Harlestone Parish Council www.harlestonepc.org

Executive Officer/Clerk to the Council: Paul Thomas [email protected] The Old Bakehouse, Harlestone Village NN7 4EP

Members of the Council are hereby summoned and members of the public and press are invited to attend the meeting of Harlestone Parish Council. This meeting may be recorded, but such activity must not impede the conduct or business of the meeting.

Harlestone Village Institute NN7 4EH or online 19:00 on Wednesday 7th April 2021

MINUTES 002

VIRTUAL ONLINE ZOOM MEETING ID: ______Password: ______

001. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES

Councillors Cllr Russell Francis (Chairman) Cllr Susie Holland Cllr Sarah Stock (Vice Chairman) Cllr Toni Perryman Cllr Ken Waller Cllr Sue Flynn Cllr Tim Cross

Chairman • Our thoughts are with Cllr Sue Flynn due to the sad passing of her husband Pat • Cllr Sue Flynn – apologies received due to family commitments • Council approves apologies

002. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING(S) The distributed and published minutes from the previous meeting(s) of the parish council.

• Cllr Holland proposes the minutes be approved • Cllr Waller seconded the minutes be approved • The council agree that the minutes are a true and accurate account • The Chairman to sign the minutes

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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003. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Members are requested to make any declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, in line with the 2018 code of conduct, relating to items on this agenda.

• No declarations of interest were offered by the councillors.

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004. FINANCIAL UPDATE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER The schedule of payments has been circulated and published with the agenda. The finances to be approved and items for payment authorised.

Schedule of Payments

Staff Salary Autella Payslip £ 543.13 Gigaclear DD Broadband £ 45.00 BT Council Office DD Phone £ 40.00 BT Village Institute DD Broadband £ 40.00 Staff Pensions DD Nest £ 62.91 Russell Francis Zoom Charges £ 14.39 E-on Electricity Bill Village Usage £ - E-on Electricity Bill Street Lighting Maintenance £ 9.60 LGG Services Verge Mowing £ - A&A Landscapes Ltd Village Green, Institute, Church £ - £ - Groundwork UK NHP Unspent Grant Return £ 1,244.70 NCALC Annual Subscription £ 562.01 Autella Payroll Services £ 75.12 £ - £ - Isabel Stock Litter Picking November £ 19.00 Bella Linskey Litter Picking November £ 19.00 E-on Electricity Bill Playing Fields £ - Gary Slinn Turney - Tractor Water Pump £ 460.12 £ - £ - £ - Playing Fields Expenditure £ 460.12 Amazon Suspended Folder Case £ 17.00 Amazon Box File £ 6.86 Norton Lifelock Anti-Virus £ 39.99 £ - £ - EO Office Expenses Transfer £ 63.85 Total Monthly Spend £ 3,198.83

Signed: Chairman ………………………… Signed: EO/Clerk …………………………

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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Unity Trust Bank

Current Account (872) £ 14,614.83 CIL Deposit Account (898) £ 19,527.86

Reserve Account (885) £ 20,000.00 Total Accounts £ 62,608.02 Neighbourhood Plan Grant (885) £ - Playing Fields (885) £ 8,465.33 £ 28,465.33

• EO to update the council on the monthly bank reconciliation and QFAR • The payment schedule to be agreed by the council and signed by the EO and Chairman

• Cllr Stock proposes the payment schedule be approved • Cllr Cross seconded the payment schedule be approved • Council agrees to the payment schedule and the monthly finance updates for April 2021 • The Chairman to sign the payment schedule

Note • A&A Landscapes late invoice of £276 to be added to the payment schedule • Unspent budget balance has been moved to the reserve account

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005. Public Time for Comments by Members of the Public Whilst parish council meetings are open to the public, contributions are limited by standing orders to allow only invited/scheduled guests or councillors to contribute.

However, there is a section in each meeting when the Chairman suspends standing orders to hear any members of the public who wish to address the parish council.

This time is limited to 15 minutes and three minutes per contribution unless requested otherwise by the Chair and/or councillors. This is in line with Standing Orders of 2018 Standing Orders will then be reinstated to allow the Council to resume its meeting and discussion items.

