DNP Working Group minutes 11th February 2020

May 15, 2021 | Minutes Archive

DNP Working Group minutes 11^th February 2020

4.30 pm Desford Library

In Attendance: Colin Crane, Judy Sharpe, Martyn Randle (chair), Pat Crane

Apologies: Bernard Grimshaw, David Crocker, Gary Kirk, Jim Houghton, Scott Wakefield

1. Welcome: Martyn welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologies to be listed.

Judy reported that she had received an email from Terry Robinson stating that he would no longer be attending DNPWG meetings as the Peckleton Lane Planning Appeal was now complete. She said that she had replied to the email thanking Terry for his interest and contributions.

2. Minutes of last meeting / matters arising:

The minutes were approved as a true record and signed by Martyn.

3. Declaration of Interest:

There were no declarations of interest.

4. Chairman’s Report:

Martyn reviewed the current position of the DNP, stating that it was currently being consulted upon by HBBC. He noted that Bernard had circulated an email stating that he had received a formal receipt for the Regulation 15 plan, as had the PC clerk .He also mentioned that he had circulated two documents that he had received from Fran about climate proofing neighbourhood plans and everyday heritage.

5. Treasurer’s Report:

Martyn said that Bernard had stated in his email that there was no change in the financial situation from his previous report. Pat noted that Bernard had asked the PC clerk whether he needed to produce an end of year financial report.

6. Communication Officer’s Report:

Bernard had sent an email, which had been covered by Martyn in the Chairman’s report. It was agreed that the DNPWG were happy for Bernard to be one of the two named official communication recipients along with the PC clerk.

7. Update on consultation:

Martyn reminded the DNPWG that the HBBC Regulation 15 consultation period was from the 22^nd January to the 4^th March 2020.

Colin asked whether anyone present knew if many people had asked to see the paper copy of the DNP in the library. No one knew of any members of the public beyond those he had already listed. He also mentioned that one of the appendices had disappeared from the box. Pat noted that the posters advertising the consultation were up in the library, on the PC noticeboards and on the PC and DNP websites. Colin noted that he had heard from Fran stating that HBBC will consult with NPIERS and that they will provide the names of potential examiners. Gary had previously agreed to offer Desford PC advice on the choice of examiner. He commented that Newbold Verdon had also submitted their NP on the same day as Desford.  Colin surmised that as Gary was a consultant to both Desford and Newbold Verdon NPWGs, it may be that both plans would have the same examiner. It was noted that any responses received about this consultation would be sent by HBBC directly to the examiner.

8. Actions needed to finalise DNP:

Colin noted that after the examiner has agreed the plan it would then need to pass a referendum. This would probably take place in summer 2020. It was thought that a positive vote of more than 50% of the turnout would be needed in order to pass. It was agreed that the referendum would be widely advertised within the parish in order to encourage parishioners to vote. Martyn said that The Graphic had previously printed and delivered flyers / leaflets about the NP on behalf of the DPC/ DNPWG to every household and it was agreed that this would be done again.  Colin stated that the DPC will pay for this, with any areas not covered by The Graphic’s distribution network being done by volunteers. Martyn said that the date of the referendum will depend upon the examiner. Colin said that he would ask Scott to draft a flyer encouraging parishioners to vote in the referendum. Action –Colin

9. Update on CERDA planning refusal appeal

Colin said that it had been announced that the planning permission had been granted at the December DPC meeting by Joyce Crooks.  It was noted that CERDA have 3 years to commence building. Pat commented that the PC planning committee have not yet received the Reserved Matters (detailed application).

10. NP Open Spaces Questionnaire

Pat noted that she, Judy and June Morris (Environment sub group) had met to discuss this questionnaire and fill it in on behalf of the DNPWG. It had been approved by the PC and submitted. An email had been received acknowledging receipt and saying thank you.

11. Web page/ Twitter/ Spotted Desford:

It was noted that there was a link on the DNP website, to the DPC website about the consultation.

