Stanhoe Parish Council
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 20th July 2017 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – , tel 01485 518570
Present:
Mr. D. Lord (DL) Chairman
Miss. R. Brown (RB)
Mrs. J. Lord (JL)
Mr. D. Vincent (DV)
Apologies:
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mr D. Bridge (DB)
In Attendance:
2
1. To consider apologies for absence: Apologies had been received from DB and MR.
2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting held on 11th May 2017: An amendment is required at paragraph 15 to reflect that the property address associated with Mr Ben Lord should be ‘Bramley Cottage’ and not ‘The Lodge’. Subject to the change, the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.
3. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: No declarations of interest were made.
4. To adjourn the meeting to allow for public participation: A member of the public expressed concern about vehicles driving past the Station Farm area on Station Road at speeds that were not cognisant with the current road conditions. Recent heavy rain had caused flooding in nearby fields resulting in sand, silt, gravel and excess water accumulating on the carriageway. In addition, drivers did not appear to be taking account of animals being escorted across the road or the presence of heavy farm machinery. Council agreed to mention this problem to Highways at our next discussion with them and to add the subject together with any progress on the subject to the agenda for the next meeting.
5. New Playground Equipment: DV presented Council with designs and costings for additional play equipment. The equipment could be installed in modules, over a 3 year period, with each module costing in the region of £5000. The Chairman agreed to contact the Grants Officer of the Jack’s Lane Wind Farm Community Fund to establish whether funding could be made available to support the project before taking the proposals further.
6. Geese on the Pond: No issues with the geese had been reported.
7. Electronic Speed Signs: DV and WL attended a site survey for the SAM 2 system on 4th July 2017. Representatives from the Highways Department, Westcotec (the supplier) and the Speedwatch Coordinator were also in attendance. It was agreed that the SAM 2 would be deployed in the 30mph zones along Burnham Road, Docking Road and Bircham Road on an ad-hoc rotational basis. It is envisaged that the system would be installed, to existing traffic signage poles, in September/October 2017. The Clerk would clarify what data is collected by SAM 2 and advise Council accordingly.
8. Transparency Fund Application for 2017/18: Council requested that the Clerk prepare, for the Chairman’s approval, an application for funding from the 2017/18 Transparency Fund to cover the additional costs associated with complying with the Transparency Code.
9. Playing Field:
Access and Security: Council expressed concern that access to the playing field was not secure as vehicles could access the field from a track off Cross Lane. It was understood the landowner had been approached regarding this issue – DV would check and report back. (*)
Bin: For now, there would be no changes to the bin/emptying arrangements.
No Dogs Signs: Council had received verbal complaints regarding dogs on the playing field and playground area with some dog owners failing to clear up after their dogs. The Clerk would cost additional ‘No Dogs’ signs and place a reminder to dog owners in Saints Alive.
(*) Subsequent to the meeting, the MEHM Trust have confirmed that the landowner does not intend to take any action.
10. Community Transport/Go to Town: Further to RB attending a recent meeting, it had been confirmed that with effect from 4th September 2017 Stanhoe would be added to the timetable for the West Norfolk Community Transport bus. Costs to the Parish Council would be £700 for the first year, with an anticipated cost of £350 for the second year and no cost for the third year. The Clerk would ask the Operations Manager whether ‘boarding’ statistics would be logged and made available to Parish Councils.
11. Japanese Knotweed: Notwithstanding further e-mails to NCC and a discussion with the Highways Engineer, Japanese Knotweed will not be treated on an ad-hoc basis. As previously reported, the weed-spraying contractor will inspect in the autumn, treat as necessary, and then continue to treat on an annual basis.
12. New Signs for Church Lane: The Highways Engineer has confirmed that ‘Unsuitable for HGV’s’ signs will be attached to existing traffic sign posts at either end of Church Lane.
13. Planning applications and information: The following applications had been received:
|
App Number |
Applicant |
Proposal |
Council Response |
|
17/00788/F |
Mr Ben Lord |
Alterations & extension |
Application permitted by BCKLWN |
|
16/01226/F |
Mr David Miller |
Demolition of |
No observations. PC to reiterate conditional support notified on 9th August 2016 |
14. Financial Report and approval of payments: Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements were circulated by the Clerk. No queries were raised.
Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:
| Chq No | Payee | Reason | £ |
|
100702 |
E. Barber |
Audit Fee |
40.00 |
|
100703 |
W. Leighton |
Salary May and June 2017 |
288.66 |
|
100704 |
W. Leighton |
Clerk’s Expenses |
62.98 |
|
100705 |
HMRC |
PAYE May and June 2017 |
72.00 |
|
100706 |
Westcotec |
SAM 2 Sign |
3960.00 |
|
100707 |
Gooch Pest Control |
Moles on Playing Field |
105.00 |
15. Items for the next Agenda – meeting of 21st September 2017:
- Station Road Traffic (DL)
- No Dogs Signs (WL)
- Playing Field Security (All)
- SAM 2 Update (DV/WL)
- Playing Field Sign (All)
- Village Noticeboards (DL/WL)
No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 8.45pm.