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WNC : Local Plan Consultation

WNC have published their consultation for their draft local plan – the full notification is below. For a summary and process detail visit here.

The document set is extensive, but the place to start is the Regulation 18 Local Plan document.

This consultation is important as the final local plan will set the primary WNC planning and development policies through to 2041.

WNC says…

“The draft Plan sets out a vision and objectives for the area, its ambitions for new development and commitment to dealing with climate change. The Plan allocates land for housing and employment and contains a series of planning policies for these and many other topics such as leisure, transport, health and wellbeing, infrastructure and the environment, and where development can and cannot take place.”

For instance, potential local impacts in the Regulation 18 Local Plan document include a policy related to 2000 houses to be built on the west side of the A43 north of Moulton (page 118-) and a ring/relief road to the north of Northampton (page 255).

Comments have to be submitted by 2 June. At next week’s meeting, the Parish Council will decide the process by which it will respond.

There are public exhibitions to view the draft plan and ask questions. No appointment is necessary.

LocationAddressDateTime
MoultonMoulton Community Centre, Sandy Hill Ln, Reedings, Moulton, NN3 7AXThursday 18 Aprilbetween 1 and 5pm
DaventryDaventry Leisure Centre, Saxon Suite, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FPTuesday 23 Aprilbetween 2 and 6pm
WoottonWootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill, Wootton, Northampton NN4 6EDThursday 25 Aprilbetween 2 and 7pm
BrackleyThe Old Fire Station Community Room, High Street, Brackley NN13 7DWWednesday 1 Maybetween 2 and 5pm
NorthamptonGrosvenor Centre, Gather Unit, 1st Floor, Northampton, NN1 2EWThursday 2 Maybetween 12 and 5pm

West Northamptonshire Local Plan 2041 

Regulation 18 Draft Consultation – April 2024 

Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 Regulation 18.  

West Northamptonshire Council has prepared its new Local Plan, Regulation 18 Draft, which it proposes to consult upon for a period of eight weeks. 

The Local Plan, Regulation 18 Draft (2024) and supporting documents are being made available for public inspection at locations across West Northamptonshire,

 providing people with the opportunity to make representations for consideration as the plan progresses to its next stage. 

Full details of the consultation can be found here.

The eight-week period of public consultation will commence Monday 08 April 2024 and run to 23:59 to Sunday 02 June 2024. Representations received after this time will not be accepted.  

This notice outlines the documents which are available for inspection, their subject matter and the locations where they can be inspected. It also provides information regarding the process of submitting representations.  

Continue reading “WNC : Local Plan Consultation”
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Annual Parish Meeting : Next Tuesday – what will be discussed?

Someone asked me what is likely to be talked about next Tuesday, 7pm in the Village Hall.

I don’t know, but my guess;

  • road safety – chicanes, speeding, HGVs, future plans;
  • local plan – importance and making comments;
  • Green Hill Solar Farm – impact on Holcot and surrounding area https://greenhillsolar.co.uk;
  • community, ideas for improving life in Holcot; and
  • Whatever attendees want to talk about!

Please come along – full details and agenda are here.

David Walker, Chair

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WNC : Grants – energy efficiency and clean heating

WNC are promoting grants for energy efficiency and clean heating upgrades.

Low-income off-gas households with an annual income of £36,000 or less across West Northamptonshire are urged to find out if they could access essential funding to help them deliver energy efficiency upgrades and install clean heating systems. 
The funding is made possible through the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 funding bid secured by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). Responding to feedback and a thorough review of the program, the Department of Energy and Sustainable Net Zero (DESNZ) has increased the household income threshold to £36,000, up from £31,000, to ensure that more families can benefit from this vital initiative.  

The expanded eligibility criteria are anticipated to increase the number of eligible households by approximately 19% nationally within the scheme. This means more families will have access to the support they need to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty, and contribute to the UK’s Net Zero commitment by 2050. 

WNC is partnered with Agility Eco to be able to offer this scheme to the people of West Northamptonshire this opportunity by arranging and carrying out the improvement assessment and all the retrofit work.  Local installers in each region will guide customers through the application journey, helping them understand and establish eligibility for the scheme.
Continue reading “WNC : Grants – energy efficiency and clean heating”
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WNC : Interested in volunteering at repair cafes?

A message from Emma Parry at WNC regarding volunteering at repair cafes.

From: Emma Parry <Emma.Parry@westnorthants.gov.uk>

Good Morning All

West Northants Council (WNC) plan to host a programme of pop-up repair cafés during June and July within WNC libraries.  They are planned to run between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays. 

The events will be promoted to members of the public who have small broken electrical items e.g., soup maker, hairdryer etc who can bring their item along to see if it can be repaired. 

