Just ready for start of new year
See you by All Saints Church for the Village Walk starting at 10.30am on Sunday and in the Church Rooms for soup and rolls afterwards.
Unfortunately there will be no 'Coffee and Chat' at the Church Rooms on Tuesday 3 January after all.
Farewell
Old Buckenham Village Hall monthly Numbers Club has now closed. The management committee wish to thank all those who have contributed to this over the years. Thanks are also due to the dedicated collectors who walked round the village and its environs and contacted players each January. The numbers club was administered by Graham Dye to whom grateful thanks are also due.
The winners in the last draw in December were Jenny Devaux with £10, Gerald Norton won £15, £20 went to Barbara Jones and the two £25 prizes were awarded to Pat Rout and Sarah Dye.
The Club is now wound up.
Look at the wide range and prices
This is one old document re-discovered today by the blog editor who is having a big clear out. The shop was by Rod Alley Row but how long ago? Please leave a comment if you know.
Your contributions are needed
Copy date for the January village newsletter is only five days away but many more words are needed to fill the pages. The Parish Council had no planning applications to deal with and so their minutes are much shorter than usual. People seem much busier attending local functions than keen to write up about them. Did you enjoy the switch on of the Christmas tree lights? If so write and tell me something about it. How about reporting back on the Luncheon Club's Christmas dinner? Or is there something else happening in the village that you feel strongly about.
Just send your contributions to obnewspostbox@aol before midnight on Tuesday 20 December (or write them out longhand and put them in the letterbox at Crockslea in Cake Street) and we'll try to make good use of them. Thank you.
Something for your new diary
Is that another year nearly gone? Why not come out and enjoy some fresh air with friends for the New Year's Day Walk? It will leave from outside the Church Rooms at 10.30am. The walk will be approximately 2 to 3 miles walking on fields and roads. Dogs on leads will be welcome. After the walk you are invited back to he Church Rooms for homemade soup and rolls, etc.
Here is the news
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 1 December at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Andy Nicholls, Terry Cook, Ali McWilliam and Doug Irons. Apologies for absence had been received from Jonn Hicks. Also attending were Rachel Noyes Clerk), County and District Councillor Steve Askew and one member of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10 November were approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).
Financial matters. The Community Account balance was now £37,604.15. Payments of £726.65 were approved (5 in favour) and included the Clerk’s salary and expenses, hire of rooms at the Village Hall and payments to four of the community car drivers. Payment made for newsletter paper as previously approved came to £777.60 (including VAT).
Councillor
reports. County Councillor Steve Askew said that Serco have been due to cut
back overhanging trees in Prince Harry’s Wood this week. Naomi Bailey is to
visit properties and confirm work has been completed to a satisfactory
standard. He was also contacted by a Banham resident regarding Banham Community
Car Scheme which is no longer operational. Banham Parish Council will be
discussing it at their next meeting but were looking at the idea of
neighbouring parishes working together. Breckland Council have no objections. He
will keep in contact with Banham Parish Council and will keep our Parish
Council updated. The Community Car Scheme in Old Buckenham is well used but
always on the lookout for new drivers.
Ali McWilliam had seen the SUE presentation at Attleborough Town Hall. Homes England were also present. Noted changes to transport networks in local area including adding new roundabout on the B1077. Will also be putting in some small shopping areas and other additional services.Terry Cook said that Serco and Breckland have reacted quickly to recent fly tipping in the village. No further problems reported. However, please report any problems quickly via Breckland website or to the Parish Clerk.
Doug Irons had met with The Gamekeeper manager regarding the details for leasing and resurfacing of the small area of Green outside of the pub which is currently used for parking. Was a very positive meeting in which all parties were happy to get the arrangements sorted quickly. As car park area is used by residents for accessing properties and for parking, the Parish Council will pay 60% of maintenance costs while The Gamekeeper will pay 40%. Manager was also keen to get involved in community activities and events. Paperwork will be drafted and another meeting to be arranged for in the New Year.Doug Irons will lead development of new website. Request for Councillors to inform him of features/pages they feel that the website should include. The Clerk reported that the next stage of Local Plan Update (Issues and Options consultation) will be on Tuesday 20 December at 4pm, Elizabeth House, Dereham. Two places for any Councillors able to attend.
