NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 5^th October 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.

PRESENT:                             Chairman            Mr D Messenger

                                                Councillors         Mr D Cook

                                                                                Mr J Lawrence

                                                                                Mr W Nunneley

                                                Clerk                     Mrs M R Money

Two members of the public were also present.

1110.09 APOLOGIES

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

1111.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interests were declared.

1112.09 TO SIGN AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7^th SEPTEMBER 2009

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

1113.09 VACANCY FOR PARISH COUNCILLOR

Efforts are still being made to find someone to fill the vacancy.

1114.09 PUBLIC TIME

Allotments were the only issue to be discussed.

1115.09 ALLOTMENTS

The Clerk reported that she had received five letters expressing interest.  Mr Edwards confirmed that he had undertaken a letter drop in an attempt to ascertain the level of interest.  He said he was aware of at least one other person interested in having an allotment.  Various sites which would be suitable were discussed and Councillors will make approaches  to the land owners to see if it is possible to acquire land.  The Clerk will write to Daventry & District Housing again to point out the level of interest already expressed by potential allotment holders.

1116.09 TELEPHONE KIOSK

Since the last meeting the Clerk has contacted Daventry Planning Department who confirm that whilst the objection to BT remains in place and BT have confirmed that as long as this is the situation the telephone kiosk will remain operational.  The Clerk also advised that there would be other costs and aspects for attention if consideration should ever be given to adopting the kiosk.

1117.09 USE OF EMPOWERMENT FUNDING

The Clerk advised that a grant of £2500 is being made for improvement work on signage in the village and repairs to the church steps.  The necessary paperwork has been completed.

1118.09 DAVENTRY VILLAGES TOGETHER REPORT

The Chairman reported that DVT have responded with qualified support for the continuation of WNDC.

399

1119.09 CORRESPONDENCE

a) NHS Delivering the Future – Public Engagement Workshops – The Clerk read out a letter giving details of dates and venues.

b) DDH Play Project – A letter has been received requesting further details of this.  It was RESOLVED that this should be passed to Cllr A Wade for action.

c) Village Hall – The Chairman read a report from Paul Ettridge, Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee, advising of progress.

d) NCC Consultation on proposal to operate a permit scheme in accordance with Traffic Management Permit Scheme (England) Regulation 2007 on its Highway Network – Tabled.

1120.09 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The Chairman reported that he is still waiting to hear from Mrs N Krawyczk.

1121.09 PLANNING

a) DA/2009/0685 – Refurbishment of properties to include re-cladding of external walls – 15/17/18 & 20 Coronation Road – The only observation was whether the privately owned properties in the road had been asked if they wanted similar work done on condition that they paid for it.

b) DA/2009/0691 -  Change of use of garage to self contained living accommodation ancillary to the existing dwelling – 3 Weedon Road – Concerns were expressed about the development and the Clerk was authorised to write to the Planning Department with the following comments:

i.                     There is a total lack of information on the drawings both in detail and position of the application.

ii.                   The proximity of trees to the building.

iii.                  The position of the septic tank is positioned on or near a natural spring and any overflow could end up in a watercourse.

iv.                 The lack of consultation with neighbours.

v.                   Are there 2 or 4 cars to be parked in this area.

vi.                 A site visit should be arranged.

The Chairman reported that copies of 2 letters of objection sent to the Planning Department had been received by the Council but had not been seen by all Councillors.

c) DA/2009/0561 – Newnham Grounds Farm – Certificate of lawfulness for occupation in breach of agricultural workers condition – Application refused.

1122.09 HEALTH & SAFETY

a) Play Area – As requested the Clerk had obtained a quote for cleaning the play surface.  A quote for £150 had been received.  The company had requested a meeting with a Councillor prior to taking any action .  It was RESOLVED that this matter be passed to Cllr A Wade.

1123.09 HIGHWAY MATTERS

No issues were raised.

1124.09 GRASS MOWING CONTRACT

The Clerk advised that three companies would be submitting tenders which had to be in by 31^st October.

400

1125.09 NO PARKING SIGNS – VILLAGE GREEN

This now comes within the scope of the Empowerment Funding.

1126.09 WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk reported that the application had been returned as the Planning Department required a considerable amount of further detail which would cost a considerable amount of money to obtain.  After discussion it was RESOLVED that the application should not proceed.

1127.09 FINANCIAL

a) To approve payment of outstanding accounts

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

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

c) Monies Received – No money had been received during the month.

d) Budget 2010/2011 – The draft budget had been circulated prior to the meeting.  After discussion it was RESOLVED that the budget should be approved with an increase of £500 in the Precept.

e) Audit Report – The Clerk reported on the audit findings pointing out that the only issue raised was that in future the effectiveness of the internal audit should be reviewed and minuted annually.  The Clerk was asked to ensure that this was carried out.

1128.09 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING

Report by Councillor H Ferguson on Section 106 training.

1129.09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 2^nd November 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.45.p.m.