Council Meeting, 26 January 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 26th January 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 Ordinary Meeting held on 24th November 2010
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes of 24th November 2010
4. Open Forum
5. Finance a) Financial statement b) Bills for Payment c) Payments Received d) To award grass cutting tender e) To receive recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding this year’s
Grant Policy f) To set the budget for expenditure 2011/12
g) To set the precept for 2011/12
6. Planning:
a)
b)
To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 24/11/10
To receive update on Wind Farm application
7. Correspondence Review
8. Talkabout a)
b)
To address the need to recruit a new advertising editor with immediate effect
To address the need to recruit a new editor effective Autumn 2011
9. Reading Room Project Update
10. 2011 elections a) attracting new candidates and promoting the election b) to consider the use of candidacy statements
11. Annual Documentation Review a)
b)
c)
12.
Standing Orders
Financial Regulations
Risk Assessment
Health and Safety a)
b)
To receive completed Inspections Reports
To address any other Health and Safety Issues
13. Allotments issues – to consider a request from Allotment Holders for gravel at gate entrance
14. To receive update on School Field Licence Agreement
15. To review arrangements for a Commemorative Event regarding the closure of the village shop
16. To consider issues regarding Permissive Footpath along the old Railway Line
17. To receive update from PPMG regarding Parish Plan Refresh
18. Quality Status Application – update on progress
19. 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, England, Earl, Thorne, Adhemar, Coatsworth
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
5 members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies
None received.
2th Approval and Signature of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 24 November
2010
th Cllr Earl proposed, seconded by Cllr England that the Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 24
November be approved. All were in favour and Cllr Burns signed the Minutes.
3 Matters Arising from the Minutes of 24th November 2010
6(a) Planning Applications – Spring Farm Welsh Lane – The Clerk confirmed that this application was yet to go to Development Control.
4
16 – Flood Warden Scheme – Cllr Barnes was awaiting further information form the
Environment Agency. Clerk to agenda the item for the next meeting.
Clerk
16 – Bridge on Station Road – the Clerk was asked to email NCC again and to ascertain their action plan and timescale. A formal letter would follow if no response was forthcoming.
Clerk
Open Forum
Affordable Housing Development – it was confirmed that construction was due to start in the near future.
5 Finance a) Financial statement
Cllr Coatsworth proposed, seconded by Cllr Adhemar that the financial statement be accepted.
All were in favour.
Cash & Investments
Current Account (Coop) 21,234.72
b) Bills for payment
Cllr Earl proposed, seconded by Cllr Duncombe that the accounts overleaf be paid. All were in favour.

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Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
E.ON UK Energy Services 104.11 18.22 122.33 500197
E-ON 151.41 7.57 158.98 500198
Universal Services 28.00 4.90 32.90 500199
Northamptonshire ACRE Subs 34.00 0.00 34.00 500200
Clerk’s Wages (Nov+Dec) 434.89 0.00 434.89 500201
Clerk’s Expenses 11.55 0.00 11.55 500202
John Thorne (Plants) 12.00 0.00 12.00 500203
Total 775.96 30.69 806.65
c) Payments Received
These were noted.
Payments Received
HYHOs (for the War Memorial)
Amount
100.00
Interest (Dec) 2.78
Interest (Jan) 3.17
d) To award grass cutting tender
Two cutting tenders has been received and were opened and reviewed. Cllr Duncombe proposed, seconded by Cllr Barnes that Brown and Barden’s tender of £850 +VAT be accepted. All were in favour.
e) To receive recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding this year’s
Grant Policy
Cllr Earl proposed, seconded by Cllr England that the recommendation to adopt the same documentation as for 2010/11 be approved. All were in favour.
f) To set the budget for expenditure 2011/12
The Clerk clarified the budgeted expenditure. Cllr Coatsworth proposed, seconded by Cllr
Barnes that the budget as detailed in Appendix A be adopted giving a total budgeted expenditure of £11,283.96. All were in favour.
It was further resolved that allotment rents per plot be increased to £10 per year from April
2012. It was noted that the allotment holders had indicated that they would be satisfied with this amount.
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g) To set the precept for 2011/12
Budgeted income and reserves were reviewed. Cllr Thorne proposed, seconded by Cllr
Duncombe that a precept of £10,688 be adopted, thus taking £480 from reserves. All were in favour.
