Last parish council of 2022

 Here is the news

These notes have been written by the blog editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that is amended in the future.

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 1 December at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Andy Nicholls, Terry Cook, Ali McWilliam and Doug Irons. Apologies for absence had been received from Jonn Hicks. Also attending were Rachel Noyes Clerk), County and District Councillor Steve Askew and one member of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10 November were approved (4 in favour, 1 abstain).

Financial matters. The Community Account balance was now £37,604.15. Payments of £726.65 were approved (5 in favour) and included the Clerk’s salary and expenses, hire of rooms at the Village Hall and payments to four of the community car drivers. Payment made for newsletter paper as previously approved came to £777.60 (including VAT).

Councillor reports. County Councillor Steve Askew said that Serco have been due to cut back overhanging trees in Prince Harry’s Wood this week. Naomi Bailey is to visit properties and confirm work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. He was also contacted by a Banham resident regarding Banham Community Car Scheme which is no longer operational. Banham Parish Council will be discussing it at their next meeting but were looking at the idea of neighbouring parishes working together. Breckland Council have no objections. He will keep in contact with Banham Parish Council and will keep our Parish Council updated. The Community Car Scheme in Old Buckenham is well used but always on the lookout for new drivers.

Ali McWilliam had seen the SUE presentation at Attleborough Town Hall. Homes England were also present. Noted changes to transport networks in local area including adding new roundabout on the B1077. Will also be putting in some small shopping areas and other additional services.Terry Cook said that Serco and Breckland have reacted quickly to recent fly tipping in the village. No further problems reported. However, please report any problems quickly via Breckland website or to the Parish Clerk.

Doug Irons had met with The Gamekeeper manager regarding the details for leasing and resurfacing of the small area of Green outside of the pub which is currently used for parking. Was a very positive meeting in which all parties were happy to get the arrangements sorted quickly. As car park area is used by residents for accessing properties and for parking, the Parish Council will pay 60% of maintenance costs while The Gamekeeper will pay 40%. Manager was also keen to get involved in community activities and events. Paperwork will be drafted and another meeting to be arranged for in the New Year.Doug Irons will lead development of new website. Request for Councillors to inform him of features/pages they feel that the website should include. The Clerk reported that the next stage of Local Plan Update (Issues and Options consultation) will be on Tuesday 20 December at 4pm, Elizabeth House, Dereham. Two places for any Councillors able to attend.

She had contacted Breckland Planning relating to residents’ concerns raised at the last meeting. Reply received stated they can provide evidence that they wrote to three of the immediate neighbours and that while the comment was removed from the website, it was still consulted during the decision-making process. Reply did not, however, explain why the comment was removed. Recent information event received regarding work on the Brenntag site in Attleborough. Councillors were unable to attend but slides from the event have been received. Feedback to be passed on to the Clerk, who will complete feedback form. The A11 will be experiencing high levels of night closures (8pm to 6am) during December as work is switched to the Southbound side. Diversions will be via Diss. Contacted with a request for permission to install a mirror on the Green for safely leaving driveway. Clarified with Highways who said that they do not support them. Resident informed, who will now liaise with Highways/Breckland Planning themselves.

She had been contacted by the Manager of Old Buckenham Stud who wished to correct some comments from previous Parish Coumcil minutes. The Stud was not directly contacted about donating land for a burial site and so has not, as stated, that they were not prepared to give up any land.

Planning applications. There have been no new or amended planning applications received.

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. The following two applications have now been considered and have been approved.

Land at Rosedale, Fen Street. Erection of 1 No C3 dwellinghouse and part demolition of outbuilding to be used as garage (3PL/2022/0429/F).

Clay Barn, Attleborough Road, barn C complex. Proposed conversion of former agricultural buildings for residential use forming two dwellings (3PL/2022/0736/F).

The following application has been withdrawn: Hargham Road. Residential Development - 12 Units (3PL/2022/0298/F).

Track Repair between Village Shop and phone box. Have been asked about maintenance work on track, specifically the “shop side” of the posts which has large areas of wear, causing large puddles during the winter months. The track is part of the Green, not Highways, but is used by several residents to access their homes. Previously, the Parish Council has made contact with residents to enquire about financial contributions towards the work. Last action was for the previous Chair to arrange meeting with residents but the Chair left the before it could be carried out. A quote was collected at the start of the year for resurfacing the track, but is likely to be higher now. Councillors felt that while the Parish Council would contribute towards the work, it should not pay the full costs due to the fact that the damage done is partly down to the residents’ cars wearing away the materials. