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 5 December in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Gemma Frost (chair), Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington and Ben Devlin. Also attending were three members of the public as well as Rachel Noyes (clerk)and Donna Oakley (RFO).
Apologies for absence had been received from Jonn Hicks, Steve Milner, Andy Nicholls and Terry Cook. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 November were approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain). The only matter arising from the minutes was to point out that work to deal with flooding on Hargham Road was funded for by Stephen Askew from his councillor’s budget.
Declarations of interests. Ben Devlin will abstain from vote on one planning application due to conflict of interest.
Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £33,781.18. Income received was £60 from allotment rents and an £800 donation towards the SAM2 sign equipment. Thank you to the parishioner who donated towards the new SAM2 sign. Payments approved totalled £741.95 (4 in favour) and included £117.45 to the community car drivers and £135 for the bin installation in the playground.
Approval was also sought for gifts to the volunteers who worked on the bus shelter and phone box, to increase the clerk’s monthly salary to £200 and to change bank accounts to Lloyds TSB. These items were approved (4 in favour).
Precept. It was agreed to postpone some decisions until the January meeting because of the low numbers of councillors present and the importance of the decisions. Grants that were agreed were £100 for the Monday Mardle, £450 for the Women’s Institute and the village Produce Show, £350 to the Friends of Chapel Green School and £300 to the Luncheon Club. A decision on a request from the Village Hall for £4779 to £8463 for new doors was postponed until the January meeting (4 in favour).
Public participation. New street lights by the crossing are still reflecting off the pond in to nearby properties. The Clerk is to contact councillor Stephen Askew about this.
Planning. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications - Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
New planning applications. Downmore Farm, Banham Road. Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling, Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q. (3PN/2019/0055/UC). A proposal to support was approved (4 in favour).
Land South of March Field Way. Residential development of 9 dwellings and associated external works (3PL/2019/1401/F). Second phase of the social housing planned for Old Buckenham. Adrian Joel explained that as Breckland’s Local Plan has just been approved, this would now place this development within the southern boundary of the parish and therefore count towards our quota. Several councillors questioned the need for these houses in Old Buckenham. It was also highlighted that the first phase of the development has created a few problems within the village such as lack of parking for the residents which is creating problems elsewhere, roads which are too small to cope with the levels of traffic and drainage problems. A proposal to object was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Land to north of Fen Street. Erection of four detached dwellings following outline permission (3PL/2019/1359/D). The Parish Council previously supported the PIP on this land by Stephen Askew. Some houses are now smaller than initially proposed. A proposal to support was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Land to the north-west of 29 Fen Street. Permission in Principle for the erection of one dwelling (Town and Country Planning) Permission in Principle (Amendment) Order 2019 (3PL/2019/1405/PIP).This application was previously supported by the Parish Council but rejected by Breckland due to lack of passing space. A proposal to support was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. Downmoor Farm House, Banham Road. Change of use of outbuilding to office for financial services (A2)(3PL/2019/1020/CU).
Manor Corner, The Green. Two-storey side extension (3PL/2019/1259/HOU).
Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road. Various enhancements and improvements to the Airfield including permanent placement of a decommissioned Rockwell Twin Aero Commander for use as Emergency Response training (no hot fire excercises), placement of up to two static caravans for use by key members of staff during events, creation of a small 'Memorial Park' at the centre of which will be a ground level scale depiction of the wartime airfield and addition of earth bund and fencing (3PL/2019/1231/F).
Land to the west of 22 Fen Street. Permission in principle for the erection of 4 dwellings (Town & Country Planning (Permission in Principle) (Amendment) Order 2017 (3PL/2019/1257/PIP).
Land between Willow Cottage and Priest Hill Cottage, Fen Street. Permission in principle for the erection of one detached dwelling (Town & Country Planning (Permission in Principle) (Amendment) Order 2017 (3PL/2019/1258/PIP).
All the above applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved by Breckland Council.
Policies review. Removal the requirement for a bank account in the Grants policy as many smaller groups don’t always have one and would be unfair to miss out on funding for this reason was approved (4 in favour). It was also agreed to delay any changes to the Health and Safety Policy until Jonn Hicks was present due to his knowledge of the subject.
Chairman’s report. This was provided in written form and is reproduced at the end of these notes.
