Parish Council Meeting

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes of the meeting held on

Monday 18th March 2002
At 7.30 pm
in the Village Hall, Warmington

1. ATTENDANCE

Mr D Rowell (Chairman)
Mr R Bosworth (Vice Chairman)
Mr A Hinton
Mr P Banbridge
Mr M Dixon
Mr R Enfield
Mr D Short
Mr V Cooper
Mrs M Hodges

12 Parishioners and PC Wareing were also in attendance

2. APOLOGIES: None

3. ABSENTEES : None

4. APPROVAL AND SIGNING OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14th JANUARY 2002 AND OF THE INTERIM MEETING HELD ON 25th FEBRUARY 2002. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Banbridge seconded that these be signed as a true and accurate record of events. AIF.

5. POLICE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT

PC Wareing reported some very pleasing crime statistics. There has only been 1 crime in the village recently. He reported that a garage had been broken into in Broadgate Way but that an alarm had acted as a deterrent and nothing was stolen. On the Warmington beat crime has decreased by 37% and by 64% on house break-ins. Vehicle crime is down by 38% and 26% of crime has been detected. In the Rural East crime is up by 2.3%, the detection rate is 31% and house break-ins are up by 34%. PC Wareing suggested that awareness is crucial in lowering crime and that everyone should take note of anything suspicious that they may see. In the Northern Area crime is up by 14%. In response to a question from Mr Dixon, PC Wareing reported that all of the villages on his beat have a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

PC Wareing suggested that crime will be reported differently from April 2003. On the instructions of the Home Office everything must be reported from that date and as a result crime figures will rise.

The recent Mobile visit to the village was successful.

Mr Rowell referred to the rumour that there may be a reduction in policing levels due to success in reducing crime. The Parish Council have written to the Chief Constable outlining their concerns about this. Mr Darters suggested that this letter would be passed on to the new Chief based at Kettering, Ian McNeil.

Mr Rowell drew attention to the N E Northants Community Safety Partnership and suggested that any comments/concerns could be taken or passed on to this group. Their next meeting is on Wednesday 10th April at Kings Cliffe Village Hall.

6. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Miss Davey’s address to the Parish Council. At the last meeting Miss Davey had suggested that the youth would like better playing facilities, more drama/music related events and such items as skate ramps, BMX tracks etc. The Leisure Field is now progressing and improvements are being made. Approaches have been made for a football team to use the field on a Sunday morning and afternoon. They have suggested putting in temporary accommodation for changing facilities etc. Skate ramps could also be considered.
   
   Mrs Hodges reported that money and costumes are already in place if anyone should want to form a drama group. Mr Rowell suggested encouraging travelling players to visit the village. Mr Constant has offered to head up an orchestra group but would need help from other parents. Mr Dixon asked that Miss Davey provide Mr Constant with a list of people who may be interested in this group. Mr Dixon suggested that the Parish Council may be able to lend the group money to get it off the ground. Mr Davey suggested that his daughter also felt that organised trips to the theatre, football etc would serve to bring cross sections of the village together.
   
   
2.  Standards Board/Code of Conduct. Concerns over the Code of Conduct were not as great as originally. It was felt that "Gifts" had not been explained properly, but this subject is explained in a recent copy of Village Viewpoint. There are meetings concerning the code at ENC on 27th March and NALC on 11th April. Mr Banbridge proposed and Mr Hinton seconded that the Code be adopted. The majority being in favour this was passed. Councillors now have 2 months to sign up to the Code.
   
   
3. Eaglethorpe/ BT Cables/ Fired Earth. This has now come to a standstill with no further replies from Fired Earth or BT. Phil Hope MP has put in a lot of effort on our behalf, but all correspondence suggests that the community would have to find the money to finance the undergrounding of the cables.
   
   
4. Operation Springclean. This is to take place on April 13th. Mr Dixon suggested that more publicity was required. He has placed an article in Four All and produced a poster for the approval of the Parish Council. The majority were in favour of this poster. Mr Dixon reported that Fotheringhay are organising a BBQ to be held at the bottom of the Bunny Run after the event. There is also to be a press photograph. The village are short of litter pickers. Mr Banbridge proposed and Mr Enfield seconded that 10 be purchased. AIF
   
   Mr Cooper expressed his concern with the mess that tends to be left when contractors come to the village. It was decided that the Parish Council need a policy that will apply to all contractors and this will be considered for the future.
   
   
5. Village Design Statement. Mr Du Croz reported that good progress is being made. The Constitution has been approved, the Steering Group and its Officers elected, a bank account set up and fundraising has started. There is to be a talk by Robert Bosworth on April 4th and a Workshop on April 27th. A newsletter will be delivered to all households before Easter. A VDS Exhibit will be displayed at the Jubilee Picnic on 3rd June and at the School Fete on 6th July.
   
   It is hoped that a Consultation Document will be produced in October and that the final document will be produced in January 2003. Mr Rowell congratulated Mr Du Croz on his work to date. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Banbridge seconded that the work of the group be endorsed. AIF
   
   
6. Leisure Field. Reference to this has already been made above. It is anticipated that the area will be for all to enjoy. Further negotiations will take place with the NENS football teams and attempts will continue to reshape the rough area.
   
