Meeting held at 7pm on Tuesday 22nd October to formulate responses to the four sites in Great Gidding that have been submitted to the Local Plan – all Parish Councillors and Clerk present.
Comments submitted on the options available under “Sustainability Appraisal with appendices” on Wednesday 23rd October, as follows:
Great Gidding 1: Land adjacent to 52 Main Street, Great Gidding
The Parish Council has considered the appraisal and have nothing further to add.
Great Gidding 2: Land South of Great Gidding village hall, Great Gidding
The Parish Council have considered this appraisal and would wish to see no more than 5 houses on this site, to retain views through to the surrounding countryside and to enable sufficient access and egress to the properties, this is supported by feedback from respondents to our emerging Neighbourhood Plan.
Great Gidding 3: Land adjacent to Chapel Lane, Great Gidding
The District Council were informed of the error on the paperwork and have acknowledged this.
There is no longer an option to submit a comment on Site 3 via the website and an email has been sent to the Local Plan team, as below:
The Parish Council note that this site is not going forward to the next stage of the Local Plan process. Indications in responses to our emerging Neighbourhood Plan show that any development of this nature is not supported by residents of this Parish.
Great Gidding 4: St Gidding School, Great Gidding
The Parish Council has considered the appraisal and have nothing further to add.
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th September 2024
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave and the Clerk. One member of the public.
085.24 Cllr Maciag as Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting
086.24 The following apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr Bolton – holiday
Cllr Hodson – work
Cllr D’Altilia – work
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
087.24 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests in respect of items on the Agenda
088.24 Member of the Public (SB) was present for 097.24 – see below
089.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th August 2024 were accepted and signed by Cllr Hargrave who was in the Chair for that meeting.
090.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk reminded that her appraisal was still awaited.
Clerk advised that the refurbishment of benches has still not been undertaken, despite the contractor giving August as a date.
Cllr Hargrave updated on Village Hall matters:
The flat roof over the kitchen requires attention, temporary repairs have been carried out.
Macmillan Coffee Morning has been advertised for 28th September.
Possible events for the future.
091.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/9/2024 £9549.63 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/9/2024 £26,483.97 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2024 – £250.70
b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for July (24 hours)
317.04
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance
Grass cutting for July (Invoice 2184)
216.00
36.00
JRT
Groundworks UK
Refund of unused funding For Neighbourhood Plan
2217.97
NIL
JRT
Transfer from PC to VH
Rental of Village Hall
800.00
NIL
JRT
Chris Knott Insurance
Allotment insurance renewal
92.00
NIL
JRT
to approve Clerk’s working hours for August – total of 27 – Approved.
092.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
No new applications, as at 13th September 2024 – Clerk advised there was an application for tree works (7 trees) at Manor Barn, but Parish Council have not been asked to comment.
School site (at the request of Cllr Maciag) – Cllr Maciag had met with Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates, CambsCC would appear to have done nothing on site and the portacabins are still in place (partially on Milton property). It was agreed that development of the site is preferable to a derelict site.
Baptist Chapel graveyard and provision of a memorial garden – a last minute notification had been received from Church Growth Trust Ltd regarding setting up a memorial garden into which the majority of the headstones will be moved, with terms for access to this area. Work has already started. Residents have contacted Church Growth Trust with their concerns. One resident contacted the Parish Council regarding large ash trees on the boundary and Clerk recommended resident to contact Hunts DC Tree Officer due to the short time frame.
093.24 Recreation Field (and other sites in the Parish ) tree surgeon had met with Cllr Maciag, his quote is awaited.
Clerk has reminded the contractor that the hedge needs cutting back.
094.24 Village Maintenance – responses to location of additional village noticeboards:
Cllr Bolton advised via email that the shop owners are willing to have a noticeboard sited in their front garden, or make use of the shop window.
Gidding Den, tenants of the adjacent field, would consider a noticeboard being added to the fence. No decision made.
