Minutes of Parish Council Meeting 

Held on        Tuesday 16^th March 2010 

Councillors Present: Mr Barron, Mr Mulford, Mr Smith, Mr Whiteside, Mr Loades, Mr Stamford, County Councillor Kiddle-Morris and District Councillor Labouchere (from 8.15 pm) 

Apologies:  Mr Joice 

Parishioners Present: Mrs Filby 

Minutes of last meeting:

The minutes of the meeting dated 19^th January were read.  It was proposed by Mr Smith and seconded by Mr Mulford that these be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Matters arising:

Padlock to allotment gate

Mr Whiteside has purchased a padlock with eighteen spare keys.  Mr Tame has agreed to distribute these to allotment holders and will collect £5 deposit for each key.  The Clerk will keep the two master keys and will give Mr Tame the keys and receipts.  Mr Loades will secure the chain to the fence post and also look at ways to secure the padlock. 

Derelict bungalow next to the Crown

Debbie Wragg at Breckland has contacted Greene King and they have agreed to tidy the site when they next have a contractor in the area.  The Clerk will contact Debbie Wragg if this isn’t cleared soon. 

EP Youth Bus

The Parish Council were hoping for a report from EP Youth but it was not forthcoming.  The Clerk reported that there had been difficulties on two occasions to bring the bus to Colkirk due to adverse weather and engine trouble.  All children who had been before were notified by phone. 

Grant for Village Hall roof

This has now been submitted and Mr Smith is awaiting the outcome. 

Easement over Village Hall Car Park

Terms have now been agreed with the owners of The Old Rectory. 

BT phone kiosk

A parishioner reported the broken handset last August and has repeatedly chased this up but Mr Loades reported that the handset is in a very dangerous state and anyone messing around with it could easily cut themselves.  The Clerk will report this to BT. 

Response to Breckland on the use of land in Whissonsett Road

Councillors discussed the possible uses for the land and bearing in mind the only housing possible on the land as it sits outside the settlement boundary is for social or affordable housing, it was agreed that Colkirk does not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate more housing.  The Clerk is to contact Breckland to see how many local people are on the waiting list for housing in Colkirk.  After much discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would ask Breckland to transfer the land to the Parish Council for amenity space which could be used as burial plots as the Parish Council will inevitably be called upon to provide extra burial ground at some future date, this is probably likely to occur within the next 10 to 15 years.  

To receive a report on the activities of Colkirk School

A report had not been received from the Governors of the school but Ms Filby agreed to ensure a report is available for the next meeting.  Ms Filby advised that there are two vacancies for governors at the moment – one Local Authority and one Diocesan.  There will be a further vacancy for a Diocesan governor in October.  The school governing body would like to see a member of the Parish Council on their board to strengthen links with the local community.  

Current Planning Applications

To Certify Accounts for Payment

* signed prior to meeting

Mr Loades proposed these payments, seconded by Mr Smith. All were in favour.

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was read out and a document about the Unitary decision for Exeter and Norwich was circulated. 

Any other business:

Mr Whiteside will speak to Highways about running water in Hall Lane and advise them that a lorry has crushed the tarmac on the pavement on the corner of Fairview Drive. 

Mr Stamford will attend the next Norfolk Constabulary review meeting. 

Mr Loades suggested holding monthly Parish Council meetings.  It was agreed to discuss this at the May meeting. 

Annual Parish Meeting – Tuesday 20^th April 2010 at 8 pm

Next Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 11^th May 2010 at 7.30 pm 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.20 pm

Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting

Held on        Tuesday 20^th April 2010

Presided over by: Mr Colin Barron, Chairman of the Parish Council

Councillors Present:  Mr Joice, Mr Mulford, Mr Stamford and Mr Whiteside

Apologies: Mr Smith and Mr Loades

Parishioners Present: Mrs M Cram

Minutes of last meeting: 

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 21^st April 2009 were read.  It was proposed by Mr Mulford and seconded by Mr Joice that these be adopted.  All were in favour.  The minutes were signed by the Chairman.   

Matters arising from minutes: 

All matters arising from last year’s minutes have been dealt with throughout the year.  Mr Barron updated the meeting on the North Pole Farm situation.  A letter has been sent to the Inspectorate asking for the Appeal to be dismissed.  Mr Labouchere has also written requesting the same. 

Accounts: 

Colkirk Charities Accounts: Mr Barron, on behalf of Mr Smith presented the accounts as follows:

The accounts have been independently examined by Mr Barron and are now available for inspection. 

Mr Joice proposed, seconded by Mr Stamford that these accounts be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Oxwick Charity Accounts: Mr Barron presented the accounts as follows:

Mr Barron reported that as a result of the meeting held on 30^th April 2009, he wrote to the Charity Commission on 12^th May 2009 suggesting that the Oxwick Charity widens it’s scope to encompass the Upper Wensum Benefice of which it is now part, to enable funds to be used by the needy in the Benefice.  He has not received a response.  The Trustees are Rev Stapleford, Colin Bunnett as Oxwick representative and Colin Barron as Correspondent. 

The accounts have been independently examined by Mr Smith and are now available for inspection. 

Mr Whiteside proposed, seconded by Mr Stamford that these accounts be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Matters Arising in the Parish of Colkirk 

Mrs Cram asked about the report in the the EDP of 20^th April stating that Breckland was handing over land in several Parishes, including Colkirk, for housing.  Mr Stamford explained that he had attended the full Cabinet Meeting where this was discussed and it was agreed, in the case of Colkirk, that the land in Whissonsett Road was to be advertised and let on an agricultural tenancy and would not be used for housing. The Parish Council has not yet received formal notification of this. 

Mrs Cram also asked what was happening with the Local Development Framework.  Mr Stamford advised that this is very close to being agreed but had been delayed due to the need for Breckland to decide what to do with Breckland owned land within Parishes. 

Mr Whiteside reported problems in School Road outside Lilac Nurseries.  A car is parked on the pavement at night and boxes of plants are laid out on the pavement during the day for watering which leave the pavements very slippery.  It was agreed to put this on the Agenda for May’s meeting and Mr Whiteside will, in the meantime, ask for advice from Highways on how to deal with the problem. 

Mr Whiteside also pointed out the speed with which County Highways reacted to the pothole problem in Colkirk.   

Mr Joice advised that there has been a burglary at the Farm and that a white transit van with three males inside had been seen in the village acting suspiciously.  Mr Smith is to be asked to put something in the UWD and it was suggested that the word is spread to make people aware of the situation. 

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9 pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting

Held on        Tuesday 19^th January 2010 

Councillors Present: Mr Barron, Mr Joice, Mr Mulford, Mr Smith, Mr Whiteside, Mr Loades, Mr Stamford and County Councillor Kiddle-Morris  

Apologies:  Mr Labouchere 

Parishioners Present: Mrs Cram 

Prior to the meeting, Debbie Pepper of Norfolk Rural Community and Juliet Coombs of EP Youth together with a driver, brought the EP Youth Bus which was parked outside the Village Hall in the lane.  Councillors got on board to see what the bus has to offer and discuss the siting and proposed dates.  It was agreed that the location was fine and that the bus would be brought to Colkirk every Wednesday for eight weeks commencing 10^th February from 7 – 9pm. 

Minutes of last meeting:

The minutes of the meeting dated 10^th November were read.  It was proposed by Mr Smith and seconded by Mr Whiteside that these be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Matters arising:

Gates and Posts to allotments

These have now been erected.  Mr Loads and Mr Whiteside both presented quotes for a padlock and key.  After a show of hands it was decided to purchase a fully waterproof padlock and 24 keys from Fakenham Heel Bar together with 6mm chain from Focus.  Mr Whiteside agreed to get all of this.  It was also agreed that allotment holders who wish to have a key will need to pay a deposit refundable when the key is returned. 

