Council Meeting, 28 May 2014

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HELMDON PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of Helmdon Parish Council held on
Wednesday 28th May 2014 at the Reading Room, Church Street, Helmdon at 8:10pm
Present: Councillors Burns, Garner, Adhemar, Moody, Barnes, Duncombe, Coatsworth
Parish Clerk: Liz Hart
Six members of the public were present.
Action
1 Apologies for Absence
Cllr England had sent apologies due illness; these were accepted by the meeting.
2 Declarations of Interest
Cllr Moody declared an interest in item 9d) as an employee of NorthantsCALC.
3 Approval and Signature of the Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of 26th March 2014
It was resolved to approve the minutes with no amendments.
4 Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 26th March 2014
Item 4/4 – Western Power Distribution – Cllr Adhemar informed the meeting that the survey appeared to have been completed; Clerk would continue to continue to request an update.
Item 4/5 – Flooding. The Clerk would chase Carl Evans regarding the issues of the ownership of the black pipe ownership. The Clerk confirmed she had spoken with Bulkhead properties and would be informing them of the cost of installing a second pipe under their road to alleviate the problem in Grange Lane. (Cllr Burns to advise of the cost)
Item 4/11 –registration of Jenner’s Piece, allotments and the Pump Garden – Cllr Moody confirmed that the land was not registered and that registration would be more complicated than at first thought. He would continue to investigate; the Clerk was asked to agenda this item for the July meeting. The Clerk also undertook to review filed paperwork to see what evidence of land ownership she could find.
Clerk
Clerk
Cllr Burns
Clerk
Item 5 –Jubilee Wall – Cllr Duncombe volunteered to fetch some compost to make a flowerbed surround.
Item 6e) Mowing – The Clerk had not been able to obtain a quote from Andy Brown but hoped he would provide one shortly.
Clerk
Item 14 Grafton Hunt – Cllr Burns was trying to ascertain to whom he need to speak with.
Cllr Burns
5 Open Forum
It was noted that an exhibit of rather poor taste in the entrance to Tanks a Lot had been quickly removed. It was further noted that a new Planning Enforcement Officer had been appointed at
SNC.
6 To receive formal notification of resignation of Cllr Simpson
A letter of resignation from Cllr Simpson was read out to the meeting by Cllr Burns.

