HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE HOOK NORTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE MEMORIAL HALL ON THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015 at 7.30pm
Present: Councillors Kane, Hicks, Griggs, Watkins, Henderson, Wright, Matthews, Mrs R Watts (Parish Clerk) and three members of the public.
Apologies for Absence – Cllrs Brotherston, Casson, County Cllr Reynolds & District Cllr Jelf.
Chairman’s Announcements: – On Thursday 3rd September the people of Hook Norton voted clearly to adopt the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP). The Chairman thanked the HNNP sub-committee for their tireless efforts in taking this matter forward. She also thanked villagers for voting in such large numbers.
Declarations of Interest: there were none.
Minutes of Previous Meeting held on 9 July 2015 and Matters Arising
Cllr Hicks proposed that the minutes of the meeting on 9 July 2015 be resolved as a true and accurate record of the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr Griggs and passed unanimously.
Report of the Planning Co-Ordinator on Planning Applications – Annex 1
Eleven planning / TCA applications had been received since the last meeting. Councillors objected to 15/01290/F – erection of one new dwelling at Priory Cottage, Netting St.
Cherwell District Council had granted fifteen planning / TCA applications.
Cherwell District Council refused 15/00041/OUT. Proposed new dwelling on land to the rear of The Nook, Netting Street
Cherwell District Council refused 15/00773/F – 5 Orchard Rd. Alterations to increase the height of rear boundary wall, extension of car parking area and erection of new boundary fencing.
Oxfordshire County Council granted 0051/15 – Primary School. Erection of 2 single storey extensions to provide 2 KS2 classrooms, enlarged 1.5 Foundation Stage area, ancillary facilities and covered outdoor area.
Despite PC objections, The Planning Inspectorate approved 14/01087/F on appeal – Railway Farm, Station Road. Demolition of existing farm buildings. Erection of new build industrial building with associated vehicle yard and car parking
To Invite Members of the Public to Comment on Planning Applications: there were no matters arising.
Reports of Working Groups
Recreation
a) Playdale have sent a quotation for repairs to the play equipment in the sum of £1,278. Cllr Wright proposed that this be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr Matthews and agreed unanimously. The Parish Clerk will place an order for the works to be carried out.
b) Kim Cooke had provided the Chairman with a schedule of the work he carries out each month as Parish Warden.
Cemetery and Allotments
a) Japanese Knotweed in the cemetery is coming to the end of its growing season. It will be chemically treated in April to prevent it spreading to neighbouring properties. Cllr Griggs will continue to deal with the matter.
b) The dog bin at the top end of the cemetery has been knocked off its post. Cllr Griggs will arrange for it to be put back.
Environment
a) A member of the public asked if a salt bin could be positioned on the Hook Norton/Swerford Road near ‘Southfield’. The Parish Clerk will contact OCC to ask them to consider the matter. If they agree, the cost to the Parish Council will be £250 + VAT.
b) The Parish Clerk will arrange for OCC to deliver a bulk bag of salt to Banbury Plant Hire. This is for village use in the event of severe weather. Thanks go to Nigel Matthews for agreeing to store it.
Hook Norton War Memorial Hall
a) A new bunded oil tank has been installed. The tank now complies with insurance requirements.
b) The hand drier in the gents’ toilet does not work.
c) Replacement windows – work is ongoing to identify a supplier.
Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP) sub-Committee
a) On Thursday 3rd September the people of Hook Norton voted clearly to adopt the Neighbourhood Plan. Subject to ratification by the District Council on 5 October, the plan will now become a statutory part of the local planning process and anyone wishing to build in the village will have to demonstrate that they are complying with the policies in the plan.
Full Referendum Results: a total of 584 votes were cast – 34.8% of the total eligible to vote.
In favour of the plan – 568
Against the Plan – 16
Spoilt Ballots – None
Total in favour of the plan 97.2%
The high turnout in support of the plan gives it the best possible mandate and ensures that developers cannot challenge it on the basis of lack of support in the village.
Once ratified, Cherwell District Council will use it to assess whether planning applications in the village should be allowed to progress. The Parish Council will carefully review any new applications against the policies contained in the plan and will make representations to the planners based on 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 for August and September totalling £9,043.20 for the Parish Council and £2,363.26 for the Memorial Hall (Annex 2). Cllr Hicks moved acceptance of the payments detailed. This was seconded by Cllr Watkins and agreed unanimously.
External Audit 2014 – 2015
The Parish Clerk reported that external auditors BDO LLP completed an audit of the Parish Council accounts for 2014/2015 on 30 June 2015, with no matters arising. Cllr Kane proposed acceptance of the conclusion of audit. This was seconded by Cllr Griggs and accepted unanimously. The Notice of Conclusion of Audit has been displayed on noticeboards in the village since 13 July 2015.
District Council Report: no report submitted.
County Council Report: Cllr Reynolds had submitted a written report:
a) OCC’s bus subsidy consultation has ended.
b) OCC’s consultation on the household waste recycling strategy for Oxfordshire ends on
5 October. The Parish Clerk will write to OCC opposing the closure of Alkerton and Ardley tips. Villagers are asked to make their views known via www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/waste
c) Councillors are invited to meet the Leader of OCC on 21 September to discuss “further opportunities to work together”. OCC has to make stringent cuts and the meeting may be to encourage Parish Councils to pick up more of the non-statutory activities that OCC normally carry out, i.e. services will be paid for through the Parish Precept rather than OCC Council Tax.
Correspondence: The Parish Clerk had forwarded all correspondence to Councillors during the month. There were no matters outstanding. A copy of Cherwell District Council’s Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted on 20 July 2015) was tabled.
To Invite Questions and Comments from Members of the Public: there were no matters arising.
AOB:
a) Banbury Plant Hire cannot use the top road for 3 weeks whist OCC are carrying out road repairs. This unfortunately means that of their some heavy vehicles may have to go through the village.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on 8 October 2015 at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall.
There being no further business Councillor Kane thanked everyone for attending and closed the public meeting at 8.10pm.
