Council Meeting, 22 January 2014

HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
All Councillors are summoned to the Ordinary
Meeting of Helmdon Parish Council to be held in the
Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 7.30 pm.
Members of the public and Press are invited to attend and to participate in the Open Forum
AGENDA
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Declarations of Interest
3. Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 27 November 2013
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the above Meeting
5. To receive information regarding the School Field project
6. Open Forum
7. Finance th a) Financial statement b) To note payments received c) To consider bills for payment d) To consider projects under the New Homes Bonus Scheme d) To award grass cutting tender e) To resolve the format of this year’s grant form upon recommendation from the
Finance Committee f) To set the budget for expenditure 2014-15 (receiving recommendations from
Finance Committee)
g) To set the precept for 2014-15 (receiving recommendations from Finance
Committee)
8. Correspondence Review
9. Planning:
a) To resolve response to SNC’s consultation on the Local Plan (recommendations from PPMG)
b) To receive update regarding the Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm development c) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 27/11/13
d) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
10. To consider arrangements regarding a WWI commemorative event
11. To receive information from the Clerk regarding Jenner’s Piece, allotments and Pump Garden
12. To consider arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting
13. To receive update regarding flooding related issues
14. To receive update regarding the Jubilee Wall
15. To receive update regarding the Clerk’s appraisal
16. To receive update from the Playground Committee
17. To receive update from the Allotment Committee
18. Councillors’ Questions
Signed _______________________
Dated________________________
Liz Hart, Parish Clerk
[address removed]

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HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Helmdon Parish Council held on
Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:30pm
Present: Councillors Burns, Garner, Adhemar, Moody, Coatsworth, Barnes, Simpson
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
Ten members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Duncombe and England had sent apologies sent due to work commitments and illness respectively; these were both accepted by the meeting.
2 Declarations of Interest
None declared.
3 Approval and Signature of the Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of 27th November 2013
It was resolved to approve the minutes with no amendments.
4
5
Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meetings of 27th November 2013
Item 13 Flooding – the Clerk confirmed she was awaiting a response from Bulkhead Properties to her correspondence.
Clerk
Item 14 Western Power Distribution – the Clerk was asked to chase a response to her request for the latest inspection report.
Clerk
To receive information regarding the School Field project
Cllr Burns closed the meeting to allow Mrs Johnson to speak.
Mrs Johnson, Head of Helmdon School confirmed that the school had been successful in a bid to obtain £61,800 of funding which would be used to install drainage on the school field and extend the top tarmac playground which would then be marked up for tennis and nets provided for community use. The field will need to be closed for some time whilst the work is completed which is hoped to in the near future. She noted that the Summer Ball was due to take place in
July. Further funding will be sought from the National Lottery. A Cllr queried how the bookings and equipment for tennis would be administered; this is to be finalised but it is hoped to be as accessible as possible.
Peter congratulated the school on gaining funding for the project and re-opened the meeting.
6 Open Forum
It was noted that the Timms family has been very co-operative. Cllr Burns commented that the stage had almost been reached where the Parish Council had done everything it could to alleviate flooding issues. It was agreed that residents could raise any further concerns under item 13.
The issue of the increase seen in burglaries in the village was raised and it was queried what steps had been taken to address the issue. It was felt that the ANPR might help but noted that if a vehicle is stolen it could not assist. Cllr Coatsworth noted that it would cost the Parish
Council approximately £8,500 for one camera. Cllr Moody informed the meeting of new