We are looking for volunteers with suitable skills (and hopefully tools) to come along to the repair cafés to assess and, where possible, repair electrical items brought in by members of the public.

Whilst these events are one-off events, we hope to stimulate interest within local communities for running repair cafés on a regular basis which will help reduce waste and build local community resilience.

Dates and Locations:

Continue reading “WNC : Interested in volunteering at repair cafes?”
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WNC : Fancy joining a key committee?

An opportunity to join WNC’s Audit and Governance Committee. Apply before 8 May.

People with a passion for governance, financial management, and risk assessment are invited to step forward and become independent co-opted members of the West Northants Audit & Governance Committee.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking two dedicated individuals as independent co-opted members to join its Audit & Governance Committee.

The independent members will play an essential role in promoting excellence in governance, risk management, financial reporting, and counter fraud. They will actively participate in Committee meetings and provide independent assurance to the Council’s members, residents, and stakeholders.

These non-voting members will assist in overseeing internal and external audit arrangements, reviewing financial statements and statutory accounts, and assessing the governance, risk management, and control arrangements of the Council.
Continue reading “WNC : Fancy joining a key committee?”
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Annual Parish Meeting : Tuesday 30 April at 7pm

Holcot from the west

Please come along to this year’s Parish Meeting in the Village Hall on Tuesday 30 April at 7pm.

The Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of the electorate. It is an opportunity for the whole Parish to discuss the issues of the day, and celebrate what is great about the Parish of Holcot. It is not a Parish Council meeting – however, it is called by the Chair of the Parish Council. This year’s guests are Sam Simons from WNC Highways, Cllr Mike Warren from WNC, and (to be confirmed) a police officer.

Last year’s minutes are here.

The agenda is below. Hope to see you there.

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WNC : Biodiversity and No Mow May

West Northants Council are promoting No Mow May and environmental awareness.

As we enter the spring and summer months, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is looking at ways it can help promote environmental awareness for the natural environment and gain further understanding on how people locally support national campaigns to enhance biodiversity.
Last year, WNC supported the national campaign run by Plantlife, No Mow May. The Council will again be supporting the campaign this year in May and will be enabling some of the green spaces it looks after to grow wildly for May, where safe and reasonable to do so.

People across West Northamptonshire are being asked to share their views on the national campaign and let the Council know if they take part in these, so that it can gain a better understanding of how West Northamptonshire residents positively impacted biodiversity.

The six-week online engagement will take place from Monday 8 April to Sunday 19 May, and people can have their say here: https://westnorthants.citizenspace.com/cet/no-mow-may
Continue reading “WNC : Biodiversity and No Mow May”
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Local plan consultation : next steps

The Parish Council decided on Monday that they would develop the Council’s response to the local plan at the next meeting – Wednesday 15 May.

Everyone can input to the consultation as described in this post. If you decide to comment directly, please consider letting the Parish Council have a copy of your comments by emailing Ruby.

Starting tomorrow WNC are holding public events as follows – just turn up.

LocationAddressDateTime
MoultonMoulton Community Centre, Sandy Hill Ln, Reedings, Moulton, NN3 7AXThursday 18 Aprilbetween 1 and 5pm
DaventryDaventry Leisure Centre, Saxon Suite, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FPTuesday 23 Aprilbetween 2 and 6pm
WoottonWootton Community Centre, Curtlee Hill, Wootton, Northampton NN4 6EDThursday 25 Aprilbetween 2 and 7pm
BrackleyThe Old Fire Station Community Room, High Street, Brackley NN13 7DWWednesday 1 Maybetween 2 and 5pm
NorthamptonGrosvenor Centre, Gather Unit, 1st Floor, Northampton, NN1 2EWThursday 2 Maybetween 12 and 5pm

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Parish Council vacancy

cropped holcot parish council logo cmyk jpeg.jpg

After 15 years of service, Phil Scordellis has resigned as a Councillor.

At yesterday evening’s meeting the Parish Council thanked Phil for his service and dedication.

As a consequence the Parish Council has a vacant seat. The Statutory notice is below. If after 7 May no election is requested, the Parish Council will be free to co-opt.

If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, please see this post for information and background.

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Free Mature Drivers Roadshow – 7th May 2024 – Rushden

An opportunity for drivers aged 60+ to get free help and guidance supported by the police and Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance.

Are you a mature driver (aged 60+)?  Live in Northamptonshire?  Rely on being able to drive? 

This FREE roadshow is for you! Driving is an important part of our everyday life and we (Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA)) are keen to help to keep mature drivers driving safer for longer. 

Our driving ability to drive changes over time for different reasons, especially as we get older. It’s important that we recognise whether and how our driving is changing so we can stay safe and protect both ourselves and those around us. 

This Mature Drivers Roadshow is aimed at drivers 60+, and will cover all different aspects of driving. There will be a short talk and then plenty of time to meet informally with our many stand holders.

Free advice will be available on car adaptions, eyesight, how your prescription medications may affect you, and much more. There will be FREE hints and tips drives available to book, delivered Northampton Advanced Motorists. Our aim is to keep mature drivers driving safer, for longer.

Book your Free tickets via Universe https://www.universe.com/mature-drivers-rushden-2024

The event is being held at The Goods Shed, 227 John Clark Way, Rushden NN10 0AW  (what3words.com/minority.mows.interrupt) with two sessions, 9.30am and 1.00pm.
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WNC : Support available to help local businesses foster innovation

A message from WNC regarding grants for businesses.

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Grants of up to £20,000 are available from the University of Bedfordshire to local businesses as part of a new programme launched by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to deliver business support, growth and innovation in the region.
The initiative seeks to forge pathways to innovation while fostering a dynamic business ecosystem that fuels local pride, skill enhancement, and the expansion of employment opportunities, with £325,000 in funding available as part of the support package.

As part of this comprehensive programme, the University will deliver business growth initiatives, including activities designed to empower businesses with innovation and technological support, enhancing their productivity and competitiveness. From fully-funded participation in short courses to personalised 1-2-1 consultancy sessions with industry experts, businesses will receive tailored support to address their unique needs.Funded by £625k of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF), a central part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, this project marks a strategic investment in local businesses operating within the West Northamptonshire region. Building upon the successful outcomes of previous partnerships, this venture is poised to deliver tangible results in business innovation and support.

Find out more about the business support available through this programme via the University’s Research & Innovation Service.
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WNC : PFCC candidates

A message from WNC regarding candidates for the role of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

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Candidates have been announced today for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election due to take place in Northamptonshire next month.
On Thursday, 2 May voters across Northamptonshire will go to the polls to elect their Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. The Council has today published a Statement of Persons Nominated listing all individuals who will be standing for the election.

They are: 
Martyn Emberson – Conservative and Unionist Party
Ana Gunn – Liberal Democrats
Danielle Stone – Labour and Co-operative Party

The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) is elected to oversee local policing and fire and rescue services, manage the police & fire and rescue budget, set council tax rates for policing, and ensure transparent communication about police activities in the community. They will also make key appointments of the Chief Constable and the Chief Fire Officer for the Northamptonshire area.

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote should do so by Tuesday, 16 April in order to take part in this election. You can register to vote on the gov.uk website.

People can apply for postal votes by 5pm on Wednesday17 April (this deadline is for NEW applications to vote by post or postal-proxy and those making changes to or cancelling their postal or postal-proxy votes) and those wishing to vote by proxy (when someone votes on your behalf) can also do this in advance of the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday, 24 April (not for postal-proxy or emergency proxy applications).

Students have the option of registering at both their home and term-time addresses, and if they are in different local authority areas, they can vote in both locations for this election.The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to produce acceptable photographic identification when voting in person at a polling station.

This new requirement will apply to this election.Voters intending to vote in person are urged to ensure they have one of the acceptable forms of photo ID prior to attending their polling station. Residents without an acceptable form of ID have until 5pm on Wednesday, 24 April to apply for their Voter ID.

For more information and to view the timetable of the election visit our website.
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Fundraising Fashion Show and Shopping Event.

Please come to a fun evening at the village hall and watch local models parade on the catwalk.

Thursday, 25th April at 7.00 pm Tickets £8 (or £10 on the door).  There will be a bar. For tickets please ring Sheila: 07712 763408 or Judith:  07762 085588

Your favourite brands at up to 75% off Dorothy Perkins, White Stuff, River Island, Next, Monsoon, Top Shop, Wallis & more

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Being a Parish Councillor

You will have seen that Holcot Parish Council has a vacancy for a Councillor. We also expect a second vacancy shortly.

I was asked for further information about the role of a Parish Councillor. The Good Councillor’s Guide is a great place to start.

In Holcot, Councillors are involved in representing and supporting many aspects of the community, from ensuring that the street lighting works, through dealing with West Northants Council highways, planning and other services. Councillors look after the playing field, maintain community communications through the website and newsletter, and help Parishioners deal with specific issues…. and a whole lot more.

Want to help lead Holcot’s response to the Green Hill Solar Farm? Road safety? Local massive housebuilding? Our response to climate change? Please consider becoming a Parish Councillor!

Continue reading “Being a Parish Councillor”
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WNC : Cost of living and mental health support

Information from WNC about cost of living and mental health support.

