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Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 21st
November 2007 at 7.30pm in The Loft of the Village Hall.
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ACTION
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Present
Chairman
Geoffrey Moulton, Vice Chairman David Hook, Liz
Allen, Debbie Ashford, Richard Delf, Peter
Workman and Clerk - Ian Nelson.
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Members of the public present
None.
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Apologies
Apologies were received from Hamish
Rose, County Councillor Stella Rice, and District Councillor Michael
Windridge.
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Minutes of the previous meetings
The
minutes of the meeting on 10th
October 2007 were approved and signed.
The
minutes of the meeting on 2nd
November 2007 were approved and signed.
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Public Participation
None.
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Planning Applications
New application since the last meeting:
Roadtech Europe Ltd, Barondale Lane, Hempnall - Replacement portakabin
offices by extending the existing building – Recommended approval subject to
ELZ and comment that on previous applications we have stipulated that the
lights should be turned off at night after work hours and this has not been complied
with. Recommend making it an enforceable condition.
Applications refused since the last meeting are:
Mr & Mrs C Florence, The Bungalow,
Bungay Rd, Hempnall - Alterations and extensions to existing dwelling.
Bankmachine Ltd, Hempnall Stores, The Street,
Hempnall - Installation of an automated teller machine.
Complete Technical Services Ltd, Hempnall
Stores, The Street, Hempnall - Installation of an automated teller machine
and illuminated sign.
Bankmachine Ltd, Hempnall Stores, The
Street, Hempnall - Installation of an illuminated sign.
Application withdrawn since the last meeting:
Martin McColl Ltd Hempnall Stores, The
Street, Hempnall - Demolition of timber framed, metal clad outbuilding and
alterations to internal layout
Compulsory Purchase order progress since last
meeting:
Land
around Hempnall School - Mrs. Allen disclosed a pecuniary interest
in this matter but stayed in the meeting as the item was merely a point of
information.
The clerk
informed the meeting that a letter had been received from the Governors of
Hempnall School updating the parish council on the progress of this matter
and indicating that 2 objections had been received to the order.
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Matters arising from previous parish
council meetings
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ACTION
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Quality Status Charter Mark Awarded
The
clerk had obtained photographs from NCAPTC
and provided them to Mrs Ashford. Mrs Ashford had submitted a press release,
which was published in the Diss Mercury.
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Recognition of service to our village
Mr
Moulton thanked everybody involved in the organisation of the event to honour
Mr Ladbrooke.
Mrs
Ashford had submitted a press release to the Diss Mercury and would obtain a electronic
version of the picture from Mr Potts.
The
clerk read thank you letters from Mr Davy and Mr & Mrs Margand. The clerk
to respond to Mr Davy thanking him for his help in organising the event.
Mr
Hook read a letter from Rev Conal Mahony commenting on the invitation
process, the clerk to respond.
Mr
Moulton to contact the chair of the Mill Centre re the erection of the
plaque.
The
clerk to liaise with Mrs Kaye as required re the donation from the Poor
Charity.
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DA
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GM
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Wind farm training
Mrs
Rice had obtained more details and informed the clerk that the training simply
consisted of a visit to a wind farm site and was not open to parish
councillors.
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No smoking in public places
Mr
Moulton is to fit a laminate sign in the bus shelter as soon as possible.
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GM
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Norwich & District CAB
The
clerk had paid the donation.
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The Review of Polling Districts and
Polling Places
The
clerk had responded.
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Change of ownership of Hempnall Stores
The
clerk had written a letter of gratitude to Larry, Elizabeth and Isobel
Rippingale.
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Post Office Closures
The
clerk had responded to SNC.
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Review of Licensing Act 2003, Statement
of Licensing policy
The
clerk had responded.
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Planning Procedures
The
clerk had called a planning meeting in order to ensure the response deadline
could be met; placed a suitable notice
on the parish council notice board and submitted the like to the parish
magazine.
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War Memorial Protection
Highways had erected the posts.
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Playing Field Hedge
/ Field Boundary
The
clerk had obtained the deeds to the field and submitted the forms to the Land
Registry. We await registration, the clerk to progress.
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Speed Awareness Message (SAM)
We
await the check to be carried out. The clerk to monitor.