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schemes launched to increase visible policing: Parish Special Constables and Street Watch.
Cllr Adhemar suggested that communities can help themselves by ensuring that neighbours bins are not left out if they are away. It was noted that several arrests had been made locally. A
suspicious stolen vehicle had also been seen in the village. The Clerk was asked to invite the police to the Annual Parish Meeting.
Clare Nash commented that she was keen to be involved in the preparation of the Local Plan submission later in the year.
7 Finance a) Financial statement
It was resolved to accept the following financial statement:
Current Account (Coop) @ 18/01/14 17,176.65
b) To note payments received
The following were noted:
Payments Received Amount
Interest (December) 2.40
Interest (January) 2.20
Allotment key deposit (to be banked) 5.00
c) To consider bills for payment
It was resolved to pay the following bills:
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
Les Finn 590.00 118.00 708.00 500376
E Hart – laptop and software 383.32 76.67 459.99 500377
E Hart – Clerk’s Wages 750.74 0.00 750.74 500378
EON 152.65 7.63 160.28 500379
EON UK 104.11 20.82 124.93 500380
Patrick Gartside 3168.50 0.00 3168.50 500381
Claydon 400.00 80.00 480.00 500382
Paul A Lewis Ltd 262.50 52.50 315.00. 500383
Cllr Moody advised caution in the future when reviewing bills for payments whose expenditure had not previously been agreed although he appreciates the reasoning behind having the works done urgently.
d) To consider projects under the New Homes Bonus Scheme
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Cllr Coatsworth had spoken to a supplier regarding the cost of a speed information unit. Costs ranged from £2200 to £2,800 for a solar unit, Their installation was certainly very effective for the first couple of weeks but its long term value was less clear.
The Parish had received confirmation of a grant of £940 towards the Jubilee wall.
e) To award grass cutting tender
After due consideration of tenders, it was resolve to award the work to Brown and Barden under the terms of their quote for £1370 plus VAT.
f) To resolve the format of this year’s grant form upon recommendation from the
Finance Committee
It was resolved to accept the form as circulated.
g) To set the budget for expenditure 2014-15 (receiving recommendations from Finance
Committee)
The Parish Council considered the budgetary lines as recommended by the Finance
Committee (Appendix A).It was resolved to set the budget at £ 14,574.79 as recommended.
h) To set the precept for 2014-15 (receiving recommendations from Finance Committee)
The Parish Council reviewed the recommendations from the Finance Committee. It was resolved to set the precept at £14660. It was noted that this amount would replenish general reserves by £1000 (to cover a proportion of the £3,800 taken this financial year to support
HSGWAG) and included spending £750 from the sinking fund to cover bench repair.
8 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as per Appendix B was reviewed.
The Best Village competition was discussed; it was agreed that Cllr Coatsworth would review it and pass to Cllr Adhemar for completion and submission.
9 Planning a) To resolve response to SNC’s consultation on the Local Plan (recommendations from PPMG)
It was noted that the Parish Council had received five written responses regarding the consultation. Cllr Moody read out the recommended response and the covering letter. He noted that SNC had removed some contentious issues and specific details and deleted housing figures from the consultation; the short period of consultation, given that it was over the
Christmas period was also highlighted. Cllr Burns queried whether the affordable housing was included in the figures for new developments; Cllr Moody responded that the base date had not yet been not confirmed but was likely to be 2011 which would mean that they would be included.
It was resolved to adopt the recommended response as the submission from the Parish
Council; the Clerk would forward it to SNC with the response to the services survey within the correct timescale. Cllr Moody noted that a further consultation is likely in the summer, with a short time available to respond fully.
b) To receive update regarding the Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm development
It was noted that the Inspectorate had invited submissions regarding noise. The decision from
Eric Pickles was awaited.
c) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 27/11/13
Application: S/2013/1445/FUL
Cllr Coatsworth
Cllr Adhemar

