Safer Norfolk Area Panel (SNAP):–

The chairman reported on his attendance at the SNAP meeting in the previous week. Matters considered inevitably concentrated on the larger urban communities. Concern was expressed about the erosion of village verges by agricultural and larger commercial vehicles. There seemed to be no solution.

Reported crime had increased by about 16 per cent since the last meeting, but the detection rate had increased by some 28 per cent.

Planning Matters:–

(a) Councillors (excluding those with a personal interest in the proposal) supported an outline planning application for a dwelling in the grounds of The Old Rectory, Church Lane.

(b) An application for the removal of a diseased tree at Sarah¹s Cottage was also supported.

Jacks Lane Wind Farm:–

What was likely to be the penultimate meeting of the Community Liaison Group was held on 11th March. The wind farm is expected to be operational from the beginning of April. Temporary buildings will be removed from the site in the next week or so and bare earth in the area will be grassed over. Barwick Road will be closed for two weeks from 16th March; it will be open in the evening and at weekends. Residents who have registered for the local electricity discount scheme should receive their discount shortly after the wind farm is declared operational.

Solar Farm:–

At this same meeting RES announced that it was in the early stages of planning a 25 acre (5 megawatt) solar farm adjacent to a property at Hyde Park (immediately south-west of the junction of Barwick Road/Bagthorpe Road with the B1454, Docking to Sculthorpe road). If this proposal goes ahead, there will be a one-off payment to a community benefit fund.

Community Benefit Fund:–

The next meeting of the panel will be at the end of March after which details of grants available and application forms should be published.

Other matters:–

The siting of plant troughs at the parish boundaries, not funded from council tax, has now been licenced by the Highways Authority.

Local Election:–

Three councillors will not be seeking re-election on 7th May so the need for residents to offer themselves for election as parish councillors is even more important. If you are interested, further information and a guidance pack can be obtained from Elizabeth Thuburn, the Parish Clerk on 01485 518409 or e-mail parkthuburn@btinternet. com. Please act now as application forms need to be received by the Borough Council shortly after Easter.

Annual Parish Meeting:–

The Chairman, Councillors and Clerk of Stanhoe Parish Council Cordially invite you to attend the Parish Annual Meeting on Thursday 30th April 2015 at 7:30 pm in the Reading Room, Cross Lane. Wine and nibbles will be provided. This meeting will give you the opportunity to find out more about your council, meet the councillors and the candidates for the next four years, and tell us what you would like us to consider on your behalf, in order to improve conditions and life in the village. This meeting follows the next Parish Council Meeting which commences at 6:00 pm.