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7 To receive information from the Clerk regarding whether the Parish Council has received confirmation from SNC that the above vacancy may be co-opted and if so, to fill the vacancy by co-option
The Clerk confirmed that SNC had advised that the vacancy could be filled by co-option. Two candidates Steve Wheeler and Steve Valentine told the Councillors why they wished to be considered. A ballot took place which in Steve Valentine obtained four votes to Steve Wheeler’s three votes. It was resolved that Steve Valentine be co-opted on to the Council.
8 To consider next steps forwarding the resignation of the Parish Clerk
It was resolved to create a Committee consisting of Cllrs Burns, Coatsworth and Moody with delegated powers to appoint the successful candidate with the terms and conditions of the current Clerk’s role.
9 Finance a) Financial statement
It was resolved to accept the following financial statement:
Current Account (Coop) @ 15/05/14 17,123.54
b) To award grants with regard to recommendations from the Finance Committee
The recommendations were noted. It was resolved to award grants as follows:
Organisation Purpose of grant
Friends of St Mary
Magdalene PCC
St Mary Magdalene
PCC
1st Helmdon Rangers
Church re-decoration
Helmdon Presents
Whistley 2000 (Cubs,
Beavers and Scouts)
Brownies and
Rainbows
Helmdon Bridge
Players
Helmdon Fellowship
Helmdon Acorns Pre-
School
Friends of the
Churchyard
Committee
Recommendation
300
Visiting specialists and trips
To purchase 3D specs
Camping stoves
125
To subsidise climbing trip to celebrate big
Brownie birthday
New stage backdrops
85
Trip subsidy to poppy factory and Lavender
Fields
ICT games and resources for special needs children
Equipment repairs, purchase of new equipment, plants, cement for stone walls
65
Total 1650
200
175
125
175
400
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c) To note payments received
The following were noted:
Payments Received Amount
Precept (1st instalment) 7330.00
Interest (April) 1.47
Interest (May) 1.58
d) To consider bills for payment
It was resolved to pay the following bills, cheque payments 500400- 500407 were noted as s137 payments.
Accounts Payable NET VAT GROSS Cheque
Top Print 141.25 0.00 141.25 500391
Reading Room 62.50 0.00 62.50 500392
E Hart – Clerk’s Wages 766.96 0.00 766.96 500393
EON 149.34 7.47 156.81 500394
EON UK 104.11 20.82 124.93 500395
L R Brown Ltd 4579.00 915.80 5494.80 500396
Brown and Barden 195.71 39.14 234.85 500397
Helmdon Primary School 350.00 0.00 350.00 500398
Northants CALC 365.99 0.00 365.99 500399
1st Helmdon Rangers 125.00 0.00 125.00 500400
Friends of St Mary Magdalene Church 300.00 0.00 300.00 500401
1st Helmdon Brownies 85.00 0.00 85.00 500402
Whistley 2000 175.00 0.00 175.00 500403
Helmdon Acorns 175.00 0.00 175.00 500404
Helmdon Presents 200.00 0.00 200.00 500405
Helmdon Bridge Players 125.00 0.00 125.00 500406
Helmdon Fellowship 65.00 0.00 65.00 500407
Friends of the Churchyard (St Mary Magdalene PCC) 400.00 0.00 400.00 500408
e) To close off accounts for y/e 31st March 2014
The Clerk presented the figures as reviewed by the Finance Committee; it was resolved to close off the accounts.
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f) Annual Return – Approval of Statement of Accounts
The Clerk presented the figures as previously reviewed by the Finance Committee. It was resolved to approve the statement of accounts and Cllr Burns and the Clerk as Responsible
Finance Officer signed Section 1 of the Annual Return.
g) Annual Return – Approval of Annual Governance Statement
The statements from the annual Governance section were reviewed. All responses were in the affirmative with final trust funds statement not applicable and it was resolved to approve the
Annual Governance Statement. Cllr Burns and the Clerk as Responsible Finance Officer signed
Section 2 of the Annual Return.
h) To approve new Financial Regulations
It was resolved to adopt the new Financial Regulations as circulated by the Clerk and noted that they contained a clause enabling the Clerk to incur expenditure up to a limit of £500 in conjunction with the Chairman.
10 Planning:
a) To receive decisions of Planning committee on applications since 26/03/14
Application: S/2014/0280/FUL
Location: 8 Shortlands Close Helmdon Brackley
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 (plans) on S/2013/1085/FUL (two storey side extension and porch) to allow hipped roof
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/0330/FUL
Location: Manor View Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon
Proposal: General purpose agricultural building
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/0320/DBD
Location: Barnstones 87 Wappenham Road Helmdon
Proposal: Demolition of dwelling
The Committee noted the application (For information only)
Application: S/2014/441/FUL
Location: 16 Shortlands Close Helmdon Brackley
Proposal: Attached single garage
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/451/FUL
Location: 4 Hintons Close Helmdon Brackley
Proposal: Two storey side extension
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/596/FUL
Location: Manor View Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Single storey rear extension
It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/611/FUL
Location: Ivy Cottage 69 Church Street Helmdon
Proposal: Two single storey rear extensions
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It was resolved to support the application.
Application: S/2014/0564/PC
Location: Blackpitts Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon
Proposal: In-vessel composting, anaerobic digestion plant and associated development
For information only.
Application: S/2014/0559/PC
Location: Blackpitts Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon
Proposal: Erection of an anaerobic digestion facility for the treatment of green waste and grown crop (maize) silage.
For information only.
b) Update from Parish Clerk regarding outstanding applications
The meeting was informed of the latest information on the planning portal.
11 Correspondence Review
Correspondence as per Appendix A was reviewed.
Cllr Barnes clarified that John Grimshaw had asked for all documentation relating to the proposed cycleway and that a meeting was scheduled to take place in Brackley in June.
Correspondence from the Primary School regarding the rent review was discussed; it was felt that the issue of rubbish on the field was a serious one and that the Playground Committee should schedule a meeting with the school to further discuss the issues. Parents should be asked not to put nappies into the bins.
12 To consider issues regarding the B4525
Correspondence regarding speeding on the B4525 was read out by Cllr Burns. It was resolved that Cllr Burns should respond to the letter and clarify that the entrance to the Tanks A lot site should already have been moved to make it safer.
Cllr Burns
13 To consider correspondence from South Northants Homes regarding the green area opposite Hintons Close
It was resolved that the Clerk should contact SNH asking for more details on costs and stating that the Parish Council would be minded to accept their offer, subject to terms and conditions. Clerk
14 To receive update on Best Village Competition
Cllr Adhemar confirmed that the judges’ visit was scheduled for Tuesday 3rd June. She outlined the arrangements made and the information which would be presented to the judges. The Clerk was asked to send the logo and a list of local businesses to Cllr Adhemar. Cllr Burns thanked
Cllr Adhemar for her efforts on the village entry.
15 Update from Playground Committee
The area at the top of the slide would be taped off if it was not made safe by the following
Monday when the school term restarted.
16 Update from the Allotment Committee
No issues were reported.
Clerk

