The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, held online due to lockdown restrictions. The meeting was held on Zoom which the Councillors felt worked well and agreed to continue using this platform in the future.
The Chairman noted with sadness the recent death of Paddy Barber, who had been supporter of the Council and a regular participant at AGMs.

2. Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 17th November 2020, they were agreed as a true representation of the meeting and the Clerk will provide a copy for the Chairman to sign.

3. Matters arising

4. Covid19 update

Some residents have been for the first Covid19 injections. There appears to be no issues in the community.

5. Planning Applications

Swarraton House (20/02650/HOU) – the Councillors had no objections to the plans; this position was relayed to the WCC Planning Team.

6. District Councillors Reports

Councillor Power reminded the Council that the bins for garden waste (brown bins) were available to purchase at £45 each or for those who used a bag, new brown version at £39. Garden waste will only be collected from one of these receptacles from 1st February.
Action: Councillor White and Clerk to word message informing residents.

7. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk informed Councillors that the Oct to Dec salary has been paid and the only outstanding payment for the remainder of 2020/21 was the Clerk’s salary for Jan to Mar, so the predicted balance for the close of the 2020/21 financial year was due to be £6,661 (opening balance was £5,587, £1,074 up).

The budget was agreed. It includes:
Internal Audit £50 Insurance £380 PAYE £200 Clerk’s salary £800 Grant to Church for maintenance £600 Grant to Village Hall for maintenance £1,000 HALC subscription £175 Defib pads £47 Hall hire £120 Total £3,372

The predicted year-end figure for the cash holding at the close of 2021/22 is £7,789. This is almost twice the precept and above the expected levels.

The budgets for 2021/22 were discussed and it was agreed that the precept should remain at £4,500.

Action: Councillors to look at projects to support within the community.
Action: Clerk to complete precept request and return to Winchester City Council

8. Lengthsman duties

The most recent Lengthsman’s visit was on 8th December and the grips were cleared but Councillor Wykeham questioned the effectiveness of this activity, as they fill with silt after the next downpour. As Keeper’s Cottage on Kites’ Hill is badly affected by the downpours of rain and the water travelling down the hill, has sandbags to divert water away from the property. This water should be directed off the road by the grips but because this silt up so quickly they are not effective.

A meeting was due to take place with Steve Pellatt from Hampshire Highways but there had been no response. Councillor White agreed to contact Tristan Kestle, who is the engineer for Northington from the Highways Team.

Action: Councillor White to email Highways contact The next Lengthsman visit is planned for 3rd March.

9. Any other business

Kymani Glamping at the Grange

The Grange Estate are planning to allow a Glamping site with 20 tents/yurts and a maximum of 40 people, though the uptake is more likely to be 20 The site will be in woods to the south of the Estate, well away from paths used by local resident. The project will run between 2nd June and 27th July and is the permitted under the 28 days of events rule. Councillor Power wondered if the Environmental Health authorities should be told of the event.

10. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 16th March 2021 at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Woolpack Inn, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.

Date:  Tuesday, 17th November 2020

Venue:  Via WebEx

Present:  John Mitchell, Chairman

Dennis Nye, Bill Wykeham ,Yvonne White, Melissa Jennings, Cllr Jackie Porter ,Cllr Margot Power

Wendy Simson, Clerk

Apologies:  None

Time: 7:00pm

1. Welcome and apologies for absence

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, held online due to lockdown restrictions. It was suggested that the Zoom function may work better for parts of the village, the Clerk has access to a business account and agreed to set up the next meeting.
Action: Clerk to set up Zoom call for next meeting if required

2. Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 22nd September 2020, after minor amendments they were agreed as a true representation of the meeting and the Clerk will provide a copy for the Chairman to sign.

3. Matters arising

Action: Councillor Wykeham to update Parish Council about BT Openreach information.

Defibrillator – The Clerk confirmed that the defib at the village hall is working again.

4. Covid19 update

The email to all residents has been circulated which explains to those requiring support where and how they can find it.

5. Planning Applications
Southern Water Pipeline – The Chairman had received the following update from Lisa Kirby-Hawkes, Development Planning Manager – Strategic Planning, Hampshire County Council:

75 Northington Hill (20/01864/HOU) – The Parish Council responded that “Northington Parish Council has considered this application and has nothing to add or detract from the proposals.”

Feedback from Local Planning Briefing (10th Nov) – The Chairman and Councillor Nye attended and circulated the notes to the Councillors. Councillor Porter informed the Councillors that Winchester City Council has concerns about the plans to create a green belt round the South Downs Park called “The Green Halo”, which could push development into the northern sector of Winchester City Council’s area.

6. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk said that online access to the Nat West Account has now been achieved and that the Nationwide Account has been closed. The r balance from the Nationwide account has been paid into the Nat West account.

The Grants for the Maintenance of the Churchyard (£600) and Village Hall (£1,000) were approved.

Action: Clerk to pay Grants
The Clerk’s salary for October to December is due to be paid in December.

7. Lengthsman duties

The last Lengthsman’s visit was used to ensure all the grips were cleared ready for winter. Councillor Wykeham said that the Lengthsman had noted that some grips were beyond shovel work and he had noted that it would be possible, at Northington PC’s expense, to bring, a digger to clear these grips. Councillor Porter suggested that HCC should clear them, and she would investigate possible dates for the work to be done.

Councillor Wykeman reported that there were 3 pinch points in the village where flooding occurs. Councillor Porter suggested that the Clerk email Steve Pellatt and copy in Tim Lawton and herself to ask for a visit to review flooding and look at long term solutions.
Action: Clerk to email Steve

Councillor Wykeman will email round to all residents to ask what is required for the next visit on 8th December.

