul Smith, (ERYC Ward Councillor)
3 members of the public attended the meeting.
The coordinator of the Leven archery club attended to update the parish on the excellent progress being made by the club based at the sports hall. They are particularly focused on improving their offer to participants who have a disability including neuro diverse conditions. They have full accreditation. Bids have been made to the Routh Wind Panel to support the purchase of nets to enable indoor sessions. A couple of members of the club have achieved national recognition including a youth selected for England representation. Funding may be needed to support the volunteers to achieve instructor status. The clerk advised regarding the small grants scheme the parish operates.
A resident raised her concerns regarding poor and unsafe parking outside the school during pickup and drop-off times. Homes on High Stile near the school experience blocked drives and difficulty existing their properties. It was also reported that a very young toddler was left in a vehicle alone. The Chair explained that other than awareness raising the Parish has no powers regarding parking. Cllr. Smith (ERYC) agreed to meet with the resident to discuss this. It was hoped the police officer due to attend this meeting could advise (no officer attended).
The chairman thanked both members of the public for their input.
131 – Presentation from Albanwise
The estates manager and the officer responsible for environmental issues attended the meeting to update the parish on recent changes. The previous branches of Albanwise have now been integrated into one central estates business. Will Jones introduced himself as the estates manager and Jamie Gunn the conservation manager. The wetland project lost a large amount of public and private funding and now is being progressed in partnership with Natural England. It is still a big project of local and national interest. The chair asked why Albanwise no longer allows the footpath between the canal and airfield to be used by the public. The path had previously been well used by walkers. Mr. Jones explained the path will be subject to construction in 2028 to support the development of the wetlands. The chair enquired if, in the meantime, it could once again be used by walkers. Mr. Jones said he would take this request away to consider if this is possible without creating an issue over permissive rights. A schedule has been developed for canal maintenance and scrub management around the canal and reed management in late summer. Difficulties around water levels were discussed and plans to resurrect the lock. Mr. Jones agreed to keep the council up to date with future work and developments. The chair thanked both representatives for their contribution.
132. Apologies
Cllr. Burrows
133. Declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
Cllr. J. Richardson declared a non-pecuniary interest in the planning application for Leven Service Station.
134. Approval of minutes of the last meeting the as a true record
The minutes from the meeting on the 2nd of December and the Extraordinary meeting on the 6th January were AGREED.
Proposed by Cllr. Richardson and seconded by Cllr. Lamping
135. Report from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) – Cllr P. Smith
Cllr. Smith reported that the council will meet to set its budget on Thursday. Budgets are tight and there will be no funds for extras as key services are protected; reserves are being used to support service as well. Cllr. Smith reported his colleague had attended the Drainage Board meeting who explained that the recent flooding in Leven would not have occurred if the pump failure had not happened. It was AGREED that Cllr. Oldroyd would meet with Cllr. Smith at the Sandholme canal bridge to discuss its importance to the community and maintenance issues.
136. Report from the local police team – Humberside Police PCSO Conner
The officer did not attend or send apologies
137. To receive and approve the Clerk’s Report
The clerk reported that Unity Trust Bank was increasing bank charges from April.
After discussions with the Personnel sub committee the Clerk is working on a business continuity plan for the council. Hours were also discussed and the clerk felt that hours added to manage the commuted sum project could be reduced at this stage.
138. To consider the Action Tracker and report updates
Progress was discussed
139. To note and, if required, AGREE action related to correspondence
A – Police and Crime Commissioner grant fund for traffic management. The grant scheme pros and cons were discussed. It was AGREED that the clerk would contact parish councils which use this technology to assess if it would be cost effective for Leven prior to bidding.
B- A letter received from the Parochial Church Council informed the parish about the vicar leaving her post. The Parish Council wished to thank her for her service to Leven and wishes her well or the future. The PCC had concluded that the parish should no longer be charged for room hire. It was AGREED that the parish wishes to support the church and would continue paying.
C – An email from a resident has been received regarding encouraging wildlife in the village with actions to support hedgehogs, bees, birds, etc. It was AGREED to respond suggesting to the resident to set up a community group to take this forward and then if help is needed to apply for a small grant from the Parish Council.
140. To consider and respond to ERYC planning applications
A – 26/001168/TCA LEVEN CONSERVATION AREA – pollard ash tree to 6 metres in height to create a balanced scaffold to regenerate from – 3 East Street
AGREED Unanimously to SUPPORT this application
B – 25/03547/1PLF – Erection of a roadside service facility comprising of a petrol station with associated shop, EV charging spaces, jet wash facilities, re-siting of a container and calor store, erection of a trash yard, external store and plant room, extension to the existing canopy, improvement to public pathways and dropped kerb crossings, associated works and parking following demolition of the existing premises.
