Council Meeting, 25 July 2012

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 25th July 2012 commencing at 7.30 pm.
Members of the public and Press are invited to attend and to participate in the Open Forum
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Declarations of Interest
3. Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the AGM & the Ordinary Meeting held on 23 May 2012
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Meetings of 23 May 2012
5. Open Forum
6. Finance rd rd a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
7.
Financial statement
Bills for payment
To note payments received
Consideration of tenders received
To review internal auditor’s report and determine any actions necessary
Planning:
a) To receive update on the outcome of the Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm appeal and consider any further action required including consideration of standard of service from Local Authority b) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 23/05/12
c) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications d) Neighbourhood Planning – update
8. Correspondence Review
9. Adoption of new Code of Conduct: to resolve which model to adopt and to adopt as prescribed
10. To submit new members’ interests forms
11. Update on works to bridge on Station Road
12. QPS – to receive update from Working Group
13. To receive update on Snapshot Project
14. To review any flooding preventative actions to be taken (letter from Mr Thorpe)
15. To receive update on Jubilee Gate project
16. To consider road safety issues
17. Update from School Liaison Councillors
18. Update from Playground Committee
19. Health and Safety – to consider any issues arising
20. 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 25th July 2012 in the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 7:45pm
Present: Councillors Burns, Barnes, England, Moody, Garner, Duncombe, Adhemar,
Coatsworth.
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
Four members of the public were present.
Prior to the meeting starting, Nick King from SNVB Village Networks – Brackley and Towcester gave a short presentation explaining the role of the organisation. The services provided include
Garden Buddies, advice on debt, welfare benefits and job seeking. SNVB had been successful in gaining funding from the National Lottery to provide an information centre on wheels with advisors on board. A 16 seater mini bus is available to take people to Advice Centres and is also available to hire for community groups. SNVB will adopt a flexible approach to any of the villages’ suggestions. Cllr Burns thanked Nick King for his informative presentation.
1 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Simpson was on holiday; her apologies were accepted.
2 Declarations of Interest
Mike Barnes declared an interest in item 6d) tenders.
3rd Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the AGM and the Ordinary Meeting of 23 May
2012
rd Cllr Moody proposed, seconded by Cllr Barnes that the AGM Minutes of 23 May be approved with the following amendment inserted: Item 6 – “Internal Audit Service” following Northants
CALC. All were in favour.
Cllr Coatsworth proposed, seconded by Cllr Duncombe that the Ordinary Meeting Minutes of rd 23 May be approved with the following amendments inserted:
Item 11 – insert after tree “as provided by the Woodland Trust”
Item 15 – insert “would be useful”
All were in favour.
4rd Matters Arising from the Minutes of 23 May 2012
AGM Minutes
Cllr Barnes commented that with regard to the NHW scheme he had been unimpressed with police response to information provided since the recent spate of crimes. Cllr England confirmed that Clive Ashmore has maintained contact.
Ordinary Minutes
Cllr Moody raised concerns that a payment to Cllr Duncombe for anti-windfarm signs had not been approved by the Parish Council prior to the order being placed. Cllr Burns clarified that timescales had not allowed this to happen and that he and Cllr Duncombe would have underwritten the payment, were it not subsequently agreed.
Action

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It was noted that the Annual Report had been published to the correct timescales.
It was commented that it may be helpful to have an ongoing list of jobs for the Parish
Enhancement Gang programme as there is a short timescale in which to respond.
5 Open Forum
The overgrown hedge on Station Road has not yet been trimmed; the Clerk will chase up.
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Clerk
Finance a) Financial statement
It was resolved to accept the following statement:
Current Account (Coop) £24,174.76
b) Bills for payment
It was resolved to pay the following bills:
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
Brown and Barden (Invoice 3448) 170.00 34.00 204.00 500284
Brown and Barden (Invoice 3459) 170.00 34.00 204.00 500285
E Hart – Clerk’s Wages 684.08 0.00 684.08 500286
E Hart – Expenses – postage 8.65 0.00 8.65 500287
EON UK 104.11 20.82 124.93 500288
EON 150.99 7.55 158.54 500289
Helmdon Primary School 350.00 0.00 350.00 500290
Jayne Brown (war memorial plants) 66.92 0.00 66.92 500291
EON UK – repairs lamps 25&28 – new ignitor/ electric cell 78.21 15.64 93.85 500292
The clerk was requested to ask Brown and Barden to clear brambles on Jenners Piece in
October.
c) Payments Received
The following were noted:
Clerk

