PC Minutes 2005

Present
Mrs H Wickham (Chairman)
Mrs K Kappler
Mr R Wilson
Mr P Featherstone

641.Planning Application - S/2004/1782/P
Barn for stables, hay-store, tackroom, workshop and tractor store. – Priesthay Wood Farm, Wappenham Road, Syresham – Observations:

Only pony stables – too small for horses
Safe access from tack room through hay store would be restricted.
Proposed approve the application making the above observations by Mr Miller, seconded Mr Wilson and carried unanimously.

642. Date of next meeting Tuesday 15th February at 7.30pm in the VillageHall

This item to be carried forward to the next meeting for further comment once all the councillors have viewed the document.

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

645. Matters Arising
Road Closures –The Chairman read a letter received from Mrs Szczerbowski as an introduction, as it reflected the general feel of the issue. Following an introduction of all the Wappenham councillors Mr Miller introduced the Atkins representatives and the meeting was opened for questions from the floor. Questions were raised from Wappenham residents and neighbouring village residents and their Parish Councils. A full report on this is attached. Mr Miller will send a copy of this report detailing the issues raised which will be sent to County Council and copied to Atkins. (Report to follow) Members of the public left following this debate and the meeting continued in the presence of 2 members of the public.

646. Mr Paul Elcoat agreed to the position of Tree Warden. He would like to ‘digitally map’ the trees within the Parish. Miss Marshall to request a digital map from SNC for Mr Elcoats’ use. Following reports of the condition of the bark on the Chestnut tree on the Knob, Mr Elcoat agreed to look at it.

647. One member of the public left, the meeting continued in the presence of 1 member of the public.

648. Planning Applications – Toilet extension to the Village Hall, Wappenham – the councillors had looked at this application. It was returned to SNC supporting the application with the observation that 3 toilets seemed to be excessive for the village hall.

649. S/2003/0086/P
Single storey extension to both sides of dwelling- 3 Helmdon Road, Wappenham – Observed the amendment showed an additional window & indentation on a wall. Mr Featherstone proposed approval of the plans without observations; Miss Marshall seconded and carried unanimously.

650. Clarrisa House – a previous application submitted to the Parish Council has been opposed. Following this, the Chairperson received a letter from the applicants advising the application had been withdrawn. This letter will be circulated to the councillors, the chairperson advised the council the application is to be resubmitted & the applicants would be notified of the date on which the plans will be discussed. (Ref 8/11/04)

651. The Chairperson received correspondence – a letter concerning constant surface water laying on Brookside. The resident is seeking to get this problem resolved and request the support of the Parish Council in the matter. The Chairperson spoke to Mr Woodhouse, the contact given by the resident, and a site meeting will take place on Friday 18/02/05. A letter to request this matter is resolved will sent by the Parish Council.

Highways Parish Representative Meetings – the meetings are held monthly at various venues. Mr Miller will attend the meeting in March and will advise on the possibility of Wappenham being the venue for one of the autumn meetings.

Pre- Budget Council Tax – Mr Featherstone wrote to SNC/NCC in response to a pre-budget communication requesting feedback. The council thanked Mr Featherstone for another excellent letter written on behalf of the council taxpayer of the Parish.

653. Following the letter to SNC regarding important open areas in the village a copy of a reply sent to Mr Levinson was received. The Parish Council feels SNC are determined on the points raised. Mr King to report back to the Village Action Plan Committee.

654. Finance – Cheque signed for the clerk for last quarter’s clerical duties and including telephone & stationery expenses as advised. (Ref. 637)

655. A.O.B – Following an accident happening in the playground the parents of the child wrote to the Parish Council and the Recreation Committee. The Recreation Committee have held an emergency meeting to discuss this accident and all the ‘freestanding’ equipment i.e. goal posts are to be removed from the ground. If at any time they are replaced, it will only be with fixed equipment. Regular safety checks are to be implemented by the Recreation Committee – Miss Marshall recommends a log of inspections be kept for reference. The recreation Committee are considering the option of making a bid to purchase the land for the playground. Mr Miller asked the Parish Council to consider supporting this bid and incorporating the Recreational Committee into the Parish Council. The main benefit being insurance cost. Mr King proposed supporting the idea in principle, Mr Miller to report back as the matter progresses.

Eileen Whites tree to be marked, possible option to be a plaque. The Parish Council to discuss further at next meeting.