8. Any other business

Jantiene Rosenboom of Preston Candover has sent a second update on flood water levels to recipients of her list. It is included as an attachment to these minutes.

9. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 19th January 2021 at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Village Hall, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.

Appendix 1
This is the second flood update for the Winter 20/21 season – a season which, unchanged from the first update issued on October 5, may see significant challenges insofar flood risk is concerned.

A unique reference number is raised for each enquiry which can be used when asking for updates.

Date:  Tuesday, 22nd September 2020

Venue:  Northington Village Hall

Present:  John Mitchell, Chairman

Dennis Nye, Bill Wykeham, Yvonne White, Melissa Jennings, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

Wendy Simson, Clerk

Apologies:  Cllr Jackie Porter Cllr Margot Power

Time: 7:00pm

1. Welcome and apologies for absence

Councillors Porter and Power were not able to make the meeting, however Cllr Gordon-Smith attended on Cllr Powers behalf.
The Chairman thanked the Councillors for agreeing to meet in the Village Hall as internet connection quality in the village meant that web-based calls had been tricky. The room had been set out to ensure a 2m gap between each of the attendees.

2. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes for the meeting on 21st July 2020 were agreed as a true representation of the meeting and the Chairman signed.

3. Matters arising
Grass cutting – Councillor Wykeham had written a list of areas to be cut by the Lengthsman and the day prior to the Lengthsman visit Hampshire Highways visited and cut all the areas identified. Councillor Porter was going to speak to HCC about getting a copy of the schedule to stop this happening in the future.
Action: Clerk to chase up with Cllr Porter

4. Covid19 update

Cases of Covid19 are rising again as predicted.  No action with regards to WhatsApp group. Chairman to consider if a village wide email necessary. Old email communications to be reviewed and considered for updating.

Chairman to draft a communication to be sent out

Action:  Councillor White informed the Council that a QR code had been installed at the Village Hall as part of the track and Trace process.

5. Planning Applications
Southern Water Pipeline – The alternative plan to use the Candover Brook and protect the white Crayfish, is being investigated by Southern Water.
The White House (20/01642/HSE) – no objections for the Councillors
Godfield Manor (20/01804/Screen) – it was agreed that this application fell outside of the responsibility of Northington Parish Council, the Clerk had made the Clerk of Wield Parish Council aware of the application.
Grange Farm Buildings (20/01776/LIS) – The Councillors agreed that work needed to be done on the property as it was in an extremely poor state of repair. English Heritage were involved with the project which would mean that any work would be sympathetic to the original design and materials used. The plan is to use the buildings as a Conference Centre during the week and that no bar facilities were to be included, would reduce the impact on the village.

6. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk has completed new bank mandate forms as the account has been redirected to the Clerk’s address and in the Clerk’s name but no access to the account given. The Chairman and Councillor White both signed the mandate.
Action: Clerk to forward mandate to NatWest contact.

There is one outstanding payment which need to be paid via cheque, which are: • Clerk’s salary (July to Sept) – £250.00

The grants which are usually given for the upkeep of the churchyard and village hall, have not yet been applied for. The Chairman agreed to follow up with the Church and Councillor White with the Village Hall.
Action: Clerk to raise cheques once applications have been received.

The Village Hall hire for the meeting is £10 per hour and 2 hours was used.

Action: Clerk to pay invoice for hall hire

7. Lengthsman duties

The Lengthsman is due to visit again on 29th September and so Councillor Wykeham will send round to all residents an email asking if there are any particular areas that require attention.

The recent downpours of rain have highlighted an issue with the culvert under the crossroad which appears to have been filled in. Councillor Wykeham to speak to Hampshire Highways contact about what can be done to reinstate this drain to allow water to clear the area. The Chairman also confirmed that there had been a pond in the area where the water was held, and this too has been filled in.

Action: Councillor Wykeham to discuss with Highways

8. Any other business
Changes to planning system training – The Chairman and Councillor Nye attended the training on Monday 21st September about changes to planning systems in Hampshire and across the Country. Government white paper consulting on changes to planning is being circulated with a plan to ratify it within 2 years. Currently 300,000 new homes a year are planned, and this will be across three zones of land type Growth Areas, Built Up Areas and Protected Areas. The target for Winchester City Council area has been increased from 692 to 1025 a year, however the number of properties on a development to require affordable Housing has increased from 14 to between 40-50, meaning that more small developments are likely to be identified with large and expensive homes.
Northington Parish Council have a Village Design Plan, which was adopted into Winchester City Council Plans which will ensure any new developments meet the requirements set out in the Statement.
Action: Chairman to ensure Village Plan is up to date.
Local Hero Awards – Councillor Power has forwarded details of a “Local Hero” award which is looking to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond during Covid19. The Councillors agreed that everyone in the community had done their bit and that there was no requirement to identify individuals.
Broadband upgrade – Councillor Wykeham has identified funding for installing fibre optic into homes and suggested that groups of houses within the village might look to group together to access the fund and get costs from a provider such as BT Openreach.  Grant funding up to £3000 – £3500 per dwelling, but a limited fund. This will be exhausted on a first come first serve basis, so speed of  application for access essential. Excess costs per dwelling will be quoted by Open Reach or other supplier. Clusters of dwellings should group together and make their own applications. Ideally the Parish council should be informed of these applications as congruous clusters might aid the case for the wider village as time progresses

Action: Councillor Wykeham to feedback at next meeting

Defib – Councillor White reported that the defib at the Village Hall is currently out of order. Andrew Fannon has reported that some maintenance is required which he has organised. The Ambulance Service and Heartbeat Trust have been informed.
Action: Clerk to let Councillors know when the unit is working again
The Grange Food Festival – North Hampshire Magistrates Court found in favour of Mike Bounds in a recent case about the Licensing of the Food Festival at the Grange in Northington.

9. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th November at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Village Hall, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.

The minutes for the meeting on 27th May 2020 were agreed as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk had forwarded a hard copy of the minutes to the Chairman which he signed.

2. Matters arising
Grass cutting for Rights of Way – The Parish Council submitted the following list of areas to be cut:

3. Covid19 update

4. Planning Applications
Southern Water Pipeline – Councillor Porter informed the Council that South West Water had been asked by the planner to revisit their plans and investigate the option of using the river.
Councillor Porter also informed that Councillors that a visit had been planned with the Director of Place to the Grange to discuss the various applications being made.

Action: Clerk to ensure any updates are circulated.

Totford Sawmill (19/01509/FUL) – This application was rejected by the Planning Team as the site is designated as industrial and no effort had been made to continue for it to be used in this way. It is likely that an appeal will be raised.
Merrivale (20/01182/HSE) – The Councillors had no objections to the plans. The Chairman raised the concern that the garage was being used as living accommodation whilst the build talks place and ensuring that this is only a temporary right.

Southampton Runway Plans – Councillor Porter informed the Council that Winchester City Council intends to object due to the environmental impact and the effect on the carbon targets of the Council. Councillor Wykeham voiced a contrary opinion that the airport provided a resource to the County and without the runway extension would not be viable for the future.

Action: It was agreed that individual Councillors would respond
Swarraton House (20/01243/HOU) – The Councillors had no objections to this application.

5. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk has been in touch with Nat West about the on-line access to the account and a further form was required which has not been completed.
There are two outstanding invoices which need to be paid via cheque, which are:

• Internal audit (2019/20) – £50.00
• Clerk’s salary (April to June) – £250.00

  The read out the statements from page 5 of the AGAR form for approval, however the connections were not good, so the Councillors read the statements and approved them via email. The Chairman approved the completed AGAR and signed it off.
  The Clerk explained that the completed form is now to be uploaded to the Parish Council website and sent to the External Auditor. A small sample (5%) of small Councils with an income below £25,000 are picked for examination but if Northington do not fall into this group then the audit of the 2019/20 paperwork is concluded.

  Action: Clerk to ensure completed AGAR form is forwarded to External Auditor

6. Lengthsman duties

Councillor Wykeham had planned to ask the Lengthsman to concentrate on lines of sight at junctions throughout the Parish and had created a list of those that required action prior to the visit on 15th July. The day before the visit HCC cut all these areas. Councillor Porter suggested that there should be a cutting rota at HCC and agreed to speak to the department to get access as a huge amount of time had been wasted.

Action: Councillor Porter to speak to HCC about rota.
The next visit is planned for 29th September which falls just after the next Parish Council meeting so Councillor Wykeham to update the Councillors on planned activity.

7. Any other business
Winnall Roundabout roadworks – Councillor Nye circulated the information about the roadworks planned for the Winnall Roundabout to the community. Further work is planned which will go to consultation in September or October.

Councillor Porter believed that the A31 was also due to be closed as part of this work and agreed to find more details.
Action: Councillor Porter to forward information about A31 plans
Project to improve cycling and walking – Councillor Power gave a short update on the project which allowed the public to identify areas where additional work was required to make then safe for walking and cycling, this link is:

https://hantscovidtravelmap.commonplace.is/

A peg has already been put in for Northington.
Northington Hill and Grange Corner speed signs – The speed signs have been installed; however, Councillor White was informed that there was not sufficient space to install bollards at Beech Dean. Having measured the area Councillor White is going to go back to Andy Smith at Highways as it looks like there is the required room.
Action: Councillor White to speak to Hampshire Highways Team
Grange Farm – The Chairman met with Mark Baring and prepared a short report on the findings. Action: Chairman to circulate to all Councillors
Rubble at telephone box – a pile of rubble has been dumped at the telephone box, this has been reported and removed. The Councillors discussed if the box should be removed or leased out to grow tomato plants.
Biodiversity Action Plan – Councillor Power gave a short update about the plan to improve the biodiversity of Hampshire. Northington has a good rating but other areas require work. A presentation will be made on-line, Monday 27th July.
Action: Yvonne and Dennis to attend and report back

8. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd September at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Village Hall, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.
Councillor Power gave her apologies but agreed to send a colleague if possible.

Date:  Tuesday, 26th May 2020
Venue:  Via a Video Conferencing facility

Present:  Chairman:  John Mitchell

Dennis Nye, Bill Wykeham, Yvonne White, Melissa Jennings, Cllr Margot Power, Cllr Jackie Porter

Clerk:  Wendy Simson

Apologies:  None

Time:  7:00pm

1. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes for the meeting on 21st April 2020 were agreed as a true representation of the meeting. The Chairman had some minor corrections, which he would forward to the Clerk and a final hard copy will be signed when the Councillors are able to meet later in the year.

2. Matters arising
Environmental Health Issue – There has been no further information about the issues raised at the last meeting and clarification of the activity has not been possible, so at this time no further action is to be taken.

3. Covid19 update

There are some eight households self-isolating and these are being well supported by the community and deliveries from the fruit & veg deliveries as well and meat and fish from Alresford. The volunteer group continues to keep in contact with all residents to ensure any issues are picked up and supported.

4. Planning Applications
Swarraton Farm –The application by Swarraton Farms (19/02620/FUL), for minor extending of residential curtilage, has been approved.