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Payments Received
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Amount
Interest (June) 3.89
Interest (July) 3.84
Allotment rent – Mr Thorpe 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr Riley 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr Drew 10.00
Allotment rent – Mrs Shepherd 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr and Mrs Francis 10.00
Allotment rent – Helmdon Primary School 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr King 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr Bailey 10.00
Allotment rent – Mrs Blake 10.00
Allotment rent – Mr Harman 10.00
d) Consideration of tenders received
EON quote – it was resolved to accept the quote to repair broken light no 5 for £284.90. The
Clerk will obtain more quotes for noticeboards for the September meeting.
e)To review internal auditor’s report
The contents of the report were noted with no future action required; it was highlighted that this reflected well on the Finance Committee and the staff of the council.
7 Planning:
a) To receive update on Broadview Energy Ltd Wind Farm appeal Farm appeal and consider any further action required including consideration of standard of service from
Local Authority
Cllr Burns commented that there was a general feeling that the community was not well served by SNC at the appeal. Whilst Broadview’s team were highly professional, SNC’s team was left open to cross examination with not a great deal of support. The Clerk gave an update from
HSGWAG who are seeking legal advice regarding whether there are grounds to appeal on points of law. SNC is also taking legal advice on this matter. Cllr Burns would speak to Robin
Digby for an update.
There was discussion on whether it would be beneficial for individuals to write to Mr Pitt and
Eric Pickles. Cllr Coatsworth suggested drafting a letter with contact details. It was resolved that Cllr Burns would draft one and the Clerk would arrange printing.
Cllr Burns
Cllr Burns / Clerk

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It was felt that it would be beneficial for a meeting to take place between SNC/NCC/HSGWAG.
Cllr Moody commented that there are many conditions requiring discharge before the development could proceed. It was resolved to form a Committee to review all subsequent matters concerning the Wind Farm with the following members: Cllr Burns, Duncombe and
Garner.
b) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 23/05/12
Application: S/2012/0535/FUL
Location: Rear of Helmdon House 87 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of a menage
It was resolved to support the application with no further comments.
Application: S/2012/0578/FUL
Location: Barn Court Station Road Helmdon
Proposal: Single & two storey rear extension and proposed shed dormer to replace existing flat roof dormers, and vertical flue
It was resolved to support the application with no further comments.
Application: S/2012/0631/FUL
Location: 15 Station Road Helmdon
Proposal: First floor rear extension
Application: S/2012/0724/LDE
Location: 4 Wrightons Hill Helmdon
Proposal: Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use of land as domestic garden
It was resolved to object to the application for the following reasons:
Having reviewed the application the Parish Council has concerns as the purpose of the application. Whilst it has no objection to how the site is currently used, it is noted that the land is outside the Village Confines Boundary. It is noted that there have previously been applications for new dwellings on similar sites on Wappenham Rd which were refused.
Application: S/2012/0791/FUL
Location: Land between B4525 and bridge into Helmdon and Station Road
Proposal: Two stone wall gates on either side of the road with a stone plaque with
Helmdon. Jubilee 2012 enscribed.
All members of the Committee declared a prejudicial interest as the applicant was Helmdon
Parish Council and no comments were submitted.
Application number: S/2010/1117/FUL
Location: Spring Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon
Proposal: 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 entertainment use. Clay pigeon and black powder shooting and retention of mobile home at site entrance for residential purposes (retrospective)
Amendment: revised description and additional information
It was resolved to object to the application for the following reasons:
Previous objections still stand . With regard to this particular consultation the Parish Council would make the following comments:
The applicant appears to have initially accepted Highways’ request for additional entrance but is now discounting this on grounds of cost alone which is unacceptable with regard to Road
Safety. Since the original application the B4525 has now been classified as a Red Route which
Cllrs Burns,
Garner,
Duncombe