Village Green Working Party. Fresh quotes and relevant certificates to carry out work on trees on the Green have been received from three companies. Proposal to give the job to the company giving the cheapest quote was approved (4 in favour).
Play Area. This will need to close until February 2020 for vital repairs and improvements ahead of an annual inspection.
Councillors’ reports. Mike Farrington was pleased to inform the council members that there have been no accidents at Puddledock in the last month.
Items for next agenda. These would include the Precept grants, having a paperless Parish Council and the Action Log.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 9 January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Please note this is the second Thursday of the month.
Chairman’s report. Good evening everyone, this year has been a busy year and I think we can all agree the Green is looking good. The area around Ottomer Pond has regrown and the lilies on the pond looked fabulous this summer. The telephone box has been refurbished with new windows installed and has been freshly painted. A big thank you to Colin Brown and Phil Little for all their help and time helping myself do this work. The Parish Council has been working hard to make our little village a beautiful place to live and raise a family and we thank everyone who helps with the various projects that happen throughout the year. We have purchased two more defibrillators and are awaiting installation of the cabinets.
You will all notice that the memorial bench for Alex Byrne has been installed, there are two more to be installed in the new year once families in question have purchased them. The play area is currently undergoing a few upgrades. You will see that the rope bridge on the climber has been replaced, a new concrete footpath has been laid and three new litter bins have been installed. The wood chip around the high climber is being removed and replaced with rubber balls that are safer for your children in case of a fall. The toddler swing seats will be replaced and new bearings for all the swings and roundabout. Also, the grass surface has been worn away under some of the equipment and needs replacing. Therefore it will require the play area to remain closed until the beginning of February. Some will question the need for this. It’s because we are due our yearly RoSPA safety inspection and many of these points were flagged up in last year’s report so we need these jobs done to enable us to get a first class pass certificate.
I have enjoyed being your Chairman this past year and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
With thanks.
Jonn Hicks
Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 December in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Gemma Frost (chair), Adrian Joel, Mike Farrington and Ben Devlin. Also attending were three members of the public as well as Rachel Noyes (clerk)and Donna Oakley (RFO).
Apologies for absence had been received from Jonn Hicks, Steve Milner, Andy Nicholls and Terry Cook. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 November were approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain). The only matter arising from the minutes was to point out that work to deal with flooding on Hargham Road was funded for by Stephen Askew from his councillor’s budget.
Declarations of interests. Ben Devlin will abstain from vote on one planning application due to conflict of interest.
Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £33,781.18. Income received was £60 from allotment rents and an £800 donation towards the SAM2 sign equipment. Thank you to the parishioner who donated towards the new SAM2 sign. Payments approved totalled £741.95 (4 in favour) and included £117.45 to the community car drivers and £135 for the bin installation in the playground.
Approval was also sought for gifts to the volunteers who worked on the bus shelter and phone box, to increase the clerk’s monthly salary to £200 and to change bank accounts to Lloyds TSB. These items were approved (4 in favour).
Precept. It was agreed to postpone some decisions until the January meeting because of the low numbers of councillors present and the importance of the decisions. Grants that were agreed were £100 for the Monday Mardle, £450 for the Women’s Institute and the village Produce Show, £350 to the Friends of Chapel Green School and £300 to the Luncheon Club. A decision on a request from the Village Hall for £4779 to £8463 for new doors was postponed until the January meeting (4 in favour).
Public participation. New street lights by the crossing are still reflecting off the pond in to nearby properties. The Clerk is to contact councillor Stephen Askew about this.
Planning. (All planning applications are available for viewing on the Breckland District Council planning portal – www.breckland.gov.uk/article/2933/Search-Planning-Applications - Parish Councillors have been asked by the chairman to view the new applications in advance of the meeting).
New planning applications. Downmore Farm, Banham Road. Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling, Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q. (3PN/2019/0055/UC). A proposal to support was approved (4 in favour).
