Latest Old Buckenham minutes

February’s Parish Council 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 3 February at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons and Andy Nicholls. Also in attendance were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Zoe Footer (Breckland Council), County and Breckland councillor Steve Askew along with five members of the public. Apologies for non attendance had been received from Mike Farrington and Terry Cook. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6 January were approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).

Financial matters. Community account balance now stands at £31,818.42. Money received included allotment rents of £60. Payments of £1,662.81 were approved (5 in favour) which included £237.5 for payments to the community car drivers, £243.82 on parts for the play area, £90 for printing the welcome pack and £450 annual rent for the allotment land.

Prince Harry’s Wood. Steve Askew explained that he had been contacted about excessive fly tipping in Prince Harry’s Wood. After discussions with Breckland Council, Steve Askew inquired about what their future plans were for Prince Harry’s Wood. Breckland Council weren’t aware of their ownership of this land but explained that they would be open to discussions about its future ownership. Zoe Footer from the Property and Estates Team at Breckland Council attended the meeting to discuss the future of the wood and answer any questions from the Parish Council. Zoe Footer explained that Breckland Council owns a large amount of land. Breckland doesn’t know what Parish and Town Councils want from these smaller pockets of land and so some local councils are taking ownership of these areas to use as they feel best for their community. Prince Harry’s Wood sits on Cake Street, opposite the Stud entrance. Zoe Footer explained that if the Parish Council decided to take the area on, Breckland would look to transfer ownership to the Parish Council and it would become an asset. While it is currently a wooded area, the Parish Council would then be free to use it in any way they feel best for the Parish and make any changes as necessary. Generally there would be no restrictions, however the trees would need to be checked for tree preservation orders before any work could commence. There is also a preference for the area to be used as an amenity for the Parish, rather than housing development. Breckland would look to transfer at nil cost and each party would pay their own legal costs. The Parish Council would need to then add the land to their asset register and ensure it was covered by their Public Liability insurance. The land would be listed at its valuation, and not at the nil cost.

Adrian Joel raised concerns about the Parish Council then having to deal with the fly tipping issue and maintenance costs. Zoe Footer explained that while there would not be any maintenance budget from Breckland, some work could be done prior to transfer but after that it would be Parish Council responsibility. There are also several small areas of land owned by Breckland, which primarily lie in and around St Andrews Close. There is the option for the Parish Council to take these on too. This could be done as one transfer, thereby reducing the legal costs involved in separate transfers. If desired, the Parish Council could set up its own contract to organise the regular grass cutting as this is the main maintenance required. Andy Nichols enquired about the possibility of Breckland Council selling to private individuals instead. Zoe Footer explained that if the Parish Council did not want to take these areas of land on, then there is the option of selling to private individuals, however the preference is for amenities for the public benefit. The ownership of the footpath that runs along the outside edge of Prince Harry’s Wood was raised and it is believed it would still be owned by Breckland. Zoe Footer is to research and confirm. If the Parish Council decided to take ownership, the next steps in the process would be for Zoe Footer to complete a valuation of the land, ensure there are no tree preservations or other restrictions, conduct a Ward consultation and make a recommendation to Councillor Hewitt.

The parish councillors were very positive about the idea of owning the land, thereby having more control over its use and ensuring it is not used by developers. The upcoming Village Meeting about the Queen’s Jubilee would be a good opportunity to gauge residents’ opinions and ideas for the use of the land in future. It could also be an opportunity to tie in the transfer with the celebrations for the Jubilee. Adrian Joel suggested that all councillors visit and inspect the areas of land to help get a clear idea of their size, etc. A proposal to accept the offer to transfer the ownership of Prince Harry’s Wood to Old Buckenham Parish Council was approved (5 in favour).

Matters arising from the minutes. Steve Milner said that a new highway code has recently been published and there are lots of bikers, cyclists, horse riders and motorists in our village. He requested that councillors think of ideas on how to promote safety and on these changes for our road users. He had prepared a map of speed limits in the village. Main areas of concern are Fen Street, Puddledock corner, Mill Road/Grove Road junction and Crown Road/Ragmere Road junction. One idea is to formulate a letter to Highways with this information to try and get a large scale assessment of the village speed limits. This may require a lot of persistence to get any changes and would need the logging of all the incidents that occur in the village to help build evidence. Steve Askew explained that a full investigation has taken place into the recent accident at Puddledock. Most incidents are through driver error and result in the driver and vehicle safely leaving the site. Therefore minimal incidents are recorded here. Steve Askew reminded the Parish Council that there are lots of villages in the county that are all wanting changes and improvements, which all cost money and would also require enforcing. Old Buckenham has already seen some highways improvements recently with the crossing and the improvements outside the High School. Steve Askew highlighted that setting up a Community Speed Watch group is a good proactive option. Steve Milner is currently looking for more volunteers to run this group. Fen Street has already been put on a list for consideration in the future, with Steve Askew’s support, as there has been a lot of development and changes to the road since speed limit was set. Steve Milner was disappointed in Highways response to Puddledock residents’ suggestions and felt that all suggestions were dismissed or refused with no positive proactive solutions to improving the situation.

