NEWNHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 7^th September 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.

PRESENT:                             Chairman            Mr D Messenger

                                                Councillors         Mr D Cook

                                                                                Mr H Ferguson

                                                                                Mr J Lawrence

                                                                                Mr T Regan

                                                                                Mr W Nunneley (at 8.10.p.m.)

                                                Clerk                     Mrs M R Money

One member of the public was also present.

At this point the Chairman congratulated the Clerk on achieving her Working With Your Council Certificate.

1090.09 APOLOGIES

Cllr A Wade, District Councillor T Scott and County Councillor R W Brown.

The Chairman advised that Cllr W Nunneley had requested permission to be absent from the meeting until discussion of Agenda Items 13 (b) and (c) Planning  - Planning Application DA/2009/0440 Land adjacent to Dunster – had been completed.  The Chairman requested permission to change the Agenda order to take Planning immediately after Agenda Item 4 – Public Time.  He also proposed that Agenda Items 7, 9 and 10 could be dealt with as one  item.  It was RESOLVED that these changes be approved.

1091.09 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interests were declared.

1092.09 TO SIGN AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 6^th JULY 2009

On a proposal by Cllr D Cooke it was RESOLVED that subject to a minor amendment the Minutes be approved and signed.

1093.09 PUBLIC TIME

The Chairman said he was aware that Mr J Edwards was interested in the availability of allotments and invited him to open the discussion.  Mr Edwards said he was aware of a number of other residents wanting allotments.  The Clerk said initially there had to be written requests from at least 6 residents before the Council was duty bound to make every effort to provide them.  However, if land was not available and the Council could prove it had tried everything possible then it did not have to provide allotments.  Mr Edwards expressed concerns about the old allotment site off Coronation Road.  He offered to leaflet drop residents to get an idea of interest and the Clerk would also put a notice in the notice board.  When the level of interest is known the Council will decide on the appropriate action to take.

Mr Edwards left the meeting.

1094.09 PLANNING

Decisions

b) DA/2009/0440 – Construction of dwelling, garage and shared access with adjacent property – Land adjacent to Dunster – Application withdrawn.

c) Letter from Mr M Rushall re: the above – Councillors considered the letter and RESOLVED that it should be retained on file with all the papers relating to the planning application.

The meeting was adjourned to allow Cllr W Nunneley to be contacted.

Cllrs W Nunneley arrived at 8.10.p.m. and the meeting was re-convened.

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d) DA/2009/0468 – Work to trees on The Green – Approved.

e) DA/2009/0460 –  The Laurels, Poets Lane -Demolition of existing lean to kitchen and construction of two storey extension including rooms in roof – Approved.

Applications Received

a) DA/2009/0628 – Outline application for single storey dwelling – Land adjacent to Broughton House, Preston Capes Road – There were no comments.

1095.09 DDH Community Environmental Improvement Budget

The Clerk advised that an application for new play equipment had been submitted and was being considered.

1096.09 USE OF EMPOWERMENT FUNDING

The Clerk advised that County Councillor R W Brown had indicated a maximum of £2000.

Cllr D Cook said three signs at the entrances to the village saying “Welcome to Newnham” or similar, would cost a total of £1260.  An additional quote had also been received for repair of the steps leading to the Church tower, in the sum of £350, the original quote being in the sum of £565 plus VAT.  Cllr J Lawrence said he would like to put these two quotes before the Parochial Church Council as a matter of courtesy.

It was RESOLVED that the Clerk apply for funding for both items.

1097.09 WEEDON/FLORE BYPASS CONSULTATION

Cllrs D Messenger and H Ferguson had attended a consultation meeting, a summary of which had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting.  The consultation had come about partly as a result of the Enquiry.  Several surveys will take place to assess traffic flow and various options for improving the junction will be considered.  It is important to find out the views of Newnham residents as well as carrying out traffic surveys ourselves.

Northamptonshire County Council Highways Department and the Highways Agency agree that the A5/A45 junction would be unable to cope with an increased traffic flow.  The Chairman reported that WNDC is looking at a compromise solution for the junction.

1098.09 WNDC/DVT

The Chairman reported that the Enquiry ended at the beginning of July and the Inspectors are nowpreparing their report for submission to the Secretary of State.

At the last Council meeting the Quinquennial Review of Urban Development Corporations was referred to and it was resolved to leave this Council’s response to DVT.  There are differing views between members of DVT and it is therefore necessary to refer the issue back to Councillors.  After discussion when it was felt that WNDC should continue it was RESOLVED that the Chairman and Cllr H Ferguson should submit an appropriate response.

1099.09 WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE JOINT CORE STRATEGY CONSULTATION

Cllr H Ferguson advised that this document proprosed development along the north side of the A45.  Daventry

Is an area nominated by Government for development.  It was RESOLVED that Cllr Fergson be authorised to complete the questionnaire.

1100.09 CORRESPONDENCE

a) Annual Day Conference Highway Representative – The Clerk will attend the initial meeting on 9^th December and report back to Council.

b) BT invitation to adopt local red telephone kiosk – Before a decision is reached residents will be asked for their views.

 c) NCC Various Byways (Daventry District) (Prohibition of Driving) Order 2009.  The Lcerk advised this related to Byway EZ17. Comprising approximately 490 metres that runs in a generally north westerly direction from Dodford parish boundary at the junction of EN12 at grid reference 459910/261470 to the Norton parish boundary, north east of Burntwalls Farm at grid reference 459470/261670.

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1101.09 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The Chairman reported that he was still waiting to hear from Mrs Krawcyzk.

1102.09 HEALTH & SAFETY

a) Risk Assessments – No risk assessments have been received.

b) RoSPA Report – The report classed the play surface as an area of High Risk which needed pressure washing. The Clerk was asked to find a company able to do this.

1103.09 HIGHWAY MATTERS

a) Potholes Newnham Hill Bend – The Clerk advised the work was scheduled for completion within 28 days from 25^th August.

1104.09 GRASS MOWING CONTRACT

The Clerk advised that this is due for renewal.  She was authorised to invite tenders.  A notice will be placed in the noticeboard.

1105.09 NO PARKING SIGNS – VILLAGE GREEN

Cllr D Cook advised that the quote from Nordis was in the sum of £75 each sign plus £65 installation. No decisions were made at this time.

1106.09 WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk reported an application had been submitted.

1107.09 FINANCIAL

a) Accounts – On a proprosal by the Chairman it was RESOLVED the following accounts be paid.

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

c) Monies Received - £95 in respect of the interment of the cremated remains of Mrs Betty Ann Hall.

d) Budget 2010/2011 – The Clerk advised that she has started work on the Budget and raised concerns about the lack of bank interest.   Various options will be investigated.

1108.09 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT NEXT MEETING

There were none.

1109.09 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Monday 5^th October 2009 at 7.30.p.m. in the Village Hall.  Cllr H Ferguson tendered his apologies.

The meeting closed at 9.45.p.m.