Derelict bungalow next to the Crown

Mr Labouchere took this to Breckland on our behalf which resulted in Mr Barron giving Mr Fuller of Breckland a history of the problems this site has caused.  This was emailed to Mr Fuller on 11^th December 2009 and to date we have not received a response.  Mr Kiddle-Morris agreed to speak with Mr Labouchere about this. 

Core Strategy

Mr Stamford reported on the Inspectors report on the Breckland Core Strategy.   

Local Development Framework

Mr Stamford also reported on the LDF presentation he had attended and advised on the implications for Colkirk.  He brought along a Public Document Pack.  The views and proposals of the LDF Task and Finish Group Committee will be reported to the Council’s Cabinet, followed by a 6 week public consultation. 

Dudgeon Offshore Wind farm

Mr Stamford reported on the planning documentation for the Dudgeon Offshore Wind farm.  45 km of cabling will be laid crossing many major and minor roads.  Colkirk will be affected where it crosses the high pressure gas pipeline and notices have been served on two landowners whose land the cable will cross.  The site should be operational in 2013. Mr Stamford expressed his concern that Breckland proposes removing the Little Dunham settlement boundary, as it is not a sustainable location for further growth, however, Dudgeon proposes to build a large sub-station there. 

Grant Application for Village Hall Roof

Mr Smith advised that the application form has been changed for Awards 4 All but now has the revised form to complete.  It was agreed that the Parish Council grants a new 5 year lease to the Village Hall Committee commencing immediately as this is a condition of the grant.

Easement over Village Hall Car Park

The pipeline is to run alongside the hedge to the car park and it will be the responsibility of the current and subsequent owners of The Rectory in perpetuity to maintain the pipeline and make good any damage to the car park caused by installation and maintenance.  The solicitors to the owners of The Rectory have agreed to this. 

Current Planning Applications 

Mr Barron advised that outline permission was granted at the Development Control Committee on 4^th January 2010, at which meeting he, together with Mr Mulford, presented the objections to the application.  After the meeting Mr Barron emailed Breckland’s solicitor expressing his concern that a fundamental question posed in his presentation to the Committee about the drainage tests was not followed up by members which resulted in permission being granted based on an average permeability test figure, two thirds of which was produced by the developer rather than a qualified drainage engineer. He also expressed his displeasure at receiving the documentation on Christmas Eve for a meeting to be held on 4^th January.  This did not give sufficient time to consult with professionals on the drainage issues.  On behalf of residents of Colkirk, he said how disappointed he was that 32 letters of complaint had gone unanswered.  Following this email, Mr Daines, the Development Services Manager of Capita Symonds, employed by Breckland, responded that detailed drainage proposals would have to be submitted in the Reserved Matters application and that all complainants would be receiving a response. 

To Certify Accounts for Payment 

* signed prior to meeting 

Mr Joice proposed these payments, seconded by Mr Whiteside. All were in favour. 

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was read out. 

Any other business:

Mr Whiteside has reported serious potholes to Highways. 

It will cost £299.70 per annum to insure the play equipment.  It was agreed to go ahead with this.  Weekly inspections of the play equipment need to be carried out. 

Thanks were expressed to Sean Dade (Milkman) and the Postman for getting into Colkirk every day during the snow.  Letters of thanks will be sent. 

Mr Barron has been approached about circulating Fakenham Surgery quarterly newsletter.  He will see if this can be done with the Upper Wensum Diary. 

Mr Kiddle-Morris advised that drainage work on the corner of Gormans Lane and School Road is to be carried out in 2010/11 

The Clerk is to report the broken handset in the phone kiosk. 