095.24 Allotments – rent renewals had been sent out, some already paid.
HuntsDC had been in contact that morning regarding a delivery of soil improver, Clerk has made arrangements and informed both residents and allotment holders via various methods.
096.24 Request for Section 137 funding in respect of grass cutter – Cllr Hodson had sent in a written request for funding a replacement machine to cut grass around Jubilee Wood. Discussion followed, further information to be gathered and a decision postponed until the October meeting.
097.24 Resident emailed a request for the Parish Council to install ANPR camera(s), as he had seen in Brington. He and Cllr Moody wish to ensure that drivers travel through the village at 30MPH. There followed discussion. Clerk had requested information from Brington and Molesworth’s Clerk, but nothing to date, also provided an update on speed camera readings, also figures from Brington ANPR camera use and further related information. Clerk also advised that as we had been asked to notify an interest in applying for 2025/26 Local Highways Improvement bid, this would be the opportunity to get CambsCC Highways Dept involved and seek advice, guidance and funding of ANPR camera(s). Cllr Moody offered to compile the bid for the LHI scheme.
098.24 Review of Financial Regulations – Clerk has completed the changes and will present at the October meeting for adoption.
099.24 Newsletter – Cllrs had nothing they wished to add to the October issue.
0100.24 Correspondence received since 20th August 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, Local Highways 2025/26 Capital Maintenance projects – nothing for our parish or any local villages is planned, looking for volunteers for the Community Gritting Scheme, expressions of interest requested for the 2025/26 LHI bids –
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Wild about Huntingdonshire events – 28/29 September at Hinchingbroke, Save the date for Annual Climate Conference – Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 6th November, Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for Chapel End in September, information on changes to CIL funding, Waste Minimisation meeting online – September 26th at 4PM
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for September,
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter, invitation to their AGM on 9th October, from 2PM via ZOOM,
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings, invitation to bus franchising consultation meetings (19th September – Huntingdon, 3 October – P’boro). Also Active Travel Hierarchy consultation survey – closing date 30th September
h) Parish Online newsletter – following consultation with the Neighbourhood Plan group, the subscription has not been renewed.
i) District Cllr Alban – District wide Parish Council meeting on 10th October, 7PM start at Holme with manager from HDC Refuse/Operations team in attendance. Clerk and Cllr Hodson will attend.
j) correspondence from a resident who lives near the proposed Leicestershire AD unit site, offering us any assistance ALSO Thriplow & Heathfield asking for information/advice on how to deal with a proposed AD unit in their Parish – Clerk will respond.
k) PKF Littlejohn, external auditors, notification of exemption for this Parish Council.
0101.24 Items for next meeting:
Section 137 funding donation or purchase of grass cutter – decision
Adoption of revised Financial Regulations, as advised by NALC
Items for the November newsletter
Cllr to present wreath at Remembrance Service
Huntingdonshire District Council’s Local Plan – updates
0102.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th October 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 20th August 2024
Present: Councillors Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altilia and the Clerk.
069.24 Cllr Hargrave, acting as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
070.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
County Cllr Gardener – at another meeting
District Cllr Alban – other commitment
Cllr Moody – holiday
Cllr Hodson – holiday
Cllr Maciag – work commitments
Cllr Sanders – has resigned due to work commitments
071.24 There were no Declarations of Disclosable Interests.
072.24 No members of the Public or Press were present
073.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th July 2024 were confirmed and accepted – Cllrs Bolton and D’Altilia, signed by Cllr Hargrave.
074.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk
Clerk re. Chapel enquiry – will not be pursued.
Clerk will commence the Co-option process and requested Councillors to forward contact details of any interested residents.
Cllr Hargrave updated on the Village Hall:
It would be too expensive to go through the Alcohol Licensing process, therefore they will continue applying for TEN for events.
MacMillan Coffee Morning will take place on 28th September – already advertised and assistance offered.
Suggestion of table tennis sessions will be investigated.
Parking at the village hall – request to be added to newsletter to advise Parish Clerk, signage to be re-instated.
