What's been going on?
There are lots of words on the March Parish Council meeting and news from the Village Hall. Also of arrangements for coronation celebrations and an Easter egg hunt at Chapel Green school. And a reminder about the lilies in All Saints Church as well as another quiz to take part in. Plus even more news...
Commemorative Gift
With
the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III, the Parish Council wanted to mark
the occasion by donating a commemorative gift to the children of the village.
These will be free to those under 18 and only £3 to purchase for everyone else.
You can order your commemorative gift now, then pay and collect it on the
Coronation Weekend (details to follow).
If
you are interested in purchasing one, please email the Clerk with your name, your
address and number of spoons required (both free and to purchase) together with
the total cost.
Rachel
Noyes, Parish Clerk
Coronation
Weekend
The
Palace has announced the official plans for the Coronation Weekend.
Saturday
6 May: Coronation Service.
Sunday
7 May: Celebrations
Monday
8 May: The Big Help Out
Firstly,
if you, your business or any community groups in the village are organising any
celebrations across the weekend, then please let the Parish Clerk know and we
will publish a schedule of events that will be taking place, which will
hopefully make it easier for everyone to know what’s going on.
Secondly,
the Parish Council are looking at organising some activities as part of The Big
Help Out. The Palace wanted to highlight the positive impact volunteering has
on communities across the nation and felt this was a great idea. Therefore, the
Parish Council are focusing on four key areas of the community that we feel
could use some help: a litter pick around the whole village, clearing up the
play area, repainting the bus shelter and tidying the allotments. We would love
to see as many people as possible helping out on the day and enjoy seeing a
community working together. Full details of meeting times and places will be
published in next month’s Village Newsletter, along with the schedule of events
being held in the village.
Old Buckenham minutes
These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is changed at a later date.
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 2 March 2023 in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Terry Cook, Ali McWilliam and Doug Irons. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Andy Nicholls. Also present were Rachel Noyes (Clerk) and nine members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 February were approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Financial matters. The Community Account balance was £29,977.67. Payments of £1,612.22 were approved (4 in favour) which included £200 for the removal of the broken fence to recreation area and £609.59 for commemorative spoons
Councillors’
reports. Terry Cook said that the County Council contacted the Village Hall
about possible car charging points at the Village Hall. The Committee were
positive about the proposal but would need the finer details clarified. A
checklist of points for consideration was provided by the Village Hall
Committee for the Parish Council to use in response to any request the County
Council may have. The CCTV has all been upgraded at Village Hall so that there
are no blind spots and there is full coverage around road, to the frontage of
the gates to the school and car park. Can be managed via mobile phones so the Clerk
and Parish Council Chair are arranging to have it linked to their phones. Terry
Cook had also been notified about two footpath related projects. First is from
Department of Transport for a £200 million country-wide project to improve
walking/cycling access. Projects could include improving safety of school
walking routes, more paths in rural areas, improved safety at junctions and
also making streets more inclusive for those with mobility issues. Has asked
for further information but would like to hear parishioners thoughts on
projects that the funding could be used for in Old Buckenham. Second project is
funded by company called Go Slow, which are National Lottery funded. It is to
walk, review and verify walkways. Project seems to discuss footpaths in towns
and cities but doesn’t mention rural areas/villages which have the majority of
the footpaths. He has contacted Go Slow for further information and awaiting a
response.
Ali
McWilliam had visited and assessed the allotments and the work that has already
been completed. There are some large pieces of equipment/rubbish still that
need removing. Clerk to write to all allotment holders to ask that any
equipment is removed, otherwise is will be donated to other allotment holders/removed.
She has also been contacted by someone who is interested in an allotment.
