The first of two 'virtual' council meetings takes place today, with the public invited to watch and listen online.

South Kesteven District Council stages planning committee this morning from 10am, with 'full council' featuring 56 members taking place from 1pm on Thursday.

Councillors have been trained for the new way of doing things.

Planning committee chairman Bob Adams told Nub News: "We have had training for the devices. We have had a mock planning committee meeting using other applications. We have had two further meetings of members only to teach ourselves and get the skills needed to use the devices and the software.

"It's totally, very strange and everybody has a different level of skills. But it (the training) went very well. I feel the members are getting very competent with the skills they need."

Traditionally, planning committee members would also visit the sites of planning applications, but due to the lockdown they have been unable to.

Instead, planning officers have visited the sites and taken photos. The 13 councillors on the committee can also look at Google Maps and Street View to give them an idea of the sites to help them with their decision making.

Coun Adams continued: "Basically, the meeting will be exactly as it was before but in 25 different locations on different devices. The public will be able to listen in and look in."

In addition, those who wish to speak on applications, can do so as normal, at least virtually.

Coun Adams added: "It's going to be a new experience. It's not going to be easy. It will take some getting used to. But I am sure the members will get the hang of it."

Council meetings and public committee meetings were suspended on March 17 due to the coronavirus lockdown and the need to ensure staff and public safety.

Since then key council decisions have been taken under delegated authority by Council Leader Coun Kelham Cooke, while Cabinet members have retained responsibility for their portfolios and non-key decisions.

Coun Cooke said: "Maintaining local decision-making and democracy is extremely important in times of crisis. I am pleased to announce that we are now able to re-start committee and council meetings and that we will be holding our first ever virtual meeting of the full council.

"Our meetings will be live on our website, which means residents can view the proceedings as though they were in the meeting room, and means we are able to maintain our policy of being open and transparent."

"It is important to keep the business of council going wherever possible and this is a significant step forward. I am proud to lead such a resilient and forward-thinking council."

All meetings will be held virtually until September and the Council will be publishing a new timetable on its website at www.southkesteven.gov.uk