075.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/8/2024 £9590.25 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/7/2024 – £249.77
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved.
*** Clerk is checking whether this Parish Council qualifies for free subscription to Parish Online through insurance company renewal.
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for June (33 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Great Gidding Village Hall
Rental of the village hall and Parish Office
800.00
NIL
Parish Online
Subscription ***
48.00
8.00
Clerk’s working hours for July, a total of 24, were approved.
076.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
None, as at 16th August
077.24 Recreation Field – tree surgeon and hedging contractor are aware of works to be completed (DEFRA prevent any cutting until 1st September).
Wicksteed have advised a delay in carrying out safety inspections, but will make contact before they visit.
078.24 Village Maintenance
a) Cllr D’Altillia proposed noticeboards to be installed at either end of the village – various locations were discussed, some discounted, and others will be investigated (JB and Clerk).
Clerk requested:
a larger noticeboard for Parish/District/County Council information to be sited at Village Hall so that the newsletter could be included(and existing board to be relocated to Jubilee Wood for community use)
OR a second noticeboard, one for Council notifications, the other for village
Clerk – the noticeboard, sited on the approach to School and Church, she has been advised it was not Church property. If it was School property, it is no longer needed, therefore it was agreed not to replace this in the future.
b) Bench refurbishment takes place at end of August. *Bench in Churchyard, purchased with Bertha Green’s bequest, is a Parish Council asset. Clerk will now check to see if it is in good order.
c) model biodiversity policy from NALC, in association with DEFRA – Clerk had read through and, in the main, our Parish is compliant with requirements and suggestions.
d) Soil improver available from HuntsDC – it was agreed this offer should be taken up, tipped at the allotment site (vacant half plot). This will be offered to the village through the monthly newsletter and then, after one month, the remainder will be available to allotment holders.
d)
water leak outside 48 Main Street reported to WAVE on 11th August – repaired
AWA/WAVE work currently taking place a treatment plant for phosphorus filters to be updated (soaps and cleaning products).
Chapel End will be closed on 31st October between Mill Road and Back Lane to flush out system and camera research.
079.24 Allotments – a draft rental renewal letter had been shared prior to the meeting, the content was approved and this will be sent out to allotment holders in September.
080.24 Review of Financial Regulations – document shared prior to meeting. Clerk will amend and update for final approval at a future meeting.
081.24 Newsletter – various items had been forwarded to Cllr D’Altillia for the September issue.
There had been no Parishioner feedback from August issue.
082.24 Correspondence received since 16th July 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, chemical weed treatment reinstated within 40MPH areas, Proposed road closures during next 18 months, including Great Gidding (email dated 11/7), Community Energy action plan, Micro Asphalt programme – nothing in the Giddings or surrounding villages, Highways Department Active Travel Survey to be completed, (via CAPALC),
Briefing Note: The Kings Speech – Legislative Programme for this Parliament, Local Highways 2025/26 Capital Maintenance projects – nothing for our parish or any local villages is planned,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Green flags awarded to various venues, Shop Front Grant Scheme, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Street Cleansing Team – explanation of their service, Oliver Morley invites to sessions ‘What makes a good life in Huntingdonshire?’ , Wild about Huntingdonshire events – 28/29 September at Hinchingbroke, Save the date for Annual Climate Conference – Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 6th November, Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for Chapel End (see 078.24 above).
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for August, Remembrance Sunday survey – Clerk completed form to advise no events in our parish.
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings, invitation to bus franchising consultation meetings (19th September – Huntingdon, 3 October – P’boro).
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) 17 July – email from Fields in Trust – survey about environmental issues that have been implemented, or plan to introduce – Clerk will complete for the Rec. Field.
083.24 Items for next meeting:
Request for Section 137 funding (PH)
Resident request re ANPR cameras
Co-option of Councillor
084.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th September 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 16th July 2024
Present: Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Bolton, Hodson, D’Altilia, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.
