The plan influences policies that help shape housing, infrastructure, and employment while addressing vital issues like climate change, affordability, and flooding. The aim is to achieve sustainable development that meets today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations.
Last year, the council asked for input and used the feedback to shape our options.
The council are now consulting on three key documents:
Further Issues and Options – Sets out options for what may be included in the new local plan. It also asks some questions about what is important to you.
Land Availability Assessments – Assesses sites that were put forward by landowners, developers, agents and interested third parties to see if they are potentially suitable or unsuitable for development.
Sustainability Appraisals – Assesses our strategies, options, sites and future polices against a series of sustainability objectives
How to take part
There are several in-person events from 2 PM to 8 PM where residents can view the Local Plan documents, ask questions, and share their thoughts.
Our friendly, informal group meet once a month in Great Gidding Village Hall for two hours to sketch or paint a still life. All welcome (not just Gidding-ites)!
The sessions are untutored but we do a couple of short drawing exercises followed by a longer drawing session and help and advice will be freely available. All you will need to bring is a sketchbook and pencil or your chosen materials.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Time: 10.00am – 12.00 noon
Date: Thursday 19th September 2024
Location: Great Gidding Village Hall
Cost: £5.00 per session (cash only please)
If you’re not able to join us on this occasion, the next session is scheduled for Thursday 10th October 2024.
If you are interested in attending contact Krystyna on 01832 293175 or email kw@krystynawojcik.co.uk
Come along to our friendly, informal small group who meet once a month for two hours to sketch or paint a still life.
All you will need to bring is a sketchbook and pencil or your chosen materials. The sessions are untutored but help and advice will be freely available.
When: Thursday 13th June from 10am until midday. If you’re not able to join us this time the next session is Thursday 18th July.
Where: Great Gidding Village Hall
Cost: £5.00 per session (cash only please). Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
If you are interested in coming along please email krystyna@intamail.com or call 01832 293 175 for more details.
Present: Councillors Hodson, Maciag, Hargrave and the Clerk.
5 members of the public joined the meeting.
080.23 Councillor Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present
081.23 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Councillor Moody will join the meeting as soon as possible – work commitment
Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment
Councillor Bolton – holiday
County Councillor Gardener – another meeting
082.23 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
083.23 Members of the Public were present in respect of item 088.23a of the agenda. There are concerns about the Huntingdonshire District Council (HuntsDC) Call for Sites exercise, particularly the submission regarding 110 houses for Chapel End/Back Lane. 8 residents of Chapel End had prepared a statement, which was read out at the meeting (copy attached). The Chairman advised that, as indicated by responses to the Neighbourhood Plan, where all residents had been consulted, the majority have voted against large scale development. Should this site be presented to the Parish Council as a Planning Application in the future, the Neighbourhood Plan outcomes will be taken into account and, therefore, an objection to any large scale development will be made.
Councillor Maciag informed that the draft of the Neighbourhood Plan is being compiled now, with a view to holding a public event in the next couple of months. The Neighbourhood Plan will then be forwarded to Hunts DC and, after due process, should be finalised in Spring 2024. This Plan will inform the District Council Planning Department when considering future planning applications.
Councillor Maciag also advised that a large scale development, such as that submitted to the Call for Sites, is contrary to Hunts DC planning criteria for Small Settlements (Great Gidding is categorised as a Small Settlement).
Councillor Hodson advised the Chapel End residents that they may wish to form their own group to address this potential application, but assured that their concerns had been heard and noted by the Parish Council.
Those members of the public present agreed to their statement appearing on the village website, with their names visible (See below)
084.23 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th August 2023 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Hargrave and Maciag
085.23 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item:
Councillor Hargrave had attended the online presentation in respect of Community Ownership Funding and had saved this for future reference.
086.23 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Response from Anglian Water (email sent 23/8/2023 cc to County/District/MP/Highways) has been received, via MP – they will not be replacing the water mains
Seats on Main Street – resident has requested refurbishment. There are a number of “odd Jobs” that require attention around the Parish. Councillors were requested to submit jobs to the Clerk, a list will be compiled and then an individual/company sought to carry out the works.
Building materials on road verge – Chapel End/Gains Lane – resident’s concern. The building work is ongoing and this area will be monitored.
Clerk sent message to Milton Estates requesting footpath be cleared of vegetation around the School/Church path this will be done in the near future.