12. AOB:

Judy stated that she and Pat had received an email about the possible reopening of the Ivanhoe Railway Line (Leicester to Burton upon Trent) to passenger traffic. Grants have been made available for a feasibility study to take place. It was agreed to advertise this on the DPC and DNP websites. Currently however there is no plan for a station at Desford. Discussion took place and it was agreed that Desford would greatly benefit from a station and possible car parking. Further information can be found at https://ivanhoeline.org/

13. Date of next meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 24^th March at 4.30 pm in the Library.

This is provisional depending upon the progress of the consultation and information about the appointment of the examiner.

Meeting closed 5.05pm.

I confirm this is a true record of the meeting:

Signed……………………………………………………………..   Name……………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………………………

DNP Working Group minutes 4th December 2019

May 15, 2021 | Minutes Archive

DNP Working Group minutes 4^th December 2019

4.30 pm Desford Library

In Attendance: Bernard Grimshaw, Colin Crane, David Crocker,Gary Kirk, Jim Houghton, Judy Sharpe, Martyn Randle (chair)¸ Scott Wakefield, Terry Robinson,

Apologies: Pat Crane

1. Welcome: Martyn welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologies to be listed.

2. Minutes of last meeting / matters arising:

The minutes were approved as a true record and signed by Martyn.

Bernard commented that in the sensitive information section of the 21.11.19 the minutes stated that ‘submission of the DNP to HBBC had been delayed by the current state of purdah for HBBC’ and that this was not strictly true. It was agreed that this should be changed to ‘the progress of the DNP to HBBC had been delayed by the current state of purdah for HBBC’.

3. Declaration of Interest:

Bernard declared an interest as his property is on the Local Heritage List.

4. Chairman’s Report:

Martyn apologised for the lack of a Chairman’s Report at recent meetings. He reported that emails about climate change and biodiversity had been received and circulated and asked whether anything needed to be done about these.  Gary said that nothing needed to be done at present.  However they could be added to the DNP in the future.

5. Treasurer’s Report:

Bernard stated that there was no change in the financial situation from his previous report.

6. Communication Officer’s Report:

Bernard commented that he had received and distributed the emails referred to in the Chairman’s Report.

There had been a NP meeting at County Hall the previous week, but no one from the group had been able to attend.

He also said that Fran from HBBC had sent a checklist submission email which he had circulated.

7. Update on consultation:
8. Actions needed to finalise DNP:

It was agreed to discuss these two items together.

Bernard commented that during the recent appeal he had received a polite request from HBBC requesting that the wording describing the view descriptions in the DNP should be similar. Comments were also made that there were no dates attached to the photos. If this applies to the draft plan rather than the appendices it will need looking at in more detail.  Bernard stated that he had reiterated that the view section had had not been designed for the appeal. Action: Pat and Judy and Environment Group to look at these and amend as necessary.

Gary stated that he had tabulated the responses to the recent consultation and added his draft responses. The responses in black indicated no major change was needed, but those in red needed discussion. The red draft responses were discussed individually and the response agreed by the group. Gary noted these and agreed to amend as necessary. Action: Gary

A number of general points were raised by this discussion.

Gary stated that there had been a lot of criticism that the consultation had only been for 3 weeks.  He said that HBBC had previously stated in a letter that a focused SEA consultation could be 3-4 weeks.  Bernard pointed out that there had only been minor changes to the draft DNP.

Bernard said that at the appeal the housing figure of 163 had been questioned.  However this figure had come from HBBC as the borough share, not from the DNPWG.  Gary said that the DNPWG do not have to justify this figure.

Gary noted that there had been criticism that the preferred site had not been the highest scoring.  It was confirmed by the DNPWG that it was the highest scoring.  He mentioned that developers were scoring their own sites resulting in different outcomes; whereas, to be consistent, all sites have to be scored by the same people, using the same criteria, and that this had been done by the DNPWG.  Colin stated that he had to be comfortable with this consistency as chair of the Parish Council.