South West Water Pipeline – The Chairman circulated a letter from the Parish Council objecting to the pipeline to all Councillors for approval before sending to the Planning Officers before the 22nd May deadline. Residents have also written from Northington and other villages in the area. Approximately 40 letters have been sent.

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The Chairman said he had spoken to a journalist on the Hampshire Chronicle and an article was published on 7th May.
The PC wondered why a pipeline was required, when the Candover Brook could provide a conduit for the water, with the existing pumping station in Totford providing the required force to move the water through the valley.

Councillor Porter suggested that impacts on landscaping in the South Down National Park were likely to be an issue. If the pipeline were to be redirected to avoid these areas then a second consultation would be required.
The Chairman asked the Council to consider setting up an Action Group with a view to seeking legal advice to ensure a robust objection is made. The Chairman was asked about the Parish Council funding such action, when the Council had declined to support legal action against the Food Festival. The Chairman said that the Council had declined to help fund opposition to the grant of a licence. Funding opposition to Chefstock would be different again, because there was no unanimity about the issue, unlike the pipeline.

Councillor Porter suggested that the Chairman should speak to the planning officer, Linda Kirby- Hawkes to ask for the current view on the application. If it was likely to be declined or a second application made, then it may be wise to spend money fighting later on.
It was agreed that the Chairman would speak to the planning officer and brief/consult the Council, before raising with residents the possibility of crowd funding and legal action.

Action: Chairman to keep Councillors informed of progress

Totford Saw Mill – The plan to construct a single dwelling with associated landscaping and parking, following the demolition and removal of existing buildings and structures (19/01509/FUL), is to be considered at the next Winchester City planning meeting on Tuesday 2nd June at 9:30am.

5. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk informed Councillors a statement from NatWest has been received but having contacted the bank the process for changing access has not yet been done, so the Clerk is not yet able to make electronic payments. There are five outstanding invoices, which are:

• Insurance – £352.36 (due 1/6)
• HALC subscription – £168.53 (due 31/5)
• Defib costs – £230.00 (from last meeting)
• Clerk’s salary (Jan to Mar) – £250.00
• Chairman parking – £5.60 (from 20/1)

  The Council approved these payments and the Clerk has written cheques which were signed and can be forwarded.The budget has been updated to show the payments made and the current balance shows £7,335.75 across both accounts. The Clerk asked about the Grants for the Village Hall and upkeep of the Churchyard and it was agreed that these be made at the next meeting.

6. Lengthsman duties

Councillor Wykeham reported that the visit on 6th May went very well and that the team of 2 people worked hard to ensure all the areas of concern were tackled. Six residents sent details of jobs to be done and they were carried out.

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The next Lengthsman visit is planned for 15th July and Councillor Wykeham plans to look at sight lines at the junctions in the village to ensure vegetation is cut back to ensure good visibility. There are also several Rights of Way, which may need to be tackled.
The Chairman informed the Councillors that the

7. Misuse of Millennium Path

It appears some visitors to the area have been straying onto private land and not keeping dogs on leads when walking the Millennium Path, despite signs at both ends of the walk, asking Path users to do so.

8. Any other business

The Clerk had received a message from Jean Frost, the Editor of Oxdrove, about the next issue in July, which she plans to make a vehicle for thanking those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty during Lockdown, along with any funny stories. All residents have received a copy of Jean’s email and contributions should be sent sent to her.

It was agreed that the PC’s note should include mention of Lou Walker and Elaine Capp for their part setting up and managing the support groups.
Action: Chairman to write a short piece and send to Jean

Councillor White informed Councillors that an update to the planning application for Rose Cottage

9. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st July at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Woolpack Inn, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.

(19/02560/HOU) had been posted. Initial feedback was that the property was large but in keeping with the area.

Councillor Jennings said she was happy to continue updating the Parish website with information for the Parish Council, the Church and Village Hall.

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NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

The minutes for the meeting on 31st March 2020 were agreed as a true representation of the meeting. The Chairman had some minor corrections which he suggested he would forward to the Clerk and a final hard copy be signed when the Councillors were able to meet later in the year.

2. Matters arising

Defibrillator at the village hall – Councillor Wykeham informed the Councillors that he had inspected the defib and the battery was still working, however new pads were required. The pads have now been ordered, delivered, and fitted; the unit has also been recorded on the Webnos system to show that it is fully functioning.

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3. Covid19 update

It appears there are still 8 families who are self-isolating, but they are being looked after by neighbours including getting groceries, etc. The WhatsApp Group is still working but has less traffic and the Councillors reported that small groups of residents were working together to give support as required.

4. Planning Applications

There have been two planning applications:
Swarraton Farm – Some of the Councillors have viewed the property and whilst the plan is to increase the curtilage of the property that this can’t be seen from any other residents and so the Council recorded no comment to the Winchester Planning Team.
South West Water Pipeline – The Chairman circulated a draft letter in response to the application which was from comments from the Councillors and residents. The environmental impact of the plans was one of the key points and the Chairman had therefore included this at the start of the letter. Several residents are asked if more of the pipeline could be buried, which would therefore reduce the costs of storage for the pipes.
It was agreed that the letter should start by stating that “Northington Parish Council objects to this planning application”, to ensure that the concerns of the community are put forward forcefully.
The Chairman also suggested that the Parish Council should go to the press about this application, Councillor Power agreed that the Parish Council had nothing to lose in ensuring people knew about the plans.
Action: Chairman to amend the letter to the Planning Team
Action: Chairman and Councillor Jennings to write a piece for the local paper.