052.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
053.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
District Councillor Alban not available
Cllr Moody – work commitment
054.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
055.24 No members of the Public & Press were present
056.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Bolton and D’Altilia
057.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk
The Clerk had emailed CambsCC representative regarding the Parish Council response, sent in April, regarding the School playground, and in turn it was acknowledged that the response had been received and the Parish Council do not wish to accept the terms of the County Council proposal for that site. County Cllr Gardener offered to contact the County Council departments to find out what is proposed for the site
The Clerk contacted North Northants Council for an update regarding the Anaerobic Digester proposal and was advised that an extension of time has been given in respect of this application.
Cllr Hargrave gave an update on the Village Hall and the meeting of the Committee on 15th July:
It was agreed that Village Hall matters can be included as part of the Parish Council agenda.
It was agreed that £2000 could be spent before Trustees need to be consulted – proposed by Cllrs Hodson and seconded by Cllr Maciag.
The committee are considering applying for an alcohol licence.
The committee are considering applying for Huntingdonshire DC Food Hygiene rating scheme for the Village Hall kitchen.
A request was made to increase the Village Hall rent to £800 (it has been £550 for some years, which was an amount set to cover the insurance premium). Approval was proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr D’Altilia.
The first event will be a McMillan Coffee Morning on 28th September.
Cllr Maciag advised that work on the Neighbourhood Plan is ongoing.
County Councillor Gardener advised that he is now on the Highways Committee, Environment committee, Communities committee and Fire Authority panel.
058.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements were shared prior to the meeting.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £10949.65 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/7/2024 – £249.77
Councillor Hodson’s cashflow forecast had been shared prior to the meeting and there were no questions and comments.
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for May (33 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
CANALBS
Annual internal audit
99.00
NONE
Bradgate
Grass cutting (invoices 2108 and 2087)
432.00
72.00
Catalyst
Website hosting
311.85
NONE
Information Commissioners Office
Annual subscription
40.00
NONE
Clerk’s working hours for June were approved as a total of 33
059.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
None, as at 12th July
060.24 Recreation Field – Clerk had shared the risk assessment she carried out in June, there were no questions or comments.
She was asked to share the rota for risk assessments again.
Cllr Bolton, preferred a spreadsheet format and will devise one and share with Councillors.
061.24 Newsletter Feedback from July issue – one response of thanks via website, also an email to offer to deliver items around the village. Items for the August newsletter should be sent to Cllr D’Altillia or the Parish Office.
062.24 Village Maintenance – Cllr Maciag will accompany the tree surgeon to assess the works required.
The Clerk had failed to find a comparative quote for refurbishment of the benches and so the only contractor will be asked to carry out the work.
063.24 Allotments – Cllr Hodson and Clerk will devise and carry out risk assessments for this site.
064.24 Review of Standing Orders – document shared prior to meeting, no changes were felt to be necessary.
065.24 Review of Financial Regulations – deferred to next meeting. Clerk believes there are some changes to these but requires access to the NALC website and has contacted CAPALC, who provide the passwords to access documents.
066.24 Correspondence received since 18th June 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, TMC incident report for roads – none in this Parish, chemical weed treatment reinstated within 40MPH areas, Proposed road closures, including Great Gidding (email dated 11/7), Community Energy action plan,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Shop Front Grant Scheme, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Street Cleansing Team – explanation of their service,
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for July,
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email
j) Insurance renewal confirmation from Clear Councils Insurance
k) Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) – request to include article in a newsletter
l) Thank you to Parish Council, via village website see 061.24
m) Offer from residents to deliver newsletters etc – see 061.24
n) Ron Bailey, Parliament UK – Safety of Lithium ion Batteries and e-bikes and scooters – support for campaign requested (it had been put on hold for Parliamentary Election)
o) Church Growth Trust – email dated 8th July in respect of Great Gidding Baptist Chapel – Clerk will contact them and advise they should discuss their plans with the Conservation Officer for Huntingdonshire DC.
067.24 Items for next meeting:
Clerk’s annual appraisal – Cllr Maciag will undertake this.
