Mr P T Bird (Clerk)

Mrs Godden, Mrs Whalley.

2:         Police Information Evening. A Police Officer was not present, however, Mr Colson and Mrs Reid reported on their attendance at an information evening held at Wooton Hall. A lengthy discussion ensued and it was agreed that Chief Superintendent Dean Smith be invited to attend a forthcoming Parish Council Meeting. A report is appended to these minutes. Police Funding also was discussed. Cllr Langley advised that the reason NCC withdrew additional funding in early 2006 was due to the proposed merger of Police Forces as a result funding would have been spent outside of the County.

3:         Police Funding. Phil Hope had written informing that additional funding has been given to the Police Force and that the Government cannot be held to account for lack of funds. Figures showed an allowance for inflation and showed that there was an increase in Officers. The Clerk was asked to write to the MP seeking clarification on the level of increase in funding (in real terms) when inflation and the Northamptonshire population increases were taken into account. Additionally whilst there was an increase in Officers what increase was evident of increased hours on the beat?

7:         Cllr Hughes also discussed the above matter and the ramifications of centralised / decentralised services and the affects of such changes on Local and Parish Councils.

8:         Verge Cutting within Woodford. WS Atkins had written for confirmation whether the Parish would be responsible for the verge cutting in the new season.  Proposed and seconded and it was unanimously agreed that the present arrangement should continue and that the Clerk should make the appropriate arrangements, with WS Atkins and ENC.

9:         Playground Fence. The Clerk reported that he was still awaiting further quotes for the removal of the fence.

10:     Bollard on Village Green. The Clerk reported that the process for seeking compensation was lengthy and bureaucratic. Councillors agreed that as the reinstallation cost was low it should not be pursued

11:     Planning Committee Comments

a)           The Planning Committee had not commented on any plans since the last meeting.

12:     East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)           Water Tower. Vodaphone Transmission dish upgrade. Approved.

b)           Addington Rd Ringstead. Three storey country hotel. Refused.

c)           Land adj 5 The Green. Erection of Dwelling and Garage. Approved.

d)           60 Highfield. Erection of Workshop / Store. Replacement of bay window flat roof. Approved.

e)           Water Tower. Anglian Water communication dishes upgrade. Approved.

f)             4 Priory Mews. Single Storey Extension. Approved.

13:     New Planning Applications

a)           Land adj 48 Highfield. Change in number of parking space. Parish Council agreed that 5 spaces would be acceptable as this would exceed the 1.5 per property. No Objection.

b)           Land adj 3A De Capel Close / Club Lane. Dwelling House. The application was discussed, but Councillors agreed that due to poor access from Club Lane, the close proximity to a listed building, that other properties would be overlooked, and the original planning permission for this site was for bungalows to be accessed from De Capel Close the Clerk should Object to the application. The Clerk was also requested to draw attention to the fact that the planning officer allocated to the case lived in Club Lane. (N.B. whilst the officer’s name appeared on letter, ENC has subsequently assured that the case was reallocated).

14:     Other Planning Matters

a)           Land between 31 / 33 Highfield. Erection of one three bedroom dwelling Withdrawn.

15:     Trees in High Street. Mr Coles had written asking whether the trees in the High Street could be pruned back. Clerk was asked to contact Drayton Estate.

16:     The Chairman asked that the following items of correspondence be circulated:

a)         Village Viewpoint

b)        ENC Councillor Information Circular

c)         Recycling Information – Let’s talk rubbish

d)        NCC – County Council Meeting

e)         EMDA news

f)          NALC Annual Report

g)         Phil Hope MP Surgery Dates

18:     The Clerk produced draft budget figures for the forthcoming year, and gave explanations as required. It was unanimously agreed by those present that the Precept be set at £10,000. Budget figures appended to these minutes.

19:     Lamp De Capel Close. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the occupier of 3A De Capel Close to arrange the re-instatement of the lamp removed during the construction of the property