If you would like to comment on any item, email the council at contact@empinghamcouncil.org.uk , or use the Contact Form on the Making Contact page.
PUBLIC MEETING
Rutland County Council's 'Local Development Framework - Site Allocations and Policies' document (Thursday 3rd November at 7pm - Audit Hall)
A public meeting has been arranged for Thursday 3rd November 2011 at 7pm, in Audit Hall, to discuss Rutland County Council's 'Local Development Framework - Site Allocations and Policies' document.
It sets out the key polices and the amount of new development to be provided in Rutland in the period 2012 - 2026, most of this being allocated to the towns and larger villages. The consultation document also shows specific sites that have been put forward to Rutland County Council by landowners and others through the "Call for Sites" consultation in Aug - Sept 2010.
Empingham is defined as a larger village and 10 sites were put forward. Maps showing the sites concerned are available on these links, and are displayed on the Parish Council Noticeboard.
The Parish Council see the Site Allocation and Policies document as an opportunity. There will be a presentation by the Parish Council at the Public Meeting, and a chance for you to comment.
Please join us on Thursday 3rd November 2011 at 7pm, in Audit Hall.
Exhibitions of the key proposals are running in libraries and Rutland County Council Offices, and will continue till 30th November 2011. Comments can also be sent directly to Rutland County Council www.rutland.gov.uk/siteallocations
Empingham Parish Council report on the meeting held on 14th September 2011
At the last Parish Council meeting officers from Rutland County Council gave valuable information on the Local Development Framework, the Site Allocations and Policies document that sets out the key polices and the amount of new development to be provided in Rutland in the period 2012 - 2026 . Exhibitions of the key proposals in libraries and RCC Council Offices are running and will continue till 30th November 2011.
Most of this new development will be allocated in "sustainable" locations in the towns and largest villages which have the best range of facilities and access to public transport. The consultation document shows the sites that have been put forward to Rutland County Council by landowners and others through the "Call for Sites" consultation in Aug - Sept 2010.
Empingham has good facilities and access to public transport and sites have been put forward in the "Call for Sites" by local landowners and others. The Parish Council see the Site Allocation and Policies document as an opportunity. There will be a presentation outlining the comments that the Parish Council will make on your behalf at a Public Meeting arranged for Thursday 3rd November 7 pm at the Audit Hall. Please join us.
Also, comments can be sent using the on-line response form directly to Rutland County Council
www.rutland.gov.uk/siteallocations
Other council business followed: It was agreed to replace the two existing notice boards outside the Medical Centre with a larger three glassed panel board one locked for the Parish Council's use and the two others accessed only by local residents, this will keep the area tidy and display local interest notices.
The recently updated Standing Orders and Terms of reference proposals were accepted with minor changes.
To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee next year the Woodland Trust are offering free trees in their Jubilee Woods Project to Community Projects it was agreed that the Parish Council consider this, more information is required and this would be available at the next meeting.
The meeting was also informed that Empingham Medical Centre would like more people to be part of the Patient Participation Group that was formed a year ago, the medical centre have recently updated and re launched their web site and the opportunity to participate in a survey that will improve patient services can be easily accessed and it is hoped that a wider age group will be reached in this way.
www.empinghammedicalcentre.co.uk
Empingham Parish Council hope that residents will attend the Public meeting on Thursday 3rd November 7 pm and the next Parish Council Meeting Wednesday 16th November at 7.15 pm both in the Audit Hall.
Eileen Ray
Chairman Empingham Parish Council
Empingham Parish Council report on the meeting held on 13th July 2011
Empingham Parish Council met on 13th July in the Audit Hall. Questions were raised during the public question time about the footpath in Gunnell Lane and the speeding of traffic through the village. Recently work has been done on the footpath to try and rectify the wet condition caused by a spring. It was agreed after some discussion about concern over the speed of traffic through the village that the Parish Council look again into the best way to collect the evidence that is needed to ask for police enforcement in this.
It was reported that the Village Hall committee have decided to survey the village about the future of the hall, the information gathered will give an indication as to the best way forward and gage the amount of village support for the refurbishment that the Hall needs and the committee are preparing to undertake.
New parish councillors reported that the recent members training they had attended had been very informative and helpful.
A new notice board to replace the one in Main Street was discussed, the Finance & Administration Committee will have the final recommendation to bring to the next meeting.
The Financial report and 2010/11 Accounts were accepted and signed off.
The Village Front Garden Competition results were announced,
LARGE GARDEN 1st Mr John & Mrs Stephanie Chapman, 15b. Nook Lane.
2nd Ian Wood & Lizzy Nichol, Daisy Cottage, 40, Main Street.
3rd Mr Nick & Mrs Annette Holmes, 33, Willoughby Drive.
SMALL GARDEN 1st Mr Bob & Mrs Elizabeth Beswick, Honey Cottage, Crocket Lane.