Following the clerk’s resignation in October a new clerk has not been found. The clerk had advised the chairperson that regrettably this meeting would have to be her last. All correspondence will be redirected to the chairperson and Miss Marshall will take the minutes until a new clerk has been appointed. Mr Featherstone expressed his thanks to the clerk for continuing in post since her resignation, and recognised the need to move on. All the councillors supported Mr Featherstone’s comments.

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of
WAPPENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Held on Tuesday 1 March 2005 at 7.30om in the Village Hall

Present
Mrs H Wickham (Chairman)
Mr R Wilson
Mr P Featherstone
Mr P King
Mr J Miller

652March. Planning Application - S/2005/0167/P
Extend existing single storey and building above to form a two storey extension at Holly Cottage 12 High Street

There was a short discussion with the owner of the property - the previous application had been approved by the Parish Council. Mr Miller proposed the application be supported, seconded by Mr Featherstone and carried unanimously.

653March. Planning Application - S/2003/0178/P
Change of use of agricultural land to garden - 2 Poplar Rise.

Discussions took place regarding the boundary fencing - the owners asking if the Council had any preferences. Mr Miler proposed the application be supported, seconded by Mr Wilson and carried unanimously.

654March. Any Other Business
An amended planning application relating to S/2004/1139/P Conversion of barns to offices and ancillary accommodation including changes to external appearance (the building up of one arch opening and reduction in size of first floor gable window) was discussed and approved unanimously. Notice to placed on the board and the plans to be circulated to absentee councillors.

It was agreed Chairman should try and contact Peter Gould (NCC) regarding the lack of any action on the flooding on Brookside.

Mr Miller to contact Atkins regarding the condition of the new roadway at Hollyblue Farm.

A letter from TADS requesting support for new offices in Towcester was discussed and it was agreed a letter should be sent.

655March. Date of next meeting Tuesday 12 April 2005 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Meeting closed at 8.10pm.

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of
WAPPENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Held on Tuesday 12th April at 7.30 in the Village Hall

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

657. Minutes of last meeting: Minutes of meetings on 15th January and 1st March 2005 were agreed and will be signed at the next meeting, when the minute book is available.

658. Matters Arising
Thanks were extended to Mr Miller who undertook correspondence with Atkins. Mr Miller will retain all relevant correspondence for future reference. He had a meeting with Atkins regarding the state of the road near Holly Blue Farm. They stated that they were happy with verges and road met required quality standards. If the verges are damaged in future, Atkins will be contacted again.

It has been reported by residents at Brookside that Anglian Water has finally attended to the matter of surface water and that the origin was traced to a leak near Mrs Peart’s house. Further work is believed to be scheduled.

Village Action Plan: Mr King reported that the issue of ‘important open spaces’ is nearing resolution. The spaces in question will be identified as being of significant importance to the village but will not be officially designated as Important Open Spaces.

659. Appointment of Clerk
It was proposed by Mrs Wickham, seconded by Mr Featherstone that a letter of formal appointment be sent to Michael Payne, backdated to 4th April 05. Salary is to be £500 per annum, with £5 per quarter payable to cover telephone costs. Stationery and consumables to be reimbursed on presentation of receipts. The vote was carried unanimously.

660. Planning Applications: Nos/2004/1139/P
Home Farm, Wappenham and S/2005/0255/P Priesthay Wood Farm. Both were supported unanimously.

661. Proposed Diversion of Footpath
A letter and map has been received from SNC, showing a proposed diversion to footpath SC39. As no reason was given for the proposal the meeting felt unable to comment on it and reply to this effect to SNC. A discussion took place regarding the potential enlargement of some gardens in the village, as pieces of hitherto agricultural land are incorporated into those which border fields. The above letter to SNC will express our general opposition to any proposals which may be made in the future to extend the building line into such gardens.

662. Footpath SC39, along with SC31, is not currently marked. The footpath warden will ask the landowner to undertake marking of these when he marks the other paths on this filed.

663. Correspondence
David Gill, the Parish Council Clerk for many years, has written offering his assistance, should it be required by our new clerk. This was much appreciated.

664. Finance
The internal audit has been completed by Diane Isaacs. The recommendations she has made are noted and will be complied with. The chairman has received an invoice relating to overdue audit fees from HLB. This will be thoroughly looked into before payment as we are unaware of the work referred to.

