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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF TOWN COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 8th MARCH 2016 AT 7.30PM AT THE DAY CENTRE, COLLEGE STREET, NN9 5TU

PRESENT: Councillors A Short (Mayor), A Winkle (Deputy Mayor), C Cross, J Farrar, D Gater, H Khandwala, N Khandwala, M Maedge, R Powell, Mrs I Rollings and T Walton

ALSO PRESENT: Mr & Mrs D Holland and David Maddock

The Mayor welcomed everybody and informed members and the public that the meeting was being recorded for minute taking purposes. He informed them that there was an opportunity for fifteen minutes public speaking with each person having an opportunity to speak for a maximum of three minutes. He asked if anyone wished to address the Council

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mr Holland addressed the meeting. He had previously written to the Council about some problems he was having in his neighbourhood. The Council had considered the issues raised and taken some actions, they had also written back to Mr Holland informing him of their actions. Mr Holland addressed the meeting to outline the problems and to stress that he felt that the only solution to the problems would be for a fence to be erected around the grassed area. The main problems that Mr and Mrs Holland were encountering had commenced in Spring 2014 and continued to date. Children/youths played ball games on the grassed area on the opposite side of the road and the balls regularly hit residents’ car, garden and property. The Hollands reported threats of physical violence and verbal abuse from local adults. The stress has caused Mrs Holland to be hospitalised in the past. The police have visited on more than one occasion following calls to 101 and their advice to erect a sign saying private properties, has been actioned. The Hollands have also installed CCTV cameras. Mr Holland thanked the Mayor and Councillors for the opportunity to address them.

119. APOLOGIES

Councillor J Gray – due to work commitments

120. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Item 128 c) and d) – Councillor C Cross – is a member of I Grow Item 128h) – Councillor J Farrar – is acquainted with the resident

121. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES

A) ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2016

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[140]

Page 129 – Resolve 02/19 – need to insert – Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee - after Deputy Mayor and before Danny Moody

Page 135 – Resolve 02/59 – last word should read consort not consult

RESOLVED 03/01 – that the amended minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings

122. MATTERS ARISING

Page 123 – Post Office – Councillor C Cross informed members that she had been approached by a lady outside the Post Office recently and asked if it was open saying that it looked derelict. She felt that was shocking and asked if there had been any response to the Councils request to the Enforcement team to ask the owners to carry out repairs and maintenance work.

The Clerk said she had not received a response and all she could do was to chase the Planning Enforcement Officer again.

Page 125 – Resolve 02/02- Councillor R Powell asked if a date had been set yet to discuss a proposed donation figure for the Police for security devices.

The Clerk replied that to date no costings to consider had been received from the Police but a meeting had been arranged for 17th March to discuss possible funding.

Page 127 – Resolve 02/06 and 02/07 – Councillor R Powell queried the Resolves deferred dates.

The Clerk stated those Resolves had come from the Planning Meeting of the 12th January 2016 which took place immediately before the Full Town Council Meeting of the same date. The Planning Meeting had run out of time so had deferred those two items to the meeting later that evening so the deferred dates were correct.

Page 131 – Resolve 02/39 – Councillor C Cross asked if a date had been set yet for the proposed ENC Community facility Funds Consideration of Future Projects meeting.

The Clerk replied no date had yet been set.

Page 135 – 02/59 – Councillor J Farrar had read that the Mayors Consort Mrs Gilly Short had been awarded the British Legion Cromwell Cup for being a small branch with the highest increase in collections. He proposed her efforts for this year and previous years be acknowledged by the Council.

RESOLVED 03/02 – that the Deputy Mayor be asked to send a letter on behalf of the Town Council to Mrs Gilly Short for all her sterling work this year and previous years for the British Legion.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[141]

Page - 02/59 – Councillor H Khandwala asked if any quotations for updating the Mayors Chain and the provision of chains for the Deputy Mayor and the Mayors Consort had been received yet.

The Clerk said it was ongoing.