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is consistent with the views of the Parish Council as to how dangerous a road it is. The Parish
Council notes that the tanks at the entrance have NOT been moved back into the site itself as stated by the applicant and continue to be a distraction to drivers. The target sign is also a distraction and appears to be in place a lot more often than simply on event days.
The applicant has not satisfied the Parish Council that Health and Safety concerns on the site itself have been addressed:
• No record of accidents/incidents on site has been forthcoming – the Parish Council has been made aware of an incident which caused damage and animal fatalities to a neighbouring property.
• The applicant does not appear to have full knowledge of the firearms he is licensed to keep, having been charged with being in possession of certain firearms illegally including a rocket launcher.
• The application for the wind turbines has been allowed on appeal. The applicant needs to satisfy the Local Authority that that tanks and wind turbines can exist safely side by side.
With regard to the mobile home the Parish Council would query whether all the necessary requirements for a residential property have been met as no further paperwork on this has been forthcoming.
Application number: S/2012/0825/FUL
Location: Astwell Park Farm Helmdon
Proposal: Replace 4 no. rooflights with 4 no. dormer windows
It was resolved to support the application.
c) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
A verbal update was given.
d) Neighbourhood Planning – update th Cllr Coatsworth reported that he was to attend a presentation on 7 August at SNC on the
Joint Core Strategy.
8 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as per Appendix A was reviewed.
Cllr Moody asked the Clerk to add the late notification of changes to the MGWSP structure to the list of poor service from local authorities.
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Clerk
Adoption of new Code of Conduct: to resolve which model to adopt and to adopt as prescribed
Cllr Coatsworth commented that the NALC one was easier to understand and incorporated everything necessary. Cllr Moody observed that the Code is likely to change shortly in any case.
It was resolved that the code of conduct received from NALC as a template be adopted with no amendments as the code of conduct for members and co-opted members of Helmdon Parish th Council with effect from 25 July 2012 and that the Clerk be requested to notify the Monitoring
Officer of South Northamptonshire Council of the passing of the above.
Clerk

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To submit new members’ interests forms
The Clerk expressed concern that she was unable to submit Cllr Simpson’s form to the correct th timescales. It was noted that if forms were not returned by 29 July, there would technically be a breach of the code of conduct and a Councillor would be liable to criminal prosecution.
11 To receive update on bridge on Station Road
An update had been circulated; Cllr Coatsworth commented that the standard of service was abysmal.
12 QPS – to receive update from Working Group
It was reported that the production of a Training Schedule is outstanding. The next meeting is in August to finalise preparations for the accreditation panel.
13 To receive update on Snapshot Project
The Clerk has completed the form for the Empowering Councillors Scheme. It was queried if the money could instead be used to subsidise copies for the public to purchase. The Clerk clarified that the application had stated the funding was for individual public copies. The Clerk will ensure the item is on September’s agenda.
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Clerk
To review any flooding preventative actions to be taken (letter from Mr Thorpe)
It was reported that three weeks previously the flood water very high but the level in the brook not a problem. Flooding defences were put up and drains were cleaned out by a member of the public. Two weeks later there had been another heavy storm; it was felt the system simply has not got the capacity to take the water and a bigger pipe is required.
Cllr Moody suggested having a nominated Flood Response team to organise issues like opening up the sewer and cleaning drains. It was emphasised that the impact of being flooded is long standing; Cllr Moody commented that some people don’t appreciate the impact.
It was noted that the worse floods were historically between April and July and that a long term solution should be sought. It was resolved that the Clerk should invite AWA and MGWSP to the
September meeting. The Clerk asked for photos and further information from interested parties.
15 To receive update on Jubilee Gate Project
The project is in the planning department at SNC. It was resolved to apply for funding of £750
from the HYHOS.
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Clerk
Clerk
To consider Road Safety Issues
Cllr England had raised the issue of speeding with the Police who had come and done a speed check at 10am on Wappenham Road. Cllr Burns commented on the problem of speeding tractors and motorcyclists; the issue of disregard for horses on the road was also raised. It was resolved to join the Speedwatch scheme and that two Cllrs would receive training.
Cllr England will ask PCSO Cochrane for an update regarding ANPR as mentioned at the
Annual Meeting.
17 Update from School Liaison Councillors
No update to report.
Cllr England

