Parish
Council meeting in October
The
following notes of the meeting have been written by the village newsletter
editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a
later date.
Old
Buckenham Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday 7 October in Old Buckenham
Village Hall. Those present were councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel,
Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons and Mike Farrington as well as Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Elizabeth
Burrows from Attcare and six members of the public. Councillors Terry Cook and
Andy Nicholls had sent their apologies.
Minutes
of the meeting held on Thursday 2 September. Minutes approved (4 in favour, 1
abstain) with addition that comments from a member of the public supporting the
Ox and Plough were read out. They highlighted the fact that the Bikes on the
Green event was supported by many in the community.
Matters
arising from these minutes. The chairman had spoken to a workman regarding the Recreation
Ground fencing. There are enough posts to make the two end fences safe (next to
the car park and Chapel Green School road). Intend to leave side next to the Primary
School open as there is already a hedgerow on other side of footpath. This was approved
(5 in favour).
He has
spoken to press regarding the Radar Tower appeal. Commissioned bat survey
received which states there are many species of bats in the area (several of
which are endangered). As bats can be affected by radar, it provides a strong
ecological argument against the Radar Tower. No notification yet from Breckland
Council of the Appeal, only a message from the Met Office of their intentions. The
Solar Farm was well received at Planning Committee but will need to speak in
detail regarding the Grant for the Parish.
The Clerk
said the footpath in front of the schools was being well used by pedestrians
and seems to be effective in controlling where people are crossing. Also
benefiting drivers who know where pedestrians will be crossing. Poles for
flashing speeds signs (wigwags) are installed. There is a small delay on the
actual signs but should be installed soon. Abbey Road near the Anglian Water
site will be closed from Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 October. The handrail is now
installed next to ramp for the bench outside the Almshouses. The Bus Shelter has
been covered in graffiti again. Culprits are unknown but Naomi Bailey has
offered to liaise with the High School about this issue as students are one of
the main users of the bus stop. Graffiti has been painted over but the bus shelter
needs re-paint anyway so looking for volunteers to do this.
Mike Farrington
reported that a permissive path in the village has been closed. Terry Cook of
the Footpaths Working Party was absent so discussion to be postponed until next
month.
Naomi Bailey
said the Playground had been inspected in the last month and had passed. The
report said safety items were mostly low/very low risk from wear and tear, with
a few moderate risk items that need addressing. Many can be solved by local
tradesmen so she will go through the report and prioritise work required and
costings. Also looking at any longer term solutions that would be more cost
effective.
News
from Adrian Joel included that he will speak to the vicar and arrange road
closure for Remembrance Sunday. The Clerk to arrange wreaths and it is hoped that
as many Councillors as possible will attend. It had been suggested that the War
Memorial might need cleaning. The Clerk researched this subject and the War
Memorials Trust advise cleaning only when truly necessary as over cleaning can
cause damage to the stone. A Christmas
tree has been ordered and the lights have been repaired and improved. Switch on
event will be on Sunday 12 December at 4pm. Ox and Plough are going to organise
an event with a band and has also kindly offered to pay for the electricity for
tree. Naomi Bailey to create a poster for the event.
Financial
matters. The Community account balance now stands at £24,150.05. Payments for
approval (5 in favour), which totalled £1,811.24, included the cost of the
annual audit, the new handrail, paper for the village newsletter during 2022,
grass cutting and strimming as well as payments to the community car drivers. The
charity annual return has been filed.
Public
Participation relating to agenda items. The need for a Neighbourhood Plan (NP)
was first raised six years ago yet there has still been no action on it. The
village needs to decide what they want included and get things moving. Steve Milner
explained that it requires a lot of time and people to commit to and complete a
Neighbourhood Plan. The Parish Council are looking to use New Buckenham’s Neighbourhood
Plan as a template (nearly complete and approved after over four years of
work). The Parish Council is there to help support the Neighbourhood Plan group
but it is actually a community project that requires residents to lead and
participate. First step is to get a group formed and Doug Irons is to research
the structure and organisation required of a Neighbourhood Plan group.