She had contacted Breckland Planning relating to residents’ concerns raised at the last meeting. Reply received stated they can provide evidence that they wrote to three of the immediate neighbours and that while the comment was removed from the website, it was still consulted during the decision-making process. Reply did not, however, explain why the comment was removed. Recent information event received regarding work on the Brenntag site in Attleborough. Councillors were unable to attend but slides from the event have been received. Feedback to be passed on to the Clerk, who will complete feedback form. The A11 will be experiencing high levels of night closures (8pm to 6am) during December as work is switched to the Southbound side. Diversions will be via Diss. Contacted with a request for permission to install a mirror on the Green for safely leaving driveway. Clarified with Highways who said that they do not support them. Resident informed, who will now liaise with Highways/Breckland Planning themselves.
She
had been contacted by the Manager of Old Buckenham Stud who wished to correct
some comments from previous Parish Coumcil minutes. The Stud was not directly
contacted about donating land for a burial site and so has not, as stated, that
they were not prepared to give up any land.
Planning
applications. There have been no new or amended planning applications received.
Planning
decisions by Breckland Council. The following two applications have now been
considered and have been approved.
Land
at Rosedale, Fen Street. Erection of 1 No C3 dwellinghouse and part demolition
of outbuilding to be used as garage (3PL/2022/0429/F).
Clay
Barn, Attleborough Road, barn C complex. Proposed conversion of former
agricultural buildings for residential use forming two dwellings (3PL/2022/0736/F).
The following application has been withdrawn: Hargham Road. Residential Development - 12 Units (3PL/2022/0298/F).
Track Repair between Village Shop and phone box. Have been asked about maintenance work on track, specifically the “shop side” of the posts which has large areas of wear, causing large puddles during the winter months. The track is part of the Green, not Highways, but is used by several residents to access their homes. Previously, the Parish Council has made contact with residents to enquire about financial contributions towards the work. Last action was for the previous Chair to arrange meeting with residents but the Chair left the before it could be carried out. A quote was collected at the start of the year for resurfacing the track, but is likely to be higher now. Councillors felt that while the Parish Council would contribute towards the work, it should not pay the full costs due to the fact that the damage done is partly down to the residents’ cars wearing away the materials. Parish Council would pay for half, while residents pay the remaining half. Clerk to write a letter to residents who live off the track to inform them of previous quote received and explain that Parish Council will pay half the cost. If they are happy to proceed, a meeting to be arrange in the New Year between the Parish Council, residents and Green Working Party.
Prince
Harry’s Wood. Have received transfer forms for signing. A few details are just
being finalised regarding the cutting back of overhanging trees near properties
and liaising with the insurance company. Will have to add new areas of grass in
St Andrews Close included in the transfer as these areas will need cutting by the Handyman.
After completion of tree cutting work, transfer forms to be signed by two
Councillors and an independent witness.
Recreation
Ground fencing. Gate/fence has been reversed into and broken. Wood is poor
quality and so has been easily damaged. Naomi Bailey felt that this will happen
repeatedly and so a stronger structure is needed. AN highlighted the need to
stop footballs hitting cars/rolling in to car park. Councillors suggested
researching quotes for 4/6 foot high chain link fencing with hedges along the
car park end of the Recreation Ground. A double gate would also be required to
allow for grass cutting machinery to access the field. The Clerk is to collect
quotes.
County Broadband wayleave. Have been contacted about a wayleave from County Broadband. Sarah Dye has dealt with the matter on behalf of the Green Rights Proprietors. Originally, the Parish Council were to discuss the suggested placement of a new telegraph pole near the playground. However have recently been informed that Highways have already approved the work.