Gary clarified that the recent consultation had been done on both the SEA and draft DNP.  This was agreed.

Gary commented that LCC had mentioned biodiversity, but that this was a criticism of the SEA itself.  Bernard said that if the comments improve the draft plan they should be considered.  Gary asked if these should be sent to Ian McClusky.  David said that the SEA report had been done already and that it was unlikely that AECOM would want to change it.  Gary thought that it would be useful for AECOM to see these comments and added that if there are questions about AECOM these could go to Ian McClusky after the 8.1.2020.

Colin stated that he wanted the draft DNP to go to the DPC meeting on the 18.12.19 and if approved be submitted to HBBC on 8.1.2020.

David asked what happened to the responses.  Gary stated they are submitted to HBBC with the draft plan.  They have been collated and do not have to be sent individually.  They are then sent to the examiner.

In relation to the submission of the DNP Gary said that HBBC will do a validation check first to ensure that they have received all the documentation.  This may take 2 weeks or so and will happen before the consultation period can begin.

Gary asked if there were any other changes.  Bernard replied that there were only those that had been previously listed.

David asked whether it was possible to ask for specific types of housing.  Gary stated that this wasn’t possible, although the examiner may comment on this and it could be added into the plan later.

Martyn asked what actions were needed to complete the plan.

Gary replied that the text will need to be updated as previously discussed and the view descriptions need to be discussed by the environment group and any changes incorporated.  Gary said that he would be able to provide a template letter to go with the submitted documents.  In addition to the DNP other documents were required. These include a map of the area, consultation documents including dates of all DNPWG meetings, the basic condition statement, SEA report and the draft minutes of the DPC meeting where the DNP was approved.  Judy reminded the group that Fran had emailed a checklist for this which Bernard had circulated.  Gary said that he would email the updates and check the appendices and hoped to do this before Thursday 12^th in order for the DPC to have time to be able to read the documents before their meeting on 18.12.19. Action: Gary

Bernard reminded the group that HBBC had requested the documents both as hard copy as well as an online version.

David asked whether there was a set time scale for this to take place at HBBC.  Gary replied that it generally took 2 weeks from submission to the start of the consultation process.  HBBC will need to advertise the consultation and distribute the DNP.  They will have to appoint an examiner, which the DPC will need to approve.  Gary commented that he can advise on this if desired.  The examiner may send out queries to the DNPWG via HBBC. These will only be for the purposes of fact checking.  Gary stated that the DNPWG will have to be aware that the examiner will make changes to the DNP.  He stated that it usually takes 6 months from submission to referendum.

9. Update on CERDA planning refusal appeal

Bernard reported that he, Terry and Colin had attended the appeal.  He said that Terry had done a very good job on the traffic section.  However the fact that HBBC does not have a 5 year land supply was a major issue.  He also commented that the landscape man and the two barristers (representing HBBC and CERDA) were very competent.  Bernard said that he was cross examined about the DNP.  He stated that in his opinion the HBBC barrister gave a very good closing submission, however this was destroyed by the CERDA barrister saying that the site should go ahead to help with the HBBC 5 year land supply.

Jim said that he was willing to help in any way. He also offered a vote of thanks to those who had attended the appeal and for all their work previously. This was endorsed by Colin.

Bernard said that he would write an email to Fran about what is happening. Action: Bernard.He also asked whether the DNPWG needed to present the DNP to the DPC at the December meeting.  Colin said that unfortunately there would be a lot to discuss at that meeting, so there was limited time for this.

10. Web page/ Twitter/ Spotted Desford:

Jim stated that all the minutes were on the website apart from the October and November meetings.  It was agreed that these could be done.

11. AOB:

There were no AOB items.

12. Date of next meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 11^th February at 4.30 pm in the Library .

Meeting closed 6.12pm.

