News and Views November 2017

Parish Councillor Surgeries.

Parish councillor surgeries now take place before parish council meetings. No appointment is necessary. If it is a matter that needs to be discussed by the parish council you can remain for the parish council meeting, which is open to members of the public, to hear the discussion.

Next Parish Council Meeting: Monday 11th December 2017 at the Sports Centre, Leicester Road starting at 7.00pm.

Parish councillors will available between 6.30pm and 7.00pm to listen to your questions or concerns.

Village Shop Support Grants.

The aim of the scheme is to provide necessary financial support to local rural retailers which will help to ensure their future sustainability. The grants will aim to improve the performance of post offices, village shops and other rural retail outlets selling essential fresh produce through enhancing existing services and introducing new ones.

Expert retail advice is also available to help increase viability, competitiveness and prevent further closures or business failures.

In addition the scheme will support new retailing enterprises, including those established through social / community enterprises, where an opportunity has been identified - subject to the enterprise not having a detrimental effect on an existing business in the area.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to part fund a wide range of business improvements and projects.

For further information please visit http://www.oakleaves.org.uk/uploads/grant-guidance-notes.pdf

Land off Kilby Road – David Wilson Homes.

In last month’s edition details were provided of the proposals by David Wilson Homes for its “Reserved Matters” application to Harborough District Council for the development of land for 150 dwellings off Kilby Road (planning reference16/00592/OUT).

The response by David Wilson Homes to the questions and comments that were raised in respect of the proposals can be viewed on the Parish Council website:

Section 106 Grants.

The Section 106 Grant Round 1 2018 is now open for voluntary and community groups in the Village to apply to Harborough District Council for funding.

Deadline for applications: Friday 19th January 2018

Decision: Tuesday 27th March 2018

Funding is available in the following categories:

Sports Facilities (£25,087)

Parks and Gardens (£2,070)

Offsite Amenity Green Space (£4,658)

Allotments (£872)

Cemeteries (£3,954)

If you think your organisation my qualify for a grant and would like further information please visit the Harborough District Council website at http://www.harborough.gov.uk/section106

New Parish Councillor.

Tina Mcdonagh has been co-opted on to the Parish Council which means that all thirteen seats are now filled.

Tina has lived in the Village since 1996 and has had a varied career to date having worked in the Civil Service, travel industry, customer services, as a swimming teacher and for the County Council.

Tina’s main interests are different sports including triathlon and she was a founder member of the Fleckney and Kibworth Running Club. Tina also regularly swims open water in the county during the season; every year takes part in the Great North Run, very much enjoys being outdoors and is passionate about preserving and enhancing the surrounding countryside for current and future residents of the Village.

Tina has an interest in planning having become involved in opposing the application by Persimmon Homes to develop land to the south of the Village and in the provision of facilities and activities for children and young people and as a mum of two children who have grown up in the Village feels she can relate to this issue.

Planning Application.

An outline planning application has been made to Harborough District Council for the erection of up to 130 dwellings on land east of Fleckney Road, Saddington next to the Industrial Estate. Full details of the application can be found on the Harborough District Council website at http://www.harborough.gov.uk/info/20001/planning_applications/ (planning reference 17/01860/OUT) where comments on the application can also be made. The Parish Council has decided to object to the proposal on a number of grounds including the remoteness of the site from the village centre and its services and facilities, its intrusion in to open countryside and the loss of the area of separation between Fleckney and Saddington, the fact that it is outside the current limits of development and that it will detract from the rural nature of the village.