Council Meeting, 23 November 2022

HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES
of the meeting of Helmdon Parish Council, held in the Reading Room, Church
Street, Helmdon on 23 November 2022 at 7:30pm.
Present: Cllrs Gray, Harris, Hosea, Marchant (Vice-Chair), Moody (Chair), Wheeler and
Charmaine Jay (Clerk)
In attendance: 3 members of the public
076. To receive and approve apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Plunkett and Thorpe
RESOLVED: To approve Cllrs Plunkett and Thorpe’s absence.
077.Declarations of Interest
None
078. Approval and signature of the minutes of October 26, 2022
RESOLVED: That the minutes of October 26, 2022, be signed and approved with one amendment. Change of date of the minutes.
079.Matters arising
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Cllr Gray mentioned she had been in touch with St Johns Ambulance and the cost for training up to 24 participants was £2750 + VAT. There was also mention of
British Heart Foundation providing free training online for people to look at as and when they would like.
Previously the council were offered a free defibrillator at the top end of the village under the condition that there was somewhere to put it. Unfortunately, there was nowhere. Cllr Hosea has offered the side of her garage so Cllr Gray will find out if we are able to receive the free defibrillator.
Cllr Gray to get more information and prices for January meeting.
080.Open forum (15min max- 3 min per person)
Representations were made on:
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Parking on Wappenham Road near Field Way
The determination of planning application WNS/2022/0253/FUL
Progress on Priory Field
081. To receive an update from HS2 liaison officer from recent meetings.
-Welsh Lane is going to be closed from 5th December for 5 nights.- Halse is struggling with the increased traffic.
– There are discussions currently going on about implementing a noise reducer for nearby residents.
RESOLVED: Cllr Marchant to update in January meeting
082.Finance a. To approve bills for payment (below)
RESOLVED: That the following bills be approved for payment:
Payee
Invoice Number
Reason
Amount
2Commune
4098
Annual contract
£984.00
renewal
083. To consider the outcome of the determination of planning application
WNS/2022/0253/FUL
The determination of planning application WNS/2022/0253/FUL was discussed, including the processes and practices of WNC’s South Northamptonshire Local Area Planning
Committee.
RESOLVED: To write to WNC to express disappointment with the way the application had been handled.
084. To receive the report and recommendations of the Allotments Working
Group
The meeting received a report from the Allotments Working Group which contained 5
recommendations that:
A. The clerk writes to the plot holders whose plots are derelict giving them until 31
March 2023 to take remedial action, which should include: 1) Taking steps to tidy up the plot during the winter, 2) Starting cultivation works by March 2023, and 3)
Submitting a plan to the parish council for the 2023 growing season. Failure to comply with those three conditions would result in the tenancy being terminated on 1 April 2023 for breach of the tenancy agreement.
B. The clerk writes to the plot holders whose plots are under-used asking them if they still require a full plot, with the potential of reducing it to a half plot if appropriate.
C. The clerk writes to the people on the waiting list to check that they are still interested.
D. Helmdon Parish Council joins the National Allotment Society (NAS) which will cost £55+VAT (https://www.nsalg.org.uk/join-us/membership-fees/) and will provide access to the latest model tenancy agreement, and advice on allotment management and operation.
E. A meeting is held for all plot holders in the Reading Room at 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday 1 March 2023 to communicate the council’s plans, answer any questions, and discuss the operation of the site for the 2023 growing season. It is suggested that this becomes an annual meeting which could facilitate greater co-operation and camaraderie amongst plot holders.
RESOLVED: That all 5 recommendations be approved and implemented
085. To establish a working group for King Charles III coronation
Three councillors were established as a working group for King Charles III coronation and they are Cllrs Bearman, Hosea and Thorpe.
RESOLVED: Cllr Hosea to organise a meeting and to report back in January 2023 meeting.
086.Close
RESOLVED: Meeting closed (20:21)
Next meeting is 25th January 2023.