MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date:               Thursday 20^th 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.

2. Minutes of the last meeting

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

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 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.

4. 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 21^st 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 2^nd 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Lengthsman duties

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

9. Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

The committee tasked with managing the celebrations were due to meeting on Tuesday 18^th January, however this has been moved to Tuesday 25^th 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 26^th 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, 17^th March 2022 at 7.00 pm.

The meeting ended at 8.30 pm.

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 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.

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

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date:                Tuesday, 18^th May 2021                                                            Time:   7:30 pm

Venue:             Northington Village Hall

Present:      John Mitchell                                                                            Chairman

Dennis Nye

Yvonne White

Melissa Jennings

Juliet Blanshard

Wendy Simson                                                                          Clerk

Apologies:        Cllr Margot Power

Cllr Jackie Porter

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

1. Welcome and apologies for absence.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, which was being held in person following the changes to Government guidance on 7^th May. The Chairman asked whether everyone was comfortable being together and explained that if required a Zoom call could be set up to allow any members to join remotely. The Chairman noted that only Councillors present are able to vote on resolutions. .  Those present were happy to continue at the meeting.

The Clerk had received apologies from Cllrs Power and Porter.

2. Election of Chairman

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

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

The Chairman welcomed Juliet to the meeting and thanked her for agreeing to become a Councillor. Juliet said that she was happy to be co-opted and the Councillors approved her appointment.

4. Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 16^th March 2021 and agreed them as a true representation of the meeting. The Clerk will provide a copy for the Chairman to sign.

5. Broadband upgrade

The Chairman asked Councillor Nye to update the Council on the project to bring faster broadband to the village. The email (below) dated 6^th May was sent to all residents:

“In January, Bill Wykeham wrote to you all about Northington Parish Council’s (NPC) work towards bringing Gigabit broadband to Northington households.

On offer was the possibility of £1,500 in government voucher funding (BDUK) matched by a further £1,500 from Hampshire County Council (HCC).  In spite of this level of subsidy, the additional cost per Northington household was then estimated to be about £1,700.

Central government subsequently decided to split rural broadband rollout into two phases.  Northington was placed in phase two, starting on 1 April 2021.    In mid April HCC put a hold on further funding, leaving it to the new HCC administration to decide the issue.  Were we to lose the HCC money, then the currently estimated cost per household will increase to about £3,200.  The prospects for further HCC funds do not look good.

Separately, BDUK also has an initiative to fund and deliver FTTP to 80,000 outlying Hampshire homes with commercial activities starting in June 2021.  As an early applicant, there is a glimmer of hope that Northington will be included.  Work will go out to tender by suppliers, with contracts awarded early in 2022 and deployment over the following 12 months.  This would be a scheme fully funded by central government and not dependent on vouchers.  At this moment we cannot tell whether or not we shall be included.  This will only be apparent when bidding is complete, and contracts awarded.

Our reading of the current situation suggests that we will probably not be a part of this second round of BDUK deployment.

Ultimately the parish should receive Gigabit broadband as BDUK is tasked with rolling out high speed broadband access in rural areas.   The BDUK ‘s wider vision is for gigabit speed to reach 85% of UK premises by the end of 2025.

The Parish Council will continue to engage with Openreach to secure a realistic rather than speculative quotation for deployment and, in concert with other villages, we shall lobby HCC and our county councillors to try to secure the subsidies we need.

”

Councillor Nye said he had received an email today with maps showing where the cables will run and detailing which will be laid underground. These maps are not accurate and so Councillor Nye and the Chairman will review them before they respond to the email.

The Chairman thanked   Councillor Nye for the work he has done so far on this project and asked that the minutes should record these thanks.

6. Covid19 update

There have been no reports of Covid19 illness in the community and the move to step 3 of the roadmap has meant that the Woolpack has reopened to customers eating and drinking inside.

7. District Councillors Report

Councillor Porter had sent a report, which the Clerk had circulated in advance of the meeting.

