Parish Council Minutes 02/07/09

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on
Thursday 2nd July 2009

63. Present:

Cllrs Allen, (Chairman), Rootham (Deputy), Rowlett, Waller, Councillor Timms (Borough) and Alison McLaven (Clerk), Gillian Walton.

64. Apologies:

Were received and accepted from Cllr Miles.

65. Public Question Time:

There were no questions.

66. Minutes of meetings June 3rd and June 18th 2009

The Minutes of 3rd June were approved as a true and correct record, the meeting planned for 18th June did not take place as Councillor Allen was advised by the WBC Planning Officer that the planning application did not need a response within the 21 day period, as it would take longer to deal with. It should be noted that the application has now been designated invalid and a new application if made will be dealt with at that time.

67. Matters arising
67.1 The police surgery went well at the previous meeting. There will be a police surgery at the next meeting.

67.2 Councillor Rootham would like to put the issue of HGV’s violating the weight restrictions on the next agenda, this was agreed.

67.3 Councillor Timms was unable to meet the council request for an empowerment grant for additional grit bins. Discretionary funding does not permit spending on grit bins as the County Highways Department need to agree a site and should infact, provide and fill the bins. Clerk to email Dave Grindley to chase up previous emails with ref. to grit bins from Councillor Allen that have not been responded to.

67.4 52.5 There have been further formal complaints about the speed check area sign by the church, as it is a) sited on a conservation area b) has appeared in and therefore, spoiled wedding photographs and c) is a less appropriate site than Pytchley or Northampton Roads. In the absence of anyone claiming responsibility for siting the signs the Clerk to write to Highways, Borough and the Police and inform them it is our intention to move the signs to a different location 21 days from the date of the letter unless we are informed otherwise.

67.5 Councillor Allen had spoken to Mr Kilpin, Planning Officer regarding the unnecessarily, short time limit for planning applications created by the clerk often receiving applications up to a week later after the time of sending. Councillor Allen sought assurance that notification would be achieved promptly to enable considered responses within the 21 day time-frame. Mr Kilpin explained that the Planning Department would endeavour to ensure that applications were despatched early but also pointed out that the 21 day period was a minimum and if there were concerns relating to particular applications, Councillor Allen may contact Mike Kilpin with a view to extending the consultation period. Councillor Rootham asked if late letters to planning committee were given to planning hearings, Councillor Timms confirmed that the committee should be given them.

Councillor Timms will ask if it is possible for the plans to be emailed from the Borough so that more immediate scrutiny of applications may be achieved/

68. Councillor Timms
The North Ward officer, Mike Hayburn would be writing to the council to arrange a meeting to discuss what spending priorities could be met by WBC empowerment grant, Councillor Timms offered the possibly of waste bins, and dog waste bins. It was agreed that matters of grants should be discussed at a meeting on the 16th @ 6pm at the village hall.

69. Progress Report on Priority Plan

69.1 Emergency Plan – report by Gillian Walton
There had been a reasonable response to the request for volunteers to be involved in the focus group, approximately 10 people have become involved. They had met and a full report of the meeting is available from the Clerk. The emergency plan has been reviewed, with additional information contributed by Ian Walpole and others working with emergency plans. It was felt that 2 levels were required in the plan a) the PECG and b) a community support group.
All the volunteers had expressed willingness to be part of future emergency groups and would like to work on the plan further and bring back proposals to council for approval. It was recommended that all councillors be part of the PCEG.There are concerns about the medical contacts, Gillian will contact nominees to confirm that they are still registered, insured and wish to be on the list. The possibility of a) a first aid course for any interested villager, and b) supplying a defibrillator was discussed and it was agreed that these matters would be looked into. The Clerk will contact the Borough and County to ask broad questions about insurance cover for the use of tractors etc., giving the use of a chain saw as an example. It was agreed that Gillian would go back to the focus group with Council feedback. Then possibly a mini questionnaire would be devised to guage support and further guidance. Street wardens would administer this. The updated emergency plan would then be given to the 13th August meeting. Including Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators and involving young people was also discussed.Gillian was thanked for her hard work on the project.

70. Correspondence

70.1 NCC request for details of Highways Rep – Tree Wardens – Parish Path Wardens.

70.2 Governance Toolkit – this document has been updated and is available on a free download at http://www.scses.org.uk/public_file/filename/28/Parish_Toolkit_April_2009.doc

71.Financial Matters
71.1 The following accounts were approved for payment.

617 Orlingbury Village Hall – rent Jan – March 09 £ 27.0

618 E-On Electricity Maintenance £116.59619

Mrs A McLaven – salary £124.20620

Orlingbury Village Hall – rent April – June 09 £ 27.00
622 P Waller – for leaflet distribution (Welcome Pack) £10.00623

P Allen - for leaflet distribution ( Speed Watch Meeting) £10.00

71.2 Please note that cheque 621 was allocated to Bosworths for the Notice Board and surrounding area, there have been teething problems with water getting into the new Notice Board, following discussion Councillor Allen will contact them and we will either pay excluding the Notice Board costs or wait and pay in full on completion after discussion.

72.Planning
72.1 Site visit Isham Road – This application has been refused as it is outside the village envelope.

72.2 During the site visit Mike Kilpin mentioned that there is a review of village envelopes in the County. Further enquiry by the chairman (with Ms Bateman Planning Department) revealed the following:
“We are currently reviewing the existing Village Policy Lines as part of our work on the Site Specific Proposals Development Plan Document. This document once adopted will replace the Local Plan. We are currently hoping to have a version available for consultation in Nov 2009….. Consultation would be invited in November and further consultation in July 2010 with the results taking effect in 2011.”

