Council Meeting, 22 September 2010

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HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Helmdon Parish Council held on
Wednesday 22nd September 2010 in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:30pm
Present: Councillors Barnes, Burns, Duncombe, England, Earl, Thorne, Crouch
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
5 members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies
Cllr Coatsworth had sent apologies due to family commitments; these were approved by the meeting
2th Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 28 July and th Extra Ordinary Meeting held on 11 August 2010
th Cllr England proposed, seconded by Cllr Earl that the Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 28 July be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
Cllr England proposed, seconded by Cllr Earl that the Extra Ordinary Meeting Minutes of th 11 August be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
3th th Matters Arising from the Minutes of 28 July and 11 August 2010
Councillor Barnes confirmed that the meeting with Mr Ellis of Jeffs Coaches had been taken place and he had agreed to clear the brook and speak to the employees regarding their speed and inconsiderate driving
Permissive Footpath – new bridge over the brook. Cllr Earl confirmed that this needs to be built; 12 sleepers and some oak uprights would be used for the construction.
Cllr Burns
Cllr
Coatsworth
The Clerk confirmed that her CiCLA preparation was in hand.
4 To co-opt a Councillor to fill the casual vacancy
Mrs Sarah Adhemar presented herself as a candidate for Councillor. Cllr Thorne proposed seconded by Cllr Barnes that Mrs Adhemar be co-opted on to the Council. Mrs Adhemar signed the Declaration of Office form and completed the Register of Interests
5 Open Forum
New Bridge required in the area of the permissive footpath – clarification was given regarding the location.
Closure of Wappenham Post Office and Shop – Tony and Evelyn Rist were to be wished a long and happy retirement.
Best Village Competition – Cllr Burns confirmed that Hollowell Funeral company would sponsor the event again next year.
War Memorial – the date was still missing on the US memorial – Cllr Thorne agreed to follow this up with Les Finn.
Sign to the Church – Cllr Thorne confirmed that this would be completed and put up as soon as possible,
Cllr Thorne

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AP38 footpath- still impassable. Cllr Burns confirmed that Roger Miles was going to speak to the landowner.
6 Finance a) Financial statement
Cllr Earl proposed, seconded by Cllr Barnes that the financial statement be accepted. All were in favour.
Cash & Investments
Current Account (Coop) 18,255.21
b) Bills for payment
Cllr Earl proposed, seconded by Cllr Barnes that the accounts below be paid. All were in favour.
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
E.ON UK Energy Services 31.27 5.47 36.74 500181
Between Ourselves 45.00 0.00 45.00 500182
Playsafety Ltd 66.00 11.56 77.56 500183
Clerk’s Wages (July +August) 425.64 0.00 425.64 500184
Clerk’s Expenses (Parish Online) 30.00 5.25 35.25 500185
Brown and Barden (invoice 3244) 110.00 19.25 129.25 500186
Total 707.91 41.53 749.44
c) Payments Received
Payments Received Amount
Nottingham Bond 9.38
This was noted.
d) To consider actions required from the External Auditor’s Report
This was to be carried forward as the report had not been received.
e) To consider alternative investment accounts for reserves
This was to be carried forward as Cllr Coatsworth had been unable to attend the meeting at
Clerk

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short notice.
7 Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 28/07/10
Application number: S/2010/0849/FUL
Location: 22-24 Station Road Helmdon
Proposal: Demolition of two dwellings to be replaced with a pair of semi detached houses and 2 no. flats
The Committee supported the application whilst suggesting that the visibility from the south side of Station Road down Grange Lane is improved as part of the development in order to ensure the safety of the children and parents walking to the nearby school. At present it is impossible to see down Grange Lane without walking into the middle of the road when approaching from the south.
Application number: S/2010/0995/MAOL
Location: Land at Radstone Fields Brackley
Proposal: An urban extension comprising 1000 new homes, including highway access arrangements from Halse Road and Radstone Road, local centre including community hall with uses within A1 – A5 inclusive (up to 1000 square metres), a site for a new primary school
(Cllr Burns was not present at this consultation meeting)
The Committee resolved to have no objections to the application and to make the following comments:
The Parish Council would like to see provision made for utilising the dismantled railway towards Helmdon as a cycle path – this would allow Brackley residents to access the
National Cycle Network.
The Parish Council is concerned about the negative impact that the proposal would have on
Helmdon residents wishing to access Brackley as they would travel via Radstone Road past the Oak Rd junction. Pinch points of congestion are likely at Oak Road and Halse Road and the access for construction vehicles needs to be carefully managed.
The fact that there is no proposed link road to the A43 is disappointing b) To receive update on school fence proposal
A meeting had taken place at the School with Mrs Johnson, Cec Harrold, teaching staff and some of the other staff together with some of the Parish Councillors and a neighbour to discuss have a site visit and to the issue further. The Parish Councillors had suggested erecting the fence within the school field boundary to lessen the impact and that the School should consider alternative materials to those proposed. The Clerk had then forwarded details of the application which the School had sent to NCC which the Councillors considered.
Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Duncombe that the following comments be sent to
NCC and Andrew Grant. All were in favour.
The Parish Council strongly OBJECTS to the proposal for the following reasons:
The application is felt to be out of keeping within the street scene. The nature of the fencing is felt to be that normally seen on industrial estates rather than in a rural setting like
Helmdon. The Parish Council requested the School to consider other options for the fence but no other proposal has been forthcoming. As an alternative, in order to minimize the impact on the street scene, the Parish Council requested the School to consider positioning the fence inside its boundary on the edge of the field to allow the vegetation already in place to screen it. This option has since been discounted by the School.
The proposed boom barrier is not felt to provide the security which the School maintains it is
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Clerk

