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TOWN
COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY
10TH MARCH 2008
Present
:- Cllr V. Baker (Chairman),
Cllr P. Allen, Cllr J. Godwin, Cllr J. Hart,
Cllr M. Hornett, Cllr M. Johns, Cllr D. Linney,
Cllr C. Lofts,
Cllr J. Lynch,
Cllr A. Maycock, Cllr C. Stanger, Cllr A. Wardle, Cllr
H. Wright,
Cllr D. Yates
Stephen Bawtree – Pegasus Planning
Alex Robinson – Pegasus Planning
David Joseph – Bloor Homes
Amy Lambert – Trimedia
Paget Fulcher – URS
Will Rogers - URS
1.
Apologies for Absence
Cllr
C. Dryden
Cllr
R. Mills
Cllr
M. Clarke – SNC
Cllr
R. Bromwich – NCC
2.
Declarations of Interest
None.
The
Town Mayor welcomed representatives to the meeting.
3.
PERSIMMON / BLOOR HOMES
a)
Presentation of Plans for the Future Development
of Towcester
Mr
Steven Bawtree, of Pegasus Planning, gave an edited presentation
on the application to make best
use of the time available. Issues identified during the earlier
public consultations were outlined as follows:-
•
Traffic and pollution
•
Support for a bypass to link the A5 to the A43
•
Education provision (and possible relocation
of Sponne School )
•
Opportunities for local employment to expand
within the town
•
Enhanced / additional services
•
Character housing, designed to plan out crime
•
Linear Park to link the existing town with the
new development
•
The preservation of Wood Burcote as a hamlet
•
Provision of land for a Cemetery
He
confirmed that these key points had been taken into consideration
and the relevant changes made prior to submitting the application.
He showed the plan of the final layout and demonstrated the links
between the existing town and the new development, including the
footpaths and cycle paths. The benefits of the development were
outlined as follows:-
•
Delivery of a new southern bypass for Towcester
•
The preclusion of HGVs from the town centre (except
for the purpose of deliveries)
•
Investment in the town centre
•
Improvements to the A43 Tove and Abthorpe roundabouts
•
New strategic footpaths, bridleways and cycle
paths
•
Relocation (and improvement) of Sponne School
•
New primary school
•
New Local Centre to include a new health centre
(4 GPs), dental practice and community building
•
New market housing incorporating affordable housing
scheme
•
New employment areas
•
New cemetery and allotment site
Steven
Bawtree confirmed that Persimmon / Bloor had worked with CABE over
an 18 month period prior to submitting the application. He referred
to comments made within the CABE report and advised that the developers
will continue to work with SNC and the WNDC until the end of the
consultation period, 28th March, to resolve any outstanding technical
problems.
b)
Response to Questions put forward at the Annual
Meeting of the Town on 3rd
March
Questions
put forward by members of the public were pre-submitted to the developers
for their response.
•
Proposals for the development to include 23 hectares
of playing fields is 28% above the National Playing Field Association
guidelines.
•
The bypass will be provided early. The first
leg of the bypass will be built prior to housing and the first tranch
of employment.
•
The new local centre will provide balance and
the anticipated £12 million of additional expenditure resulting
from the development
must be a consideration.
•
The two roads linked the existing town to the
development via Carey Road and Burcote Road will operate. Mr Bawtree
considered
that more link roads would encourage more cars and
it is hoped that an enhanced bus services will be provided.
Will
Rogers of URS was responsible for the Flood Risk Assessment for
the development. He referred to the Easter floods of 1998 which
badly affected this area. He explained the engineering methods that
will be incorporated into the development to ensure that water runs
away slowly. He referred to existing sewerage problems and confirmed
that discussions with Anglian Water to increase the existing plant
and provide 2 new pump stations are ongoing.
c)
Open to the Public
Susan
Brown of Jenkinson Road addressed the developers with her concerns
about the houses due to be built at the rear of her property. There
is already a problem with flooding, will this increase?
Will
Rogers explained how a series of basins will help to slow down the
flow of water and the problems will not worsen as a result of the
development.
Geoffrey
Iley of Reffield Close referred to the Flood Risk Assessment. He
was concerned that the basins introduced to slow down the flow of
water would become lakes and overflow. He disagreed with the developers
flood assessment with regards to Wood Burcote brook and could have
no confidence in their document which is factually incorrect. He
referred to the Silverstone Brook and its potential flooding without
significant rainful.
Will
Rogers confirmed he is aware of the risk of flooding from Silverstone
Brook but advised that there will not be any development near to
this area with a large buffer between. The WNDC will be forwarding
the application to the Environment Agency for its independent assessment
on the flood risk.
