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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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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 : Holcot Parish Plan

cropped holcot parish council logo cmyk jpeg.jpg

Thank you everyone who returned the questionnaires delivered with the recent newsletter.

The Parish Council has revised the draft Parish Plan using your comments, and yesterday approved Version 1.0.

The Parish Plan will now be used to drive the Parish Council’s agenda wherever possible. It will be revised occasionally.

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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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WNC : Key dates ahead of elections

Reminder of key dates ahead of May elections from WNC.

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People are being reminded of all the key dates and deadlines ahead of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections on 2 May, as well as the need to have an acceptable form of photo ID ready.

Continue reading “WNC : Key dates ahead of elections”
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WNC : Employment opportunities at elections

A message from WNC.

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Residents can do their bit for the democratic process whilst earning themselves some extra money by taking up a role at parish polling stations the upcoming elections.

With the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) election scheduled for 2 May and a General Election anticipated before the end of this year, people are encouraged to consider a range of casual employment opportunities with the dedicated team responsible for organising elections in West Northamptonshire.

A variety of roles are available, with Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks in rural areas in particular needed to greet voters and issue ballot papers at polling stations. People are also needed to count votes after close of polls.

Continue reading “WNC : Employment opportunities at elections”
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Reminder : Holcot Speedwatch 2024

Holcot from the south

Our annual Holcot Speedwatch is set to run between March 30th and April 27th.

Would you like to volunteer and help reduce speeding in the village?

Speedwatch involves standing at the side of a road with the speed gun, recording vehicles that are exceeding limits. Speedwatch helps raise speed awareness and will hopefully lead to a change in driver behaviour. The Police have also offered to participate this year.

Please contact Cllr Chris Bailey on inthehedges@mac.com to offer your help.

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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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Postal voters urged to apply early for the May elections

Residents in North and West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to apply early to vote by post for the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Elections this spring.

On Thursday, 2 May voters across North and West Northamptonshire will go to the polls to elect the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

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.

People are urged to apply for postal votes as early as possible ahead of the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday, 17 April 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.

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

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 during the election.

“For those who may face challenges in visiting a polling station on Election Day, whether due to health concerns or other circumstances, registering to vote by post or proxy ensures that your voice remains as vital and influential as ever.”

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.

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Speed Watch Spring 2024

The next Holcot Speed Watch is set to run between March 30th and April 27th. Would you like to volunteer and help reduce speeding in the village? Even if you can only manage a couple of hours across the initiative your support would be gratefully received! Please contact Councillor Chris Bailey on inthehedges@mac.com to find out how you can help.

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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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Platinum Jubilee Parish Photo

Thanks to everyone who was part of the celebrations over the long weekend. It was lovely to see so many parishioners out and about over the last four days. Shame about the cool damp weather on Sunday, (but then again it is only June), but a bit of rain didn’t dampen the parish spirits!

We are now in possession of the Parish photos taken on Saturday morning. We have two versions for you to choose your favourite from. Don’t forget you can click on the link and save a copy!

A
B

Click here for A and here for B.

If anyone has photos of the Jubilee events they are happy to share please send them to editor@holcotvillage.co.uk and they will be added to the website gallery for everyone to have access to.

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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