Insurance: A renewal invoice for £314.04 has been received from Allianz Cornhill. This is due on 1st June and will be presented for payment at the AGM.

Funds transfer: A transfer from Investment Account to Current Account of £300 to pay Lynn Colby, the previous clerk was proposed by Mr J Miller and seconded by Mr P King.

665. Any other business
Footpath on the Knob: Atkins will be asked to lay golden gravel on this path. This work has been promised and is still outstanding.

Hire of Village Hall: The Village Hall hire costs have been increased and now include use of electricity. It has been suggested by the Village Hall Committee that the Parish council should increase the fees paid in line with this move. Mr Featherstone proposed that £80 should be paid to cover the whole year. This was seconded my Mr Miller. The vote was carried with one abstention and one vote against.

Village Hall liaison: Miss Marshall has resigned from the Village Hall Committee but will continue to undertake a liaison role. With work due to start on the Village Hall in the next 2 weeks, Miss Marshall will establish the suitability of the Hall for the forthcoming AGM and Annual Assembly.

Annual Assembly: In an effort to encourage input from the village, Miss Marshall agreed to put a note onto WIZ well in advance, asking for items for the agenda.

Next meeting is the AGM following the Annual Assembly on 18th May (to start no later than 21.30)

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of
Wappenham Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 3rd May at 7:30 in the Village Hall

Present
Mrs H Wickham (Chairman)
Mr J Miller
Mr R Wilson
Mr P King
Miss A Marshall

Apologies
Kirsten Kappler
Paul Featherstone

5 Members of the public were present for the discussions concerning the planning application

666. Due to the representatives from the village attending the meeting it was decided that item number 4 on the agenda would be discussed first.

10m Telegraph pole structure with integral antenna, equipment cabinets and ancillary development.

Hilary Wickham read out Paul Featherstone’s email of 3rd May in his absence. Mr Featherstone expressed several concerns about the visual impact and the proposed siting of the telegraph pole. Hilary Wickham had also been in contact with Kirsten Kappler who had also expressed concerns about the location of the pole, and risks to neighbouring land. Anne Marshall had received representations from people living on Helmdon Road who also showed concerns about the mast, particularly the proposed location.

Hilary Wickham had been in touch with South Northamptonshire District Council who had informed her that the mast was going to erected on council land, and under current legislation did not need to go before a planning committee for approval. If the applicants had heard nothing by the 2nd June they were entitled to go ahead with the work without further consultation.

Hilary Wickham had been informed by Amanda Haisman at SNDC that a planning notification had been put up at the proposed site, however this had not been seen by any Councillors of Wappenham Parish Council.

Jonathon Miller proposed that the Parish Council send a letter to SNDC expressing the Council’s concerns at both the lack of notice for responding to the application, and the actual concerns about the visual impact of the telegraph pole. This was seconded by Roy Wilson.

ACTION: Michael Payne to write to SNDC voicing the Parish Council’s concerns about the planning application.

667. The minutes of the previous 2 meetings were agreed and signed. The minutes of the last meeting, held on 3rd April, need to be sent to the Clerk to have page numbers added, prior to being signed at the AGM on the 18th May.

668. Matters Arising
Hilary Wickham read out Michael Payne’s letter accepting the post of Clerk to the Parish.

Anne Marshall proposed that Michael Payne should approach ACRE to arrange a one-off ½ day course for New Parish Clerks. This was seconded by Jonathon Miller.

There had been no response from SNDC regarding Anne Marshall’s letter concerning footpath SC39.

Item no 665 from minutes of 12th April, it was agreed that Michael Payne will write to Atkins concerning the golden gravel on the footpath at the Knob, and requesting information as to when it will be completed.

669. Finance
It was agreed that the Parish Council will pay £80 to the Village Hall in advance for the use of the Hall for the financial year 2005/0.

The Parish Council will need to transfer some additional funds to cover insurance which is due at the beginning of June.Michael Payne will calculate how much needs to be transferred before the Annual Assembly on the 18 May.

ACTION: Michael Payne to arrange transfer of funds from savings account into the current account

670. Any Other Business
Anne Marshall had spoken to Colin Wickes concerning the footpaths, the meeting was informed that some work was going to be completed on the footbridges on the Abthorpe Road, and the fingerpost and stile were going to be replaced.

Anne Marshall informed the meeting that the potholes in Highbridge were getting worse, there were also potholes on High Street, Greenside and Rectory Way. Jonathon Miller will be contacting the ‘road doctor’ to let them know of the potholes.

