Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting

held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 11 December 2006

Present:- Marshall Ferguson - chair, Barrie Woolley, Tim Fox, Vic. Clark, Mark Thompson, Paul Seaton, Terri Meechan, Ailsa Dempster, Phil Bromhall(BC), Andy Royle, John Hindle - clerk, Andrew Leighton(NCC), Ian Hopewell(CBC), Gerry Griffiths(Public ).

Apologies:- Lucy Fox, Stan Heggs(CC)

Chairman reminded Councillors to declare an interest where appropriate.

Report from Borough Councillor.

Phil Bromhall informed Council with regard to the provision of warning signs on the approaches to the village i.e. Weight Restriction etc. that concerns should be addressed to Sustainable Transport in Northampton.

At the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel on 29th November it was suggested that the panel review the Delegation Scheme related to Planning The main concerns are that a Parish Council objection is only counted as one (three being required to bring the scheme to the attention of Deve1opment Committee) and where an application is withdrawn and resubmitted the original objections are not carried forward. Corby BC Chief Executive responded that in many cases objections are dealt with on a resubmission and the timescale of the consultation period would be reviewed to ensure Parish Councils had the necessary time to make quality decisions and representations.

The meeting was addressed by G. Griffiths who owns land adjacent to Parish Council land (Paddock) and opposite to the proposed Avenue Farm housing development on the Corby Road He explained that his land was included within the village first by Parish Council in 1974 and also included as a development area in the 1991 plan produced by Corby BC. It was subsequently deleted as a result of a land swap with an area in Middleton. The land is outside the current village envelope as designated in the Parish Plan. It was noted that both Corby BC and Parish Council have used this boundary to refuse various applications on other sites.

Andrew Leighton(NCC) introduced himself to Councillors as being responsible for Highways and Road signs and invited comments and questions. In discussion he revealed that a survey had shown drivers to be routinely speeding on the Corby Road into the village. In addition, speeding on Kirby Road was raised and various preventative measures were mentioned. The installation of narrowing and one way priorities would be expensive; a more cost effective solution could be to borrow moveable flashing '30 MPH-SLOW DOWN' signs for three weeks to educate drivers. This has proved to be an effective method of control elsewhere. The Avenue Farm development could produce finance for village amenities with speed control being a possible recipient of cash.

Ian Hopewell(CBC) explained that he had responsibility for Grass cutting and Waste Recycling. He apologised for delays in projects such as the Churchyard and various footpaths. Both areas have been progressed with two cuts per year now scheduled for footpaths. With regard to Waste Recycling he introduced the targets throughout Northamptonshire to reduce landfill and increase recycling in partnership with all other county boroughs. Gretton has participated in the Yellow box scheme since 2005 for all recyclables apart from plastic.

The proposals are to provide a new brown wheelie bin for each household to take paper, plastic and cans. Glass is not included until Autumn 2007. In the interim, local collection points will be set up to receive such items. The blown bin will be collected weekly with no change to the fortnightly cycle for black and green. This arrangement to take effect from 1st February 2007.

Minutes of the Meeting on 13th November were accepted as a true record and duly signed.

Matters Arising:

Terri Meechan reported that she had obtained various quotations for the replacement of the Half-Pipe on the Recreation Ground. She informed Council that Latvian Birch was recognised as the best surface and Rampchilds could provide a fireproofed structure measuring 4'x 12' for around £7000 + VAT. Terri will pursue a grant from 'Awards for All' and Clerk will complete the application form.

Correspondence:

Circulation:

Also Available:

Village Plan:

Tim Fox reported that a meeting had been held at CorbyBC between himself, Marshall Ferguson and John Hindle for Gretton PC and Rebecca Yee, Rob. Temperley, Terry Begley and Emily Hales from Corby BC. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure that both BC and PC were in agreement relating to planning in the village. The Local Development Framework for all boroughs in the county is in preparation to be presented to the Secretary of State in summer 2007. This is County response to the housing requirement from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. Central Government is planned to report in October 2007 after which a Public Inquiry will be held where developers can be present and projects around the village can be discussed. In the light of this it was regarded as unnecessary to extend the confines of the village at present. Only special requirements were deemed worthy of consideration. BC and PC were unwilling to create precedents which could lead to large unwelcome developments in the future. Development can be beneficial so long as it is infill and not outside the village envelope.

During the meeting representa1ion was made by PC relating to allotment land between Fulwell Avenue and Kirby Road. PC would like to see affordable housing for villagers developed thereon.

Rob. Temperley is in negotiation with Corus to fix the amount per house due to the village for local amenities. £1800 has been quoted to the developers of the land next to the school on Kirby Road; this is payable per property on first occupation.

In connection with this development Council discussed the possibility of the Sports Club outfall tapping into the new sewers to be laid off Kirby Road. A successful outcome would alleviate the need for regular callouts to unblock the Club's sewers.

P1anning Matters:

Finance:
              Current Balance 16280.71
Payments due:-
Jacksons - Decoration in Changing Rooms      167.67
Village Hall - Rent for PC use in 2006/ 213.50
Payments Received:-
Football Club Rent 80.00
Garage Rent - Half Year/TD> 400.00
Silver Band - Band Room Rent 100.00
Allotments Charity - Half Year 175.00

Any Other Business:

Mr. S. Smith from Smith Stuart Reynolds to address next Meeting

Two Drain problems to be reported to the Street Doctor:

O/s 38 High Street

O/s Hatton Arms, Arnhill Road

A letter bas been received from Barrie Cardy relating to the condition of the footpath from the Recreation Ground to Stafford Road. Council to discuss improvements.

The bench in St. James Churchyard in memory of George Pitwood bas been vanda1ised To be discussed with PCC along with overgrown area in the new Cemetery on Station Road

Next Meeting - Monday 8th January 2007 in Village Hall at 7pm

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