72.3 Notwithstanding, it was agreed to hold a meeting of councillors to address issues related to this review of guidelines. The meeting would follow that with Mr Hayburn and Councillor Timms on 16th July. The Clerk will provide copies of the village map and policies with date issued to councillors as soon as possible.

72.4 Norlinton Close – following an email from the WBC Planning Department confirming that access for site development and future use of the site would only be achieved through Norlinton Close and that the Harrowden Road entrance was for emergency use only, the request for a site viewing was withdrawn. In view of the hazards presented by this entrance, it was agreed to monitor future use to verify compliance.

73. Section 106 monies
A letter has been received from Alan Chapman at the Borough Council, advising that proceedings have been taken against the developer to recover the monies due. As the council records do not have the final dwelling occupied, they are only claiming for the first two tranches. All monies have been index linked. He also confirmed that our development costings have been approved as an appropriate spending of the monies, The County Highways Department will have close involvement on road signs and gateway features. A copy of the letter has gone to Helen Howard at the County Highways Department. He will advise as soon as any monies are received.

74.Priority 3 development funding

74.1 Focus Groups – Councillor Allen gave out an information sheet for all councillors regarding a Youth focus group of 13 to 19 year olds. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

75.Notice Board

75.1 It has been agreed that the Old Notice Board needs refurbishing and that this will be done once it has been resited outside the village hall. Half the Board will be contact details for hall users and the other side will advertise events in the hall.

75.2 The resiting of the seat is to be discussed and we will be advised of the new site.

76. Village Hall

76.1 The village hall is to be completely redecorated in August.

77.Any Other Business
There was no other business

78. Date of the next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 13th August 2009 in the village hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.00 pm, with thanks from the Chair to those attending.

Chairman Date

Minutes of PC meeting June 3rd 2009

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on
Wednesday 3rd June 2009

48 Present: Councillors Allen (Chairman), Miles, Rowlatt, Waller, Charlotte Cook, Rod Derry, PC Lee PCSO Amey-Head and Mrs McLaven (Clerk)

49 Apologies: Councillor Rootham and Councillor Timms sent their apologies which were accepted.

50 Police Surgery:

50.1 PCSO Lynette Amey- Head advised the meeting that the meeting with PC Macavoy, regarding speed issues, was going ahead next month. He would talk for half an hour and then take questions. Concerns were raised that there was a need to reassure the public that any exercise would not become a vigilante situation, and that those involved need not use the speed gun. There would always be a group of people using the gun, no one will be alone.

51 Public Question Time:

51.1 Rod Derry asked what had happened when Councillor Miles stepped down and Councillor Allen took over as chair, as in the minutes he had seen it appeared as a fait accomplit. The Clerk advised it was minuted in a separate meeting, where Councillor Miles stepped down due to other commitments, Councillor Allen was then nominated and voted as Chair, The new chair had thanked Councillor Miles for his work as Chair of the Council. Communication was again discussed, as all minutes should have been available. Mr Derry then congratulated the new chair and thanked the previous one.

52 Comment from the Police.

52.1 PC Lee advised that the community police have been concentrating on Police watch and will concentrate on interaction with the community later, but they will attend neighbourhood watch meetings, which are taking place 2-3 monthly.

52.3 PCSO Amey-Head has made a note of all our meeting dates and will do her best to attend. The council was asked to give prior notification if possible of any specific problems they need dealing with.

52.4 A previous issue of markings on a private lawn and on the little green were raised. These had not been recorded as a crime, but appropriate advice has been given by the police.

52.5 The speed check signs on the village green have been investigated by PCSO Amey-Heard, but it has not been discovered who installed them, She suggested it may have been highways, but when councillors had questioned highways, they too denied knowledge of the signs. The chairperson questioned the logic of the location.

52.6 Charlotte Cook (Neighbourhood watch) thanked both the old and new Chairpersons for working together with Neighbourhood watch.

53 DRAFT Minutes of meeting 6th May 2009 and matters arising.

53.1 The original minutes prepared by Councillor Allen had been amended to reflect the tone of the minutes re recommendations, and therefore, the words “seek assurance” had been changed to “register concern”.

53.2 A site viewing has been arranged on 9th June at 2.10pm Councillors Allen, Rowlatt and Waller are able attend and as many other councillors as possible

53.3 Councillor Watts name was corrected from Councillor White.

53.4 Councillor Rowlatt proposed and Councillor Miles seconded that the minutes be signed as a true and correct record. All were in favour.

54 Minutes of meeting 7th May 2009 and matters arising.

54.1 Councillor Rowlatt proposed and Councillor Miles seconded that the minutes be signed as a true and correct record, all in favour.

54.2 – 37.1 Councillor Timms was not in attendance so could not be asked about funding for grit bins, but Helen Howard and Mark Gatling had advised Councillor Allen to contact Dave Grindley at the County Council. He had done this but no response had yet been received.

54.3 37.4 Councillor Allen had not yet been able to speak to Andy Gosling about the web site, but discussion on communication would take place later in the meeting.

54.4 37.5 Alan Chapman (WBC) had emailed NCC Highways to advise (re sect. 106) that the developer had been invoiced and that if payment not received soon then legal action would be taken. No response had been received from Joe Hubbard, to either Councillor Allen’s emails and the Clerk’s letter.

54.5 44.1 Gillian Walton had accepted the lead role with the PCEG, it was agreed to wait until she held her meeting to discuss details e.g. that no nurses are available, only first aiders.

55 Minutes of meeting 28th May.

Councillor Rowlatt proposed and Councillor Miles seconded that the minutes be signed as a true and correct record, all in favour.