AttCare
Presentation by Elizabeth Burrows. Attcare is a charity that was set up as part
of the Attleborough Neighbourhood Plan in order to find out what health and
social care provisions are available and required for Attleborough and
surrounding villages. Attleborough’s Health Practice is already very over-stretched
due to a huge growth in population in the area without improvements to the
infrastructure or services. Many services are now being held elsewhere, such as
Wymondham and Norwich. A survey of the services available and what was required
was completed six years ago and found significant gaps but this information is
now out of date. The Government is going to provide five major towns in Norfolk
funding to improve Health and Social Care and Attleborough is hoping to be
selected. Attcare is acting as a facilitator by highlighting the needs and
requirements of the town and neighbouring villages in order to improve its
chances of selection for the funding. In order to do this, a new research
survey is required. The survey is completed by UEA and has been split in to two
halves. The first half has been completed and has established the facts around
the current health and social care situation in Attleborough. Attcare is £3,500
short of its target to commission the second half of the report which will look
at recommendations for improvements. All Parishes that use Attleborough health
services are being asked if they can contribute towards this cost, with many
donating. Steve Milner enquired about whether developers have donated and it
was explained that they are contributing through ‘section 106’ funding. Attcare
wishes to address many health and social care services including minor
injuries, palliative care, mental health care, training to help increase staff
numbers and supported living.
Councillors
felt that these services are important to many residents of Old Buckenham and
Attcare should be supported in its work to make significant improvements.
Proposal to donate £500 was approved (5 in favour).
New planning
applications received before the meeting. Old
Hall, Harlingwood Lane. Replacement dwelling (3PL/2021/1251/F). Looking
to tear down a 16th century building and replace it. There is extensive damage
to the current property. Not a listed building but classed as ‘non designation
heritage asset of significant local interest’. Councillors felt they would
rather see restoration of current property rather than demolition. Propose to object
was approved (5 in favour).
Hargham
Road. Residential Development – 12 units (3PL/2021/1274/F). A member
of the public made the following observations: This application will affect the
whole village. It is outside the village settlement boundary and Old Buckenham
has met its housing target, therefore there is no requirement for these
properties. There is also the risk that it will set a precedent for further
development in the area. It is set on a narrow road, which would possibly need
widening. However, there are 10 large oak trees along that road which should be
protected. Additionally, there are dangerous junctions in both directions. The
design of the properties would cause significant light pollution which would
affect neighbouring properties and local wildlife. Councillors
were in agreement with these points and felt that the application would have a
detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area. Adrian Joel
highlighted that it also goes against many policies of Breckland’s Local Plan
(GEN 02, COM 01 and TR02). Majority of comments on the Planning Portal are
against the development. Breckland Councillor Steve Askew is unable to raise it
to the Planning Committee. Anglian Water have also stated that they do not have
the capacity to process the waste from these houses. Proposal to object was approved
(5 in favour).
Crumb
Cottage, Cake Street. First storey extension over existing single storey
element and internal reconfiguration (3PL/2021/1290/HOU). No objections. Proposal
to support was approved (5 in favour).
Twitchers
Cottage, Stacksford. Retention of a mobile home which is used as an annex for a
member of the family (3PL/2021/1333/F). Has been there for many years but need
to renew it every 10 years. Proposal to support was approved (5 in favour).
26
Oaklands. Proposed Single Storey Front Extension (3PL/2021/1348/HOU). No
objections. Unable to tell if it would project further forward than
neighbouring properties. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour).
Old
Buckenham Water Treatment Works, Abbey Road. Construction of a pump store at
Old Buckenham Water Treatment Works (3PL/2021/1354/F). This is for the sewage
works. No objections. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour).
Planning
decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have now been
considered and the applications have been approved.
42 Fen
Street. Single storey side and rear extensions (3PL/2021/0947/HOU).
