4 Nov 2005 - PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES: SHENINGTON WITH ALKERTON PARISH COUNCIL
A meeting of the Shenington with Alkerton Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 14th September 2005.
Present: Mr M Wright (Chairman)
Mr R Treadwell
Ms G Crabb
Mr N de Silva
Mr K Hainsworth
Mr C M H Gibson (the Clerk)
Apologies: Dr K Heron (Vice Chairman)
1. Chairman's opening remarks
1.1 The Chairman welcomed members of the public and explained that CDC was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. CDC has asked if we can rearrange the item on Conservation Area Status.
1.2 The Chairman noted that it was agreed at the last meeting that the open forum was to be earlier. That change has been postponed due to the CDC item on Conservation Area Status.
2. Declarations of Interest
2.1 Mr Hainsworth declared that he knew, socially, one of the candidates for co-option.
3. Conservation Area Appraisals
3.1 The Chairman spoke with CDC who have a duty to reassess the situation every 5 years. They have attended PC meetings previously, but these had been contentious.
3.2 CDC has had contact from various residents of the village seeking Conservation Area Status because of the curbing of the village green, and the partial demolition of a dry stone wall. There is therefore some interest from villagers.
3.3 CDC will send leaflets on Conservation Area Status to the Clerk to distribute.
Action: Clerk
3.4 Mr N de Silva indicated that only a minority of people in the village had expressed views, and that it could not necessarily be said whether there was a majority in favour or against Conservation Area Status.
3.5 Mr R Treadwell noted that he had an e-mail from a former Parish Councillor, who had previously asked CDC to undertake an appraisal in 2003.
3.6 One member of the public has had contact from CDC to the effect that CDC are reviewing listed properties in the village.
3.7 Mr N de Silva believed that CDC should come and give a presentation before any decision was made. Mr R Treadwell supported this, and further suggested that a confidential ballot should be used to decide whether the village should seek Conservation Area Status. This was agreed.
3.8 The Chairman proposed that CDC should give a presentation, for information purposes only, at a special meeting open to the public, but where only the Parish Council are able to ask questions.
3.9 It was agreed that the meeting should be organised for 8:00 on Wednesday 19th October 2005. The Chairman agreed to contact CDC to confirm this.
Action: Chairman & Clerk
4. Minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held Wednesday 13th July 2005
4.1 Ms G Crabb question item 7.15. The chairman confirmed that there was no action on Ms G Crabb in relation to the bank mandate.
4.2 Dr K Heron wrote to the Clerk questioning section 9, and in particular the position regarding the Social Housing enabler. This was discussed and it was agreed that the minutes were correct, as Mr K Hansworth had proposed that Social Housing be deferred to the September meeting.
4.3 The minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held Wednesday 13th July 2005 were approved and duly signed by the Chairman.
5. Actions from the previous meeting held on 13th July 2005
5.1 The statutory notice was placed on the parish notice board advertising the vacancy for a Parish Councillor in the prescribed manner.
5.2 The information on electors rights was displayed on the notice board, although no electors claimed an election.
5.3 The Clerk did print smaller minutes; however these were needed for the Shenington notice board.
5.4 Each minute now has a unique reference number.
5.5 The Chairman and Mr K Hainsworth will attend the training event on the law of Common Land and Village Greens on 27th September 2005.
Action: Clerk, Chairman & Mr K Hainsworth
5.6 The £800 donation to the upkeep of the churchyard was duly made, and a receipt and thank you letter have been received.
5.7 The 2004/5 accounts were submitted to the auditors together with the Annual Return. No response has been received.
5.8 The missing chequebook is still missing, however Ms G Crabb has written to Barclays to cancel the cheques, but has not heard anything back.
5.9 The additional insurance cover has been procured.
5.10 The payments approved at the 13 July meeting have all been made.
5.11 The bank mandate will be discussed later.
5.12 The QAG account will be transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Mr K Hainsworth
5.13 The Business Premium account will be closed with the funds transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Chairman
5.14 Mr N de Silva passed the SITA contact details to the Clerk in order that SITA can be invited to the next meeting.
Action: Clerk
5.15 The Clerk will ensure that SITA are added to the November Agenda
Action: Clerk
5.16 The Clerk will ensure that SITA are informed of the issues that the Parish Council wishes to Discuss.
Action: Clerk
5.17 Ms G Crabb has taken digital photographs of the tip in preparation for the SITA visit.
5.18 The Kart Track meeting was held, with Mr Treadwell, Dr Heron and the Chairman. The report will be considered later in the meeting,
5.19 Ms G Crabb is circulating the package of information from the Rural Housing Officer, Mr James Alcock, to PC members. Mr Alcock is happy to attend a Parish Council meeting if required.