56 Future conduct of meetings and agendas.

56.1 The council have now doubled the number of meetings. It is intended to close the meetings by 9pm, this should allow the council to focus and prioritise, and anything not dealt with should roll forward to the next meeting.

56.2The council needs to celebrate what it has achieved and record its progress.

56.3 The development plan has been in progress for 2 years and we need to see how far we have got towards declared targets. There have been items generated extra to the plan. The council has to be aware of not extending the expectations of the public. The involvement of village sub-groups is imperative.

56.4 The council should be aware of dealing with time sensitive issues promptly.

57 Progress on priority plan

57.1 All Councillors had a copy of the priority plan, which had been recently updated to show what had been achieved.

57.2 Priority 1 “Communication”,
Councillor Rootham was to report on Priority 1 “Communication”, but unfortunately, he was unable to attend the meeting and therefore, this item will be discussed at the next meeting.

57.3 Communication with the Borough Council is slowly improving, a file of all letters and their responses is being kept.

57.4 Gillian Walton has agreed to take on take on the key role with the emergency plan and all the village have been asked to be part of the focus group.

57.5 The Clerk and Councillor Allen to collaborate on a letter to the Borough showing our concerns about time limits on planning, although a recent meeting had been achieved in 3 days, we should not have to work on such small time limits.

57.6 Councillor Waller advised the meeting that the welcome pack was updated before the Annual Parish Meeting. There were now more changes, it was agreed Councillor Waller and Councillor Allen would update the pack and then mail shot the village, also placing a copy in the Notice board, after this the pack will be updated yearly.

57.7 Councillor Waller proposed and Councillor Rowlatt seconded a summary of the minutes to be placed in the parish magazine. This followed discussion of what should appear in the magazine, as it now is a benefice magazine reaching Pytchley, Little Harrowden and Great Harrowden as well as Orlingbury. Councillor Miles will organise this.

57.8 Priority 2 “Roads and Footpaths”.
Councillor Rowlatt will liase the Clerk regarding the response from Highways regarding roads and pathways, There are a range of positive responses from Highways which will lead to requests being addressed. This resulted from a further meeting with Helen Howard (Highways) and Mark Gatling (MGSWP).

57.9 Charlotte Cook advised the meeting of progress within Neighbourhood watch reiterating about the speed meeting, and residents concerns about repercussions. She was thanked for all the work done for the community.

57.10 Priority 4 “Allotments”.
Rod Derry advised the meeting that the allotments were a success story. The old plots having been re-divided into 12 with well defined and maintained paths. The Borough Council having provided 6 bins for water storage. He is trying to find someone to start a website for the allotments. A good gardening community was developing. He was thanked for all his work done.

57.11 A letter has been received regarding the 15ft boundary line. Councillor Miles and the Clerk to liase with a response to clarify that the line is straight down.

58 Financial Matters

58.1 The accounts were agreed and the Annual Report signed.

58.2 It was agreed to update the asset register.

58.3 The following accounts were agreed for payment.

613 Mrs D Sisman – audit fees £70.00

614 Smartwater signs £48.00

615 P Allen expenses £64.02

616 Village hall rent £56.70*

* the Clerk and Councillor Allen to liase on a letter showing the council’s disapproval as this payment relates to old invoices including one never received and one for which the cheque previously issued had never been cashed.

59 Correspondence.

A letter from the County asking for information regarding the empowerment grant. To be responded to by Councillor Allen

60 Priority 3 “Development funding” and associated empowerment grant

60.1 Helen Howard had contacted Councillor Allen and advised him that proposed speed limit changes need planning permission. She was told to go ahead and do what was necessary.

60.2 The empowerment grant from Councillor Bailey has been used and a good job done by Bosworths (see 57.12 above).

60.3 The old notice board now needs to be relocated, it was thought a good idea to site it either outside the front of the village hall towards the dovecote or on the left of the village hall, it was agreed to wait for the village hall committee to meet and discuss their wishes.

60.4 The old seat also needs re-siting this will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

61 The date of the next meeting

This will be Thursday 2nd July at 7.30pm in the village hall.

62 There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.10 pm, with thanks to those attending.

Chairman Date

Minutes of Parish Council 7th May 2009

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on
Thursday 7th May 2009

34.Apologies: Were received and accepted from Cllrs Norton, and Waller.

35. Public Question Time

A question was asked regarding the proposed planning application that had been dealt with at a meeting held the previous evening: “If it is approved can 25% of development costs be claimed as Section 106 monies?” The Clerk was aware of a threshold before Section 106 can be claimed, and has confirmed that this is 10 properties. There was discussion that if the density of housing on the site increased the issue would be revisited. The conclusions reached at the previous meeting were outlined i.e. Safety concerns, infrastructure concerns and the development being outside the village envelope. It was also noted that a site visit had been requested.

Concerns were raised regarding the vandalising of residents’ lawns, with graffiti. It was agreed to monitor the situation, and noted that the Police and Neighbourhood Watch were both aware of the situation. Councillor Miles advised the meeting that there should be a Police attendance to the meeting (PCSO 7119 Lynette Amey- Head, arrived 15 minutes later).

36. Minutes of meetings 5th March 2009

These were approved as a true and correct record

37. Matters arising

37.1 Grit bins – Councillor Timms was approached regarding the money he has available as a grant, and he agreed to look into the matter.

37.2 Helen Howard from the County Council is coming on 14th May at 9.30 to review what has not yet been done, Councillors Allen and Rowlatt will accompany her but any other available Councillors can also attend.