Rachel Noyes, the Parish Clerk, reported that the fly-tipped oil drum by the bus shelter has eventually been collected by Breckland. The cover on the hole on the Green for the Christmas tree had broken and has been repaired. A sign was placed on Recreation Ground bin asking people not to place dog waste in this bin. Parts have been received for Play Area work and the roundabout is due to be fixed by early March. The defibrillator is scheduled to be installed outside the Ox and Plough on Tuesday 22 February, ten Tree Preservation Orders on the Hargham Road oak trees have been confirmed, Wheelie Bin stickers requesting people to drive slowly have been made available, no dog bin is possible by the Recreation Area as the land is not managed by Breckland or NCC and the dog bin by Raggs Lane on Hargham Rd has been removed. This has been reported but still awaiting reply. Attcare are hosting a Healthcare and Wellbeing Trust Forum on Monday 21 February, online at 11am, and Steve Milner and Adrian Joel to attend. Breckland are holding a Landscape and Settlement Character Assessment Stakeholder Workshop on Wednesday 23 February. Fifty copies of the Welcome Pack have been printed to be distributed to new residents in the village.

Questions were previously raised about whether the Parish Council could be both Custodian and Management Trustees of the Village Hall. Research has found that while it is legally possible, it is generally advised to keep the roles separate. Terry Cook had reported that the Raggs Lane footpath issue is progressing and a parishioner, Jenny Devaux, is coordinating this. She is at the stage where she is collating signed evidence forms from individuals in relation to historic use of this path. If any person wishes to sign such a form could they please contact Jenny.

Adrian Joel informed members that John Askew died a few weeks ago. John served on the parish council for some thirty years. Those at the meeting held a short silence in memory of John and passed on their thoughts and condolences to his family. The Manorial Title of “Lord of the Manor” will be up for sale soon. Some questions were raised over the fact the family will “retain but not exercise their interest in the Green”. The Parish Council will consult with Green Rights’ Proprietors for clarification. Steve Milner to coordinate taking over management of the allotments from Adrian Joel. The Parish Council have received questions and complaints about an empty property on Post Office Terrace which has fallen in to disrepair. The Clerk to consult with Breckland Council.The High School had been contacted by Naomi Bailey about a forum of students for consultation. No reply yet but aware that schools are under a lot of pressure at the moment and may be something to look at in the future. Doug Irons had attended a New Councillor Induction Training Course. He found it very useful and it was requested that documents from course be shared with other members of the Parish Council as a useful reminder and update of procedures.

New planning applications. Friedland, Cake Street. Side, rear extension and new roof to form first floor accommodation (3PL/2021/1711/HOU). Adrian Joel explained that there were often drainage issues on Cake Street and highlighted the need for consultation with the Environment Agency (EA) and Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). Naomi Bailey raised the issue of traffic management during any works as the site is on the main road through the village for cars, lorries and school traffic. Request for a Traffic Management Plan, including ensuring builders did not cause problems by parking on the road. A proposal to support subject to consultation with the EA and LLFA, and all ditch work and flooding work is approved, was then approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).

Land at 608360 291240, Cuffer Lane. Retrospective application for the material change of use of land from agriculture land to mixed use of agriculture and leisure or domestic use (3PL/2021/1690/F). Councillors felt the need to be consistent in their opinions in regards to previous applications for the site. The site sits in close proximity to New Buckenham (although is actually in Old Buckenham parish) and therefore New Buckenham would be affected by this application more than Old Buckenham. New Buckenham Parish Council have objected to the application. A proposal to object was approved (5 in favour).

Redbourne House, Abbey Road. Proposed front double garage link conversion of existing attached garage and rear extension (3PL/2022/0071/HOU). No objections to the application and a proposal to support approved (5 in favour).

Hammonds Farm, Stacksford. Conversion and extension to an existing barn to form Annexe (3PL/2022/0058/F). No objections to the application and a proposal to support approved (5 in favour).

Planning decision by Breckland Council. The following application has now been considered and the application has been approved: 1-10 Robert Cock's Alms Houses, Hargham Road. Raising of Ridge Line and Parapet Coping in association with Proposed Re-Roofing and Removal of Modern Chimney Pots (3PL/2021/1650/LB).

The following application has now been appealed: Land adj Beckwood, Stacksford. Erection of Dwelling and Garage (3PL/2020/1464/F). Appeal reference APP/F2605/W/21/3283028.

Green Lease renewal. Councillors felt this document was clear and detailed. It highlighted that all items in the original agreement remain valid and that the title of Lord of the Manor be removed from the “The Parties” involved in the agreement. This is in line with the wishes of the Executors to the late T M Cracknell, Lord of the Manor of Old Buckenham. A proposal to accept was approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain). The Green Lease Renewal will now be passed on to Green Rights’ Proprietors and Lord of the Manor Executors for consultation.

Village Help contact list. The Clerk had been contacted with the idea of a list of helpers for elderly/vulnerable residents to contact for help with any small issues. Contact was made with Terri Hammond who coordinated the village volunteers during the Pandemic as this structure was already in place. Several issues were raised including that volunteers would be required to enter residents’ properties which means CRB checks would be needed, insurance/liability would need to be addressed to ensure safety for everyone involved and clear boundaries would be needed to explain what helpers could/could not do. Clerk has contacted a volunteer group coordinator (via Breckland Council) for advice. The discussions are ongoing and she will report back later.