Junction of Main Street and Hemington Lodge Road was highlighted as a traffic hazard for vehicles pulling out – Clerk instructed a contractor to cut back as far as possible, Clerk has cut back trees around Townsend Pond to raise the canopy. Further strimming is required to enable access to the Newt Trail platform (add to “Odd Job” list)
Reminder of Tim Alban’s Ward meeting of Parish Clerks and Councillors at Norman Cross Motel on Wednesday 27th September at 7PM. Clara Kerr, Head of Hunts DC Planning Department will be the speaker. Clerk and Councillors Maciag and Hargrave will attend.
Clerk has submitted an “interest” in applying for future LHI funding to CambsCC
087.23 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/9/2023 £14771.97
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/9/2023 £16,104.89
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2023 – £247.05
b) Interest payments – Clerk asked that Councillors consider if these accounts need to be altered to achieve higher interest rates – £10,000 will be transferred into the Parish Council Deposit account
c) PAYMENTS – online payments were approved in respect of the following:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for July (27 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance Ltd (no xxxx)
Grass cutting of Recreation Field
216.00
36.00
Michael Allgood contractor
Cutting around Townsend Pond
Invoice requested
Village Hall payments
A C Clark
Cleaning – up to 15 September
£8.75 and £15.00
J R Trolove RE-IMBURSEMENT
SKIP HIRE
£222.00
to approve Clerk’s working hours for August – total of 33 Approved.
bequest received from the Estate of P R C Ellis – this will be “ring-fenced” in the Parish Council accounts in respect of Gidding History Group.
088.23 PLANNING applications and other planning matters:
a) Huntingdonshire District Council’s Local Plan call for sites – areas proposed for Great Gidding – member of the public to address the meeting – draft statement received prior to the meeting with a request that it be read out. See 083.23
b) 23/01474/FUL – Conversion of farm outbuildings to form two residential dwellings, demolition of cattle shed and erection of one residential dwelling and erection of double garage to serve No.41 Main Street – deadline for comments 15th September – Clerk requested extension to 26th September.
APPROVAL – Councillors have no objection to the revised application, as submitted.
c)Enforcement/Conservation Officer response received re. the stone wall at 65 Main Street. Councillors still have concerns that our views are not being heard regarding the damage to this wall, in the Conservation Area, and requested the Clerk to ask District Councillor Alban, copying in Head of Planning Department, for his support
d) Registering properties in the Parish for Listing or as Assets of Community Value (and areas of land for this latter option) – Clerk had been unable to access the application and asked for assistance from Councillors
e) School – Clerk gained access at invitation of Jonathan Lewis (CambsCC Education Dept) on 1st September and took many photographs or play area and school house interior. Jonathan Lewis requested confirmation of what playground “features” we wish to keep – Councillors would like to retain all but the tractor tyre planter. Councillors are still keen to gain access to view the site.
Mr Nott, Land Agent for Milton Estates, had emailed offering a collaboration in respect of the School/Playground/Village Hall potential. This was acceptable to all Councillors, with Councillor Maciag to act as contact with Milton Estates.
f) Anaerobic Digester Plant – Hemington Lodge Road, using B660 as the access route. This is a Waste and Mineral Planning Application made to North Northamptonshire Council
*Clerk received information late on 15/9/23 via Hemington/Luddington/Thurning (HLT) Clerk and, after a telephone conversation with him, had gained further detail. *Lutton have also been consulted, Clerk advised that Glatton and Winwick should be included as they will be affected by B660 traffic increase.
*Clerk suggested a series of vehicle counts on Hemington Lodge Road – will enquire if Highways Dept of Cambs CC will assist. (see 086.23 above)
*HLT have a meeting on 9th October, Clerk and Councillor Maciag will attend, and in the mean time HLT Parish Council will request that the Applicant organise a Public Meeting to view the documents.
089.23 Policy Documents
Freedom of Information Publication Policy – (updated content was emailed to Councillors on 23/8/2023 with a request for feedback). This was approved by Councillors Hargrave and Moody.
Risk Management Policy – many further amendments to wording are required, Clerk will share revised content at a future meeting.
090.23 Parish Council owned property – contractor (or 2) required to maintain areas shown on village map.
Clerk will draw up a schedule and find contractors.
091.23 Allotment renewal notices – sent out from 11th September . Payments are being made both via BACS and cheques.
092.23 Neighbourhood Plan (NP) – Clerk attended NP meeting held on 12th September
Parish Online subscription enabled a link to Ordnance Survey maps, Great & Little Gidding has been registered, Hamerton and WInwick are to be registered separately.
Funding would now appear to have been agreed in respect of monies spent so far (received 15/9/2023), a further submission will be made in 2024-25 financial year.