5.20 Social Housing has been included on the agenda.
5.21 Ms G Crabb will raise the Parish Council's concerns over the conditions of use of the village green at the next Village Hall Committee.
Action: Ms G Crabb
5.22 (Open forum already explained.)
6. Matters Arising not referred to later on the Agenda
6.1 The meeting start time was discussed, and it was agreed that the start time for the next meeting would be 8:00 pm.
6.2 It was agreed that the PC should fund the memberships of the SLCC and the purchase of the SLCC Clerk's Manual.
Action: Clerk
6.3 Dr Heron wrote to the Clerk to ask whether the village green is common land. Mr Hainsworth believed that it was registered in 1982. Ms G Grabb believed that Pam Wilkinson should be able to confirm the status of the Green. It was agreed that the County Council should be asked.
Action :Clerk
6.4 Ms G Crabb has spoken with the School re the speed of traffic on Stocking lane, and the failure to open the tennis court for parking.
6.5 The Chairman noted that visitors to the surgery also drove fast.
7. Vacancy / Co-option
7.1 The Chairman explained that a vacancy has arisen, and that the formal process has been complied with. The Clerk explained the procedure for filling the vacancy by co-option.
7.2 Two candidates had put their names forward. Mr J Hutchison and Mr T R Dowdeswell. Both candidates are resident in the village, and are on the electoral role.
7.3 Parish Councillors confirmed that they had seen the letter from Mr Dowdeswell.
7.4 The Chairman asked both candidates to say a few words to the Parish Council prior to the co-option ballot. Parish Councillors asked the candidates their views on key village issues.
7.5 The Parish Councillors noted that the Parish was lucky to have 2 such good candidates, and encouraged both candidates to stand in next May's elections, irrespective of the co-option ballot result.
7.6 Mr Hainsworth requested that the Parish Council be allowed to discuss the candidates in their absence. The Candidates decided to leave the hall temporarily to facilitate this.
7.7 After the candidates returned, the secret ballot was held. Dr Anson counted the votes. The Chairman thanked Dr Anson for acting in this capacity.
7.8 There was a majority of votes from those present in favour of Mr J Hutchinson (4 votes).
7.9 Mr J Hutchinson confirmed that he would be happy to accept the appointment.
7.10 The Chairman asked the Clerk to ensure that the requisite paperwork etc was in order.
Action: Clerk & Mr J Hutchinson
8. Financial Report
Accounts for 2004/5
8.1 It was noted that the Audit should have taken place on 26th August, but that we had not heard anything yet.
8.2 Ms G Crabb passed some bank statements to the Clerk.
Current Financial Position
8.3 The Chairman calculated that the bank balance is £3787 in credit.
8.4 Cheques required signature for the following amounts:
Hire of the Village Hall £ 22.50
Clerk's Salary £423.66 (2 months salary)
The training event on village greens £ 47.00
Banking Arrangements
8.5 Bank mandate - The forms for the change of bank mandate have finally been received. It was greed that the Chairman, Mr Treadwell and Ms Crabb become signatories, and that 2 signatories would be required to authorise payment.
Action: Chairman, Mr Treadwell, Ms Crabb
8.6 It was agreed that statements should be sent to the Clerk, and the requisite form was completed.
8.7 The QAG account will be transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Mr K Hainsworth
8.8 The Clerk was asked to prepare a letter to close the Business Premium Account and transfer finds to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Clerk
9. Reports of Working Groups
Alkerton Tip
9.1 SITA will be invited to the November meeting, as previously agreed.
Action: Clerk
Traffic Control, Highways, Footpaths
9.2 Nothing to report.
Planning
9.3 Ms G Crabb circulated an updated list of planning applications, and provided details of the applications. She noted that the erection of the electricity pole by the tip has been applied for.
Kart Club
9.4 The Kart Club programme was circulated
9.5 Dr K Heron's draft response was circulated. Mr Treadwell explained the background to the meeting, which occurred late August. Mr Treadwell noted that it was a friendly meeting, where the Kart Club explained the constraints on them and the interests of their members. The Kart Track handed over an advanced draft of the programme. This was circulated to Parish Councillors.
9.6 The Kart Club have programmed the July meeting for Saturday/Sunday as opposed to Friday/Saturday. This was for the benefit of school age members not yet on holiday.