5. Food Festival

The dates for the 2021 Food Festival have been given as Friday 30th July to Sunday 1st August 2021.

6. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk informed Councillors that the change of details with the NatWest has not yet come through but should be due in the next few weeks.
The budget for 2020/21 was sent along with the agenda for the meeting and Councillors confirmed that they were happy with the figures. To date the first 50% of the precept has been received from Winchester City Council. Once access to the account is established then the Clerk’s salary for January to March 2020, which falls into the 2019/20 financial year, can be made. The Clerk will then be able to close the last financial year and arrange a date for the accounts to be internally audited. The accounts paperwork (the AGAR form) is then due to be signed off at the May meeting, if this meeting needs to be via the webinar then the Clerk will ensure the full document is scanned to all in advance. Once the accounts are signed off, they are required to be available for public scrutiny via the Parish website. The dates for this have been moved back to September due to the Covid19 crisis and the delay in audit. The Clerk will also file the accounts with the External Auditor, however as the Parish Council has less than £25k income or expenditure they External Auditors will only sample 5% of these returns.

Action: Clerk to finalise 2019/20 accounts and take to Internal Auditor
Action: Clerk to scan and send the completed AGAR document to all Councillors in advance of the next meeting, where it will then be signed off.

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7. Lengthsman duties

Councillor Wykeham reported that he will write out to all residents about the first Lengthsman visit due for 6th May to ask for any issues. The Clerk confirmed that usually the Parish Council would have two people for a half day but due to Covid19 one person is doing a full day in each Parish.
Councillor Wykeham suggested that if possible, he would meet with the Lengthsman at the start of the day to walk through the main areas of work. The Clerk restated that if there were any concerns about the quality of the work carried out that would be reported back immediately.

8. Any other business

The Chairman had received reports of a resident dismantling white goods on their property, it was agreed that Environmental Health should be informed as there was a high chance that CFCs were being released into the atmosphere.
Action: Chairman to speak to Environment Health Team.

Councillor White informed the Clerk that email footer was still showing the previous Clerk’s details.

Action: Clerk to amend
The church had approached Councillor Jennings to update the content on the website, the Councillors approved this.

9. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 26th May at 7pm, this will include the review of the past year which is usually part of the AGM, however the Councillors agreed that the election of the Chairman should be delayed until May 2021 due to the Covid19 crisis.

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NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date:  Tuesday, 31st March 2020
Venue:  Via a Video Conferencing facility

John Mitchell – Chairman
Dennis Nye
Bill Wykeham
Yvonne White
Melissa Jennings
Cllr Margot Power
Cllr Jackie Porter
2 members of the public

Wendy Simson – Clerk

Apologies:  None

Time: 7:00pm

Public Forum

The Chairman welcomed all present to the webchat and introduced Lou Walker and Elaine Capp to the meeting, both had joined the meeting to give an update on the actions to support all member of the community during the Covid19 crisis. The actions to date have been:

• A WhatsApp group foe the extended NPC group with Lou and Elaine has been established. A further group has been established to coordinate the efforts of about 30 volunteers – Lou said that while this was working for some people, it was not a communication method that everyone used.
• The community is in the process of being divided up into small groups with one person responsible for coordinating activity in each group– some leaders may find it more difficult than others to get messages out to all their group.A fruit/veg delivery service has been set up – the first delivery took place on 31st March with mostly success, there were a few teething problems but in general feedback had been very positive. Evans ‘s Butchers of Alresford is willing to deliver to Northington.
• There has been a large volume of communication on the two Coronvirus related WhatsApp groups Some of the content has been fun and light-hearted but after some discussion, it was agreed that this was not to be discouraged at this stage, but would need possible restriction as serious calls for help start to be received.
• The WhatsApp volunteer group has started to provide shopping coordination – ensuring that if someone was visiting the doctors or pharmacy that they collect supplies for others where possible.Councillor Nye updated the group with the stats to date, it appears that 8 households have been self-isolating, some are reaching the end of the 14-day period. There have been 10 new contacts

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added to the distribution list from the flyer and information distributed and there have been 12 “thank you” from the community.
Councillor Porter explained that under the GDPR regulations that anyone included on the database of residents should formally agree to be included. The Chairman asked if the agreement needed to be formalised and Councillor Porter confirmed that this should be the case but that all other Parish Councils were working on the same basis as Northington in that they had asked to join the group. Lou and Elaine hoped that Councillor Wykeham would return to the WhatsApp group as his input had been very valuable, particularly with the coordination of workloads.

Note: If the database is to be continued for use after the Covid19 crisis then formal agreement is required.

1. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes for the meeting on 21st January 2020 were signed as a true representation of the meeting. The Chairman had some minor corrections which he suggested he would forward to the Clerk and a final hard copy be signed when the Councillors were able to meet later in the year. Councillor Nye said that some omissions.

Action: Chairman to sign off minutes and allow circulation so any items missed can been included. 2. Matters arising

The testing of the defibrillator at the village hall – The Clerk apologised for not sending out the instructions for testing the equipment but sent through to Councillor Wykeham during the meeting and asked that a photograph be taken of the unit so new batteries and pads could be ordered as a matter of urgency. The system requires a monthly test, and this is recorded with the

system, so that if an ambulance is called for a heart attack that the location and code for a working

Action: Councillor Wykeham to send a photograph to the Clerk

Webnos

defibrillator can be given.

Action: Clerk to order battery and pads

Action: Clerk to ensure defibrillator is working again and set up login for recording monthly tests. A

councillor to volunteer to do the monthly check.