8. Planning Applications

The Parish Council received an application for Lawn Cottage (21/00945/LIS) for the following work:

1. Replacement of plastic rainwater goods with aluminium
2. Replacement of casement windows in original lodge with arched mullion windows, as seen in historic photographs and exampled in one remaining original window
3. Replacement of wooden casement windows in extension with wooden casement windows with amended bar design
4. Replacement of wooden lounge doors with similar but amended bar design
5. Replacement of wooden kitchen doors with similar but amended bar design in widened aperture

The Councillors raised no objections to the work.

9. Clerk’s financial statement

The Clerk informed Councillors that the year-end accounts had been completed and were included in the paperwork circulated prior to the meeting. The closing balance on the account was £6,516.77 and Paul Clarke has agreed to conduct the internal audit work required.

The Council signed off the Annual Governance Statement as part of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) and the Chairman signed off the completed return. The Clerk had prepared the notices for display in both noticeboards giving the public the opportunity to view the accounts.

Two invoices have been received for payment:

• Hampshire Association of Local Council (HALC) subscription – £170.37
• Insurance – £580.11

The Clerk informed Councillors that the insurance had increased from £352.36 in 2020/21, a 65% increase. The Clerk had questioned this with Came & Co, the broker, and been given the following response:

The insurance market is hardening, bringing increased premiums and tightening of terms. The inevitable long term result of legacy soft market conditions is that claims costs rise compared to premiums, reducing insurers’ underwriting profitability. This can be caused by a number of factors, including; falling investment returns for insurers due to low interest rates, increases in frequency or severity of losses, EU & regulatory intervention deemed to be against the interests of insurers and increased reinsurance costs. Today we are well into the hardening market across most insurance lines, effecting the majority of sectors with Insurance experts predicting conditions will continue throughout 2021, further exacerbated by COVID-19 and other issues. We are, as we have always done, continually reviewing and assessing our insurance provision. When we have concluded this exercise, during the next quarter, we will be making the sector and our clients aware of how we will be launching an improved solution to manage the insurance needs of local councils going forward.

We understand increasing premiums are of concern. Should the council receive alternative terms that appear more competitive, please allow us the opportunity to review in order to ensure policy cover remains as required by your Council, and to further negotiate where possible with our insurers.

The Clerk had attended the HALC conference in 2020 and met a representative from BHIB Councils Insurance, who have been asked for an alternative quote.

Action: Clerk to keep Councillors informed of progress

Action: Clerk to pay HALC membership

10. Lengthsman duties

The visits for 2021/22 have been booked in for:

• 19^th May
• 28^th July
• 10^th September
• 13t December
• 14^th February

An email has been sent to all residents asking about areas requiring work.  The grips on Kite’s Hill are one of the main priorities, as recent heavy rain has almost caused a Keeper’s Cottage to flood .

Councillors Jennings and Blanshard are meeting the Lengthsman at 12:30 on 19^th May to look at the work needed, and it was agreed that giving a short list and asking for work to be completed thoroughly was the right approach.

11. General Correspondence

The Mayor of Winchester sent an invitation to the Sunday Service at Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 6^th June.   Councillor White agreed to attend to represent the Parish Council.

10. Any other business

The Clerk distributed the Disclosable Pecuniary Interests’ form and asked Councillors to complete and return.

11. Date of the next meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday 6^th July 2021 at 7.00pm

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday, 20^th July 2021 at 7.00 pm.

12. Start times for Regular Meetings

Henceforth Regular Meetings will start at 7.00 pm.

The meeting ended at 8.45 pm.

Signed:  ……………………………………………………………………  (John Mitchell, Chairman)

Dated: 20^th July 2021

MINUTES OF NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING

Swarraton and Northington Village Hall

7.30pm on Tuesday, 14th of May 2019

Present:                 John Mitchell (JM, Chairman)

Adam Dyne (AD)

Yvonne White (YW)

Melissa Jennings (JM)

Alexandra Risebury (AR, Clerk)

14 residents

Apologies:            Margot Power (MP, Councillor)

Jackie Porter (JP, Councillor)

Lisa Griffith (LG, Councillor)

Elaine Capp (EC)

The Chairman welcomed all present.