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seeking.
The Parish Council does not feel that this application will ensure that that the safekeeping of the children is enhanced as there will still be areas on the perimeter which can be easily accessed and it therefore cannot accept the School’s argument that it is a necessary course of action. It is further noted by the Parish Council that it is not a specific requirement of
Ofsted to have such a fence erected in order to properly safeguard the children.
c) To receive update on Wind Farm proposals
It was noted that the Wind Farm planning application was expected shortly and would necessitate a Public Meeting being called to ensure the views of the parishioners could be taken into account by the Parish Council when submitting its consultation comments. It was further noted that an additional application on part of the site was to be considered after the meeting by the Planning Committee.
d) To discuss recent planning decisions made by SNC
Cllr Burns closed the meeting to allow Cllr Digby to comment.
Cllr Digby undertook to speak to Building Control regarding the construction at 55 Church
Street with regard to the amount of water being expelled from the site. He gave a summary of the Moat Lane proposals in Towcester which may mean that SNC relocates for financial savings and also clarified that the SHLAA process had been stopped. Finally Cllr Digby made mention of the HS2 proposal and the new combined management administration working together with Cherwell District Council to make financial savings.
Cllr Burns re-opened the meeting.
8 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as listed in Appendix A was reviewed.
Cllr Barnes had read the Mapping Agreement but suggested another Councillor should review it. Cllr Earl volunteered to do so.
Cllr Barnes confirmed that he would attend the NCALC AGM.
Cllr Burns had received correspondence from a Blakesley resident who was researching a bomber crash and would like Derek Ratledge’s details; the Clerk was asked to contact him.
9 Reading Room Project Update
Cllr England confirmed that the current phase of electrical work was almost complete and a fire alarm installed. A decision on whether to reinstate the ceiling was required before any more work could be commissioned.
A 200 Club is to be run jointly with the Friends of the Church to raise funds for both buildings.
10 To receive update from Clerk on Highways Issues
The Councillors had received updates prior to the meeting. The Street Lamp at Helmdon
House needed replacing.
11 To receive update on Village of the Year Competition nd Helmdon was placed 2 in the Medium Village category and third overall. Cllr Burns thanked all those who had made the entry so strong.
Cllr Earl
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Health and Safety a) To receive completed Inspections Reports
Cllr Earl submitted the reports; key areas to monitor the steps on the bank for the slide and the fork end chains on the larger swings needed replacing as did the shackles. The Clerk was asked to order this to be done. Cllr Coatsworth proposed seconded by Cllr Duncombe that the Inspection Reports be accepted. All were in favour.
b) To receive report on Playground safety issues including barbed wire on Gravel
Path, issue with wooden apparatus and update on swings
The Clerk confirmed that the part of the fence on Gravel Path had been renewed and the remainder would be done with the Acorns Building.
13 Allotments Update
One allotment holder had moved out of the village but still wished to carry on with his plot.
14 To receive update on Helmdon Acorns Pre-School building project
The Building was on target to be completed for opening in January 2011; a further grant had been received fro Cllr Andrew Grant for the construction of a play shelter to enable the children to play outside whatever the weather.
15 To consider organising a Commemorative Event regarding the closure of the village shop
Cllr England suggested organising an Event for Pat and John Woodhams in recognition of their service in the shop and was asked to propose a date. A plaque in recognition of Harold
Seckington was already planned.
16 To receive update from PPMG regarding Parish Plan Refresh
The Village Future Needs Day had been attended by approximately 80-90 people, a figure which was a little disappointing. A further meeting was planned to put together the output in preparation for the issue of a survey to the village residents. Approximately £330 had been spent on the organisation of the event.
Regarding the idea of a cycle track to Brackley, Cllr Burns volunteered to approach the developers of the Radstone Fields site to enquire if they had this in mind as cycle track had been mentioned within the proposal.
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Cllr Burns
To address issue of excessive advertising on lamp posts, etc
It was noted that poster had been put on the glass front of the notice boards and even wedged up into the board between the frames. The Clerk was asked to express to Central
Networks the Parish Council’s displeasure at the signage now on every electricity pole.
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Cllr England
Councillors’ Questions
Cllrs England asked the meeting to note that Doreen England would be taking the Reading st Room bookings from 1 October onwards.
Cllr Earl requested clarification on why the signs for the Village of the Year had been taken down which was given.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm
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Appendix A – Correspondence Received – 28th July -22nd September 2010
South Northamptonshire Council