Kelly
Yates of Highfields is concerned about the linear park and its close
proximity to the rear of Highfields. She also commented that the
increased volume of traffic in this area would make it extremely
dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
Steven
Bawtree confirmed the width of the linear park as varying from 30m
– 50m and this would be determined by the frontages. Miss Yates
referred to the application which states the width of the linear
park will be 20m.
Annie
Simpson of Vernon Road was disappointed that the developers had
not responded to her pre-submitted questions.
Steven
Bawtree confirmed that the education proposals will be decided following
discussions with NCC and Sponne School . The WNDC will be holding
an education workshop in the near future.
How
the preclusion of HGVs from the town centre will be monitored has
not been
discussed.
Whether
it will be necessary to increase the Ambulance Service for this
area will be discussed at the upcoming health workshop
Comments
on the phasing of the bypass and the potential of the local centre
creating a division between the existing town and
development
were reiterated.
Mrs
Simpson referred to the projected 50% increase in traffic along
Vernon Road , described as a ‘moderate adverse impact'. There is
already considerable queuing associated with the primary school.
URS considered the Vernon Road junction at the A5 would operate
more effectively under the new road system.
David
Reed of the Towcester Partnership / Towcester Business Club referred
to Page 2 of the CABE report and queried how the new
development
would regenerate the town centre.
Glenn
Brown of Park Street queried the relationship of the development
to the existing town. He is a professional developer and
considers
the proposals will not make any positive contribution to the town
and would harm the vitality of the town centre.
Paul
Quinn of the WNDC introduced himself. He informed the meeting that
a big part of the WNDC objective is to use the housing growth as
a catalyst to improve the town centre. The scale of the growth will
allow considerable improvements to the town centre and the A5 enhancements
will help. The WNDC with SNC, NCC and Towcester Partnership are
looking to secure sites to change the nature of the town centre
on the back of the housing growth. At present 4/5 of residents out-commute
and the WNDC needs to ensure that the employment offer is as strong
as the housing offer. He advised that the town centre (currently
underperforming) is at the apex. Sponne School itself would like
to relocate which will leave a considerable site to be re-used.
The WNDC recognises that
the
housing growth is not sufficient and infrastructure needs to be
addressed.
d)
Questions from the Town Council
Cllr
Johns queried the ‘phasing' of the A5 by-pass and asked the developers
to give a completion date. He suggested the alignment of the road
system has been based on land ownership as opposed to the best route.
Cllr Johns referred to land south of the proposed development and
questioned whether there will be further expansion beyond the current
application. He asked why there was no reference to a bus interchange.
NCC has spoken of the need for an interchange to circulate people
within the town. URS
confirmed
that further work is being carried out to form a circular service.
Cllr
Lofts commented that the town has been let down in the past by developers
who have promised everything but delivered nothing. He believes
that Towcester would want the full by-pass completed before a single
house is sold.
Steven
Bawtree confirmed that the proceeds will pay for the new road system.
The anticipated cost of the by-pass is £25-£30m.
Cllr
Lynch distributed a form to every member of the public in attendance.
He asked that these be completed and returned the WNDC direct or
the TC to be forwarded on. He stressed the importance of individuals
expressing their own opinions on the application. Matthew Berry
of the WNDC confirmed that the consultation period ends on 28 th
March and gave details on how members of the public could put forward
their comments.
4.
Town Mayor's Items
Cllr
Baker confirmed that the past month had been quiet in terms of mayoral
functions. She attended the Brackley Civic Ball on 7 th March.
5.
Report back from :-
Cllr
R. Bromwich, Northamptonshire County Council
Cllr
Bromwich had given apologies for the meeting.
Cllr
D. Dallyn, South Northamptonshire Council
Cllr
Dallyn referred to the planning application to remove the canopy
above John Carrington Opticians. This is due to be determined by
delegated powers. There have been a numbers of break-ins at the
Sponne Centre. The shop tenants have requested the installation
of CCTV and bollards at Somerfield end to prevent vehicular access.
Cllr Hart confirmed that the shop units are under private ownership
and tenants must approach the landlord with respect to this matter.
Cllr Dallyn confirmed that a member of the South Northants Youth
Council has been selected for the UK 's Youth Forum.
6.
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Resources/Planning
Committee 11th February
Town
Council
11th February
Town
Hall Committee
18th February
Recreation/Leisure
Committee 18th February
Resources/Planning
Committee 25th February
Cllr
Johns proposed that the Minutes be signed by the Chairman as a true
record; seconded by Cllr Allen, All in favour.
7.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
There
were no matters arising from the minutes.
8.
Report back from the Chairman of the :-
Resources/Planning
Committee
Cllr
Stanger had nothing to report.
Town
Hall Committee
Cllr
Hart had confirmed that the contractors are addressing problems
as they find them whilst they have access to the Town Hall roof.
