Minutes of meeting held on 2^nd March 2009 in the Village Hall

: PRESENT       Chairman                    Mr D Cooke

                        Councillors                 Mr H Ferguson           

                                                            Mr J Lawrence

                                                            Mr W Nunneley

                                                            Mr A Wade

                        Clerk                           Mrs M R Money

One member of the public was also present.

989.09             APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Cllrs D Messenger, T Regan, N Shepherd.

County Councillor R W Brown.

The Chairman reported that Cllr T Regan was due to undergo surgery today and a Get Well card will be sent to him.

The Clerk advised on a change in the procedure for recording apologies.  In future the Agenda item will show “To receive and approve apologies for absence”.  It was RESOLVED

that the new procedure be adopted.

990.09             DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were none.

991.09             TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9^th FEBRUARY 2009

On a proposal by Cllr J Lawrence it was unanimously RESOLVED that the Minutes be approved and signed as a true record.

992.09             PUBLIC TIME

A request was made for an allotment.  The Clerk was asked to contact Daventry District Council to for clarification about the use of the area previously used as allotments.  A request had been submitted some considerable time ago for the area to become a pocket park but no response had been received.  Cllr A Wade will also make enquiries about private allotments in the parish.

993.09             NEWNHAM VILLAGE HALL

Cllr D Cooke advised that the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee is arranging a meeting with the Conservation Officer, surveyor and a builder.

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994.09             NEWNHAM AMENITY ASSOCIATION

Cllr D Cooke reported that the latest Constitution is dated May 2002.  At present there is still no-one interested in becoming Chairman.  He will invite Mrs P Alexander to attend the next meeting to discuss possible ways of keeping the Association active.

995.09             ROYAL MAIL COLLECTION BOX

The Clerk reported that Royal Mail are progressing the installation which should take place within the next two months.

996.09             WNDC ENQUIRY

Cllr H Ferguson circulated copies of the submission to be made to the Inspectorate.  The Enquiry will be adjourned on Wednesday for three months.  A more detailed report will be submitted at the next meeting.

997.09             VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

Cllr H Ferguson advised that when his involvement with the WNDC Enquiry reduces he will be organising a meeting of the Steering Group.

998.09             CORRESPONDENCE

a)         Rubble in Churchyard – Cllr J Lawrence reported that the handyman had done an excellent job in clearing the area.

b)         NCC Highways Dept – Maintenance of public rights of way - A letter has been received stating that the two areas concerned had been inspected and maintenance is not currently required however grass mowing will take place in the summer.

 c)        The Nuttery – Rough Sleeper – A report of someone possibly sleeping rough had been received by the Clerk.  This will be referred to the PCSO.

999.09             NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

No report was available.

1000.09           PLANNING

a)         General Information on Planning Applications – As requested the Clerk had obtained guidance from the Planning Department, Daventry District Council.  The Clerk had taken further information from the Working With Your Council training book, which was circulated.

The Clerk further advised that the correct procedure for considering Planning Applications is either at a Committee meeting or delegate responsibility; this would need to be written to Standing Orders.  It was RESOLVED that the Clerk be delegated to respond to applications

b)         DA/2009/0074 – Removal of tree within a Conservation Area – Hilltop, Church Street – No objections or observations were made,

c)         DA/2009/0046 – Two storey side extension – Rambler Cottage – The application has been approved

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d)         Request from Preston Capes Parish Council – The Parish Council had some planning concerns regarding the lack of activity, sense of urgency, and attitudes being taken by Daventry District Council Planning Department and requested support from other local councils in a joint submission expressing the concerns.  The Clerk was asked to obtain further information.

1001.09           HEALTH AND SAFETY

a)         Risk Assessments – The Clerk advised that on reviewing previous Minutes it had been resolved to have an annual tree inspection, this had not been undertaken for at least 3 years.  It was RESOLVED that the Clerk arrange for a new survey.

b)         Churchyard – A response from the PCC indicated that the Parish Council has responsibility for the steps and handrail to the tower.  The Clerk was instructed to obtain a quote from N & J Draper and Cllr Lawrence will also ask Martyn Parratt is he is able to undertake this when he carried out work to the parapet.

c)         Repairs to churchyard wall – The handyman has indicated he is able to do this repair.

1002.09           HIGHWAY MATTERS

a)         Gully Cleaning – The Clerk is still trying to obtain dates.

b)         Response from Street Doctor re Newnham Hill – There has been no response since October and the Clerk will contact them again.

c)         Flower Beds - A new flower tub has been placed on the Badby Road at the entrance to the village and further one will be placed near West Brook.

1003.09           PARKING ON THE GREEN

Cllr D Cooke reported that there have been incidents of inconsiderate parking and there is a need for more “No Parking On The Green” signs.  The Clerk was asked to obtain a price for 6 signs.

1004.09           WAR MEMORIAL

On-going.

1005.09           FINANCIAL

On a proposal from the Chairman it was RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid.

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

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c)         Monies Received - £185.00 from John Ward, Funeral Directors, in respect of the late Mrs Isles.

d)         Burial Ground – It was unanimously RESOLVED that the interment fees be increased by £10.

e)         Presentation of Accounts – The Clerk advised she was considering a change in the way accounts were presented. 

1001.09           SOCIETY OF LOCAL COUNCIL CLERK CONFERENCE DATES

The Clerk requested permission to attend the Regional Conference in June at Quorn.  It was unanimously RESOLVED that approval be given.

The National SLCC Conference will be held at Staverton Park Conference Centre in October.  This will also be open to Councillors.  The Clerk requested permission to attend at least one day of the Conference and it was RESOLVED that this request be approved.

1002.09           FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

The Clerk advised that she is working on preparation of some of the policies required by the Guide to Publication which forms part of the Freedom of Information Act.

1003.09           REPORT ON PROPOSED POLICING PLAN

A report prepared by Northamptonshire Police and Northampton Police Authority was tabled.

1004.09           ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING

There no specific items raised.

1005.09           DATE OF NEXT MEETING

6^th April 2009 at 7.30.p.m.

The meeting closed at 9.00.p.m.