North Luffenham Parish Council (NLPC)

The Parish Council is continuing to have virtual meetings and members of the public can attend, and take part in the public forum, by clicking on the link that is published on the website along with the agendas – and you would be most welcome.

The Local Plan (LP) consultation ended last November and the parish council made a number of representations concerning the adverse impact that the proposed development at St. George’s Barracks (SGB) will have on the parish. An independent examination of the LP will take place, no date as yet, and NLPC have indicated that they would like to be heard at the oral examination on the representations that it has made.

Residents have expressed concern about the increase in the number and speed of HGVs, particularly along Edith Weston Road, and this was due to a large number of HGVs being parked on the SGB site without planning permission. NLPC made objections and at a Planning Committee Meeting at Rutland County Council one of our parish councillors and a resident made representations. These very much helped in the unanimous rejection of the retrospective planning application. There could possibly be an appeal but this is unknown at present.

Development of the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) continues and many thanks to all who completed the survey and took part in the virtual presentations, which gave valuable feedback to the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. 

In the light of those comments, the draft plan has been revised and before submission to RCC at the end of March will be distributed to residents for further comment. (There is a page on the village website on which comments can be made at any time). It is important to emphasise the NP belongs to the parish and will have significant influence on any development at SGB as well as conserving and enhancing that which the community values at present.

NLPC applied for and was awarded £10,000 for professional advice and project costs and this will greatly help in the development of the plan as well as alleviating any financial issue for the parish.

Unfortunately, work on the refurbishment of the Community Centre has not yet taken place due to Covid-19 and concern about costs for which the parish would have to be responsible. The issue of the costs have been resolved and hopefully when circumstances allow the work will begin.

NLPC liaises with the North Luffenham Good Neighbour Scheme and during lockdown they can be contacted on 07825 697841 or email: nlgns2020@gmail.com. NLGNS, as previously, can help with collection of prescriptions but with vaccinations becoming available offer lifts to the vaccination centres.

Tim Smith. Chair of North Luffenham Parish Council.

NORTH LUFFENHAM PARISH COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER (RFO) TO THE COUNCIL

A challenging and interesting opportunity has arisen for a suitably experienced, enthusiastic and competent individual to be appointed as Clerk and RFO to North Luffenham Parish Council. The successful candidate will be required to work from home and will be provided with a laptop, software and printer.

The salary is in accordance with nationally based terms and conditions and is currently £10.62 per hour. Hours of work are 11 hours per week.

Responsibilities of the post include:

• Advising Parish Council of policy issues and proper procedure.
• All Parish Council administration and correspondence.
• Arranging meetings, compiling agendas and producing the minutes of meetings.
• Managing financial records, monitoring and reconciling the accounts, preparing accounts for audit.

The Parish Council is sole Trustee of the North Luffenham Field Gardens and Recreation Ground Charity and the Clerk would be responsible for dealing with all administration in connection with this.

You will need to be able to work flexibly, and attendance at evening meetings is essential. Some knowledge of council procedure is an advantage but essential training will be provided. In addition, support can be provided for further training towards the Certificate of Local Council Administration.

Applicants must have:

• Experience of administration and financial management with sound word processing and spreadsheet management skills.
• Ability to work to own initiative and to work with volunteers to achieve the Council’s objectives.
• Good numeracy, oral and written communication skills

Please call Parish Council Chairman: Tim Smith on 01780 360083 or email timsmith@nortluffenham.org.uk for job description, person specification and further details.

Applications in the form of a CV and covering letter are invited by 5^th February 2021 and should be sent to:

Tim Smith, Chair NLPC, The Old Poor Barn, 6a Church Street, North Luffenham, LE15 8JR

Closing date for applications: 5^th February 2021

Interview dates: w/c 15^th February 2021

Clerk commencement date: 1st Apr 2021 (Or earlier by negotiation)