1) Minutes of the last meeting

Minutes of last year’s annual meeting held on the 15th of May 2018 were circulated to all present.

Adoption of the minutes was proposed by Peter Lamb and seconded by Jo Bowlby. The Chairman signed them.

2) Matters arising

1. a) JM expressed his thanks to the Village Hall committee and all that they do for the village.
2. b) In September 2018 Simon Walker stood down from the Parish Council to meet the demands of a new job. Northington Parish is heavily indebted to him for all his expert pro bono work on our website. Simon frequently supplied timely common sense to the Council’s debates. JM thanked for his contributions.
3. c) Dennis Nye has very kindly agreed to fill the vacancy and was warmly welcomed. Dennis has already been busy on Council matters, displaying an impressive eye for detail.
4. d) On the 2^nd May the Council was returned to office unopposed. JM thanked everyone. Over the past few years, the Parish has welcomed several new families. Perhaps among their number, there may be one or two people who would like to become Parish Councillors. Please get in touch with the Parish Council.

3. Chairman’s report
4. I) GENERAL DATA PROTECTION ACT (GDPR)

The Act came into force on 25th May 2018, so the Parish Council is now the body overseeing its local implementation.  The curator of the data is our Clerk, Alex, who works alongside a Councillor, in our case Melissa Jennings. Melissa is happy to answer any questions.

1. II) PLANNING

JM said that his report is not the place to catalogue every planning application, which crosses the Council’s desks.  Of interest, perhaps, was a successful application to provide tourist accommodation.  Of note, however, was an appearance in the local press of the SHEELA list of sites for possible development?  JM said he would to defer further comment on SHEELA to Item 6 on the agenda.

III) GRANGE FESTIVAL

The Grange Festival’s second season was a treat and it is good to see the Festival pursuing its ‘Open Door’ policy with vigour.  The Festival’s plans to let young people engage with opera in the making are exciting.  We are looking forward to the dress rehearsals in June.

1. IV) LENGTHSMAN

We have a new Lengthsman but to get the best out of him, we need your help.  Adam Dyne will speak about this at Item 4.

1. V) B3046

Cars are continuing to speed along our roads and NPC struggles to persuade Hampshire County Council to implement reduced speed limits.

We have looked into installing flashing speed signs on the B3046. But in the end the cost was likely to be excessive and the facility would be available only at intervals.  At last year’s AGM there was cogent argument that flashing lights were inappropriate in our rural setting.  We have accepted this view. We have had HCC officials here three times and have paid for speed monitoring on Northington Hill.  Yvonne White will report.

1. VI) POLICING and NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Elaine Capp continues to look after our interests and asked JM to pass on a reminder about the need for vigilance with regard to telephone and computer scams. Thank you, Elaine.

VII) THE COUNCIL

JM thanked his fellow councillors on the residents’ behalf for their work for the parish.

Yvonne keeps more than an eye on B3046 matters.  Apart from dealing with HGV problems.  Yvonne and Alex have been very actively pursuing WCC’s Highways Department over the matter of potholes and signs.

Adam’s organisational skills and charisma are legendary. He has had to usher in a new Lengthsman, do battle with BT over the ‘phone box and get us out with our black sacks for village clean-ups.  Thank you.

Melissa is safeguarding our data and its use and she keeps SSE up to the mark on coping in a crisis.  The jargon is Resilience.

Dennis has already been mentioned and will report later.

Alex tells us about things that need to be done and the parameters within which we can do them.  She also keeps our accounts in order.  It’s a busy job and the Council would not function as well as it does without Alex’s hard work.

JM thanked the management of the Woolpack Inn for allowing the Parish Council to use their private dining room for meetings.  This makes a huge difference on a cold winter evening.