068.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th August 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th June 2024
Present: Councillors Moody, Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altillia and Maciag and the Clerk.
037.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
038.24 Apologies were received from:
Cllr Hodson – holiday
Cllr Sanders – delayed at work
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
039.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
040.24 No members of the Public or Press attended the meeting
041.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st May 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Bolton and Moody
042.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk
Clerk – amended information booklets have been delivered to 3 x new households in the Parish.
Clerk will email Declaration of Interest Forms to Councillors for completion and return.
043.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/6/2024 £10824.83 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/6/2024 £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/6/2024 – £249.77
b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for April (26 hours)
***
NIL
JRT
Milton Estates
Rental of footpath to Rec Field
£1.00
NIL
Viking
Print carridges
£105.16
17.53
*** not received from Payroll Services, will be circulated by email for approval once available.
to approve Clerk’s working hours for May – total of 33 – approved by all
AGAR – the Internal Auditor had an online review with the Clerk on Friday 14th June, the report had been received, Clerk read out the content and will share via email. Cllr Maciag and the Clerk signed the AGAR documents.
VAT reclaim submitted on 31st May and received for £615.06
044.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
None, as at 14th June
045.24 Recreation Field – Wicksteed will carry out inspection within 16 weeks.
Green Flag accreditation for community spaces – Power Point slides available – not discussed.
The internal auditor had highlighted the need to complete regular risk inspections (preferably monthly, but at least quarterly). Survey forms will be sent to Councillors
046.24 Communication with parishioners. Cllr D’Altillia suggested a monthly newsletter, shared via the community WhatsApp page (currently viewed by approx 70 persons). This can then be added to the village website (also circa 70 regular viewers), and on the noticeboard at the Village Hall). Cllr D’Altillia offered to compile the newsletter/WhatsApp post and this was accepted by all.
047.24 Village Maintenance – Clerk has been in correspondence with tree surgeons in respect of the Pound, the Parish Pond on Winwick Road and the around the entrance to the Recreation Field – they have requested an accompanied visit to these sites to assess what is required. Cllr Maciag will meet with them.
Cllrs Hargrave and Moody expressed concern at the vegetation growing over the Main Street footpath. Clerk to research who is responsible, especially around the school site, and contact Cambs County Council via the online report webpage.
048.24 Allotments – DEFRA poultry register changes with effect from 1st October 2024 – Clerk will revise the content of the allotment holder’s tenancy agreement for approval at the June meeting.
The internal auditor had highlighted the need to complete regular risk inspections (preferably monthly, but at least quarterly). Survey forms will be sent to Councillors
049.24 Correspondence received since 21st May 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, Remembrance Day events 2024, Highways events for June (nothing in our Parish, but Gigaclear works in Glatton on B660 – 14-18 June), TMC incident report for roads – none in this Parish, Revised plan on weed control – within 40mph limit area only – twice a year, Summer holiday scheme – activities and free school meals – poster (see Parish Office window),
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – poster for Active Health at One Leisure, Parliamentary Election notices and information for display (Parish Office window will be used, as AGAR documents are in the noticeboard).
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates, 29/5 pre-election guidance from NALC, shaping our new and improved bus routes – various events between 10-13 June,
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter, affordable rural housing presentation – 11th July (need to book),
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email
j) Cllr Ian Gardener – Mental Health Event at Sawtry Academy on Sunday 14th July (poster in Parish Office window)
k) Ron Bailey at parliament.uk (email 5th June) – request for support on campaign regarding the safety issues around lithium ion batteries
050.24 Items for next meeting:
Completed Declaration of Interest forms from all Councillors
Review Standing Orders and amend where required
Review Financial Regulations and amend where required
051.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 16th July 2024
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
The July meeting will be followed by a Village Hall Trustees meeting.
The Parish Council has published the October Newsletter which will be displayed on Noticeboards throughout the Parish and submitted via WhatsApp, Facebook and here on the Giddings website.
