Stanhoe Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday 8th July 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – , tel 01485 518409
Present:
Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)
One member of the public was also present.
Prior to the meeting, a presentation was given by Ms. Debbie Pepper of the Norfolk Rural Community Council on the “Access4Life– scheme which is currently targeting an area of Norfolk in which Stanhoe lies.
The scheme evolved from Norfolk’s second Local Transport Plan and looks at the wider implications of a lack of accessibility to transport and various other facilities. In other targeted areas this has resulted in a new village shop or access to one using a community car scheme, the provision of footpaths, an increase in the availability of community transport and access to adult education.
In September 2010, a survey will be carried out by means of a questionnaire with pre-paid reply envelope delivered to each household. Responses will be collated and the most common areas of concern can then be addressed by the “Access4Life– scheme.
Ms. Pepper circulated information leaflets to all present. The Chairman thanked her for her presentation and Ms. Pepper left the meeting.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All councillors present.
2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
The Minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.
3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations of interest registered.
4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
The member of the public present commented that he had no knowledge of the Agenda. The Clerk apologised for not posting an Agenda on the village notice board.
5. SNAP
The chairman reported that he had attended the SNAP meeting on 1st July 2010 in Hunstanton but found that matters discussed were more appropriate to Hunstanton and Burnham Market. The police had been represented by a Sergeant and an Inspector who reported on crime in the area. Future priorities for SNAP would be:
- anti-social behaviour
- homewatch initiative
- safer driving
- “no cold calling” zones
T.A. thought it would be more useful for councillors to attend alternate meetings to coincide with attendance by police representatives.
6. Allotments
Only two requests had been received in writing for allotment plots. Although a minimum of 6 requests was needed before the council was legally obliged to act on the matter, it was generally agreed to proceed with a request to the landowners for an area sufficient for 6 allotment plots on the basis that more interest might be generated once the area was available.
7. To receive updates on the following:
- The Duck Inn licence: This had now been granted for the sale and consumption of alcohol and the provision of live and recorded music indoors only from 10.00am. to midnight Monday to Sunday.
- Docking Recycling Centre: Closure had been postponed until at least the end of August 2010 pending further consideration by the Borough Council.
- Wind Farms: E.On had submitted a planning application for 5 turbines each 100m in height at Chiplow. As a result, RES would now have to carry out a new environmental impact assessment on the proposed development at Jack’s Lane and the combined effects of both wind farms. This would delay the RES planning application. The next CLG meeting would be on 28th July 2010 on site at Jack’s Lane and possibly in Stanhoe village hall (to be confirmed).
- Repair to the Village Cross: An offer had been received to carry out the work free of charge and councillors agreed to accept this offer.
8. Councillors’ Village Inspection Report
A copy of the report had been circulated prior to the meeting and the detail would also be published in “Saints Alive”. The Council Highways department would be contacted regarding certain verges and hedgerows. There was some concern over the partial obstruction of some roads and footpaths by overgrown hedges and over refuse bins left on footpaths. A comment reminding residents of their responsibility to keep footpaths clear would be in the “Saints Alive” report. The pond at the village green and the overgrown trees and shrubs at the back of the pond would all probably benefit from some attention. There could be the possibility of a grant towards some work and this would be investigated more fully. The Clerk will deal with the issues of the redundant bus timetable, the damaged –phone box and the repairs and refurbishment required to the fence of the village play area and the village notice boards. M.R. agreed to speak with the PCC regarding the overgrown state of John Wright’s grave in All Saints churchyard. There was concern over the state of the former blacksmith’s workshop and efforts would be made to contact the current owners.
9. Hedges & Trees on Cross Lane
It had been thought a grant was available for replanting but this is no longer the case.
10. Speedwatch
New rechargeable batteries were required for the speedwatch gun and it was agreed that the Council would pay for these at a cost of approx. £40.
11. Big Lottery Fund’s Grant Scheme
Possibilities to be investigated in relation to some refurbishment of village pond area.
12. Pride in Norfolk Awards
The village application had been rejected this year but applications could be made again in future years.
13. Conservation Area
P.A. is producing a report for the Borough with a view to designating some areas within the village as conservation areas.
14. Status of Barwick Parish
Barwick does not currently have a Parish Council. Clerk to contact the electoral office at the Borough Council to investigate possible amalgamation.
15. Masts at North Creake/Stanhoe Boundary
It had been reported that new masts had been erected but this proved not to be the case.
16. Crime
The Community Support Officer’s latest report was circulated. The only significant occurrence in the village had been the theft of a set of new timber gates.
17. Bircham Road Re-surfacing
The road had recently been re-surfaced but ‘cats’ eyes’ would only be replaced on the section where the speed limit is 40mph and above in line with legal requirements. This would cut down on road noise on the 30mph section.
18. Village Emergency Plan
It was important that this plan was in place and a draft drawn up by T.A. was circulated. Councillors to submit comments and/or suggestions for amendments to the Chairman prior to the next meeting.
19. Listed Building Consent Application
This concerned an application submitted by the owners of Stanhoe Hall for the modification of existing bathrooms to create a new bathroom and shower rooms. No objections were raised.
20. To consider making donations and to approve payments
It was agreed that donations would only be made to organizations which provided a service to residents or impacted directly on the village. Payment of Clerk’s salary and expenses was approved.
21. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items should be on the Agenda for the next meeting due to be held on 9th September 2010:
Geese on the village pond
Village Emergency Plan
Updates on – pond refurbishment
Recycling centre
Wind farms
Repairs & refurbishments
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.