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Parish Council Minutes
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 12 At 7.00 pm in the Village Hall, Warmington Mr Rowell welcomed everyone to the meeting. He welcomed both new and returning Councillors and encouraged all to attend courses where offered. 1. ATTENDANCE Mr D Rowell (Chairman) 13 Parishioners were also in attendance together with Jenny Davey, the Youth Representative. 2. SIGNING OF "DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE" FORMS BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL. All forms were duly signed. 3. APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from Jane Brant, District Councillor 4. ABSENTEES: None 5. APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17th MARCH 2003 AND OF THE INTERIM MEETING HELD ON 31st MARCH 2003. The minutes were signed as a true and accurate record of events. AIF. 6. SIGNING OF THE ACCOUNTS AND SUPPORTING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2003 Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Bosworth seconded that these be signed as accurate records. AIF 7. POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT. No report 8. YOUTH MATTERS : Miss Davey reported that the Youth Club is very strong with between 25 and 30 members. The CD player purchased with Parish Council funds has had a lot of use. A Committee meeting was held last Thursday and it is hoped to hold an AGM towards the end of June. The possibility of forming an internet club with Kings Cliffe and Rushden has been declined due to the lack of BT lines at the Village Hall and concerns over responsibility. The Youth Club have been invited to play in a table tennis tournament, play netball and badminton. They now have a new secretary. Their application for a grant for a youth shelter has been declined but they will apply again. The Youth Club would like to use the Leisure Field more in the summer with the agreement of the Parish council. Miss Davey suggested having a Youth representative on the Leisure Field Committee and this was considered a good idea. 9. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None 10. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN : Mr Short proposed and Mrs Hodges seconded that Mr Rowell stand as Chairman for the coming year. AIF. Mr Constant suggested having a "Chairman in waiting" for the year, but it was decided to retain things as they are. 11. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN : Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Constant seconded that Mr Reid be elected Vice Chairman for the year. Mr Reid declined feeling that he would prefer to wait until he had gained more experience. Mr Short proposed and Mr Reid seconded that Mr Bosworth stand as Vice Chairman. AIF 12. APPOINTMENT OF PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:- Alms Houses – Mr Short and Mr Bosworth. Mr Constant asked if the Youth Orchestra could be given a slot at the meetings. It was agreed to incorporate this under "Youth Matters" in the future. 13. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION a) Highway Matters – Mr Short reported that there are still holes on Broadgate Way. This is on NCC’s list of jobs to do. Mrs Hodges expressed disappointment that NCC are not prepared to repair the footpath on Buntings Lane as it is not considered to be in a bad enough state. Mr Constant suggested pursing it and establishing what the standards for intervention are. The Clerk to write. Mr Cooper suggested that WS Atkins are looking to reinstate the system of liaising with village highway representatives. Mr Constant stated that work is being undertaken around the area of the shops to reinforce the kerbstones. He feels that this will be ineffective if people continue to park on it as they do now. Mr Rowell to take a look. b) Street Lights. The project to upgrade lights is continuing with Broadgate Way. Mr Dixon reported that there is a small chance that ENC may help parish councils to fund street lighting, but a decision will not be made until July. c) Leisure field. Progressing this item has not been easy with difficulties in forming a committee. A portacabin has been purchased and will be put into place. Elton Estates will then lay on the services. Mrs Huett stated that she would like to see a play area on the site and Mr Cutler skateboard facilities. It was agreed to hold another committee meeting where these ideas could be put forward. Mr Dixon suggested that the problem is in obtaining grants. Within the Lease there is a clause whereby Elton Estates can give the Parish Council 12 months notice to vacate the site. Although another site would be provided, this clause makes it very difficult to apply for any grant money. Mr Short suggested that the more the field is used the less likely Elton Estates are to ask the Parish Council to leave. d) Allotments. These have been very successful. Mr Rowell thanked Mr Ellard for all his help. The Parish Council are still waiting for fencing quotes and a reply regarding the grant application is expected in mid May. An agreement has still not been received from Elton Estates. Mr Reid reported problems with allotment holders parking on the grass verges and cutting through part of the hedge. Mr Rowell to speak to Mr Ellard. e) Churchyard headstones. No response has been received re the 5 leaning headstones so they will be taken up and laid face upwards. AIF. f) Open spaces and greens. Mr Rowell and Mr Dixon have undertaken a survey to identify such areas with the intention of getting them officially recognised. It is hoped this will help to prevent more infill and preserve the character of the village. The survey map will be circulated for opinions. g) Nene Pastures Play area. This area still needs to be fenced. It could be expanded. Once the Parish Council have responsibility for it Elton Estates will give the £7,500 to maintain it. A site meeting with the developer is to be held on Monday 19th May at 1.45pm. The landscaping of Nene Pastures will also be discussed at this meeting. The footpath between Nene Pastures and the village is still in dispute. At present it is in the hands of NCC. They have contacted Mr Bosworth as Chair of the Social Club. The Social Club have no objections to the footpath being located on the extreme western boundary of the land behind the recycling facilities. h) Litter Pick. This was not very well attended, the choice of date being unfortunate. Mrs Huett suggested undertaking a litter pick on a more regular basis, perhaps in conjunction with the Youth Club. Mr Rowell suggested making it a more social event. The first week of October was considered a suitable date – to be discussed at the July meeting. Mr Constant drew attention to the builders’ boards which are still in the ditch in Chapel Street. He agreed to move them to the side of the houses