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18 Update from Playground Committee
It was reported that fortnightly inspections are being done. Once the RoSPA report is received a plan for remedial work will be formulated.
Litter pick – Cllr Adhemar will do this every Sunday and arrange cover if she is unable to.
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Cllr Adhemar
Health and Safety – to consider any issues arising
The Clerk will obtain all necessary quotes for the September meeting.
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Clerk
Councillors’ Questions
The results of the Best Village Competition were announced: best Newcomer – Blisworth;
Small category– Old, Little Houghton; Medium category- Cottingham, Syresham; large category
– Blisworth, Silverstone; Overall winner- Blisworth
Concern was raised that the dustbin men had been dismissive regarding effluent leaking from garden waste vehicles; the Clerk will contact SNC.
The meeting closed at 10:08 pm
Clerk

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Appendix A – Correspondence Received – 23rd May – 24th July 2012
South Northamptonshire Council
• Weekly Planning Application listings
• Planning Applications:
o S/2012/0578/FUL – Barn Court Station Road Helmdon – Single & two storey rear extension and proposed shed dormer to replace existing flat roof dormers, and vertical flue – subsequently refused by SNC
o S/2012/0631/FUL – 15 Station Road Helmdon – First floor rear extension – subsequently approved by SNC
o S/2012/0724/LDE – 4 Wrightons Hill Helmdon – Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use of land as domestic garden o S/2012/0791/FUL – Land between B4525 and bridge into Helmdon and Station Road –
Two stone wall gates on either side of the road with a stone plaque with Helmdon Jubilee
2012 enscribed.
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 entertainment use. Clay pigeon and black powder shooting and retention of mobile home at site entrance for residential purposes (retrospective) Amendment: revised description and additional information o S/2012/0825/FUL – Astwell Park Farm Helmdon – Replace 4 no. rooflights with 4 no.
dormer windows
Electoral monthly changes
Update on Job Club
Appeal decision – Spring Farm Ridge
New Code of Conduct and Members’ Interests Forms
Press releases on new Chairman, anti-social behaviour, Grange Park District election, Brackley by election, apprenticeships, licensing, council tax bandings, moat lane demolitions, dog mess, food safety, A43 litter pick
Parish Council Briefing on Proposed Changes to Draft Joint Core Strategy – invite
HS2 – walks leaflet
Northamptonshire County Council
Highways Newsletters and supplements
County Connect – Promotional material
Police – Have Your Say – promotional material
Police – Washington cluster newsletter
NMWDF – Consultation on revised Statement of Community Involvement
Notice of meeting regarding HS2 and ROW alignment
MGWSP – update on the Station Rd Bridge

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Pocket Parks Leaflet
Notice of Church Street Carriageway patching
West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit – Newsletter
Helen Howard – confirmation that B4525 is a Red Route
NCALC
• June Update
• New NALC Code of Conduct
• Training Schedule July – December 2012
• Clerk Vacancy information and temporary cover advert
Miscellaneous
• South Northants Homes – works briefing papers
• Coop – bank statements for June, July
• Internal Auditor’s Report
• EON – quotation for lamp repair on Wappenham Rd
• CPRE update
• National Health Service Commissioning Board Authority – Lay Assessors’ information
• Northants 50+ Summer 2012 Newsletter
• Sarah Graham – comments regarding Wind Farm Appeal
• Helmdon Primary School – notice of works during the school holidays, concerns regarding the litter bins
• EON – payment of invoices – query regarding timings
• Richard Farquharson – note regarding tree in brook
• Chris Thorpe – concerns regarding sewerage/storm drains capacity
• Vanessa Vicars – concerns regarding dangerous driving in the village
• SLCC Conference details
• Karl Leitelmayer – details of Helmdon Olympics Event
• Olga Stevens-Astell – comments regarding B4525
• HS2 Ltd – Community Forum notes
• Philip Ward – notification that the horse chestnut tree on Station Rd is unsafe (honey fungus)
• Simon Martin – concerns regarding water on Church Street and his driveway
• SNAG meeting update
Accounts received
• Brown and Barden (3448) – £170 + £34 VAT = £204.00
• Brown and Barden (3459) – £170 + £34 VAT = £204.00
• EON £104.11 + 20.82 VAT = £124.93
• EON UK – £78.21+15.64 VAT = 93.85
• EON UK – £150.99 + 7.55 VAT = 158.54
• Helmdon Primary School – £350
• Jayne Brown – £66.92
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