37.3 Smart Water – it was agreed to make flyers to deliver to the village to make them aware of the fact there is still some available. Councillor Allen will make the flyers and Councillor Rowlatt will deliver them. Councillors Rootham and Allen will be putting up the signs next week.

37.4 Website – no progress as yet, Councillor Allen to ask if we can have access to the site to populate it, Councillor Rootham will help if this is possible.

37.5 Section 106 Money – Clerk to write to Joe Hubbard, Councillor Timms will speak to him, as he appears confident about the situation, but nothing is apparently happening.

38. Police Matters

38.1 PCSO Amey- Heard has contacted PC 384 McQuade, who would like to attend a meeting to discuss speed cameras and other speed issues. Councillor Allen and PSCO Amey-Heard will liaise on this and then produce a flyer, incorporating the Smart Water information and PSCO Amey-Heard will help distribute them.

38.2 Crime Statistics, 1 Criminal Damage, 1 Criminal Damage to a vehicle and vandalism to grass.

38.3 It was asked who put up the Speed Check area Notices as they have been sited in the wrong place, PCSO Amey-Heard was not aware of them, but would enquire and find out if they can be resited.

38.4 Quad Bikes are a problem that the Police are aware of, and they will seize all bikes that are being used illegally, Quad Bikes are not allowed on the public highway unless they have an MOT, are insured and taxed, nor are they allowed on Bridle Ways.



39. Correspondence

39.1 NCC – Amenity Weight Restrictions (7.5t) – Countywide Awareness Campaign. Clerk to respond that we would like to be considered for this scheme.

39.2 Wellingborough Partnership – Annual Conference 8th June 2009, no one available to attend.

39.3 MGWSP – request for contact details of local farmers to help in adverse weather conditions, this will be discussed later under the emergency plan.

39.4 Reopening of the Orlingbury Outreach Service Post Office commencing 6th April.

39.5 Planning Aid – Section 106 training event. It was felt we are too far down the line with our Section 106 development for this to be useful.

39.6 The rest of the correspondence was circulated amongst the Councillors.

40.Financial Matters

40.1 The Annual Report has been received and a meeting needs to be held before 30th June to approve the accounts and sign the Annual Report. It was agreed to hold this on 3rd June 2009.

40.2 The following accounts were approved for payment.

605 E-on – electricity supply £421.52
606 Orlingbury Village Hall £ 35.10
607 E-on – elec maintenance £ 116.59
608 Allianz – Insurance £521.72
609 NCALC – subs £120.52
610 Clerk salary £248.40
611 smartwater signs £ 48.00
612 Pages – mower maint £390.17

24 Reports from external meetings attended

24.1 Councillor Allen had attended a highways meeting, this explained about a new computerised, communication system, which prioritises concerns. . There will now be 4 officers each representing an area. Helen Howard is our representative, and she appears to be very keen and has agreed to walk the village with councillors again.

For the NCC Highways department, work with Orlingbury have slipped hugely. The Highways group appears to be in crisis following of unusually bad weather in January.

25.Planning

25.1 April Decision – WP/2009/0038/F – 11 The Leys, single storey extensions and alterations – granted.

25.2 Re. the village boundary/envelope; Councillor Timms confirmed that the structure plan is being looked at, and being renamed, there will be a review of village envelopes but this will not be published until all villages have been reviewed.

26.Spending Empowerment Grant

This is underway, a discussion followed; a final report will be made at the next meeting.

27.Emergency Planning

27.1 The plan was read by all councillors in attendance. It was agreed the members of the Parish Council Emergency Group PCEG, would be Councillors Miles, and Rootham and Gillian Walton if she was prepared to accept a lead role.

27.2 The Road Responsibilities to be confirmed.

27.3 It was agreed to keep the contact Doctors to either practising or recently retired.

27.4 Nurses and first aiders to be asked if they are prepared to be on the list

27.5 With regard to farmers/builders willing to help. MGWSP to be asked for clarification, what equipment needed, whether insurance required and ask if payment/expenses will be paid. Also if there is a 24/7 contact number.

27.6 Emergency group training agreed to encourage the community to work as a team and a role for a co-ordinator to help the elderly.

27.7 An audit for water pumps/generations/emergency survival packs/ water/blankets and storage and accommodation. It was noted that there are no toilet facilities in the church. Clerk to check what is needed.

27.8 A small planning group to set up a volunteer meeting on 18th June 2009

31.Village Hall

31.1 It was noted that comments had been made at the Annual Parish Meeting regarding the steps. There was discussion on health and safety and public liability, the need for independent inspections etc.

31.2 The Parish Council can nominate someone to be on the committee.

32 Any other business

32.2 The Clerk is still working on the Freedom of Information model and will have to meet with Councillor Allen to finalise matters.

32.3 The Clerk to contact highways about pavements and weeds on pavements on the Pytchley Road and outside Orlingbury Hall.

32.4 The lamp over the 30mph is still out. Clerk to report again.

32.5 Communications – Councillor Rootham was concerned about the lack of communication between the Borough, the County and ourselves, especially in light of a traffic survey the County have carried, with out informing us. It was noted that the Clerk had not brought the letters written to the meeting as previously agreed, but that this would now happen.

32.6 There was concern that due to the amount of work needed to be done by the council and the number of items on the agenda that it would be better to have monthly meetings, but they must aim to finish at 9pm and 9.30pm would be the latest time to end.

33 Dates of the next meetings.

3rd June 2009, 2nd July 2009, 13th August 2009, 3rd September 2009, 15th October 2009, 12th November 2009, 7th January 2010, 4th February 2010, 4th March 2010,

Annual Parish Meeting, 1st April 2010, 22nd April 2010, Annual General Meeting, 6th May 2009.