4. Lengthsman/Village upkeep

AD reported that the 2019 Village clean-up saw its best turn out so far and we are still pulling rubbish out. In his view a once a year clean-up is sufficient.

NPC has been allocated a new Lengthsman, who has provided AD with a huge list of work he can carry out. Should we require him for work not listed or extra time, NPC will be charged. Some of the works he has carried out so far were cleaning signs, cutting back overgrowths, litter picking and painting the bench by the church. AD thinks that we are currently not utilising the Lengthsman’s time to best advantage.  He urged residents to inform AD of any issues and ideally provide him with photographic evidence, so he can instruct the Lengthsman.

The phone box in Northington is currently out of order again. BT will remove the phone box but we have missed this year’s removal date. A broken glass panel has been reported but AD unsure about its repair. BT requires HCC’s permission to remove the phone box.

AD also made residents aware about the reporting/logging of potholes. This can be done either through Hampshire County Council’s website or via www.fixmystreet.com. The website links with HCC and is very user friendly. JM also urged to inform AR about any reports.

5. B3046

YW reported that as a result of pestering HCC, the B3046 was covered with new tarmac in April. Pothole reports take a long time and need a lot of chasing. If a pothole damages a car’s tyre(s) and the pothole has already been reported, the repair/replacement of the tyre can be claimed from HCC.

The speed survey report at Northington Hill in November 2018 showed that the average speed was below 45 mph.   NPC have met HCC officials. The officers noted that Northington Hill has no reported injuries or incidents in the last 5 years. NPC went back to HCC and managed to achieve the installation of new 30mph road signs at either end of the hill. Three further roundel speed limit signs will be placed along the hill.  The work is expected to be carried out in summer 2019.

Two accidents have occurred on the B3046 near the Grange entrance corner and the police have been involved. HCC inspected the site and, although there is no further scope for road signs/warnings installed, HCC will install some reflective lettering and the area prone to flooding will be cleared.

NPC and HCC also visited Kites Hill. Unfortunately there is no prospect of speed changes. YW reassured residents that NPC will keep an eye on local road issues.

JM noted that it had been useful to walk Northington Hill with Patrick Barber and Peter Lamb in the first instance. JM also noted that roundels painted on the road itself were inappropriate to the location because they can pose danger for cyclists and also their appearance is rather sub-urban.

YW said that NPC has built up a list names for officials at HCC, – a resource improves reaction time.

6. Planning applications (SHEELA, Grange Estate)

Dennis Nye reported that Northington Parish Council (NPC) has become aware of a planning matter, which is of potential interest to the whole Parish.

On 6 December 2018, the Hampshire Chronicle published a list of possible building sites identified under the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).  This listing was in response to a central government requirement that councils identify possible development sites.  The exercise with a deadline of 08 April 2018 produced a long list of sites submitted by landowners and developers.  It was narrowed down to a final list, which came to the notice of NPC through publication in the Hampshire Chronicle on 6 December 2018.  One of the sites on the list is SHELAA Site NO01, located in the Grange Park.

The Grange Park itself has a Grade II* listing as a Historic Park and Garden and this special status was used recently by the Grange Estate to secure planning permission for the new aesthetic driveway to the Grange.  Located in the Park, Site NO01 sits across an active fauna corridor, which includes bat roosts.  NPC is concerned that the Grange Estate’s plan to sell land to developers for housing will erode the Park’s special status.

Against this background, NPC expressed its concerns to Winchester City Council (WCC) and then applied for a Tree Preservation Order to protect the affected woodland.  After a visit from two planning officers, a provisional TPO was granted, although it has now run up against the existence of a prior Forestry Commission work plan.

NPC has been aware for some time that the Grade II listed buildings at Home Farm on the Grange Estate are in need of repair.  On 26 March there was a meeting in the Village Hall called at the Estate’s request.  It attracted a turnout of some 40 residents.  The Grange Estate described current plans to convert the farm into an hotel and conference centre.  The Estate said that they planned to raise funds by using ‘Enabling Development’ legislation to sell site NO01with planning permission for 3 houses.  Residents noted that the published SHELAA listing actually allows for 29 dwellings.