AGREED Unanimously to SUPPORT this application (Cllr. Richardson did not take part in the discussion or vote)
141. To note ERYC planning decisions
- A 25/03317/PLF Erection of 2 storey extension to side and installation of doors, following the removal of existing flat roof carport – 10 West Street APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- B 25/03139/PLF Erection of single and two storey extensions to rear following demolition of existing conservatory, alterations to ground floor windows to both sides and installation of two additional first floor windows. – Rectory Farm APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
- NOTED
142. Finance
A – To consider the budget monitoring report
The clerk outlined over and underspending codes. She explained that a large VAT refund as been submitted to HMRC and is due before the year end.
B. To APPROVE the bank reconciliation
Reconciliations for December and January were submitted and APPROVED
C. To consider and AUTHORISE payments and note receipts outlined in the attached appendix
Payments AUTHORISED
143. To discuss, identify and AUTHORISE training and development
The clerk led a short training session on Parish Council Budgets
144. To receive and discuss Cllr representatives’ updates as relevant
Youth Club – Councillor. B. Towse – reported on discussions that are currently being held with ERYC regarding the lease for the premises used at the school. It was AGREED that the parish supports the view that the current premises are no longer suitable for the club as there is no outdoor space for young people on site. Discussions are still open about the alternative option of placing a mobile unit at the sports hall to share with the pre-school close to the nature park.
Church – Cllr. G. Jones outlined a project underway to knit/crochet poppies to drape from the church on a net at remembrance time. Production of poppies is underway in the community. Cllr. A. Hall is hoping to secure a net for the purpose.
Sports Hall – Cllr. A. Fearnall reported that the recent relationship with the community payback scheme has been a real success for the sports hall in managing the playing field area.
145. To discuss and, if agreed, AUTHORISE expenditure related to the following matters
A – Commuted Sums – The clerk reported that eligible groups were required to submit outline costs and plans by the end of January after which ERYC will release the e-application forms for formal bids. The clerk has supported the Sports Hall bowls group in this process. The clerk has a meeting in the diary with the relevant ERYC officer in February to assess progress and any blockages. The Parish Council needs to supply ERYC with costs and details regarding the improvement to information boards in the village. AGREED Cllr. G. Jones would revisit the costs and plans and send to the clerk for the meeting planned.
B – Events Committee – Christmas event debrief and to AGREE payment to Father Christmas. Cllr. G. Oldroyd thanked all those involved in the successful event. There were no major issues and key changes this year went well. Moving forward, the choir has been rebooked for next Christmas, new Christmas tree lights will be required this year as the others have deteriorated over the years. Also, the electrical box for switches needs to be updated. AGREED Cllr. G. Oldroyd will seek 3 quotes for new lighting and speak to the electrician about the estimate to improve the box. Payment of £50 to Father Christmas was APPROVED.
C – Website update to .gov.uk – The clerk reported that the update is now fully complete and all emails have been updated to comply with assertion 10 in the audit guidance.
D – Newsletter – Cllr. Richardson /Cllr. Towse agreed to meet to plan before the next meeting.
E – Social media use and policy – the clerk outlined the parish policy on how it uses social media and the agreed process for cllrs/clerk to respond to social media comments. It was AGREED to maintain the current policy.
F – Replacement Noticeboard – Cllr Richardson led a discussion on the replacement of the damaged noticeboard on West Street. It was AGREED that Cllr Richardson would obtain quotes for the board (larger then the previous one) and that the parish will seek to use the existing frame to mount it.
G – Carry aid for Handman – It was AGREED to purchase the bag carry aid to support the handyman’s work with litter
146. Date and Time of Next scheduled meeting
Tuesday 3rd March 7pm in the Church Meeting Room
Finance Appendix
Payments
| Month Who What Amount £ inc VAT Jan Clerk Salary 862.89 Jan Handyperson Salary 581.51 Jan Scribe Subscription 37.20 Jan Amazon Poo bags and litter bags 23.97 Jan Amazon Salt/Grit Spreader 57.98 Jan HMRC Ni and Tax Quarter 3 1119.22 Jan Unity Trust Bank Charges 6 Jan Phils Gardening Grass – cutting 45 Jan Workwear Express High Vis 111.95 Jan Adobe Software subscription 19.97 Jan Lloyds Charge card fee 3 Feb Scribe Subscription 37.20 Feb Littlethorpe Bus Shelter and installation/delivery 13478.40 Feb Clerk Salary 890.93 Feb Handyman Salary 581.51 Feb Unity Trust Bank Charges 6 Receipts From What Amount £ Grant Funding 12000 |
Signed: ____________________________
Chair
Date: ____________________________