Community

Residents will be familiar with the recent troubled history of this site over the last ten or so years.  Most recently, the Borough Council issued an enforcement notice and investigations are ongoing from the Environment Agency (EA) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Mr L Thomas has appealed against the planning enforcement notice issued by Kettering Borough Council.  The Appeal will be determined by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State and will be dealt with by a Local Public Inquiry.   This is very important because the Inspector has the power to dismiss the appeal (if they find in favour of the Borough Council), but (if they find in favour of the Appellant) to grant planning permission and quash the enforcement notice.

The Town Council will make representations to the Inspectorate but it is open for any member of the community to do the same.  If you wish to comment you should make written representations to BOTH the Planning Inspectorate AND the Borough Council quoting reference APP/L2820/C/3253535.  The addresses are:-

The Planning Inspectorate, 3/26b, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, BRISTOL, BS1 6PN

Development Services, Kettering Borough Council, Bowling Green Road, KETTERING, NN15 7QX

You can also comment online at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3253535

Details of the enforcement notice on Kettering Borough Council’s website are here https://www.kettering.gov.uk/enforcement/details/764

A copy of the procedure note for the Inquiry is here: Birchfield Springs Inquiry Procedure

A copy of the Borough Council’s letter to the Town Council is here: Birchfield Springs Letter 20201223

The Town Council is delighted that arrangements have been made for Santa Claus to come from the North Pole directly to Desborough in 2020.  Santa and his elves and helpers will be doing their best to keep themselves and everyone Covid secure.

He will be touring streets in the town on Friday 18 December setting off from his landing spot in Station Road at 6.30 p.m. and will follow this route.  On Saturday 19 December he will follow this route setting off from his Station Road base at 5.30 p.m. and on Sunday 20 December he will again depart from Station Road and will follow this route.

All routes are subject to change if absolutely necessary. Unlike previous years there will be no cash collection.

Please stay safe and wave from your doors (or at a safe distance) and don’t approach the sleigh.  

The Council is observing Remembrance Sunday but in a different way from usual.

With the current COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown Desborough Town Council, the Desborough Branches of the Royal British Legion, and the Churches, are unable to have the traditional parade, service, and gathering at the War Memorial this year.

You might have noticed that this year’s wreaths have already been laid at the War Memorial.  A church service has been recorded (following COVID-19 rules) and is available on YouTube (or follow the link on St Giles Desborough’s FaceBook page).

On Sunday, the timetable will be as follows:-

10:57 to 11:00 St Giles Church bell will ring for three minutes

11:00 Loud firework set off following two minutes’ silence

11:02 Loud firework set off

11:02 onwards Community members invited to stand at their doorsteps and applaud.

Please carry out your act of Remembrance at home.

If you are going to the War Memorial you must take charge of yourself and follow the lockdown and social distancing rules.

Desborough Town Welfare Committee is working with volunteers to collect and deliver essential supplies to those in Desborough unable to leave their homes.

Further details are here.

During the current crisis public facilities are closed.  In Desborough that includes the library and the leisure centre, as well as restaurants, pubs, clubs, and cafés.

Please do not use, or allow your children to use, the skatepark, outdoor gym equipment, or other play equipment.

Stay home