Public
participation. Resident felt that there should have been greater planning in
advance for the maintenance of Prince Harry’s Wood and grass areas and the
additional costs that this will incur.
Items for next agenda. These are expected to include the Precept, the Recreation Ground fencing update, the Track update and latest on Prince Harry’s Wood.
The
next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 January 2023 at 7.30pm at Old
Buckenham Village Hall.
Wednesday was time for the Luncheon Club to have its Christmas Dinner. Here, rather later than hoped, are a few photos of the occasion. Apart from a special, free to enter, raffle there was also a visit from a class from the nearby primary school to sing a couple of songs.
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| Getting a supervised stir |
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| Stuffing ready for the oven |
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| A bit of mardling |
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| Watching the primary school singing |
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| More listening to the singing |
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| Some of the helpers enjoying their lunch |
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| ... and for pudding |
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| Time to help with clearing away the plates. |
A red hot piece of village news
The new thriller “The Chemistry of Death” based on the books of Simon Becket and filmed partly in Old Buckenham during the summer launches in mid January on Paramount Plus streaming service.
Infamous
The blog editor has been clearing out lots of old paperwork. He wondered why he had saved this envelope. Then he read the address and realised that even the local post office knew who did the village blog.
Some history
On the first of December in 2008, this site first started operating and it has been going ever since. It does not have a large audience compared with many blogs that are still active but a few statistics may interest you.
The tracking program, not necessarily very accurate, says that just over 144,000 have looked at the Old Buckenham blog. Of these some 86% are from the UK, 4% from the USA and 2% from India. At the other extreme only one person in Angola and one in Senegal have chanced upon it in fourteen years. Very few people have ever left any comments. Perhaps we will do a proper analysis next year to celebrate 15 years of blogging.
Yet more stuff to read
It is December tomorrow and the latest newsletter is already dropping through the letter boxes of houses throughout the village.There is a review of the year from the parish council chairman, Christmas activities at both the village churches and the usual long notes on the November parish council meeting. Plus details of other activities to keep you busy throughout the month.
Your chance to buy
If you go along to Chapel Green School on Wednesday 14 December between 3pm and 5pm you'll find lots of stalls where you can buy all sorts of gifts. You can also get refreshments and take part in a raffle and a tombola while listening to a Christmas choir.
From your Parish Council
These notes were written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and
so may contain information that will be changed at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 10 November 2022 at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Andy Nicholls, Jonn Hicks, Terry Cook and Alison McWilliam (once co-opted). Apologies for non-attendance from Doug Irons. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and one member of the public. Alison McWilliam was co-opted as a new parish councillor (4 in favour). A proposal to agree the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6 October was approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).
Financial matters. Community account balance now stands at £37,937.64. Payments of £908.24 were approved (5 in favour) including £227.25 to community car drivers and £122.50 for cutting the grass in the Recreation Area. Barclays have made the requested changes to the bank signatories to include Clerk and Registered Finance Officer (RFO). This will now allow the RFO to make further changes.
Councillors’ reports. Jonn Hicks explained that when
the churchyard was extended, a survey was not conducted on the ground and so an
old existing sewer pipe was not detected. The pipe is now broken and flooded
which is resulting in tankers emptying the sewage every day. Anglian Water will
be putting a new pipe in to the Stud field which is directly behind the area.
This confirms that the Stud field could not be used for burials in the future.
Jonn Hicks will begin contacting local landowners about possible
donations/purchases.
Terry Cook noted the increased problem of fly
tipping in recent weeks. This has occurred on the outskirts of the village but
also on the Green. All incidents involved tyres as well as other rubbish. All
fly tipping was reported to Breckland and has been removed by Serco. There is a
proposal by Norfolk County Council to reduce the hours that recycling centres
are open which could lead to further problems. If anyone spots any fly tipping
then they can inform the Clerk who will report it for collection. He also reported
on the Village Hall update. It has recently been re-insulated and new boiler
installed. Having looked at recent bills, the Village Hall is becoming more
energy efficient resulting in lower bills.