9.7 The Kart Club is required to submit their programme to the national body on the 8th of September, but may be able to make minor changes if the Parish Council feels strongly.
9.8 Ms Crabb asked if the Kart Club was proposing to keep August free in 2006 in order to use it in 2007. Mr Treadwell did not believe that this was the case.
9.9 The Chairman noted that the Kart Club did their utmost to be good neighbours, and that the PC has done as much as it can and intends to continue the dialogue.
9.10 The Chairman congratulated Dr Heron for doing an excellent job, and noted that it may no longer be necessary to report on this each meeting.
9.11 Mr Hainsworth noted that although the Kart Club wanted to be good neighbours, that they could probably do whatever that they want.
9.12 It was agreed that Dr Heron's draft response should be e-mailed.
Action: Clerk
9.13 The Chairman welcomed District Councillor Webb to the meeting.
10. Social Housing
10.1 This item was on the agenda at the request of Mr K Hainsworth who had previously circulated a paper on the social housing.
10.2 The Chairman read out Mr Hainsworth's paper.
10.3 The Chairman noted that Mr Hainsworth had declared an interest in this matter in the Village magazine (the Shenington Green, winter 2001). Mr Hainsworth stated that he has no brief for the development of the Coles' land, and merely felt that it was important that affordable housing was available, and that it was important that it was clear where such housing should go.
10.4 The Chairman noted that the OCC advice was that the location of the housing should be decided at a later stage in the process, and that therefore the need for social housing should be established first.
10.5 Mr Hainsworth concurred with this.
10.6 Ms G Crabb noted that elderly people needed suitable housing, on a single story, which was not readily available in the village. She noted that the village has a good bus service and other support services. Ms Crabb stated that if social housing for the young were to be built, then a couple of properties suitable for elderly residents should also be provided.
10.7 There was some discussion as to the need for social housing. Mr Treadwell questioned whether there was a need, as elderly residents were often property owners. Ms Crabb did not concur, and noted that some elderly residents were not property owners.
10.8 Mr N de Silva asked if there was a risk that social houses would be sold off in the way that council houses were sold, and noted that this could undermine the intention.
10.9 The Chairman noted that there are two types of schemes for social housing. One would be for large developments, where 30% of a large development scheme would be social housing. The second type of scheme is to create affordable housing on an "Exception Site" which is a small site for one or two properties, which can even be slightly outside the village. However, the site must be obtained at existing use value (presumably agricultural value). For such schemes it may be possible to get planning permission even in a restricted area.
10.10 Mr N de Silva noted that this would require an amenable land owner.
10.11 The Chairman noted that ORCC were looking at such schemes for village where there were more than 3000 properties, and where social housing would provide support for existing amenities, such as schools, shops etc.
10.12 The Chairman noted that the criteria for someone to obtain Social housing were clear. First, people needed to be on the CDC housing waiting list, and second, they needed to have strong local link, i.e. living, working or having family ties. All houses remain for local people in perpetuity, and cannot be sold on the open market.
10.13 The Chairman proposed that residents be asked for their views, but felt that the sample questionnaire provided by the rural housing enabler was too intrusive.
10.14 Ms G Crabb demurred, noting that the sample questionnaire worked in other villages.
10.15 Mr Hainsworth believed that the Parish Council needed to know more, and that the Rural Housing Enabler would be able to provide relevant information.
10.16 It was noted that with a large development, as proposed in 2001, there are inadequate policies to reserve social housing for local people. The Parish Council may therefore lose control of development.
10.17 Mr Hainsworth asked if there was a precedent for a village as small as Shenington had social housing development. Cllr Webb believed that this has only happened in North Aston.
10.18 It was agreed that the Rural Housing Enabler be invited to a future meeting, without any obligation, in early 2006.
Action: Chairman
11. Open Forum
11.1 Dr Anson asked if the minutes could be published on the website. It was agreed that this option should be pursued
Action: Clerk
11.2 One member of the public asked if the need for social housing could be ascertained before a site was looked for.
11.3 One member noted that the bottle banks at the tip were not laid out effectively. Mr N de Silva agreed to have a word with the tip directly.
Action: Mr N de Silva
11.4 Dr Anson asked if you could compulsory purchase an "Exception site" for social housing. It was believed that CPO's do exist, but it was unclear how they apply in this area.
12. Date of next meeting
12.1 The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th November 2005 at 8:00 pm in the Village Hall.
12.2 A special Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th October 2005 in the Village Hall at 8:00 pm.
12.3 The meeting closed at 9:45 pm.
A meeting of the Shenington with Alkerton Parish Council was held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 14th September 2005.