I confirm this is a true record of the meeting:

Signed……………………………………………………………..   Name……………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………………………

DNP Working Group minutes 15th October 2019

May 15, 2021 | Minutes Archive

DNP Working Group minutes 15^th October 2019

4.30 pm Desford Library

In Attendance: Bernard Grimshaw, Colin Crane, David Crocker, Judy Sharpe, Pat Crane (chair), Terry Robinson, Scott Wakefield

Apologies: Andrew Norton, Gary Kirk, Jim Houghton, Martyn Randle¸

1. Welcome: Pat welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologies to be listed.

2. Minutes of last meeting / matters arising:

The minutes were approved as a true record and signed by Pat. There were no matters arising.

3. Declaration of Interest:

Bernard declared an interest as his property was on the Local Heritage List.

4. Chairman’s Report:

There was no Chairman’s report.

5. Treasurer’s Report:

Bernard said that he had received an invoice for £1800 from Your Locale, for updating of policies and the finalisation of the submission of DNP. Bernard stated that he would pass this for payment to the PC clerk.

6. Communication Officer’s Report:

Bernard said that he had emailed his report to the group on the 14.10.19.

He stated that had not emailed Nic Green at LCC yet, but that he would now do so.

Bernard reported that he had, had extensive correspondence with HBBC. HBBC and he now agree that it is Regulation 13 of the 2004 regulations which sets the consultation process, because the timing meant that it could not be combined  with the Regulation 14 (2012 regulations). He also thought that if the DNPWG duplicate the Regulation 14 process, there is little chance of legal challenge. HBBC have said that they are not unhappy with a three week consultation period.

7. Update on SEA Report, consultation arrangements:

Bernard stated that all interested parties need to be informed of the consultation before it begins. These include the 4 statutory consultees, land owners and developers and any council that borders Desford Parish. (These are Kirby Muxloe,  Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton, Newbold Verdon, Peckleton and Leicester Forest East PCs and Blaby and Hinckley and Bosworth District Councils.) The letter giving notice of the consultation needs to be signed by the PC clerk.  Bernard said that he didn’t know all of the addresses for these. This was discussed and it was agreed to ask HBBC to circulate the information to those that the DNPWG did not know. It was also noted that a laminated copy publicising the consultation could be placed on a site, if the addressee could not be found. Pat agreed to find the letter from the previous consultation and amend as necessary. Action- Bernard and Pat

Pat thanked Bernard for all his hard work.

The poster publicising the consultation was then discussed. Bernard had drawn up the original poster and Pat had amended it to fit an A4 size. It was agreed to alter the wording to state that the documents could be viewed in Desford Library during normal opening hours. Action –Pat.  Scott asked whether it should include the opening hours of the library. It was agreed that this was not needed.  Judy asked how many copies of the document would be needed. It was agreed that there would be one paper copy each of the DNP, the appendices and the SEA report available. The public would also be directed to the DPC website via the poster on the parish noticeboards and a link on the Desford Vision website, and the DNPWG and DPC facebook pages.  Colin to ask Jenny Crane to upload the documents (latest version of DNP, appendices which also includes SSAs, and SEA report) to the DPC website and to ask Lisa to put a link on the DPC facebook page.  Judy to ask Jim to put a link on the Desford Vision website, and Kaye to put a link on the DNPWG facebook page.  Wording from the first part of paragraph 4 of the poster is to be used. The DPC website would also need a comments form for responses. These would be sent to the DPC clerk. Action- Colin and Judy

A consultation period of Friday the 1^st to Saturday the 23^rd November 2019 was agreed upon. Judy would be available in the library to answer questions on Saturdays 2^nd and 16^th November, Colin on the 9^th and Bernard on the 23^rd. Action-Judy, Colin and Bernard. A comments form and box for responses would need to be provided. It was agreed to amend the previous form.