093.23 Recreation Field:
Wooden play equipment, other than balance beam, removed and groundworks made good (Bradgate invoice awaited).
Container emptied of rubbish, tidied and some moved to Village Hall. A skip has been hired for Village Hall clearance too from 25/9/2023 for 5 days.
094.23 Correspondence received since 15th August 2023:
a) NALC newsletters – Chief Executives Bulletins, NALC events list, Legal update, Consultation to update the Model Financial Regulations,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –
Cambridgeshire Matters monthly newsletter INCLUDING item on Capital Priorities Fund, The Library Presents – online brochure of events,
County Councillor Steve Count’s email regarding weeds on footpaths and highways – later response with request for feedback,
request to register an interest in LHI bid for 2024/25 – Clerk has submitted an application
Invitation to Flood Action Conference on Thursday 21st September at 11am in Burgess Hall, St Ives
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –
press release re. Industrial action,
investment plans for Hinchingbrooke Country Park,
waste subscription scheme (for green bins) ,
invitation to a Waste Minimisation event, including Repair Cafes Thursday the 21st of September, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm at the Pathfinder House, St Mary’s St, Huntingdon PE29 3TN, also 6 posters about varying types of waste.
Suggestions for Town and Parish Council newsletter requested
Press release – HDC awarding £280,000 of funding to the manufacturing sector.
Engagement sessions on Garden Waste Subscription Scheme – need to sign up
Date
Time
Type of session
Wednesday 20th September
12:00 – 13:00
Virtual (Teams meeting)
Sunday 24th September
16:00 – 17:00
Virtual (Teams meeting)
Thursday 28th September
18:00 – 19:00
Virtual (Teams meeting)
Monday 2nd October
09:00 – 10:00
Virtual (Teams meeting)
d) CAPALC –,
e) Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority –
The Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT) will be holding a meet and greet event on Friday 22 September from 10am – 2pm to highlight how you can help us towards a safer Cambridgeshire.
The event will be held at Harvest Barn Farm shop in Farcet (PE7 3DR) alongside Darryl , Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire.
It is being held during National Rural Crime Week (18th to 24th September)
Recruitment fair is being held at Police HQ
h) Notice of Cambridgeshire ACRE’s AGM Date: Wednesday 27 September 2023 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm To be held by: Zoom Video Conference
REVISED Climate Action for smaller councils – 26 page document that can be shared
Clerk attended ZOOM session on Staying Connected event on ‘Conserving nature and boosting biodiversity by greening your community spaces’
k) Barclays Bank – email about money laundering scams
l) Presentation from Parish Clerks meeting about Electric Charging Points
095.23 Items for next meeting:
Risk assessment
Attendance at Remembrance Day to lay wreath
Review of Budget for 2023-24, preparation for precept request
Registering Assets of Community Value
Feedback on Councillor Training – Councillor Bolton
096.23 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th October 2023 at Great Gidding Village Hall
MEETING CLOSED at 21.35
Statement for Great Gidding Parish Council meeting 19 September, 2023
Subject: Possible Building Development on land adjoining Chapel End, Great Gidding.
This statement has been prepared on behalf of residents of Chapel End, Great Gidding (both those who are currently aware of the possible development and those who will, if necessary, be made aware of it subsequent to the PC meeting.)
We are aware that other sites within the village have been identified and are of concern but, for the purposes of this document, we refer only to Chapel End.
Our concern is the HDC ‘call for sites’, referred to in the minutes of the June, ’23 Parish Council Meeting, specifically the outline proposal for 110 dwellings adjacent to Chapel End.
While we recognize that, at the time of writing, no substantial further information is available, we feel the need to gain as much knowledge and detail as possible, in order that we have a coherent and well-informed case, in the event that the matter proceeds further.
For us to present such a case, it is important that we have the support of the Parish Council.
We therefore request that the Parish Council make clear its position with regard to the site identified on Chapel End. That is, to confirm whether the PC is minded to support or to oppose such a development, should HDC submit a formal proposal in respect of this land.
Although the following is by no means exhaustive, we believe there is a strong case to be made against any development of a 110-dwelling estate on the site identified. These are the concerns we have, so far, identified:
Infrastructure:
– inadequate – and already frequently failing – water supply
– no gas to village
– almost non-existent public transport
– no school
– absence of medical facilities – Wellside Surgery is already overstretched by Sawtry’s own massive building programme.
– road system inadequate for the proposed site
Environment:
– Deleterious effect on the character of this ‘small settlement’ caused by an almost doubling of the current number of homes.