Present: Mr M Wright (Chairman)
Mr R Treadwell
Ms G Crabb
Mr N de Silva
Mr K Hainsworth
Mr C M H Gibson (the Clerk)
Apologies: Dr K Heron (Vice Chairman)
1. Chairman's opening remarks
1.1 The Chairman welcomed members of the public and explained that CDC was unable to attend the meeting due to illness. CDC has asked if we can rearrange the item on Conservation Area Status.
1.2 The Chairman noted that it was agreed at the last meeting that the open forum was to be earlier. That change has been postponed due to the CDC item on Conservation Area Status.
2. Declarations of Interest
2.1 Mr Hainsworth declared that he knew, socially, one of the candidates for co-option.
3. Conservation Area Appraisals
3.1 The Chairman spoke with CDC who have a duty to reassess the situation every 5 years. They have attended PC meetings previously, but these had been contentious.
3.2 CDC has had contact from various residents of the village seeking Conservation Area Status because of the curbing of the village green, and the partial demolition of a dry stone wall. There is therefore some interest from villagers.
3.3 CDC will send leaflets on Conservation Area Status to the Clerk to distribute.
Action: Clerk
3.4 Mr N de Silva indicated that only a minority of people in the village had expressed views, and that it could not necessarily be said whether there was a majority in favour or against Conservation Area Status.
3.5 Mr R Treadwell noted that he had an e-mail from a former Parish Councillor, who had previously asked CDC to undertake an appraisal in 2003.
3.6 One member of the public has had contact from CDC to the effect that CDC are reviewing listed properties in the village.
3.7 Mr N de Silva believed that CDC should come and give a presentation before any decision was made. Mr R Treadwell supported this, and further suggested that a confidential ballot should be used to decide whether the village should seek Conservation Area Status. This was agreed.
3.8 The Chairman proposed that CDC should give a presentation, for information purposes only, at a special meeting open to the public, but where only the Parish Council are able to ask questions.
3.9 It was agreed that the meeting should be organised for 8:00 on Wednesday 19th October 2005. The Chairman agreed to contact CDC to confirm this.
Action: Chairman & Clerk
4. Minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held Wednesday 13th July 2005
4.1 Ms G Crabb question item 7.15. The chairman confirmed that there was no action on Ms G Crabb in relation to the bank mandate.
4.2 Dr K Heron wrote to the Clerk questioning section 9, and in particular the position regarding the Social Housing enabler. This was discussed and it was agreed that the minutes were correct, as Mr K Hansworth had proposed that Social Housing be deferred to the September meeting.
4.3 The minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held Wednesday 13th July 2005 were approved and duly signed by the Chairman.
5. Actions from the previous meeting held on 13th July 2005
5.1 The statutory notice was placed on the parish notice board advertising the vacancy for a Parish Councillor in the prescribed manner.
5.2 The information on electors rights was displayed on the notice board, although no electors claimed an election.
5.3 The Clerk did print smaller minutes; however these were needed for the Shenington notice board.
5.4 Each minute now has a unique reference number.
5.5 The Chairman and Mr K Hainsworth will attend the training event on the law of Common Land and Village Greens on 27th September 2005.
Action: Clerk, Chairman & Mr K Hainsworth
5.6 The £800 donation to the upkeep of the churchyard was duly made, and a receipt and thank you letter have been received.
5.7 The 2004/5 accounts were submitted to the auditors together with the Annual Return. No response has been received.
5.8 The missing chequebook is still missing, however Ms G Crabb has written to Barclays to cancel the cheques, but has not heard anything back.
5.9 The additional insurance cover has been procured.
5.10 The payments approved at the 13 July meeting have all been made.
5.11 The bank mandate will be discussed later.
5.12 The QAG account will be transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Mr K Hainsworth
5.13 The Business Premium account will be closed with the funds transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Chairman
5.14 Mr N de Silva passed the SITA contact details to the Clerk in order that SITA can be invited to the next meeting.
Action: Clerk
5.15 The Clerk will ensure that SITA are added to the November Agenda
Action: Clerk
5.16 The Clerk will ensure that SITA are informed of the issues that the Parish Council wishes to Discuss.
Action: Clerk
5.17 Ms G Crabb has taken digital photographs of the tip in preparation for the SITA visit.
5.18 The Kart Track meeting was held, with Mr Treadwell, Dr Heron and the Chairman. The report will be considered later in the meeting,
5.19 Ms G Crabb is circulating the package of information from the Rural Housing Officer, Mr James Alcock, to PC members. Mr Alcock is happy to attend a Parish Council meeting if required.