Village Jubilee meeting. This had been organised for Saturday 12 February in the Village Hall. It will follow same structure as planning for the Golden Jubilee, ie groups to brainstorm ideas before collating altogether. Would also look to get volunteers to organise the individual events over the four days of celebrations. The Clerk to collate information about any planned national events taking place that Old Buckenham could partake in.

Track maintenance. Track leading from the village shop to the phone box requires maintenance. This track is part of the Green and not managed by Highways. Andy Nicholls asked what the maintenance agreement was in place with residents. The clerk to consult with Green Rights Proprietors to consult easement documents. Adrian Joel highlighted that the properties on Post Office Terrace have contributed towards their own track maintenance previously.

Items for next agenda. These will include the Green Rental Agreement and Risk Assessment, sorting out village grant from the Solar Farm and the Neighbourhood Plan.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 3 March starting at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.

Yesterday in Old Buckenham

 Remembering John Askew

All Saints Church was full when villagers and many others gathered for the funeral of John Askew.

Here are a few photos taken by the blog editor during the day. Just click on the images to enlarge them.

Farming reminders in the church porch along with reed from the Fen

Many gathered in the village hall afterwards...

...and plenty of refreshment was available to eat and drink.

Road safety in Old Buckenham

Send drivers a reminder

A number of residents have been asking about 'slow down' stickers for their wheelie bins. The older versions are no longer available but the Parish Council has sourced some new ones. If you want one for your bin please send a message, including your name and contact details, to Steve Milner (the Parish Council chairman) or Rachel Noyes (the Parish Clerk). You will find their contact details on page 17 of the village newsletter.

Calling Old Buckenham photographers

The Bucks Photoshow is back this year

Deferred from last year because of the pandemic, the Photoshow will take place Friday 27 to Sunday 29 May at New Buckenham Village Hall. Full details will be announced later but local photographers will now wish to start thinking about exhibiting their work. We know there were lots of lovely pictures taken during the lockdown and many of them have appeared on our Old Buckenham Facebook pages. All enquiries and expressions of interest are welcomed, please contact photoshow@newbuckenham.net   

Early morning discussion of the exhibits in 2019

      

Latest Old Buckenham village newsletter

 Read your copy yet?

Hopefully many villagers had a copy of the February newsletter put through their letterbox over the weekend.

Read it through, inform yourself on local activities and make sure you bring your Jubilee ideas to the meeting on Saturday 12 February.

fEAST visits Old Buckenham

The boys are coming

This event was first planned two years ago but ‘Canada Boys’ will now be coming to the Village Hall this month. it is from the same group that brought us the entertaining ‘Rosa’ at the end of last year so the Village Hall is looking for a full house at this evening performance. fEAST Theatre will be performing ‘Canada Boys’ on Friday 25 February starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £10 and to reserve your tickets ring 07880 660 444 or email bookings.obvh@gmail.com.

In March 2020 fEAST Theatre, one of the region’s leading touring companies, was starting the final week of rehearsals for The Canada Boys. The show, which was to have been the first of three tours to mark fEAST’s tenth anniversary, had been booked into venues across the region, including here in Old Buckenham. Then the pandemic surged and costumes and the touring set was put into storage, like thousands of other arts events in 2020. The Canada Boys was a show that never happened. Now nearly two years later our Village Hall is delighted to be one of the 15 venues across Norfolk and Suffolk where Canada Boys can be seen. 

The show will return with its original cast - including Nimmo Twins star Owen Evans.  This ‘sad comedy’, set in Norwich in 1912, resonates with Norfolk voices and locations and is based on a powerful, true, Norfolk story. In April 1912 the world-famous Colman’s mustard factory in Norwich, concerned by rising unemployment in the city, offered its workers a once-in-a life-time opportunity to start a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. The British Dominion of Canada was desperate for workers to help farm the vast plains of Ontario. Any Norwich men brave enough to sign on received a new pair of boots, a travelling suitcase, two complete sets of underwear and a ticket to the new world. Based on true events, Rob John’s The Canada Boys tells the story of Jack and Eddie Craske, two brothers who’d never ventured further west than Wymondham and were tempted to step into the unknown and make that life changing voyage to Quebec. 

Alternative events in Old Buckenham

Looking ahead

The Old Buckenham Alternative Quiz Night will take place on Easter Saturday 16 April starting at 7pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church. A range of fun quizzes including visual, sound and other interactive quizzes plus traditional questions and answers.

The cost will be £5 per person including refreshments and proceeds to be donated to the St Martins Housing Trust.

Bookings available for teams of 4 to 6 (individuals also welcome to join or make up teams). To book a place either reply to Richard via email oldbuckenham.methodist@aol.co.uk or phone 01953 861207.

Because of the size of the building they can only accept a maximum number of 40 people in total.  While Covid restrictions are likely to have been lowered by then because of the small size of the church and for the benefit of all attending the organisers would still ask that everyone wear a mask and/or take a lateral flow test before the event.  

 

A display in 2021

Later in the year the Flower Festival in the Church will be held on the August bank holiday weekend of Saturday 27 to Monday  29 August. The theme this year is ‘Children’s Books’. For any of you willing to do a display this could be about any aspect related to the theme such as your favourite children’s book, author, illustrator, character, etc. As usual entry will be free with refreshments available. 

