Council Meeting, 23 March 2011

HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
All Councillors are summoned to an Ordinary Meeting of Helmdon Parish Council to be held in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon on Wednesday 23 March 2011 commencing at 7.30 pm.
Members of the public and Press are invited to attend both meetings and to participate in the Open Forum
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Approval and Signature of the Minutes for the Extra Ordinary Meeting held on 15th December 2010 and the Ordinary Meeting of 26th January 2011.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of 15th December 2010 and 26th January 2011
4. Open Forum
5. Finance a)
b)
c)
d)
Financial statement
Bills for Payment
Payments Received
To receive documentation from NCC regarding the school field licence including i) revised licence for signature ii) proposal regarding legal expenses e) To note reason for increase to council tax despite decrease in precept f) Update from Cllr Coatsworth regarding high interest accounts g) Annual review of system of internal control and the effectiveness of internal audit including 3 yearly review of Terms of Reference
6. Planning:
a)
b)
To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 26/01/11
To review documentation from SNC on revised delegation scheme for Planning
Applications
7. Correspondence Review
8. Talkabout – To receive update on the vacant editor position
9. Reading Room Project Update
10. 2011 elections a) attracting new candidates and promoting the election b) to resolve process for the publication of hustings document
11. Risk Assessment – To review the significant risks to achieving the council’s objectives and the adequacy of the arrangements to manage those risks
12. Health and Safety a)
b)
To receive completed Inspections Reports
To address any other Health and Safety Issues
13. Allotments issues
14. To receive update on Village of the Year Competition Entry – Cllr Coatsworth
15. Highways Issues a) Traffic lights on Station Road bridge – update from meeting with MGWSP
b) To consider proposal for cycle path to Brackley
16. To receive update from PPMG regarding Parish Plan Refresh
17. Quality Status Application – update on progress to date and action plan for 2011
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 26th January 2011
in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:30pm
Present: Councillors Barnes, Burns, Duncombe (from 6b), England, Thorne, Adhemar,
Coatsworth
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
4 members of the public were present.
As it was the final meeting of the sitting Parish Council, Cllr Burns took the opportunity to thank all the Councillors and the Clerk for their efforts during the previous four years.
1 Apologies
Cllr Earl had sent apologies due to a family commitment; these were accepted by the meeting.
Cllrs Crouch and Duncombe had sent notice that they were delayed.
2 Approval and Signature of the Minutes for the Extra Ordinary Meeting held on 15th
December 2010 and the Ordinary Meeting of 26th January 2011.
Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Thorne that the Extra Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 15
December be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
Cllr Coatsworth proposed, seconded by Cllr England that the Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 26
January be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
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Matters Arising from the Minutes of 15th December 2010 and 26th January 2011
th 15 December 2010
2 – Application number: S/2010/1437/MAF
Location: Spring Farm Ridge, land to the north of Welsh Lane between Greatworth and
Helmdon
Proposal: Wind farm comprising the erection of five wind turbines plus underground cabling, meteorological mast, access tracks, control building, temporary site compound and ancillary development (Includes Environmental Statement)
It was noted that there had been no further updates regarding this application; it would not be heard at the April meeting of the Development Control Committee.
th 26 January 2011
3 – Flood Warden Scheme
Cllr Barnes had received confirmation from the EA that the scheme did not apply as the Tove tributary was not classed as “Main River” in Helmdon. He had responded to a further questionnaire and was awaiting a response from the EA.
4 Open Forum
Precept –the Clerk explained that although the total precept set by the Parish Council was a decrease on the previous year, as the number of eligible properties had decreased (the base), the net result was a small increase on each property.
Helmdon Lottery Association – this is now run by David Powell.
Traffic Lights on Top Station Road Bridge – these will be in place until further notice, probably
Action