If you are aware of anyone in the parish who cannot access the noticeboards or the community social media platforms, please contact the Parish Council so a printed copy can be made available for them. If you would prefer to receive a copy of the monthly newsletter via email, please contact the Parish Council.
The Parish Council has published the August Newsletter which will be displayed on Noticeboards throughout the Parish and submitted via WhatsApp, Facebook and here on the Giddings website.
If you are aware of anyone in the parish who cannot access the noticeboards or the community social media platforms, please contact the Parish Council so a printed copy can be made available for them. If you would prefer to receive a copy of the monthly newsletter via email, please contact the Parish Council.
The Parish Council has recently agreed to publish a monthly Newsletter which will be displayed on Noticeboards throughout the Parish and submitted via WhatsApp, Facebook and the Giddings website.
If you are aware of anyone in the parish who cannot access the noticeboards or the community social media platforms, please contact the Parish Council so a printed copy can be made available for them. If you would prefer to receive a copy of the monthly newsletter via email, please contact the Parish Council.
Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2024
Present: Councillors Moody, Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altillia and Maciag and the Clerk.
Apologies for absence:
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
Councillor Sanders – work commitments
Councillor Hodson – family commitments
Annual Parish Council meeting:
Chairman – Councillor Maciag proposed as Chairman by Councillors Moody and Bolton. He has signed the Declaration of Office.
Vice Chairman – Councillor Hargrave proposed as Vice Chairman by Councillors Bolton and Moody. She has signed the Declaration of Office.
Councillors Bolton and Hodson have advised they will remain as Councillors. Councillors Moody and D’Altillia will remain as Councillors, but advised that work commitments may impact their attendance at meetings. Clerk will contact Councillor Sanders. No other persons had expressed an interest in joining the Parish Council.
022.24 There were no declarations of interest regarding items on the agenda
023.24 No members of Press or Public in attendance at this meeting
024.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th April 2024 were declared as a correct record – proposed by Cllrs Moody and seconded by Cllr Hargrave
025.24 this item not used
026.24 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Hargrave had met with residents who expressed an interest in the Village Hall, a committee has been formed. They will hold monthly meetings, setting short term and long term objectives. A separate email address will be set up for bookings/correspondence.
Councillor Maciag advised that the Neighbourhood Plan Group aim to get the revised plan to HuntsDC in September.
027.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 3/5/2024 £12614.08 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/3/2024 £26,286.99 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/3/2023 – £248.84
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved by Cllrs Maciag and D’Altillia, subject to the Clerk checking the cover applicable to CAPALC’s data protection offer:
c) Clerk’s working hours for April were approved as a total of 26
d) a first draft of the AGAR was shared at the meeting. Clerk and Cllr Hodson will meet to finalise figures for discussion and presentation at the June Meeting.
028.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
a)Nothing further heard from CambsCC regarding the school playground site, although we did not request a response in respect of any points made.
b) APPLICATION REF. 24/00821/HHFUL
Single-storey Garage Extension, The Mill, Mill Road, Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5NT
Response required by 6th June 2024
There were no objections or observations in respect of this application.
c) the application for the mast, antennas and equipment at Longbrook Farm, Thurning has been refused – Clerk from Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Council will keep us updated.
d) the application for the anaerobic digester is marked as “Decided” but no further details are known at present. Clerk is in contact with North Northants Councillor Shacklock and Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Clerk.
e) District Cllr Alban had enquired about the outcomes of the Call for Sites exercise. Hunts DC advise that there is nothing to report at present.
