Minutes May 2008 Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
Present: G Ashby, C Cole, R Townsin, A Long, B Wyvill, M Hoad
and Councillor A Green, and 8 members of the public
Monday, 19 May, at 7.30 p.m. in the Village Hall
Annual Meeting of the Parish Council
MINUTES
1. Election of Chairman. BW proposed GA and everyone else seconded.
i. GA completed and signed the acceptance of office.
2. Election of Vice Chairman. CC proposed DB everyone else seconded.
3. Allocation of responsibilities
i. Annual risk assessment of structures (notice board, village sign, bus shelters etc), MH will take on this responsibility. Clerk will provide a form.
ii. Annual financial risk assessment and internal audit. GA will continue.
iii. Two members to review the pay and conditions of service of the clerk. BW and RT. Clerk to provide relevant documents.
4. Reminder to all Councillors to complete a new Register of Interest form if there have been any changes in circumstances in the past year. None were required.
5. It was agree to make two amendments to Standing Orders paragraphs 32) a) Disorderly conduct, and 45, to include the reference to the new code of conduct which was adopted at the previous Annual Meeting. To add 'and replaced by the new Model Code of Conduct including paragraph 12) (2)'.
6. Apologies from DB (delayed at work) were considered and accepted.
7. Declarations of interest by the Councillors in any of the agenda items listed below. The Code of Conduct for Members requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a personal or prejudicial interest.
8. Minutes of the previous Meeting to be approved and signed at the next meeting.
9. Matters arising: Progress on items from previous meetings for information or reminders only. Items not on this agenda requiring decisions will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
i. Norfolk Minerals and Waste consultation was completed by RT. The identified site is a substantial one on farm land in Kettlestone and the noise of extraction and transport could affect the whole village. The materials to be extracted are designated as building materials for Fakenham. A Green said that she would keep the Parish informed.
ii. EERA gypsy and traveller consultation ended on 16 May. GA and AL considered this initial consultation and made a brief negative response.
10. The meeting was temporarily closed for Parishioners to express any concerns they may have.
• How long will the mineral extraction take in years? - It is not known at present.
• What sites were identified in the walk with the officer from NNDC? - None
• What consideration is taken in planning applications regarding infrastructure especially sewerage which is already at capacity? - This is part of the planning process at NNDC, however the clerk will write to Anglian Water for information on the historical, current and potential capacity of the sewage system.
11. Boundary Consultation. To consider options that would be in the best interest of the Parish Council and Parishioners. More information on website www.boundarycommittee.org.uk.
i. Norfolk County Council proposes one unitary authority. This close to the status quo.
ii. Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council propose two unitary authorities
iii. NNDC propose three unitary authorities: Coastal, Rural and Norwich.
iv. Norwich wants to have unitary status - Greater Norwich
Comments from J Howe:
Each unitary authority will have its directors and senior staff for services such as education, social services etc. The have already been considerable costs incurred as the various authorities develop proposals. There will also been costs to set up and run the new unitary authorities.
The Boundary Commission will look at all the proposals and then will consult on one option.
v. Fakenham Area Forum have a meeting here on 26 June 6.30-9pm Local Govt Review.
12. Financial business to consider payment of invoices and other financial business
i. Approve accounts & sign audit form. GA has examined accounts. These will be circulated.
ii. Agreed continue with V Henderson as the Internal Auditor.
iii. Agreed to continue with Allianz insurance as Zurich had not returned a quote.
iv. To consider payment of invoices received
Clerk salary and expenses 327.17
NCAPTC annual subs 81.19
NRCC annual subs (associate member) 15.00
CPRE annual membership 28.00
Audit Commission 58.75
Allianz 354.65
Planning Conference (£20 per person) 40.00
total £ 904.76
Balance as at end of April 2008:
Current account £ 1820.46
Savings account £ 2548.82
v. Transfer not necessary
13. Planning to consider planning applications and any other planning matters:
i. Old Barn 45 the Street. Erection of two-storey dwelling with attached garages/stores (ref: 20080703)
(N Curtis commented that the planning officer is happy with these new plans.)
It was agreed to support this application with the following reservations: concern about the size in relation to the existing buildings; and concern about the height impinging on neighbours.
ii. Manor Farm Barns change of use to residential (Ref: 20080596). Reply sent on 7 May in support but not for new development and noting concern about drainage, sewerage, ponds, access and light pollution.
iii. Land at Kettlestone Road. Erection of agricultural storage building. Approval granted.
iv. Clipstone Farm: limited permission has be granted
v. Visitors to Old Rectory events etc are still being directed to entrance off the Street. Clerk to contact enforcement officer.
14. Flooding update on progress. Residents all agree to upgrade pipe.
15. Highways and footpaths:
i. RT reported on progress on Langor Bridge footpath. He has been in touch with S Price.
ii. Road between Little Snoring and Fulmondstone has been resurfaced. Clerk to remind Highways that road markings need to be repainted.
16. Bus shelter
i. Quote to build brick and flint shelter as a lean-to £5700 +VAT. No
ii. Quote to build brick and flint shelter with pitch roof £7400+VAT. No
iii. Quote to repair existing shelter £480. Yes but wait for another quote that AL will arrange.
iv. Suggestion to replace No 45 bus service with a flexi bus service has been turned down following consultation. Contracts for bus service are up for renewal in August.
17. Affordable Housing update. No specific sites have been chosen.
18. Gypsy and Traveller site will be going through the planning stage shortly.
19. Parish Plan: BW reported that it is nearing completion. RT proposed and MH seconded the ratification of the action plan.
20. Parish Council contact sheet. GA has completed this. It was agreed that a two-fold sheet would be preferable. Let GA know of any changes and then it will be put in the newsletter.
21. To note correspondence from:
i. Letter from a resident requesting help with infestation of rats from Old Rectory. Clerk to contact NNDC and write to resident.
ii. Planning Conference on 12 June. RT and BW to attend.
22. Any other business for placing on the agenda for the next Meeting
23. To confirm dates & time of next meetings as 7.30 p.m. on Mondays:
7 July
29 Sept