Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan
Steering Group Meeting 19th November 2012, 7.30pm, at The Sun Inn.
Present – Roger Cooke, Sarah Durham, Lynda Chalcraft, Jonathan Muller, Brendan Queenan, Pete
Watkins, Anna Lehamn, Julia Edwards and Rob Gardner.
Apologies – Emma Kane
1.1 The meeting was opened by a brief introduction by Roger Cooke including a description of what
has happened over the past year including the introduction of the Localism Bill. With specific
regards to Hook Norton there has been the applications to develop Bourne Lane (going to
appeal) and Stanton Engineering (permission granted).
1.2 Each member then introduced themselves and thanks were expressed to everyone for putting
themselves forward.
1.3 Jonathan Muller was suggested to Chair the Group. Jonathan was willing and there were no
other candidates so Jonathan was duly elected as Chair.
1.4 A question was proposed as to whether the NP was just being done because of Bourne Lane.
Roger Cooke explained that the Parish Council had been considering it for some time but that
the limited resources available had been put into the fight against Bourne Lane so they had not
been able to progress the NP. As soon as the Bourne Lane application was rejected by CDC the
PC was able to take these plans forward and had therefore arranged a meeting with CDC
followed by a Public Meeting and from there the formation of the Steering Group from
volunteers following that meeting.
1.5 There then followed general discussion on what other communities following this route had
been doing as well as on what the aims of the NP would be and how the Steering Group would
operate. Specifics to be agreed at forthcoming meetings but inclusivity, impartiality were
mentioned as being key.
1.6 Julia Edwards suggested that all should write down subjects that might be considered in the NP
just at random . Those written down were
1.6.1 Demographics
1.6.2 School
1.6.3 Transport
1.6.4 Protection of green spaces
1.6.5 Health
1.6.6 Affordable Housing
1.6.7 Local facilities
1.6.8 Social
1.6.9 Sustainability
1.6.10 Inclusivity
1.6.11 Infrastructure
1.6.12 Wildlife
1.6.13 Fire Service
1.6.14 Local Self-Employed
1.6.15 Leisure
1.6.16 Economy
1.6.17 Employment
1.6.18 Pubs
1.7 It was agreed that it should be made public that the Steering Group had held its first meeting
with the Newsletter the obvious forum. Pete Watkins agreed to try and get something included
albeit the deadline for copy had passed. An insert was suggested if that was not possible and
Roger Cooke agreed to see if the Parish Council would cover the cost if it was required.
1.8 The website that is already in place was discussed in brief and that it would need to be updated
to reflect the content going into the newsletter.
http://www.hooknortonneighbourhoodplan.org.uk/
1.9 It was agreed that minutes needed to be taken at each meeting. Roger Cooke agreed to do this
but Lynda Chalcraft suggested it be shared around.
1.10 The boundary for the Neighbourhood Plan was agreed as being the same as the Parish
boundary. Roger Cooke, through the PC, to arrange for a formal application to be made to CDC.
1.11 People were invited to share any documents or links that they held with possible reference
material via e-mail following the meeting.
1.12 Monday nights were agreed as the best night for future meetings.
1.13 The next meeting was set for Monday 10th December 7.30pm – 9.00pm, venue to be
confirmed (Jonathan to see if Brewery Visitor Centre available). Items for consideration at the
next meeting include 1) Agree a roadmap and timescales, 2) Agree Guiding Principles by which
the SG will operate and 3) Agree a Communications plan.
Roger Cooke