Two parents who had volunteered to run the Village
Hall car park Permit Scheme have stepped down after experiencing aggressive
behaviour. The Village Hall Committee has decided it would not open the car
park for school parking if the permit system is not in place by next September.
There is a suggestion to arrange a meeting between representatives of the
Sepientia Trust, the Primary School, the Parish Council, the Village Hall and Councillor
Steve Askew to find a solution. Councillors were supportive of the proposed meeting
with Naomi Bailey and Terry Cook to attend. A recent Health and Safety check on
the Village Hall has resulted in improvements.
Terry Cook had also been contacted by a parishioner
on Cake Street who was concerned that Breckland have not informed the
neighbours about a planning application and that comments were removed from the
planning website. The Clerk is to write to Breckland and Councillor Steve Askew
to raise the issue. Had also been asked about whether access to the footpath
opposite the Stud entrance could be improved. Currently the footpath comes out
down the Stud driveway but ends at a blind corner and a steep bank on the opposite
side of the road. The Clerk is to enquire with Highways.
The Chair had been contacted by the Ox and Plough
owner to request that all mention of the Ox and Plough pub be removed from
Green rental agreement. Agreements have been redrafted with pub removed and
re-signed. The Christmas tree is ordered for delivery in the first week of
December. Switch on will be organised for Sunday 11 December. The Ox and Plough
has agreed to supply electricity for the tree and the Parish Council will make
a donation towards the electricity costs. Andy Nicholls suggested researching
new LED lights for the future which would be cheaper to run.
The Clerk had been contacted by a parishioner who
was very concerned by the speed and volume of vehicles using Grove Road. Terry Cook
suggested researching schemes from other counties in which Councils were
implementing 20mph zones on rural roads. The Clerk is to enquire. The SpeedWatch
equipment has been collected and she has sent out an advertisement for
volunteers. Currently there are five people who have offered to support but it would
need a minimum of six for it to run. The Clerk is to send out a last request
for volunteers, otherwise equipment will be returned.
Fen Road will be closed for works from Monday 21 to
Wednesday 23 November. County Broadband has been in contact about a wayleave
and digging an area of the Green to lay a cable. They have been put in touch
with Sarah Dye as representative of Green Rights Proprietors and who has
previously dealt with wayleave requests. Searches about Prince Harry’s Wood have
come back from solicitors with no problems. Took a little while to organise a
clear map of the areas involved, as also includes areas of grass within St
Andrews Close but is sorted now. Will be expecting to complete on transfer
soon. Also there has been a small increase in the hourly rates of the
solicitors.
Feedback was requested on the recent Attcare report
which was recently received. Terry Cook explained that he was disappointed in
the report as it focused more on methodology, rather than outcomes of the data.
He also felt the structure of the report was poor and it failed to address how
many people are seeking healthcare in alternative villages/towns and why. Any
other feedback from Councillors to be sent to Clerk. He had also had a question
raised about whether the Parish Council could improve the aesthetics of the
main entrance to the village with flowers (in tubs or in the ground).
Councillors highlighted that these would be extra areas that would need
maintenance and increase costs of handyman routine jobs.
Planning applications. All planning applications
are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal. Councillors
have been asked by the chair to view the new applications in advance of the
meeting.
New planning applications. Poplar Farm, Fen Road.
Change of use of land from agricultural to residential in order to accommodate
a new site entrance (3PL/2022/1150/F). Councillors noted that there was very
little information in the application. Jonn Hicks also highlighted that there
have been several applications to build on this land previously which have all
been rejected by Breckland. Proposal to object was approved (5 in favour).
Amended applications. Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey
Road. Revised description of proposal. Erection of 6 no EV chargers for the
charging of electric aircraft, the retention of a two storey office and the
erection of a single storey office on existing concrete pad (3PL/2022/0937/F).
Poplar Farm, Fen Road. Variation of Conditions No2
on 3PL/2020/1009/F, introduction of external staircase to access balcony (3PL/2022/1036/VAR).