5.20 Social Housing has been included on the agenda.
5.21 Ms G Crabb will raise the Parish Council's concerns over the conditions of use of the village green at the next Village Hall Committee.
Action: Ms G Crabb
5.22 (Open forum already explained.)
6. Matters Arising not referred to later on the Agenda
6.1 The meeting start time was discussed, and it was agreed that the start time for the next meeting would be 8:00 pm.
6.2 It was agreed that the PC should fund the memberships of the SLCC and the purchase of the SLCC Clerk's Manual.
Action: Clerk
6.3 Dr Heron wrote to the Clerk to ask whether the village green is common land. Mr Hainsworth believed that it was registered in 1982. Ms G Grabb believed that Pam Wilkinson should be able to confirm the status of the Green. It was agreed that the County Council should be asked.
Action :Clerk
6.4 Ms G Crabb has spoken with the School re the speed of traffic on Stocking lane, and the failure to open the tennis court for parking.
6.5 The Chairman noted that visitors to the surgery also drove fast.
7. Vacancy / Co-option
7.1 The Chairman explained that a vacancy has arisen, and that the formal process has been complied with. The Clerk explained the procedure for filling the vacancy by co-option.
7.2 Two candidates had put their names forward. Mr J Hutchison and Mr T R Dowdeswell. Both candidates are resident in the village, and are on the electoral role.
7.3 Parish Councillors confirmed that they had seen the letter from Mr Dowdeswell.
7.4 The Chairman asked both candidates to say a few words to the Parish Council prior to the co-option ballot. Parish Councillors asked the candidates their views on key village issues.
7.5 The Parish Councillors noted that the Parish was lucky to have 2 such good candidates, and encouraged both candidates to stand in next May's elections, irrespective of the co-option ballot result.
7.6 Mr Hainsworth requested that the Parish Council be allowed to discuss the candidates in their absence. The Candidates decided to leave the hall temporarily to facilitate this.
7.7 After the candidates returned, the secret ballot was held. Dr Anson counted the votes. The Chairman thanked Dr Anson for acting in this capacity.
7.8 There was a majority of votes from those present in favour of Mr J Hutchinson (4 votes).
7.9 Mr J Hutchinson confirmed that he would be happy to accept the appointment.
7.10 The Chairman asked the Clerk to ensure that the requisite paperwork etc was in order.
Action: Clerk & Mr J Hutchinson
8. Financial Report
Accounts for 2004/5
8.1 It was noted that the Audit should have taken place on 26th August, but that we had not heard anything yet.
8.2 Ms G Crabb passed some bank statements to the Clerk.
Current Financial Position
8.3 The Chairman calculated that the bank balance is £3787 in credit.
8.4 Cheques required signature for the following amounts:
Hire of the Village Hall £ 22.50
Clerk's Salary £423.66 (2 months salary)
The training event on village greens £ 47.00
Banking Arrangements
8.5 Bank mandate - The forms for the change of bank mandate have finally been received. It was greed that the Chairman, Mr Treadwell and Ms Crabb become signatories, and that 2 signatories would be required to authorise payment.
Action: Chairman, Mr Treadwell, Ms Crabb
8.6 It was agreed that statements should be sent to the Clerk, and the requisite form was completed.
8.7 The QAG account will be transferred to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Mr K Hainsworth
8.8 The Clerk was asked to prepare a letter to close the Business Premium Account and transfer finds to the main Parish Council account.
Action: Clerk
9. Reports of Working Groups
Alkerton Tip
9.1 SITA will be invited to the November meeting, as previously agreed.
Action: Clerk
Traffic Control, Highways, Footpaths
9.2 Nothing to report.
Planning
9.3 Ms G Crabb circulated an updated list of planning applications, and provided details of the applications. She noted that the erection of the electricity pole by the tip has been applied for.
Kart Club
9.4 The Kart Club programme was circulated
9.5 Dr K Heron's draft response was circulated. Mr Treadwell explained the background to the meeting, which occurred late August. Mr Treadwell noted that it was a friendly meeting, where the Kart Club explained the constraints on them and the interests of their members. The Kart Track handed over an advanced draft of the programme. This was circulated to Parish Councillors.
9.6 The Kart Club have programmed the July meeting for Saturday/Sunday as opposed to Friday/Saturday. This was for the benefit of school age members not yet on holiday.
