Category Archives: Parish Council Meetings and Minutes

AGM Minutes – 23rd May 2023

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

 

Date:                     Tuesday, 23rd May 2023                                                                 Time:    8:40 pm

 

Venue:                 Northington Village Hall

 

Present:               Dennis Nye                                                                                                         Chairman

Lucy Williams

Andrew Bason

Melissa Jennings

Juliet Blanshard

Wendy Simson                                                                                                  Clerk

 

Apologies:          Cllr Margot Power (District Councillor)

Cllr Jackie Porter (County Councillor)

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith (District Councillor)

Fiona Issacs (District Councillor)

 

  1. Election of Chairman

The Clerk explained that the Council is required to elect the Chairman each year. Councillor Nye confirmed that he was prepared to stand again, and the remaining Councillors confirmed that they did not wish to stand. Councillor Williams proposed Councillor Nye and Councillor Bason seconded the nomination. The full Council voted to approve Councillor Nye’s re-election.

 

  1. Co-option of Juliet Blanshard to the Parish Council

Juliet had not been nominated at the elections on 8th May due to an issue with paperwork, she confirmed that she wished to stand again as a Councillor. Cllr Nye proposed Juliet and Cllr Bason seconded, and the Councillors approved her appointment.

 

  1. Resignation of Cllr Jennings and Cllr Williams

The two Councillors have decided to step down, Cllr Jennings with immediate effect after 7 years on the Parish Council and Cllr Williams at the next meeting due to a house move. The Chairman thanked both for their support and a gift was presented to each.

 

  1. Co-option of two new Councillors

Rhona Hatchley and Simon Walker have both spoken to the Chairman about becoming Councillors. Unfortunately, neither were able to attend and sent apologies but the Clerk confirmed that they could be co-opted onto the Parish Council in their absence. Cllr Blanshard proposed both and Cllr Bason seconded, both were elected to the Parish Council.

 

  1. Councillor roles and responsibilities

Draft roles and responsibilities to be confirmed at next meeting

 

  1. Internal Audit Report for 2022/23

Prior to the meeting, the Clerk had taken the accounts to the Internal Auditor, however this process has not yet been completed. The Clerk agreed to circulate the report once received.

 

  1. Certificate of exception

Prior to the meeting the Clerk had circulated the completed Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for 2022/23. Councillors approved that the Parish Council met the criteria for exception as detailed on page 3. The Chairman signed the form.

 

  1. Annual Governance Statement 2022/23

The Clerk read out the 8 statements on page 5 of the AGAR and the Councillors confirmed that the Parish Council had the appropriate controls in place. Statement 9 was answered as N/a as the Parish Council does not have any Trust Funds. The Chairman signed form.

 

  1. Accounting Statement for 2022/23

The Councillors confirmed that they had read the Accounting Statement on page 6 of the AGAR and that the figures submitted agreed with the Annual Accounts. The Chairman signed this page of the AGAR.

The Clerk confirmed that the completed AGAR, Annual Accounts and Explanation of Variances were posted on the Parish Council website along with the dates for the exercise of public rights to view the accounts.

 

The meeting ended at 8.55 pm.

Minutes – 23rd May 2023

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

 

Date:                     Tuesday 23rd May 2023                                                                  Time:    8:55 pm

 

Venue:                 Northington Village Hall

 

Present:               Dennis Nye                                                                                                         Chairman

Andrew Bason

Juliet Blanshard

Wendy Simson                                                                                                  Clerk

2 members of the public

 

Apologies:

Rhona Hatchley

Simon Walker

Cllr Margot Power                                                                                           District Councillor

Cllr Fiona Issacs                                                                                                 District Councillor

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith                                                                            District Councillor

Cllr Jackie Porter                                                                                              County Councillor

 

Welcome and apologies.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. Cllrs Power, Gordon-Smith, Porter and Issacs all sent apologies. Apologies were also accepted from Rhona Hatchley and Simon Walker who have both expressed an interest in becoming Councillors.

 

Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 24th March 2023 and agreed the minutes as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk provided a copy for the Chairman to sign.

 

Matters arising.

SID position on B3046 – it was agreed that the data already available would negate having to install the SID to record speeds. Cllr Blanshard agreed to to continue to pursue the speed limitation request on B3046

Culvert clearing at Northington Crossroads – the culvert and drains were cleared in March 2022, and it has been requested that they be cleared again but there has been no report of the work being done. Cllr Blanshard reported that the road does clear after rain.

Fly tipping – Cllr Bason has reported the issue and the pile dumped by Micheldever Woods has been cleared, however Cllr Bason informed the Council that another load has been left in the previous 48 hours.

Litter Pick – Cllr Bason confirmed that the litter pick had gone well.

 

Planning applications & related matters

Water Augmentation Scheme – following the open meeting with Southern Water on 10th May an objection was posted from the Parish Council. The Chairman reported that there were a number of other comments posted prior to the deadline of 12th May, all were objections.

 

Clerks report & Financial update

The Clerk informed Councillors that there was just one payment to be made for the subscription to HALC (Hampshire Association of Local Councils) for £170.78. This was approved by the Councillors.

 

Lengthsman

The dates have been agreed for 23/24 and they are:

  • 12th June 2023
  • 12th September 2023
  • 11th December 2023
  • 15th March 2024

Melissa agreed to pass on the email from the Lengthsman requesting the worksheet when it arrived and inform the Lengthsman of the change of personnel.

 

Village Hall

The Councillors agreed to work with the Village Hall with possible funding once the plan had been circulated of what actions were to be taken.