Land at 608360 291240 Cuffer Lane. Change of use of
land from agriculture land to mixed use of agriculture and leisure and domestic
use (retrospective). Erection of fencing, entrance gate, bell tent, outdoor
kitchen, chicken feed store, beehives, chicken coop and earth bund and
alterations to existing pond (retrospective) (3PL/2021/1690/F). Change of
description and amended proposed site layout.
St Marys Chapel, Castle Hill Road. Conversion of
the existing detached out-buildings to provide additional bedroom accommodation
and new flat roof kitchen link between the out-building and Victorian chapel
extension, with minor internal alterations to the Victorian chapel extension (3PL/2022/0996/HOU
and 3PL/2022/0997/LB). Revised ownership certificate.
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The
following applications have now been considered and have been approved.
Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Eight New
Holiday Lodges (3PL/2022/0783/F).
Downmore Farm, Banham Road. Proposed change of use
of an existing agricultural building to dwelling house together with the
building operations reasonably necessary to facilitate the conversion (3PL/2022/0604/F).
Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road. Erection of 6
no EV chargers for the charging of electric aircraft, the retention of a two
storey office and the erection of a single storey office on existing concrete
pad (3PL/2022/0937/F).
Crumb Cottage, Cake Street. Variation of Conditions
No 2 (Approved Plans) and No 3 (Materials) on 3PL/2021/1290/HOU - Roof material
changed from standing seam to clay pantiles, Window 18 opening now hung to the
left and Front dormer window changed to 3 panes (3PL/2022/1066/VAR).
Planning Appeals. The following Appeal has been dismissed: Rear of 41 Hargham Road (3PL/2021/0830/O). Appeal reference APP/F2605/W/22/3295975.
Newsletter paper. Quote for Village Newsletter
paper was above the pre-approved limit and came in at £648 (plus VAT). Proposal
to approve was agreed (5 in favour).
Remembrance Day. This would be on Sunday 13
November at the War Memorial. It was hoped to have as many Councillors there as
possible. Terry Cook had been asked by the Church if a member of the Parish
Council would be willing to read out the Roll of Honour and he agreed to take
part.
Plaque for Jubilee trees. Platinum Jubilee trees
were now planted opposite the Gamekeeper. Now a need to place a plaque at the site.
The Clerk had sent out some possible suggestions of wording and her Option 2
was approved (5 in favour). The Clerk is to research costings of different
materials for plaque.
(Jonn Hicks left the meeting)
Website. Councillors have been sent quotes and
information about two companies for building of the new Parish Council website.
Proposal to accept Option 1 was approved (4 in favour). Doug Irons has
previously offered to lead development.
Inspection of trees on the Green. Green Working
Party have requested to spend £600 on a tree inspection and written report
detailing trees for immediate work and also a 10 year maintenance plan. Proposal
to accept was approved (4 in favour).
Allotments. (discussed at start of meeting while Jonn
Hicks was still present) Quotes received from two landscape gardeners for
clearing overgrowth and rubbish from allotments. Because of volume of the work,
they would like to work together on project. Estimated to take two to two and a
half days to clear and would cost £200 each for a day’s work (expected £800 to £1000
total). Councillors supported the idea that any materials that are still
salvageable could initially be offered to the community. Would require a skip
hire to remove waste. Proposal to accept quote and allocate £1500 to the
initial clearance was approved (5 in favour). Both workers have Public
Liability Insurance and would send copies to the Clerk. Once improved, the
allotments will require a maintenance plan by the allotment holders to ensure
it does not return to a poor state again. Security is still an issue and there
was another recent theft from the site. Solutions such as large communal
storage will be investigated. As project will require a lot of money, the Clerk
to research grants/funding options. Ali McWilliam offered to join Allotment
Working Party.
Pre-application of Telecommunications Tower. Parish
Council had been contacted by Breckland about the pre-application of a
Telecommunications Tower at Old Buckenham Country Park for initial comments. Councillors
understood the need for better mobile phone coverage in the village but were
also aware that the weather radar tower met strong objection. Councillors were
curious what the coverage would be and if it would cause any problems for the
annual Hot Air Balloon Festival at the site. Clerk to feedback comments.
