Council Meeting, 22 July 2009

HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
All Councillors are summoned an Ordinary Meeting of Helmdon Parish Council to be held in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon on Wednesday 22nd July 2009, commencing 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. Approval and Signature of the Minutes for the Ordinary Meeting held on 20th May 2009
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of 20th May 2009
4. Anglian Water – short presentation by Helmdon Parish Council on issues relating to flooding incidents and capacity of the foul system followed by a Question and Answer session with Representatives from Anglian Water
5. Open Forum
6. Finance a) Financial statement b) Bills for Payment (including grant payments agreed at May meeting)
c) Payments Received d) To consider awarding additional grant monies to the Reading Room fund and Brackley Cottage Hospital
7. Correspondence Review
8. To receive update regarding potential additional inscriptions on the War Memorial
9. Village of the Year 2009 – report from Cllr Burns on Presentation Evening
10. To receive update on proposal from Grand Union Housing regarding Affordable
Housing provision
11. To consider supporting in principle the application for a new-preschool building
(Helmdon Acorns) and to consider whether the application could be submitted via the
Parish Council
12. Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 20/05/09
b) To receive update on Turbine Wind Farm pre-planning proposal from Cllr
Burns
13. To receive update on the Reading Room fundraising programme
14. To receive information on The Village Pumps from Cllr Coatsworth
15. 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
22nd July 2009 in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:35pm
Present: Councillors Burns, Coatsworth, Crouch, Duncombe, Stothard, Thorne
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
Nine members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies
Cllr Turner – work commitments abroad; Cllr Barnes – holiday; Cllr England – illness.
2th Approval and Signature of the Minutes for the Ordinary Meeting held on 20 May 2009
Cllr Coatsworth proposed seconded by Cllr Crouch that the Ordinary Meeting Minutes of th 20 May be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns duly signed the minutes.
3th Matters Arising from the Minutes of 20 May 2009
The Clerk highlighted the letter which Cllr Barnes had written to NCC regarding disappointing service, its subsequent response and the reply Cllr Burns had submitted.
4 Anglian Water – short presentation by Helmdon Parish Council on issues relating to flooding incidents and capacity of the foul system followed by a Question and
Answer session with Representatives from Anglian Water
A short video presentation highlighting the issues was shown to the representatives from
Anglian Water before the PC meeting commenced.
The representatives were introduces as Liz McBreen – Customer Response Manager; Jon
Holt – Senior Asset Planner; Stephen Portlock – Collection Manager.
Steve Portlock confirmed that the capacities and discharge rates of the system had been investigated and had been found to comply with regulations. The analysis was based on 2.4
people per household and a usage of 180 litres per head. However it was acknowledged that the large numbers of surface water inlets into the sewerage system have a high impact on its capacity. The pumping station has had issues in the past when pumps have failed but generally can cope with the regulatory levels of water and there is consent to use the overflow into the brook from the Environment Agency. Discharge points up and down stream from the brook had also been investigated.
Anglian Water feels that a major problem lies with the bridge structure which needs profiling on the upstream side to stop water eddying back in times of flood. This will in turn stop the water level from rising as quickly as it has in the past. A CCTV survey needs to be carried out to ensure that there is no blockage at The Green. It would be prudent to have a spare pump at the Pumping Station.
The possibility of a non return valve on the surface water outlet was discussed but its advantages were felt to be unclear; the Parish Council confirmed that MGWSP had already fitted an elbow to the end and that this had not yet been tested.
Data regarding problems on specific dates had been analysed and the rainfall figures on those dates (where known) were given.
Anglian Water agreed to;
• carry out the CCTV survey within six months

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•
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install a spare pump in the Pumping Station investigate a non return valve on the surface water outlet
The Parish Council agreed to ascertain ownership of the bridge over the brook and communicate back to Anglian.
It was commented that the definition of extreme weather is changing and the Anglian should recognise this and implement the recommendations of the Pitt Report. It was queried why a pump could not be used to pump water into the stream during extreme weather – Anglian agreed to investigate the feasibility of this. Cllr Duncombe queried why the water could not be pumped further downstream and offered his land for this use – Anglian undertook to look at this as a possibility.
Cllr Burns thanked Anglian for attending, confirming that the Parish was looking to Anglian
Water to show a commitment to a plan of action in the same way that other stakeholders such as WGWSP and South Northants Homes had.
5 Open Forum
Condition of the Baptist Chapel – the Clerk gave a summary of the response from Phil
Drage – further planning applications are unlikely in the current economic climate.
Flooding Issues – Danny Moody commended the Parish Council and the affected parishioners for their fantastic effort in seeking to resolve the issues.
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Finance a) Financial statement
Cash & Investments
Current Account (Coop)
Nottingham Bond
Total
19, 956.47
500.00
20,456.47
Cllr Stothard proposed, seconded by Cllr Thorne that the financial statement be accepted.
All were in favour.
b) Bills for Payment (including grant payments agreed at May meeting)
Clerk