Naomi Baily reported that at the last meeting, it was noted that the already damaged Recreation Ground fencing had collapsed. After viewing Village Hall CCTV footage, children were found to have deliberately knocked it down. She had been in contact with the families involved and the schools, and will be having a face-to-face meeting with them to discuss why this was unacceptable behaviour. However, the Parish Council would like to note that the fence was already damaged and should have been taped off/had a warning sign to prevent children climbing on it. She had attended a meeting about the Car Park permits at Village Hall. This had been previously run by a parent, who stepped down after facing some aggressive behaviour. Meeting was very positive as all involved were keen to ensure the scheme continues. If there was no scheme in place, then the car park would be closed to parents at school times and would create a bigger problem in the village as parents would park elsewhere. The Primary School’s Families Association have offered to step in and help manage the scheme and ensure that it is fair to all those that do pay for a permit. Money collected from the scheme is split between the Village Hall and Families Association. As Village Hall is currently set up as a charity, there were issues with paying money out to the school. Therefore, Families Association to collect money and pay half to Village Hall. To help with issue in future, Village Hall is currently working towards becoming an Incorporated Body which should give greater financial freedom.
Doug
Irons had enquired about War Memorial cleaning. Clerk explained that a company
has been contacted but had little response. Currently looking for alternative
companies. Noticed that bottle banks in Village Hall car park are often very
full. Seems to require either more banks or more frequent collections. Terry Cook
to feedback to Village Hall committee. Footpath between Chapel Green and
towards Bunns Bank has been planted over and difficult to see or access. There
have been many problems over the years with this footpath. Farmers are allowed
to plant over a footpath but then must re-instate it. Solar Farm should be
integral in improving its use.
Rachel
Noyes reported that a parishioner has asked if the Parish Council has budgeted
for future costs of new pads and batteries for defibrillators. The Clerk is to
clarify with the Finance Officer. Graffiti reported on bench between Almshouses
and Shop. Has had an initial clean and is better but will need to purchase
specialist cleaner to fully remove. Playground swings have been oiled to
prevent squeaking disturbing nearby residents.
At last meeting, the possibility of a Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) course for Clerk was agreed. This has been booked and will start later this month. Have received two emails impersonating Naomi Bailey. Please be aware of this and do not respond to any email that is not from the official Parish Council email address. Response received from John Fernihough (Green Working Party) who felt that the Parish Council were wrong in their decision to not investigate the location of the overflow drain from Ottomer Pond. Concern has been expressed by a resident regarding the state of the Green by the schools where parents have been parking. One area has been taped off already to allow grass to recover but the tape has recently broken and the Clerk to organise its replacement. Terry Cook highlighted that the parking for the schools has a major impact on the state of the Green and there are also other areas. He suggested that once agreement for Village Hall car park is complete, Councillors walk around the Green and note all areas of damage. A strategic plan can then be created to address the cause of this damage, as well as how to repair it. A suggestion has been put forward for the Annual Parish Meeting (Saturday 13 May) to have a professional demonstration of how to use a defibrillator.
New planning applications. Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Erection of 8 no. holiday lodges (3PL/2023/0076/F). There have been previous applications for 8 and 4 holiday lodges, which were approved. This new application would create a total of 16 holiday lodges at the park. Residents attending the meeting explained that, despite living next to the Country Park, Breckland Council had not notified them, yet again, of the planning application. They expressed concern about rate of development of the Country Park which had changed significantly from the original campsite that had been created and where that development would end. Residents were concerned that it could turn in to a holiday park in the future, or purchased by a company that would want to do that. They explained that noise levels had increased in the area too. Terry Cook highlighted that [at the time of the meeting] there were no comments on the Breckland Planning Portal from residents and not many from the statutory consultees. Residents expressed additional concern about another planning application (3PL/2022/1309/F) for a mobile phone mast at the Country Park. Naomi Bailey explained that the lack of information and the confusion as to why another mast would be required when there is currently one being constructed nearby meant the Parish Council had not voted on the application last meeting and had requested further information from Breckland Council, from which no reply had been received yet. A proposal to defer a vote until more information could be gathered, including an opportunity for consultation comments from residents, was approved (4 in favour). Clerk to write to Breckland Council again, to express concern about the lack of notification to immediate neighbours of planning applications and to chase up more information about the phone mast application.
Maple
House, Mill Road. Erection of new porch following demolition of existing (3PL/2023/0092/HOU).
Councillors saw no problems with the application as it was within the existing
building line and replacing what is currently there. Proposal to support was
approved (4 in favour).