Council discussed the PIR proposal along with other proposals made by residents within the “public time for comments” and all issues were considered in full.

As a result the council decided that: • Cllrs Cross and Holland would look into the possibility of an electric gate on a timer and to get quotes • To liaise with C.Clayson regarding wooden marker bollards and signage to the entrance of his property to discourage users from parking in front of his gates.

Welcome to members of the public: M.Shapiro, M.Yoxon, D.George, J,Morley

• We would like to raise the anti-social behaviour we are experiencing at the Church Lane Car Park • I would like to thank Paul, Sarah and Russell for responding to emails and allowing this issue to be discussed by the council • A PIR light could be an option, but would need to make sure that wildlife and the night skies are not affected and to try as a first step • Worried that if issues are not reported on 101 then it will not be actioned by the police even if reported to the PCSO. The PCSO is aware of the drug paraphernalia and has agreed to have this area patrolled by himself when on shift and police colleagues when not

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DECISION ITEMS

006. Church Lane Car Park – Proposal to install a PIR floodlight for security Item raised due to reports of unsociable behavior in the car park after dark

• Installation costs: £TBC • Quotes are being sourced • Note: the electricity feed would run from the church

Council discussed the PIR proposal along with other proposals made by residents within the “public time for comments” and all issues were considered in full.

As a result the council decided that: • Cllrs Cross and Holland would look into the possibility of an electric gate on a timer and to get quotes • To liaise with C.Clayson regarding wooden marker bollards and signage to the entrance of his property to discourage users from parking in front of his gates.

007. Clerk’s Contracted Annual Increment to be approved by the council The Clerk would move from SCP 12 to SCP 13, an increase of £0.22ph before tax

• Cllr Holland Proposes to support this increment increase • Cllr Waller Seconded • Council in favour to approve

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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008. Replacement of Village Nameplates (Please see Appendix A for designs) It is proposed to replace the existing village nameplates with old style cast aluminium signs on wooden black and white posts at the estimated total cost (including posts and installation) of circa £7,185 ex VAT. The existing signs are faded and in need of repair/replacement. The replacement signs are of a style and design more in keeping with the historic village and will be a more durable product.

• The new signs will qualify as infrastructure for CIL money • Permission from Highways has been obtained • 2 x Harlestone signs, 3 x UH signs, 2 x Harlestone Heath signs (+ 2 brown and white tourism signs) • Maintenance will be the responsibility of HPC

Competitive costs have been discussed in detail at previous meetings please refer to the March 3rd 2021 Agenda.

• Cllr Waller Proposes that the posts should be all black • Cllr Holland Seconded • Council in favour to approve

• Cllr Holland Proposes to support this purchase • Cllr Waller Seconded • Council in favour to approve

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009. TRANSFER OF THE OWNERSHIP OF THE GREEN It is proposed that the ownership of The Green is transferred from District Council to Harlestone Parish Council. Harlestone Parish Council would be required to meet Council’s legal costs estimated to be in the region of £500 and our own legal costs estimated at £900 making a total cost of £1400 (could be reduced with some more competitive quotes)

• The Green is located in Upper Harlestone yet it is owned by DDC (soon to be incorporated in to the large West Northants Unitary Authority) although it is maintained by HPC. • A local Parish Council is best placed to protect and maintain this area as an important amenity area for the enjoyment of the whole Community. • Harlestone Parish Council would resist the use of the area for any inappropriate or unauthorised use, eg fly-tipping, car parking etc. • Harlestone Parish Council would continue to support the use of the area by local residents for recreational purposes. • Central to the area is the commemorative oak planted in 2018 by the Parish Council to recognise the centenary of the World War 1 armistice and those that gave their lives during that conflict. • HPC would take positive action to prevent plans for any change of use or potential development. This would be achieved by registering the land as a “Village Green”, an irrevocable step, thereby affording the ultimate protection. • This transfer would achieve continuity of ownership. If not owned by HPC future use and maintenance would be down to the Unitary Authority.