Weekly Planning Application listings
Planning Applications:
o
S/2010/0671/EXT-Stonemeade 14 Station Road Helmdon- Single & two storey extensions (extension of time limit of planning permission S/2005/0613/P)- notice of approval o
S/2010/0849/FUL – 22-24 Station Road Helmdon -Demolition of two dwellings to be replaced with a pair of semi detached houses and 2 no. flats- notice of approval o
S/2010/0995/MAOL – Land at Radstone Fields Brackley – An urban extension comprising 1000 new homes, including highway access arrangements from Halse
Road and Radstone Road, local centre including community hall with uses within A1 –
A5 inclusive (up to 1000 square metres), a site for a new primary school –
o
S/2010/1073/FUL – Helmdon Baptist Church Wappenham Road Helmdon – Proposed demolition of the existing Baptist Chapel to facilitate the construction of 2 no 2
bedroom dwellings with associated on site parking and hard and soft landscaping.
The proposal therefore seeks a change of use from a place of worship ( Class D1)
into residential – Consultation plans o
S/2010/1074/LBC Helmdon Baptist Church Wappenham Road Helmdon – Proposed demolition of the existing Baptist Chapel to facilitate the construction of 2 no 2
bedroom dwellings with associated on site parking & hard and soft landscaping. Part of the existing chapel connected to the outbuilding of the Grade II Listed behind the site – Consultation plans o
S/2010/1117/FUL – Spring Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon – Change of use from agricultural land and buildings to Sui Generis use for corporate and private entertainment business including driving military motor vehicles, use of firearms and storage of both. Creation of pool from agricultural land for same corporate and private
– Consultation plans o
S/2010/1156/FUL – 2 Church Street Helmdon – Alterations to create family room including internal layout amendments and new windows and door openings –
consultation plans
Register of Electors – monthly alterations st Consultation regarding suitability of polling locations – comments by 31 October
Year Book 2010-11
Survey on Street Cleaning Service
Licence for Mapping Service
Estimates of election costings
Confirmation that PC may co-opt casual vacancy
Confirmation of September precept payment being transferred
Notifications of Enertrag’s decision regarding windfarm at Weston
Northamptonshire County Council
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Amended Consultation on Planning Application from Helmdon Primary School to erect a metal
1.8m fence around the perimeter of the school grounds (including road frontage)
Emails from Leo Plant regarding outstanding works in Helmdon th Emergency Planning Conference – invite to event on 7 October at Thrapston
Notice of Electric Blanket Testing Week
Minerals and Waster Core Strategy Development Plan Document – notice that a hard copy may be requested
Map of the Rights of Way officers for Northamptonshire
Matt Barber – response to request for additional grit bins
NCALC
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Details of Parish Clerk Vacancies
Outline of DCLG capping precepts proposal
Information on Stand and Deliver, AGM and response to DCLG consultation on capping precepts

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Miscellaneous
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Vitalise – request for financial support
Enertrag – notice that proposal for wind farm at Weston will not be pursued
South Northants Homes – works briefing papers
Need for Nuclear Promotional Literature
Alzheimer’s Society – Befriending Scheme details
ACRE – Village Viewpoint Magazine
Northants Touring Arts Schedule
SNVB – Link Up Newsletter -posters for display
Coop bank statement – August, September
Expression of Interest in the Casual Vacancy from Mrs Adhemar
EON Statement
BDO – request for further information regarding risk assessment review th Police Authority – notice of formal evening to launch “Have Your Say” – Wednesday 17
November in Brackley
Playsafety Ltd – Play Inspection Report
Resident’s letter of objection to Broadview proposal
Accounts received
• E.ON UK Energy- Services – ignitor repair £31.27 + £5.47 VAT= £36.74
• Brown and Barden Invoice 3244 – £110.00 + £19.25 VAT = £129.25
• Between Ourselves – emergency notice board repair and water pump repair – £45.00
• Playsafety Ltd £66.00 + £11.56 VAT = £77.56
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