   A letter has been received from Judy Stroud and John Hopkins. They believe there to be an Anglo Saxon footpath on the site of the Leisure Field and also some very rare grasses. Mr Rowell has spoken to Northampton Archaeology and they are to look into the matter. Mr Bosworth pointed out that the ridge in the field is actually the course of the old road shown on the 1621 map. This can be traced down to Warmington Mill. Further investigation will be made re the rare grasses.
   
   With reference to a temporary building on the Field, portacabins will be looked at. Mr Rowell may approach Thorpe about their building which is no longer used.
   
   
7. Golden Jubilee. The Church are to hold a picnic on Monday 3rd June. An offer of help with events has been received from Kate Stewart but others are needed. The Red Lion have offered to help to put something on. It was decided that Mr Rowell, Mr Dixon and Mrs Hodges meet with Mrs Stewart and the Red Lion to try and progress matters. A mailshot was also suggested. The Red Lion has suggested that some of the money raised should go towards the youth and the Leisure Field.
   
   
8. Grass Cutting and Churchyard rose bed. Mr Short reported no problems with grass cutting at present. Mr Rowell pointed out that it is not the intention of the Parish Council to rip out the central rosebed in the Churchyard. After discussion it was decided that very little can be done with the rosebed at present and to discuss the situation again in the winter.
   
   
9. Highway Matters. The holes have been filled in in the pathway/road off Church Street, but not in a very satisfactory manner. Mr Gilder NCC to be approached for his views on the matter.
   
   
10. Street Lights. Mr Cooper reported that PL 32 will be replaced next week and the streetlights to be painted black will be painted when the weather is fine. Mr Rowell and Mr Cooper are to meet to discuss any further work on streetlights.
    
    
11. Allotments. Mr Rowell has spoken to Mr Proby about this, but to date has not heard anything further. Mr R Hanlon has now also made an application for an allotment.
    
    
12. Pocket Parks. Mr Rowell reported a good turn out to replant Big Green. The Orchard is also very good at the moment. A grant of £200 towards a mower has been offered by ENC.
    
    
13. Tree & Conservation. Mr Cooper reported that the soil around the lime tree in Church Street is due to be moved to the outskirts of the village by NCC this week. Mr Rowell will inform those concerned. Mr Rowell suggested that it may be an idea to get a tree specialist from NCC to look at the lime tree. Mr Bosworth reported that Mr Wilkinson has put his owl boxes out.
    
    
14. NALC Parish Council Health Check. No report has been received to date.
    
    
15. Cemetery - Stillborn Area. An old map recently revealed there to be an area of the Cemetery where stillborn babies were buried. This area equates to 7 plots on the current plan, E39, E39a, F41, F41a, G43, H45 and H45a. Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Cooper seconded that this area be reinstated as a stillborn area. AIF
    
    - Review of Charges. After discussion Mr Dixon proposed and Mr Cooper
    
    seconded that the charges remain the same. The majority being in favour this was carried.
    
16. Best Kept Village Competition. It was agreed that the village should enter this together with the Churchyard competition and the Most Active Community Village Competition.

7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

1. Victoria Lea, 17, Eaglethorpe - Extension to garage including dormer window – Amended Application. Planning permission received
   
   
2. Land at end of Short Close – Two detached houses with double garages. Planning permission received
   
   
3. Warmington Mill – Illuminated and non-illuminated signage and two advertisement signboards at entrance. Advertisement Consent received.
   
   
4. Spinney Close, 19 Taylors Green – Conservatory Link between dwellinghouse and swimming pool. Planning permission received.
   
   
5. Stonehouse, 8, Hautboy Lane – Two storey rear extension. Planning permission received.
   
   
6. 16 Chapel Street – Detached house and double garage. No objection subject to comments.
   
   
7. Land adjacent 53 Chapel Street – Loft conversion including dormer window at front and rear (plot 3). No objection subject to comments.
   
   
8. 59 Church Street – Conservatory, installation of central heating, roof strengthening, internal alterations and repair to plaster work. No objection.
   
   
9. Highlands Boarding Kennels, Broadgate Way – Two single storey dwelling houses. This is outside the confines of the village. It was felt that this could open the door for other applications to follow. Mr Enfield proposed and Mr Hinton seconded that the application be objected to. The majority were in favour of this objection.
   
   
10. America Farm Buildings, Morborne Road, Warmington – Change of use of redundant agricultural buildings to (B1) business uses. Amended Application. This is now to be office and not industrial and as such it is considered that there would only be an increase of about 10% in overall traffic. The agricultural traffic would also be lost. The track would also be widened to accommodate the traffic. Mr Cooper proposed and Mr Dixon seconded that there be no objections subject to approval being given by the Highways Authority. AIF.