Stage 1 Transfer of ownership from Daventry District Council to Harlestone Parish Council.

Stage 2 As the legal owner, Harlestone Parish Council will apply voluntarily to dedicate the land as a Village Green and request its inclusion in the register for Town and Village Greens. Application would be made under Section 15(8) of The Commons Act 2006 which is a simplified process.

• No cost for the transfer of the land • For leisure and recreational use • To confirm that the Green is transferred without the Highways access road • Would be a dedicated Village Green

• Cllr Francis Proposes to support this transfer • Cllr Cross Seconded • Council in favour to approve

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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010. Proposal to purchase a Poweroll Auto AR3 cricket wicket roller The Harlestone Cricket Club at Harlestone Playing Fields require a new wicket roller, the CC are prepared to own 50/50 with the HPC or own outright with help from the HPC • HPC and HCC will each pay 50% of the cost £3,037.50 each, total cost: £6,075 • If HPC do not wish to have shared ownership of the roller, then HCC are happy to pay back the other 50% to HPC. • HCC can pay back HPC's 50% over 4 years, by increasing the annual rent by £759.38. This enables the HCC to fund/raise when restrictions have been lifted due to Covid making sure we can cover that cost.

Cllr Perryman • The Cricket Club have demonstrated a huge dedication to the playing fields • The roller is paramount to having a useable cricket green • The pavilion has been upgraded by the cricket volunteers with no cost to the HPC • Cricket is such an historical part of village life and the club are looking to bring some junior teams along

Cllr Waller • Important to have the heritage of the cricket history

Cllr Cross • We must consider public access and disruption to the village if the cricket club expands and plays more matches

• Cllr Perryman Proposes to support this purchase 50/50 with the Cricket Club, HPC to use playing fields budget for the 50% cost • Cllr Cross Seconded • Council in favour to approve

011. DA/2021/0248 59 Road, Upper Harlestone NN7 4EH Work to trees within a conservation area

• Cllr Cross has had a look at this application, it identifies extensive growth that needs cutting back • Cllr Cross Proposes to approve the application • Cllr Stock Seconded • Council in favour to approve

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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012. HVI Lottery Results to be published on the HPC Website Proposal to publish the lottery numbers on the website, previously the numbers have been published in the White Newsletter

• Cllr Francis Proposes to support this request • Cllr Stock Seconded • Council in favour to approve

DISCUSION ITEMS

013. NCR National Community Service A government sponsored organisation that provides opportunities for 16 to 25 year olds to take part in social support activities. NCS has an established relationship with Rotary throughout Britain and together they are looking for new opportunities to undertake.

Currently, NCS has over 400 young volunteers signed up to do more social projects as soon as the current constraints imposed by Covid-19 are relaxed.

• Council to consider projects for the NCR • The Chairman and the EO have identified an area to be cleared and prepared for a wildflower planting project

• Work is carried out by young Rotarians and volunteers • The team would be supervised and have their own insurance

Action • EO to liaise with Allan Wilson to complete the above wildflower project • Council approves

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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014. UPDATES FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES

a. Environment and Safety Sub-Committee Chairman Chairman Cllr Tim Cross • DDC work starts 24th Feb on the sink hole and 4 blocked drains in Upper Harlestone Highways have put in new drains, this area is possibly an original culvert • Path Clearing along the A428, Golf Lane, Rugby Road to the Bus Stop Pathways are in very poor condition. Highways have agreed to inspect this area and report back to Cllr Cross • 30mph Signs in the Village are replaced by 20mph Signs Both Lower and Upper Harlestone will be considered. Permission from Highways will be needed. Costs for the signs to be explored • The drain at 10 Cottages needs tarmac to encourage the water flow to change direction, Tim to take this up with Highways. Tim has also unearthed another drain at Workhouse Bank • Reported to Fix-my-street the damage to the entrance sign and fence at Railway Cottages