2nd Mr Neil & Mrs Janet Newton, Old School, Audit Hall Road.
3rd Mr John & Mrs Christine Fitzpatrick, 22, Crocket Lane.
Thanks were expressed to both Camilla Saunders and Kate Neal for judging the gardens, the gardens were judged during May/June. This year the awards will be presented at the Village Garden Club‘s Autumn Show which will take place in the Audit Hall on Sunday 28th August.
The tree Warden reported that various trees are in need of attention and this work will be completed soon, a small dead tree has been replaced. It was also noted that there are many overhanging trees and hedges that are impeding the safe use of the footpath. A letter will be sent to these properties asking residents to ‘cut back' where necessary making it safe again for pedestrians, those using wheelchairs or pushing pushchairs.
New Goal Posts have been installed in the Playing field thanks to a generous grant of £1,000 from Cory Environmental Trust.
Both Ward Councillors Gale Waller and Kenneth Bool attended, and gave helpful advice on various points including the Localism Bill, Parish Council Forum and the future of the Audit Commission.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday 14th September 7.15 pm at the Audit Hall.
Eileen Ray
Chairman Empingham Parish Council.
Empingham Parish Council report on the meetings held on 11th May 2011
Empingham Parish Council held the first meeting of the new council on 11th May in the Audit Hall. Eileen Ray was again elected unanimously as Chairman and Camilla Saunders as Vice Chairman. The chairman welcomed the return of Margaret Pollard and six new councillors, Jonathan Corby, Philip Ecclestone, David Duffin, Neil Johannessen, Vic Pheasant and Peter Rule who was co-opted during the meeting.
With the appointments of the Tree Warden Colin Glazebrook and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Neville Doughty, Standing Committees and Working Groups, the business was concluded and the Annual Parish Meeting followed.
The Chairman welcomed members of the public, Ward member Mr Ken Bool and guest peakers for the evening Insp. Monks on Policing issues and David Bamford from the First response scheme.
It was reassuring to hear from Insp. Monks that the statistics showed that Rutland had very low incidents of crime especially in Empingham. David Bamford speaking about his experiences as a First responder thanked the Parish Council again for providing the funds for purchasing the necessary equipment that was needed he also reminded us that although Ketton and Empingham are now covered by this scheme more volunteers are needed in other areas.
The Chairman‘s report reminded the meeting of the many achievements of the parish council over the past years and the many benefits to the village of the dedication and service of parish councillors. Thanks were expressed to Roger Corby who has recently retired from the parish council after 32 years of service. Roger was presented with a framed photograph, taken by local photographer David Harris. Also present were past Chairs, and they were presented with Chairman‘s badges in recognition of their leadership and dedication – Roger Corby (1982-85); Pat Heath (1985-88); Rick Simmons (1988-91); Peter Baker OBE (1991-99) and Peter Margerison (1999-2003).
The future of our red telephone box was again discussed. The hidden costs of maintenance were noted and after listening to a list of ideas from Emma Rawlings it was agreed that the parish council would encourage Emma to lead this project.
The next meeting of the Parish Council is on Wednesday 13th July at 7.15 pm in the Audit Hall.
Eileen Ray
Chairman Empingham Parish Council.
REPORT FROM EMPINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WED 17.3.11
Empingham Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 17th March was very well attended and the meeting opened with questions from the floor.
Village Hall, Audit Hall. A deputation from the Village Hall committee asked for financial support from the Parish Council towards the refurbishment of the Village Hall, after the plans for the hall were discussed the Parish Council agreed in principle to support the committee in this and they were asked come back to the Parish Council when detailed plans for a refurbishment scheme of the Hall were to hand.
Speed Reactor Signs. Both signs are in need of repair and this has been reported to the Highways department Rutland County Council.
The Millennium Sign. A satisfactory quote has been accepted for the work to be carried out.
Parish Council Elections. The recent meeting to encourage people to stand for the Parish Council elections was well attended and some interest was shown. The closing date for nomination papers to be handed in is mid-day Monday 4th April and we are looking forward to a full Council of nine councillors after the Election on May 5th.
Planning Matters. One of the planning issues discussed was the Proposed Wind Farm at Woolfox, however, at this stage the planning application is for a temporary meteorological mast. A single mast approximately 80 m high, this will enable SSE Renewables to gather the wind data needed to determine whether it is a suitable site for a wind farm . It was agreed not to object to the temporary metrological mast and the Parish Council did not feel that their decision was indicative of any later decision that would be made to either oppose or support the wind farm.
Neighbourhood Watch Report. The coordinator was pleased to report that very few incidents had occurred. All of which had been outside the village.
Playing field. Since the removal of the five aside football posts it has been decided by the working group to replace them with junior size football goal posts and a grant has been applied for to cover the cost of purchase and installation of these.