Several Councillors had been reviewing the interest rates available on savings accounts; it was resolved that it should be discussed by the new Finance Committee after the elections.
6 Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 24/11/10
Application number: S/2010/1447/FUL
Location: 14 Cross Cottage, Cross Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension.
The Committee resolved to support the application although it felt the drawings were rather inadequate. The proposed development was felt to be sympathetic.
Application number: S/2010/1448/LBC
Location: 14 Cross Cottage, Cross Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Construction of new conservatory to adjoin existing extension
The Committee resolved to support the application although it felt the drawings were rather inadequate. The proposed development was felt to be sympathetic.
Application: 10/00052/CCD
Location: Helmdon Primary School, Station Road, Helmdon
Proposal: Erection of a 1.8m boundary fence and boom barrier
The Committee resolved to object to the application for the following reasons:
The aesthetic appeal of a school’s perimeter fence and gates must be considered with regard to its impact on the local community and the vernacular street scene and the type of fence must be selected carefully as it plays an influential role in attracting the right type of response from prospective parents//pupils. A prison like approach to physical perimeter security such as this application is seeking, provides an unwelcoming and uninspiring introduction to any school.
The Parish Council feels that the new proposal is more substantial and therefore visually more intrusive than the first proposal.
It is noted that the fencing is not for the whole perimeter and therefore cannot ever meet its proposed objective.
The Planning Statement implies that that the fence is necessary to meet Ofsted requirements.
Ofsted themselves indicate there is no specific requirement for such a fence.
The Parish Council notes that the Planning statement refers to safety having been a “continual cause of concern for many years” – the Parish Councillors, many of whom have had children attend the school over past years were not aware of this concern and feel that the proposal is an inappropriate solution to a non existent problem.
The accident referred to some years ago to is not thought to have taken place in school hours and therefore, even if a boom barrier had been in situ at the time, it would have been open and ineffective.
The Parish Council would also ask whether it should have been invited to speak at the
Development Control Meeting as it would have been in District Council cases.
b) To receive update on Wind Farm application
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The Parish Clerk confirmed that a date for Development Control Committee had yet to be set; she had received a copy of the HSGWAG objection which was available for all parishioners to view or available on their website.
7 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as listed in Appendix B was reviewed.
The Clerk was asked to invite Mark McVitty to the April Parish Meeting. Clerk
It was noted that the Baptist Chapel planning application had been withdrawn as a bat report needed to be submitted.
8 Talkabout a) To address the need to recruit a new advertising editor with immediate effect
Cllr Coatsworth agreed to take on the role of advertising editor. Clerk b) To address the need to recruit a new editor effective Autumn 2011
Cllr Thorne confirmed that he would produce one further issue in March/April. It was agreed to advertise the position at the School and on the noticeboards. Cllr Coatsworth enquired as to whether any renumeration could be paid; Cllr Burns responded that it was not out of the question.
9 Reading Room Project Update
The new sliding door had been installed and the audio system was being addressed. New curtains (£642.70) and a blind (£348 including fitting) had been ordered. There was £4623 in the account of which £1543 was from fundraising. The 60 day account contained £7508; a payment of £1468 for insurance was yet to be drawn.
The new Post office service would commence in mid February.
10 2011 elections a) attracting new candidates and promoting the election
It was agreed to use the marketing material which NCALC were producing and to leaflet drop the village with the promotional flyers. The item would be put on the March Agenda.
b) to consider the use of candidacy statements
It was resolved not to request these from SNC as the village would produce its own leaflet for distribution.
11 Annual Documentation Review a) Standing Orders
Cllr Thorne proposed,seconded by Cllr Earl that these be re-adopted with no amendments. All were in favour.
b) Financial Regulations
Cllr Thorne proposed, seconded by Cllr Earl that these be re-adopted with no amendments. All were in favour.
Clerk

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b) Risk Assessment
Cllr Barnes proposed, seconded by Cllr Earl that this be re-adopted with no amendments. All were in favour.
12 Health and Safety a) To receive completed Inspections Reports
These were accepted by the meeting and received by the Clerk.
c) To address any other Health and Safety Issues
The Clerk was asked to check whether new shackles had been fitted to the toddler swings. Cllr
Earl would forward a photo to the Clerk
Clerk
Cllr Thorne
Tyre Marks on the War Memorial – Cllr Thorne volunteered to address these.
