A busy January meeting this month of Norton Lindsey Parish Council (NLPC) covering finance for the year ahead, grant applications and planning matters.
The proposed budget for financial year 2026/27 was scrutinised and this fed into discussions about what value to set NLPC’s precept at for the year ahead (the precept is the sole source of income for the council, bar some limited bank interest, and is an amount added to every council tax bill in the parish). It was decided to raise the precept by 2.33% to £11,000 to recognise the effect of inflation etc, and to also approve the proposed budget.
Grant applications from the Church Parochial Council for clock servicing at Holy Trinity (£250), a contribution to churchyard maintenance (£250), and work to hopefully help rectify the damp problems in the church room were approved (£300). The costs of maintaining the defibrillator located at the village hall was also approved (£50). There was then discussion on whether the grant application made by Wolverton School/PTA for their 150 Year Sesquicentennial Appeal would be appropriate for the Parish Council to support. Concerns were raised that the school is located outside the parish and does not necessarily benefit the community as a whole, but it was agreed that it constituted an important asset to the village and that NLPC should support organisations in the community wherever possible. After debating it was decided to support the application at a level of £3,000 (Cllr Brown recused as Chair of Wolverton School Board of Governors).
Planning matters were then discussed.
- After debate and vote (two councillors dissenting), it was agreed to reopen discussion of the recent planning applications at Brantwood, and Old Barn Cottage. These matters had been determined at the December meeting, but it was felt by a majority that they had received limited scrutiny. After further discussion it was determined that NLPC would continue to remain NEUTRAL to the proposals but would add further comments for the attention of the planning and conservation officer in each case.
- The outline planning permission application for up to six houses at the Chicken Sheds was then discussed. As this is an outline application there is no detail on what size/design these houses would have, rather it is for agreeing the principle of housing on the site. NLPC are fully aware of the long and detailed history of this site, and the views of residents. NLPC decided at this stage to be NEUTRAL to the application (recognising that there will be further detailed applications to come), but wished to raise concerns that the need for safe pedestrian access to the site and appropriate hedgerow protections must be considered in subsequent applications.
- It was noted that the second planning appeal at Lower Norton Farm had been dismissed. This means that both recent retrospective applications (new commercial premises and new stables) are now subject to enforcement action by the district council.
- It was agreed that NLPC would attend various meetings concerning the proposed Hatton development over the course of the next few months.
There is a vacancy on the Parish Council – if you are interested in getting involved in matters similar to the above and helping to shape your community then please talk to Jenny the NLPC clerk (clerk@nortonlindseyparishcouncil.gov.uk) or any of the existing councillors.
The full minutes for this meeting can be found here.
Neil Brown