• Tim to try and straighten the Railway Cottage sign • Sink Hole – was an old stone culvert, has been repaired and 2 new drains fitted • A428 pathways along Rugby Road, Highways have inspected and our looking to cut all the edges back • The 20mph signs looked at for the village will be in addition to the 30mph signs and not as a replacement • Drain at 10 Cottages, Highways will not repair or level • “Do not park on the Verge” signs have been affective to keep areas of the village clear of parking • Cllr Waller to look at a free consultant to give an opinion on the parking at Nursey Corner

b. Playing Fields Sub-Committee Chairman Chairman Cllr Toni Perryman • The Cricket Club require the playing fields to have an extended lease in order to secure grants and addition funding, Cllr Francis will look to progress. • Shed door widening (already approved £1,000) • G.Slinn looking to sell an old set of gang mowers, disc seeder and the old roller to raise funds for the playing fields

Harlestone Parish Council – April Minutes 2021 – Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul Thomas

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015. UPDATES FROM WORKING PARTIES & POINTS OF CONTACT

a. Cllr Sue Flynn PCSO Charities Quarry Liaison • Meeting with the County Council being arranged once COVID restrictions are relaxed

b. Local Planning, Conservation Cllr Sarah Stock

c. Neighbourhood Plan Coordinators Cllr Stock/Francis

• Spent over £8k of the Groundwork Grant • £1,200 has been returned to Groundwork due to the end of the financial year, council to re-apply for the remainder in the new fiscal year • No budget has been set for the NHP, £5k could be freed up from the reserves as and when the council require funds, set as an agenda item for May 2021 • It’s possible that the new grant could be more than £1,200 • The NHP is nearly at its completed draft • The completed draft will be sent to Tom James, Planning, Council

d. Speed Watch, Road Safety, Police Volunteer on Horseback Cllr Toni Perryman • No 2021 campaign planned due to COVID • Joint strategy with HM: Cllr Perryman/Cllr Flynn • Next joint road safety meeting being arranged

e. Communications Officer, Website, Harlestone Hound Newsletter, White Newsletter Cllr Stock

• The Annual Parish newsletter is being formulated • A few items and photos are still needed

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f. Major Development, Planning, SUE Cllr Waller

• Due to the outline application of 1750 homes being built, the smaller phase application for 600 homes has been withdrawn • Building is due to start this year 2021

g. Local Businesses, Annual Meeting of the Parish Cllr Holland • COVID restrictions will prevent a physical Annual Meeting of the Parish going ahead • A special edition of the Harlestone Hound Newsletter to be used as an Annual Meeting of the Parish update. Cllr Stock to look at a format for the publication

• There are no plans for the Fox and Hounds to open on the 12th April due to cold weather and COVID restrictions only allowing clients to use the garden

h. Liaison Executive Officer • A.Greeno - Estate Conservation Officer • Dudmans Plantation along the A428 has been replanted • A bank has been left for the return of the Sand Martins at the quarry, this is still being monitored. • Church Lane was completely cut off by a fallen tree, Adey.G scrambled the foresters asap to clear and make safe

• EO in weekly communications with Althorp, no major issues or news to report

i. Harlestone Village Institute Liaison Cllr Waller • Tier 5 restrictions in place meaning no events being currently planned • A COVID support group are the only users of the institute at this present time

• Congratulations to Tudor for securing a £9k COVID Grant • Closing of the HVI gates will be for Saturday weddings only

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j. HPC Allotments Executive Officer • Final plot still available • Leases to be renewed in April for the next 12 months • Letter to go out to plot holders as it has been noted that general waste including an old wheelbarrow and plastic sacks are being discarded on the compost heap, this area is for vegetation only.

