HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN THE WAR MEMORIAL HALL, HOOK NORTON ON THURSDAY, 12 March 2015 at 7.30pm
Present: Councillors Kane, Watkins, Hicks, Griggs, Wright, Matthews, Henderson (arrived 7.34pm), Hayward (arrived 7.46pm), Mrs Watts (Parish Clerk) and three members of the public.
Apologies for Absence – Cllrs Casson, Brotherston, County Cllr Reynolds, District Cllr Jelf
Chairman’s Announcements
There were none.
Declarations of Interest – Cllr Kane declared an interest in planning applications 15/00048/TCA and 15/00289/F. Cllr Matthews declared an interest in planning application 15/00234/F. Cllrs Henderson and Hayward, arriving after 7.30pm, were asked by the Chairman to declare any interests. They had no interests to declare.
Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 12 February 2015 and Matters Arising
Cllr Wright proposed that the minutes of the meeting on 12 February 2015 be accepted as a true and accurate record. This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and passed unanimously.
Report of the Planning Co-Ordinator on Planning Applications – Annex 1
Eleven planning applications had been received since the last meeting. Cllr Kane left the hall whilst planning applications 15/00048/TCA and 15/00289/F were discussed. Cllr Matthews left the hall whilst planning application 15/00234/F was discussed.
Cherwell District Council had granted two planning/TPO applications.
To Invite Members of the Public to Comment on Planning Applications – a member of the public asked Cllr Matthews how many chickens would be kept on the site at Ferris Hill Farm and where they would be housed overnight.
Reports of Working Groups
Recreation
a) The Parish Council has appointed Mr Kim Cooke as the new Parish Warden. He is self-employed and will initially work a 10 hour week.
b) Playdale has delivered and spread ‘Cushion-fall’ under the play equipment.
Cemetery and Allotments
a) There are now four volunteers helping to keep the cemetery tidy. Cllrs thanked them for their support. More volunteers would be welcome.
b) People are still putting flower wrappings, plastic and oasis in the compost bin. Users are respectfully asked to put these items in the green wheelie bins provided.
c) The borders in the cemetery need spraying with weed killer. Cllr Hicks will speak to Tim Burchell.
d) The volunteers would like to plant bulbs in the borders of the cemetery and are asking for donations.
e) An isolator is needed so that the water supply can be turned off in the cemetery during the winter months. Cllr Matthews will speak to a local tradesman.
f) Cllr Kane has obtained a map of the old part of the cemetery which will enable the Parish Clerk to locate old graves which may still need to be opened up.
Environment
a) The work recently carried out at Ironstone Hollow has visually improved the area.
b) Cllrs thanked Geoff East, an Environmental Champion who works alone to improve the area around Hollybush Road. More Environmental Champions would be welcome.
Hook Norton War Memorial Hall
a) The contractor has fitted a system that allows the central heating boiler to be controlled remotely. The system is password protected.
b) Cllr Brotherston is chasing quotations for replacement windows.
c) A replacement noticeboard has been chosen and will be put on order.
Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP) Sub-Committee
a) The external Examiner has reviewed and approved the HNNP. He recommended minor alterations and these will be implemented. The PC is now waiting for Cherwell DC to arrange the Referendum, which apparently cannot be on the same day as the General Election.
b) Cllr Hicks has started the process of applying for more funding.
c) Cllrs thanked all the parties involved in getting the HNNP to this stage. Their tireless efforts are very much appreciated.
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 for March totalling £4,309.39 for the Parish Council and £383.89 for the Memorial Hall (Annex 2). Cllr Matthews moved acceptance of the payments detailed. This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and agreed unanimously.
Members’ Allowance Scheme 2015/2016
Councillors considered at length the Independent & Parish Remuneration Panel’s report on the review of parish members’ allowances for the 2015/2016 financial year. The majority of Councillors agreed that they would not introduce allowances for Councillors for the financial year 2015/2016. Out-of-pocket expenses can still be claimed.
Heath Allotment Trust: Appointment of Trustees 2015 – 2016
Councillor Kane reported that Pauline Walters, Ray Gasson, Nigel Shields, Clive Timms and Derek Brotherston (representing the Parish Council) are willing to continue as Trustees for 2015 – 2016. Cllr Kane proposed that the Parish Council appoint them as Trustees for 2015 – 2016. This was seconded by Cllr Hicks and agreed unanimously.
Report on District Council Matters:
a) CDC’s budget for 2015/2016 remains unchanged.
Report on County Council Matters:
a) The redundancy of OCC’s Chief Executive is now on hold.
b) OCC’s budget for 2015/2016 was passed with a 1.99% increase.
Correspondence – the Parish Clerk had forwarded all correspondence to Councillors during the month.
Parish Council Election: Parish Councils are statutory bodies. Members are elected for a term of four years. The Parish of Hook Norton has to elect eleven Councillors in May to serve on the Parish Council for the next four years. The Parish Clerk had received Nomination Packs from Cherwell DC and she tabled packs to those present. Anyone considering standing for election can obtain a Nomination Pack from the Parish Clerk or from Cherwell DC Elections – 01295 227005 or Elections@cherwellandsouthnorthants.gov.uk
Cllrs Kane had received a letter of support from the OALC Chairman for her letter in The Telegraph relating to the television series ‘Casual Vacancy’. He considered her comments to be appropriate and accurate.
To Invite Questions and Comments from Members of the Public – there were none.
AOB
a) A villager had asked if a bus stop and bus shelter could be put near The Grange. As the estate is still in the hands of the developer, this request should be directed to them or to OCC Highways.
b) A villager has offered to organise a commemorative bench in memory of Doug Marshall and the PC has no objections.
The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on 9 April 2015 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 9 April 2015 at 7.45pm in the Memorial Hall.
There being no further business Councillor Kane thanked everyone for attending and closed the public meeting at 8.40pm.