Councillor H Khandwala stated he could provide the Clerk with the contact details of companies who could be approached for quotes.

123. POLICE/PUBLIC ORDER MATTERS

There was no Police presence. The Clerk informed members that PCSO S Arthur had sent his apologies due to a family illness.

A) CRIME FIGURES

The crime figures were handed out at the meeting and the information was noted.

B) CCTV REPORT – CRIMESECURE

The report was handed out at the meeting.

Councillor R Powell highlighted the fact the report made no reference to traffic issues this month.

The Clerk advised this was due to the Town Councils request of last month to focus on the Public Conveniences due to the drugs issues being experienced there.

Councillor C Cross asked if it was known if the child involved in the hit and run incident mentioned was alright.

The Clerk had no further information regarding that incident.

Councillor H Khandwala asked if the CCTV providers had been able to pick up and provide a registration number for the car involved.

The Clerk reported that there had been so many cars fitting the description recorded around the time of the incident they had been unable to say definitely which car was involved.

C) CIVIL ENFORCEMENT OFFICER – STATS

The statistics were handed out at the meeting and the information noted.

Councillor R Powell asked the Clerk to remind him why these could not be included with the packs.

The Clerk stated they are not available until after the end of the previous month.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[142]

D) JAG UPDATE - CLLR J GRAY

In Councillor J Gray’s absence Councillor J Farrar informed members that there had been no JAG meetings.

124. COUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS

A) COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

The Clerk informed members that County Councillor Mrs S Hughes was at another meeting and had sent her apologies. No report had been received.

125. DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS

A) DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS

District Councillor Mrs M Hillson had sent her apologies and a report which was handed out at the meeting.

District Councillor Mrs S Hobbs had sent her apologies. No report had been received.

District Councillor J Farrar reported he had attended a meeting about Council Tax setting and a small increase had been agreed.

District Councillor R Powell had attended a meeting which had included on its Agenda a Surface Water Management Plan. Four areas had been highlighted as hotspots at significant risk of flooding: Chelveston, Irthlingborough, and .

Rushden was considered a high priority as the assessment was made on average economic damage from flooding not the risk factor.

Councillor R Powell stated he had a report on this which he would pass to the Clerk.

Councillor J Farrar asked where the risk of flooding had been identified in Irthlingborough.

Councillor R Powell stated the areas identified were opposite Diamond Centre, the land behind Sonifex and the area of land around and including NANNA.

126. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING PARTIES

A) PROPERTY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE – 23RD FEBRUARY 2016 – CLLR J GRAY

Councillor R Powell went through the minutes as he had chaired the meeting.

RESOLVED 03/03 - that the minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[143]

Councillor R Powell went through the recommendations from the meeting and they were accepted on block.

CAR PARK – QUOTATION FOR REPAIR OF WALLS FOLLOWING SURVEY

RESOLVED 03/04 – that the item be deferred until the next meeting

PAVILION – FOOTBALL TEAM - UPDATE

RESOLVED 03/05 – that the Council invoices the football team for reimbursement of the invoice for the repairs in full and for three cleans at a cost of £20 each.

CROW HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – ACCEPTANCE OF THE WORKING PARTY REPORT FOR TUESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2016

RESOLVED 03/06 – that the report of the Crow Hill Community Centre Working Party be accepted.

REQUEST FOR MEMORIAL HEADSTONE

RESOLVED 03/07 – that the stonemasons be advised that permission to erect a headstone only in the centre of the plots A40 and A41 is not granted. However the Town Council would give permission for a Headstone to be erected along with a double kerbset. The two plots and the strip of land in between would then be the owner’s responsibility to maintain.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES – QUOTATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF ROLLER SHUTTER DOOR

RESOLVED 03/08 – that the cheapest quotation 9i) for £595.00 Plus VAT be accepted.

PLAY EQUIPMENT REPAIRS – QUOTATION FOR REPLACEMENT SWING CRADLE SEAT

RESOLVED 03/09 – that the quotation to replace and fit the swing cradle seat of £225.00 plus VAT be accepted.

B) PLANNING COMMITTEE – 24TH FEBRUARY 2016 – CLLR R POWELL

Page 3 – Item 5 – last Recommend should read parking restriction on not in the junction

Page 7 – last recommend should read long term not long time

RESOLVED 03/10 - that the amended minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings

Councillor R Powell went through the recommendations from the meeting and they were accepted on block.

REVIEW OF TOWN PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND HIGHWAYS ISSUES WITH

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[144]

SARAH BARNWELL

BUGBY DRIVE/FETTLEDINE ROAD

RESOLVED 03/11 – Sarah Barnwell to look at the location and consider the options.

DRAYTON PLACE

RESOLVED 03/12 – Councillor A Short to monitor the area and take photographs of the parking in Drayton Road and Knightlands until further details are received from the resident.

Councillor J Farrar raised a note of caution about any Councillor getting involved in taking photographs. He referred to a past occasion when a Councillor had taken photographs and the ensuing bad feeling from a resident had caused stress, he felt members should be aware of these repercussions. He advised that Officers should take any required photos.

EBBW VALE ROAD

RESOLVED 03/13 – that Sarah Barnwell County Council Highways Officer investigates this complaint.

RESOLVED 03/14 – that at present no changes are proposed on the Ebbw Vale Road Estate for double yellow lining or parking restrictions.

RESOLVED 03/15 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer be asked to see if data evidence was collected following the incident where a car demolished a conservatory.

RESOLVED 03/16 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer looks into the possibility of installing a crossing on Ebbw Vale Road near Diamond Drive for access to Les O’Dell Park.

RESOLVED 03/17 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer looks at options to improve access for the buses in Lakeside and restrict parking on the junction Lakeside, Thomas Flawn Road and Waterloo Way.

HIGH STREET

RESOLVED 03/18 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer would provide a contact number for the Parking Officer.

RESOLVED 03/19 – that the CCTV contractor be asked to provide vehicle departure times too.

RESOLVED 03/20 – that Councillor R Powell ask District Councils Enforcement Officer to provide details of the delivery time restrictions placed on the Planning Applications for the Tesco and Costcutter stores and the information to be passed on to the Police with a request for them to enforce the conditions.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[145]

Councillors J Farrar indicated he understood the restriction to be no deliveries before 9 am, Councillor M Maedge confirmed this.

RESOLVED 03/21 – that the Clerk responds to the resident.

SCARBOROUGH STREET/MANTON ROAD

RESOLVED 03/22 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer sends a maintenance crew out to establish whether Scarborough Street could be resurfaced. If not able to completely resurface, could it be thoroughly patched.

RESOLVED 03/23 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer would investigate whether the zig zag outside the school could be extended and if college Street double yellow lining could be repainted.

RESOLVED 03/24 – that photographic evidence be collected to establish the condition of Manton Road. If found to be in a similar condition to Scarborough Street, Sarah Barnwell to establish whether that can be resurfaced or thoroughly patched too.

RESOLVED 03/25 – that the turning circle the Council had previously requested Highways repaint in Scarborough Street be painted hash design with No Parking incorporated in it.

RESOLVED 03/26 – that Northamptonshire County Council Highways be asked to repaint the turning circle in Manton Road in a hash design with No Parking incorporated in it.

RESOLVED 03/27 – that Northamptonshire County Council be asked to pick up the Civil Enforcement Officer patrolling of this area from April when Irthlingborough Town Councils additional hours contract expires.

STATION ROAD

RESOLVED 03/28 – that the parking bay with parking restriction be removed.

RESOLVED 03/29 – that the Council write to Mr Keith Cousins who operates the car boot sale to ask if there are plans to continue with the car boot sale in the future.

Councillor R Powell stated he had sent the Clerk contact details of Mr Keith Cousins.

The Clerk confirmed she had received them today (8th March 2016)

RESOLVED 03/30 – to write to the police and ask them what their view is on the parking problems related to the car boot sale at Nene Park.

RESOLVED 03/31 – that the Council review the resolution once responses from Keith Cousins and the police have been received.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[146]

RESOLVED 03/32 – that the Council responds to the letter advising that the council is reviewing their resolution.

PARKING BAYS – CAR PARK AND HIGH STREET

RESOLVED 03/33 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer would check the regulations to see if the marking of individual bays in a non-pay and display area was permissible.

Councillor J Farrar asked for clarification of which parking bays were being referred to.

Councillor M Maedge indicated the bays referred to are those adjacent to the road (layby ones) near the Rest Gardens and chemist.

RESOLVED 03/34 – Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer to investigate the required width for marked parking bays and the size of the parking bay proposed for marking. Also survey how many cars currently park there.

RESOLVED 03/35 – that Sarah Barnwell Northamptonshire County Council Highways Officer would investigate and advise regulations concerning the provision of disabled bays for on street parking.

ANNUAL WAITING RESTRICTION REVIEW – OBJECTION REPORT FOLLOWING PUBLIC CONSULTATION

RESOLVED 03/36 – that Councillors A Short and T Walton carry out a site visit to establish what parking facilities there were in Cowper Close with Councillor A Short obtaining a photographic record.

RESOLVED 03/37 – that the item be deferred to the Town Council meeting of 8th March 2016 for discussion with the information obtained from the site visit.

RESOLVED 03/38 – that Northamptonshire County Council be asked to consider a long term plan of how the roundabout at the junction of Ebbw Vale Road and Road can be improved.

127. AGENDA ITEMS

A) OFFICE REVIEW WORKING PARTY

I) AGREEMENT OF CHANGE IN MEMBERS – CLLR R POWELL

Councillor N Khandwala was now part of the Events Working Party, with the limited time he had available it was no longer possible for him to continue to be a member of this working party.

Councillor R Powell asked for nominations for a replacement.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[147]

Councillor T Walton proposed Councillor D Gater Councillor Mrs I Rollings proposed Councillor J Farrar

A vote was taken for the first proposal of Councillor D Gater 8 for 3 abstentions.

The vote was carried.

RESOLVED 03/39 - that Councillor N Khandwala be removed from the Office Review Working Party and Councillor D Gater be added.

II) TERMS OF REFERENCE

RESOLVED 03/40 - that the Terms of Reference for the Office Review Working Party be accepted.

B) EVENTS WORKING PARTY – AGREEMENT OF TERMS OF REFERENCE

RESOLVED 03/41 - that the Terms of Reference for the Events Working Party be accepted

C) ANNUAL WAITING RESTRICTION REVIEW – OBJECTION REPORT FOLLOWING PUBLIC CONSULTATION

RESOLVED 03/42 – due to the limited visibility caused when traffic is parked, double yellow lining to be agreed.

1 Abstention

It was felt that in the long term cutting back the verges and improving the junction should be looked at, to do this it would be necessary to ascertain who owned the land.

D) REPORT FOLLOWING SKATEPARK USER GROUP MEETING - DECISION TO BE TAKEN REGARDING ACCESS ROUTE FOR THE CENTRAL RECREATION GROUND – CLLR J GRAY

The various options were discussed and it was felt that the most viable option would be Option 1 – access from the Cricket Club, across the Huxlow Rugby pitch.

RESOLVED 03/43 – permission to be requested from the Cricket Club and Huxlow School to use their land for access.

128. CORRESPONDENCE & REQUESTS

A) RESPONSE FROM THE IRTHLINGBOROUGH BUSINESS FORUM

Councillor R Powell informed members that the Business Forum had been temporarily suspended. So no further action could be taken at this time.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[148]

B) CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION – WHITLEY CLOSE – FOR INFO

The information was noted.

C) REQUEST FROM IGROW FOR PERMISSION TO DECORATE THE RAILINGS AT PARSONS’ GREEN ON 23RD APRIL – CLLR C CROSS

RESOLVED 03/44 - that permission be granted for IGrow to decorate the railings at Parsons’ Green on 23rd April 2016

D) REQUEST FROM IGROW FOR PERMISSION TO STORE A SLEIGH IN THE CHAPEL – CLLR C CROSS

The request was for the chapel in the Wellingborough Road Cemetery.

Councillor J Farrar felt the building in the Church Street cemetery that the Council lease to the Carnival Committee would be a better option.

RESOLVED 03/45 - that it is suggested that I Grow contact the Carnival Committee with a view to requesting their permission to store a sleigh in the building they lease in the Church Street cemetery

E) LETTER FROM A RESIDENT REGARDING “DOGS ON LEADS” ORDER

Councillor D Gater thought that there had been some changes in the law regarding dogs in public places. These changes may affect the advice received in response to the resident’s previous letter.

RESOLVED 03/46 - that the Town Council asks the East Northamptonshire District Councils Dog Warden to investigate the matters raised.

RESOLVED 03/47 - write to the resident advising him of the Councils actions.

F) PUBLIC CONSULTATION – NORTHERN ORBITAL ROUTE CONSULTATION – END DATE 8TH APRIL 2016

The information was noted.

G) LETTER OF THANKS FROM THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY - ST PETER’S CHURCH COMMITTEE

The response was noted.

H) RESPONSE FROM PERSIMMON HOMES REGARDING RELOCATION OF THE DOG BIN, EBBW VALE ROAD

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[149]

RESOLVED 03/48 - that the recommendation that the existing dog bin be moved closer to the wooden fence not directly opposite number 95 be accepted.

I) QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: i) CLEAN FOR THE QUEEN CAMPAIGN

It was felt this was received too late to action.

II) BIRTHDAY BEACONS

The purchase of a gas fuelled beacon was proposed. The beacon was reusable and it was suggested could be used on two occasions. Firstly as part of the country wide Queens 90th Birthday Beacon event on the 21st April 2016, when it would be positioned on the Crow Hill Recreation Ground. Secondly as part of the Town Council Events Working Party event at Parsons’ Green on the 12th June 2016

RESOLVED 03/49 - that a gas fuelled beacon and gas for two events be purchased.

J) REQUEST TO USE PARSONS GREEN ON SATURDAY 21ST MAY FROM MICHELLE RANDLES SCHOOL OF DANCING

RESOLVED 03/50 - that permission be granted for Randles School of Dancing to use Parsons’ green for a funday event on the 21st May 2016

K) LETTER REGARDING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NENE PARK – PLANNING REF 15/02198/OUT AND 15/02199/OUT

Councillor R Powell explained to members this letter was as a result of a meeting he had had with the developer to discuss a request for a Town Centre Manager for Irthlingborough from S106 monies from the proposed Diamond Centre Development. He informed members that no figures had been mentioned during the meeting.

He felt the figures being quoted in the letter were quite derisory. He appreciated that an offer had been made but felt the number of hours and the figures mentioned were not sufficient.

Councillor R Powell outlined the hours and figures Rushden and were being allocated for a Town Centre Manager as part of the Rushden Lakes development and felt that the hours and figures for Irthlingborough should be in line with those.

RESOLVED 03/51 – that an S106 request be made for a Town Manager for 3 days a week £20,000 a year for three years making total of £60,000.

The second part of the letter concerned the provision of the existing training pitch to Irthlingborough Town Council free of charge so they could rent the pitch out to local teams.

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[150]

There were concerns raised regarding this. It was understood that it was a condition of any development that a full size pitch and seating/viewing area be provided not just a training pitch. It was felt these concerns should be raised with East Northamptonshire District Council Planning Department prior to any decision on the football element of the offer being made.

RESOLVED 03/52 – the decision on the football element of the offer be deferred.

RESOLVED 03/53 – that the Town Council advise East Northamptonshire District Council Planning Department of their concerns regarding the football pitch proposal.

Councillor J Farrar had concerns about this letter. He could find no authority for Councillor R Powell to attend this meeting and speak on behalf of Irthlingborough Town Council. In the past the protocol has been that authorisation to attend a meeting was agreed by the Full Council and either the Clerk, the Mayor or another Councillor would accompany the Councillor attending the meeting. There is no record of what was discussed and no witnesses. He felt it was prudent and good practice that meetings were witnessed by two representatives, two meant no confusion could be caused.

Councillor R Powell stated that he had attended this meeting as a District Councillor not an Irthlingborough Town Councillor and he had mentioned he was attending the meeting in that role at the Planning Committee meeting of 24th February 2016.

Councillor J Farrar proposed that for Councillors benefit/protection a protocol should be agreed that a Councillor does not attend a meeting on their own or without authorisation from the Council.

RESOLVED 03/54 – that a protocol be made, that for the Councillors own protection, Councillors do not attend any unauthorised meetings and that Councillors attending a meeting should be accompanied by the Clerk, Mayor or another Councillor.

A vote was taken 6 For 5 Abstentions The vote was passed.

129. FINANCE MATTERS

A) TO APPROVE THE ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT UP TO 29TH FEBRUARY 2016

RESOLVED 03/55 - that the accounts for payment up to 29th February 2016 be approved

B) TO APPROVE THE BANK ACCOUNT RECONCILIATIONS AS AT 31ST JANUARY 2016

RESOLVED 03/56 - that the bank reconciliations as at the 31st January 2016 be approved

C) STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO 29TH FEBRUARY 2016

RESOLVED 03/57 - that the statement of income and expenditure to 29th February 2016 be approved

Mayor: ______

Date: ______

[151]

D) CONFIRMATION THAT THE COUNCIL WILL REMAIN OPTED-IN TO THE SECTOR LED BODY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF EXTERNAL AUDIT

Councillor R Powell queried the fact that the correspondence had been received on the 24th December 2015 and it was only being brought to the Councils attention in March 2016. This did not allow time for the Council to go to discuss options and consult with other Councils.

The Clerk apologised and informed members that Town Council were the only local Council opting not to have an external auditor appointed via the SLB.

RESOLVED 03/58 - that the Council agrees to having an external auditor appointed to it via the SLB from financial year 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018.

130. PLANNING APPLICATIONS –

a) EN/15/00038/WASFUL - REQUEST FOR COMMENT AS A CONSULTEE – PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: RETROSPECTIVE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE ERECTION OF A STEEL FRAMED BUILDING – ALLEN’S, THE CARAVAN SITE, STATION ROAD. NN9 5QF

Irthlingborough Town Council support Higham Ferrers Town Council Objections/concerns as stated below:-

The site is in flood risk zone 3 and the sequential test has not been applied. It does not constitute minor development as laid out in PPG Flood Risk and Coast Change. There are no flood defences and the Environment Agency has indicated that there is a high risk of the site flooding and there is a 1 in 2 year chance of the site flooding. Should the site flood the Council is concerned at the possible impacts and danger of the scrap metal and pollutants on the environment. The Council is concerned that the building has been constructed with no apparent inspections by the Building Control Inspector and wonder if it is constructed to meet the relevant Building Regulations.

b) EN/16/00340/FUL – DEMOLITION OF EXISTING REAR CONSERVATORY AND DETACHED GARAGE. CONSTRUCTION OF TWO STOREY REAR EXTENSION, DORMER WINDOW TO FRONT ELEVATION AND ERECTION OF NEW DETACHED GARAGE AT 61, FINEDON ROAD, IRTHLINGBOROUGH. NN9 5TY

No Objection

2 Abstentions

Date of the next meeting is 12th April 2016 at 7.30pm at the Crow Hill Community Centre Fettledine Road NN9 5XF

There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.46 pm

Mayor: ______

Date: ______