Items for next agenda. These would include Precept
Grants and confirmation of Christmas tree arrangements.
The date of next Parish Council meeting will be Thursday 1 December at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
Chapel Road School
Come and enjoy their Fusion Enterprise Winter Warmer Restaurant on Friday 9 December from 6pm to 8pm.
The scene on the Green
About 150 people had gathered around the war memorial just before 11am this morning. They ranged from the younger members of the Scout movement to many of the elder generation who had fought in the last World War. Silence fell at 11am and then wreaths were laid down by various village organisations.
Early information
· ‘Christingle’ Family Service – Sunday 11 December at 10.45am – Children and the young at heart especially welcome. They will be making Christingle displays, all materials will be provided. Tea coffee and cake available after the service.
· Christmas Songs Sing-A-Long – Wednesday 21 December 7.30pm to 8.30pm – Songs will be well known Christmas songs and carols. There will also be Christmas sketches from ‘Stuff & Folly’, poems and singing by the ‘Old Buckenham Community Choir’. Tea, coffee, mulled wine (non-alcoholic) and mince pies will be available.
All at the Old Buckenham Methodist Chapel, Hargham Road, NR17 1SL.
Litter picking deferred
This message is from the Green Working Party:
In view of the proposed bad weather tomorrow it would probably be better to cancel the planned litter pick. Anyone who wishes to do it is welcome to try tomorrow or on a later fine day. Alison Frank at the Old School House has all the equipment there for collection and return later. This is the latest they have ever tried to do a litter pick, the possible poor weather being the reason. Will try again in the spring and aim to keep our Green tidy.
Read and learn
This month's newsletter arrived back from the printer in late October and all distributors had a weekend in October to get it out and about. If you haven't read it yet there is information on the 2023 Produce Show and the next litter pick on the Green as well as the usual news from the village hall and the parish council.
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| An appreciative audience |
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| All done and time to drive home |
Different location
There is no service at All Saints Church on Sunday 6 November. The group service that day is at at St Martins in New Buckenham (not at Banham).
Your chance to do your bit
This planting has now been confirmed as 10am Saturday 29 October. Bring yourself, possibly a spade (holes dug but will need tidying), umbrella if wet and maybe your wellies. Gather opposite the Gamekeeper.
You can make it
On Saturday 12 November Old Buckenham Women’s Institute are holding a Christmas Craft Day in our Village Hall. It runs from 10am until 3pm and you can choose from making a macramé plant holder and key ring, an origami Christmas tree, do some pewter embossing or make Christmas cards and a calendar card. All materials are provided as well as tea/coffee and biscuits (although you need to bring your own packed lunch).
The day will cost you £25 and to book or get further details please contact Betty Stacey on 01953 454790 or email bettyannstacey23@gmail.com
The noise of the chainsaws
This morning was the time to sort out the overgrowth in All Saints churchyard. Many volunteers turned up to spend their Saturday morning wielding chainsaws, raking up the cut grass and brambles before carting barrow loads to the awaiting trailer.
Here are a few photos of the activity (click on the images to embiggen them)
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| Tea break in dappled shade |
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| More tea or coffee |
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| What a lot came along... |
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| ...some meeting for the first time |
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| Filling up the barrows... |
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| ..and compacting it all down |
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| Arty shot to finish with |
Latest council deliberations
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 6 October in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Andy Nicholls, Jonn Hicks, Doug Irons and Terry Cook. Also attending were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and nine members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 15 September were approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).
Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £38,465.61 (this includes £10,790.50 precept payment). Payments of £1141.98 were approved (5 in favour) and included £240 for audit, £286 for trees for the Queen Elizabeth planting and just over £130 to the community car drivers. S Barker has re-issued invoice for missed payment and so a cheque for £100, which was pre-approved at the last meeting, has also been issued.