Old Buckenham meeting

 Your thoughts required

Come along to the Village Hall on Saturday 12 February from 10am to help plan a fantastic celebration for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this summer. Tea and coffee will be supplied to help stimulate those creative ideas.

Latest news from Old Buckenham

 January Parish Council meeting

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 January 2022 at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons, Mike Farrington and T Cook as well as Rachel Noyes (Clerk), Donna Oakley (RFO) and four members of the public. Andy Nichols had sent his apologies.The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 December 2021 were approved (6 in favour).

Financial matters. Community account balance was currently £32,935.42 which includes £500 from the Village Hall and £500 from the Green Rights Proprietors (wayleave payment). Also received but not yet paid in was £107 from collection tins for the play area. Payments of £1265.10 were approved (6 in favour) which included £648 to Broadland Tree Services for supply and installation of the Christmas tree on the Green.

Matters arising from minutes. Steve Milner thanked Adrian Joel for organising the Christmas Tree and Naomi Bailey for speaking at the switch-on event. It was very well received by residents and looked great. He is waiting for contractor to complete the Recreation Ground fencing soon.

The Clerk said that all Precept Grant applicants had passed on their thanks for approving applications. The Charity tins in the village shop raised £107 towards upkeep of the play area. Many thanks to Lesley Coates for putting the tins in the shop, the shop owners and everyone that donated money.

Steve Askew has asked Highways about gritting Hargham Road in future. While it is a minor road, it is used a lot by school traffic. This cannot be done this season but it is on the list for consideration for next winter. Steve Askew has arranged for a representative from Breckland Council to attend the February meeting to discuss Prince Harry’s Wood. The fly tipping of an oil drum by the bus shelter was reported but had not yet been collected as Breckland Council couldn’t find it! Resurfacing works will take place around the Hargham Road and Fen Street junction from Monday 24 January until Friday 18 Feb. This will cause significant disruption and the Clerk will publicise when more details are known. The Clerk had also been contacted by a resident about speeding and poor driving on Abbey Road. Councillors felt that a 30mph zone for all of Abbey Road was unrealistic. Terry Cook highlighted that there are many roads around the village where speeding is a problem and maybe the issue should be tackled as a whole by meeting with our Elected Member to see what could be done. Councillors agreed that this could be effective and worth a try. Mike Farrington explained that he felt Puddledock Corner is a special case and doesn’t want it lost amongst other issues so would continue to highlight the problem and look for a solution, although still fully supported the idea of looking at speeding around the village collectively.

Doug Irons had contacted Heras about a new buffer for gate at the playg area and was awaiting a reply. Terry Cook had-spoken to a parishioner about Raggs Lane Right Of Way. She is making progress and has been pointed in the right direction. The Parish Council committee do not have a meeting this month. However, he had been contacted by their Chairman regarding the Recreation ground waste bin which the Village Hall cleaner empties. There are increasing levels of household rubbish and dog bags being put in the bin, which is not very nice to empty. The Clerk will create a sign for bin explaining what can be put in it and publicise that it is only for small rubbish. Councillors asked whether a new dog bin was needed in this area and the Clerk to investigate.

Naomi Bailey had met with the headteacher of the High School who would like to get children more involved in village life. It was suggested that the School makes list of ideas to bring forward to the Parish Council. Councillors explained that there has previously been a School Council that liaised with the Parish Council on issues and this could be restarted if there was significant interest.

Mike Farrington had organised a meeting between Puddledock residents with Steve Milner. County Councillor Steve Askew has liaised with Highways to try and arrange a visit. Unfortunately, Highways felt that due to there being a fatality, a visit could only take place after the independent enquiry was completed and provided possible recommendations. Mike Farrington was frustrated that it is taking time to wait for results but will push for a timescale if needed. He wished to thank to Steven Askew for his help and advice on the matter.

The Christmas tree switch-on went well and extra cabling purchased was effective. Thank you to Dave Tranmer at the Ox and Plough for providing the electricity free of charge. Adrian Joel requested that a copy of the Welcome Pack is provided for each Councillor so that they can pass them on as required. The Clerk to get packs printed professionally. The electrician contacted about installing defibrillator has not been in contact and the Clerk is to organise getting another electrician.

Public participation. A resident raised questions about the Green asking “Does ‘Proprietors’ mean they have ownership of the Green?” In this instance, the term Proprietors means they have the right to use the land, but not ownership. Also ”Who has final say on decisions about the Green? The Parish Council is leasing the Green and therefore have final say on decisions and spending. However there is a Working Party, with a budget from the Parish Council, to help manage it on a daily basis.

New planning applications. Walnut Shade, Cake Street. Retrospective alterations to the layout of the annexe and change of use to enable the annexe to be rented out as a separated self-contained unit (3PL/2021/1555/F). Work has already been completed so is retrospective. No complaints or objections from neighbours logged. Terry Cook highlighted that there is very little documentation available so it is difficult to understand the application. There are no detailed plans explaining changes. Due to this issue, Councillors were unable to propose a decision. The Clerk to contact Breckland Council to request more information and raise this problem.