– Complete change in village’s character as result of such a large development
– Loss of habitat for rare species
– Possible compromise of site of archaeological interest (the S2.2 1641 map refers)
– Likely loss of Back Lane as quiet rural byway
– Fundamental change to Chapel End roadway
– Disruption to daily life arising from a large building programme over a lengthy period.
– Noise pollution generated by
o a) prolonged building programme as above;
o b) ongoing presence of large number of dwellings
o c) increased traffic
– Air pollution occasioned by increase in traffic. Assuming one car per household, minimum, this represents a huge percentage increase on current traffic
Financial:
From professional advice taken in the past week, we understand the presence of such a large development will almost certainly, in the short and medium-term, impact the value of existing housing stock on Chapel End, to the tune of a reduction of between 15% and 20% on their current value.
Correspondence with the Parish Clerk appears to indicate that this matter is not seen by the Parish Council as urgent and that interested parties will be made aware of any consultation period as and when necessary. While we fervently hope that no such consultation will prove necessary and that the
development will not go forward, we think it unwise to fail to prepare a case against it given our lack of confidence in the ‘consultation’ process following the loss of the Village Post Office and Primary School.
While we are only too aware that our views are likely to be seen as NIMBYism, we make no apology for this. We would add that a 110-dwelling development would affect not only residents of Chapel End but also encompass the entire village (and beyond) in the extent of its impact; hence this statement and our request that the Parish Council advise us as to their likely stance should this proposal go further.
We also request, where future such matters are concerned, that interested parties, (those most likely to be affected by possible development) are advised directly at an early date, rather than our learning – only by chance – which sites have been identified. We believe that, in this case particularly, ‘interested parties’ includes everyone in Great Gidding who should, therefore, have been the recipients of a prompt communication by the Parish Council.
Thank you for the opportunity to present this statement and associated questions. We ask that your views/answers be shared directly with the named parties below as well as included in the Minutes of the meeting.
I received letters from children at Great Gidding School, inviting me to visit and went along last Friday. When I arrived, I was shown around the fabulous Museum that the school children and staff have put together – it lines the walls of one of the classrooms, and is a fantastic record of events that have taken place over the years, and the children that have passed through the gates. There are many photos to be seen both recent and more historic, awards, plans, yearbooks and Headteacher’s log books dating back to 1882.
The children and staff have issued an invitation to all former pupils, parents, staff and village residents to call in, take a look around, share any memories and bring along photographs of schooldays.
The Museum will be open on the following days, between 3.30 and 5.00PM:
Tuesday 4th July/Thursday 6th July/Tuesday 11th July and Thursday 13th July
PLEASE email the school on office@greatgidding.cambs.sch.uk to advise them – they would be delighted to see visitors, but need to ensure that someone is available to accompany you (if you need to phone on 293466, please be aware that school staff may not be available to answer your call).
Posted by Julie Trolove, Parish Clerk and village history enthusiast.
Present: Councillors Hargrave, Moody, Hodson, Maciag, D’Altilia and Bolton, and the Clerk.
208.22 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
209.22 Apologies and reasons for absence:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting. He has sent a report for distribution to Parishioners
Councillor D’Altilia – work commitment.
210.22 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
211.22 Mr Iain Nott and his colleague from Milton Estates (Peterborough) joined the meeting, together with Paul Hargrave representing the Neighbourhood Plan group.
212.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st February 2023 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillor Hargrave, seconded by Cllr Bolton
213.22 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
214.22 There were no reports from Councillors and Clerk.
215.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account were shared prior to the meeting and Cllr Hodson had shared his balance sheet too
The Precept Notice has been received and shared prior to the meeting.
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for December (29.5 hours
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Firetext
Messaging Service
14.40
2.40
JRT
Great Gidding Village Hall
Hire of hall and Parish Office
£550.00
NIL
JRT
Clerk’s working hours for December, a total of 40, were approved by Councillors Hargrave and Bolton
Additional storage was required for the website at a cost of £40.00 +VAT per year. A few questions arose which the Clerk will raise with Catalyst Design but it was agreed to purchase.
Toilet hire for the Coronation weekend – the LHL quote was considered to be the best option
216.22 No planning applications or other planning matters to discuss.
217.22 Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates (Peterborough) gave an outline of the Estate involvement in the village – there are currently 3 sites being considered for development. The Estate are willing to discuss the aspirations of the village, also be willing to discuss options for the future of the school site and its environs, should the consultation outcome advise that the school is to close. It was felt that the Neighbourhood Plan will be an indication of what parishioners want in terms of change
218.22 The formal consultation document notification in respect of the future of Great Gidding School has been displayed on the Village Hall noticeboard since Tuesday 14th March. A note to the online link will be included in the next Gidding News. It has been indicated that the decision will be taken and made known on 28th April.
