NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting held on Monday 6^th July 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.

PRESENT                              Chairman            Mr D Messenger

                                                Councillors         Mr D Cooke

                                                                                Mr H Ferguson 

                                                                                Mr J Lawrence

                                                                                Mr A Wade

                                                Clerk                     Mrs M R Money

Two member of the public were also present.

1071.09 APOLOGIES

Cllrs H Ferguson, T Regan, W Nunneley and County Councillor R W Brown.

The Chairman reported that Cllr W Nunneley had requested absence from the meeting having an interest in planning application DA/2009/0440, Agenda Item 14(a).  In view of this he thought it right to be absent for the whole of the meeting and the Chairman had agreed.

1072.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interests were declared.

1073.09 TO SIGN THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 8^th JUNE 2009

On a proposal by Cllr A Wade it was RESOLVED that the Minutes be approved and signed.

At this point the Chairman asked if Councillors would agree to changing the Agenda order as allowed for under Standing Orders so that Agenda Item 14 Planning could be taken immediately after Public Time.  It was RESOLVED that the proposal be approved.

1074.09 PUBLIC TIME

The Chairman said he was aware that members of the public had attended to make representations about planning application DA/2009/0440 land adjacent to Dunster, Mounts Lane.

Mrs A Rushall asked to speak and list objections to the planning application.  She listed them on behalf of herself and certain of the other residents.

1075.09 PLANNING

a)            DA/2009/0440 – Land adjacent to Dunster, Mounts Lane –The Chairman explained that the Council had  been copied in by 5 residents on their letters of objection sent to Daventry District Council Planning Department.  Councillors then considered the application and the Parish Council response and it was RESOLVED to object it.   The reasons were listed for the Clerk to note. See letter attached.

The Chairman listed the five letters as follows: Mr Challenor, Mr and Mrs Clemson, Mrs Mobbs, Mr Rushall and Mr Tennant.

The Chairman reported that copies of these letters had been circulated to Parish Councillors before the meeting.

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At this point the Council RESOLVED to deal with other items under the Planning heading.

b)            DA/2009/0456 – Listed Building Consent, The Laurels, Poets Lane – Demolition of existing lean-to kitchen and construction of two storey extension including rooms in roof -The Council made no observations.

c)            DA/2009/0460 – The Laurels, Poets Lane – As above - The Council made no observations.

d)            DA/2009/0468 – Work to trees within a Conservation Area on The Green – This was a Parish Council application.  No purpose would be served by any review.

Applications Approved

e)            DA/2009/0343 – Alterations to porch – Wren Cottage.

f)             DA/2009/0347 – Single storey extension – 2 School Hill.

Applications Withdrawn

a)      DA/2009/0370 – Church Farm, Church Street – Demolition of lean to and conversion of barn to additional residential accommodation

Newnham Turn Farm – The Chairman reported that this property falls outside Newnham Parish bounday and within the Dodford Communtiy Parish boundary.   Weedon Parish Council and Dodford Community Council areboth monitoring the situation carefully.

1076.09 NEWNHAM AMENITY ASSOCIATION

Cllr A Wade advised that the intention is for the Association to cease arranging activities and remain dormant so that it can be re-activated as and when necessary. But it will retain its charitable status.

1077.09 ALLOTMENTS
The Clerk advised that six written applications from Council Tax/Government electors in the parish are required before there is any obligation to provide allotments.  The Clerk also reported on the numerous issues which need to be considered when providing allotments.

1078.09 DAVENTRY DISTRICT HOUSING ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT BUDGET

The Clerk was asked to submit a request for new play equipment.

1079.09 USE OF EMPOWERMENT FUNDING

The Clerk was asked to ascertain from County Councillor R W Brown whether repair to the steps and handrail to the Church Tower and provision of signs at the entrances to the village would be acceptable.

1080.09 TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS

It was RESOLVED not to amend Paragraph 76 Planning.  If the time limit for a Planning Application proves difficult an interim meeting can be called.

1081.09 WNDC ENQUIRY

The Chairman reported that following evidence from the Northamptonshire County Council Highways Department and the Highways Agency Daventry Villages Together would be making a supplemental submission.  Cllr H Ferguson had agreed to make a supplemental submission on behalf of Newnham.

The Chairman reported that he had attended a meeting of Weedon Parish Council where a Planning Officer from WNDC had spoken about the proposals for improving the A45/A5 junction.

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A paper entitled the Quinquennial Review of Urban Development Corporations, which includes WNDC, has been received.  It was RESOLVED to leave the Council’s respons to DVT and support their submission.

1082.09 VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

This item is to be held in abeyance for the time being.

1083.09 CORRESPONDENCE

a)            NCALC AGM and representative on County Committee – As no councillors have time to commit to this the Clerk offered to have her name put forward and this was accepted.

b)            NCC Parish Highway Representatives Scheme – Cllrs welcomed the scheme and it was agreed attendance should be on a rota basis.

c)            Headstone for Mrs Alice Raines – This was approved.

d)            Headstone for Mr F Drake – This was approved.

For information only

e)            Code of Conduct Training availability .

f)             Parish Emergency Planning Seminar.

g)            Money4Youth Daventry District Council.

h)            Parish Enhancement Gangs.

Information for discussion at next meeting.

There was none.

1084.09 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The Chairman said he would approach Mrs N Krawyczk to see whether she would be interested in taking the lead on this.

1085.09 HEALTH AND SAFETY

a)            No assessments available.

b)            Quotes for work in the churchyard – An additional quote is still required.

1086.09 NO PARKING SIGNS – VILLAGE GREEN

Cllr D Cooke had obtained a provisional quote in the sum of £210 each plus a similar amount for fixing.  He would be obtaining a more accurate costing.

1087.09 FINANCIAL

On a proposal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED that following accounts be approved for payment

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b)            Financial Statement – The bank statements and bank reconciliation statement were available for inspection at the meeting.

c)            Monies Received – None.

d)            Expenditure against Budget 1^st Quarter – Circulated prior to the meeting.  No comments made by councillors.

e)            Charles Arnold Baker 8^th Edition on Local Council Administration – The Clerk requested permission to purchase this at a cost of £52 plus £2 postage.  This expenditure was approved.

1088.09 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING

No items were raised.

1089.09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 7^th September 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.20.p.m.

Minutes of the meetings of 'Newnham Parish Council.

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