Action- Pat and Bernard

Bernard asked what happened to the comments at the end of the consultation process. Pat said that she would ask John Preston or Jhanvi at the RCC if they would be willing to collate these. Action-Pat

David offered to contact Derek and Gary that evening, giving the proposed date of the consultation and ask them to clarify the site numbers of the SSAs as there had been some confusion over this. Action- David

Pat suggested that the land owners / developers who had made comments in the previous consultations should be contacted now as a matter of courtesy. Action-Pat

Bernard stated that the final draft of the SEA had not yet been received. However he would inform Ian McClusky of the proposed consultation dates. Action –Bernard

Scott asked who had funded the SEA. Colin stated that it was funded by Locality.

8. Actions needed to finalise DNP:

This had been covered under item 7.

9. Update on CERDA planning refusal appeal

It was agreed that this was sensitive information and should be recorded separately.

10. Web page/ Twitter/ Spotted Desford:

Jim had emailed to say that the DNPWG minutes from December 2015 to the present were on the Desford Vision website. There are 39 sets of minutes. Thanks were expressed to Jim for his work on this.

11. AOB:

There were no AOB items.

12. Date of next meeting:

The date of the next meeting is Thursday 21^st November at 4.30 pm in the Church Centre to focus on the consultation and the CERDA appeal.

A provisional follow up meeting date of Tuesday 3^rd December at 4.30pm in Desford library has also been suggested, to discuss the comments received following the consultation.

Meeting closed 6.05pm.

I confirm this is a true record of the meeting:

Signed……………………………………………………………..   Name……………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………………………

Minutes 7th August 2018

Aug 27, 2018 | Minutes Archive

DNP Working Group minutes 7^th August 2018

7.00pm Desford Library

In Attendance: Andrew Norton, Bernard Grimshaw, Colin Crane, David Crocker, Gary Kirk (YL), Jim Houghton, Judy Sharpe, June Morris, Martyn Randle, Pat Crane, Scott Wakefield, Nic Lockley

Apologies: Ewan Lindsay  

1. Welcome:

Martyn welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked for apologies to be listed

2. Minutes of last meeting / matters arising:

The minutes were discussed and approved as a true record and signed by Martyn accordingly.

Martyn asked if there was any progress in the change of postcode for Neovia. Colin reported that nothing had happened yet but that there was a meeting planned with Neovia on the 20.8.18. Martyn also commented that seemed to be an increase in HGV at the moment. Colin pointed out that this may not all be Neovia related traffic. Pat reminded the group to take the details of the vehicle concerned and time / location of the incident and to report this.

Martyn asked about the traffic survey report. Action- Colin to circulate report to the group.

Martyn asked whether the Vision Statement was currently on the PC or DNPWG website yet.  Jim said that it was not on the DNPWG website. Pat stated that she had not checked the PC website.

3. Declaration of Interest:

Bernard declared two matters of interest. His house is listed in the heritage listings. He also lives near Housing Site AS196 (former fish farm).

4. Chairman’s Report:

Martyn said that there was no Chairman’s Report.

5. Treasurers Report / grant applications:

Bernard stated that £6,000 had been received from Locality for the Housing Survey. £4,800 had been paid to Your Locale which includes VAT.  The VAT can be reclaimed by the PC and does not have to be repaid to Locality. £10,000 had also been received from Awards for All. £3,600 had been paid to Your Locale including £600 VAT.  He said that he thought with the money still available from the PC the group should be OK financially.

David suggested that the group should liaise with the PC clerk to ensure that the reclaimed VAT is returned to the DNPWG.

