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.
