Full Council Minutes 2026

Market Rasen Town Council Meeting

Minutes of meeting held in The Committee Room, Caistor Road, Market Rasen

Wednesday 9th September 2026 at 10.30am

Councillors Present:      J Pilley (Chairman)

                                    J Adekoya         S Bunney          A Dale              D Strachan        M Westley        J Wootton         

In Attendance:             A Driver (Town Clerk and note taker)

Two members of the public

00221.  Open Meeting

            The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed those in attendance.

00222.  Apologies

Resolved: To accept apologies for Councillors: S Bowgen, K Lambie and N Taylor.

00223.  Public Forum

            None.

00224. Declarations of Interest

            None.

00225.  Minutes

To receive as a correct record the draft notes of the Extraordinary Town Council meeting held on the 19th August 2026.

Resolved: To approve as the official minutes.

00226.  To receive the District and County Councillor update

Cllr S Bunney updated that following the Government’s announcement on 7th September 2026 that Local Government Reorganisation will pause and relook at the decisions made on 16 July 2026 about Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Lincolnshire.  Local elections planned for May 2027 are expected to go ahead on existing council boundaries. This means district elections are currently planned to take place in 2027, rather than elections for the proposed new shadow unitary authorities.  

00227.  Co-option Application

To consider application received and invite applicant to address the Council in support of their application.

a.     To vote and resolve on the co-option of the applicant.

Resolved: J Wootton was co-opted onto the Town Council. 

7.10pm Cllr J Wootton joined the meeting.

00228.  Resolve for the clerk to submit a full grant application to the Community Facilities Fund at WLDC for the development and refurbishment of Festival Hall.

•              For a full grant application to be submitted by the Clerk on behalf of the Town Council.

00229.  To receive a progress update on the draft Strategic Plan.

            The draft plan continues to be compiled and partnership working with Middle Rasen Parish Council continues.

00230.  To note correspondence received and approve any actions.

a.Lincoln and Lindsay Blind Society.

Resolved: To pay £50 donation to the Lincoln and Lindsay Blind Society.

b.     Round Table Bell Park Regeneration.

Meeting suspended at 7.19pm for ten minutes to allow Round Table representative to speak. 

Verbal update provided to council members present. Members confirmed their supports in principle for Bell Park and the Playground Regeneration and would welcome the opportunity to enter into more formal discussions once a clear and detailed plan is available.

7.37pm Cllr A Dale left the meeting, returned at 7.38pm.

7.39pm Cllr D Strachan left the meeting, returned at 7.40pm.

00231.  To consider the proposal and quotation for the provision of a new, fully compliant and accessible website and supporting .gov.uk services along with Microsoft Office services for the council.

Resolved: To defer to the finance and assets committee and for any recommendations to come back before the full council.

00232.  To receive an update on events that have taken place since the last full meeting of the council.

The tale of Peter Rabbit was a success with 58% of bookings coming from the LN8 postcode area. Overwhelming community support was shown for the Tour of Britain men’s cycle race that passed through the town on 2nd September. Businesses engaged and decorated display cycles in advance of the day.

00233.  Market Rasen Cultural and Leisure Events for 2027

For discussion and noting as any associated cost will be considered and agreed as part of the 2027/2028 budget.

Noted by members. Any associated costs which could range between £10k and £20k to be considered and agreed as part of the 2027/2028 budget setting process.

00234.  Resolve the replacement of The Mayor’s Chain of Office.

Resolved: To replace the chain with a new chain and mounted on a backing. For the original pendant to be gilded and cleaned. Crest Regalia Ltd appointed.

00235.  Finance

a.     Resolve accounts for payment. 

Resolved: To approved accounts for payment for the period 21/07/26 to 31/08/26. (Appendix A).

b.     Resolve to accept the 2026/27 bank reconciliation(s) for July and August and associated bank balances presented and petty cash. To accept the bank reconciliation(s) and associated bank balance presented.

Resolved: To accept the bank reconciliation(s) and associated bank balances presented including petty cash.

c.      To approve the purchase of a new extending ladder.

Resolved: To approve the purchase of a new extending ladder for use by the maintenance team.

00236.  Planning - access applications via: https://westlindsey-publicportal.statmap.co.uk/horizoNext/publicportal

To resolve responses to new planning and tree application received since the last meeting of the Town Council and any new applications received since the publication of the agenda. 

a.  Application Number: WL/2026/00754 – Proposal for the change of use from agricultural land to create menage for equestrian use. Location: Pasture Lane, Farm Pasture Lane, Market Rasen LN8 3DT

Resolved: No observations.

b.  Application Number: WL/2026/00775 – Proposal for the installation of 2no. air source heat pump compounds. Location: De Aston School Willingham Road Market Rasen LN8 3RF

Resolved: No observations.

            The below was received after the publication of the agenda.

c.  This application will be included in the agenda for consideration at the meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday 16/09/2026 at 6.30pm, location The Guildhall, Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough DN21 2NA. Application Number: WL/2026/00430: Proposal for the change of use of cafe to 5no. apartments, including external alterations to windows and doors. Location: 16-18 Oxford Street Market Rasen LN8 3AL.

Noted by members present.

The meeting Closed at 8.30pm.