At the meeting on 26 March it emerged that Enabling Development legislation specifies that the necessary ‘heritage gain’ must be unachievable by ‘other means’.  It seems that the Grange Estate has also registered other SHELAA sites, including one in Alresford with potential for 68 houses.  The question arose whether or not the Alresford site might be considered to be ‘other means’.  There is a legal precedent for such an alternative solution.

NPC is aware of the pressing need to reinstate Home Farm and of the costs involved.  Both NPC and a seemingly unanimous view of the 26 March meeting participants is that these costs should not in part be met by sacrificing the woodlands.

Some residents were not averse to the hotel/conference concept, although concerns were voiced at the potential disturbance from those using the facility.  There was, however, wide support for a scheme providing housing and/or rural employment, as endorsed in the existing Parish Plan.

So far NPC has received no notification of an application to start work on the Home Farm scheme nor of an application for planning permission to build on Site NO01.

Lucy Williams asked for the background to the Forestry Commission work plan and the provisional TPO. DN said he would look into the matter and provide clarification.

7. Clerk’s report

AR presented the final financial figures for the NPC for the year 2018/19. NPC’s precept for 2018/19 remained unchanged because the figures showed that the precept has been sufficient to our needs, with an underspend of £516.50.

The speed survey at Northington Hill has been paid by NPC and was covered by the non-budgeted outgoings (£200).

Last year SAAA (Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd) has appointed PKF Littlejohn as our new external auditors. Since NPC’s income is less than £25k per annum, the account is exempt from inspection by the external auditor and NPC can apply for an exemption certificate. The internal audit has to take place as in previous years and all forms have to be completed and the audit report can be reviewed (notice will be on the Parish’s notice board). All documents will remain in the hands of NPC. AR communicated directly with PKF Littlejohn for confirmation.

Adoption of the accounts was proposed by Belinda Mitchell and seconded by Bill Wickham.

AR holds consultation documents for the Winchester Local Plan 2036. If anyone wishes to make comments, please contact AR. Comments need to be submitted individually by 21^st September 2019.

Philippa Pellereau has now stepped down as Chair of the Village Hall Committee Henceforth AR , as the new Data Curator, will hold the e-mail list for all residents and will circulate important notices. DN offered his support to create 2 e-mail block lists for Village Hall related and NPC related information.

10. YW thanked JM for his chairmanship of the Council and those present endorsed her comment.
11. Any other business

There was no further business.

The meeting ended at 20.25.

AR 22/05/2019

NORTHINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL

Date:                Tuesday, 16^th March 2021                                             Time:   7:00 pm to 8.25 pm

Venue:             Via Zoom

Present:           John Mitchell                    Chairman

Dennis Nye

Yvonne White

Melissa Jennings

Wendy Simson                         Clerk

Apologies:        Cllr Margot Power

Cllr Jackie Porter

Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith

1. Welcome and apologies for absence.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting, held online due to lockdown restrictions.

2. Resignation of Councillor

The Chairman noted with regret the resignation of Councillor Wykeham.  Bill had played key roles for the Parish Council in the Lengthsman Scheme, Covid-19 food supplies and the Annual Litter Pick.   He had made progress with Openreach on the provision of FTTP.  His support of the community had been constant and unstinting and the Council wishes to thank him for all he has done for Northington.

3. Minutes of the last meeting

The Councillors reviewed minutes for the meeting on 19^th January 2021, they were agreed as a true representation of the meeting and the Clerk will provide a copy for the Chairman to sign.

4. Matters arising

1. a) Garden Waste Bins – The information about ordering bins has been circulated.

1. b) Highway’s meeting – Councillor White said that the planned meeting could not be arranged due to the Covid19 restrictions, however, she has been in contact with the Highways team about the following issues:

• Kites Hill, the work will require the road to be closed which will be planned for the summer.
• Grange Entrance, this involves renewing the road markings.
• Replacing the bollards on the B3046

Councillor White will keep Councillors up to date.