Hill
Farm House, Leys Lane. First Floor Extension, demolition of bay windows (Ground
Floor), South outdoor kitchen structure, new replacement porch door and new layout/detail
to rear porch (3PL/2023/0101/HOU). Councillors felt it was within reasonable
plans and had no objections and a proposal to support was approved (4 in
favour).
Rosedale,
Fen Street. Demolition of existing light industrial building and erection of 1
no. C3 dwellinghouse (3PL/2023/0167/F). Councillors explained that there have
been previous planning applications for the site for change of use, which was
approved. Public consultation was made in newspaper and there had been no
adverse comments from consultees. A proposal to support was approved (4 in
favour).
6 Hargham Close. Proposed single storey side/rear extension to provide a ground floor bedroom (3PL/2023/0201/HOU). Councillors had no objections to the plans. Proposal to support was approved(4 in favour).
Arenal, New Buckenham Road. Change
of use of site for storage, cutting and timber log distribution business,
including extension to existing building for tractor/log storage and
additional hardstanding area (retrospective) (3PL/2022/0433/F). Amended description.
Terry Cook observed that there had there had been two statements from the
Environmental Health Officer. Firstly, last year with no objections, then a
more recent statement expressed concern about the potential noise levels from
the cutting of the wood. They have requested a noise impact report before the
application proceeds further. At the time of the meeting, there were nine
comments of objection but only three in support of the application.
Neighbouring residents at the meeting explained that the traffic for the site
was also causing a problem and was becoming quite dangerous. Proposal to object
was approved (4 in favour).
Amended
applications (for information only). Land adjacent to High Bank Farm, Fen
Street. Implementation of planning permission 3PL/2003/0360/O and
3PL/2004/1135/D (Erection of a new dwelling for use as a holiday let) -
Certificate of lawfulness - existing use (3PL/2023/0155/EU).
Planning
decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have been considered
and the applications have been approved.
Cuffer Lane. Erection of a New Agricultural Building (3PL/2021/1528/F). Land at 608360 291240, Cuffer Lane. Change of use of land from agriculture land to mixed use of agriculture and leisure & domestic use (retrospective). Erection of fencing, entrance gate, chicken feed store, chicken coop & earth bund and alterations to existing pond (retrospective) (3PL/2021/1690/F). Naomi Bailey highlighted that the above two applications were objected to by two Parish Councils and the County Councillor. Breckland’s Planning Officer also recommended refusal. However, the Planning Committee voted (7 to 0) in support of the application. Old Buckenham Parish Council were very disappointed to see the applications approved.
King's
Coronation update. A coronation gift for children and elderly residents of the
village of 200 commemorative spoons have been ordered. The Palace is planning
the Big Help Out on Monday 8 May. Councillors feel that this is a good
opportunity to encourage community spirit and are putting together a list of
projects that residents could volunteer to help out with. These include litter
picks (around whole village, not just the Green), tidying up allotments, painting
the bus shelter and tidying the playground. Clerk to contact Brownies/Scouts in
the village about possibly helping out. One councillor to coordinate the work
for each area. Naomi Bailey to liaise with Green Working Party to organise
litter picks and possibly the bus shelter, Ali McWilliam to coordinate
volunteer work on allotments and clerk and chair to coordinate the playground
clear up.
Flagpole
update. Enquired with Breckland Council about whether planning permission was
required or not for flagpole and it is. Clerk to complete and submit
application. Quotes received for purchase of flagpole and flag. Aluminium
flagpole is an additional £500 however Councillors believe it will require less
maintenance in future, so would be worth paying the additional cost now.
Installation by the company was very high so would look at getting a local
contractor to install. Proposal to approve Aluminium quote (without
installation) and purchase flagpole and flag was approved (4 in favour).