Smart water Pens – The Clerk has access to stocks of Smart water pens to allow residents to mark up

their property particularly in garages, sheds, and outbuildings so there is a possibility of it being

traced if stolen

Action: Clerk to bring to next face to face meeting.

3. Planning Applications

There have been no planning applications since the last meeting.

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4. Litter Pick

The Chairman congratulated Councillor Wykeham for the successful event, noting how well organised and the equipment drop, and collections had been. The Chairman mooted a follow up pick in the Autumn, but it was agreed that grass length would be an obstacle.

5. Water pipeline

Parts of the water pipeline have been laid but this project has been put on hold due to the Covid19 Crisis.

6. Food Festival

The Chairman and Councillor Wykeham had attended the licence hearing at the Guildhall in Winchester on Monday 20th January 2020. The Chairman had the opportunity to speak and was able to convey the concerns of the community, in particular with the traffic management of the event. It appears that a traffic management plan was not required, as part of the licensing hearing but one would need to be presented to the city’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG).

Brand Events were invited to a follow up meeting on 24th March in Totford, to coincide with a site visit to the Grange. The Covid19 Crisis meant that the site visit did not take place but the meeting of local residents (Stakeholders) went ahead. The minutes of this meeting were recorded and circulated by the Stakeholders Group Chairman. One of the key points to emerge is that this is year 1 of the 2 year initial permissions allowing 12,000 people to attend, however the event has been cancelled for 2020 and so 2021 will be year 2 when up to 20,000 people could arrive.

2020 will be a very challenging year for companies like Brand Events. NPC expects to see a review of any plans for 2021 later in the year.

7. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk has completed the form to change the administration rights from the previous Clerk to herself has been passed onto Councillor White for signing, before passing to the Chairman and sending to the bank. The only payment due was the Clerk’s salary for the 4th quarter of 2019/20, which would be actioned once the account has been transferred.

The Nationwide account requires the 2 signatories Councillor White and the previous Clerk, Rhona, to visit the bank and close the account. The Clerk suggested that the funds be transferred into a savings account attached to the current account at NatWest. This was agreed.

8. Flooding

The Chairman informed the Council that there was just one property (Northington Farm) at risk of flooding in the village. The owners had attended a meeting in Preston Candover to create a plan for ensuring appropriate action is taken throughout the year. The Clerk explained that she had taken part in this meeting and would keep Northington Parish Council in the loop about any flood work done. Such work may affect Northington, because the water may move faster as it travels through the valley.

9. Lengthsman duties

Councillor Wykeham the lead on Lengthsman work, noted that the dates for 2020/21 are:

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a. b. c. d. e.

6th May
15th July
29th September 8th December 3rd March

It was agreed
Councillor Wykeham will meet the Lengthsman on his first visit and walk through the work to be done.

There had been feedback that not all the work carried out had been to a high quality. The Clerk asked that if there were any issues that they be reported back, and she would speak to the manager to ensure follow up visits were made.

10. Any other business

Councillor Porter confirmed that she was attending a meeting on 1st April and would pass on information about GDPR.

There is food for vulnerable people stockpile in Winchester so if there are any residents who needs stocks please let Councillor Porter know. Any issues or ideas can be passed on to the “Command Meeting”.

The meeting adopted the Clerk’s suggestion of an additional PC meeting to catch up predominantly about the Covid19 Crisis. The meeting concurred and an additional date was agreed, see below.

11. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st April and Tuesday 26th May at 7pm

that Councillor Wykeham would ask all residents by email for a list of work required.

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NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Tuesday, 21st January 2020 Woolpack Inn, Totford

Present:  John Mitchell – Chairman
Dennis Nye
Bill Wykeham
Yvonne White
Melissa Jennings
Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

Alexandra Risebury

Wendy Simson – Clerk

Apologies:  Cllr Margot Power

Time: 7:30pm

The Chairman welcomed all present including Alexandra Risebury who had resigned as Clerk after 4 years’ service. The Councillors presented Alex with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a card.
Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith attended the meeting as Cllr Margot Power was unavailable.

1. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes for the meeting in September and November were both signed as a true representation of the meeting. The September minutes had been held over due to not enough of those who attended the meeting being present in November.

2. Matters arising

The planning application for Merryvale, which was discussed at the last meeting, was passed by Winchester City Council.
The road issues at Grange Corner are due to be dealt with in February, with white dash road markings. The bollards which were suggested could not be used as they would reduce the width of the road.

3. Planning Applications

There have been two planning applications since the last meeting they were:

• 1 Calf Shed, Newhouse Farm (19/02608/HOU) – the Councillors agreed that they had noobjections to this application
• Rose Cottage, Swarraton (19/02339/HOU) – the closing date on this application was 9thJanuary but the Councillors agreed that due to the size and proximity to the boundary that a

  comment should be forwarded to Winchester City Council.

  Action: Chairman to write a comment on behalf of the Council.

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4. Food Festival

The Chairman and a number of the Councillors attended the hearing at the Guildhall in Winchester on Monday 20th and the licence for this event has been granted. The Chairman had the opportunity to speak and was able to convey the concerns of the community, in particular with the traffic management of the event. It appears that a traffic management plan was not required, as part of the licensing hearing but one would need to be presented. Brand Events said that they run a number of similar events across the country so have experience in this field, but in discussion showed a distinct lack of local knowledge.

The noise was discussed under the heading Public Nuisance and some time was spent on this point. Brand Events agreed to a lower level of dbs.

It was agreed that the Council should send a letter to the Licensing Committee placing on record the Parish Council’s disappointment with the outcome. The
Action: Chairman to circulate a letter for Councillors to appraise and agree.

Council agreed to send out to the parish a note, outlining the outcome of the Licensing Hearing.