Land South of March Field Way. Residential development of 9 dwellings and associated external works (3PL/2019/1401/F). Second phase of the social housing planned for Old Buckenham. Adrian Joel explained that as Breckland’s Local Plan has just been approved, this would now place this development within the southern boundary of the parish and therefore count towards our quota. Several councillors questioned the need for these houses in Old Buckenham. It was also highlighted that the first phase of the development has created a few problems within the village such as lack of parking for the residents which is creating problems elsewhere, roads which are too small to cope with the levels of traffic and drainage problems. A proposal to object was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Land to north of Fen Street. Erection of four detached dwellings following outline permission (3PL/2019/1359/D). The Parish Council previously supported the PIP on this land by Stephen Askew. Some houses are now smaller than initially proposed. A proposal to support was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Land to the north-west of 29 Fen Street. Permission in Principle for the erection of one dwelling (Town and Country Planning) Permission in Principle (Amendment) Order 2019 (3PL/2019/1405/PIP).This application was previously supported by the Parish Council but rejected by Breckland due to lack of passing space. A proposal to support was approved (3 in favour, 1 abstain).
Planning decisions by Breckland Council. Downmoor Farm House, Banham Road. Change of use of outbuilding to office for financial services (A2)(3PL/2019/1020/CU).
Manor Corner, The Green. Two-storey side extension (3PL/2019/1259/HOU).
Old Buckenham Airfield, Abbey Road. Various enhancements and improvements to the Airfield including permanent placement of a decommissioned Rockwell Twin Aero Commander for use as Emergency Response training (no hot fire excercises), placement of up to two static caravans for use by key members of staff during events, creation of a small 'Memorial Park' at the centre of which will be a ground level scale depiction of the wartime airfield and addition of earth bund and fencing (3PL/2019/1231/F).
Land to the west of 22 Fen Street. Permission in principle for the erection of 4 dwellings (Town & Country Planning (Permission in Principle) (Amendment) Order 2017 (3PL/2019/1257/PIP).
Land between Willow Cottage and Priest Hill Cottage, Fen Street. Permission in principle for the erection of one detached dwelling (Town & Country Planning (Permission in Principle) (Amendment) Order 2017 (3PL/2019/1258/PIP).
All the above applications have now been considered and the applications have been approved by Breckland Council.
Policies review. Removal the requirement for a bank account in the Grants policy as many smaller groups don’t always have one and would be unfair to miss out on funding for this reason was approved (4 in favour). It was also agreed to delay any changes to the Health and Safety Policy until Jonn Hicks was present due to his knowledge of the subject.
Chairman’s report. This was provided in written form and is reproduced at the end of these notes.
Village Green Working Party. Fresh quotes and relevant certificates to carry out work on trees on the Green have been received from three companies. Proposal to give the job to the company giving the cheapest quote was approved (4 in favour).
Play Area. This will need to close until February 2020 for vital repairs and improvements ahead of an annual inspection.
Councillors’ reports. Mike Farrington was pleased to inform the council members that there have been no accidents at Puddledock in the last month.
Items for next agenda. These would include the Precept grants, having a paperless Parish Council and the Action Log.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Thursday 9 January at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Please note this is the second Thursday of the month.
Chairman’s report. Good evening everyone, this year has been a busy year and I think we can all agree the Green is looking good. The area around Ottomer Pond has regrown and the lilies on the pond looked fabulous this summer. The telephone box has been refurbished with new windows installed and has been freshly painted. A big thank you to Colin Brown and Phil Little for all their help and time helping myself do this work. The Parish Council has been working hard to make our little village a beautiful place to live and raise a family and we thank everyone who helps with the various projects that happen throughout the year. We have purchased two more defibrillators and are awaiting installation of the cabinets.
You will all notice that the memorial bench for Alex Byrne has been installed, there are two more to be installed in the new year once families in question have purchased them. The play area is currently undergoing a few upgrades. You will see that the rope bridge on the climber has been replaced, a new concrete footpath has been laid and three new litter bins have been installed. The wood chip around the high climber is being removed and replaced with rubber balls that are safer for your children in case of a fall. The toddler swing seats will be replaced and new bearings for all the swings and roundabout. Also, the grass surface has been worn away under some of the equipment and needs replacing. Therefore it will require the play area to remain closed until the beginning of February. Some will question the need for this. It’s because we are due our yearly RoSPA safety inspection and many of these points were flagged up in last year’s report so we need these jobs done to enable us to get a first class pass certificate.
I have enjoyed being your Chairman this past year and would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
With thanks.
Jonn Hicks
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