13 Allotment issues
The Clerk reported that the school plot is to be vacated.
14 To receive update on School Field Licence Agreement
The Parish Council continues to await receipt of the updated document.
15 To review arrangements for a Commemorative Event regarding the closure of the village shop
This item was put in abatement.
16 To consider issues regarding Permissive Footpath along the old Railway Line
Cllr Barnes reported that the new bridge structure is almost complete. Cllr Earl volunteered to provide the handrails; Cllr Barnes will advise him of the date of the working party in February.
17
Cllrs Earl and Barnes
To receive update from PPMG regarding Parish Plan Refresh
The survey questionnaires had been distributed and would be collected w/c 8th February.
18 Quality Status Application – update on progress
The Clerk confirmed she was working through the CiLCA. The requirements for becoming a
Quality Council were queried; the Clerk was requested to distribute the information for review and to ensure it was on the Agenda for the March meeting.
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Clerk
Councillors’ Questions
The lamp on the War Memorial (no 28) needed replacing. Clerk
The poor service regarding rubbish collection during cold weather was discussed; the Clerk will correspond with SNC on the matter. Clerk
The Clerk was requested to contact NCC regarding the Definitive Map for Roger Miles. Clerk
It was commented that a vehicle was regularly parked rather close to the Church Street/Station

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Road junction and that an accident was likely to occur; the Clerk was requested to write a letter of concern to the owner. It was further noted that some cars were often parked on or partly on pavements; the Clerk would request some Police Warning post cards.
Clerk
Cllr Coatsworth confirmed he was happy to complete the Village of the Year entry form once again.
Cllr Coatsworth
The Clerk was asked to ascertain timings for the road line markings on the bridge to be completed.
Cllr Earl proposed a vote of thanks for Cllr Thorne’s efforts regarding Talkabout production.
Cllr England enquired of the Clerk whether Helmdon Acorns had requested any improvements to gravel Path; she confirmed they had not.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm
Clerk
Clerk

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APPENDIX A
EXPENDITURE
1. Lighting
Street lighting
Electricity repairs
Other
2. Parks & Open Spaces
Grass cutting
Playground equip. inspection
School field rent
War memorial and pump garden
Bulbs
Parish paths
General maintenance
Other
3. Depreciation
Playground equipment
Notice boards
Computer
War memorial
Village seats
Other
4. General Administration
Audit charge
Clerk's salary
Clerk's expenses
Election expenses
Insurances
NALC training
NALC & ACRE Membership
Reading Room rent
Newsletter (Talkabout)
Web site
Book tokens
Other (now Vof Yr)