• One vacant plot available, the allotments are looking very tidy • New Rules and Leases have been posted out to plot holders

ACTIONS OUTSTANDING FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

178. WW1 Oak Tree • Source a plaque in brass 9” x 9” • Note: plaque to be in brass and not cast aluminium • Look to have this plaque mounted on a stone for ground installation. • Plaque ordered • Awaiting Invoice • Plaque is ready to collect CLOSE

PROPOSED GRAVEYARD EXTENSION AT ST ANDREWS CHURCH • HPC confirm the formation of the working party as above with Cllr Perryman & Cllr Waller and work with reps from HM and the church • It may be necessary to have a ground water survey £4,200 + VAT • First survey estimated at £1,800 + VAT • Archaeological Statement is needed • No wall is needed for the graveyard perimeter • We need to consider land costs • Estimated costs for the project £15,000 to £25,000 • Grants may be available for both the HPC and the HMPC PENDING

Action: Climate Change Working Party • Although not an agenda item, Councillor Waller requested we look at forming a working party to establish if the parish could get involved in any climate change initiatives. This item to be placed on the February agenda. 146. Action: Climate Change • Councillor Waller requested we look at forming a working party to establish if the parish could get involved in any climate change initiatives. • Proposal for Ken, Tim and Paul to have a fact-finding meeting and report back to the council • A suitable date is being looked at for the first meeting PENDING

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Action: 126.a Environment Committee Items

• Railway Cottage sign is tipping, reported to Fix my street. Pending • Hole in the verge in UH maybe badgers or a running culvert, reported to Highways • A new white tube barrier has been installed by Highways over the brook in UH, Tim to progress getting this changed for post and rail. Highways offered to paint the rail black. Adey (Althorp) looking to get this rail replaced Tim to paint the barrier black or dark green, EO happy to help with the painting CLOSE

149. j Allotments • Proposal to look into re-stocking the perimeter hedgerow of the allotments with new whips of indigenous species • Althorp/Adey will assist with information on identifying the species and the best time to plant • EO to source a quote PENDING

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COMMUNICATIONS WITH OR BY THE COUNCIL

The Council lists and considers here, any correspondence or contact between the council, the clerk and the public on issues which are of interest. Since the last meeting, such correspondence included:

• Online Crime Reporting: www.northants.police.uk/webform/online-crime-reporting • Transport & Mobility solutions in Daventry District: spread the word regarding the services of DACT in local areas www.dact.btck.co.uk • Daventry District Council COVID support line: 0300 126 1000 • Care and Repair funding for disabled facilities up to £30k per household www.daventrydc.gov.uk/careandrepair • Unitary Council update from NCALC: www.northantscalc.com/lgr.html • Cooking Good Recipe Cards are available through the Clerk to provide a healthy balanced diet that will help families cook straight forward family meals. • Think NHS First: if you have an urgent but not life-threatening medical need, call NHS 111 first rather than going straight to A&E, 111 will prioritise emergency medical treatment. • Due to the impact of Coronavirus over 5.5 million people are claiming Universal Credit https://www.jobcentrenearme.com/universal-credit/ • DA/2017/0890 Outline application for 600 houses withdrawn

• DDC – Media Release: New measures to protect heritage of villages • Media Release: continuation of conservation areas, Article 4 directive – will be covered in the Annual Newsletter • Harlestone should not be affected apart from permitted rights, this means that certain repairs and maintenance to a property ie rendering, painting, re-gravelling, thatching would require planning permission

• Introducing your new council from 1st April 2021 – www.westnorthants.gov.uk • VE Day – 8th May 2021

Cllr Perryman • Proposes that we mark VE Day, consider a wreath for the War Memorial

Cllr Stock introduces Rupert Knowles as a local resident of Lower Harlestone who is looking to be co-opted on to the parish council in May • Rupert has lived in the village for 6 years • Background of farming and agriculture • Has good knowledge of conservation and the parish

Meeting Closed at: 20:50

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NEXT MEETINGS 2021

WED 07.APR WED 05.MAY (Annual Meeting of the Council) WED TBC (Annual Meeting of the Parish to be in a newsletter form due to COVID) WED 02.JUN WED 07.JUL NO MEETING IN AUGUST

19:00 at Harlestone Village Institute unless stated as online - Zoom

The council may need to convene for planning items which require a response before the date of the next meeting. Deadline for items for the next meeting to the EO/Clerk please:

NO LATER than: 1 week before the meeting

Paul Thomas - Executive Officer Dated: 15th April 2021

Signature: …………………………………………..

Executive Officer/Clerk: Paul OR Thomas

Signature: …………………………………………..

Chairman: Cllr Russell Francis

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