ACTION: Jonathon Miller to contact the ‘Road Doctor’ to inform them of the location of the potholes in the village

Hilary Wickham expressed concern that nothing is being done to preserve trees in the village.

ACTION: Hilary Wickham to contact Paul Elcoat to see what is being done regarding Tree Preservation Orders.

Present
Paul Featherstone (Chairman)
Mrs H Wickham
Miss A Marshall
Mr M Payne (Clerk)

Apologies
Mrs K Kappler
Mr P King
Mr R Wilson
Mr J Miller

One member of the public present.

685. Minutes of the previous two Parish Council Meetings dated 12th April 2005 and 3rd May 2005 were signed off.

686. Mr Payne informed the Parish Council that he could find no correspondence relating to Atkins offering to relay the path on the Knob with golden gravel. It was agreed that Mr Payne would write to Atkins stating that he was new to the post of Clerk, and would like confirmation that Atkins would undertake this offer. The Parish Council will also ask if they would be willing to cover the pavement in the same material where Anglian Water have undertaken recent repairs outside 19 Greenside.

687. Planning Application No S/2005/0417/TC for a mobile telephone mast on Weedon Lois Road has now been refused. There may be an appeal, or a new planning application for a telegraph pole in a new location in the near future. This will need to be discussed at a Parish Council Meeting in the future if necessary.

688. Planning Application No S2005/0659/P
Bucks Cottage. Pittams Lane
This planning application was discussed by the Parish Council. There were no observations or comments sent by any Councillors who were unable to attend the meeting. Miss Marshall proposed that the Parish Council offered no objections to the planning application, this was seconded by Mrs Wickham and passed unanimously.

689. Playground
Mr Dene Ayres presented a draft letter which has been made to send to Cluttons, the agents representatives of the college who own the field where the playground is situated. The letter raised several concerns the Playground Association has over the financial situation of the Playground Association and offered several proposals which may help in ensuring the long term success and future of the playground.

A copy of the draft letter has been circulated to all Councillors, in order to evaluate the contents and be able to offer comments and/or advice at the next Parish Council meeting.

It was agreed that Mr Featherstone will contact Syresham Playground Association, or its equivalent, to see what system they have for managing and running the playground in Syresham.

690. Any Other Business
Miss Marshall noted that it would be helpful to new-comers if the Parish Council could produce a short guide to the village. This could take the form of an A4 piece of paper with the shop opening times, the nearest doctors, mobile library visiting times etc. Miss Marshall agreed to make a draft version for the next meeting in order to discuss more fully.

Miss Marshall noted that the road in School Lane was in a particularly bad state in places. There is one spot where it is clear that the tarmac is raised and cars are hitting the road surface with their undersides, as the tarmac is scuffed. It was recommended that Mr Miller contacts the "Road Doctor" to inform them of these problems.

Minutes of meeting of
Wappenham Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 12th July at 7:30 in the Village Hall

Present
Paul Featherstone (Chairman)
Mrs H Wickham
Mr J Miller
Mr R Wilson
Miss A Marshall
Mrs K Kappler
Mr P King
Mr M Payne (Clerk)

692. Matters Arising
A crack in the road on School Lane has been noted. Mr Miller will chase up the ‘Road Doctor’ to examine the state of the road, and undertake any necessary repairs.

Atkins have still not given a date for the proposed road closure on the Wappenham – Weedon Lois Road. Mr Miller will chase up Atkins, asking if the work can be done during the school holidays, were traffic is likely to be lighter than other times during the year.

Miss Marshall is working on the digitalised map, and will pass it to Mr Paul Elcoat when it is completed

693. Tree Report
Mr Elcoat gave his report to the Parish Council. The report is attached to the minutes. Please see appendix A

The fig tree outside the Chapel on High Street was raised as a cause for concern. Discussions about the future of the fig tree highlighted the different opinions held by residents of the village over the future of the fig tree. It was agreed that the tree should be trimmed this year, but at the Annual Assembly next year the future of the tree, whether it should be removed or not, should be put to the village. This was proposed by Mr Miller and seconded by Mr King, and passed unanimously. The future of the fig tree will be included in the Agenda for the Annual Assembly in 2006.