5. S137
s137 donations
Village of the Year – Nat comp
Grants
6. Burial Grounds
Donation
Other
Total Regular Expenditure
Transfer Out
To Deposit Account
Other
Vat Paid
Total Expenditure
Budget
1,200.00
1,050.00
150.00
2010-2011 2011-2012
Actual Jan+Mar exp Remaining Proposed Budget Notes
693.72 1,250.00 506.28
27.92 662.45 359.63 1,100.00 £50 inc on last yr
118.73 31.27 150.00
2,034.00
770.00
69.00
350.00
475.00
20.00
1,226.34
770.00
66.00
350.00 328.50
1,425.00
750.00
150.00
125.00
200.00
200.00
297.00
807.66
3.00
350.00
413.16
20.00
61.84
28.00
297.00
5,210.00
280.00
2,520.00
140.00
400.00
1,150.00
30.00
220.00
120.00
200.00
100.00
3,796.04
275.31
1,662.58
124.93
50.00
1,250.00
1,250.00
55.00
1,550.00
1,550.00
300.00
300.00
300.00
300.00
11,419.00 7,863.10
832.77
20.00
1,187.24
185.98
105.00
200.00
34.00
-6.50
1,714.00
850.00
69.00
350.00
75.00 Second pump reapir not budgeted for
20.00
350.00
see sinking fund doc
1,425.00
750.00
150.00
125.00
200.00
200.00
1,413.96
4.69
24.65
-4.93
400.00
-37.24
30.00
0.02
15.00
100.00
5,344.96
280.00 NCALC advise no increase.
2,578.10 272 hrs per year. 4 months at SCP19, 8 months at SCP 20
140.00
400.00 part two of projected £800 cost
1,222.86 est 3% increase
30.00
224.00 as per NCALC advise
120.00
200.00
100.00
-5.00
-300.00
-300.00
50.00
1,250.00
1,250.00
300.00
300.00
3,555.90 11,283.96
302.52
8,165.62
INCOME
Precept
Interest
Allotments
Newsletter
Grants+Prizes
Donations
Dividends
Village Hall – Reading Room
Vat Repayment
Total Regular Income
Misc Transfers In
10,807.00
30.00
80.00
10,807.00
28.22
78.75
36.00
80.00 Rent for 2012 proposed increase to £10 (from £5)
509.38
100.00
11,423.35
Total Working Income 11,423.35
Balance 3,257.73
Brought Current forward y/e balance Jan
2010 11
Outstanding Expected balance payments y/e 2010
this year
Coop
Nottingham Bond
17977.00
500.00
21,234.72 Payments:
Receipts:
Total 18477.00 21234.72
1274.40
£732.00
20692.32 Coop
Nottingham Bond
20692.32
See separate sinking fund sheet at this point
11,283.96
116.00
Based on the figures our anticipated budgetedexpenditure is less our anticipated income (exc precept)
-480
10,687.96
10688
10807
"-/+ adjustment to general/earmarked reserves
Precept Request
Rounded
Previous precept
-1.10% Precentage increase on last year th Appendix B – – 24 November 2010 – 25th January 2011

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South Northamptonshire Council
• Weekly Planning Application listings
• Planning Applications:
o S/2010/1074/LBC – Helmdon Baptist Chapel – notification of withdrawn application o S/2010/1190/FUL – Lilac Barn 53 Wappenham Road Helmdon -Installation of wood burning stove to garage and external air source heat pump – decision notice –
approval o S/2010/1488/FUL – 32 Wappenham Road Helmdon – Rear extension and loft conversion – plans and decision notice – approval
District and parish elections – query on whether to use candidacy statements – response required
Notification that there is one change to Polling Station venues (Shutlanger)
Forwarded letter from the Minister of Culture, Media and Sport on the Queen’s 2012 Diamond
Jubilee Weekend (2nd -5th June 2012) and notice of competition for city status
Request for precept figure
Mark McVitty, Cycling Officer – request to attend meeting to discuss Ace
Alice Izzett – update on Affordable Housing Scheme
Northamptonshire County Council
• Details of decision for Planning Application from Helmdon Primary School to erect a metal 1.8m fence around the perimeter of the school grounds (including boom barrier)
• MGWSP – Parish Satisfaction Questionnaire
• Information on how to organize a Royal Wedding Street Party
• Notification that the Plumpton Road is closed on 17 January 2011
• Needs and Aspirations Project details th
NCALC
• Parish Partnership Charter, Update
• Notice that the section 137 limit for 2011/2012 is £6.44 per elector.
• Course details
• Joint Core Strategy Consultation details
Miscellaneous
• SouthNorthants Homes –works briefing paper – Dec
• The Royal British Legion – details of Great Poppy Party Weekend requesting Councils to consider organising a party to support the RBL’s 90th Birthday
• Countryside Gardens – promotional literature
• ACRE – Village Viewpoint Magazine and subscription request
• Northamptonshire Rural Housing Association – Annual Report

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• Victim Support – request for funding
• Alzheimer’s Society – details of Singing for the Brain
• Northants 50+ Network Newsletter and details of events
• BTCV – details of work that they carry out – cost £280 plus VAT per day
• Broadview Energy – details of proposed meeting for Cllrs on 9th December – subsequently postponed
• HMRC – reminder to file online
• Letter of support for Spring Farm Ridge Scheme
• Letter of objection to Spring Farm Ridge Scheme
• The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge – details
• CPRE Planning Roadshow details
• Northampton Association of the Blind – details of mobile visits to Brackley
• Heyford Moles – details of mole removal service
• Cllr Barnes – email regarding Flood Management Scheme
• SNAG – information on activities
Accounts received
• EON – Supply – £151.41 + £7.57 VAT = £158.98
• Northamptonshire ACRE – subscription = £34.00
• EON UK – maintenance – £104.11+ £18.22 = £122.33
• Universal Services – equipment repair – £28.00 + £4.90 = £32.90
• John Thorne – Plants for War Memorial – £12.00
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