1. c) Laptop Donations for Preston Candover Primary School – Councillor White said that 7 laptops and a PC were donated.  The laptops had been taken to Preston Candover and the desktop to Sun Hill School in Alresford. Another PC was donated but Sun Hill did not need this, so it will be recycled. The school in Preston Candover had sent a letter of thanks to those who had donated computers and an extract had been circulated to residents.

5. Covid19 update

There have been no reports of illness in the community and many residents have had their vaccination.

The Government guidelines about Parish Council meetings expire on 7^th May and the Government are not looking to extend them. This means that from that date, Council meetings will need to be quorate, whilst still allowing vulnerable Councillors to  join remotely. Only Councillors present at the meeting will be able to vote on any issues. Any members of the public wishing to attend the meetings should do so virtually.

Action: Clerk to investigate booking either the village hall or dining room at the Woolpack Inn for the next meeting.

6. Planning Applications

There have been no planning applications.

7. District Councillors Reports

Councillor Porter sent the March report through during the meeting, and this has been circulated to Councillors. Any questions should be directed to the Clerk.

8. Clerk’s statement

The Clerk informed Councillors that the January to March salary has been paid along with the Zoom contract purchased at a cost of £119.00 plus VAT. An invoice for two sets of defibrillator pads has been received at a cost of £87.60.

All payments were approved by the Councillors.

The Parish Council is carrying £6,429 into 2021/22.

Action: Clerk to organise internal audit.

9. Lengthsman duties

The most recent Lengthsman’s visit was on 3^rd March, which was handled by Bill Wykeham.

The visits for 2021/22 have been booked in for:

• 19^th May
• 28^th July
• 10^th September
• 13t December
• 14^th February

Councillor Jennings agreed to look after the Lengthsman’s visits and agree on the work to be carried out.

The Lengthsman’s contact details are:

Name: RP Gardening Services

Email: info@rpgardening.co.uk

Mobile: 07786 223333

The list of suggested work, which may be carried out by the Lengthsman and the Highways Team are:

The funding for the Lengthsman Scheme is generated from Hampshire County Council with 25% due to be allocated for work on Rights of Way projects.

The Councillors asked if collapsed verges could be repaired by the Lengthsman, were the Parish Council to pay for the materials to fill the holes.

Action: Councillors Jennings to contact Lengthsman and ask about verge work.

10. Any other business

a). The Grange – The Grange Festival (TGF) gave a presentation on 3 March about development plans at the Grange.  Future plans include re-tarmacking the access road from the Grange’s East Gate.   This proposal has raised concerns among nearby residents. The Chairman said that he had spoken to Michael Moody, the Chief Operation Officer of TGF, and had been told that the Grange Estate wanted the surface to be more rustic/friable.

b).  Damaged Bridge.  Repairs to the bridge will start this month.

TGF will continue to offer tickets at reduced prices to ensure accessibility to all.

c).  New Councillor – The Council discussed a number of options to fill the vacancy.

Action: Chairman to speak to take the matter further.

d).  Annual Litter Pick – Councillor White reminded the Councillors that the litter pick is planned for the weekend of 20^th/21^st March. The Clerk had kindly persuaded Alton Town Council to lend NPC litter grabbers and high Visibility vests.  Councillor White will oversee the allocation of road among volunteers.

e).  Broadband update – Councillor Nye has agreed to oversee this project and will speak to Councillor Porter about some of the unanswered questions regarding Openreach. NPC agreed, if required, to involve Steve Brine, our local MP, in the discussions.

All Councillors agree that setting up a legal entity to handle the money for the cable work r was not an appropriate solution.  The Chairman said that he was against the Parish Council taking on this role and the attendant liabilities.

11. Date of the next meeting

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 18^th May 2021 at 7.00 pm, perhaps in the Woolpack Inn, but a decision on the location will depend on Covid-19 developments.