i) Public transport. The Parish Council are in discussion with Stagecoach about the X4 bus service being diverted through the village. It would appear that Stagecoach will only consider this if it is requested by NCC and funded by them. j) Village Design Statement. The final version is still being prepared. k) Update of Domesday Book. This is exhibited in the Church and will require updating with the new Parish Council. The Clerk to update. l) Transfer of Pocket Park. Big Green is now owned by the Parish Council. The relevant documents are held by Vincent Sykes Solicitors, West Street, Oundle. Mrs Hodges reported that a picnic is to be held in the Pocket Park on July 19th. m) Clerk’s Salary. This to be £2,602.60 per annum for 6½ hours per week, LC Scale 1, Spinal Column point 18. Proposed Mr Short, seconded Mrs Hodges. AIF 14. PLANNING a) 4 Orchard Close – Two storey side extension and single storey front and rear extensions. Planning Permission received. b) Plot 1, 15 Dexter Way – Conservatory to rear of dwelling. Planning Permission received. c) Eaglethorpe Farm and Buildings – Dwellinghouse and garage (Vary conditions 2 and 3 and relocate garage) Application for Variation and Listed Building Consent. Planning Permission received d) The Malt House, 61, Church Street – Conservatory at rear – no objections e) Long Lane Farm – Reinstate original window and build floor – no objections f) Land adjacent the Red Lion – Erection of two four bedroom detached houses. Discussion centred on both the application and the principles of planning. Mrs Huett expressed concern over the junction and parking in the area. The Public House will suffer the loss of parking facilities necessitating parking elsewhere and the two new houses will also require parking facilities. This will in turn make the junction more dangerous. Mr Bosworth pointed out that the site is not within the built confines of the village and if granted would set a precedent for the future. Mr Constant felt that it is infill in a sensitive area and that the support of the District Councillor should be sought to take the matter further. Meetings with ENC should be established with ENC to establish the principles of planning. Mr Constant proposed and Mr Reid seconded objecting to the application. The majority were in favour of objecting. g) Thistleholme House and Nursery – Two storey side extension. Mr Dixon expressed concern that this is primarily an agricultural dwelling in a conservation area. It is also outside the confines of the village. Three voted in favour of the application, three against and two abstained. Mr Rowell used his vote in favour of the application. h) 34 Big Green – Two storey side extension. A letter had been received from Mr Wigginton objecting to this application in terms of the proposed new garage. To build a garage in the front garden would have a serious adverse impact on Big Green which is valued for its open aspect, wide grass verges and buildings set well back. It would also set a precedent for the future. The development is not compatible with the character of the area in terms of its location, scale, siting and design and thus is contrary to Local Plan policy GEN2 (i). Further the design is not in harmony with existing dwellings, there will be an adverse impact on neighbouring properties and this development will be contrary to H17. The Parish Council agreed with Mr Wigginton’s comments and agreed to object to the application in terms of the proposed new garage. AIF. 15. ACCOUNTS a) Community A/C (Current) : £2392.22
Accounts submitted for payment - Anna Webb Salary and Expenses £482.48 - Village Hall Hire £12.00 - Warmington School £30.00 b) Main BPA (Deposit) : £14,218.37 c) Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,435.61 d) Pocket Park A/c : £455.96 Adoption of accounts. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Short seconded that the accounts be adopted. AIF The NALC Internal Auditor. It was agreed to continue with the NALC Internal Auditor for 2003/4. AIF. Signatories on Bank Accounts. It was agreed that Mr Bosworth, Mrs Hodges and Mr Constant be the three signatories on the accounts. AIF. 16. CORRESPONDENCE Since the last meeting in January 68 items of correspondence have been circulated amongst Parish Councillors and 51 items of post have been sent by the Parish Council. 17. OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE None. All matters are being progressed. 18. PARISH COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS a) Alms Houses. Mr Short had nothing to report b) Conservation. Mr Bosworth reported a problem with children playing at the Dark Hole and blocking up a badgers sett. This is illegal. He asked Mr Peck if an article could be placed in Five All. c) Oundle Surgery. No report. d) Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell reported no problems. e) Rights of Way. A telephone call has been received from Bob Birkett re the stile on PD23. He considers that there is no need for a stile and is disappointed at the state of the fence. He is to speak to the farmer about the situation. Mr Atkinson reported that he is hoping for an agreement on PD20. f) Road Safety. Nothing to report g) Village Hall. Nothing to report h) Warmington Charities. Mr Bosworth reported that a meeting had been held last month. i) Warmington School. Mrs Hodges reported a problem with the School and the owners of the two new houses in School Lane. The latter have complained about problems with balls and children going into their gardens with and without permission, noise and bad language. They say that it is a problem at all times with children being able to utilise the school facilities at weekends and in the evenings. They have now involved the police. They have taken photographs in an attempt to back up their claims and parents are extremely concerned about this. Mrs Huett stated that without doubt this should be reported to the higher levels of the police. 19. ANY OTHER BUSINESS a) Mr Dixon asked if the Interpretation Panel could be cleaned. Mr Rowell to take a look. The notice at Eaglethorpe also needs cleaning b) Mr Short reported that there is still old electricity cabling on Broadgate Way. The Clerk to send a letter to enquire about this. c) Mr Constant thanked Mr Dixon for his work on the pre- election publicity. d) Mr Cutler reported that the litter bin by the gate on the play area is not being emptied enough. Mr Dixon offered to have a word with the dustmen. e) Mr Rowell suggested that the way in which Planning Applications are dealt with by the Parish Council needs to be streamlined with the possibility of a sub committee. The matter to be discussed at the next meeting. 20. DATES OF MEETINGS TO THE END OF 2003 Monday 21 st July, Monday 15th September and Monday 17th November.The meeting closed at 9.45pm. |
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