The emergency plan PCEG meeting would take place on the 18th June.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.00 pm, with thanks from the Chair to those attending.



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Chairman Date

MInutes of planning meeting May 6th 2009

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on
Tuesday 6th May 09 to address to building planning applications

1.Present: Council: Cllrs Miles (Chairman), Rootham (Deputy), Allen, White, Rowlatt.

Public: Mr Lewis, Mr Simson ,Mr Smith, Mrs Smith, Mrs Widdup, Mr Derry, Dr Staff, Mrs Staff.

2. Apologies: Were received and accepted from P.C. Clerk Mrs Alison Mc Claven,, Cllrs Waller and Norton.

3.Planning 3.1

Application No: WP/2009/0116/F – Re-roofing of existing garage (flat to pitched).
Location: little Barn 2b Harrowden Road Orlingbury
Applicant: Mr Alan West

3.1.1
Outcome:
After studying the re-roofing plan for the Little Barn 2b Harrowden Road Orlingbury, the Parish Clerk was requested to write to the development control officer requesting that construction traffic entering and leaving the site would ensure that there is no hazard to road users and pedestrians during building alterations.

3.2
Application No: WP/2009/0024/F- Construction of five new dwellings and a new access road to land off Isham Road Orlingbury.

Location: Stables and land adjacent 24 Isham Road, Orlingbury ,Wellingborough.

3.2.1
The Chairman, Mr Steve Miles opened discussion by summarising the project and outlining concerns relating to
· a proposed access point at the centre of the existing dangerous bend
· potential overload of existing services e.g sewage which had caused problems in the past
· location on a dangerous bend in a road commonly used by horse riders and pedestrians
· a problem of speeding cars underlined in the traffic survey conducted by the PC
· existing problems of parking in and around the Leys where narrow and busy roads currently, caused problems
· the development would be beyond the village boundary and existing building lines

3.2.2

Discussion involving the public
Mr Smith and Mr Derry underlined the concerns of the chairman. And Mr Derry also referred to perceived inaccuracies in the development proposal which inferred that
· the “access point” at the centre of the property was an official entrance
· stone and brick finishing was a common feature in the centre of the village
· that the development would complete successive layers of building expansion

Mr Derry said that the recent traffic survey underscored the hazards of speeding traffic coming into the village which would be exacerbated by the creation of turning points on the bend to the approach to the village.

Mrs Widdup spoke of the existing dangers of speeding traffic which had resulted in many near accidents and would be worsened by a the creation of a driveway outside the village envelope.

Dr Staff said that a similar project had been rejected in 1972 and that the existing Borough Development Plan constrained the development of housing to within the envelope. The development was outside the village envelope and would create “open house” for further development creating a precedent for expansion beyond the point where our social cohesion as a village community could be sustained. He also spoke of the dangers of introducing vehicle access points on a hazardous bend.

He hoped that the Parish Council would take a view on the development and would urge the Borough Planning Controller to reject it.

Mrs Staff stated that apart from her personal concerns that new Building would overlook the five windows on their adjacent property, Plot 1 would increase the likelihood of a serious accident, “a fatality waiting to happen”. Visibility was now poor. It was debateable whether “improved visibility”, when added to greater traffic use would not simply compromise future ability to really, improve safety. The Paddock area was not as had been stated, a flat area. Further building would increase run-off and given changes in climate contribute to flooding at the access point between the new development and existing houses.


Mrs Smith, speaking on behalf of villagers from the Leys who could not attend, endorsed previous concerns but also gave several instances where the sewage and water drainage systems in the Leys area had failed indicating that the village infrastructure was too weak to sustain additional pressure. Councillor Rowlatt and Councillor Rootham agreed. Councillor Rootham outlined instances of failure and explaining the vulnerable structure of the existing systems.

Speaking on behalf of the project Mr Lewis explained its background pointing out that at the time of earlier consideration when a planning application for projected building had been rejected, the Borough Council had ruled that further infill would need to take place before development would be entertained. He explained that a survey conducted by him in 1972 had found villagers largely in favour of further expansion.
Mr Simson stated that villagers’ concerns in relation to services infrastructure would be taken on board.


Councillor Rootham stated that he had studied existing Borough Council policy which, notwithstanding the need for revision ,would obtain until future review had taken place.

3.2.3

Parish Council Discussion
The Chairman summed up referring to previous points, adding that affordable housing was a major component of the Norton Close development but that the need for affordable housing in the village should continue to inform any proposal.

3.2.2
Outcome:
After studying the development plans for the construction of five new dwellings and a new access road to land off Isham Road and listening to the concerns of the public raised at a meeting, the Parish Clerk was requested by the Parish Council to write to the Development Control Officer to raise the following issues with respect to the development:

1. The project would appear to breach rulings designed to ensure that future development does not extend beyond the agreed village boundary and thus compromise policy to restrict future expansion. The Parish Council registers concern that the development breaches policy and therefore, sets a precedent for future development on other sites.

2. The prospective developer expresses a view that the dangerous bend on the Isham Road would be improved by the proposed development. The Parish Council are concerned that increased traffic generated by additional housing using two additional entrances on the bend may lead to additional hazard and may compromise future moves to overcome this hazard altogether.


3. The existing infrastructure particularly, sewage and drainage arrangements are overstretched to the extent that existing properties experience frequent problems. The Parish Council are concerned that the development will compromise the existing facilities.


4. In view of the far reaching implications of this project and the complexities of issues raised, to request that a site visit take place.


There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.10 pm, with thanks from the Chair to those attending.