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Please find attached information on our Cost-of-Living Support Hub and NHFT/Mind Northamptonshire’s Mental Health Support Card, we have these available at our offices across the West to collect for distribution:-

  • The Abbey, St John’s Square, Daventry, NN11 4XG
  • Brackley Town Council, 20 High St, Brackley, NN13 7DS
  • The Forum, Moat Lane, Towcester, NN12 6AD
  • The Guildhall One Stop Shop, St Giles Square, Northampton NN1 1DE

For further information please see here Cost of living support | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

Continue reading “WNC : Cost of living and mental health support”
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Today’s litter pick

Holcot from the south

Thank you to everyone who came along to the litter pick today.

The good news was that whilst there was a lot of litter collected, it was mostly from hedges and other hard to reach places. Finds included wine bottles, a hub cap, beer cans, and a land rover mud flap.

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Consultation : Children and young adults

WNC have published a consultation regarding the health and wellbeing of children and young adults. Respond to it here before 28 April.

At West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) there is lots of work happening together to review our early help offer for children, young people, and their families, and to look at how we can strengthen this work to ensure there is the right preventative support available to those who need it.  

Our focus on the early help offer is about how together with other organisations such as health, voluntary sector and community organisations, we can ensure families can access timely and helpful support. This includes information, advice and guidance on a range of topics – this may be advice on newborn support and development, vaccinations for children, mental wellbeing advice for teenagers to name a few examples.

Continue reading “Consultation : Children and young adults”
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Green Hill Solar Farm

Holcot Parish Council has been made aware of a project to build a solar farm across several Northamptonshire locations connected to a hub at Grendon. One solar array site is proposed to be on farmland to the south of Holcot. It is early days, but there is now a website with basic information https://greenhillsolar.co.uk/.

The formal consultation regarding the proposals is expected in the Autumn, and subject to national-level approval, construction will be towards the end of the decade. We are engaging with the applicants and will post further information on the website as it becomes available.

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New laws around dog fouling and smoking in play areas

Holcot Parish Council have recently received complaints about dog fouling in the village. This is a topic which never really goes away. So in-line with the new laws that go live on Tuesday 3rd October HPC will be investigating getting signs added to lamp posts around the parish to remind everyone of the penalties of both dog fouling and smoking in the playing field. HPC would also like to hear from any volunteers who would be happy to spray any dog poo with fluorescent spray paint to help bring it to everyone’s attention! Hopefully with the changes in the laws and the visual reminders around the parish we can encourage everyone to make Holcot safer and cleaner for our families and friends. To find out how to report a dog fouling incident please click on the link here.

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Parish Council Responsibilities- a reminder

Ever wondered exactly what the Parish Council have responsibility for? Well below is the list…

  • Street Lighting
  • Playing Field
  • Grass cutting
  • Litter Bins
  • Bus Shelters
  • Public Seating
  • Landscaping
  • Newsletter
  • Website

If you see anything that needs repairing or that you are concerned about please let the parish council know. Each councillor has a responsibility for an area of the parish as well as other responsibilities for certain parish facilities. Please click here to find out the councillors’ contact details and the areas they cover. Alternatively please contact the parish council clerk, Ruby Cole on clerk@holcotvillage.co.uk

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Street harassment is not OK!

Northamptonshire Police has launched the Flare Report App that allows women to report, anonymously and quickly, any incidents or behaviour that make them feel unsafe when they are out and about in Northamptonshire.  Police will collate and analyse the reports made, so that problem areas can be identified and action taken to improve those areas where people feel unsafe.  Flare Report can be downloaded to Apple or Android devices. Please share this news with your friends and family.

The app can be used to report incidents and behaviour that are inappropriate and make people feel unsafe, such as cat calling, comments or touching, street harassment or other threatening behaviour.  Crimes can be reported on FlareReport but not if they need an immediate police response.

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“Fix My Street”

Did you know you can easily report damage & obstructions to roads and pavements with just a quick click?! As we are heading into pothole season this tool if perfect for anyone who sees or is impacted by a pothole. However this service can be used for many different issues which could impact the safety of anyone driving or walking around Northamptonshire. It can also be used to report low hanging and dangerous vegetation which could obscure visibility or fall into the road.

If you have anything to report, please don’t hesitate and click here to notify WNC. You can also click on the Street Doctor button on the website Homepage. Here you will find more information about the WNC Highways responsibilities.

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Subscribe to the Holcot parish website

Holcot from the East

To help everyone keep up with what is happening in Holcot or what is affecting parish life, you can ‘subscribe’ to notifications.

Each time there is a new item added to the homepage, subscribers are automatically notified by email of the item. So whatever is added, from road closures to planning applications to lost cats, this information finds its way to subscribers’ email inboxes as an easy way of finding out what is going on in and around our Parish. 

Subscribe here

Please enter your email address and click on 'Sign me up!!' The website will immediately send you a confirmation email - please click 'Confirm Follow' to activate. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you tried to subscribe but did not receive the confirmation email?? Click on this link for instructions of how to resolve this

If you need help subscribing just email..

Email Editor