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at least a year.
It was noted that Jean Morgan has handed in her resignation at SNC.
5 Finance a) Financial statement
Cllr Burns proposed, seconded by Cllr Adhemar that the financial statement be accepted. All were in favour.
Cash & Investments
Current Account (Coop) 20,545.35
b) Bills for payment
Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Coatsworth that the accounts below be paid. All were in favour.
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
CPRE Membership 29.00 0.00 29.00 500204
SLCC – CiLCA Management 50.00 0.00 50.00 500205
Clerk’s Wages (Jan+Feb) 397.88 0.00 397.88 500206
Paul Duncombe (gravel) 36.59 0.00 36.59 500207
ACRE – Village of the Year 25.00 0.00 25.00 500208
Total 538.47 0.00 538.47
c) Payments Received
Payments Received
These were noted.
Amount
Interest (Feb) 2.78
Interest (Mar 2.50
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d) To receive documentation from NCC regarding the school field licence including i) revised licence for signature ii) proposal regarding legal expenses
Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Burns that the Clerk respond to NCC stating that the
Parish Council wish the licence to run from April 2011 as the first year and that the payment for the first year has already been forwarded to NCC. Furthermore the Parish Council would accept that future increase be tied to the RPI as suggested. Regarding legal expenses the
Parish Council would, in view of the considerable time and effort it has spent in correspondence in previous years, suggest that a figure of £200 would be more appropriate. All were in favour.
e) To note reason for increase to council tax despite decrease in precept
The Council had already noted the reason as in item 4 above.
f) Update from Cllr Coatsworth regarding high interest accounts
Cllr Coatsworth had researched the accounts and gave a summary of what was available. It was resolved that the new Finance Committee should make recommendations back to the
Parish Council.
g) Annual review of system of internal control and the effectiveness of internal audit including 3 yearly review of Terms of Reference
The previously circulated documents were reviewed. Cllr Coatsworth resolved, seconded by
Cllr Adhemar that the system of internal control be signed off. All were in favour.
Cllr Coatsworth resolved, seconded by Cllr Adhemar that the effectiveness of internal audit be signed off including the 3 yearly review of the Terms of Reference. All were in favour.
6 Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 26/01/11
Application number: S/2011/0072/LBC
Location: Cross Cottage 14 Cross Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension and alterations to first floor window in rear elevation.
The Committee resolved to support the application.
Application number: S/2011/0073/FUL
Location: Cross Cottage 14 Cross Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension and alterations to first floor window in rear elevation.
The Committee resolved to support the application.
Application number: S/2011/0110/FUL
Location: 55 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: Detached pair of garages
The Committee resolved to object to the application as it was felt to be out of keeping with the street scene and its shape was inappropriate, particularly as regards the roof pitch. The
Committee further commented that it would appear that construction has already commenced.
Application number: S/2011/0126/ADV
Location: 22-4 Station Road Helmdon
Proposal: The proposed advertisement is a sign board that provides details of the development that is to commence on this site
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The Committee resolved to support the application.
Cllr Coatsworth declared a prejudicial interest in the following application and retired from the meeting.
Application number: S/2011/0149/FUL
Location: Meadway, 85 Wappenham Road Helmdon
Proposal: Larger porch with lean to roof.
The Committee supported the application.
Cllr Coatsworth returned to the meeting.
Application number: S/2011/0142/FUL
Location: 22-4 Station Road Helmdon
Proposal: Minor material amendment to condition 3 (approved plans) of planning permission (S/2010/0849/FUL); amendments comprising of gable projections removed from units 1 & 2, replace red bricks with render and to raise height of eves and roof pitch reduced.
The Committee supported the application.
b) To review documentation from SNC on revised delegation scheme for Planning
Applications
Parish Clerk
It was resolved to minute that the Parish Council strongly objects to the revised scheme and that the Parish Clerk should invite Robin Digby to a future meeting where it could be discussed.
All were in favour.
7 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as listed in Appendix B was reviewed.
The Clerk was asked to write to Richard and Ros Spence regarding the stones placed on the highway verge outside Greystones.
The Clerk would forward a correspondence regarding Parish Online to Cllr Barnes.
8 Talkabout – To receive update on the vacant editor position
Cllr Thorne confirmed that he was on target to publish Talkabout in April which would be his final issue as editor. Cllr Coatsworth indicated that he would be happy to continue as
Advertising Editor. The vacant position wasto be advertised on the website and on notice boards; Cllr England also expressed an interest in seeing what was involved.
9 Reading Room Project Update
The audio system cupboard was due to be installed and the curtains and blinds would be hung th on 6 April. New powder coating was being applied to the radiator covers. There was £3784 in the fundraising account, the current account contained £2019 with the 60 day account totalling
£7508. Two new cookers were to be ordered with a grant from Andrew Grant.
Cllr Burns commented on the big improvements seen recently to the room.
10 2011 elections a) attracting new candidates and promoting the election
It was noted that new candidates were expected to come forward.
Clerk