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Chairman Date

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting April 2nd 2009

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting

Held in Orlingbury Village Hall
Thursday 2nd April 2009


PRESENT

Cllrs S. Miles (Chairman), B.Rootham (Deputy), P Allen, A.Norton, G Rowlett, P.Waller, SPCO Paul Hurst, Mrs A.McLaven (Clerk), C Cook, B Lewis, N Mulroy, J Norton, P Robinson.

APOLOGIES

Cllr J Bailey (County Council), Cllr G.Timms (Borough), Councillors J.Watts, Mr R and Mrs B Abrams, Dr Ormorod, Mrs Miles, Mrs Rootham and Mrs Walton, sent their apologies, which were accepted.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 3rd April 2008

These were approved as a true and correct record
It should be noted that neither Councillor Bailey or Councillor Timms had included a report with their apology, but the Clerk read the reports that they had both given to Isham Parish Council at their Annual Parish Meeting. It was disappointing for the meeting not to be able to question either of these Councillors, but both had meetings at the Borough Council, which they felt took priority.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF 3rd April 2008

BeeBee Homes have not put forward the Pulse Park application and the Upper Redhill application has been refused but they have appealed the decision.

Councillors Allen, Rowlett and Waller have walked the pavements to ascertain repairs and necessary improvements and a report was submitted to the N.C.C. in February 2008. The County Council contacts have now “moved on” and issues have not been resolved. Various improvements were discussed and agreed, and although nothing has yet been done, we are pressing matters and hopefully, outstanding business will have been achieved by next year’s meeting. The hedge outside Orlingbury Hall has been removed, although the area has not yet been tarmaced as requested.

We have submitted a development plan to Highways with our concerns re. the village signs. The Highways Authority said they would act once they had received the report from the Review of Speed Limits which was due in November, but they have not yet received this.

It should be noted that the Police, Highways Authority and Borough Councils had been asked to send representatives to the Annual Parish Meeting, but none had attended. The local police have been sent to cover the G20 summit in London.

REPORT FROM THE COUNTY COUNCIL BY COUNCILLOR BAILEY

The County had increased their share of the rates by 3.9%, which was disappointing as one of the pledges of the Conservatives when winning the election for the County Council was that they would not put the rates up by more than the rate of inflation.

N.B. Councillor Bailey had spent his empowering grant money, £2000 of which was given to Orlingbury Parish Council towards moving the notice board, and providing a new seat and paving. This consisted of two awards of £1000 per year.

Councillor Bailey also apologised for the highways problems as the County had changed agents and were now working with May Gurney. The problem of the grit bins not being filled during the summer caused problems during the previous bad weather; the practice of bins being automatically filled during the summer had been changed so that Parishes needed to inform the County if the bins needed filling. This and a shortage of salt meant that a lot of roads did not get gritted.

REPORT ON THE BOROUGH COUNCIL FROM COUNCILLOR TIMMS

The Borough was able to freeze their portion of the rates. The other good news being that Councillors in Wellingborough have been given £1600 over 2 years which can be used for things not covered through the Parish rate, although it may not be used to fund revenue or be used for a project that carries on year after year. Little Harrowden are planning a pocket park and play area, which may require some of the money.

It was agreed to ask Councillor Timms if the money could be used to buy more grit bins for the village. Councillor Timms had concerns about BeeBee Developments plans for the North of Wellingborough. The Council has rejected this, but there may be an appeal. He was horrified to learn that the plans discussed at the appeal are not necessarily the ones that were rejected.

REPORT ON THE PARISH COUNCIL BY COUNCILLOR MILES

We still have a full contingent of Councillors, and continue to meet bi-monthly with members of the public regularly attending the meetings. The minutes are now available on the village blog, which has been set up by Rod Derry. There is also a village website under construction by Andy Gosling, but his other commitments mean it is not yet available for use. When the site is fully functional we will then pay the set up costs.

It was agreed to put copies of draft minutes on the Notice Board.

The Parish Council have been working very hard on projects associated with the paths, roads and speeding restriction but the authorities are slow to respond to our requirements. The section 106 funding is progressing, but the Borough have not yet collected any monies from the developer even though the triggers have been met. Our planned projects have been detailed in the village newsletter and no comments have been received, either for or against, so the Parish Council will progress with these.

The emergency plan is completed and a training programme for the Emergency Group and volunteers is planned for May. The emergency plan will be available on the website blog, as will the updated welcome pack.

We have obtained a grit bin for outside the village hall, and have requested 3 further bins, for the top of Rectory Lane, Northampton Road, and Harrowden Road, as these fit the criteria of being on a slope or at a junction.

It was agreed to ask the Stagecoach bus company whether the Isham Road is now a bus route as a double decker has been seen going along the road quite regularly. Confirmation would allow the PC to progress with demands for an additional grit bin for the Isham Road.

The Allotments have been redesigned to accommodate more allotment holders and new contracts for the 12 plots drawn up and signed. These are to be renewable annually, and if the allotments not cultivated properly the council have the power to ask tenants to leave. A waiting list is being drawn up should any plot become vacant.

REPORTS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS

Brownies, Drama Group, Neighbourhood Watch, Orlingbury Wold Charity, Over sixties, The Green Team, Orlingbury and Isham Short Mat Bowls Club, PCC, Village Fete Committee, Flag group, Village Hall Committee, Young Church.

The reports are available from the clerk. It should be noted that Orlingbury Wold Charity has applied to the Charity Commission to change its name to the Manning Charity, after the gentleman that founded the Charity originally to give bread to the poor at Christmas.