Gary stated that there may be extra financial and time implications due to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) issue. He explained that once a NP has been finalised a SEA has to undertaken by the borough council.  In most cases a full assessment is not needed. HBBC had originally stated that this was not necessary for Newbold Verdon’s Neighbourhood Plan. However Historic England objected and said it was needed. HBBC have now said that this needs to be undertaken by Newbold Verdon NPWG. This will have a financial implication and lead to a time delay of possibly 6 months. Newbold Verdon PC and NPWG are very concerned about this. Gary said that Your Locale had worked on other NP, where this request by Historic England had been ignored and the NP had been passed. He also explained that funding from Locality can be used for technical support for the SEA. This may have implications for the DNP as there will be fall out from this decision. Gary has a meeting with HBBC on 9.8.18 and will discuss this. Pat commented that Newbold Verdon NP is not the first NP for HBBC. (Market Bosworth NP has already been passed.) Gary said that Your Locale is wondering whether to submit a freedom of information request about this.

6. Communication Officer’s Report:

Bernard stated that a Neighbourhood Plan Cluster meeting had taken place and that Pat had attended.

He had sent a document to Jim for uploading to the website. Bernard had written to John Preston about the SEA screening and consultation exercise that the RCC had done with Newbold Verdon.

7. Discussion of Updated Draft of Neighbourhood Plan

Discussion of the Updated Draft Plan took place. It was agreed that this was sensitive information and was embargoed until the Draft is released for Pre- Submission Consultation.

8. Report on housing meeting with HBBC

Discussion of the housing group meeting with HBBC took place. It was agreed that this was sensitive information and was embargoed until the Draft is released for Pre- Submission Consultation.

9. Publicity / Distribution discussion

David suggested that a report should be put into The Graphic, and other local publications, about what the DNPWG has been doing and what will be happening next. This was agreed.  Action- Scott offered to work with Bernard on this.

Martyn commented that the NP was progressing towards its conclusion and the final part the referendum. Andrew suggested the group should work back from the provisional referendum date to establish opportunities for the DNPWG to engage the parish and encourage them to vote.

Scott asked about the referendum criteria. Gary stated that the referendum has to be held within 2 months of the examination being concluded. HBBC will send out poll cards. In order for the plan to pass over 50% of those who vote need to vote yes. He also commented that the average turnout is 31% and the average yes vote is 90%. He commented that some parishes have had a big banner made to advertise the vote and said that YL were considering doing this.

Gary explained that before the referendum there are still several stages to complete. The Draft Plan has to be approved by the PC and an open event is held. There is a 6 week pre- submission consultation where every comment raised had to be responded to. The plan is then amended by the DNPWG, approved by HBBC and then there is another 6 week consultation period.

Andrew asked whether it was possible to have a rough timescale. Action Gary offered to work out an Indicative Time Chart.

Nic suggested that a banner could be made encouraging people to look at the DNPWG website and keep an eye on what is happening. It could be put up sporadically for example at the Scarecrow Festival. This was agreed and possible content was discussed. Action– Andrew offered to draw up some suggestions and send it to the group for comments. Action – Pat offered to get quotes for the cost.

Bernard asked when the Draft NP should be presented to the PC. Gary suggested this should be when the housing sites have been agreed. Colin commented that 5 members of the PC had attended  the meeting and that the DNP was an agenda item at the PC Planning meetings.

10. Web page / Twitter /Spotted Desford

Pat commented that the minutes and agendas of the DNPWG have not been published on the website since September 2017.  Jim offered to investigate how to do this and speak to Craig if necessary. Action – Judy to send Jim copies of minutes and agendas. Action– Colin will speak to the Parish Council Clerk and ask him to put them on the PC website.

Jim commented that there had been the usual 1 or 2 daily visitors to the website apart from the 1^st and 2^nd of August when there were 46 and 30. He had spoken to Craig about this who thought that it might be a site violation ie someone trying to get in.

11. AOB

Gary commented that he was very busy with meetings in September but he would ask Derek to attend the next meeting as the main focus will be housing.

10. Date of next meeting:

       Tuesday 11^th September 2018 7pm at the library.

Meeting closed.  8.40 pm.

I confirm this is a true record of the meeting:

Signed……………………………………………………………..   Name……………………………………………………………

Date…………………………………………………………………