 

General Correspondence

Melissa informed the Councillors that she had a contact name and telephone number of Conway’s, Cllr Bason asked if this could be shared with him.

 

Date of the next meeting

The next meeting is planned for Thursday 27th July, the Chairman agreed to circulate the date to the new Councillors to confirm they were available.

 

The meeting ended at 9:30 pm.

Minutes – 23rd March 2023

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

 

Date:                     Thursday 23rd March 2023                                                            Time:    6:30 pm

 

Venue:                 Northington Village Hall

 

Present:               Dennis Nye                                                                                                         Chairman

Melissa Jennings

Lucy Williams

Andrew Bason

Juliet Blanshard

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith                                                                            District Councillor

Cllr Jackie Porter                                                                                              County Councillor

Wendy Simson                                                                                                  Clerk

 

Apologies:          Cllr Margot Power                                                                                           District Councillor

Cllr Fiona Issacs                                                                                                 District Councillor

 

Welcome and apologies.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. Cllrs Power and Issacs both sent apologies.

 

Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 19th January 2023 and agreed the minutes as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk provided a copy for the Chairman to sign.

 

Matters arising.

Bank Account Signatories – Councillors agreed to review bank signatories once the elections have taken place.

Millennium bench – Cllr Bason updated the Council that this was in hand.

Blocked drain on B3046 by Village Hall – Cllr Blanshard confirmed this was on the last list for the Lengthsman visit.

 

District Councillors Report

The Clerk had circulated the reports received from Councillors prior to the meeting.

Cllr Gordon-Smith updated the Parish Council on the award of a development partner to redevelop the centre of Winchester in the area where the old bus station, post office, Iceland, etc were situated. This will be a 10 years project and will include a pop up park and an area where an archaeological dig can be viewed by the public. The Debenhams site which is outside of the scheme is owned by Surrey County Council and there are plans for three restaurants to take the building.

Cllr Porter apologies that her report hadn’t been delivered but sent again earlier today. The focus was on the Council Tax and budgets. Cllr Porter expressed concerns about the Head of Education and the Head of Child Services both retiring and the gaps in the City Council this left.

Cllr Blanshard asked about the possibility of extending the speed limit on the B3046. Cllr Porter asked if the Parish Council had a Speed Indication Device (SID) that recorded data, the Clerk explained that she could borrow one but the piece of road was currently National Speed Limit so a SID could not be deployed in the area. Councillors expressed concern about the changes to the traffic at the Grange and further accidents. Cllr Porter suggested that the areas around the entrance to the Grange was an advisory 30mph zone and that Highways may allow the SID to be used.

Action: Clerk to speak to Highways about identifying a site for a SID.

The Chairman asked if there was any update on the fibre broadband project, Cllr Porter informed Councillors that the money generated from the scheme meant that some commercially viable areas including Northington were being reassessed.   Northington is near the top of the list for any local central funding.

 

Planning applications & related matters

Lawn House (22/02584/HOU)) – all Councillors provided comments via email and the Chairman responded on behalf of the Parish Council to confirm that were no concerns.

 

Clerks report & Financial update

The Clerk had circulated the financial report prior to the meeting, hall hire for the meeting was to be included but then the financial year was to be closed. The Clerk will prepare the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) and present for Internal Audit. The accounts will be ready for the May meeting for sign off by Council.

 

Elections

The Clerk forwarded information about the elections in January and resent the nomination paperwork on 16th March. The Chairman has completed the paperwork and reassured Councillors that it was not onerous. The Clerk suggested that one Councillor could take paperwork in for all members, the Chairman agreed to contact Winchester City Council to book an appointment.

Action: Chairman to book appointment to deliver all Councillors paperwork.

Cllr Bason, Williams and Blanshard agreed to meet with the Clerk at 11am on Sunday 2nd April at the Woolpack to complete all packs and allow each to nominate others.

Action: Clerk to take paperwork to Chairman for delivery.

Cllr Jennings announced that she would not be standing at the elections. Cllr Williams also announced that they plan to move this year, but she would remain a Councillor until she leaves.

 

There was a discussion about the need for new Councillors in view of two Councillors stepping down.

Action: Chairman to email village asking for volunteers

Action: Chairman to make a direct appeal to village newcomers to get involved.

Action: All NPC to forward to Chairman further candidate suggestions.

Action: Clerk to publicise need for volunteers in the Oxdrove magazine.

 

Highways

The Road has flooded again at the Northington crossroads and Cllr Blanshard agreed to speak to Highways about getting the culverts cleared again.

Action: Cllr Blanshard to speak to Highways.

Cllr Bason asked if there was an opportunity to have signage about the risks of ice during the winter on the stretch of road between the Northington Crossroads and Now House Farm. Cllr Porter suggested reporting it through the HCC website.

Cllr Bason informed that the Parish Council that there had been an issue with fly tipping of roofing materials in the area around New House Farm, each time it has been cleared quickly by WCC but would like I reported. Cllr Porter suggested that Gary Brown, the Officer for Fly-Tipping be informed as he is an ex-police officer and will investigate and collect any evidence which may allow a prosecution. Cllr Gordon-Smith asked to be copied in on the correspondence.

Action: Cllr Bason to email Gary Brown and provide all evidence to date.

 

Water Augmentation Scheme Update

The Councillors discussed the new submission for planning from Southern Water for:

Construction and operation of an approximately 8.1km raw water pipeline, predominantly as a permanent below ground pipeline (approximately 7.2km) but with five temporary above ground sections of pipeline (approximately 900m) and other temporary accesses, hard standings, plant (including temporary water booster pumping station) and equipment capable of installation, removal, storage and re-installation in advance of and operation during severe drought events over the period to the end of 2030. Provision of a new permanent pole mounted high voltage power supply at Land in Itchen Valley and Candover Valley Hampshire.