SECTION 106 MONIES

Councillor Allen gave a synopsis of the section 106 monies, how we obtained it and how it will be spent. We have had previous schemes, which needed land which was unobtainable. New schemes to improve the safety and well-being of the villagers, and to enhance to the village environment were drawn up. Approved proposals stemmed mainly from the traffic survey and from the strongly supported petition.

The main schemes at the moment include, new gateways with integral village/speed signs and planters, traffic restriction procedures and a centre of village sign, new seats on the village green, edging posts to the green, re- locating the notice board, and parking and signage opposite the church. This has all been costed at £36,000 to £43,000 including maintenance.

Councillors Miles and Allen had been to the Borough Council and met with Joe Hubbard, the Assistant Chief Executive in October who gave his support to the proposed scheme. In November this went to the Borough Solicitor who researched and endorsed the plans. In January the developer said they had no objections to the scheme proposed , but due to financial problems and housing costs falling they wanted to reduce the amount to be paid. The Borough did not agree to this.

The first project of moving the notice board is going ahead following the receipt of Councillor Bailey’s grant money.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Waendel walk will again be going through the village and the church group will be hosting refreshments on the green. Councillor Rootham is hoping to notify all villagers so that they are aware of this and the inherent dangers of cars, cyclists and walkers all using the same road.

Charlotte Cook advised that next year is the 100th Anniversary of the Guides and as part of their commitment to make the community better, they might be able to sponsor one of the village planters.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm with thanks to all attending.

Minutes of March 5th 2009.

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on Thursday 5th March 09

19.Present: Cllrs Miles (Chairman), Rootham (Deputy), Allen, Waller, and Alison McLaven (Clerk).

20. Apologies: Were received and accepted from Cllrs Norton, Rowlett, and Timms

21. Minutes of meetings 8th January and 24th February 2009

21.1 The minutes of 8th January were signed as a true and correct record.

21.2 3.2 Councillor Miles has spoken to Mr Gosling who is working on the website. He is very overworked at the moment. Councillor Miles will revisit him. It was noted that the money has not yet been paid, as the work has not yet been completed.

21.3 9. All the planning applications have now been approved.

21.4 4.2 Councillor Allen had spoken to Joe Hubbard several times but not received any formal response. The Clerk had spoken to Joe Hubbard whilst attending a meeting, and discussed the section 106 monies.

The Borough has been contacted by the developer and whilst they had no problem with what the money was being spent on, they felt that due to the economic situation the money could be reduced. The borough will not allow that to happen. The developers also felt that the triggers for the money have not yet been reached.

The Clerk will write to Joe Hubbard re the conversation and insist the money index linked and ask to confirm that although the 3rd trigger may not have been met the first 2 have and therefore surely 2/3rds of the payment should have been made.

21.5 4.3 Helen Howard (Highways) has now received the section 106 agreement, but is away possibly ill and we are chasing this issue. The Clerk also mentioned this matter to Joe Hubbard, and he was looking into this.

21.6 4.4 The empowerment grant it was agreed to go ahead and replace and relocate the notice board to the top of Rectory Lane, with the bench and paved area. Councillor Allen will contact Sam Bosworth to arrange this.

21.7 11.2 The meeting regarding access to the allotments had taken place and is minuted at 24th February meeting.

21.8 5.3 Councillor Miles will put in the newsletter that abandoned vehicles need to be reported to the police.

21.9 The minutes of 24th February 2009 were renumbered, and 14.4 changed from “skidded” to “parked on the verge”.

21.10 15.1 A grit bin has been placed on the corner of Orchard Close, by the Highways department. Following discussion it was agreed to write and ask for a further bin at the top of Rectory Lane and one in Harrowden Road below the 30mph sign. The County Council should agree to this as it meets with their criteria, but if they will not the Parish Council will purchase the bins.

21.11 18.2 (13.2) Councillors Allen and Waller will write a letter of clarification for residents, explaining about smart water and its merits.

22. Correspondence

22.1 Village Agent – The Clerk had received an email asking for information as the county are looking to fund village agents, who will bridge the gap between the local community and the statutory and voluntary sector organisations. The Clerk to be the contact.

22.2 Several conferences taking place, spring conference on 18th March, working together conference 24th April, Wellingborough Partnership 16th March, Councillors to attend if possible.

22.3 Temporary Closure of the Post Office – retrospectively from 16th December.

22.4 Bus Service contract renewal. The service is only one day a week, but the clerk to comment that we do not wish the service to be reduced.

23.Financial Matters

23.1 The following accounts were approved for payment.
602 E-on – electricity supply £852.20
603 Clerk salary £246.9024.

24. Reports from external meetings attended

24.1 The Clerk had attended the Parish Forum. Once again the prior information for this was of varying amounts to different Councils. Some only received draft agendas, some full, and some had not received anything. The discussion on the CPA report was not very informative, and the Clerk will write for a copy of the report.

25 .Planning

WP/2009/0038/F – this has been discussed at the previous meeting and as no residents attended the meeting to discuss further, the council will comment that they would like the hedge line to remain in place as a condition of approval.

26.Spending Empowerment Grant

This was approved under minute 21.6

27.Emergency Planning –dates for training evenings

Two meetings are needed, the first to confirm the plan and its details, the second to simulate the circumstances, there is a meeting with the Borough regarding emergency plans and therefore it was thought best to have the second meeting after this. All nominated in the plan to attend the meetings. It was then agreed the first meeting would be 30th April and the second on 21st May, both meetings to be at 7.30pm, in the village hall.

28. Rectory Lane Grass Verge Repairs.

28.1 It was noted that the grass verge outside the entrance to the Dovecote and outside the village hall presents as an untidy area. It is difficult to stop people parking on it. It was agreed to ask Highways to tarmac this. The other side of the verge also needs tarmacing, and Highways should be asked to do this as well.