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Hugmore Registration
We await SNC re the possibility
of recording the two plots of land with the Land Registry. SNC had apologised
for the delay caused through pressure of work and have again indicated when
chased that this should be done in the next couple of weeks. The clerk to
continue to monitor.
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Ex Recycling Centre
The clerk had liaised with SNC yet
again to obtain the best benefit to the parish. Adaptor groups in general
will receive an annual ground rent (however it is not certain if HPC is such
a group) and there are also still political issues to be resolved at SNC
before they can give a final answer. They apologised for the delay. The clerk
to continue to chase.
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Churchyard Risk Assessment
We
await Purfitts.
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War Memorial Grant
The
Clerk had submitted the final report and awaits the outcome.
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Footpaths
Progress report: - the following points were
carried forward in the absence of Mr Rose:
- One sign post has been erected. Chase extra signage for the
three paths off Lower Lane– Mr Rose to progress.
- Request attention to the Fairstead Lane footpath area that is normally boggy– Mr
Rose to progress.
Mr. Hook expressed concern over
the gate to be erected at the end of Nobb’s Lane as this is a public right of
way. Mrs. Allen said that she believed the gate was being erected with the
permission of NCC to prevent fly tipping and theft and that a side pedestrian
gate will be installed to allow access.
The clerk is to contact NCC to
establish the status of Nobb’s Lane.
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Swing /Main Unit
painting
Mr. Delf will liaise with Mr. Ellis, Mr.
Medlar and Mrs. Allen to progress this project.
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RD/LA
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Ex Councillor recognition
The
clerk had circulated various table/bench options. Mrs Ashford proposed, Mr
Delf seconded and it was unanimously agreed to purchase a picnic bench/diner
made from recycled plastic by Marmax Products Ltd at a cost of £499, together
with a brass plaque, the words on which are to reflect those on the existing playing
field bench plaque.
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Mrs
Allen declared a prejudicial interest in the next five items and left the
room.
Mr
Moulton and Mrs Ashford declared a prejudicial interest in the next item and
left the room. Mr Hook took the chair.
Wind Farm
Blimp expenses
Mr Hook
proposed, Mr Delf seconded and it was unanimously agreed that as the blimp
had been flown at the request of and for the benefit of the parish council, a
£100 donation towards the cost of the flight would be made. The clerk to pay.
Mr Moulton and Mrs Ashford returned to the meeting and
declared an interest in the next four items.
Visual intrusion
map
Mr
Hook explained that data had been gathered during the blimp flight by
himself, Mr Delf, Mr Workman and Mr Rose. A map will be produced showing
where the blimp could be seen from the perspective of all the public areas in
the village.
Photo montages
Mr Hook displayed the draft photo montages prepared by Mr
Mike Jones, based on the proposed positions of the wind turbines. Mr Workman proposed, Mr Delf seconded and it
was unanimously agreed to ask Mr Jones to refine the montages so that the
turbines displayed the correct blade types.
Debrief re public
meeting
The
meeting took place on 2nd November, however disappointment was expressed
that Enertrag did not attend.
Background noise
levels
It was noted that both Enertrag and SHOWT had appointed
independent acoustic engineers to measure background noise levels. It was
agreed that if the two sets of data were significantly different the parish
council would consider appointing its own acoustic engineer, sharing the cost
with other parishes. Mr Delf to determine the likely cost and availability of
an engineer.
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DH
DH
RD
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Mrs Allen returned to the meeting and Mr
Moulton took the chair.
Neighbourhood forums
Mr Hook reported that the person whom the
Council had suggested be nominated had declined to stand and therefore no
nomination had been made.
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SNC annual free tree and hedge planting
Mr
Hook had made enquiries about Talbot
Park and reported that the
Football Club did not require any trees or hedging.
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Maintenance of the playing field hedge
Mr
Hook had contacted M J Contract Services and a quote is to follow to strim
around the base of the hedging and replace any plants/guards as necessary this
winter together with spraying in spring.
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DH
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Village Hall Car Park Repairs
The
clerk chased Ennstone again and they will now contact Mr Ellis direct with a
view to starting the work shortly.