The full application can be found at

https://planning.hants.gov.uk/Planning/Display/HCC/2023/0083

The Chairman has read all documents and confirmed that some of the concerns raised about the last plan have been amended. The property likely to be most affected is Keepers Cottage opposite the pumping station on Kite’s Hill.

Councillors raised concerns about the temporary compound which seemed large at 80m by 40m and wanted assurances that this would be fully dismantled once the initial set up has been completed.

Cllr Porter informed the Parish Council that water was now going to be put into the Candover Brook but was not sure where this was likely to be, the Chairman suggested that it would go in at the pumping station.

Cllr Porter suggested that the Parish Councillors have a meeting with Lise Kirby from HCC, possibly via Zoom, to discuss concerns. Cllr Poster also suggested that the Parish Council asked for an extension to the closing date for comments as 12th May is just after the elections.

Action: Clerk to speak to WCC about extending the closing date for comments.

Cllr Williams suggested that another public meeting be held to allow residents to voice their thoughts.

Action: Cllr Williams to speak to Southern Water about sending a representative.

Action: Chairman to issue a village wide email with links to planning website, together with the current NPC stance (object) and a request to lodge parishioner comments to the planners or feedback to NPC.

Action: Chairman to distribute his collected notes from scan review of ~83 planning documents to the rest of the council to facilitate their more detailed review.

 

Village Hall Cooperation

The Chairman has been in correspondence with the Village Hall Committee about funding for the new roof and also ongoing events and bookings. Cllr Porter informed the Parish Council that there were a number of grants available to help with the roof and she had looked to arrange a date to discuss with the Village Hall Committee but a suitable date hadn’t been identified.

Action: Cllr Porter to arrange a date to meet the committee

The Chairman suggested that the Village Hall Committee and Parish Council should meet in an email on 15th February and gave a number of questions that needed to be explored

  • Is there a plan to address the anticipated shortfall in both operating and capital expenditures that you can share with NPC?
    If such a plan exists, then we can work together to see if we might enhance it.
    If such a plan does not exist, then we can work together to create such a plan.
  • Has Jackie Porter’s offer of assistance been taken up?
  • Have the other source of Grants been pursued?
  • No apparent communication to the village about the hall’s difficulties or appeals for funding support.
  • Is the VH committee looking to change its traditional role and responsibilities?

The Chairman had proposed a meeting with the village hall committee to discuss the above matters, but with no specific response.

Action: Chairman to arrange a meeting with Village Hall Committee Co-Chairpersons to discuss.

Cllr Blanshard also suggested that the Village Hall Committee be encouraged to put forward a member as a Parish Councillor to ensure better communication.

Action: Chairman to speak to Village Hall Committee about a representative on the Parish Council.

 

Lengthsman

Cllr Jennings informed the Council that the Lengthsman visited on 6th March and one man did a full day and got most of the list of work completed.

The Clerk confirmed that the contract had been renewed with HCC for the Lengthsman in 23/24. RP Gardening Services who deliver the contract for the Candover Cluster has written to explain that with increasing costs that the model would be amended for 23/24 and gave two options:

  • Option 1 – 4 visits a year (4 hours each) with two people
  • Option 2 – 5 visits a year (4 hours each) with one person.

It was agreed that option 1 provided best value.

Action: Clerk to circulate dates when received.

The Lengthsman has collected the stones that have been washed down Church Lane and it was suggested that these be put in front of the post-box where is has become very muddy.

Action: Cllr Jennings to speak to the Lengthsman for next visit.

 

Website

The Chairman informed the Parish Council that no further progress had been made with the website.

 

General Correspondence

Litter Pick – this has been booked for Sunday 16th April and the Village Hall Committee are arranging a coffee morning.

Cllr Bason agreed to allocate the routes and the Clerk agreed to source litter pickers and hoops for the bags.

Action: Clerk to organise litter picking equipment

Action: Cllr Jennings to provide old litter picking and route information to Cllr Bason

Action:  Chairman to issue village email for volunteers upon request from Cllr Bason.

 

Date of the next meeting

The next meeting is planned for Tuesday 23rd May after the Village Hall meeting as part of the Annual Parish meeting, start time to be confirmed by Village Hall Committee.

 

The meeting ended at 8:35 pm.

Minutes – 19th January 2023

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

 

Date:                Thursday 19th January 2023                                           Time:   6:30 pm

Venue:             Northington Village Hall

Present:           Dennis Nye                                                                               Chairman

Melissa Jennings

Lucy Williams

Andrew Bason

Cllr Margot Power                                                                     District Councillor

Cllr Fiona Issacs                                                                         District Councillor

Cllr Jackie Porter                                                                       County Councillor

Wendy Simson                                                                          Clerk

Apologies:        Juliet Blanshard

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith                                                          District Councillor

Welcome and apologies.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. Cllrs Blanshard and Gordon-Smith both sent apologies.

Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 14th November 2022 and agreed the minutes as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk provided a copy for the Chairman to sign.

Matters arising

Bank Account Signatories – The bank mandate was created to add Cllrs Williams and Jennings, this has been approved. The Clerk will now set up another mandate to remove Yvonne White and John Mitchell and add the Chairman.

Action: Clerk to set up mandate

Millennium bench – Cllr Bason has spoken to the gentleman who made the bench and he is confident that he can repair it in the spring.