Empingham’s Ancient Turret Clock. An interesting discussing about this turret clock that has been housed in Stamford Museum since 1895 when it was removed from St. Peter’s church tower and replaced by the present day clock. The clock had been built in 1686 and is one of the earliest known pendulum clocks in Britian, built only 21 year after Galileo invented the pendulum and revolutionised clock making. Because Stamford Museum is closing, the Parish Council are negotiating with Oakham Museum to house it there.
Date of the next Parish Council meeting and the Annual Parish Meeting will be held at the Audit Hall, first meeting of the new Council 7 pm followed by the Annual Parish Meeting at 8 pm. Wednesday 11th May.
Eileen Ray.
Woolfox Wind Farm
All households will have received the leaflet from SSE about their proposal for a wind farm sited partially on the old airfield behind Woolfox Depot and thus within the parish. Many residents will have visited the recent exhibition at Greetham Golf Club.
Residents of the parish should not think that, because the site is some distance from the village, that we will be only marginally effected.
SSE's publicity material states:
'If a wind farm is developed at Woolfox, the electricity generated will be fed into the national grid . . . Electrical connections between the wind turbines will be made via underground cable to an on-site substation compound housing a single storey building. From this control building a connection would be made via a cable running to the substation at either Oakham or Empingham.'
Empingham would seem to be the most likely choice. This would require either a buried cable or overhead line to be provided across the parish, to the electrical sub-station on Bunkers Hill. The works involved would be substantial and potentially disruptive and, should an overhead line be used, the line of pylons would be a permanent addition to our skyline.
The Empingham Parish Council has yet to decide how it will proceed but must ensure it does so in an objective manner. In the meantime you may wish to look at two of the many websites that address wind farms generally;
EPAW – European Platform Against Windfarms
The Parish council has been asked to respond to a planning application for an investigatory 80metre-high tower, to be erected at the proposed Woolfox Depot site. To see full application details follow this link:
This matter is on the agenda for the March 16th council meeting.
As discussed in the 12th January meeting (see report below), council proposes to encourage people to stand for election in May, and will be holding an 'open day' when you will be able to ask questions. You will find some general information about councils and councillors on the 'Parish Councillors' page of the website and further information will be posted in due course.
Items of current/recent interest:
Report on the Empingham Parish Council Meeting 12th January 20111
At the 12th January meeting, council set the budget for next year (2011-12) and a precept of £15,000. This will translate to the parish council's portion of council tax being about £32.94 for a Band D dwelling (currently national average is £44.55, East Midlands £47.96).
The meeting opened at 7.15pm with the usual formalities, including acceptance of the minutes for the 3rd November meeting (report on that meeting below). The occasion was poorly attended and consequently there were no Public Questions.
Several on-going items were addressed. The Mill Lane bridge item was closed, the necessary alterations having been made. The provision of grit bins generated a wide discussion. Six grit bins are now sited in the village and it was reported that there had been unauthorised removal of grit from some bins. It was noted that some parish councils have financed their own local gritting and snow/ice clearance this winter. This was thought to be an option for the new council to consider.
A report and recommendations on the preservation of the red telephone kiosk on Audit Hall Road had been held over from the 3rd November meeting, pending further comment from Mr. N. Johanessen, a published expert on telephone kiosks. He gave evidence to the council on the results of his research into the Empingham kiosk. He was of the opinion that there were no reasons of uniqueness or historical value that would justify the cost of the council 'adopting' the kiosk. Nonetheless, council decided that the recommendation in the report not to adopt would be set aside and the matter would be placed on the agenda for the next Annual Parish Meeting. This would provide a further opportunity for the community to be informed about the various options and costs of 'adoption' and to consider the alternative. The report referred to above can be found on the 'Current Matters' page.
It was reported that the Audit Hall Honours Board had been brought up to date, and that the Millennium Sign renovation is awaiting the receipt of further quotations. There then followed a debate on the proposed budget for the year 2011-2012, which will support the activities of the new council to be elected in May.
The precept for 2011-2012 was set at £15,000. a small increase to offset any cut in grants from the county council (for grass-cutting and cemetery maintenance). A detailed budget report will be found in the 'What we spend and how we spend it' page of the Freedom of Information section.
The current council now has several vacancies, which has made it difficult to get things done. The council is concerned to ensure that the May election is a proper exercise in democracy, leading to an elected nine-person council. To this end, a £250 expenditure on encouraging people to stand for election was approved. This would include provision of information, perhaps by way of meet-your-council occasions, posted notices, and support in the registration process. Every elector is asked to consider serving their community by standing for election.
Various planning applications were reviewed (all planning applications can be viewed by way of the links on the websites of both the Empingham parish council and the County council).
It was reported that Mr. I. Bland's resignation as cemetery caretaker had been accepted and he was thanked for his service. Quotations for the commercial provision of caretaker services will be sought from local firms.