Should the decision be taken to close the school, a request for Parish Councillors to visit the school will be made to the governors.
Councillor Hodson advised that a number of children moved to other local schools at half term, others will be moving at Easter.
219.22 Neighbourhood Plan group will meet on 22nd March. 3 x residential questionnaires have been compiled, one for each parish, together with a questionnaire for businesses. Printing will take place in April. Online completion will be available too.
An application will be made to Locality (a central Government department) for funding. Clerk has advised that, to comply with this Parish Council’s financial regulations, where any element of cost is over £500, 3 comparative quotes should be obtained.
220.22 Communication with Parishioners:
Spring 2023 Gidding News – a draft was shared at the meeting and, after the suggested changes, this will be sent to printers next week.
221.22 A spreadsheet of the events and activities was shared at the meeting with details of Coronation Weekend. Cllr Hargrave added more information – she and the Clerk will liaise with Pub and Church regarding activities and advertise/promote events.
Cllr Bolton agreed to liaise with the company who quoted for hire of equipment to enable the viewing of the Coronation Concert on Sunday evening, and to check insurance of such equipment.
Parish Council will fund the following:
Hire of television, sound system and other equipment for the Concert (+insurance?)
Giant games for Jubilee Wood event, and stored at the village hall for future use.
Proscecco and fizzy soft drink for the toast to King Charles.
Food for the Concert evening.
Toilet hire for the Jubilee Wood event, + insurance for the weekend.
Cleaning materials for the “Help Out” session on Monday, plus tea/coffee etc
Contribution towards flowers for the Church display
The total cost is estimated at £1500 and would be funded from Section 137 – this was approved by all present.
Events are open to all parishioners, and their visiting guests. Details of the activities will be included on the Gidding News and village website.
“What goes on in Great & Little Gidding parish” –Cllr D’Altillia will continue compilation.
222.22Correspondence received since 21st February 2023:
Cambridgeshire Matters March newsletter, 20mph area applications are open, see 28/2 for forms – details will be forwarded to Councillor Bolton,
1/3 Local Highways surface treatment programme (nearest is Hamerton in May or June), 2/3 Easter holiday provision (poster on noticeboard),
7/3 Think Communities information for Huntingdonshire area – Clerk suggested that, should the school close, this group should be consulted for advice and signposting
13/3 Cambridgeshire Flood Action Programme – report a flood,
c)Huntingdonshire District Council – 23/2 press release, District Council adopts climate change, 10/3 Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding, 10/3 Grant for health activities for older residents,
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 18th October 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Bolton, D’Altilia, Moody, and Maciag, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk. 2 members of the public representing St Michael’s Parochial Church Council (SS and MR) and 1 other (PAH).
115.22 Cllr Hodson welcomed those present to the meeting.
116.22 Apologies were received from:
District Councillor Tim Alban – attending another meeting
Councillor Hargrave – family commitment
117.22 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interest.
118.22 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda:
See item 127.22 and 123.22
119.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th September 2022 were confirmed as a correct record – proposed by Councillor Bolton and seconded by Cllr Macaig
120.22 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Clerk– Remembrance Day wreath is available to be presented at the Church service, the date of which is not yet known.
The autumn issue of Gidding News is now at the printers and will require distribution before the end of October.
The defibrillator has had a software upgrade, been serviced and a new battery installed.
121.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
County Councillor Gardener:
He had met with the Highways Officer, Sharon Middleton, and surveyed footpaths in the Parish. It was felt that the footpath coming up the hill on Main Street required repair, white lining renewed on Main Street also at the Little Gidding junction – these works are likely to take place in 2023/24. Residents in Milking Slade Lane had concerns about signage that had recently been installed as part of the Local Highways Improvement bid, particularly the large 60MPH signs – Cllr Gardener will request these signs be removed.
(Clerk asked for an update on Footpath No 6 – this had not been part of the walk round with the Highways Officer – Cllr Gardener asked that an email be sent to Highways Department).
County Council matters that he advised us of:
Local Highways Improvement bids can be made for the next round of assessment and funding, currently this should not include any 20MPH limits or zones as that will be a separate application later in the year.
Changes to bus services were under consideration, Cllr Gardener has requested that buses travel further to the west of the county, also proposed that TING buses to be increased.