Next Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 16^th March 2010 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting

Held on        Tuesday 10^th November 2009 

Councillors Present: Mr Barron, Mr Smith, Mr Whiteside, Mr Loades, Mr Stamford and District Councillor Labouchere  

Apologies:  Mr Joice, Mr Mulford and County Councillor Kiddle-Morris 

Parishioners Present: Mrs Cooper and Mr Tame (representing the allotment holders), Mr Ellis and Mr Kindleyside (representing the residents affected by the Meadow View application), Ms Filby, Mr Clark, Ms Debbie Pepper from Norfolk Rural Community and Ms Juliet Coombs from EP Youth. 

Minutes of last meeting:

The minutes of the meeting dated 8^th September were read.  Mr Whiteside pointed out the Heidi Parker had paid for the gate to be installed, not Breckland.  With the exception of this amendment, it was proposed by Mr Loades and seconded by Mr Whiteside that these be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Matters arising:

New tree on Campyng Land

This has now been staked by Mr Barron and Mr Whiteside. 

Signs to the Campyng Land

Mr Loades and Mr Whiteside have now put the signs up. 

Fencing to Allotments

Mr Loades presented two quotes and it was agreed to go with the quote for £700 from Gary Palmer.  The fencing will be stock fencing with a single strand of wire.  Mr Loades will find out about a suitable padlock for the gate 

Derelict Bungalow next to The Crown

To date, a response has not been received to the Clerk’s request that the site be tidied.  Mr Labouchere will take this back to Breckland to see if they can force anything to be done. 

North Pole Farm

The Enforcement Notice has now been served. 

Breckland Parish Council Forum

Mr Stamford attended this event and reported that there were three main topics of interest.  Firstly, Anti-Social behaviour which Mr Stamford felt Breckland appeared to be dealing with.  Secondly, Norfolk Handy Service which ensures that small jobs are carried out for older residents by approved contractors for a fixed fee and thirdly, Breckland are endeavouring to ensure that residents moving from towns to quiet villages are vetted to ensure they are suitable for a more rural way of life.  The LDF had been taken off the Agenda and will be discussed at Dereham Memorial Hall on 25^th November.   Mr Stamford will attend. 

Meadow View Planning Application

Mr Barron advised the meeting that the application was deferred at the Development Control committee meeting on 12^th October.  Since that meeting, Mr Barron has been in contact with Chris Raine from Breckland.  The Developer has been asked to supply further details on how they propose to overcome the drainage issue and until these are received, the application will not be returned to committee.  Mr Labouchere advised that all other objections by residents and the Parish Council have been considered fully but are not deemed to contravene policy. 

Youth Facilities in the Village

The Clerk introduced Debbie Pepper, Project Officer for Norfolk Rural Community (Access for Life) and Juliet Coombs, Youth Worker for EP Youth. 

As a result of a survey in the Upper Wensum Diary last year, it was clear that young people in Colkirk find it difficult to get out of Colkirk to take part in leisure activities.  EP Youth would like to bring their Youth Bus to Colkirk once a week for an 8 week trial starting in January.  It was agreed that Juliet Coombs would visit Colkirk in the daylight to see if there is a suitable place for the bus to park. 

Another issue highlighted in the Survey was that older people find getting to a food shop difficult and would like a village shop.  As a lot of money has been spent on the Ryburgh shop, it is proposed to operate a Community Car Scheme, starting in January, to take older residents to Ryburgh. 

Website

Mr Clark had circulated his report on the year’s website activities with the Agenda.  It was agreed that the number or hits from new and returning visitors is very impressive – approximately 400 a month and the guest book entries show that it is a website to be very proud of.  Thanks were extended to Mr Clark for his work on the website and he was asked to continue for another year. 

To receive update from Ms Filby on accessible toilets

Ms Filby advised that the grant application for the toilets has been put on hold as the Village Hall has a more pressing need to have the roof repaired and it is not looked upon favourably when two lottery applications are made for the same building at the same time.  Mr Smith will apply for funding for the roof this year and Ms Filby will start the process again for the toilets next year with a view to them being installed in the summer of 2011. 