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Correspondence
Information Packs
The
items placed in the information pack envelope circulated to all
Councillors on 21st November 2007
were:
Clerks
& Councils Direct Sept 2007
DEFRA
– Ways to tackle climate change
Town
& Parish Standard Sept 07
SNC
LDF Newsletter
NCC
Environment Operations Newsletter
Norfolk
Link
SNC
Corporate Plan
The
playing field magazine
CPRE
Open Days Newsletter
Clerks
& Councils Direct Nov 2007
Voice
magazine autumn 2007
Go-East
East of England Plan consultation changes
No
further matters were raised form the above.
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Items
given directly to Councillors or representatives since the last meeting were:
Norfolk
Matters Magazine Sept 2007
24:7 Norfolk’s
Local Policing Summary
Making Heritage Sustainable invitation – all on email
Parish Crime Statistics - August 2007 – all on email
Budget for 2008/9
Letter from SNC re reorganisation of local authorities –
all on email
Public meeting items
Invitation from NCAPTC re Area meetings – Planning – all
on email
South Norfolk Council Local Plan
- Some discontinued policies – all on email
Community
Development network for the East of England invitation – all on email
South Norfolk Council's draft Local Housing Delivery
Plan for 2008 – 2011 – all on email
Greater Norwich Development Partnership Invitation – all
on email.
The Big Lottery Breathing Places Phase 3
Launch Programme details – all on email.
Letter from Conal Mahony – David Hook
Parish Crime Statistics for September 2007
– all on email
No further matters were raised form the above.
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Items
placed directly onto the parish notice boards were:
Agenda
for 10th October 2007 meeting.
Agenda
for 2nd November 2007 meeting.
Agenda
for 21st November 2007 meeting.
Planning
application invitation to parishioners.
Fireworks
be safe not sorry poster
No
further matters were raised form the above.
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Website
To
date there have been 5463 hits on the site.
Added
Parish Council minutes of 31st
July 2007
Added
Parish Council minutes of 19th
September 2007
Agenda
for 26th September 2007 meeting.
Added
Parish Council draft minutes of 26th September 2007
Agenda
for 10th October 2007 meeting.
Added
Parish Council draft minutes of 10th October 2007
Added
Parish Council minutes of 26th September 2007
Agenda
for 2nd November 2007 meeting.
Added
Parish Council draft minutes of 2nd November 2007
Agenda
for 21st November 2007 meeting.
No
further matters were raised from the above.
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Disclosed
at Meeting
Correspondence
read out by the clerk at the meeting not covered elsewhere was as follows:
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Village Hall Rep/AGM
The
Village Hall AGM will take place in the Nelson room on Wednesday the 28th
November 2007 commencing at 7:30 p.m. The clerk had informed the secretary of
the Village Hall committee that Mrs Allen was now the parish council’s
representative.
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Richard Bacon MP
The
South Norfolk MP had written a letter to the Council as follows:
“I was delighted to read that Hempnall Parish
Council has been accredited with Quality Parish Council status by
demonstrating that it has people, skills and commitment to listen to the
community and cater for its particular needs.
I would like to take this opportunity to
send my warmest congratulations to the members of Hempnall Parish Council for
this outstanding achievement.”
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Mrs D Sowerby – Fireworks and thatch roof
The
clerk informed the meeting that he had received a copy letter of complaint to
the Friends of Hempnall School re the fireworks held at Talbot
Park and the danger to Mrs
Sowerby’s thatch roof.
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Norfolk Accident Rescue Service
Following
receipt of a request to the parish council, Mr Workman proposed, Mr Delf
seconded and it was unanimously agreed to make a donation of £20 to support
this organisation as it may be called upon at any time by parishioners.
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Financial Statements
Movements since last meeting
The
clerk presented the financial statement attached to these minutes showing the
movements from 20h September 2007 to 21st November 2007. The statement was in
line with the annual budget, except for the amount in relation to Mr
Ladbrooke’s reception which had been separately budgeted at the meeting held
on 26th September. Mrs
Allen proposed, Mr Delf seconded and it was unanimously agreed that the
statement be approved.
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Clerk’s Salary Review
The clerk’s salary
is based upon nationally agreed rates.
A schedule showing how this was calculated was provided by the clerk. Account was also taken of the new quality status
of the council and the increase in the number of meetings being held on a
regular basis. Mr Delf proposed and Mr Hook seconded and it was unanimously
agreed that the clerk’s hours be increased from 5 to 6.25 per week in order
to deal with the extra workload and his salary the increased by 3% to reflect
the increase in the cost of living, both to take effect from. 1st
July 2007, his annual salary review date. The clerk was thanked for his
services over the last year.