Action: Chairman to circulate a draft note for Councillors to view.

5. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk gave a short overview of the handover given by the previous Clerk and that there were a number of items, which required action, they are:

• Change the contact details on the Nat West current account
• Meeting with the nationwide about the contact details on the savings account
• Inform key contacts of the change in Clerk for example the insurance company.The Clerk suggested that either the Chairman or Councillor White meet with the Nationwide as this has been a long running issue to get the bank mandate completed.
  Action: Clerk to book meeting with Nationwide
  Action: Clerk to obtain forms for Nat West account and get completed

  The Clerk also confirmed that the precept form to increase the precept to £4,500 for 2020/21 had been completed and returned.

6. Any other business
Defibrillator at Village Hall – The VH committee had reported that the batteries have died. And asked if NPC would pay for their renewal. Estimated at £200. The council acceded to this request.
Action: Clerk to send out instructions about how to test the equipment and where to report issues to and how to order new batteries and pads (both have expiry dates).

Next Door (social media site) – It appears a number of residents have been contacted and signed up for a social media site called Next Door. Councillor Nye didn’t believe it was malicious but would generate spam email depending on search criteria.

Burglaries – There have been a spate of burglaries including 4 homes round Swarraton Lodge. PC Reid had been very supportive despite this being out of his area. It was suggested that how to protect your property be put on the agenda for the AGM, with hints and tools such as “smartwater pens” available. Action: Clerk to speak to Winchester police about attending

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Fly-tipping – There have been an increase in the number of incidents particularly over the Christmas period. The Councillors discussed CCTV for the village to identify the culprits of both these acts and the burglaries. The Councillors did not have a full understanding of the rights of the Parish Council to set up CCTV but quoted that towns and cities had systems.

Action: Clerk to investigate and report at next meeting
The recycling centre in Alresford now requires users to register their vehicles to access the facility. It

was agreed that this is likely to increase the amount of fly tipping.

Litter picking – the community gets together once a year to pick litter from the roadside. It was agreed that it would take place on the weekend of the 14th/15th March and Councillor Wykeman would head up the event. The Clerk agreed to speak to Hampshire County Council about access to the equipment required and about disposal of the bags of waste.

Action: Clerk to liaise with Councillor Wykeman

Water pipeline – The Parish Councillors have been informed of a plan to support Southampton in periods of extreme drought by pumping water from bore holes to the east of Basingstoke overland to the River Itchen. The water would be pumped along 500 mm black or blue pipes, which would be laid above ground along the edges of fields and verges. The system would be tested with the pipeline constructed in early 2020 and then dismantled and the pipes stored in Northington. Where a road crossing is required the pipe would be put under the road and these sections would be permanent. A hard standing 30mx30m would be created a future pumping station.

Action: Chairman to consult locally about opposing the implementation of this plan.

7. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 24th March at 7pm

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Extraordinary Meeting of Northington Parish Council at
West Lodge, Northington on Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

This extraordinary meeting, which started at 7.00 pm, was called to discuss the nature of NPC’s future response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Present were:

John Mitchell (JM) Yvonne White (YW) Melissa Jennings (MJ) Bill Wykeham (BW) Dennis Nye (DN)

By special invitation also present were Elaine Capp (EC) representing Neighbourhood Watch and Lou Walker (LW), a village volunteer experienced in teamwork.

1. JM began by saying that he thought that it was perhaps the most important meeting of his life and thanked everyone for coming. He was looking forward to hearing their thoughts on the way ahead.
   We needed to be measured in what we decided to do and to be, as sure as may be, that our fellow parishioners would accept our decisions. It was important to keep our actions co-ordinated and make sure that we all knew, as far as possible, what the others were doing.
2. How would we do that? LW had flagged up a site http://coronavirus- support-group.co.uk/ ,which usefully listed ideas for establishing a local help group. The meeting noted that Northington already has many of the basic communications suggestions.
3. JM noted that NPC has a Resilience Officer, MJ, a post created after the no electricity debacle of Christmas of 2013. MJ said she was happy to continue in an overarching role but would need help. JM thanked her.
4. There followed a discussion about
   • Groups of volunteers who could watch out for needy neighbours.
   • The resources to hand – maps, addresses and mailing lists
   • Communications: this led to discussion of the village-wide email list

     and the most appropriate social media medium. WhatsApp.

• It was accepted that data lists would need to be under NPC’s umbrella to meet GDPR requirements.
• After discussion it was agreed that an email letter should be sent to the entire village.

  It was further agreed that this same letter would be hand delivered to every household in the Parish, to cover those residents whose name might not be on the email list.

5. The key tools at Northington’s disposal will be:
   • NPC’s email list
   • EC’s list of addresses
   • WCC electoral roll or similar listing of households/addresses for the

     village

6. It was agreed that:

• DN and MJ will be the first point of contact for villagers asking for help. DN and MJ will pass requests on to a team of volunteers coordinated by LW
• DN and MJ will list requests for support and notifications of homes in isolation.

• LW will establish a WhatsApp group or groups to manage local planning and volunteer activities
• LW’s WhatsApp group will respond to individual local requests.
• Wherever possible NPC will establish primary and secondary owners for tasks to provide back-up.
  Dennis (DN) / Melissa (MJ)
  Lou (LW) / Yvonne (YW)
• BW is available to help with contacting residents.
• The village email will be used for key messages.
• WhatsApp will be used to keep in touch with volunteers. •
• The Parish website will provide an alternative communication

  site.

• JM to email periodic updates to residents with local updates

This forum will meet shortly to review progress.

The meeting ended at 8.00 pm.

