CEMETERY COMMITTEE MEETING

MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2010

Present:              Cllr H. Wright (Chair), Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr J. Hart, Cllr C. Lofts, Cllr A. Maycock

1.           Apologies for Absence

Cllr R. Mills, Cllr A. Wardle

2.           Declarations of Interest

None.

3.           Open to the Public

No members of the public were present.

4.           Sites for Allotment land / new Cemetery

The Clerk reported back from her meeting with Andy D’Arcy of SNC where potential sites for allotments were discussed.  These sites were marked on a map of the town. 

- Sponne & Bickerstaffe Land (off A5)

This site was considered when preparing the compulsory purchase of the Malthouse Court site.  The site is quite central with easy access and the owner is known to the TC.  The disadvantages are that the area is in the flood plain, there is no water on site and access is directly onto the busy A5.  Permission would be needed from the Environment Agency as the area forms part of the town’s flood alleviation scheme.  An area of hard standing would need creating for loading/unloading.  The Clerk confirmed the site is far larger than the TC need (approximately 8 acres in total).  The Sponne & Bickerstaffe Charity has previously advised that they would not sell the land but would consider leasing it to the TC.

Cllr Lofts questioned whether South Northants Council is considering this area as an alternative site for car parking.  The Clerk confirmed the consultants have ruled this out.

- Former Hesketh Land (bottom of Northampton Road)

The Clerk referred to the wooded area at the bottom of Northampton Road originally owned by the Hesketh Estate.  SNC was considering purchasing this land and Andy D’Arcy has agreed to clarify the position. 

- Hesketh Land (overgrown open space at the bottom of the Shires Estate)

There have previously been problems concerning the Section 106 Agreement for this land.  SNC has proposed the TC may wish to take over this area without a Section 106 payment for ongoing maintenance.  This area is very informal and would require minimal maintenance i.e. trimming back from footpaths.  The disadvantages are that there is no access to water on site and no vehicular access.  The Clerk confirmed that the adoption of this area will be referred to the RL Committee for discussion. 

- Land at Belle Baulk

There is a possibility of future development and it may be possible to secure land for allotments on site as part of the Section 106 Agreement. 

- Land between Burcote Fields/Marlow Road. 

The Clerk highlighted the land between Burcote Fields and Marlow Road.  It may be possible to secure land for allotments on this site.

- Former Football Ground, A5 London Road

This site would be ideal and the TC preferred option; however, it has been designated for residential development in the Masterplan.

- Area near to the Travel Lodge/McDonalds Restaurant

The Clerk advised that this area has no residential value; there is potential to get water on site and good means of access.  The disadvantage is that the area is divorced from the town by the dual carriageway and you would have to travel to it by car.  Andy D’Arcy has agreed to clarify the current ownership.

- Land at Green Lane Nurseries

The Green Lane Nursery site has been earmarked for residential development by the WNDC.  The Clerk has been advised by Andy D’Arcy to omit this area from future considerations as the site will attract residential value.

Cllr Lofts questioned whether the SNC site, once its offices have relocated, could be considered in the same way as the Belle Baulk and Marlow Road site.  The Clerk confirmed the TC could pursue this but there are no plans in progress at this stage.

Cllr Godwin questioned the potential of land behind the recycling centre; it has good road access/car parking.  The Clerk agreed to speak to Andy D’Arcy to establish ownership of this area.

The committee agreed that none of discussed potential sites should be dismissed at this stage and the TC should investigate the potential of them all.