The Almshouses,1-10 Hargham Road. Raising of Ridge Line and Parapet Coping in Association with Proposed Re-Roofing and Removal of Modern Chimney Pots (3PL/2021/1650/LB). Roof needs to replaced. Listed buildings consultants and architects have looked at it and an air space is needed under the roof. Therefore the plan is to raise the roof by 6 inches, while also replacing chimney pots with ones more in keeping with the building. Proposal to accept was approved (6 in favour).

Cuffer Lane. Erection of a new Agricultural Building (3PL/2021/1528/F). This application was initially mistakenly classed as New Buckenham and so there was a delay in being reported to Old Buckenham Parish Council. A New Buckenham resident explained that New Buckenham Parish Council discussed the application and objected to it unanimously. The site is very close to the border between the Parishes of New Buckenham and Old Buckenham and lies near the Tas Valley Way walking route. The field was purchased 2.5 years ago and has seen a dramatic change in that time. The small pond on the site has been excavated to significantly increase its size, which has also destroyed any existing wildlife. There has been storage of equipment on site in a storage unit and large scale burning of waste. None of this activity has been approved through applications or consultations. The application notice was only on display for a week and has now been removed from clear sight. The site lies on Cuffer Lane which is a very small, narrow road which is unsuitable for heavy machinery. As it is difficult to access the site from the north of the village via the narrow road, all traffic has entered through the village of New Buckenham. The roads here are very narrow and often full of parked cars, making access difficult. Cuffer Lane is now primarily used by walkers and cyclists, especially those with children and provides a safe route between the two communities of New Buckenham and Old Buckenham. Issues with the application itself were also highlighted including stating that there are no trees or hedgerow nearby, which is incorrect. The Application contradicts itself as it states there is no water course nearby, but then states that floodwater will go in to existing water course. The site plan also shows the field previously, before changes were made to the pond. Councillors agreed that the field’s location on a narrow road was unsuitable for the large agricultural machinery mentioned in the Design and Access Statement and therefore would not be a suitable location to store goods. The road is more suitable for the many walkers and cyclists that currently use it .A propose to object was approved (6 in favour).

Planning decisions by Breckland. The following applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved:

Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Four New Holiday Lodges (3PL/2021/1406/F).

Canem Cave Cottage, 62A Fen Street. Side and Rear extensions and detached garden room (3PL/2021/1482/HOU).

Old Hall, Harlingwood Lane. Replacement dwelling (3PL/2021/1251/F).

Slutshole Lane. Screening opinion for new water pipeline (3SR/2021/0006/SCR).

The following applications have been appealed. Roughlands Farm, Grove Road. Prior Approval for Change of use of Agricultural Building to a Dwelling (permitted development) The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q. Application reference 3PN/2021/0013/UC. Appeal reference: APP/F2605/W/21/3279448. Appeal start date 3 December 2021

Part of Anglian Water Drilling Unit site, Abbey Road. Erection of a 24.46m high radar tower and associated comms cabin (portakabin). Application reference: 3PL/2021/0091/F. Appeal reference APP/F2605/W/21/3280426. Appeal start date 10 December 2021. All information regarding the application and feedback have been passed to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate. Councillors raised the question of whether additional information has been submitted in the application, which is against the Appeal policy. Met Office application seems to suggest that the property next to the proposed site would be the closest to a mast in the country. Clerk to enquire and raise any issues.

Precept. Old Buckenham Primary School and Nursery Families Association have not submitted a new application in time so Grants budget stays at £3606. Grants allowance includes extra £500 on standby for Almshouses Trust, as agreed. Over spent on Play Area this year because of several large issues needing attention. Shouldn’t be so much next year so will keep budget the same. A £500 reserve for Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations to be added. Precept raised for 2022/23 changed to £21,941 which is a decrease of £369 from the previous year. The proposal to accept was approved (6 in favour).

Village Shop parking sign. Currently have a small sign outside village shop stating that cars cannot park for more than 45 minutes. Shop owners wish to install a larger sign as many cars are parked for longer. Parish Council have no objections to a new larger sign but acknowledge that the car parking area is part of the Green and so they cannot stop people parking there. However the Parish Council wishes that people to remain considerate when parking by the shop so that the business is not affected. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Queen’s Jubilee Village meeting. It is planned to hold village meeting to allow parishioners to come along and brainstorm ideas of how to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee (Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June). Aiming for a meeting in the Village Hall on Saturday 12 February.

Lease of the Green renewal. Sarah Dye was present to represent the Green Rights Proprietors. She had read the draft version of the Use of the Green Policy that the Parish Council approved last meeting. Happy with it overall as it provides a general overview of situations which can then be assessed on an individual basis by the Parish Council. Queries over whether it covered more permanent features by businesses was shown to be covered in the last bullet point. Sarah Dye signed on behalf of Green Rights Proprietors and Steve Milner signed on behalf of the Parish Council.

Lease of the Green by Parish Council. Lord of the Manor executor has explained that the family wish to withdraw their interest in the Green and therefore not be a co-signature of the Lease Agreement. Initial agreement period of the Parish Council lease expires on Tuesday 29 March 2022 and would need to be renewed by this date. Steve Milner, Terry Cook and Doug Irons are to write a new lease agreement, removing the Lord of the Manor. This can then be approved by Green Rights Proprietors and the Parish Council.

Items for next agenda. Breckland Council representative to attend to discuss Prince Harry’s Wood.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 3 February in Old Buckenham Village Hall and starting at 7.30pm.