029.24 Recreation Field – it was agreed to instruct Wicksteed, £132 for unaccompanied annual inspection.
030.24 Correspondence received since 16th April 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters, Road Safety Education Newsletter,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –16/4 HDC launches capital grant funding for Rural Businesses, Town & Parish Council April newsletter, grants of up to £2,500 for initiatives that support their communities and the Huntingdonshire Futures Place Strategy, Huntingdonshire District Council has teamed up with Cambridgeshire Police and Cambridgeshire Fire to conduct a trial using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is celebrating the opening of the East Anglia Energy Academy in St Ives, which will bring forward new jobs, skills and investment into the district, powerpoint slides from the Parish Council information session for EV Charge points, District Council launches Online Climate Hub ***the Clerk had passed the information from the previous meeting to Little Gidding Trust as they own the car park at Little Gidding, and were interest in the potential of this scheme
d) CAPALC –newsletter, May training dates, Martyn’s Law – protection of premises from Terorism Act
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter,
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – posters encouraging use of concessionary bus passes
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email
j) CARESCO offering to visit to explain their services for older residents
035.22 Items for next meeting:
Approval and signing of the AGAR
036.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th June 2024
Tuesday 21st May, 7.00PM at Great Gidding Village Hall
PRESENT: Parish Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Moody, Bolton, Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Martin and 5 members of the public.
APOLOGIES received from District Councillor Alban and Parish Councillor Sanders
***Parish Councillor D’Altillia and 2 members of the public joined later in the meeting.
Councillor Maciag, as Vice Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
Councillor Hodson was unable to attend the meeting, his annual report (copy attached) was read out at the meeting.
Councillor Maciag gave an update on the Neighbourhood Plan – it has been reviewed by Huntingdonshire District Council and changes and additions are to be implemented before it is returned to Hunts DC for approval.
Sergeant Anna Martin of the Neighbourhood Policing Team gave an overview of police involvement in our rural area, advising that our Parish has a very low crime rate. She encouraged engagement with the Team through the Cambs Police Website (https://www.cambs.police.uk/), particularly the live chat option for crime reporting.
Questions from members of the public:
Anaerobic digester – concerns about traffic and transport – no decision has yet been published. As the site is in the neighbouring county, Clerk is continuing correspondence with North Northants contacts. SB encouraged building a good relationship with the developer to enable future discussions.
A second speed camera has been installed recently – results are monitored in both directions and act as an advisory measure to drivers.
Councillor Bolton advised that a 20MPH limit has been applied for in respect of the lane down to Little Gidding – decision has not yet been made by Cambridgeshire County Council. SB recommended the Parish Council apply for a 20MPH limit throughout Great Gidding.
Call for sites – Huntingdonshire District Council have not yet published any decisions on sites. RG had read on the Hunts DC website that results will be known in July.
Advertising the Parish Meeting – DU advised that Annual Parish Meeting should have been better advertised. Clerk advised the notice had been placed on the village website and the Village Hall website, earlier than the required 2 week notice period. It was felt that new residents were unaware of events/services/facilities in the village and means of communicating with residents should be improved.
The meeting closed at 20.06
Chairman’s report:
Thank you for attending tonight, I am sorry that, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to attend in person.
The last year has been challenging, rewarding and hugely frustrating.
I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their hard work and dedication to the Parish ( and of course where would we be without Julie, who does a fantastic job as Clerk.)
Just a few of the things we have dealt with in the last 12 months
The Parish Plan – We have a great team working extremely hard to produce a plan which reflects the wishes of our residents, we have more steps of the process to complete, but we are progressing well. A huge thank you to the team
Call for sites – Earlier in the year the Council asked people to suggest parcels of land that might be suitable for housing, we appreciate that the submission by Milton Estates caused a lot of concern, but as of today, we have not heard back from the Council, we will of course let you know as soon as we do. Even if a site is agreed as potential development, the owner would still have to apply for planning permission as normal.
Anaerobic Digester – After months of no news at all, the website now says “decided” but does not say, what has been decided. We did all we could and will continue to do all we can to stop this development.
The School House – Now that the school has closed, we considered using the brick school, building as a village community building, but the financial economics just didn’t work, so we have advised Milton Estates that we are not interested in leasing the building from them
School Playground – Again we were considering purchasing this from the County Council, as a village amenity, but the conditions the County Council placed on the sale made the risk too great for us to contemplate
After several years as Chair, I have decided it’s time to stand down, I will remain on the Council for a smooth transition, but if anyone would like to join the PC please let us know.
