Present:Marshall Ferguson - chair, Ailsa Dempster, Terri Meechan, Stan Heggs( CC), Phil Bromhall(BC), Mark Thompson, Andy Royle, Tim Fox, Lucy Fox, Paul Seaton, Vic Clark, Barrie Woolley, John Hindle - clerk, Phil Beckett(SCT) and 5 members of the Public.

This was the last meeting attended by both Vic Clark and Barrie Woolley as they are retiring at the May election. A presentation was made by the Chairman in recognition of their years of service to the Parish Council.

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

The Minutes of the Meeting on 12th March were agreed as a true record and duly signed.

Phil Beckett (Police-Secure Communities Team) reported that the Sports & Social Club had been burgled and positive results obtained from DNA and CCTV checks.

The Mobile Police Station had been in evidence at the Fun Run on 1st April based at the Recreation Ground. A positive step in Public Relations.

Phil has distributed leaflets raising awareness on the risks of open windows in good weather.

A fourth officer is to be recruited to the SCT. The official opening will take place on 30th April at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

Planning:

07/001141DPA - Internal alteration to Approved Consent 06/00020/DPA (Erection of Dwellings) 14, Kirby Road. No observations

07/00093/LBC - Construction of Single storey extension as 'Granny Flat' and alterations to main house at 'Windhovers', Station Road. Representations to be made to Corby BC that the extension remains ancillary to the house and does not become a separate dwelling in subsequent years.

07/00115/LBC - Alterations to kitchen at 5, High Street. No observations

07/OOl19/DPA - Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of five new dwellings and creation of new access at 9, Station Road.

Marshall Ferguson declared an interest as his house overlooks the site and his son is the Selling Agent.

Tim Fox informed Council as to the various aspects of the proposed development.

The main areas of concern to be communicated to Corby BC are:

(i) The site is well populated with a large variety of mature trees and presents a pleasant aspect at the entrance to the village. It is within the Special Landscape Area (Local Plan 1997) and careful attention is required to design, siting and materials as well as further landscaping to protect the amenity.

(ii) The development will add significantly to the current traffic problem already in the village. Access is proposed on to Station Road considered potentially unsafe due to the speed and number of vehicles using this road. Whilst parking is provided for in the plans, should this prove insufficient, vehicles will be forced to park on roadways further impacting on safety.

(iii)The style and design of the houses is considered out of keeping with the Rockingham Forest Trust Guidance. It is acknowledged that the plans make good use of the sloping nature of the site but recent developments in this area make this application particularly sensitive and Council are extremely anxious to ensure that this development is respectful of the character and amenity of the village.

(iv) The development will further impact on the village infrastructure ie School, Village Hall and Playing Field. These matters must be addressed in any proposal of this scale.

Council are aware of developments at 34, Arnhill Road and Westminster Salvage on Gretton Brook Road. Neither scheme bas been submitted for comment. Corby BC will be asked to investigate.

Report from Borough Councillor:

Phil Bromhall reported discussions with Corby BC over proposed affordable housing development on the old Allotment site behind Kirby Road. Council to discuss at next meeting.

Noise levels from RMS are bordering legality. Concerned parties are encouraged to complain if noise becomes a nuisance.

Some gravestones at the old churchyard are hazardous. Corby BC to be asked to inspect.

Correspondence:

Letter from SMP Ltdoffering a seminar on play and leisure facilities for Parish Councils.

Papers from Allianz Cornhill for insurance renewal.

Letter from Police about SCT teams launch at RMS on 30th April.

Letter to J. O'Connor accepting grass cutting contract for 2007

Circulation:

E. Northants - Minutes from RMS Forum on 13th March

Parish Council Minutes - Cottingham, E. Carlton & Weldon

Corby BC Development Control Committee on 20th March

Corby BC - Full Council on 29th March

Monthly Crime Report - February & March

Postwatch - Update on Post Office closures

EMDA magazine

Northants CC Minerals & Waste Development Framework

Parish Council Election:

The Parish Council Election is called for 3rd May. In total ten nomination forms have been received by Corby BC to fill nine available places on the P.C.

Village Plan:

Improvements to the Playing Field are being considered. It is proposed to form a committee of all interested parties. Council to discuss at next meeting.

The junction of Corby Road with Gretton Brook Road is unsightly. Corby BC Rural Pride Officer to be consulted.

Finance:

		Current balance		14349.76
		Payments due:	ACRE Village of Year Competition	15.00
			Parish Plan copies	38.50
			Walk leaflet copies	25.00
			J. Hindle - Salary	723.06
			Petty Cash	54.11

Any Other Business:

Barrie Woolley and Vic Clark thanked Councillors for their good wishes

A Representative of Speedwatch has offered to walk around the village to assess problems. Ten people are required to train in the use of Speedguns. Communication passed to Kerry Greenan for action

Gretton Cricket Club were concerned at the mess left on the field after the Bell v. Stickholders cricket match in August. Councillors to make individual representations.

Gretton Fun Run on 1st April was an excellent day generating over £300 for the Village Hall Rebuilding Fund

Concern was expressed over the lack of screening of the RMS stands. Shrubs and trees would not only look pleasing they would also absorb some of the noise.

Date of Next Meeting:- Thursday 17th May at 7.3Opm in the Village Hall.