PC Minutes 2004

Parish Council Minutes
Held on 26th October 2004 at 7.30 at Pittams Farm

Present
Mrs H Wickham (Chairman)
Miss A Marshall
Mrs K Kappler
Mr Miller
Mr P King

Members of the Public: One

612. Apologies
Mr R Wilson
Mr P Featherstone

613. Matters Arising
Tree Warden Mr Elcoat is considering the position and researching the responsibilities that it entails. It is hoped he will take on this role. SC29 Mr Jones is not happy regarding the way this area is to be left. Mr Wilson is believed to be reluctantly resigned to the fact. A letter to be sent reiterating the discontent felt. A copy to be forwarded to Mr Ben Smith and the landowners. Junction of The Lane/ High Street, Golden Gravel, Street Names and signposts. All these issues have been taken up with NCC and the respective departments. At present they have not offered a reply or any proposals. Neighbourhood Watch It is a concern that crime reports received on WIZ are invariably of the nature where by the elderly or people living alone are targets. Unfortunately these residents may not have access to WIZ and are therefore not informed of their possible vulnerability. Proposed as message put on WIZ asking for its subscribers to help keep their neighbours informed of these news items. The Parish Council would like feedback from WIZ subscribers in order to endeavour to ensure all residents have this information passed onto them. Clerk Vacancy The clerk of Lois Weedon showed interest, and an enquiry was received from a resident of Slapton. However neither one was in a position to take this role on. Miss Marshall will post an advert to the webs site and again on WIZ and for the newsletter. The chairman to approach other local parish clerks. Firework Display Due to the Village Hall closure this year’s display had to be cancelled. Miss Marshall to produce a letter for the newsletter giving a report on the hall.

614. Planning Applications

S/2004/1177/P
Change of use redundant farm building – Manor Farm, Wappenham This application was approved without any comments to be added.

S/2004/1371/P
Erection of new livestock building. – Furrow Hill Farm, Abthorpe Road, Wappenham.

S/2004/1372P
Conversion of redundant barn to agricultural dwelling – Furrow Hill Farm, Wappenham.

S/2004/1373/AG
Storage building for hay/straw – Furrow Hill Farm, Abthorpe Road Wappenham. These applications were accompanied by a long report, read and considered by all the councillors. Mr King made the following observation regarding the application as a whole. The site is 40 acres and cannot support 400 ewes plus 60 cows and calves, plus 580 lambs for a whole year. This needs to be reflected in the calculation for the Standard Man Days on the unit. Assuming cows and calves on site all year, while sheep on site for 2 months of the year at lambing time. This would then not make this a fulltime job on this particular site, however taking into consideration other parcels of land owned/rented by applicant it would. The Chairman raised concerns of the site being within the 2Km distance of a Special Scientific Interest Site.(Eileen White’s fields) On measuring this would appear to be the case. Miss Marshall visited the site and reported there is evidence of owls roosting in one of the existing farm building’s. An agricultural dwelling exists, (Whiteways) questioning the need for another agricultural dwelling. Concerns with regards to unsightly utilities, and light pollution especially in the winter months. The site entrance is on a nasty bend outside of the 30mile speed restriction. Unclear what materials to be laid on the surface. Concern of mud and/or loose gravel on the road-surface on this dangerous bend. Mr Miller propose the applications be returned with observations, agreed unanimously.

S/2004/1371/P
Erection of new livestock building. In addition to the above comments this application shows inconsistent information regarding materials to be used for the roof, and different materials to those proposed for S/2004/1373/AG. The height of the building would be visible from the road and the village.

S/2004/1372P
Conversion of redundant barn to agricultural dwelling. In addition to the above comments this application lacked enough details regarding the new building. Objection to this application proposed Mr Miller seconded Mrs Kappler and carried unanimous. S/2004/1139/P – Revision to window & door openings. This application was approved without any comments to be added. Renewal of Public Entertainment Licence – Wappenham Village Hall. This application was approved without any comments to be added.

615. Village Action Plan/ Web site.
A draft action plan is to be circulated amongst the councillors. Feedback required for the Action Plan Committee.

616. Correspondence
The Chairman had received a letter regarding the public order notice on the green lane, SC40. This order is soon to expire without any evidence of work or alterations to gates being completed. Concern over the access to other footpaths due to this closure. Miss Marshall to contact NCC to investigate what will be happening.

617. Finance
Second precept payment has been received. A cheque was signed to transfer funds from the current account to the investment account. Following the external audit, matters concerning variations in the previous two years accounts were raised. The council approved a letter explaining these which will be sent to the audit company by the clerk.

618. Any Other Business
Figs and falling leaves from the fig tree have caused a hazard to pedestrians. The chairman and Miss Marshall have been checking the situation, and clearing the path when necessary.The Millennium Oak was discovered leaning after some strong winds. Mr Elcoat gave advice and the tree has now been staked. Village Hall grants have been received and a Village Hall Action sub committee has been formed to move the project forward. Building work on the toilet block is proposed for commencement in the early new year, looking to be completed in the Spring. Mr Miller expressed concern that due to the increased level of planning applications other issues concerning the village are not getting the due attention from the Councillors.

619. Date of next meeting Tuesday 14th December 2004 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. (Subject to alteration)

• The village history to be returned to its original place in the design statement.
• Affordable Housing recommendations in the design statement are not consistent to the findings of the questionnaire.
• A new preface to the document to be written
• The design principles should be the opening of the design statement.

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of
WAPPENHAM PARISH COUNCIL Held on 14th December at 7.30 in the Village Hall

Present
Mrs H Wickham (Chairman) 
Mrs K Kappler
Mr R Wilson
Mr P Featherstone
Miss A Marshall  
Mr P King

635. Apologies
Mr Miller

636. Planning Application – Village Hall Wappenham
Comments made: No floor plan -Inadequate information supplied

Miss Marshall explained plans were submitted as required by SNC, exterior plans showing before and after, internal work only requires building regs. Application to be approved without any comments/observations. Proposed Mr Wilson, seconded Miss Kappler carried unanimously.

637. Finance
Budget looked at for 2005-2006.  Mr Featherstone proposed Precept to remain unchanged.  The clerk to be reimbursed for telephone and admin expenses.  Mr Featherstone proposed £5.00 per quarter for telephone costs and paper/ printer cartridge on presentation of receipts.  Seconded Mrs Kappler carried unanimously. 

638. A.O.B.
Mr Featherstone reported Mr Elcoat has accepted the post of tree warden in principle.  He will be attending the next PC meeting to finalise position and clarify responsibilities. The chairman reported inspecting the Chestnut tree on the Knob having bark peeling.  Mr Featherstone to report to Mr Elcoat.

Mr Wilson observed the speed camera in Abthorpe.  Mr Featherstone reported he had stopped and spoken to the residents operating it.  The requirements are 12 residents to attend training with South Northants Police.  Two locations to be nominated in the village and the ‘speed gun’ would be available for 2 weeks per year.  The parish council to discuss this option for Wappenham at the next meeting.  Believed the questionnaire results showed 50% of residents indicated speeding not an issue in the village.  A request on WIZ to ascertain volunteer level in order for the Parish Council to determine the support on this matter

639. Date of next meeting Tuesday 15th February at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.