Allotment Rents

In view of the fact that allotment holders have asked for the allotments to be fenced and for a locked gate to be installed, it was proposed by Mr Whiteside that the allotments rents be increased to £10.00.  This was seconded by Mr Smith.  Ms Cooper and Mr Tame asked the Parish Council to consider that there was no water to the allotments but it was still considered that £10 per annum is extremely reasonable.  Mr Tame asked whether the allotment holders could, at their own expense, lay hardcore along the track up the middle of the allotments.  The Parish Council would like to see the quality of the hardcore beforehand and Mr Tame is to liaise with Mr Loades on this and timing so it doesn’t interfere with the fencing installation.  The Clerk will advise allotment holders that they cannot, under any circumstances, access the allotments from between 6 and 7 Timperley Estate. 

Grounds Maintenance

Quotations from Norse Commercial Services have been received and were deemed to be reasonable.

It was agreed to sign a one year contract. 

Budget 2010/11

This was discussed in detail and it was proposed by Mr Smith and seconded by Mr Loades that we precept for £6750.00

Current Planning Applications

To Certify Accounts for Payment

Mr Smith proposed these payments, seconded by Mr Whiteside. All were in favour. 

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was read out. 

Mr Stamford will look at the Inspectors Report on the Breckland Core Strategy. 

The Clerk circulated an email re Extension to time limits for planning applications. 

The Parish Council has given authority for the Village Hall Committee to act on the matter of easement over the village hall car park to enable a sewer connection to be laid to The Old Rectory. 

Any other business:

There was no other business. 

Next Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 19^th January 2010 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.15 pm

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting

Held on        Tuesday 8^th September 2009 

Councillors Present: Mr Barron, Mr Whiteside, Mr Loades, Mr Mulford Mr Stamford, Mr Joice (from 8.30 pm) District Councillor Labouchere and County Councillor Mr Kiddle-Morris 

Apologies:  Mr Smith

Parishioners Present: Seven residents from Bramley Drive/Conference Way, Mrs P Cooper representing the Allotment Group and Ms J Filby. 

Minutes of last meeting:

The minutes of the meeting dated 5^th May were read.  It was proposed by Mr Whiteside and seconded by Mr Stamford that these be adopted.  All were in favour. 

Matters arising:

Tree guard for Campyng Land

The tree guard is now in place.  Thanks were extended to Mr Mulford for collecting this from Ipswich which saved approximately £80 delivery charge.  The tree needs straightening and Mr Barron has agreed to do this. 

Speedwatch

Despite Mr Whiteside’s efforts, he cannot find out anymore than previously reported.  

Signs to the Campyng Land

These have not yet been erected due to lack of time but Mr Loades advised that this will be done on Thursday 17^th September. 

Planning Portal presentation

Mr Mulford reported that Capita Symonds is now responsible for all Breckland Planning and Building Control.  He was assured at the presentation that there should not be a fall in standards.  It is hoped that there will be more on-line submissions and help to Parish Council will be available for equipment. 

Matting missing from Play Equipment

The RoSPA report carried out upon completion of the installation shows that there was not any matting under the single springy piece of equipment.  A RoSPA inspection was carried out in June.  The gates need adjustment which Mr Joice has agreed to do.  Mr Whiteside advised that the fenced in area had not been strimmed and that he did it.  The Clerk is to investigate. 

Heidi Parker

Breckland have now installed a gate between Nos 6 and 7 Timperley Estate to prevent rights across this land being established.  The Clerk reported that two allotment holders have complained about the gate and the blocking up of the gap in the hedge to the allotments. 

Signage into Colkirk

The signage is obscured at the bottom of Market Hill.  This has been reported to Highways but the work has to be carried out by the Northern area and has not yet been done. 