Allotments. Ali McWilliam had visited the allotments and made a list of work to do. There is still a lot of rubbish/equipment left from previous allotment holders. Clerk to write to current and previous allotment holders asking for it to be removed, otherwise it will be offered to current allotment holders/removed. Fence damaged between two fields and consulting about ownership for repair work. A tree has grown causing obstacle on path and tap casings need repairing. Post next to single gate needs fixing and Clerk to contact handyman about maintenance jobs. Security still a major problem. The Recreation Ground gates were removed after fence was broken but, as gates were still in good condition, were taken to allotments to see if there was possibility of using them there. Ali McWilliam fed back to the Parish Council that they were not quite suitable, however may be useful as a short term solution until new fence/gates were purchased. She is to organise meeting with allotment holders, and contact land owner, about what they would like to see done at the allotments. Clerk applied for Environmental Incentive Grant from Breckland Council. Quotes received for cutting grass at allotments of £180 for a day’s work.
Recreation
Ground fencing. Wooden fence that was knocked down has been removed. Two quotes
received for chain link fencing across bottom of Recreation Ground field, next
to Village Hall car park. Councillors felt it was very expensive and that
hedging by itself would suffice. Clerk to investigate free hedging from
Woodland Trust, etc, for planting in the Autumn. Sign required to warn drivers
of small drop over the edge of the tarmac on to the grass. Clerk to organise.
Green
lease agreements. New lease agreements with both pubs are in the process of
completing. These will allow the pubs to rent designated areas of the Green for
their business to use.
Wooden posts at turning circle. Received reports of bin lorry driving along footpath
between High School and Ox and Plough pub, then removing a wooden post to
re-join the road. Breckland Council/Serco were contacted several times about
the issue. Driver only stopped using the route after resident spoke to them
about it. Naomi Bailey has also inspected the wooden posts at this turning
circle and many are in poor condition and some missing. One post is removeable
to allow access for a property. This post requires clearing out and a new
padlock installed. Green Working Party have been contacted and the Chair will
coordinate replacing posts.
Prince
Harry’s Wood. Tree survey of Green trees and those of Prince Harry’s Wood has
been completed but just awaiting written report. Breckland Council have kindly
removed the overgrowth on area of grass on St Andrews Close. Currently
arranging meeting with representative at same area to confirm boundary with
properties. Quotes received from local gardener about cutting grass areas of St
Andrew’s Close. Will discuss and decide on options once tree report received
and all information is available.
Public participation. Resident enquired about the filing cabinet that needs to be relocated from ex-Councillor’s garage. Clerk explained that the Village Hall have kindly offered to keep it in their secure office. Once space has been made, moving it will be arranged. Another resident enquired about lease agreement with the Gamekeeper and whether the grass area at the front, car park and benches were being factored in to the rent. Terry Cook explained that discussions are well advanced but not quite completed and are integrating all the issues mentioned. Need to confirm agreement with business before commenting on individual matters. One resident enquired about how we can encourage more people to use the Green and whether the Parish Council should invite a fun fair to the village. Terry Cook explained that the Parish Council are custodians of the Green and need to make sure it is maintained and looked after and kept within use of Common Laws. Inviting groups to use it is not something for the Parish Council to do. If any groups want to organise an event, then they could come with proposals and each event would be considered on a individual basis. Would also need to factor in the opinions of all parishioners on how much the Green should be used for events. Ahead of the Annual Parish Meeting (Saturday 13 May), a suggestion was made to invite the New Lord of the Manor to attend or maybe speak.
Items
for next agenda. These would include allotments, graveyard, Green lease agreements,
tree survey and solar farm update.
The
next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 6 April at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham
Village Hall.
Get thinking
It’s time to give thought to the Old Buckenham Open Produce and Handicraft Show. The date is confirmed for Sunday 10 September. There will be sections for preserves, cookery, eggs, flowers, handicrafts, art, and vegetables and fruit. So if you are planning on growing roses or dahlias, or thinking about a painting or embroidery project, then keep the Show in mind. It might even be a prize winner!
A new section for 2023 is alcohol. You’ve got the summer to perfect your cider, beer, wine, and fruited spirits. Also added is a section for young adults (ages 13 to 16) with classes for designing a cartoon cover and creating a haiku.
Village Hall talk
Saturday 4 March at 7.30pm is time to visit the Village Hall for a talk on village signs entitled 'Norfolk History - on a stick'. Speaker is Andrew Tullett and cost is a mere £5 on the door. Bar and raffle.
Come along, have an pleasant evening out and learn something at the same time.