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17 Councillors’ Questions
A letter had been received from Celia Terrey regarding wreaths on the war memorial; Cllr
Coatsworth volunteered to find out the details and report back to the next meeting. He would also obtain a quote to clean both the US plaque and the war memorial. Cllr Moody stated that grants may be available for such purposes.
Cllr Duncombe queried whether there was any progress with the new village signs. The Clerk was asked to request an update from Helen Howard, copying in Cllr Moody to continue further discussions.
Clerk
Cllr Coatsworth volunteered to collect the NHW signs from Roade.
Cllr Adhemar asked the Clerk to report the give way lines on the crossroads which needed repainting.
The meeting closed at 10:15pm.
Clerk

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Appendix A -Correspondence Received – 27th March – 28th May 2014
South Northamptonshire Council
 Weekly Planning Application listings including o S/2014/441/FUL – 16 Shortlands Close – attached garage o S/2014/451/FUL – 4 Hintons Close – two storey side extension o S/2014/596/FUL – Manor View Farm Welsh Lane Helmdon – single storey rear extension o S/2014/611/FUL – Ivy Cottage, Church St, Helmdon – Two single storey rear extensions o S/2014/680/FUL – Barn Court Station Road Helmdon – Two storey rear extension & new
'cat-slide' roofs on existing dormers
 Invitation to speak at Development Control Committee – 6A Church Street
 Electoral register – monthly changes
 Confirmation that Councillor vacancy may be filled by co-option
 Press releases regarding SNC’s intention to petition on HS2, Restoration of Brackley Town Hall, dog chipping event, Notice of European Parliamentary election, county art display, councils saving
£200,000, new website for private rentals, rule change for bailiffs, building work halted in
Bugbrooke , Noise Action Week, publication of new guides, dog chipping event, summer skate sessions, Nordic walking course, election of new Chairman
 Confirmation of receipt of online planning consultation comments
 Update on Local Plan Consultation
 Update on New Homes Bonus
 SPLAT play rangers – request to use Helmdon Playing Fields
 Details of Parish Clerk Forum event
Northamptonshire County Council
 Policing Updates and ward newsletters, details of Silverstone safety event
 Highways’ Newsletters
 Details of Road Closure – Wings for Life event, Weston Fun Run
 Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Partial Review: Minerals and
Waste Local Plan Proposed Modifications
 Women's Tour cycling event details
 Youth Ambition Awards details
 Superfast Broadband Newsletter
 Confirmation that planning application for Blackpits was a non material amendment
NCALC

Confirmation of internal audit date, invoice for membership and internal audit service, clerking vacancies

Wind and solar farm update

Details of training courses including Public Sector Mapping Agreement course, Problem Solving &
Decision Making – Turning Ideas into Reality

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
Update March/April
Miscellaneous
 Coop : bank statement – April and May
 ACRE – Viewpoint magazine, details of Office Manager appointment
 Came and Company – Spring Matters newsletter
 SNVB – newsletters
 HMRC – confirmation of online submissions for Real time PAYE, coding notice for Mrs E Hart
 CPRE – Countryside Voice
 Helmdon Primary School – rent review proposal
 RoSPA – notification of play area inspection in June
 Andrew Bodman – various communication relating to HS2 petitioning
 Applications for grants from village organisations
 South Northants Homes – update regarding proposal for green area in Station Road
 Confirmation from Lane Brown Ltd that works on slide are complete
 Notice of resignation of Cllr Simpson with immediate effect
 Complaint regarding rats on the allotments
 Complaint regarding safety issues on B4525
 Surveyor for the HS2 Cycleway Study – indicating proposal for cycle link
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