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b) to resolve process for the publication of hustings document
Danny Moody volunteered to co-ordinate this document and also put it on the website.
11 Risk Assessment – To review the significant risks to achieving the council’s objectives and the adequacy of the arrangements to manage those risks
The Parish Council carefully considered the risks to achieving their objectives; measures taken to minimise significant risks were considered: published Standing Orders,
Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment, reference to NCALC, Clerk’s training courses,
Internal Control Councillor, the review of Rick Management Policy. Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Coatsworth that Council accept that to its current knowledge no significant risks exist. It was noted that the Parish Council now acts as custodian trustee to the Helmdon Acorns building. All were in favour.
12 Health and Safety a) To receive completed Inspections Reports
It was resolved to sign off these at the May meeting.
a) To address any other Health and Safety Issues
The Clerk was asked to chase up the issue of the new shackles on the toddler swings.
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Clerk
Allotment issues
The Clerk reported that the school will in fact continue with its plot.
14 To receive update on Village of the Year Competition Entry – Cllr Coatsworth
Cllr Coatsworth would forward the cheque to ACRE and complete the entry form on line. If he had any queries he would contact the Clerk.
15 Highways Issues a) Traffic lights on Station Road bridge – update from meeting with MGWSP
Cllr Burns summarised the meeting with MGWSP; it was likely that the traffic lights would be in place for at least one year whilst the best solution was ascertained. The requirement for a bat survey to be undertaken and considerations given to the adjacent SSSI meant that the process would be a drawn-out one.
The Clerk was asked to chase MGWSP regarding filling in the potholes on the road surface of the bridge.
b) To consider proposal for cycle path to Brackley.
It was noted that a high level of support for a cycle path had been given in the Parish Plan
Survey and that the route would also link to the National Cycle Network. This was to be further discussed under the Parish Plan Action Plan later in the year.
16 To receive update from PPMG regarding Parish Plan Refresh
Cllr Barnes reported that the surveys had been collected and collated by Cllr Adhemar. The th Action Plan was to be agreed at a meeting on the 5 April and then presented at the Annual
Parish meeting. A 30% return rate had been achieved. It was noted that the bank account contained £1709.
Clerk

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Quality Status Application – update on progress to date and action plan for 2011
Cllr Coatsworth suggested a Working Party be formed to progress this further. The Clerk would put the item on the next Agenda.
Clerk
It was noted that the Chairman’s Report for the Annual Meeting could be published to fulfil one of the criterion.
18 Councillors’ Questions
Cllr Barnes reminded the Clerk to chase up the Definitive Map for Roger Miles
Cllr Thorne proposed a vote of thanks for Julian Partis regarding the new sign to the Church.
It was noted that poor parking on the footpath by the Green was causing a problem.
The meeting was closed to allow Bryan Short to give recognition to the Councillors and the
Clerk for the last four year’s efforts and achievements.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm
Clerk

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st Appendix A – Correspondence Received – 26 January – 21 March 2011
South Northamptonshire Council
• Weekly Planning Application listings
• Planning Applications:
o S/2010/0246/FUL,/247/LBC – Helmdon Baptist Chapel – Proposed demolition of the existing Baptist Church to facilitate the construction of 2 x 2 bedroom dwellings (unit 2
being attached to the adjacent curtilage listed barn).
o S/2011/0142/FUL – 22-4 Station Rd – Minor material amendment to condition 3
(approved plans) of planning permission (S/2010/0849/FUL); amendments comprising of gable projections removed from units 1 & 2, replace red bricks with render and to raise height of eaves and roof pitch reduced and air source heat pump o S/2011/0149/FUL – Meadway 85 Wappenham Rd – larger porch with roof o S/2011/0110/FUL – 55 Church Street – detached pair of garages (part retrospective)
o S/2011/0073/FUL – Cross Cottage 14 cross Lane, Helmdon – Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension o S/2011/0072/LBC – Cross Cottage 14 cross Lane, Helmdon – Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension and alterations to existing first floor window in rear elevation.
District and parish elections – request for submission regarding nomination packs, candidacy statements, polling cards – response submitted; candidacy packs; count arrangements
Letter regarding resignation of Jean Morgan
Details on requesting the electoral register – submitted
Changes to notification of planning decisions – planning officers’ reports for delegated decisions online.
Changes to Council’s Scheme of Delegation– on Agenda
Electoral Register
Changes to Council’s policy on sandbags
Northamptonshire County Council
• Correspondence regarding the Playing Field – on Agenda
NCALC
• Update
• Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) – two consultations Right to Buy,
Right to Challenge
• Training Guide 2011
• Stand and Deliver Promotional Materials

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Miscellaneous
• SouthNorthants Homes –works briefing paper – January, February
• Grand Union Housing – notice of “demolition day”
• HMRC – information on start and end of tax year
• Department of Transport – HS2 consultation – runs until 29 July 2011
• Post Office – Notice of Re-opening of service to Helmdon
• BDO – Audit Briefing Newsletter – including change in requirements for fixed assets
• Coop – Feb, March bank statement
• West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy –Pre- Submission Consultation
• HSGWAG – Objection to Wind Turbine Planning Application
• SLCC – correspondence regarding CiLCA
• SNVB – Feb/Mar newsletter
• Sue Lidgley – concerns at stone on verge of Greystones
• ACRE Village of the Yr Competition details
• Parish Online – new licensing agreement
• CPRE – planning road show details – 14 April at Great Houghton Hall th th
Accounts received
• CPRE – membership £29.00 – to include April workshop
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