A congestion charge was proposed for Cambridge (including Addenbrookes), to be in force between 7AM and 7PM – £5 per day. Cllr Moody commented that, since the A14 improvements, access to the St Ives Park and Ride/guided bus facility was more difficult from our locality, therefore residents from our part of the county are less likely to use this facility, but travel by car to Cambridge.
There is potentially another Park and Ride to be sited near the M11/A10 junction.
Cllr Gardener left the meeting at 19.48
Cllr Hodson – School governors and clerk to the governors have resigned, followed by the resignation of the head. Another part time head has been appointed. Cllr Hodson has offered to become a governor, Cllr Moody has been asked to become an interim governor.
Cllr D’Altilia – the text messaging service is now available for use (an article on the Autumn issue of Gidding News gives details of this service and how to sign up).
122.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statement for Parish Council account had been shared prior to the meeting
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for August (25.5 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (897)
Grass cutting of Rec Field
199.32
33.22
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (733)
Payment missed/failed in August
199.32
33.22
JRT
Paid outside of meeting to Chris Knott Insurance
Insurance for allotments
80.00
~
JRT
Cambridgeshire County Council
LHI bid contribution
953.96
~
JRT
The following are Village Hall/Defibrillator account payments
A Clark
VH cleaning
32.50
~
JRT
Replacement battery
Defibrillator
160.00
~
JRT
Clerk’s working hours for September – total of 29 – Approved
Budget for 2023/24 – figures were discussed, see attached spreadsheet.
e) Proposal was made to increase the precept for 2023/24 by 5% –
2 vote for, 3 against – the precept will remain at £11,052.
After discussing and setting the budget for 2023/24, it was evident that there would be a need to use Parish Council reserves in the next financial year. A future issue of Gidding News will inform Parishioners that the Parish Precept has not increased this year, but it is likely (at the meeting held on 15th November 2022, it was agreed that this should be altered to “possible that we will have to increase …”) that we will have to increase it next year 2024/25.
123.22 Neighbourhood Plan – Cllr Macaig and PAH (member of the public) advised that the meeting held on 11th October was attended by 2 representatives from Winwick (Parish Meeting) and 1 from Hamerton (Parish Meeting). An outline of the potential and requirements were presented on slides, discussion followed, and the representatives will go back to their respective parishes and discuss and consult with their parishioners. The next meeting will be held on 23rd November when Winwick and/or Hamerton will advise if they will join this Parish, thereafter a revised application will be made to Huntingdon District Council.
124.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters –
a) telecommunications mast and base station – Brights Lodge, Luddington ITB. All correspondence had been forwarded to Parish and District Councillors on 7th October, only 14 days consultation period was permitted. A copy of the letter sent by the Parish of Hemington, Luddington and Thurning had been shared with Councillors. After discussion, it was felt that the proposed site was too far out of this Parish, also in the next County, and therefore a letter indicating that we have no observations either for approval or objections would be sent to the “developer”.
b) Received 20th September 2022
Proposal: Rear, side and front extension. Replacement of existing Garage/Annexe with Proposed Double Garage and Annexe Site Address: 62 Main Street Great Gidding Huntingdon Reference: 22/01954/HHFUL
Deadline – 11th October 2022 – case officer, Kevin Simpson has granted an extension of time.
Proposal approved as it meets criteria set out in LP9, LP11, LP14 and LP34.
125.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
126.22 LHI bid for 2023/2024 – process will open on 31st October 2022 for bids to be made – discussion will be held at the November meeting.
127.22 SS and MR attended the meeting as representatives of St Michael’s Parochial Church Council. They advised of the Deanery Development Plan which tasked them with identifying the future of the Church, both as a building and a village “organisation”. Currently the weekly congregation is 3 or 4, more for special services, and supported by a team of volunteers. They requested to have questions included in the Neighbourhood Plan to assist them with forecasting the ideas and expectations of residents, and Councillors agreed this would be a welcome addition to the Plan. PAH, representing the Neighbourhood Plan group, asked that they submit questions via the Clerk.
Cllr Hodson requested they submit written ideas and options for the Church, for example if it becomes a redundant building. Clerk was requested to make enquiries about who is responsible for the graveyard and its upkeep were the building to become redundant.
SS and MR left the meeting.