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Location: 6 Lukes Close Helmdon Brackley
Proposal: Two storey rear extension
It was resolved to support the application.
Application:S/2013/1506/MAF
Location Land at The Old Glebe Radstone Road Brackley
Proposal: Residential development of 49 dwellings with new access and associated infrastructure and landscaping
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2013/1586/FUL
Location: 12 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: 3 new rooflights, replacement windows to the west elevation, new single storey pitched roof to replace flat roof to WC, alterations to outbuilding to include new roof and widened opening. Internal alterations. New porch.
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2013/1587/LBC
Location: 12 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: 3 new rooflights, replacement windows to the west elevation, new single storey pitched roof to replace flat roof to WC, alterations to outbuilding to include new roof and widened opening. Internal alterations. New porch.
It was resolved to support the application.
Application:S/2013/1612/FUL
Location: Field View House 2 Field Way Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of new tractor store
It was resolved to support the application whilst commenting as follows:
The Parish Council supports the application whilst commenting that the barn should be used purely for the storage of tractors/agricultural vehicles and not for commercial vehicles.
Application: S/2013/1704/LBC
Location: 12 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: Replace existing rear conservatory with new rear conservatory
It was resolved to support the application.
d) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
It was resolved to hold a planning meeting on Tuesday 28th January to consider new applications; the only other decision outstanding at SNC was S/2013/1328/FUL – 75
Wappenham Road Helmdon.
10 To consider arrangements regarding a WW1 commemorative event
Cllr Coatsworth clarified that he had been approached by the PCC querying if the Parish
Council had any specific plans to commemorate the centenary; the Church is having a service in August. The Clerk was asked to put the item on the agenda for the March meeting.
Clerk
11 To receive information from the Clerk regarding Jenner’s Piece, allotments and Pump
Garden
The Clerk confirmed that there were no registered title deeds available online from the Land
Registry regarding the three areas. Cllr Burns volunteered to contact David Brookhouse and
Tony Wilson for any information they might have. Cllr Moody suggested the Parish Council commence the process to register the areas. The Clerk was asked to start the project and Clerk

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report to next meeting.
12 To consider arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting
It was resolved to invite representatives from the Police and the County and District
Councillors, and request an update from the Blackpits Monitoring Group and HSGWAG. The
Clerk was asked to put the item on the March agenda.
Clerk
13 To receive update regarding flooding related issues
The Clerk updated the meeting regarding the latest correspondence from Anglian Water; it was highlighted that works originally promised to be undertaken had not been done and that the
Clerk should complain to Anglian Water, copying in Ian Morris and Andrea Leadsom. Anglian
Water had asked the Parish Council if they were aware of which property had pipes running into their system from a stream which was undermining capacity; it was felt that this was for
Anglian Water to follow up and remedy.
The Clerk was asked to ascertain who owns the land opposite the church as a ditch in the area needs to be maintained to stop water running down the road.
The Clerk was asked to send Bulkhead Properties a further letter to underline their responsibilities in Grange Lane as a larger diameter pipe under the road was definitely required.
Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
14 To receive update regarding the Jubilee Wall
The works were almost complete and it was noted that Patrick Gartside and Clare Nash had done an excellent job. The Clerk requested a photo for Helmdon Voice and the idea of a press release was mooted.
15 To receive update regarding the Clerk’s appraisal
It was noted that the appraisal had been carried out by Cllrs Burns and Coatsworth. Cllr
Coatsworth would complete the documentation and forward to the Clerk. Cllr Adhemar praised the Clerk for her diligence.
Cllr Coatsworth
16 Update from the Playground Committee
The Clerk informed the meeting that the new slide steps were being installed; the resin rubber surface was yet to be installed. The Clerk had noted that a chain was broken that day on the chain bridge; Cllr Burns would provide tape to Cllr Garner to section it off and it was resolved that the Clerk should instruct Universal Services to carry out repair work.
The frequency of playground inspections was raised; the Clerk was asked to email the checklist to Cllrs Adhemar and Garner who would ensure that they were completed.
17 To receive recommendations from the Allotment Committee
It was noted that the allotments are in general well maintained and that the newly let end plot has improved dramatically.
18 Councillors’ Questions
Cllr Coatsworth handed the allotment pump seal to the pump to the Clerk in readiness for installation in the spring.
Cllr Garner
Clerk
Cllrs
Garner/Adhemar