Old Buckenham Mill progress

They have walked around the world

Over the last year, a group of local fundraisers has been walking and running in order to raise money for the restoration of Old Buckenham Windmill - an event called 'Miles for the Mill'. The final total is in, and collectively the fundraisers covered 25,300 miles! The earth’s circumference is 24,900 miles, so they steamed past Old Buckenham and the target by an extra 400 miles. So far, £2,252.89 has been collected through Miles for the Mill fundraising and they are still collecting. If you would like to show your support for the mill restoration, you can donate via the new JustGiving site: https://www.justgiving.com/friendsof-obw

Thank you to each and every one of the fundraisers who took part in this event. In addition to getting out and about during another turbulent year of Covid, every mile walked or run has helped raise funds for the ongoing restoration of our village mill.

It was wonderful to see the first phase of works completed on the mill last year, with grant support from Historic England and the Association for Industrial Archaeology. During that work, essential maintenance to the tower brickwork was completed in addition to woodwork repairs throughout the tower and some of the cap. Planning work for phase two is already underway which will include further work on the cap, including the reinstatement of the fantail which will see the cap moving again to always face into the wind. Phase three should one day see stocks and sails turning in the wind.

Flowers in Old Buckenham

 Through the keyhole

Breckland Flower and Garden Club starts this year's meetings on Thursday 13 January in the Village Hall. If you are interested in going along for the first time, visitors are welcome and pay £6 while new membership starts in March/April (£30 for 12 months).

Old Buckenham 2022 walk

 A good start to the year

The sun was shining when villagers gathered outside the Church Rooms for a New Year's Day Walk. Here are a few photos of the morning's activities

collecting up

posing for a group photo

starting off

stretching out across the Green

coming back well over an hour later

more coming back

hot homemade soups awaiting...

...and being served

enjoying a good talk...

...and meeting new friends

overflow and dog watchers enjoy the sun

It seems approximately 80 people turned out and 60ish returned for soup and rolls. The sum of £230 was raised and will be donated to the Big C and Star Throwers

First Old Buckenham newsletter this year

Printed in time for 2022 

Another five thousand words to flog through if you want to know about raising money for Parkinsons and for the windmill restoration. Also the panto, the annual programme of WI talks and notes on a long parish council meeting.

Best wishes for 2022 from the editor to the readers, the volunteer distributors and the advertisers as well as the hard-working printer.

Walk in Old Buckenham

 New Years Day Walk update 

The rolls are in the oven, the soup is being made and the weather forecast looks good. For those of you not too hungover, or even if you are it will be a good cure, why not come out and enjoy some fresh air with friends for the NYD Walk? We will leave from outside the Church Rooms at 10.30am. The walk will be approximately 3 miles walking on fields and roads, dogs on leads will be welcome. After the walk you are invited back to the Church Rooms for the homemade  soup and rolls, etc.

We ask for a voluntary donation. Sadly with so many people in the village struggling with cancer, donations will be split between the Big C and Star Throwers. Should you wish to donate, the collection buckets will be in the Church Rooms. Thanks

Happy Christmas to all the readers of the Old Buckenham blog

 

Parish Council in Old Buckenham

 Parish council in December 

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes so may contain information that is amended at a later date.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 2 December in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Steve Milner (Chair), Adrian Joel, Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons, Mike Farrington and Terry Cook. An apology for non attendance had been received from Andy Nicholls. Also present were Rachel Noyes (Clerk), County and Breckland councillor Steve Askew as well as three members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held in November were approved (6 in favour). 

Declarations of interests. Naomi Bailey is a member of Families Association of Old Buckenham Primary School and Nursery and Terry Cook is a Governor of Chapel Green School. Both groups have submitted Precept Grant applications to be considered later in the meeting.

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £33,294.30 including an allotment rent of £40. Payments for approval were a total of £809.99 which included rent for use of the village hall, handyman fees and payment of £212.85 to the community car drivers. These were aall approved for payment (6 in favour).

Reports from councillors. Steve Milner said that a Solar Park Community Grant (from PACE) would work out at £36,000 over a 10 year period (£3,600 a year). Several good ideas suggested by councillors included a cycle path and a project at the Windmill. There are plans in the Attleborough SUE to create a cycle route up to Bunn’s Bank. Could use some of the Grant funds to improve path from Bunn’s Bank to Old Buckenham which would allow a safe walking/cycle route into Attleborough from Old Buckenham. The existing footpath could be developed into a bridal way (which allows both cyclists and walkers). An initial quote to surface the 1.8km is between £23,000 and £36,000. Work at the Windmill could be the building of a small heritage centre (with solar panels) to show development of the village from its use of wind energy through to modern day solar energy. This could be useful for the schools and bring visitors to the village. The Windmills Trust would have to be contacted. A further suggestion was the installation of electric car charging points at central village locations, such as shop or village hall. Village Hall Committee are positive about the initial suggestion. The council chairman is to write an initial proposal for PACE.