There has been water leaking in through the ceiling of the Clerk's
office and the Meeting Room. The builders have been back on site
to make the roof water tight. Cllr Hart asked for a proposal to
sign the Counterpart Licence for Office 4.
Proposal
Cllr
Allen proposed that the Counterpart Licence for Office 4 be signed
by the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Cllr Stanger; seconded by Cllr
Wardle, All in favour.
Recreation/Leisure
Committee
Chairman,
Cllr Dryden, had given apologies for the meeting. Cllr Allen confirmed
that the trial of mobile lighting on the skateboard park was a very
positive exercise. He considered that permanent lighting would not
present a problem. The Clerk confirmed she would contact Caroline
Neil at SNC to set a date for the 4 sessions that were agreed. Cllr
Hart suggested the TC notify residents of Richmond Court accordingly.
Cllr
Yates informed the meeting that the temporary lighting partially
lit the play area. Children continued to play on the equipment which
caused some safety concerns. The Clerk confirmed that Vision will
be holding a meeting tomorrow to discuss the formation of a management
committee. There have been no further complaints concerning anti-social
behaviour from residents of Belle Baulk.
Cemetery
Committee
The
Clerk advised that the meeting scheduled for 17 th March should
proceed as there are a number of important matters on the agenda.
It was agreed the meeting of the Cemetery Committee would take place
at 7.00pm and the Recreation/Leisure meeting would be postponed.
This will allow members of the TC to attend the public meeting organised
by the Towcester Partnership on the same date.
Allotment
Working Group
Cllr
Maycock had nothing to report.
9.
Report back from Local Bodies
Cllr
Hornett confirmed that there are now 52 streets in Towcester covered
by the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. The additional 50 signs will
be erected shortly. Reported incidents of anti-social behaviour
have reduced. The scheme still needs a new co-ordinator and Cllr
Hornett asked members to consider if they could take on this role.
Cllr
Johns informed the meeting that the application by the Museum Trust
for Heritage Lottery funding of £900k will be forwarded by
the end of March.
Cllr
Allen confirmed his attendance at the Sustainable Housing Conference.
10.
Towcester Museum
Correspondence
from David Nunn of the Museum Trust requests written support from
the TC for its application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Proposal
Cllr
Linney proposed that the TC forwards a letter of support to the
Museum Trust for its application for Heritage Lottery funding; seconded
by Cllr Wardle, All in favour.
11.
Northamptonshire County Council
Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework:
Control and Management of Development – A Discussion
Paper
Correspondence
from NCC confirms that a copy of the discussion paper can be posted
or emailed on request. Alternatively, it can
be
viewed or downloaded from
http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/Environment/Planning/policy/Minerals/Plannews.htm.
Noted.
12.
Correspondence from South Northamptonshire Council
a)
Housing Transfer Project
Correspondence
relates to the transfer of existing housing land and property to
South Northants Homes Ltd. Some residents have expressed concern
with regards to the maintenance of associated open space. SNC confirms
there is a specific covenant within the transfer contract requiring
SNH to consult with them should they propose any changes. The correspondence
lists specific areas;
the
Clerk confirmed that none of these are within Towcester.
b)
Hedgerows Regulations 1991
SNC
confirms that a Hedge Removal Notice relating to Land at York Farm,
Towcester was received on 20th February (application, plan and grid
reference were attached). Any comments should be submitted to SNC
by 12th March. Noted.
c)
Youth Opportunity Fund
Correspondence
announces the launch of the 2008/9 Youth Opportunity Fund in South
Northamptonshire . The fund is run by and for young people who must
themselves make the application for a share of the £90,000
available. Noted.
d)
Action on Climate Change
SNC
is seeking to work with communities to reduce carbon emissions.
The TC is asked to complete and return the expressions of interests
form detailing its plans to reduce its carbon emissions. As a result,
some community groups will be given the opportunity to attend a
free workshop on this issue on 23 rd April at Sixfields Stadium.
Noted.
13.
Correspondence
a)
Moat Lane Flood Risk Assessment
Correspondence from consultants, Faber Maunsell,
confirms it has been engaged by SNC to undertake a flood risk assessment
for the proposed development in Moat
Lane . It asks the TC to provide any information it has in its possession
that could
assist. Noted.
b)
Northamptonshire Acre
i)
Monitoring and Good Practice Quality Standard
Review 2008
It was agreed for the Clerk to complete and return
the questionnaire.
ii)
Invitation to the launch of a new Green Space Tool
Kit for Communities
Any member of the council interested in attending was asked
to notify the Clerk.
iii)
Village Viewpoint
A copy of the spring issue of Village Viewpoint
is available from the Clerk.
c)
NCALC Training Programme for 2008
Details of the NCALC Training Programme for 2008 are available
from the Clerk. Members of the Council were encouraged
to
utilise these training opportunities.
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