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The meeting closed at 9:40pm
.
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APPENDIX A – 2013-4 YEAR TO DATE AND PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 2014-15
2012-2013 2013-2014
100 1. Lighting 1,300.00 1,377.54 -77.54 1,500.00 875.06 460.11 164.83 1,500.00
101 Street lighting 1,100.00 920.03 179.97 1,100.00 765.21 260.11 74.68 1,100.00
200.00 457.51 -257.51 400.00 109.85 200.00 90.15 Additional repair expected
875.06 -875.06
3,917.00 2,604.96 1,312.04 7,667.00 3,049.62
900.00 1,330.00 -430.00 1,400.00 1,369.97
200 2. Parks & Open Spaces
201 Grass cutting
Actual Exp Jan/Mar Remaining
Notes for 2013/14
Actual
103 Other
Budget
Prop. budget
2014/15
Budget
102 Electricity repairs
Remaining
Notes 2013/14
Code EXPENDITURE
9,129.00 -4,511.62
72.00 72.00 72.00 65.00
203 School field rent 350.00 350.00 350.00 350.00
204 War memorial and pump garden 75.00 66.92 8.08 75.00 26.73 48.27
205 Bulbs 20.00 20.00 20.00 45.00 -25.00
3,250.00 1,056.25
150.00 136.67
1,420.00
7.00 72.00
350.00 may rise in 2014
75.00
20.00
5,089.00 -2,895.25 Slide 4579, laptop 510
500.00 701.04
208 Other (Jubilee Wall) 2,000.00 85.00
300 3. Sinking Fund 1,425.00 3,289.08 see
301 Playground equipment 750.00 80.40 sinking
302 Notice boards 150.00 3,208.68 fund 500.00 fund 500.00
303 Computer 125.00 doc 125.00 doc 125.00
304 War memorial 200.00
709.23 8,097.12 5,681.03 775.86 7,712.79
280.00 265.00 15.00 280.00
4,504.49 3,002.96
2,350.00
400.00
750.00 ,750 benches
207 General maintenance
305 Village seats
-201.04
400.00
3,087.00
30.03 As per accepted tender £1370
202 Playground equip. inspection
206 Specific projects from sinking funds
Budget
-386.67
3,640.00
625.00
150.00
Expted cost 590+3050 = 3640 250.00 tree (140)fence (110)
see 625.00
sinking
200.00
306 Other
400 4. General Administration 7,389.49 6,680.26
401 Audit charge 280.00 280.00
402 Clerk's salary 4,104.49 4,104.48
1,640.23
7.74hrs per wk at SCP 22 (new rate £10.30)
+ 40 newsletter hrs + backdated pay rise of
403 Clerk's expenses 140.00
404 Election expenses
0.01
41.23
200.00
98.77 140.00 156.23
200.00 200.00
405 Insurances 1,230.00 1,247.88 -17.88 1,278.00
406 NALC training 58.00 15.00 43.00 58.00
407 NALC & ACRE Membership 227.00 229.96 -2.96 231.63 231.84
408 Reading Room rent 150.00 125.00 25.00 150.00 160.00
409 Newsletter (Talkabout) 800.00 416.71 383.29 555.00 555.00
410 Web site 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00
411 Traffic calming measures
412 Other (now Vof Yr) 50.00 70.00
1,501.48 0.05 4,601.79 10p x 442.48 hrs (£44.25)
-16.23 140.00
200.00
1,160.00
200.00 Proportion over term
118.00
138.75
1,278.00
58.00 No courses taken 58.00
-0.21 240.00
-10.00 150.00
-138.75 One issue from 2012 565.00 advised 2.5% – paper and courier cost
150.00
500.00 500.00
-20.00 50.00 50.00
do we need this?
50.00
500 5. S137 1,250.00 2,376.07 -1,126.07 1,250.00 5,050.00 -3,800.00 1,250.00 max £7.20 per elector
501 s137 donations 1,250.00 1,300.00 -50.00 1,250.00 5,050.00 -3,800.00 £3800 donation to HSGWAG 1,250.00
25.00 -25.00 502 Village of the Year – Nat comp
503 Grants 1,051.07 -1,051.07
600 6. Burial Grounds 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 400.00
601 Donation 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00
602 Other
Total Regular Expenditure 15,581.49 16,627.91 -1,046.42 19,439.12 14,955.71 11,229.34 4,483.41 14,574.79
701 Transfer Out
702 To Deposit Account Total expected expenditure
703 Other 26,185.05
704 Vat Paid 1,181.77 583.74
17,809.68 15,539.45
13,385.00 13,385.00 13,663.00 14,058.21
Total Expenditure
900 INCOME
901 Precept Extra due to CTRS being passported
902 Interest 36.00 41.93 36.00 26.48 35
903 Allotments 160.00 135.00 140.00 120.00 130
904 Newsletter
905 Grants+Prizes 500.00
906 Donations 648.00 250.00
907 Dividends
908 Village Hall – Reading Room
910 Vat Repayment
Total Regular Income
100.00 100.00
14,709.93 14,454.69
Total Working Income 14,709.93 14,454.69
Balance -3,099.75 -1,084.76
909 Misc Transfers In
Brought Current forward balance y/e 2013 Jan 13
Coop 18099.11 17,014.35 Payments:
Receipts:
Total 18099.11 17014.35
Expected sinking fund reserves
Expected general reserves
O/S this year Expected balance y/e 2014
11229.34
3,524.77
9309.78 As detailed above
This yr's VAT plus last yr's plus £940 grant plus £250 from HYHOs
9309.78
6082.5
3227.28
Based on the figures our anticipated budgeted expenditure is less our anticipated income (exc precept)
14,574.79
165.00
"-/+ adjustment to sinking fund
"-/+ adjustment to general reserves
Precept Request
Rounded
Previous precept
-750 bench repair
1000
14,659.79
14660
13663
Precentage increase on last year 7.30%
165.00

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Appendix B – Correspondence Received –28th November 2013 – 21st January 2014
South Northamptonshire Council
 Weekly Planning Application listings
 Confirmation of grant award of £940
 Alternations to electoral register
 Press releases barking dogs, dog mess, military event, Chairman’s carol service, Sports England funding, moat lane, High Court appeal at Bugbrooke, benefit fraud prosecutions, council shortlisted for double award, eating out at Christmas, adverse weather, waste collections, Moat
Lane film
 Precept request
 Confirmation of receipt of online planning consultation comments
 Flooding Advice and Sandbag Policy
 Planning Applications:
o S/2013/1586/FUL -12 Church Street Helmdon -3 new rooflights, replacement windows to the west elevation, new single storey pitched roof to replace flat roof to WC, alterations to outbuilding to include new roof and widened opening. Internal alterations. New porch.
o S/2013/1587/LBC – 12 Church Street Helmdon – 3 new rooflights, replacement windows to the west elevation, new single storey pitched roof to replace flat roof to WC, alterations to outbuilding to include new roof and widened opening. Internal alterations. New porch.
o S/2013/1612/FUL – Field View House 2 Field Way Helmdon – Construction of new tractor store o S/2013/1704/LBC – 12 Church Street Helmdon – Replace existing rear conservatory with new rear conservatory
Northamptonshire County Council
 Policing Updates and ward newsletters
 Highways’ Newsletters
 Notice of road closure TTRO(13/14) 438 – Falcutt Road, Helmdon;
 Draft Budget announcement
 Superfast Broadband Newsletter
NCALC
 Update November/December
 Finance information
 “History of the Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils and its Predecessors between 1947 and 2012”
 Response to query from the Clerk regarding timing of SNC’s budget for New Homes Bonus Grants

Christmas mini update

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Miscellaneous
 Coop : bank statements – December,January
 Anglian Water – Mark Wood – response to enquiry
 David Powell – communications regarding Blackpits
 West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit – Joint Core Strategy – consultation on proposed main medications – end date of 25 February 2014
 Grand Union Housing – Press release – Youth Activators – sport project goes live, Housing partners grant residents a business start up
 SNVB – newsletters, notice of vacancy for part-time Garden Buddies project worker
 HMRC – confirmation of online submissions for Real time PAYE
 SNAG meeting details
 Communications from Chris Thorpe and Richard Farquharson regarding flooding
 Andrea Leadsom – Season’s greetings
 CPRE – Winter Viewpoint
 Grass cutting tenders
 Best Village Competition