Councillors had also visited a presentation of the Attleborough SUE at Attleborough Town Hall on Tuesday 30 November. The main issues that were raised by Steve Milner and Adrian Joel were healthcare provision, cycle ways and public transport. It is confirmed that they are building a health centre as part of the development on the corner of Bunn’s Bank but with no timescales yet. There will be a cycle network from the centre of Attleborough to the outskirts of the development. Public transport from Old Buckenham to Attleborough is very poor and Steve Milner suggested to developers that they extend from Bunn’s Bank in to Old Buckenham. Steve has contact details for the Head of Planning and will raise these issues. Land from Old Buckenham will now be part of attenuation pond for new houses development.

A joint Village Hall and Parish Council meeting had taken place. The sum of £1500 owed to Parish Council is currently being paid over a period of time but the Village Hall would like to pay it off in one lump sum to make them debt free. The joint letter with Parish Council distributed in the newsletter was effective as they have gained two new people on Village Hall committee. The Village Hall Committee praised the work of the Parents Group who monitor parking at the Village Hall during school start/finish times. They were also very appreciative for the CCTV that Parish Council funded earlier in the year which has stopped anti-social behaviour in the car park at night. Village Hall are also happy with the Parish Council suggestion for the Recreation Ground fencing, which will hopefully be completed in the New Year.

The Clerk had contacted Highways regarding the speed limit on Fen Street. She was informed that it is an expensive process but there is a Road Safety Community Fund that will be used in Breckland in 2024 for speed limit reviews. Fen Street has been added to the list for consideration for this funding. A wayleave payment of £500 (for the telegraph poles on the Green) has been received from the Green Working Party. More work was scheduled for Church Lane at the beginning of December for two days. A Tree Preservation Order has been served on ten oak trees on Hargham Road around the paddock and current building site.

Concerns were raised that more people may want newsletters, such as those living just outside village. This can be solved by increasing number of copies printed or encouraging residents to pass on copies. Newsletter editor confirmed that they are now printing more copies (to cope with increase in number of residents) and there should still be enough. Could ask residents asked to pass on their copies, once they have read them, by leaving at central village locations such as shop’s new seating area, the pubs, etc.

Naomi Bailey said connectors had been re-fixed on the climbing net in the play area and have found two more connectors that are loose. Working with the Clerk to make list of small parts to order. Also concerned that the Handyman still isn’t strimming around the fencing. The Police have responded about anti social behaviour in bus shelter and will monitor the situation. A recent delivery to the Hargham Road building site caused severe delays to morning school traffic and buses. No unloading should occur on road. There is no footpath yet and no one allowed to live in the first house until footpath is completed. Steve Milner to talk to the developer about this.

Terry Cook reported back that the Village Hall are very positive about growing relationship with Parish Council. They have the researched the technicality of trustees. No members of Village Hall committee are covered by Corporate Public Liability. To overcome this, there needs to be up to three trustees for the Village Hall. As the Parish Council is covered by Personal and Public Liability, this could provide the necessary cover to Village Hall committee members if the Parish Council became a trustee. Village Hall Committee would like to know if Parish Council would become a management trustee of the Village Hall? Steve Milner questioned if you can be a custodial trustee and a management trustee. The Clerk to contact Richard Crawley (Clerk to the Village Hall) and Graham Dye (Treasurer to the Village Hall) about Trustee of Village Hall status.

Doug Irons has continued Neighbourhood Plan research and spoken to NALC for advice. Susan Heinrich at Breckland has a designated area already. Question over whether any money has already been spent as could affect future grants/funding available. Adrian Joel confirmed no money spent on Neighbourhood Plan so far and offered to help with Neighbourhood Plan research and initial stages.

Mike Farrington has attended meeting of Almshouses Trust. They are also having questions and queries about trustees liability and are researching further. Adrian Joel said the Christmas tree has been delivered. The official tree lights switch on would be occurring on Sunday 12 December.

Public participation relating to agenda items. Prince Harry’s Wood was discussed. Many possible options for the area. It could be a lot of work for the Parish Council but could also be developed in to a useful area.

New planning applications. Canem Cave Cottage, 62A Fen Street. Side and Rear extensions and detached garden room (3PL/2021/1482/HOU). Have existing outside buildings. Fen Street residents might be upset about more disruption but no reasons for objection. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Coal Storage Yard Road from Stacksford Lane to Hargham Road. Outline permission for 3 no. Dwellings (3PL/2021/1564/O). Comments made on previous application still stand for this new application: it is outside the village boundary and Grove Road is too dangerous to add more houses and cars to. Highways have not commented on this application yet but said on previous application (for 5 houses) that they would support 3 houses here. Land Contamination Officer stands by comments on previous application, but these are not visible. Lots of official statements are very vague and don’t give clear concrete answers. Proposal to object approved (6 in favour).

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The following applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved. 26 Oaklands. Proposed Single Storey Front Extension to create Annexe Accommodation (3PL/2021/1348/HOU).

The following applications have now been considered and the applications have been withdrawn. Old Buckenham Country Park, Doe Lane. Erection of Rural workers dwelling including sustainable technologies (3PL/2021/1024/F).

Rosedale, Fen Street. Demolish existing industrial/storage unit and erection of one two-storey house (3PL/2021/1070/F).