694. Village Playing Field
In Mr Ayres absence Mr Miller represented the Playing Field Committee. Mr Miller gave his account to the Parish Council, in which he let it be known that the Village Recreation Association will be short in their accounts due to a rise in their insurance cost from £189 to £438.34 per year – a rise of by 235%. The Committee will be writing to Cluttons, agents of the College who own the land, asking if they would be willing to sell the land to the Committee.

This is in order to have the long-term future of the playing field secured, and if successful in purchasing the playing fields transfer the Recreation Association into a sub-committee working under the Parish Council. This would lead to the insurance of the playing field being included under the Parish Council’s public liability insurance. Mr Payne informed the Council that Allianz-Cornhill had not returned his calls about increased costs. (Post meeting note: Allianz-Cornhill have informed Mr Payne that the Council’s public liability insurance will not increase, however, they need a breakdown of all the equipment in order to give a quote for insuring individual pieces of equipment in the playing field).

It was noted by the Council that if the proposed purchase of the playing field goes ahead, a clause will need to be included within the contract which will keep the space as a public amenity space. Mr Miller agreed that any covenants which need to be included within the contract can be incorporated into the negotiations.

Mrs Wickham proposed that the Parish Council support the Recreation Association’s letter to Cluttons, this was seconded by Mrs Keppler and carried unanimously.

695. Village Confines
The review by South Northamptonshire District Council over Village Boundaries was discussed by the Parish Council. There are two positions which the Parish Council have to address. The Parish Council agreed that the village is designated in the correct category, but the proposed new confines of the village need to be challenged.

The Parish Council examined the new proposals, and discussed which areas of the new confines should be agreed with, and which areas should be opposed. Mr Featherstone and Mr Payne will be co-ordinating a response to South Northamptonshire District Council, which will be circulated to other Council Members for comments prior to the response being sent out. There were several issues which need to be raised to South Northamptonshire District Council, particularly seeking justification for the proposed changes and asking that the village envelope, as put forward in the Village Design Statement, should be respected.

Mr Featherstone and Mr Payne will be circulating the proposed response to South Northamptonshire District Council to Parish Councillors over the next few days. Once an agreed response has been reached it will be sent to the District Council for their considerations.

695a. BT Payphone Consultation
The proposed changes to the BT Payphone were discussed by the Parish Council. It was agreed by the Councillors that the proposed change could be undertaken by BT, on the provision that the Grade II listed phone box was not removed.

Post-meeting note: Mr Payne has contacted BT, who have confirmed that the phone box will not be removed, the phone will be replaced with a cashless phone, from which emergency calls can be made, and free phone numbers can be called. Callers will need to have a phone card to make other calls, these phone cards can be bought from the post office.

696. Finance
Mr Payne informed the Parish Council that there were no invoices to pay.

The internal auditors are auditing the accounts on July 21st, Mr Payne invited any Councillors to attend the audit. Mr Featherstone offered to assist Mr Payne with any queries which may arise either before or after the audit.

697. Any Other Business
Mr Miller informed the meeting that the Village Fete would be going ahead this year, being managed by the Recreation Association. It will be held on 3rd September at the Old Rectory. The Parish Council thanked the Recreation Association for organising the fete.

Mrs Wickham requested that the Agenda be sent out on WIZ and put on the village noticeboard before the required 3 days notice, asking if the Agenda for future meetings could be circulated one week before the meeting. Mr Payne agreed that this is possible and will endeavour to get the Agenda out at least one week before future meetings.

The Parish Council was asked if more information could be included on future Agenda’s, giving more details about Planning Application etc. Mr Payne agreed that this is possible and will include more information where applicable.

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of
Wappenham Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 30th August at 7:30 in the Village Hall

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

699. Minutes of the previous two Parish Council Meetings dated 14th June 2005 and 12th July 2005 were signed off.

700. Matters Arising
The dialogue with Atkins is still ongoing. There has been no confirmation date set yet for the repairs work to be undertaken on the Wappenham-Weedon Lois Road. The Golden Gravel on the Knob still needs to be laid.

Post meeting note: Mr M Payne has spoken to Atkins concerning the golden gravel on the knob. Atkins will be reviewing their budget later in the year, they have stated that they are not in a position to confirm that they will definitely be able to undertake the work this financial year. They have, however, also said that they will not be able to undertake the work, but will need to check their budgets later in the financial year. The Clerk is awaiting further correspondence from Atkins.

Anglia Water have still to confirm what action is needed to be taken at Brookside, where there is a leak.