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Village cleaning
Mr Delf
proposed, Mrs Allen seconded and it was agreed unanimously that Mr Cracknell
be offered £500 in recognition of his contribution to the cleanliness of the
village over the last year, and in addition recognising the extra burden
endured by Mr Cracknell in dealing with the more unsavoury items placed in
the bins. The Clerk to write a letter of thanks to him accordingly.
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Budget/Precept 2008/9
The
Clerk presented the budget for 2008/9 as previously circulated to
Councillors. The budget was updated to reflect the increase in the clerk’s
salary and the donation made to Mr Cracknell. Mr Delf proposed and Mrs Allen seconded and
it was unanimously agreed that the precept be set at £10,230. The Clerk to
inform SNC of the required precept.
The
clerk to highlight the reduction in the precept from that charged in 2007/8
in the next newsletter.
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Playing field Users Association Report
Mr
Delf reported that the youth shelter area was particularly untidy. It was
agreed that the clerk should write to Mr Lincoln to ask him to remind the
youth that one of the conditions of them erecting the youth shelter was to
keep it clean and litter free. He will be asked to “put out the word” to the
youth to use the bins for their litter.
Mr
Delf reported that the “No golf” sign was missing, however, he would contact
Mr Ellis to try and determine its whereabouts and arrange its erection.
Mr
Delf produced a photograph by way of example of the poor quality of the grass
cutting being undertaken by Norfolk County Services Ltd. The clerk to write
to Norfolk County Services Ltd to ensure the position is rectified for next
season.
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Play Area Report
Mr
Delf reported that Mr Ellis had painted the barriers by the tennis court and
the bin in the play area. Mr Ellis had
also cut the wood ready to replace the surface on the climbing frame and
reported that the seesaw was ready to fit.
Mr Medlar is to be approached re
painting the climbing frame and swing bar. Mr Delf to continue to
liaise with Mr Ellis.
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Date for next years main meetings
It
was agreed that they should be:
- 16th
January 2008
- 19th March 2008
- 21st May 2008
- 16th July 2008
- 17th September 2008
- 19th November 2008
The
clerk to book the Nelson room of the village hall.
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Facilities for young people
Various
suggestions were made of suitable projects. It was agreed to invite the PUA
to the next parish council planning meeting to discuss the concept. The clerk
to arrange.
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Bussey’s Loke Parking
Mrs
Allen outlined the inconsiderate and unsafe parking problem in and around the
mouth of the junction of Bussey’s Loke and The Street. The clerk was
requested to write to the police to give them details of the problem and
asked them to take action against the offending drivers.
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Appointment of Poor Charity
Representative
Mr Roy
Ladbroke had written to the Council tendering his resignation as a trustee of
the Poor Charity. It was noted that he had served as a trustee for 50
years. The clerk had written to Mr
Ladbroke thanking him for his services as a trustee and wishing him a well
earned rest.
The
clerk was asked to write to the chair of the charity to obtain a job
specification to assist parish councillors in their approach to potential
candidates to fill the vacancy. In the
meantime councillors are to consider suitable candidates. Clerk to e-mail the
job specification to councillors as soon as received.
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Draft Charter for 3 Tier Partnership
Working in South
Norfolk
The
clerk had circulated the above to councillors on 31st July. It was
agreed that the clerk should circulate this material again. It was also noted
that any discussion may now be somewhat academic given the reorganisation of
local authorities in the area.
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Reorganisation of Local Authorities
The
clerk outlined the forthcoming programme and was asked to write to NCC and
SNC to determine their views on the matter.
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Greater Norwich Development Area
The
clerk outlined the history behind the greater Norwich Development Area and
displayed a map of the proposed development areas, none of which directly
affect Hempnall, although the village could be affected indirectly. The clerk
to provide a copy of the map to councillors. Consideration to be given to
provide a response to the consultation by the deadline of 8th February 2008.
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Items for next agenda
No
further items were added.
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Next Meetings
The
next meeting will be held on Wednesday
16th January 2008 at 7.30pm
in The Nelson Room of the Village Hall.
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There
being no further business, the meeting was closed at 10.52pm
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Signed
_____________________________________________Date 16th January 2008
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