8. ACCOUNTS

1.  Community A/C (Current) : £1467.99

Accounts submitted for payment

- Anna Webb Salary and Expenses £326.70
- Village Hall Hire £10.00
- District Audit £364.84

2. Main BPA (Deposit) : £943.14
   
3. Cont. BPA (Contingency) : £3,421.93
   
4. Pocket Park A/c : £612.42

Adoption of accounts. Mr Bosworth proposed and Mr Cooper seconded that the accounts be adopted. AIF

9. CORRESPONDENCE

Post to be circulated

1. Society of Local Council Clerks – Employment of Clerk
   
   
2. ENC – Planning permission for Stonehouse, 8 Hautboy Lane.
   
   
3. ENC – NE Northants Community Safety Partnership Agenda 10th April and ENC Management Structure.
   
   
4. NALC/ACRE – Membership/Update/Village Viewpoint.
   
   
5. CPRE – Planning Update. Mr Banbridge pointed out that CPRE can only act in an advisory capacity, they have very little power.
   
   
6. Letter from Tree Warden, Judy Stroud – Mrs Stroud will be resigning at the end of the year. Mr Dixon asked that the thanks of the Parish Council be passed on to Mrs Stroud for all of her work. Mr A Buchanan is prepared to take on the role of Tree Warden.

10. OUTSTANDING CORRESPONDENCE

1. Letters to Bryants re the play area and the dead trees. Mr Rowell has spoken to Mr Fozpa. Mr Cooper has heard that turf is being laid on the play area.
   
   
2. Letters to Elton Estates re allotments, the play area, the Ancient Monument and the footpath across the Social Club.

11. PARISH COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS

1. Warmington Charities. Mr Hinton had nothing to report. The AGM is in April.
   
   
2. Village Hall. Mr Enfield had nothing to report. The next meeting is on April 8th.
   
   
3. Oundle Surgery. Mr Cooper had nothing to report
   
   
4. Road Safety. Mr Banbridge reported no problems.
   
   
5. Conservation. Already covered.
   
   
6. Tree Warden. Already covered
   
   
7. Alms Houses. Mr Short had nothing to report
   
   
8. Warmington School. Mrs Hodges reported a Crazy Hat Day to be held on Friday
22nd March from 2.15 – 3.15 in aid of Cancer Awareness


9. Rights of Way. We are now in receipt of a new ROW Map.

12. PARISHIONERS COMMENTS

1. Re the rose garden, Mrs Bosworth suggested that people buy roses for a five-year period. After this they have the option of buying another rose. This was considered to be a good idea and will be discussed in the future.
   
   
2. Mrs Bosworth commented that the pathway/road outside her house in Church Street is now being disturbed once again for electricity to be put underground.
   
   
3. Mr Du Croz outlined the problems that had occurred with the development of 3 houses on Chapel Street and recent landscaping work. Various conditions were attached to the original plan which served the purpose of protecting the privacy of the neighbours. However, in January/February the developers applied for a variation of these conditions. This was granted without being communicated to the parties involved and trees and hedges that should have been retained were cut down. Mr Du Croz stated that his confidence in ENC had been dealt a severe blow as a result of this. His future concerns are with the Village Design Statement. A Village Design Statement would tend to deal in the detail often found in the conditions of planning applications. If conditions can varied without consultation then the efforts put in to produce a Village Design Statement may be to no avail. Mr Du Croz will be raising this with the VDS Project Board on 3rd April. He feels that assurances are needed from ENC that lessons have been learnt. The planning officer from ENC has agreed to address a meeting and Mr Du Croz felt that this offer should be taken up. Mr Dixon suggested that someone of a more senior nature should perhaps be requested.
   
   
4. Mr Du Croz suggested that builders on all sites in Warmington be written to to request that there sites are kept tidy and litter free, particularly for Operation Springclean on 13th April.
   
   
5. Mr Du Croz expressed his concern that the driveway to the new development on Chapel Street appears to be wider than previously agreed. Mr Rose has agreed that the verges be returfed, but there is also a problem with stones breaking away. These could cause damage to passing traffic.
   
   
6. Having heard the situation with the development on Chapel Street, Mr Davey asked that the Parish Council make representations in the strongest possible terms. He is appalled that such things could happen.
   
   
7. Mr Brown asked if any further large-scale developments were planned for the village. Mr Rowell replied not as far as we know and in fact the Parish Council would be against any further large-scale development.
   
   
8. Mr Peck expressed his agreement with Mr Du Croz and Mr Davey regarding the development on Chapel Street. Mr Du Croz expressed the view that it is a pity that ENC do not promote Rockingham Forest Trust’s publication "Building on Tradition" more positively.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1. Mr Banbridge pointed out that ENC were in fact largely responsible for "Building on Tradition". He sees no problem with the housing at Nene Pastures, but Mr Bosworth pointed out that the problem there was with the landscaping, not the housing.
   
   
2. Mrs Hodges reiterated the need for those in authority to actually physically look at the development on Chapel Street.
   
   
3. Mr Enfield expressed his view that the house at 53 Chapel Street is actually higher than the others.
   
   
4. Mr Short commented that the Pocket Park sign has been removed from Big Green.
   
   
5. Mr Bosworth reported that the underpass and the fence nearby need reinstating. This to be looked into.
   
   
6. It was decided to combine the Annual Parish Council Meeting and the Annual Parish Meeting as was the case last year.

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 20th May 2002