Blocked drain on B3046 by Village Hall – Cllr Blanshard has reported the issue to Hampshire Highways. Cllr Jennings agreed to ask the Lengthsman to look at if a grip can be cleared to ensure water escapes.

Action: Cllr Jennings to discuss with Lengthsman

Zoom account – The Clerk confirmed that this has been cancelled.

District Councillors Report

The Clerk had circulated the reports from Councillors prior to the meeting.

Cllr Issacs gave an update that Hampshire County Council Planning Department discussed the upgrade of listed properties with double or triple glazing, this has been turned down in the past but ensuring buildings are as energy efficient as possible has meant views have changed. Cllr Issacs explained that this affected several properties in the area.

Cllr Power had attended a meeting about the 20mph speed limits, this is being used as a base line but will not be imposed if communities don’t want the lower limit. The Chairman asked about the B3046 by the Grange entrance, Cllr Power explained that this would not be covered. Cllr Power also asked if the approved application to open a new entrance onto the B3046 had been actioned, the Chairman confirmed that it hadn’t, but it was due to expire.

Cllr Porter informed that Council that the budget for Rural broadband has been cut from £197,000 to £5,000, however there will be money from Openreach for completed projects.

A meeting has also taken place between Southern Water and Mark Baring to progress the Drought Scheme from the Candover Valley. Plans are due to be submitted in February and a Public Consultation is being discussed. Cllr Power invited the Chairman to the Health & Environment Policy Meeting on 1st March where Southern Water will answer questions about the plan.

The roundabout on the A31 by Ovington is to be amended to stop the flooding which collects in the area.

Cllr Power asked for the Councillors thoughts about the plans for the M3 Junction 9.

Planning applications & related matters

Grange Farm Buildings (22/02072/FUL & 22/02073/LIS) – there are still concerns about the application and comments have been returned to highlight these concerns. Cllr Power informed the Council that the application had not been decided but agreed to follow its progress.

Clerks report & Financial update

The Clerk had circulated the financial report prior to the meeting and asked if there were any questions. The Councillors had no questions.

 

Highways

Cllr Bason commented that the resurfacing work has been completed on the crossroads, but the area had flooded in the recent heavy rain due to the grips being blocked. Cllr Jennings agreed to ask the Lengthsman to clear them.

The Chairman informed that Council that there had been an accident with a car losing control on black ice in the area and had turned over, there have been several similar accidents in this area.

Lengthsman

Cllr Jennings informed the Council that the Lengthsman was visiting on Friday 20th January (the day after the meeting) and had been asked to clear the grips on Chalk Hill along with removing the silt washed into the area. The grip on the B3046 by the Village Hall and at the crossroads would be added to the list of work required.

Cllr Power informed the Council that the funds for the Lengthsman Scheme had been approved for 2023/24.

Website

The Chairman informed the Parish Council that the plan was to merge the website will the Village Hall site as it was much more user friendly.

Budgets

The Clerk circulated an updated finance report showing the planned values for line items in the 2023/24 following the discussions at the last meeting.

The recurring grants of £1,000 to the Village Hall and £600 to the Church have been included along with a Grant fund to support One Off Project of £1,000. The Chairman informed the Councillors that the Village Hall had already applied for £500 from this One-Off fund.

The Councillors agreed to remove the fund for the Coronation and if any activity is planned an application can be made for a One-Off Grant.

The Councillors also approved combining the contingency, non-budgeted outgoings and further expected outgoings lines which totalled £650 and allocate £400 under a contingency budget line.

The Councillors also agree to increase the precept by 10% from £4,500 to £4,950, this would give a predicted closing balance of £4,775 on 31st March 2024.

The Chairman suggested that any funds not spent from the budget lines be swept into a sink fund for possible match funding with the Village Hall when the new roof is required. Cllr Power also offered to support the Village Hall Committee to apply for Grant Funds.

Cllr Bason proposed the new budget, Cllr Williams seconded the proposal, the Council approved the budget.

Action: Clerk to complete Precept request and send through to Winchester City Council.

 

General Correspondence

The Clerk informed the Council that training on the new Election Act is being conducted on Tuesday 24th January.

Action: Clerk to send invite to Councillors

The Chairman gave an update about the entrance to the Grange from Chalk Hill, it had been agreed that additional signage was required but the position of this sign is being discussed.

Date of the next meeting

The next meeting is planned for Thursday 23rd March, and it was agreed that start time should remain 6:30pm.

The meeting ended at 8:20 pm.

Audit – June 2022

Smaller authority name: Northington Parish Council

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

NOTICE NOTES
1. Date of announcement 7th June 2022                                                              (a)

2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd.  The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2022, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:

 

(b) Wendy Simson (Clerk)

3 Farriers Close

Preston Candover

Hampshire

RG25 2EZ

Tel: 01256 389457

Email: wendy.simson3@gmail.com

 

commencing on (c) __Monday 13 June 2022 _______________________

 

and ending on (d) ___Friday 22 July 2022 ________________________

 

3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:

 

·       The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and

·       The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

 

The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.

 

4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015.  The appointed auditor is:

 

PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team)

15 Westferry Circus

Canary Wharf

London E14 4HD

(sba@pkf-l.com)

 

5. This announcement is made by (e) Wendy Simson (Clerk)

 

 

 

(a) Insert date of placing of the notice which must be not less than 1 day before the date in (c) below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b) Insert name, position and address/telephone number/ email address, as appropriate, of the Clerk or other person to which any person may apply to inspect the accounts

 

(c) Insert date, which must be at least 1 day after the date of announcement in (a) above and at least 30 working days before the date appointed in (d) below

 

(d) The inspection period between (c) and (d) must be 30 working days inclusive and must include the first 10 working days of July.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Insert name and position of person placing the notice – this person must be the responsible financial officer for the smaller authority

Agenda for Parish Council Meetings 19 May 2022

Northington Village Hall.

Thursday 19th May 2022, following the Annual Parish Meeting.

 

Agenda for Northington Parish Council Annual General Meeting

  • Election of Chairman
  • Election of Vice Chairman
  • Agreement of roles and responsibilities for Councillors
  • Sign-off of audited accounts for 2021/22
  • Questions from the public

 

Agenda for Northington Council meeting

Welcome by the Chairman and apologies for absence.

  1. Minutes of the last meeting held on 17th March 2022.
  2. Matters arising
    • Cllr Porter and Clerk to exchange email addresses
    • Highways meeting on Tuesday 22nd March
  3. District Councillor Reports
  4. Planning application
    • Totford Saw Mill Totford Lane Northington (22/00704/FUL) – comments by 24th May
  5. Clerk/Financial report
  • HALC membership
  • Jubilee funds
  1. Lengthsman dates for 2022/23
  • 24th May
  • 22nd August
  • 28th October
  • 20th January
  • 6th March
  1. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
  2. General correspondence
  3. Any Other Business
  4. Date of next meeting
  • Thursday 21st July

Minutes – 20th January 2022

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

 

Date:               Thursday 20th January 2022                                       Time: 7:00 pm

 

Venue:            Northington Village Hall

 

Present:          John Mitchell                                                                          Chairman

Dennis Nye

Juliet Blanshard

Yvonne White

Melissa Jennings

Cllr Margot Power                                                                  District Councillor

Cllr Fiona Issacs                                                                       District Councillor

Cllr Jackie Porter                                                                     Country Councillor

Wendy Simson                                                                        Clerk

One member of the Public (or item 7 only)

 

Apologies:       None

 

  1. Welcome and apologies for absence.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting.

 

  1. Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 16th November 2021.

Councillors agreed the minutes as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk provided a copy for the Chairman to sign.

 

  1. Matters arising

The Councillors agreed to review the presentation made by STaND (Stand Up for the North Hampshire Downs) with a view to agreeing support for the project. However, the Councillors had asked the following questions at the meeting which are yet to be answered:

  • Get STaND’s assessment of ANOB positives and negatives for residents.
  • Definition of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a National Park
  • The differences between these two designations
  • The involvement of Natural England and the Environment Agency with plans to create a new North Downs area.

It was agreed that until these questions had been answered that no further decisions were to be made.

 

  1. District Councillors Report

The District Councillors had sent a report prior to the meeting.

Cllr Power updated the Councillors on the “20 is plenty” project which is being expanded to rural areas. The Councillors agreed that Northington Hill would be an ideal location for a 20mph zone. The Terms of Reference for the project are being agreed on Friday 21st January and Cllr Power agreed to provide and update at the next meeting.

Cllr Porter explained that there were benefits for reducing speed limits to 20mph and that the changes in the Highway Code giving priority to pedestrians and cyclists supported the change.

The Chairman asked for Councillors views, Cllr Blanshard suggested that speed tests be carried out to identify current speeds as drivers would not self-police a large drop in the limits. Cllr White felt that it was unlikely that the B3046 could be reduced to 20mph but it was agreed that Northington Hill would benefit from a lower limit.

Cllr Power informed the Parish Council that the yearend financial out turn was due to be better than initially predicted so some cuts which were planned would not need to happen.

Cllr Issacs informed the Parish Council that the Winchester Movement Strategy was being developed and a meeting on the walking and cycling infrastructure was planned for 2nd February. Reports of Child Protection issues had increased with 120,000 calling being made in the last year of which between 1/3 and ½ were investigated.

Cllr Issacs also informed the Parish Council that Southern Water plan to resubmit plans for the pipeline in March, meetings have taken place with landowners to understand concerns. The development of the Havant Water reservoir has been pushed back to 2028/29. The South Downs National Park are happier with the new plans but there is no update on concerns about the noise if the from the Pumping Station at Totford and pumps will be diesel or electric.

 

  1. Planning Applications

The Parish Council had received an application for:

  • Ruffside (22/00058/TPO) – Four Yew Trees – prune above road and balance as they are hanging below 5.2m.

The Councillors had assessed the application prior to the meeting and agreed they were happy for permission to be granted.

Cllr Nye asked for an update on recent applications, they are:

  • 105 Grange Park (21/01593/HOU) – Single storey side/rear infill extension, permitted.
  • Swarraton Farmhouse (21/02099/FUL) – Refurbishment of two dwellings on the Swarraton farm site, permitted.
  • Swarraton Farmhouse (21/01851/FUL) – Re-landscape soft and hard across all of site boundary displayed on drawings, permitted.
  • The Barn (21/02416/HOU) – Change double garage/workshop (integral to house) into single garage/barn entrance/gym and utility, permitted.
  • 86 Swarraton (21/02715/HOU) – replacement single storey extension, permitted.
  • 101 Grange Park (21/01536/HOU) – New vehicular field access, permitted.
  • Swarraton Farm (21/02480/FUL) – The proposals are for renovation of the existing Barn House building, permitted.

 

  1. Clerk’s financial statement

The Clerk circulated the financial report prior to the meeting, there were no questions.

