HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE WAR MEMORIAL HALL, HOOK NORTON ON THURSDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2014 at 7.30pm
Present: Councillors Watkins, Hicks, Hayward, Brotherston, Griggs, Henderson, Casson, Wright, Mrs Watts (Parish Clerk), County Cllr Reynolds and one member of the public.
The Parish Clerk explained that as the Chairman was unwell, Cllr Watkins (Vice-Chairman) would chair the meeting.
Apologies for Absence – Cllrs Kane, Millar, District Cllr Jelf
Chairman’s Announcements – in the absence of the Chairman there was nothing to report.
Declarations of Interest – there were none.
Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 13 November 2014 and Matters Arising
Cllr Hicks proposed that the minutes of the meeting on 13 November 2014 be accepted as a true and accurate record. This was seconded by Cllr Hayward and passed unanimously.
Report of the Planning Co-Ordinator on Planning Applications – Annex 1
Three planning/TCA applications were received during November. Councillors objected to 14/01799/F; new dwelling on land north of Byeways, East End.
Cherwell District Council had granted seven planning/TCA applications, including a 5-Day Notice for the felling of a dead unidentified broadleaf tree at 13 Well Bank.
Although the PC had not objected, CDC refused 14/01573/TPO on 19 November; T2 & T3 x Beech trees – reduction of crown by 2.5m at Norton Holt, East End. Subject to TPO 12/2005.
14/01738/OUT – outline for development of 48 houses on land north of Railway House, Station Rd. The Parish Council objected to this application on 12 November. It will be considered by the Planning Committee on 18 December. Cllr Henderson will attend the meeting and make representations on behalf of the Parish Council.
14/01542/F – demolition of existing dwelling and some outbuildings, repairs to retained outbuildings and erection of new dwelling at Bacon Farm, Whichford Rd. The Parish Council had not objected to this application. It will be considered by the Planning Committee on 18 December.
To Invite Members of the Public to Comment on Planning Applications – there were no comments from the member of the public attending.
Reports of Working Groups
Recreation – in the absence of Cllr Kane there was nothing to report.
Cemetery and Allotments
a) The Parish Clerk had ordered another green rubbish bin for the cemetery and it has been delivered.
b) All tenants have now paid their allotment rents.
Environment – Cllr Hayward reported:
a) Two more quotations have been received for replacing the fence at the entrance to Hollybush Road. In the absence of a quotation from Ben Acreman, he has approached David Smith asking for a quotation for tidying up the triangle of land at the entrance to Hollybush Road.
Hook Norton War Memorial Hall
a) Cllr Brotherston said that the outside light will be repaired this week.
b) Cllr Hayward said that HNLC Group is still considering long-term heating systems for the hall. Of especial interest is a forced-air electric system.
Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP) Sub-Committee – Cllr Hicks reported:
a) The Parish Council had advised CDC that their preferred Examiner is Mr Richard High. Due to the Christmas holidays the HNNP will not be considered by the appointed Examiner until the end of January.
b) The grant for the HNNP ends on 31 December 2014 and any unspent monies may have to be returned, even though there will be further administration costs when the Examiner has completed his review of the Plan.
Finance/Schedule of Receipts and Payments for Authorisation by the Council
The Parish Clerk presented the schedules of receipts and payments and sought approval to pay the cheques itemised on the schedules October totalling £1,836.01 for the Parish Council and £144.76 for the Memorial Hall. Cllr Hicks moved acceptance of the payments detailed. This was seconded by Cllr Griggs and agreed unanimously.
Budget and Precept 2015/2016 – the Parish Clerk, having discussed the matter with the Chairman, had emailed a proposed budget for 2015-2016 to Councillors before the meeting. Cllr Watkins proposed that the precept should be increased by 5% to allow for an increase in the cost of grass cutting, the Parish Council Election and Library funding. Any spend over and above that will be taken from reserves. This was seconded by Cllr Wright and agreed unanimously.
Appointment of Internal Auditor for 2014/2015 Accounts – Mr David Ralls AAT; ACCA (part), Springfield Avenue, Banbury carried out last year’s audits. Cllr Brotherston proposed that Mr Ralls be appointed again to inspect both the PC and War Memorial Hall Trust accounts for 2014/2015 (fee £250). This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and agreed unanimously.
Report on District Council Matters: Cllr Jelf had not submitted a report.
Report on County Council Matters: County Cllr Reynolds said that OCC had considered the budget for 2015-2016 and that further cuts to services will have to be made. The areas affected will be Environment, Adult Care and possibly some of the larger libraries.
Review of Standing Orders: this item was deferred until the next meeting.
Street Names – Bourne Lane Estate: Councillors agreed that the Parish Clerk should ask CDC to consider names relating to Hook Norton Brewery.
Correspondence – the Parish Clerk had forwarded all correspondence to Councillors during the month. There were no matters outstanding.
To Invite Questions and Comments from Members of the Public – there were no matters arising.
AOB
The Parish Clerk reminded Councillors that they are due for re-election in May 2015. She has made provision for Election costs in the budget.
Councillors will check the salt bins to ensure that OCC have filled them.
Confidential Items – two items were deferred until January.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 8 January 2015 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
There being no further business Councillor Watkins thanked everyone for attending and closed the public meeting at 8.15pm.