128.22 Recreation Ground:
MUGA – Cllrs Moody and Hargrave have prepared a report on funding possibilities – this will be discussed at the November meeting
131.22 Correspondence received since 20th September (BOLD type are those items that may be of interest to this Parish Council) :
a) NALC newsletters – dated 21/9 and 30/9 and 12/10, 23/9 Energy Bill Relief Scheme, 27/9 and 4/10 NALC events, 5/10 and 7/10 newsletter,
b) Neighbourhood Alert – email dated 20/9 and 3/10 and 11/10 latest news from the Courts, 22/9, 24/9, 26/9 Police recruitment, 26/9 Crime and Community Survey (closes 26th October), 27/9 anti-social behaviour, 30/9 Energy Bill scams, 30/9 community first aid, 2/10 contact details, 3/10 and 11/10 newletter, 5/10 event celebrating diversity on 14th December, 6/10 report, 11/10 Neighbourhood Watch, 13/10 ECOPS update,
d) CAPALC email dated – 14/10 warm spaces and NALC webinars, monthly newsletter forwarded to Councillors.
e) Cambs CC email dated 26/9 Huntingdonshire Transport strategy, 30/9 Cambridgeshire Matters update, 6/10 Highways event re. traffic management,13/10 street lighting attachments and licensing,
f) Hunts DC email dated 20/9 Climate Change Strategy and 23/9, 27/9 fly tipper proscecution, 28/9 Diabetes Scheme, 28/9 Stukeleys Neighbourhood Plan submission, 30/9 Warm Spaces initiative, 3/10 District Council meetings streamed online, 4/10 Hinchingbroke Park Play equipment, 4/10 Planning Blitz information, 12/10 Pre-application Planning advice,12/10 warm space update (Clerk has registered the Village Hall as a potential Warm Hub with Huntingdonshire District Council), 13/10 Council motion on Cost of Living and Climate Change, 13/10 Town and Parish Forum online event on 17 October 2022 12:00-14:00,
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 22/9, 29/9, 6/10, 13/10
h) Royal British Legion – Remembrance Sunday – wreath and poppies
i) 29/9 Cambs Acre newsletter, 29/9 Biffa Community Fund and banking for community buildings,
j) 2/9 East Anglian Air Ambulance – clothing bank request for site
k) 2/9 National Grid Gas – pipeline information
l) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough update 21/9 – roadshow dates, 3/10 bus service, 11/10 Local Transport feedback,
m) 7/10 Allied Westminster – insurance requirements for Village Halls used as Warm Hubs
n) Email 11/10 SportsCourtsUK – includes MUGA courts
o) Email dated 13/10 – Fens Reservoir Project information
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 20th September 2022
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Bolton, D’Altilia, Moody, Hargrave and Maciag, and the Clerk.
095.22 Chairman’s Welcome
096.22 Apologies were received from:
County Councillor Gardener – ill health
District Councillor Alban – attending other meetings
097.22 There were no members declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
098.22 No members of the Public or Press were present
099.22 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th August 2022 were confirmed as a correct record – Proposed by Cllr Macaig, seconded by Cllr Hargrave.
100.22 There were no Matters arising from those Minutes.
101.22 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk – Allotment renewal notices have been sent out by email and/or hand delivered.
Cllr Macaig has refurbished the bench and, it was agreed by all, has made a splendid job of it.
Cllr Hargrave wished to thank the resident who has planted up and looks after the village sign planters and tubs at the Village Hall – Clerk will pass this on.
Cllr Hodson advised that the School had a full time Head until January.
102.22 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account (it would appear the Bank Statement did not scan, Clerk will email to Councillors)
b) PAYMENTS – online payments in respect of the following were approved by Cllrs Hodson and Moody:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for July (30 hours)
Xxx
~
JRT
Bradgate Ground Maintenance (844)
Grass cutting of Rec Field
199.32
33.22
JRT
CAPALC Invoice no 3536 (KM)
Training session for
75.00
NIL
JRT
Clerk’s working hours for August – total of 25.5 approved
Clerk’s annual appraisal – copies given to Councillors.
103.22 Neighbourhood Plan – A provisional date for a standalone meeting will be set and Winwick representatives invited to attend, Hamerton& Steeple Gidding to be informed too.
104.22 Planning Applications and Planning matters –
a) Received by email on 26th August 2022
Proposal: Access paths, ramps and doors for Little Gidding Church. Site Address: St Johns Church Access Road To Ferrar House From Church Lane Little Gidding Reference: 22/01753/FUL
Decision required by 17th September 2022 – extension requested on 26/8/2022, Lewis Collins, Senior Development Management Officer until 23 September 2022
Councillors studied the associated documents for this application and felt that it met the following criteria – LP9, LP11, and LP34 but remarked that they would like to see a drawing/photograph of the proposed door to the Oratory before making a final comment.
b) Planning Decision Spreadsheet – used for the first time to assess the planning application
c) a planning application has been received on the afternoon of the meeting, an extension of time will be requested.