A letter has been received from the bank requiring mandate to be signed again with additional information. The Register Finance Officer (RFO) has also drafted a letter to the bank raising a formal complaint about how long and difficult this process has been.
Councillor reports and matters arising from those minutes. Terry Cook and Andy Nichols had received phone calls from a parishioner with concern about the procedures that have occurred by Breckland Council around a planning application. The parishioner is very concerned and has George Freeman, our MP, and also the husband of the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk involved too. The Parish Council have now received evidence from two applications in which neighbours and the Parish Council have not been informed or kept updated by Breckland. It is a complicated application, and while the Parish Council cannot advise on the application itself, the Clerk can contact Breckland Council on the parishioner’s behalf to enquire about the process so far and request a breakdown of the procedures that should have been followed. County Councillor Steve Askew to also be kept informed.
The Parish Clerk reported back on various
subjects. Finger post on Mill Road replaced (FP12), finger post outside Church
rooms and Give Way sign repaired/replaced. Additional finger post at the Grove
Road end of FP12. Has been notified that County Broadband will be starting
installation works in the village before Christmas. Have received digital
copies of the plans. Casual Vacancy notice for new Councillors is on the
noticeboard. Notice received of a wooden pole being placed opposite Old Buckenham Priory
by BT Openreach.
Letter received from Breckland explaining
that the Gamekeeper has been removed from Asset of Community Value register
after its maximum of five years. Handyman jobs list sent out to councillors.
Handyman is on a fixed price for his work and so did not drop during winter
months when little was growing. Jonn Hicks to liaise with John Fernihough of
Green Working Party who manages handyman’s work.
Met with Steve Milner and received SAM sign
equipment which will be passed to Jonn Hicks to organise. Steve Milner also
explained that he was happy to continue helping with running and training of
Speed Watch once it is set up. Cuffer Lane junction with Moat Lane Road will be
closed from Monday 24 October to Friday 4 November.
Email received from the owner of the Ox and Plough explaining that the agreement for renting areas of the Green needs to be with the landlord David Tranmer, rather than the Ox and Plough. After consulting the agreement, Terry Cook explained that the named person on the agreement is with David Tranmer, not the Ox and Plough. The agreements are also based on the number of events/number of benches, rather than a time period, and can therefore be flexible. Clerk explained that the phrasing of the minutes may have caused confusion and apologised. Clerk to respond in writing to the owner clarifying these points and also send a copy of the agreements for their records. Jonn Hicks had spoken to Stud Farm who are not prepared to give up any land for a new burial site. He will now need to contact local farmers to see if they would donate any land.
Planning applications. (All planning
applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council
planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications.
Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications
in advance of the meeting)
New planning applications. West View Farm,
The Green. Convert the existing barn into one dwelling to include the
demolition of adjoining existing hen house and erection of side extension and
the creation of a new access (3PL/2020/1500/F). Application was originally made
in 2020 but was quashed by the High Court following mistakes made by Breckland
Council. The Parish Council have been notified that the application is being
considered for re-determination and has been asked for comment. Originally, the
Parish Council supported the application but had concerns about the access. Andy
Nicholls and Terry Cook highlighted that there are no new documents available
and the map on the application is very poor and unclear. The issue regarding
the access road has not been clarified and it simply states that access would
be made “through the wall”. Councillors explained that the proposed building
work to the barns and buildings were not a problem in their view but that
access remains the issue. Councillors felt a time extension should be requested so
that they could see Highways comments before making any further comment.
Wayside, Buckenham Road. Change to boundary
line and repositioning of garage to Plot 9 (retrospective)(3PL/2022/1096/F).This
is on Attleborough/Old Buckenham boundary. A tree survey is referenced but councillors
were unable to find the document. There is also a statement that says that the
land is “vulnerable to contamination” but this statement was not clarified or
explained. Councillors felt that they would like further information and
clarification before making a decision.