EJM
28 March 2020

Annual Meeting (Virtual) of Northington Parish Council held at 7.00 pm on 26 May 2020

Chairman’s Report.

1. INTRODUCTION

The second part of the Parish’s year was marred by the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. There will be references to the event throughout this report.

At the start of 2020 NPC changed Clerks. This is an important moment for any parish council. Alex Risebury left us having guided us for four years through calm and choppy waters. Remarkably, Alex ran NPC’s affairs despite English not being her native tongue. We are all sorry to see her leave the council but Alex is still living here.

The baton has been picked up byWendy Simson, who already looks after three other councils’ business. NPC is in experienced hands. You are very welcome Wendy.

Adam Dyne moved to Romsey and we were very sorry to see him go. He brought business expertise and heaps of common sense to our doings. Lengthsman and the village pick-up day were his briefs and he carried out both tasks with enthusiasm and in the case of the Lengthsman, was not shy about rejecting sub-standard work.

Filling his shoes with great aplomb is Bill Wykeham, who has already organised a great village clean-up. He is very welcome.

COVID-19

The arrival of Covid-19 caused NPC to take stock and consider what it should be doing to help residents through this crisis. A special meeting of NPC invited Elaine Capp (Neighbourhood Watch) and Lou Walker to join them.

At this meeting it was decided to:

• !  Set up a care system for everyone in the parish
• !  Separate residents into small groups to allow councillors and volunteers

  to keep an eye open for distress.

• !  Organise food deliveries to Northington
• !  Identify all residents and improve communications

  Vulnerable residents were assured that people were there to help. The groups were formed and recorded. Using What’s App groups, fresh food came into the village and still does. Residents shared their regular food delivery facilities. The village e-mail network was improved. NPC achieved what it set out to do and the parish’s thanks go to everyone involved in this effective and swift response to Covid-19.

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2. PLANNING

Apart from the usual run of local planning applications, NPC has had to deal with three developments of unusual importance to the village.

SHEELA site NO01: This was a proposal to sell land within the Grange Park for speculative house building. Many residents thought this to be unacceptable and at a meeting in the Village Hall on 24 March 2019, they said as much. The meeting ended with no clear outcome.

A number of residents decided to tackle the matter through representations to Winchester City Council (WCC). In June 2019 a review of SHEELA sites rated as possible sites for development, concluded that Site NO01 should be removed from the list.

CHEFSTOCK: In the late autumn 2019, the Grange Estate (GE)let it be known that it wished to promote a food festival in the park in mid summer 2020. The first year number of visitors would be 10,000 rising to 20,000 in 2021. NPC wrote to the planners objecting to the scale of the concept and the likely traffic problems and local disruption. On 20 January, NPC attended a hearing of WCC’s Licensing Sub-committee and spoke against the scale of the proposed scheme. The license was granted. The advent of Covid-19 has put the plan on hold but the end of July 2021 is already set aside for a festival.

In the meantime the parish has been instrumental in setting up a Stakeholders Group to handle exchanges with the Grange Estate and Brand Events, the promoter. There has already been one virtual meeting with GE, when areas for discussion were identified. Lucy Williams has kindly agreed to chair the Group. Dennis Nye and John Mitchell are Group members, representing the interests of residents and NPC along with Emma Howard.

SOUTHERN WATER (SW) PIPELINE: SW has submitted an application to lay a temporary black plastic pipeline round the parish. This is a major concern for the parish. NPC has consulted the residents on a regular basis and sent a written representation, agreed by the parish, to HCC. This is only the first round of action against the application. This summer will see increased NPC sponsored opposition to the whole concept in an attempt to have HCC’s planners require SW to choose another route.

3. HIGHWAYS AND BY-WAYS

There has been a range of problems on the B3046, especially at the east side of the Grange. Some work has been done, meanwhile there are improvements promised for Northington Hill.

4. LENGTHSMAN

We have a new Lengthsman team and Bill Wykeham had a good session with them on their recent visit. Bill needs residents to tell him where work has to be done.

5. POLICING and NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

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Elaine Capp continues to look after our interests and asked me to pass on a reminder about the need for vigilance with regard to telephone and computer scams. She also played a major role in our involvement with measures for handling Covid-19 related measures. Thank you, Elaine.

6. GRANGE FESTIVAL

The Grange Festival’s third season in June 2019 was a treat and it was good to see the Festival pursuing its ‘Open Door’ policy with vigour. Its plans for 2020 were shattered by Covid-19 restrictions but the Festival plans to return with the same programme in 2021.

7. THE COUNCIL

On behalf of the parish, my thanks go to my fellow councillors for their willingness to work on its behalf.

• Yvonne keeps an active eye on our roads and by-ways. Until Covi-19 arrived she was very actively pursuing HCC’s Highways Department over potholes and signs. Bill has gripped his role of keeping our environment working well.
  There is a programme planned for the summer. Corvid-19 notwithstanding.
• Melissa is safeguarding our data and its use, she maintains our website and as our resilience officer, played and as guardian with Dennis of the group formations, still plays a major role in the parish’s wellbeing.
• Dennis has risen to the challenges of informing the village about Covid-19 matters and the parish now has a means of communicating with everyone who has joined the email list. His input was invaluable during the first days of the Corvid-19 crisis and has more than proved its worth, when it came to consolidating views of Southern Water’s pipeline proposals.
• Wendy tells us what needs to be done and how to go about it. She exudes a quiet certitude which I find re-assuring and has a great memory for past correspondence. She has adapted to operating under Covid-19 rules with great equanimity.

  John Mitchell
  Chairman
  Northington Parish Council.

  26 May 2020

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