28.3 An article in the Evening Telegraph was brought to the attention of the council. This advised that gangs of repairmen would be working on minor highway repairs and general tasks to improve the local environment. These would be called lenghtmen gangs and they were historically part of the local community. It was hoped that this would happen again. Repairs still need to be reported to Street Doctor and then the local lenghtmen would do the work.


28.4 It was agreed that the Clerk should write to the Chief Executive of the County
Council regarding the review done with Verity Chilvers, as a year has gone by and nothing has been done, we have been waiting for signs to be moved and nothing has happened. Accident debris on the Harrowden Road has been there for several months

29. Mowing Equipment

Councillor Rootham proposed Councillor Miles seconded, all in favour, that the mowing equipment be serviced. It should be noted that only the Green Team, Councillors and anyone over 18 nominated and approved by the above can use the mowing equipment.

30.Annual Parish Meeting

Smartwater to be discussed at the meeting.

31.Village Hall

A touring company is coming to the village hall, but there are concerns regarding how well this has been advertised.

32. Any Other Business

32.1 There are concerns from residents about how the electricity company is cutting back trees.

32.2 Councillor Waller is updating the welcome pack.

32.3 It was asked if the Queens Arms could advertise in the newsletter, mentioning smartwater, Councillor Miles will contact the Landlord and discuss.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.10 pm, with thanks from the Chair to those attending.



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Chairman Date

February 24th 2009 MINUTES

ORLINGBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting held in the Village Hall on
Tuesday 24th February 09

13.Present: Cllrs Miles (Chairman), Rootham (Deputy), Allen, Rowlett, Waller, and Alison McLaven (Clerk).

14 Apologies: Were received and accepted from Cllrs Norton and Watts

15 Grit Bins
15.1 There are no grit bins in Orlingbury. In the past the salt has been dumped on the corner of The Green, which was not good for the grass. There had been a lot of snow and ice over recent weeks and residents had commented on problems. The Highways gritting map was produced for information and showed that the Broughton to Little Harrowden Road was the main one to be gritted and that the road from the A43 to Isham would be gritted in prolonged adverse weather conditions. It was noted that the County ran short of salt and only gritted the major roads. Grit bins in other villages were not refilled when they ran empty.

15.2 A resident had contacted the County because they could not get out of Rectory Lane to Isham Road. They had received a full response from County who had advised they were looking into the situation, but at the moment they could not afford to put grit bins in any more locations.

15.3 The Clerk has been looking into prices for bins, but the County have not yet
got back to her. The Clerk will now contact Bosworths and Glasdon to provide costs as well

15.4 NALC advised, a person is only liable if they leave the road in a dangerous condition when spreading the grit, it is a public service to provide grit. Clerk to write to Highways and ask if the Broughton to Little Harrowden Road was gritted.

11.Allotments
11.1 Councillors Miles and Allen have met with Rod Derry and the agreement has been finalised. Mr Titmuss has been contacted and is happy as long as the entrances to the properties are not blocked. He also has concerns re heavy traffic, the allotment agreement asks allotment holders to keep traffic to a minimum, and use consideration in accessing the site.

11.2 The Land registry confirms that the Parish Council owns 15 feet from the centre of the hedge at 4 Northampton Road. This is important to confirm as the future access for when it becomes burial land must be retained.

11.3 Rod Derry has done a lot of work meeting with the allotment holders, who are advised that they have a 2 month notice period if they are not keeping the allotment in good condition. There will be a meeting soon which Councillor Miles will attend and get the holders to sign the agreement and collect the £5 rent monies from each holder. 11.4 There are still fence posts across the end of the allotments and it has been agreed to plant a Hawthorn hedge along this line, with a large enough gap left for access.

12. Planning
Councillors Rootham and Rowlett declared an interest.WP/2009/0038/F – Single Storey extensions & alterations 11 The Leys Tim Robinson

As long as the hedge line remains there were no objections.

It was agreed to wait until after the next meeting for the Clerk to put this comment on the plans, in case any resident attended the regular meeting expecting this to be discussed, due to members of the public in attendance at this meeting.

13. Smart Water
13.1 Charlotte Cook had been advised that the cost of smart water would increase from the beginning of March from £19.50 per household, and that it would also need to be re- registered at a cost after a year.

13.2 Smart Water is a small vial of liquid containing a DNA like number, which shows up under ultraviolet light, allowing the police to return stolen property, and making it difficult for thieves to sell on. The liquid is applied with the brush supplied and can mark between 75 & 100 items.

13.3 Councillor Miles proposed and Councillor Allen seconded, All in favour of the Parish council buying 50 kits and selling them on at cost to the residents. Also 4 signs to go on lamp posts advising that this is a Smart Water area, (similar to Neighbour hood watch signs) to be purchased. Clerk to order.

14. Any Other Business
14.1 There are potholes on the Isham Road by the pony paddock and a long wide pothole in Rectory Lane. Councillor Rowlett to report to Street Doctor.

14.2 It was agreed to put relocating the notice board and moving forward with spending the money received from Councillor Bailey on the next agenda. The current noticeboard was in a poor state and needed attention.

14.3 To confirm the dates of the emergency plan meetings at the meeting.

14.4 It was noted that a 4 x 4 had skidded out side the village hall and caused a large ditch in the grass verge. This also to be put on the next agenda to discuss ways forward, replanting, resurfacing etc.



There being no further business the meeting was closed at 8.50pm, with thanks from the Chair to those attending.

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Chairman Date