Mr Miller is to attend a public meeting with Atkins at Whittlebury in September.

The Minutes of previous meetings need to be sent to WIZ once they have been approved.

701. Planning Application S/2003/1436/P
Detached house with detached double car port and store. Amendment details: revised landscaping plan, including the erection of fencing. Location: Land adjacent 7-9 High Street, Wappenham. Application was supported. Proposed by Mr King, seconded by Mrs Wickham

702. Planning Application S2004/1372/P
Conversion of redundant barn to agricultural dwelling.Amendment details: revised window detail and internal layout. Location: Furrow Hill Farm. The application was supported by Mr King, seconded by Miss Marshall.

Change of use of land at rear of Shepherd Way from agricultural use to garden. Application proposed by Mr Miller, seconded by Miss Marshall.

704. Correspondence
There has been a diversion order received for footpath No SC39. Councillors commented that although they have no objections to this proposal, members of the public living close to the path to be diverted should be made aware that if they wish to comment they should write to Mr Laure Berruto at South Northamptonshire Council by 16th September.

The Councillors felt that the Burial Ground Survey which has been received should be dealt with by the Parish Church Council, and will be passed onto them for completion.

A discussion took place on whether the Parish Council should contribute towards the Towcester Area Door to Door. This charity co-ordinates voluntary drivers taking people to hospital for appointments etc. In 2004 the charity provided 23 journeys for residents of Wappenham. It was decided by the Parish Council that as no contributions had previously been made to charity it would be inappropriate to give a donation to this charity in this case, despite its evidently worthy nature.

706. Any Other Business
Village Design Statement – It was noted that changes to the village envelope have been notified to South Northamptonshire Council and will, if accepted, make the Village Design Statement inaccurate. Until the Parish Council has a decision from South Northamptonshire Council no amendments can be advised.

Mr Miller commented on the untidy way the bins, and especially the boxes, are left after refuse collection. The clerk is requested to write to South Northamptonshire Council asking for receptacles to be left tidy and for box lids not to be allowed to blow into the road, and for bins not to obstruct footpaths when empty.

Mrs Wickham congratulated Mr Featherstone on his first Parish Council update in the newsletter and for his kind words on her tenure of the Chairman’s role.

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of
Wappenham Parish Council
Held on Tuesday 18th October 2005 at 7:30 in the Village Hall

Mr P Featherstone (Chairman)
Mrs H Wickham
Mr R Wilson
Miss A Marshall
Miss K Kappler
Mr M Payne (Clerk)

707. Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 30th August were signed off.

708. Matters Arising It was noted that in the minutes of the meeting held on 12 July 2005 there were two items numbered 695. It was decided that the second item, on the BT Consultation, would be altered to be 695A. This was signed on the minutes by the Chairman. There was no news from Mr Miller concerning the road repairs by Atkins. It was noted that construction traffic appears to be using Pittams land for the planning application discussed under Item 703 in the minutes of 30th August. The application does not give vehicular access via Pittams lane, although it is believed that minor construction traffic may in the future use Pittams Lane. The Parish Council decided that it would keep a watch on developments.

709. Correspondence The Clerk has received a letter from Mrs Eliza Bond on Helmdon road, raising several points. Mrs Bond has asked if the minutes from the Parish Council can be circulated earlier than is presently being done. It was decided by the Parish Council that the minutes will be distributed to Councillors as soon as possible after the meeting, the Councillors will then have 10 days on which to comment on them. After this 10 day deadline has passed the minutes will be posted onto the village website and the shop notice board. Mrs Bond has also requested that the Parish Council petition the local authority to ban HGV lorries from driving through the village. It was held by the Parish Council that the road through the village is part of the designated A43 relief road, in case of an accident on the A43 and for the Grand Prix at Silverstone. Due to this designation of the road the Council believed it would be impossible to persuade the local authority to ban HGV lorries through the village. It was believed by the Council that the vast majority of HGV’s currently using the road through the village do so for access, and if there was a limitation on the use of the road, these vehicles would still be able to come through the village as access cannot be denied. ACTION: Mr M Payne to write to Mrs Bond to inform her of the councils decision The parish has received the Highways Act 1980 Section 119 Diversion Order 2005 for footpath SC39. The Clerk has been asked to write to the Council to deposit a copy of the footpath map at Towcester Library in order to make viewing the map by villagers more accessible.