Prince Harry’s Wood. County Councillor Steve Askew explained he was contacted about ongoing fly tipping in Prince Harry’s Wood and tried to get it cleared up via Serco with limited success. Questions were then raised about future plans for the area. The wood belongs to Breckland Council but they had little knowledge about the wood and the fact that they owned it. Councillor Askew had spoken to a cabinet member about their future plans and they are happy to transfer it to the Parish at no charge. If the Parish Council is not interested in ownership, they will continue to monitor trees every few years and keep it tidy. A member of Breckland Council is happy to attend a future Parish Council meeting to help explain things in more detail. Many factors for consideration in the decision including maintenance costs and future use of the area. Residents that live near the wood highlighted that some trees would need cutting back or removing. Previously there was evidence of great crested newts in the area, so could be used to support wildlife. Councillor Askew highlighted that if owned by residents then it may lead to parishioners taking more pride and ownership, which may reduce fly tipping, although some occurs through drivers passing through. Decisions on its use for the community can only be made if Parish Council takes it over. Parish Council expressed interest in speaking to Breckland representative in order to gather all necessary information. Councillor Askew will coordinate with Parish Council Clerk and Breckland Council.

Puddledock Corner. A fatal car accident had occurred at Puddledock Corner a few days before this parish council meeting. Mike Farrington lives on this corner and explained that there are frequent accidents, some of which have already resulted in life-changing injuries. Majority of accidents are cars approaching from Attleborough, although occasionally some in opposite direction too. A lot of assumptions are made about the drivers and their speeds but the reality is that experienced drivers also lose control on this bend. A meeting has been organised between the residents of Puddledock for Friday 3 December to look at what could be causing problems and suggestions of possible improvements. They would then like to organise meeting with Parish Council, NCC Highways and Breckland Council. Steve Askew explained that the number of documented accidents will likely to be low as majority of drivers are able to drive off after skidding. This means that there is no written evidence of high numbers of accidents, which doesn’t help support the argument for changes. He will contact the local Highways Engineer about a possible meeting and begin initial discussions. He will keep the Clerk and Mike Farington informed.

Precept Grant Applications. Old Buckenham Cricket Club - £852. Detailed breakdown provided which shows grant is for equipment and staff training. Councillors felt the club was popular with the children of the village and should be supported as it continues to grow. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Robert Cocks Almshouses Trust - £500 to £1000. Grant to be used towards installing new heating systems in the Almhouses. Councillors understood the expense of such a project and also its importance. Propose to give £500 initially and another £500 for next system if needed later in the year. Approved (6 in favour).

Monday Mardle - £100. Used towards running costs and hiring of premises. Also to subsidise occasional trips out. Councillors agreed that it is an important group that helps bring individuals together. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Old Buckenham Village Hall - £703. To help fix various maintenance issues raised during recent health and safety report. Councillors agreed that the Village Hall was an important part of the village that supported many groups across a range of ages and wanted to help support its improvement. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Fawns - £651. Grant to be used for rent of premises and to subsidise specialist activity sessions for the children. Councillors felt that with a large number of young families in the village, the group was important for helping the children and their parents in socialising and developing skills. Proposal to support approved (6 in favour).

Friends of Chapel Green School - £300. Grant to be put towards Fusion Enterprise Scheme to help students prepare meals for the community which will help develop pupils’ confidence, independence and skills before leaving school. Proposal to support approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Families of Old Buckenham Primary School and Nursery - £5000.Grant applied for improving outside areas including play equipment, early years outdoor area and school pond. Councillors felt that the application was for areas of teaching and learning which should be provided by the school and the Sapientia Education Trust. While Councillors understood that schools need support, this would result in ‘double funding’ as teaching and learning at schools are already funded. Propose to defer decision until next meeting in order for application to be reassessed This was approved (5 in favour, 1 abstain).

Use of the Green policy. Steve Milner, Terry Cook and Doug Irons met to draft a policy for the use of the Green by individuals, businesses, events, etc. Thanks to John Fernihough (Green Working Party) for providing a lot of technical background information. Councillors felt the Policy was written in a concise and clear manner which set a parameter and then required six sets of information for each request. Terry Cook explained that some details are already set in the contract of the lease of the Green. Proposal to approve the Policy was agreed (4 in favour, 2 abstain) subject to the condition that any issues raised are passed on by the end of the week.

Plaque location. Commemorative plaque had been received for the community spirit and resilience shown during the Pandemic. Propose to put the plaque near the village shop on a temporary basis due to high footfall there before moving to side of Church Rooms for a permanent setting. The Clerk to consult Church Rooms for approval. Approved (6 in favour).

Allotments Working Party. Adrian Joel has stepped down from Allotments Working Party. Steve Milner offered to take on the role.

Playground quote. Rachel Noyes, Naomi Bailey and Doug Irons have compiled a list of minor parts required for small maintenance issues raised during September inspection by Playdale. Parts and delivery would cost £241.83 (including VAT). Would then require a day’s work by builder to fix various issues at £170. Also the roundabout is increasingly difficult to push and requires Playdale to attend and fix new bearings. Parts, delivery and installation costed at £1,768.74 (including VAT).The VAT will be reclaimed on both quotes at a later date. Proposal to approve both quotes was approved (6 in favour).

Village Shop parking sign. This item deferred until next meeting due to time limitations.

Queen’s Jubilee village meeting. This item deferred until next meeting due to time limitations.

Items for next agenda. These will include Precept payments and the Green Lease renewal/changes.

The date of next Parish Council meeting is Thursday 6 January 2022. It will start at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall.