Balderton Parish Council
Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes
Committee meeting held in the Council Hall on Wednesday October 25th 2006 at
7.00 pm
PRESENT Councillors Colman (Chairman), Mrs Brooks (Vice Chairman), Allsopp,
Fletcher, Hind, Mrs Jarvis, Mortimore, Mrs Newstead, Miss Oram, Sheppard and Mrs
Walker. with County Councillor Walker and the Clerk.
APOLOGIES were received from Cllrs Brooks, Gibson, Mrs Scott, Scott and Miss
Watson.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Cllr Mortimore declared a personal interest to minute
reference 3373 re. Council Office move.
Cheques presented were signed and wages payments approved.
3365 Clerk/Chairman’s Update
A printed update of ongoing matters were circulated and noted. The update is
published
with the minutes. The following items were discussed from the update:
1. Re Minute 3296 Blocked Drain Masefield Crescent The committee was pleased to
hear that the District Council has now submitted a bind for funding to undertake
the necessary work to install further inspection chambers.
2. Re Minute 3351d Standards Training Members were reminded that the revised
date for the seminar is Monday October 30th 2006 at Kelham Hall.
3366 Planning Application
The following planning application was considered and approved subject to any
comments detailed below:
1107 Erect 71 dwellings (amended) Phase 5a Fernwood
3367 Planning Decision
The following planning application has received conditional approval and was
noted:
1288 Alterations to stairs, bin store & canopies Land adj. to 8 Pinfold Lane
3368 Budget 2007/08
Further consideration was given to budgetary requirements for the 2007/08
financial year.
Copies of committee ‘running cost’ estimates, previously circulated were
considered and approved. An amount has been included in the estimates for loan
repayments for the new hall – this will not be required if the Heron Way
planning application is successful and the land subsequently sold. It is
anticipated that a decision should have been made by the District Council in
time for the December committee meeting when the precept requirement can be
decided. It is understood that Fernwood’s application for independent parish
status may not be considered by the Secretary of State until next year and the
precept for 2007/08 will therefore not be affected by the loss of those
households as originally believed. As previously discussed, one project for
inclusion in next year’s budget is to replace the Council’s computer system at
an estimated cost of £2000. The merit of an e-mail booking system for the new
hall was also discussed which could be incorporated into the new system.
3369 Financial Assistance
Members considered a request for financial assistance from the Fernwood and
District Residents Association for funding towards a notice board. The cost of a
suitable notice board was not known and the application gave no indication of
cost. The Association will be asked to obtain a price for their preferred
option. It was,
RECOMMENDED that a grant of up to £1000 be paid to the Association for a notice
board payable once the exact cost is known.
3370 Remembrance Sunday
Members noted an invitation from the Balderton Branch of the Royal British
Legion to join them in the parade on Sunday November 12th 2006, commencing at
The Turks Head public house car park at 10.30am.
3371 Balderton Parochial Charity
Consideration was given to the appointment of two trustees to the Charity whose
term of office expires in November. Both trustees, Mrs Wood and Mr Brooks are
eligible and prepared to serve a further term of four years. It was,
AGREED that Mrs Wood and Mr Brooks be re-appointed as trustees.
3372 Dale Crescent Green Area
Members noted that the Health Estates Department selling the land would like the
parish council to cut the grass back while the sale progresses and the
Department is keen to progress the sale. The committee had previously considered
it wise to defer the purchase pending Fernwood’s application for parish status.
As this process has now been delayed it was agreed to progress with the purchase
in order that Council staff can maintain the area by strimming the grass and
keeping it tidy.
3373 Council Office
Cllr Mortimore left the meeting for the duration of this agenda item.
Consideration was given to determine the preferred method of moving the Council
Office equipment and hall furniture. This could be done ‘in house’ by
councillors and staff by hiring a lorry, or professionally by a local firm who
would undertake an amount of the packing as part of the price. One estimate at
£425 has been obtained and a second requested. It was,
RECOMMENDED that owing to the implications of health, safety and insurance
issues, a professional removal firm undertake the work. The second estimate
requested will be reviewed at the full Council meeting and the preferred company
selected.
3374 East Midlands Regional Plan
Members noted receipt of a copy of the draft East Midlands Regional Plan which
will direct building development over the next 20 years. Comments are invited by
December 20th 2006. Cllr Mortimore undertook to review the Plan.
3375 Correspondence/Information
The following correspondence and information was noted:
a) Notice from the District Council that a petition has been submitted asking
for closure of the play areas on Southfield and Worthington Road. The authority
asks if the Parish Council has received any complaints about anti social
behaviour linked with these areas, and if the Council has a view as to whether
the play areas should be closed. A reply will be drafted stating that members
are not aware of any direct complaints made here and that this Council has no
view as to whether these play areas should be closed.
b) A copy of a letter sent to Mr Parick Mercer MP from the Co-operative Group
who has taken over the chemist shop in the village advising that the chemist
will continue to trade as Gordon Davis (Chemists) Ltd. The organisation has
re-applied for a licence to have a second pharmacy in the new health centre. A
letter of support for the application will be drafted and sent to Mr Mercer.
c) A reply from Mr Dix, Chief Executive of the District Council advising that it
is not possible for the authority to help with any financial burden that may
arise from Fernwood obtaining parish status.
d) Notification of a new premises licence application for the new playing field
hall.
e) Notice that planning permission has been refused by the County Council for
Bank Holiday opening at the Staple Landfill site at Cotham.
f) A copy of the County Council’s road salting routes for 2006/07.
g) A copy of the agenda for the Parish Conference at Kelham Hall on Monday
November 13th 2006, with a form to submit any questions in advance. Individual
copies have been sent to those councillors attending.
3376 Future Agenda Items
1. Cllr Mrs Walker asked what the Council could do regarding the reduced bus
service in the village? The route along Rowan Way has been cut from the service
and residents have to walk to The Grove to use the buses. County Councillor
Walker advised that many villages are experiencing similar issues and that
Farndon Parish Council is arranging an open meeting with County Council
officers, the bus company and interested parties. He will advise once the date
has been fixed and the passengers affected, along with councillors should attend
to express their concerns and try and find solutions.
The meeting closed at approximately 8.05pm