710. Planning application S/2005/1122/P – Pittams Farm, Pittams Lane. Proposed change of use of outbuilding. Councillor Wickham left the meeting for discussions on this planning application. Miss Marshall noted that the access onto Pittams lane was not good, and that exiting Pittams Lane onto the High Street was awkward and potentially dangerous. Mrs Kappler proposed that the Parish Council approved the planning application with provisions, this was seconded by Miss Marshall. It was decided that the Parish Council would return the planning application to South Northamptonshire District Council, with the following comments ‘The Parish Council has concerns about the increase of traffic in the lane due to the poor visibility when exiting the lane onto the High Street’ This was carried unanimously.

711. Planning application S/2005/1372/P (Amended Plans) Furrow Hill The notes for this planning application are currently being held by Mr King. Due to his absence it was decided that the Parish Council would have a further 10 days in which to make comments, if it was found that substantive comments need to be made to South Northamptonshire District Council an extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council would be called.

712. Correspondence concerning the fig tree on High Street Mr Elcoat informed the council of concerns amongst several villagers that the fig tree was becoming an issue which needs to be addressed as a matter of relative urgency. It was felt by the Parish Council that before a definite decision can be made by any party, the utility company, which owns the telegraph pole by the fig tree, need to be contacted. As the utility company are major stakeholders in the effect the growth of the fig tree may have upon the maintenance and upkeep of their service to the village, their input is important in the decision making process. ACTION: Mr P Featherstone will contact the utility company to arrange a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the removal or retention of the fig tree.

713. Finance It has been noted by the external auditor that the Parish Council need to conduct an independent audit of the accounts, which need to be undertaken once a year, half way through the financial year, in September or October. ACTION: Mr Payne to contact Councillor Miller’s wife to see if she will be able to undertake this audit. The council agreed to pay Mr Payne’s salary for the first six months of his tenure. Miss Marshall proposed this and Mrs Wickham seconded it.

714. Any other Business Miss Marshall has started producing an A4 sheet to give to newcomers into the village to inform them of doctors’ surgeries, bus services etc. This is ongoing, Miss Marshall is being diligent in ensuring that all the information on the sheet is as accurate as possible, which has led to delays in producing the finished article Mr Wilson informed the council that the road on Rectory Road was deteriorating badly. It was agreed that Mr Miller should be asked to contact the Road Doctor in order to make the necessary repairs.

Present
Paul Featherstone (Chairman)
Mrs H Wickham
Mr J Miller
Miss A Marshall
Mrs K Kappler
Mr P King
Mr M Payne (Clerk)

717. Matters Arising
It was noted that following Mrs Eliza Bond’s letter discussed at the meeting in October, a kissing gate had been installed on the footpath by Brookside. Miss Marshall shall inform Mrs Bond

Mrs Wickham had received notification from South Northamptonshire that her planning application, No S/2005/1122/P, had been refused, although the Parish Council had not received the notification.

Mr Featherstone had contacted the utility company with regard to the fig tree. They have informed him that a tree specialist will visit within the next three months to evaluate the situation.

Mr Miller informed the Parish Council that his wife will be able to act as an independent auditor to audit the Parish Council’s account

718. Planning Application S/2005/1437/P
Elm Lodge Farm – Change of use and conversion of former agricultural buildings to Class B1 use

Mr Featherstone, Mrs Wickham and Mrs Kappler attended the informal meeting organised by Mr Colin Bullock on the 23rd November where he explained the rationale behind the planning application.

Mr Featherstone reminded the meeting that due to changes in government policy in recent months, the onus on planning application decisions for developments of this nature have changed. The development of affordable housing or developments which increase local employment can be considered outside the village envelope, however, these developments should not be allowed if they are going to damage the key structural elements of the village.

It was noted that the planning application for development sits outside the current village envelope. The Village Design Statement, Design Principle 4, states that any extension of the village envelope should only be considered where it could provide benefits to the village by providing affordable housing, local employment or other facilities which bring a benefit to the village.

Design Principle 23 states that old farm buildings, if adapted for new use, should be altered only if great care is taken to preserve their architectural and historical character and importance.

The meeting discussed the application with the applicant, Mr Bullock, and heard representation from Mrs Supple, whose property is adjacent to the proposed development. Mr Bullock made assurance to the meeting that concerns over lighting and increased traffic would be addressed.

The Parish Council agreed that the adaptation of the existing farm buildings would respect their historical character and that the proposed works to the buildings would not be detrimental to the character of the area surrounding the development.