£157 had been received from fund-raising activities for the playfield. The five-aside goal posts had needed to be dismantled because of corrosion and consideration will be given to purchasing a new set. There are sufficient funds ring-fenced for the playfield to do this.
Mr. N. Doughty, the Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, said there were no new incidents to report – all noteworthy incidents are posted on the council website – but he suspected that there had been further thefts of heating oil, judging by slicks seen on roads. The clerk reported that the bench on Bunkers Hill, which had been wrecked by vandals, will be replaced but at the cost of the first £250, and of our no-claims bonus at next renewal.
Mr. C. Glazebrook, Tree Warden, reported on the pollarding of the Crocket Lane sycamore, which will take place on 24th and 25th January. Because of the poor state of the tree, normal lopping methods would be unsafe and a vehicle with an extendable platform will be used (this might result in the temporary blocking of Crocket Lane). Mr. Glazebrook also reported that someone had dumped salt, presumably intended for spreading on the roads, at the foot of a mature tree on the green space adjacent to the Millennium sign. This could well be fatal to the tree, as has happened in similar cases. The Highways Department removed the salt but it will only be seen later in the year whether or not the tree has sustained injury.
The date of the next council meeting was set for 16th March at 7.15pm and this meeting was closed at 9.30pm.
This report is not the official minutes nor does it purport to be a verbatim account of the proceedings.
Report on council meeting 3rd November 2010
The meeting, which opened at 7.15pm, was poorly attended and consequently there were no Public Questions. The minutes of the 22nd September meeting were approved and then business moved on to consider several on-going matters.
A modification to The Mill Lane bridge ('Bailey' bridge over the Guash) will be carried out in December by RCC. This refers to the over-hang of the foot plate at the south end.
Revised Standing Orders, which had been pre-circulated to members, were approved and will now govern the conduct of council business. They will be posted on the council website in due course (www.empinghamcouncil.org.uk).
Councillor M. Nason submitted his report (currently posted on the website) on the adoption of the red telephone kiosk.. He advised council that Mr Johannessen, a published expert on telephone boxes, had made contact having read the posted report, giving his opinion that a full survey should be carried out on our kiosk, to determine its historical significance. It would seem that Mr Johannessen will be able to carry out such a survey in a few weeks’ time and accordingly the report was deferred to the January meeting.
Other matters were: the second stage of the renovation of the Millennium sign has been further delayed because the quotations obtained were not sufficiently detailed (new quotations will be asked for); the Honours Board in Audit Hall will be updated; council has responded to the RCC Core Development Strategy, specifically the Site Allocation part, and this item is discharged from future agendas.
Empingham now has four fully trained Community First Responders who are attached to the Ketton Community First Responders Group. It was agreed that the Parish Council would donate towards the cost of providing a defibrillator and other equipment to be housed in Empingham.
Various planning matters were discussed. Applications can be viewed on the RCC Planning site (link available on Empingham council website). Items of general interest were:
1. The proposed pollarding of the sycamore tree on Crocket Lane was discussed. It was generally felt that the remaining 3-metre-high stump would be unsightly. Accordingly RCC will be asked to remove the tree entirely.
2. The proposed siting of a telecommunications street cabinet, on Nook Lane adjacent to the BT telephone exchange access gate, was discussed. It was the view of council that, given the large open area inside the BT compound, there was no need to place the cabinet in public space.
3. A retrospective planning application is in hand for the renovation of the War Memorial. The actual work should be completed in time for a dedication ceremony on 11th November.
It was also reported that the removal of the unwanted spoil in the cemetery is in hand, awaiting the availability of certain equipment; and that £230 was received from fund-raising activities for the playing field, £140 from the recent ‘Car Wash’ and £90 contributed by the Girls' Night Out group. Also, two memorial benches have now been installed in the playing field, given by Peter & Maggie Gover and Jean Hammond and family. An annual safety inspection of the playing field was carried out by a nominated company, and only a few minor low-risk matters were noted
The Tree Warden, Mr. Colin Glazebrook, drew council's attention to a number of items. The beech trees adjacent to the sub-station on Willoughby Drive (near the medical centre) are shedding branches and will be attended to by RCC. The Crocket Lane sycamore and its future was re-visited (see report on the Current Matters page of the website).
The Allotments agenda item will be closed (see report on the Current Matters page). Finally, the siting and use of new grit bins in the village were discussed. It was agreed that the bins were provided for use by anyone, who would use their own discretion as to how and when to use them.
The date for the next meeting was set for 12th January and the meeting was closed.
This report is NOT the official Minutes nor does it purport to be a verbatim account.
Cemetery
The report on the council meeting on 14th July (see below) refers to tidying-up in the cemetery. Repairs have now been carried out to the front wall and further renovation works in the cemetery are in hand.