The
Barn, High London Farm, New Buckenham Road. Outline planning application for
the conversion of an agricultural barn to a single dwelling (3PL/2020/1356/O).
Hunters
House, access roads in and around Old Buckenham Hall. Erection of a 5m by 3.5m
wood cabin within the front garden for use as a small dog grooming business (3PL/2021/0721/F).
Church
Farmhouse, The Green. Proposed Single storey, Kitchen, Wetroom and Utility Room
extensions and re-positioning of oil tank to front garden with screening (3PL/2021/1089/HOU).
The
following application has now been considered and the application has been refused. Rear
of 41 Hargham Road. Erection of single storey dwelling and two bay cart lodge
(self build) (3PL/2021/0830/O).
The
following application has been withdrawn. Caldcleugh, Cake Street. New Access
to the Highway and Garage/Outbuilding (3PL/2021/1216/HOU).
Precept
Grants launch. Councillors felt that the Precept Grants are important for the
community and local groups. Proposal to continue Precept Grants approved (5 in
favour). The Clerk is to update and advertise their availability. Application
forms available from the Clerk. Deadline for receiving completed applications
is Saturday 20 November.
Welcome
Pack. This has been updated with all relevant information. The Clerk to
advertise its availability and will need neighbours to notify her when and
where it is required.
Allotment
rents. Current allotment annual rent prices for Old Buckenham residents are £40
for a plot (40 metres by 20 metres) and £20 for half a plot. People outside the
village pay £50 or £25. Twelve of the plots are currently being used. Proposal
to maintain allotment rents as the same for 2021/22 was approved (5 in favour).
If anyone is interested in renting an allotment, please contact the Clerk.
Wildflowers
on the Green. The Green Working Party would like to trial growing some
wildflowers on the Green in a 50 metre by 40 metre test area which will need
clearing and preparing. A wildflower seed mix of native British flowers has
been ordered to be sown in late March/early April 2022. Councillors asked for
clarification of the area and how the area will be cordoned off and protected.
Doug Irons also wanted to see a copy of report from the Wildlife Trust with its
recommendations. Steve Milner to liaise with Green Working Party for further information.
Public
footpaths. A Permissive Path near Puddledock has been rescinded. It was the
only safe way for Puddledock residents to access village on foot without
walking on dangerous roads, as well as being a popular walking route. There is
confusion from many residents about the reason behind the change. Councillors
clarified that this was a permissive path and not a Public Right of Way (PRoW)
which meant the landowner gave permission for residents to walk on the land and
so they are in their right to also stop that access. Terry Cook has good
knowledge on the subject and will re-address public footpaths in the Parish at next
month’s Parish Council meeting.
Working
Parties Projects. This updated list of Working Parties members was agreed.
Personnel
Committee: Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook
Play
Area Working Party: Naomi Bailey, Kerry Talbot (resident), Doug Irons
Recreation
Area Working Party: Andy Nicholls, Steve Milner
SNAP:
Steve Milner
Old
Buckenham Village Hall: Terry Cook
Allotments:
Adrian Joel
Parish
Council website: Steve Milner, Rachel Noyes.
Old
Buckenham Green Rights: Andy Nicholls
Almshouses
Trust: Mike Farrington
Village
Green Working Party: Andy Nicholls, Adrian Joel, Sarah Dye (Green Right
Proprietor), Allison Frank (Green Right Proprietor), Lord of the Manor, John
Fernihough (resident)
Eleemonosynary
Trust: Steve Milner
Neighbourhood
Plan: Steve Milner, Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington, Terry Cook, Andy Nicholls,
Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons
Public
Rights of Way (PRoW): Steve Milner, Terry Cook, Mike Farrington
School
Liaison Officer: Naomi Bailey
Play
area. Naomi Bailey to review the latest inspection report and price up any maintenance
work required.
Items
for next agenda. These will include the wild flower trial on the Green and current
public footpaths in the village.
The
next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 4 November starting at
7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