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Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
Greatfield Plants 47.01 7.05 54.06 500118
EON UK Energy 104.11 15.62 119.73 500119
EON UK 151.41 7.57 158.98 500120
Clerk’s Wages (May and June) at
NALC agreed rates
389.75 0.00 389.75 500121
Clerk’s Expenses 88.37 3.34 91.71 500122
52.50 0.00 52.50 500123
1 Helmdon Guides 125.00 0.00 125.00 500124
Helmdon Primary School 100.00 0.00 100.00 500125
Helmdon Bridge Players 200.00 0.00 200.00 500126
Helmdon PCC (Friends/Churchyard) 200.00 0.00 200.00 500127
Helmdon PCC (Bellringers) 100.00 0.00 100.00 5000128
Helmdon PCC (New shed) 200.00 0.00 200.00 5000129
Helmdon Acorns 100.00 0.00 100.00 5000130
Total 1858.15 33.58 1891.73
1st Helmdon Rainbows st
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Cllr Stothard proposed seconded by Clr Crouch that the above bills be paid; it was noted that cheques 500123-500130 inclusive were payments made under section 137.
c) Payments Received
Receipt Accounts Received
Joe Glenham £5.00 A/054
The meeting noted the payment received.
d) To consider awarding additional grant monies to the Reading Room fund and
Brackley Cottage Hospital
Clerk
It was resolved to consider the above at the next meeting of the Finance Committee and recommendations made back to the September PC meeting.

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Correspondence Review
The correspondence as per Appendix A was reviewed.
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Righttracks Roadshow – Clerk to suggest The Green mid-afternoon on a school day as a venue and time.
Clerk
NCALC AGM – Clr Coatsworth would confirm to the Clerk if he would be able to attend nearer the time.
Cllr
Coatsworth
To receive update regarding potential additional inscriptions on the War Memorial
Cllrs Burns and Stothard had attended a meeting with Representatives from the US RAF
Base and Will Adams and Dorothy Micklethwaite. The consensus was that a separate monument in the form of an “Open Book” would be fitting. Will Adams will contact Les Finn to obtain a quote and the American servicemen will contact the Clerk to confirm their position regarding contributing to the project.
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Will Adams
Village of the Year 2009 – report from Cllr Burns on Presentation Evening
Cllr Burns reported that for the second year running, Helmdon had been placed second to
Syresham in the medium village category. Overall Helmdon was placed third with Syresham and Middleton Cheney first and second respectively.
10 To receive update on proposal from Grand Union Housing regarding Affordable
Housing provision
The Clerk informed the meeting that further discussions with SNC, South Northants Homes and Grand Union Housing had taken place and that Grand Union were going to review the situation to see if it would be viable to build four rather than six properties. It was felt that a document in the form of a “FAQ” specific to the village would be useful; SNC had sent through a Draft document. A consultation evening is planned for September.
The draft document from SNC was discussed; it was agreed to support the document with the following amendments: Page 2 – “How many properties will be built” – this paragraph was felt to be misleading as it did not a represent the latest situation as detailed above.
Page 3 – Baptist Chapel – the final sentence stating that the chapel was a community facility needed to be deleted. The Clerk will request the amendments.
11 To consider supporting in principle the application for a new-preschool building
(Helmdon Acorns) and to consider whether the application could be submitted via the
Parish Council
Cllr Burns proposed, seconded by Cllr Duncombe, that a new wooden building for Helmdon
Acorns behind Hintons Close should be supported in principle. All were in favour.
A proposal that the Parish Council should submit the planning application on Acorns’ behalf was defeated by 3 votes to 2. However it was resolved that the Finance Committee should see if financial support towards an application would be feasible and should make recommendations to the September PC meeting.
12 Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 20/05/09
Application number: S/2009/0407/P
Location: Tynedale 38 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: Two storey rear and single storey side extensions (retrospective)
Clerk

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The committee supported the application.
Cllr Thorne declared a prejudicial interest in the following item and therefore did not participate in the consultation discussion.
Cllrs Burns, Duncombe and Crouch declared a non prejudicial interest in the following item.
To be considered for observation:
Application number: S/2009/0509/P
Location: Lilac Barn 53 Wappenham Road Helmdon
Proposal: Single storey extension to front, 2 no dormer windows to existing house, new single detached garage with studio over
The committee had no objections to the application but commented as followed:
With regard to the footprint of the existing property and curtilage of the property, the Parish
Council does feel that the proposed development is the absolute maximum size it would like to see.
It is noted that there is no provision for a fire escape for the studio over the proposed garage in the plans.
The PC would like a condition placed on the development that the south facing stone wall may not be removed to avoid exposure of glass on to the street scene. In addition the proposed west facing wall should be built and retained.
It is noted that the proposed new windows and dormer may overlook existing properties.
Cllr Crouch left the meeting.
b) To receive update on Turbine Wind Farm pre-planning proposal from Cllr Burns
Cllr Burns had attended a meeting of Chairmen of local Parish Councils and a Public
Meeting subsequently. A planning application to SNC is expected to be submitted in a year’s time.
13 To receive update on the Reading Room fundraising programme
In Cllr England’s absence, the Clerk explained the £5 scheme were the Reading Room were running to raise funds; it was felt more appropriate for the Parish Council to make a contribution from its reserves; the Finance Committee will make recommendations to the
September PC meeting.
14 To receive information on The Village Pumps from Cllr Coatsworth
Cllr Coatsworth summarised the present condition of the pumps Church Street and Station
Road; he will investigate repair costs more in detail for the next PC meeting as it was felt it would beneficial to restore them if possible.
15 Councillors’ Questions
The Clerk will find out details regarding resurfacing of Station Rd over the railway bridge.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm
Clerk

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Appendix A- Correspondence Received – 20th May 2009 – 19th July 2009
South Northamptonshire Council

Weekly Planning Application listings
Planning Applications:
o
S/2009/0310/P – 41 Wappenham Road – dwelling attached to 41 Wappenham Road including alterations to existing house – decision notice – approval o
S/2009/0228/P – and S/2009/0229/LB – first floor extension, new staircase and removal of ground floor partitions, removal of existing staircase to relocate to extended area. Remove and replace partitions to create bathrooms WC and study –
decision notices – approval o
S/2009/0407/P – Tynedale 38 Church Street Helmdon – Two storey rear and single storey side extensions (retrospective) – planning meeting held – decision notice –
approval o
S/2009/0509/P – Lilac Barn – 53 Wappenham Road – Single storey extension to front,
2 no. dormer windows to existing house, new single detached garage with studio over
– planning meeting held o
S/2009/0656/P – Field Way House, 2 Field Way – formation of a stone track – –
planning meeting to be held
Register of Electors – monthly alterations
SPLAT – Summer Activities – posters
Paul Brunige –Draft – FAQ/Affordable Housing Update – to be signed off for Agenda Item 10
Northamptonshire County Council
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MGWSP – Parish Enhancement Gangs – information and request for comments on the scheme
Communication regarding Tree Wardens, Paths Warden and Highways Rep – survey to complete
– part for Cllr Stothard as Highways Rep th Details of an Annual Conference on 9 December for Highways Reps – for Cllr Stothard as
Highways Rep
Response to Cllr’s Barnes letter which had expressed disappointment on timescales with
Highways Issues
NCALC
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Update May/June th AGM details – 14 October 2009 – delegate notification, resolutions for debate, nominations –
th deadline of 15 September – responses needed at this meeting
Information on Planning Training Events
Miscellaneous

st ACRE – notification of the Village of the Yr Presentation evening on Tuesday 21 July
Coop bank statements – June and July
Came and Company – insurance policy documents and certificate
BDO – returned annual return asking for amendments to figures
Internal Audit Report from David Harries
Email from Phil Drage with an update on the Baptist chapel
Anglian Water –Confirmation that three Reps will attend the July meeting
Enertrag UK – information regarding a proposal to apply for planning consent to build 9 wind turbines to the west of Weston. 20 page A4 booklet on FAQs
Communication from Sulgrave Parish Council regarding two meetings to discuss the Wind Turbine
Proposal plus documentation to show the expected impact on the landscape
SNVB – LinkUp newsletter and promotional posters
WNJPU – Emergent Core Strategy Details of Proposed Consultation Dates
Connexions Northamptonshire – South Northants Youth Council– road casualties posters
Helmdon Acorns – update on new building project – on Agenda
Rightracks Roadshow – request for suitable date and parking slot in Aug/Sept/Oct
Accounts received
• EON £151.41 + £7.47 VAT = £158.98

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EON Energy Services – £104.11 + £15.62VAT = £119.73
C + E (grass cutting) = £250
Greatfield Plants = £47.01 + £7.05VAT = £54.06
Payments Received
• Joe Glenham – allotment key deposit = £5.00
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