The Councillors looked at the current spending and plans for 2022/23, the data is as follows:

  • Current year (21/22) predicted closing balance – £11,310.32
  • Predicted income (22/23) – Precept of £4,500
  • Predicted expenditure (22/23) – £5,519 made up of the following:
    • Internal Audit – £50
    • Insurance – £425
    • PAYE – £220
    • Clerk’s salary – £880
    • Grant to Church for maintenance – £600
    • Grant to Village Hall for maintenance – £1,000
    • HALC subscription – £180
    • Defib maintenance – £100
    • Hall hire – £120
    • General admin – £100
    • Contingency – £200
    • Jubilee (S137) – £1,644

Cllr White asked if provision could be made in the budget for a new Noticeboard for the Village Hall, it was agreed that part of the CIF received in 2021, a budget of £500 was approved by all Councillors.

The Councillors agreed that the precept for 2022/23 should remain at £4,500.

Action: Clerk to complete application and return.

 

  1. Habitat Improvement Project in the Grange Park

The Chairman circulated details of a scheme, including a map, which has been in discussion for 2 years but has just been brought to the Parish Council’s attention. The Chairman met Catherine Leonard and Simon Lavers on site to discuss work completed to date. The aims of the scheme are to protect the Candover Brook from cattle entering the water and breaking down the banks, this then causes the riverbed to broaden, and water become shallower. Silt is then deposited along the edges of the river meaning vegetation doesn’t grow and insects disappear. By reducing the width of the river, the flow becomes faster and takes the silt away. Two galvanised gates have been erected to limit the access points to the river for cattle.

The concerns raised by the member of parish was that the gates were not in the correct places and were not in keeping with the environment. Concern was also raised about how the grant funding allocated to the project had been spent and that this demonstrated a misuse of public funds.

The Chairman reported that the gates were to be removed and replaced with wooden units. Cllr Power informed the Parish Council that Itchen Stoke had also used galvanised gates as part of a similar project.

The Councillors agreed that they needed more information about the scope of the project and expectation of the grant funding to decide on if funds had been misused.

Action: Chairman to investigate further and report to Councillors.

 

  1. Lengthsman duties

The last visit was on 13th December where all actions were completed. The visit for 2022 have been booked in for 14th February.

Cllr Power informed the Parish Council that funds would continue for the scheme in 2022/23 but were unlikely to continue beyond that point.

The Councillors discussed a flooding issue at a low point in the village. Cllr Power suggested that Hampshire Highways should be alerted if the flooding caused a potential accident blackspot. The Chairman suggested that the Parish Council could fund a survey to identify the problem and potential solutions, but Cllr Power informed the Council that Highways would always complete their own survey and would not use one carried out by a third party.

 

  1. Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

The committee tasked with managing the celebrations were due to meeting on Tuesday 18th January, however this has been moved to Tuesday 25th January.

Action: Chairman to update Councillors on outcome of the meeting

 

10.General Correspondence

The Clerk received information about Winchester Mayor’s Awards and the Councillors suggested that the two residents who had managed the support for the community during the pandemic be nominated.

Action: Clerk and Chairman to complete forms.

 

11.Any other business

Cllr White informed Councillors that the Annual Village Litter Pick was being planned. Cllr Power informed the Parish Council that the Alresford event was planned for 26th March.

The Chairman asked if refreshments were planned at the village hall.

Action: Cllr White to update Council on the date and plans.

Cllr White reported that the footpath between the Church and the Grange was litter with dog waste. Cllr Power suggested talking to the Dog Warden.

 

11.Date of the next meeting

 

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday, 17th March 2022 at 7.00 pm.

 

The meeting ended at 8.30 pm.

Minutes – 16th November 2021

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date: Tuesday, 16th November 2021 Time: 7:00 pm

Venue: Northington Village Hall

Present: John Mitchell Chairman
Dennis Nye
Juliet Blanshard
Wendy Simson Clerk

Emma Bedford STaND
Gordon Dunse STaND

Apologies: Yvonne White
Melissa Jennings
Cllr Margot Power
Cllr Fiona Issacs
Cllr Jackie Porter
Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

1. Welcome and apologies for absence.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting. The Clerk had received apologies from Cllrs White, Jennings, Porter, Power, Issacs and Gordon-Smith.
The Clerk confirmed that the meeting was still quorate.

2. Minutes of the last meeting
The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 21st September 2021. Cllr Power asked that the comment in point 5 on parking in Alresford recorded as ‘The recycling centre in Alresford will not be closed but will be open a limited number of days. The booking system will continue.’ Should read ‘The recycling centre in Alresford will not be closed but will be opening hours may be limited. The booking system will continue”.
Cllr Nye confirmed that in point 6 that the Parish Council could not approve the application but was only able to comment.
Councillors agreed the minutes as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk provided a copy for the Chairman to sign.

3. Matters arising
The link to the Winchester City Council budget reports was circulated to all Councillors.
The conclusion of the audit has been posted on both the website and noticeboards.
Cllr Jennings was not at the meeting to explain the prices of the painting of the sign at the crossroad from the Lengthsman, this is to be discussed at the next meeting.

4. District Councillors Report
The District Councillors had sent a report prior to the meeting. The Chairman suggested that the meeting date be changed to ensure that District Councillors can attend as their input is very valuable.
Action: Chairman to ask which weekdays all District Councillors would be available.
Cllr Blanchard asked if there was an update on the funding for the Lengthsman Grant, the Clerk had asked Cllr Power for an update who had passed onto Cllr Porter to respond.
Action: Clerk to circulate any updates as soon as they are received.

5. Planning Applications
The Parish Council had received an application for:
• The Barn (21/02416/HOU) – Change double garage/workshop (integral to house) into single garage/barn entrance/gym and utility.
The Councillors had assessed the application prior to the meeting and no comments to make.