Fencing to Allotments

Due to other commitments, Mr Loades has been unable to produce a quote.  However, he will get some prices together before the next meeting.  It was agreed that Pony wire and posts together with a 12 ft gate to the entrance of the allotment is required. 

Derelict Bungalow next to The Crown

In response to our letter asking whether a Section 215 Notice could be served on the landlords, Breckland advised that although untidy, it is not bad enough to warrant a Notice being served.  Areas need to be covered in scrap, rubbish etc.  The Clerk is to write to Greene King to ask them to tidy the area. 

North Pole Farm

Mr Barron advised that during the summer, further advice was sought from Hayes & Storr.  In this instance, a trainee drafted a letter which was sent from Colkirk Parish Council and the fee was waived. 

Boundary Committee

Mr Barron made a further response to the Boundary Committee’s proposals for Unitary Authority.  All members of the Parish Council were circulated with the letter. 

Water Leak – Starre Corner

This has now been remedied. 

To receive update from Ms Filby on accessible toilets

Ms Filby advised that full plans have been drawn up by Logan Architecture and three quotes have been submitted.  It is envisaged that the work to the toilets will be between £30,000 and £35,000.  Grant applications usually require the applicants to contribute between 5 and 10%.  It as agreed that Ms Filby should go ahead with the grant applications which a view to submitting in November.  The Parish Council will consider the sum they can contribute at the November meeting when the budget and precept is agreed.  Thanks were extended to Ms Filby for the huge effort she has put into the project. 

Crocus Corner

Ms Filby reported that the scheme has received overwhelming support with one in five households wishing to take part.  There will be 33 sites with 22,000 bulbs.  Gordon Turner at Fakenham Garden Centre produced all the colour leaflets and has agreed to donate all the bulbs to two-thirds of the bulbs with the remainder coming from participating households.  This was far more than was anticipated and originally agreed upon.  Breckland Council has donated £200.  The planting will start on Monday 5^th October in Fairview Drive and the Press will record the event.  Help with the planting is being sought from villagers together with a team from Tescos and Fakenham Garden Centre.  Ms Filby will now apply for the licences from County Highways but has been assured that they are happy with all sites. 

Gates and Posts to the allotments

Due to other commitments, Mr Loades has not yet put together a costing for the gates and posts but it was agreed that as soon as the price has been calculated, if reasonable, the work should be undertaken.  It was agreed that the Playing Field Association be asked to contribute towards the cost. 

Risk Assessment

Mr Joice has removed loose bark from the tree close to the play equipment.  The risk assessment is now complete. 

Current Planning Applications

Seven residents attended the meeting and expressed their objections to the erection of 4 detached houses with access via Bramley Drive and Conference Way.  An amended drawing has been submitted outlining the access which was not on the original drawing and residents were advised to write to Breckland again with objections.  The Parish Council agreed to write again objecting to this development, reiterating their earlier objections and to ask why the amended plans do not show any trees.   The Developers have written to all residents advising that plans are being made to have the road adopted.  The residents were in agreement that they would rather have an unadopted road than new more houses.

To Certify Accounts for Payment

*paid between meetings.

Mr Loades proposed these payments, seconded by Mr Mulford. All were in favour.

Correspondence:

A list of correspondence was read out. 

Mr Mulford and Mr Stamford will attend the next Forum and Open Evening. 

Pete Fuller, Colkirk’s PCSO has now stepped down from this position as he has taken on the role of a Police Officer.  Colkirk does not have a PCSO for the time being. 

Any other business:

Mr Barron asked Mr Whiteside to organise the Poppy wreath. 

Mr Smith sent a report that there have been thefts of produce by children from outside a house in Dereham Road.  The police have been to the village and taken statements from witnesses who saw this taking place.  It was agreed that the Parish Council should advise the Housing Association that some of their tenants are involved.

Next Parish Council Meeting – Tuesday 10^th November 2009

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm