Mr P Bird (chair), Mr S Clifton, Mr P Colson, Mrs I Godden, Mrs S Hayman, Mr Mearns, Mrs E Reid, Mr D Sharples, Mr I Vaughan, Mr M Vaughan.

Mr P T Bird (Clerk)

Mr Woods, Mrs Whalley, Mr Whalley, Cllr Hughes and Cllr Langley.

6:         Agricultural Store Thrapston Road. Mr Sharples drew attention to the location of a skip at this site frequently filled with old plumbing artefacts, Clerk said he had reported the matter to the Enforcement Officer at ENC but would seek an update.

7:         Fence for Playground. The Clerk had obtained a quote for the removal of the Playground fence but this was far high than anticipated. It was suggested a further quote be obtained from Mr Murgatroyd (Thrapston Road) and any other local firm that could be found for comparison.

8:         Playground Safety matting. Clerk informed the meeting that Wicksteed were no longer willing to re-fix the safety matting as they could not guarantee the work. They would however, be prepared to sell the adhesive in order that a third party carry out the work. It was agreed the Clerk purchase five tubes.

9:         Parking top Club Lane. Mrs Hayman raised the issue of the vans parked at the top of Club Lane which continue to be a hazard and requested that a letter of complaint regarding the lack of interest of the local police be sent to the Divisional Superintendent, with evidence of the problem.

10:     Footpath former A604. The Clerk had responded to Islip Parish Council supporting their bid for a footpath along the former A604 and informing that bids had been placed previously for a footpath along Thrapston Road Woodford. A combined scheme would join these two paths.

11:     Police Funding / Community Police Officers. The Clerk had obtained details of the new scheme for Community Police Officers. Briefly these officers would have the same powers as “Specials” but would be allocated to the Parish which provided the £3500 funding for training.

12:     Children’s Playground. The Clerk’s letter to Mrs Gill regarding the type of equipment to be installed was read out.

13:     Planning Committee Comments

a)           31 / 33 Highfield, three bedroom house. Councillors had commented that it was essential that off road parking was provided as per the application and that steps were taken to match the brickwork with existing properties. No Objection.

b)           4 Priory Mews Club Lane. Single Storey Extension. Councillors commented that there was no objection so long as the off road parking presently afforded was not reduced.

c)           Water Tower, Installation of two 900mm transmission dishes for Anglian Water. Councillors had raised no objections. However, Mrs Hayman had once again raised the issue of the safety of such transmitters close to the water supply.

14:     East Northamptonshire Council Decisions

a)           4 Club Lane – Wood Store. Planning Permission Refused due to close proximity to listed building.

b)           Addington Road. Stables / riding area. Planning Permission granted.

c)           14 High Street. Rear Extension. Planning Permission granted.

d)           Adjacent 76 Highfield. Dwelling. Planning Permission granted.

15:     New Planning Applications

a)           New Dwelling adjacent to 11 The Leys. Councillors asked the Clerk to object of the grounds that the site was prone to flooding, loss of on road parking for existing vehicles, poor access, and overdevelopment of site, sufficient low cost housing available in Woodford

b)           Demolition of existing garages and construction of three properties adjacent to 12 The Leys. Councillors asked the Clerk to object on the grounds of lack of forethought regarding displacement of vehicles using garages, poor access, sufficient low cost housing in Woodford.

c)           Demolition of Garages and construction of a bungalow Rose Terrace.  Clerk to object on grounds of poor access, congestion, displacement of vehicles, sufficient low cost housing in village.

d)           Water Tower. Installation of (Vodaphone) transmission dishes. The majority of councillors raised no objection to the upgrade but Mrs Hayman said she was not in agreement due to the unproven safety record of this type of technology.

16:     Other Planning Matters

a)           Proposed Properties Highfield / West Street Corner. Midsummer Housing had written asking the Council’s support for the reduction in the number of parking spaces from six to four the site in Highfield / West Street suggesting that if the planning permission conditions set by ENC were adhered to it would look very much like a car park. Following discussion Mr Colson proposed and Mrs Reid seconded that no reduction should be supported. Councillors present agreed unanimously. There were already a significant number of vehicles parked on the road in that area, and all steps to prevent this situation deteriorating must be taken.

b)           The Closet, 48 High Street. Details of an appeal for the conversion of the Closet into a flat with garage were to hand. Clerk was asked to respond to the Planning Inspectorate that the Council was most concerned with the entrance to this garage being so close to the pedestrian entrance to the school.

17:     Alledge Drive. Mr Cleave of Alledge Drive had written lending support to the Council’s attempts to have the 30mph limit extended in Thrapston Road. The Clerk was asked to acknowledge his letter and copy it to the relevant NCC department from whom a reply had yet to be received to the Councils original letter.

18:     Mill Road Development. Mr Sanders of Alledge Drive had written complaining about the state of Mill Road and the lack of road sweeping. The Clerk reported that he had himself taken up the matter with William Davis Ltd but had not yet received a reply.

19:     Policing Northamptonshire. The Chief Constable had written informing the Parish that there would be a special meeting at Wooton Hall on 28 November when the Police would seek to explain the present policing strategy and problems facing the force. Mr Colson and Mrs Reid said they would like to attend. Clerk to organise.

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

a)         Various East Northants Minutes and Reports

b)        ENC Councillor Information Circular

c)         Community Safety Forum Minutes

d)        Community Policing Information

21:     Mr I Vaughan proposed, Mrs S Hayman seconded, and it was unanimously agreed that the above accounts be settled.

23:     Remembrance Sunday. Mr I Vaughan thanked the Chairman for drawing attention at the Remembrance Service to the lack of respect shown to the War Memorial by the youth of the village. He felt it was a good opportunity with so many children / youths being present. This was echoed by other councillors.