The Parish Council agreed that the development could bring in employment to the area, and be a benefit to the local economic community; there were however, concerns about the location of the proposed car park for employees and visitors to the site when it was developed. The Parish Council also felt that the entrance to the development could be a hazard for traffic on the Weedon Lois Road.

The Parish Council felt that they could support the application, subject to the relocation of the car park, and requesting the local authority to move the 30mph speed limit further away from the village, with greater notification of the speed limit being apparent.

719. Road Closures
Mr Miller informed the meeting that the road repairs in and around Wappenham will be in two phases. The first phase will be the rehaunching of the road from Astwell Castle to the village boundary, the second phase will be the whole of the village.

The rehaunching works will take place by the end of March, the second phase will be sometime next year, although there is no clear date set at present for the works to commence.

Mr Miller confirmed that Atkins are aware to the problems they have created during works in previous years and will endeavour to limit the problems as much as possible.

The Parish Council felt that works carried out in school holidays would have the least detrimental effect on traffic, and will ask Atkins if the work can be carried out during one of the school holidays.

The Parish Council discussed the best ways in which the works progress and timetable could be conveyed to villagers. It was felt that a mail shot should be put through villagers doors to let them know when work is going to commence once the date is known, although until Atkins have confirmed the timetable there is very little the Parish Council can do.

Mr Miller confirmed that he will put a copy of the letter from Atkins, and a copy of the maps detailing the diversion routes, on the village shop notice board.

The Parish Council also discussed the possibility of having red asphalt put on the road on the way into the village to act as a reminder for people that they are entering a 30mph zone. Mr Miller will contact Atkins to see if this is possible. Mr Miller will also contact Atkins to see if there are any proposals to introduce speed limiters within the village.

720. Correspondence
A letter has been received from South Northamptonshire District Council explaining that they have spoken to the refuse collectors, who should be putting the bins back on the pavement in an orderly way, and that if the bins are put back in a disorderly way in the future to contact them again.

The Parish Council have also received confirmation from South Northamptonshire District Council that they have received the Parish Council’s comments on the proposed Village Confines and Important Open Spaces in line with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

The Parish Council have received a copy letter from Mr S Marston concerning some land he owns on Brookside, and asking South Northamptonshire District Council whether they would support affordable housing to be built on this land. The Parish Council discussed the letter and have written to Mr Marston explaining that whilst they support the development of affordable housing within the village envelope, this development falls outside the village, and would have an adverse impact on an important view of the village, as outlined in the Village Action Plan and Village Design Statement.

721. Date of Next Meeting
A planning application has been received, which was not received in time to be discussed at this meeting, therefore there will be a extraordinary meeting at the Village Hall on 20th December.

Present
Miss A Marshall (Vice Chairman)
Mrs H Wickham
Mr R Wilson
Mrs K Kappler
Mr P King
Mr M Payne (Clerk)

722. Planning Application S/2005/1439/P
Removal of farm building and replacement with stables/loose boxes with driveway and parking space at Spring Hill Farm

The proposed removal of a farm building at Spring Hill Farm was discussed by the Parish Council. The consensus of the parish council was that the alterations will not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area, there were, however a couple of points which the Parish Council felt should be addressed.

The Parish Council assumed that the proposed new stables would not be used for a commercial venture, and that traffic would not increase as a result of the alterations. The Parish Council also had concerns about the possible impact of moving the manure stack closer to the ditch, which may have an impact on the water course. The proposals included the use of either a dark grey or green roof covering for the new stables.

Mr King approved the application, seconded by Mrs Wickham, with the following conditions. The access should only be for private and personal use, rather than commercial use and the positioning of the manure stack could be reconsidered. The use of green roof covering has been used in other developments, which the Parish Council felt had an adverse visual impact on the surrounding area, the Parish Council, therefore would prefer to see the roof covering to be in dark grey.

723. Any Other Business
There has been a request from Mr Clive Watt that the agenda for meetings include the name of the applicants for any planning applications. The Parish Council felt that this was unnecessary, as the agenda contains the address and description for the planning application, and this was sufficient information for the needs.

Mrs Kappler informed the meeting that she has received comments from members of the community concerning the use of red asphalt on the roads as part of a traffic calming measure. The Parish Council acknowledged the concerns, and noted that there would be further consultations with Atkins before any works are undertaken in the future.