9.7 The Kart Club is required to submit their programme to the national body on the 8th of September, but may be able to make minor changes if the Parish Council feels strongly.
9.8 Ms Crabb asked if the Kart Club was proposing to keep August free in 2006 in order to use it in 2007. Mr Treadwell did not believe that this was the case.
9.9 The Chairman noted that the Kart Club did their utmost to be good neighbours, and that the PC has done as much as it can and intends to continue the dialogue.
9.10 The Chairman congratulated Dr Heron for doing an excellent job, and noted that it may no longer be necessary to report on this each meeting.
9.11 Mr Hainsworth noted that although the Kart Club wanted to be good neighbours, that they could probably do whatever that they want.
9.12 It was agreed that Dr Heron's draft response should be e-mailed.
Action: Clerk
9.13 The Chairman welcomed District Councillor Webb to the meeting.
10. Social Housing
10.1 This item was on the agenda at the request of Mr K Hainsworth who had previously circulated a paper on the social housing.
10.2 The Chairman read out Mr Hainsworth's paper.
10.3 The Chairman noted that Mr Hainsworth had declared an interest in this matter in the Village magazine (the Shenington Green, winter 2001). Mr Hainsworth stated that he has no brief for the development of the Coles' land, and merely felt that it was important that affordable housing was available, and that it was important that it was clear where such housing should go.
10.4 The Chairman noted that the OCC advice was that the location of the housing should be decided at a later stage in the process, and that therefore the need for social housing should be established first.
10.5 Mr Hainsworth concurred with this.
10.6 Ms G Crabb noted that elderly people needed suitable housing, on a single story, which was not readily available in the village. She noted that the village has a good bus service and other support services. Ms Crabb stated that if social housing for the young were to be built, then a couple of properties suitable for elderly residents should also be provided.
10.7 There was some discussion as to the need for social housing. Mr Treadwell questioned whether there was a need, as elderly residents were often property owners. Ms Crabb did not concur, and noted that some elderly residents were not property owners.
10.8 Mr N de Silva asked if there was a risk that social houses would be sold off in the way that council houses were sold, and noted that this could undermine the intention.
10.9 The Chairman noted that there are two types of schemes for social housing. One would be for large developments, where 30% of a large development scheme would be social housing. The second type of scheme is to create affordable housing on an "Exception Site" which is a small site for one or two properties, which can even be slightly outside the village. However, the site must be obtained at existing use value (presumably agricultural value). For such schemes it may be possible to get planning permission even in a restricted area.
10.10 Mr N de Silva noted that this would require an amenable land owner.
10.11 The Chairman noted that ORCC were looking at such schemes for village where there were more than 3000 properties, and where social housing would provide support for existing amenities, such as schools, shops etc.
10.12 The Chairman noted that the criteria for someone to obtain Social housing were clear. First, people needed to be on the CDC housing waiting list, and second, they needed to have strong local link, i.e. living, working or having family ties. All houses remain for local people in perpetuity, and cannot be sold on the open market.
10.13 The Chairman proposed that residents be asked for their views, but felt that the sample questionnaire provided by the rural housing enabler was too intrusive.
10.14 Ms G Crabb demurred, noting that the sample questionnaire worked in other villages.
10.15 Mr Hainsworth believed that the Parish Council needed to know more, and that the Rural Housing Enabler would be able to provide relevant information.
10.16 It was noted that with a large development, as proposed in 2001, there are inadequate policies to reserve social housing for local people. The Parish Council may therefore lose control of development.
10.17 Mr Hainsworth asked if there was a precedent for a village as small as Shenington had social housing development. Cllr Webb believed that this has only happened in North Aston.
10.18 It was agreed that the Rural Housing Enabler be invited to a future meeting, without any obligation, in early 2006.
Action: Chairman
11. Open Forum
11.1 Dr Anson asked if the minutes could be published on the website. It was agreed that this option should be pursued
Action: Clerk
11.2 One member of the public asked if the need for social housing could be ascertained before a site was looked for.
11.3 One member noted that the bottle banks at the tip were not laid out effectively. Mr N de Silva agreed to have a word with the tip directly.
Action: Mr N de Silva
11.4 Dr Anson asked if you could compulsory purchase an "Exception site" for social housing. It was believed that CPO's do exist, but it was unclear how they apply in this area.
12. Date of next meeting
12.1 The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th November 2005 at 8:00 pm in the Village Hall.
12.2 A special Parish Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th October 2005 in the Village Hall at 8:00 pm.
12.3 The meeting closed at 9:45 pm.