105.22 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk:
Councillor Training (online via ZOOM)
Councillor Hargrave to attend the training session on 8th October
Tuesdays – 11/18/25 October are available
106.22 Cllr Moody’s feedback on her training session. As other Councillors have advised after attending training sessions, it would be useful to have bulletpoint notes associated with each section, prior to the session, as it there was insufficient time to make notes and understand the content at times.
107.22 Parochial Church Council members to discuss Church matters (their attendance has been postponed to the October meeting). Cllr Bolton asked for this matter to be considered and there followed a long discussion regarding Church support, financialand otherwise.
108.22 Recreation Ground:
MUGA – Cllrs Moody and Hargrave have identified a couple of possible funding options and will make further enquiries. Cllr Moody suggested that the next issue of the Gidding News should advise that resident’s engagement and opinions will be required to take this forward, and that the facility will be for all ages and abilities
109.22 Cllr D’Altilia’s research on a messaging service between Parish Council and residents. He produced a comparison spreadsheet of companies, costs and facilities and the decision by Councillors was use the Firetext messaging service. Cllr D’Altilia will set this up and parishioners will be invited to join the service via the next Gidding News, followed up by a leaflet to each household.
110.22 Cllr D’Altilia shared the designs he has created for logo/coat of arms for Parish Council to be included in Parish News, with a request for Parishioners to vote on their preferred option.
111.22 Gidding News (Autumn 2022 issue) – additions and amendments were made (see 108.22 and 109.22) and a reminder about the Tuesday coffee mornings added.
112.22 Correspondence received since 16th August:
a) NALC newsletters – dated 17/8, 19/8, 23/8, 24/8, 26/8, Parish Online (not sure if this is part of NALC), 2/9, 7/9, 9/9
b) Neighbourhood Alert – email dated 16/8, 22/8, 30/8, 5/9, 6/9 Latest from the Courts, 16/8 Could you work without your tools, 17/8 hoax calls to 999, 22/8 Podcast, catching a paedophile, 23/8 Ecops online reports, 26/8 re. podcast on neighbourhood Policing, 29/8 info about live webchat, 30/8 Ram raids, 5/9 Street Harassment, 7/9 Podcast – the law has changed, 7/9 Energy rebate scams,
d) CAPALC email dated –
e) Cambs CC email dated 16/8 The Library Presents booklet, 24/8 Think Communities newsletter, 31/8 Cambridgeshire Matters, 6/9 Highways Community Gritting Scheme request for volunteers, 6/9 Transport Strategies Stakeholder Engagement Report, various road closures within the County between 1/8/2022 and 1/1/2024 – includes Main Street, Great Gidding – signs will be erected prior to closures.
f) Hunts DC email dated 16/8 Parish Forum meetings for Chair and Clerk, 17/8 Litterminimisation – litter pickers wanted, 19/8 draft masterplan for market towns, 15/9 Warm Spaces scheme (Clerk proposed that initially the alternate week coffee mornings could provide this “space”, and be monitored for future requirements).
g) Economic Development Huntingdonshire DC invest@huntingdonshire.gov.uk – weekly Business News – email dated 26/8, 2/9
i) District Councillor Tim Alban forwarding link to Great Gransden Neighbourhood Plan consultation.
j) 2/9 East Anglian Air Ambulance – clothing bank request for site
k) 2/9 Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough update
l) 7/9 invitation to:
Event : Colne Jubilee Woodland
Date : 27/09/22 Time : 11.30am – 2.30pm.
Place : Entrance via : Colne Village Hall, East Street, Colne, PE283LZ
m) 8/9 Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – various emails from Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council, CAPALC, NALC, Cambs Acre and others
n) 15/9 Anglian Water Fen Reservoirs project – information, but sites not announced
If you wish to see items of correspondence or obtain the links to online surveys, please contact the Parish Clerk.
113.22 Items for next meeting:
Remembrance wreath and attendance at Church Service
Parish Precept for 2023-24 – consideration of any changes required.
Planning application
Neighbourhood Plan
114.22 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th October 2022
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
The latest edition of Gidding News, PLUS a description of the designs for the Coats of Arms – which would do you choose (EMAIL ggparishcouncil@outlook.com or post your vote through the Parish Office letterbox