Precept grants. The dates on the
application form and policy have been updated. Applications for precept grants
are now open and available from the Clerk. The deadline for completion and
returning to the Clerk is Sunday 20 November. They will then be discussed at
December’s Parish Council meeting, ready for the Precept Application submission
by the end of January.
Newsletter paper. The Village Newsletter
which goes to every household in the village, requires more paper from next
month. Quotes have been slow coming in but are expected to be up to 50% more
than last year. Last year the PC paid £437.25 for 25 boxes. A proposal to
pre-approve payment up to £600 for paper was approved (5 in favour). Clerk to
collect quotes and purchase.
Christmas Tree. Clerk to enquire about
Christmas Tree for this year. Naomi Bailey to liaise with electrician regarding
checking the lights and acquiring a new timer. She will also enquire with the
Landlord at the Ox and Plough about providing electricity. While this has
kindly been free of charge in previous years, Councillors felt that a donation
should be made this year, due to the cost of electricity being so high.
Jubilee Trees. The Green Working Party have suggested an area behind the War Memorial for the planting of seven trees to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Councillors felt this was not ideal as a lot of money was previously spent cutting back and removing trees that were too close to the War Memorial. Andy Nicholls also highlighted that the War Memorial and the trees for the Queen are very separate things and so should be in separate locations, rather than crowded together. Naomi Bailey and Jonn Hicks to raise issues about location with Green Working Party at meeting on Monday 10 October and a proposal that they make the final decision on location, after discussions with Green Working Party, was approved (5 in favour). Resident Brian Simms has ordered trees. They are a tulip tree, whitebeam, bird cherry, crab apple, aspen, white birch and white (royal) oak. Once delivered, the Parish Council will arrange an event for their planting. As trees require planting in this autumn, suggestions of Saturday 29 or 30 October have been put forward. The Clerk to liaise with all those involved and confirm date and organise. Thanks to Brian Simms for his help in organising. Plaques and benches to be arranged at a later date.
Website. Quotes from two companies have
been received. Councillors had a few questions and requested some more
information including why is ‘.gov’ more expensive than ‘.com’?, * could the
companies send examples of other Council websites they have done and asking the
cost of a website similar to the Attleborough Town Council website. Also to ask
New Buckenham Parish Clerk and Attleborough Town Clerk for their website
designers. The Clerk to collect requested information ahead of decision at next
meeting.
Allotments. Clerk has contacted allotment
holders to request information on their future plans regarding their allotments
and is awaiting responses. Naomi Bailey enquired about getting a group of
volunteers together to clear overgrowth. Resident Alison Hannah (allotment
holder) felt that this may not be popular as there isn’t anything in it for
anyone, other than the allotment holders. Terry Cook disagreed as he had seen
other villages in which the allotments were viewed as a real asset, were cared
for and well maintained. Therefore, a change in perception of the allotments by
residents and the Parish Council was needed. He also felt that by getting
everyone involved, it would give residents more ownership over the land and may
also generate interest in the allotments and therefore it was worth a try. Andy
Nicholls highlighted that there have been volunteer groups provided by large
private businesses in the past and would be worth looking at. He also explained
that currently the allotments are not financially viable as the Parish Council spend
more money renting the land than it does from renting out the plots. After work
is completed, a big push on publicity is required to rent out as many plots as
possible and would also require a good maintenance plan so that this problem
isn’t created again. Alison Hannah added that trees were originally planted to
form an orchard next to the allotments but there is no real access to them any
more as the grass has grown too long and the path has disappeared. Clerk to
enquire about volunteer groups and also request quotes for the clearing of the
overgrowth and rubbish.
Public participation. The range of trees
selected for the Jubilee trees may look a little odd. They may look better near
other trees. The allotments started because the Parish Council had to provide
them as there was significant interest. If they were removed, then there may be
a request in the future which would require the process to start again. The
Christmas tree lights were replaced with waterproof ones last year. Will need a
new timer.
Items for next agenda. These would include the burial
Ground, the allotments and website decision.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 3 November at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.