6. Clerk’s financial statement
The Clerk informed Councillors that the second payment of the precept had been received for £2,250 along with a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payment for £3,565.57, this relates to the following development:
• 19/02620/FUL, Swarraton Farm – £2,655.09
• 21/00430/NMA, Swarraton Farm – £910.48
Cllr Nye circulated the following guidance for Councillors:
The money is allocated for infrastructure Projects, more specifically:
The provision, improvement, replacement, operation, or maintenance of infrastructure.
or
Anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.
Maybe the Northington crossroads idea would be an applicable one.
https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/community-infrastructure-levy/cil-receipts-and-expenditure/the-local-portion/guidance-for-parish-councils.aspx
Specific CIL spending records need to be kept. It’s use it or lose it within 5 years.
Action: Councillors to consider use of these funds
The Councillors looked at the current spending and plans for 2022/23, the data is as follows:
• Current year (21/22) predicted closing balance – £11,310.32
• Predicted income (22/23) – Precept of £4,500
• Predicted expenditure (22/23) – £3,775 made up of the following:
 Internal Audit – £50
 Insurance – £425
 PAYE – £200
 Clerk’s salary – £800
 Grant to Church for maintenance – £600
 Grant to Village Hall for maintenance – £1,000
 HALC subscription – £180
 Defib maintenance – £100
 Hall hire – £120
 General admin – £100
 Contingency – £200
The Councillor approve an increase for the Clerk from £1,000 to £1,100 per year.
The Councillors also agreed to budget for section 137 funds to be allocated for the Queen’s Jubilee celebration in June 2022. The Parish Council can allocate up to a value of £8.32 per adult (on electoral role) “to incur expenditure for purposes not otherwise authorised”. On the last electoral role there were 200 eligible residents in Northington, so a value of £1,664 can be included in the budget.
These additional costs would increase predicted spend to £5,539 for 2022/23.
It was agreed that the precept was to be agreed at the next meeting when all Councillors were present.
Action: Clerk to include setting of the precept on the next agenda.
The Councillors discussed ideas for the Jubilee celebrations and the Clerk gave an overview of activities other Councils were considering, these include:
• Every household being offered a planter to fill with red/white/blue flowers, with support offered by the gardening club
• Households asked to make red/white/blue bunting to festoon the village
• A beacon on Thursday evening either at Chilton Candover or possibly in Preston Candover, this could include a BBQ
• Party/Event at the Purefoy Arms on Friday evening with the road closed outside the pub (cars still able to pass by going round the other side of the war memorial island)
• Church service, times, and locations to be agreed
• Big Lunch on the field next to the shop/village hall on Sunday afternoon. This could include a bouncy castle, treasure hunt, karaoke, ice creams, pulled pork rolls, with residents asked to bring salads etc to share.
• The tennis club did talk about a tennis tournament over the weekend
• The Scouts/Beavers/Cubs for a flag raising
• It would be great to have the bells rung but not sure if anyone knows how to do this any longer?
Action: Clerk to include Jubilee Celebrations on the next agenda

7. STaND presentation on Protection of the North Hampshire Downs
The Representatives explained that they are looking for support from Parish Council for the creation of the North Hampshire Downs as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The objective being to protect the chalk landscape from development as landowners move to building homes on land which had been farmed. STaND is asking that brownfield sites be used within towns to for fill housing needs in the area but have also asked that housing numbers be reviewed. The current allocation for B&D is based on data from 2014, however the same data for 2018 shows that 50% fewer homes are required, and it is predicted that the census data from 2020 will show a further reduction.
A map of the proposed area for the AONB was circulated to councillors but it was explained that this was the third version and there were likely to be further changes.
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) are held a supper at Preston Candover Village Hall on Friday 12th November at 7pm to generate support for the designation of the AONB. Costs of the application will depend on the number of Parish Councils who sign up for the scheme, but StaND are looking to get Parish Council support by the end of 2021.
The Chair agreed to share the content of the STaND presentation with the two Councillors not at the meeting and agree if support would be given to the designation of the AONB.
Action: Clerk to add to the agenda for the next meeting so final decision can be minute.

8. Lengthsman duties
The visits for 2021/22 have been booked in for:
• 13th December
• 14th February
Cllr Blanchard asked for any items requiring attention to be circulated for inclusion at the next visit.

9. General Correspondence
None

10. Any other business
The Chairman asked for a representative from the Parish Council to read at the Christmas Carol Service, Cllr Blanshard agreed.

11. Date of the next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday, 18th January 2022 at 7.00 pm.

The meeting ended at 8.20 pm.

Minutes – 21st September 2021

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date: Tuesday, 21st September 2021 Time: 7:30 pm

Venue: Northington Village Hall

Present: John Mitchell Chairman
Dennis Nye
Yvonne White
Melissa Jennings
Juliet Blanshard
Wendy Simson Clerk
Cllr Margot Power

Apologies: Cllr Fiona Issacs
Cllr Jackie Porter
Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

1. Welcome and apologies for absence.
The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting. The Clerk had received apologies from Cllrs Porter, Issacs and Gordon-Smith.
The Chairman apologised to Cllr Power for the confusion about the meeting start time.

2. Minutes of the last meeting
The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 20th July 2021 and agreed them as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk will provide a copy for the Chairman to sign.

3. Matters arising
The planning application for 101 The Grange is on the agenda to discuss later.
The Councillors agreed that public funds should not be used for a memorial for Lord Ashburton.
The tractor drivers reported at the last meeting as driving recklessly, were investigated and found to be from out of the area and contracted in for harvest.

4. Broadband Update
Councillor Nye gave his report. The Broadband project is progressing albeit slowly.

1. Cllr Nye eventually received permission from both Lord Ashburton and Ian Cammack for land surveys by Openreach. This is to determine whether an element of self-dig can create a more economical way forward.
Cllr Nye has confirmed to chris.priestley@openreach.co.uk on 8 Aug 21, he has not yet heard if they have taken any action. Meanwhile Cllr Nye has sent an email to landowners on 17 Sep 21 asking if Openreach has contacted them.

2. Cllr Nye met Dudley Rees of Gigabeam on 26 July. They are the providers of Microwave broadband to the Grange estate. Gigabeam favour Microwave + cabled solutions rather than Microwave + Wireless. Wireless has to be line-of-sight and will not offer Gigabit speeds.

See attached Questions and Answers document.

Dudley Rees is talking about a Northington site visit in October (See attached).
Next step will be the proposed October site visit, which may require church tower access that Cllr Nye will coordinate with Peter Lamb.

3. Cllr Nye has registered Northington’s scheme with BDUK. Probably a duplication, but it is better not to leave anything to chance.

5. District Councillors Report
Cllr Power had sent a report prior to the meeting as had Cllr Issacs.
Cllr Power updated the Parish Council that Hampshire County Council were looking at budget cuts and a number of changes were planned, these include:
• The recycling centre in Alresford will not be closed but will be open a limited number of days. The booking system will continue.
• The Lengthsman Scheme will not be continued after the end of the current financial year.
• Hampshire County Council will take back responsibility for on street parking in Alresford.
Cllr Power agreed to send the Parish Council a link to the papers giving full details of the changes planned.
Action: Clerk to circulate to Cllrs
There was some discussion of using NPC funds to continue with the Lengthsman facility. The upshot was general support for this option.

6. Planning Applications
The Parish Council had received an application for:
• 101 Grange Park Northington (21/01536/HOU) for a new vehicular field access. The Parish Council noted concerns about the lines of sight for the new access and also the use of this new exit. It also noted that HCC’s Highways Department had given their approval. Due to the volume of concerns raised the application will go to Planning Committee.
The Chairman noted that Mrs Brooke and Ms Rutherford had made representations opposing this application. They had said that NPC should reconsider its support for this application. The Chairman said that NPC’s support was strictly limited to ancillary use. The Council decided not to revise its decision to approve the application.

The Parish Council also discussed a presentation made by Southern Water on 8 September about the proposed pipeline. There had been a presentation followed by questions. The meeting noted that SW now plans to bury the pipeline along its entire length. Burial near houses is welcome. The meeting’s attention focussed on a new aspect of the plan, namely the establishment of enhanced pumping facilities at SW’s site in Totford. There was some uncertainty as to whether the new pump(s) would be powered by electricity from the grid or by electricity derived from diesel generators. NPC noted that action would be needed to ensure that noise levels did not exceed current ambient noise levels. SW undertook to provide clarity on this point. SW will host a public meeting the next day, Wednesday 22nd September, at Northington Village Hall between 3:30pm and 8pm. Residents have been informed by village email and encouraged to attend and ask any questions. The Councillors agreed that it would be useful to have at least one PC member at the meeting to hear what was said and to pick up any points of concern in the parish

7. Clerk’s financial statement
The Clerk informed Councillors that the following payments had been made:
• Clerk’s salary (Jul to Sept) – £250
• The remaining 50% of the precept had also been received at £2,250.00
A copy of the updated financial statement was circulated along with the agenda and show a current balance of £8,314.75.
The Clerk informed Councillors that the Conclusion of Audit had been received from the External Auditors which needed to be posted on both the website and the notice board.
Action: Clerk to provide word version for Cllr Jennings to put on website
Action: Clerk to provide Cllr White a hard copy for the noticeboards.

8. Lengthsman duties
The visits for 2021/22 have been booked in for:
• 13th December
• 14th February
The Councillors agreed to look into buying the Lengthsman services if the scheme is cancelled by HCC. It was agreed to review at the next meeting once the Lengthsman has been informed of the decision.
Cllr Jennings had asked the Lengthsman about painting the sign at the crossroad at the top of Kite’s Hill. The Lengthsman had informed the Council that this would be more than a half day job and that paint would need to be charged back to the Council. It was agreed that a price for the work be requested from the Lengthsman as the work could be done later in the year when there were fewer jobs to be carried out.
Action: Cllr Jennings to get a price and circulate to Councillors.

9. General Correspondence
There is to be a memorial service for Lord Ashburton on 15th October at Winchester Cathedral.

10. Any other business
None

1. Date of the next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday, 16th November 2021 at 7.00 pm.

The meeting ended at 8.45 pm.

Agenda for Meeting on 21st September 2021

Northington Parish Council
Regular Meeting in Northington & Swarraton Village Hall
7:30pm on Tuesday, 21st September 2021.

Welcome by the Chairman and apologies for absence.

1. Minutes of the last meeting held on 20th July 2021.

2. Matters arising

3. Broadband update

4. District Councillor Reports

5. Planning application
1. 101 The Grange (21/01536/HOU)
2. Southern Water Pipeline

6. Clerk/Financial report
Bank account
1. Clerk’s salary (Jul – Sept) – £250
2. Remaining 50% of precept – £2,250.00

7. Lengthsman dates for 2021/22
• 10th September – review
• 13th December
• 14th February

8. General correspondence

9. Any Other Business

10. Date of next meeting
• Tuesday 16th November at 7:00pm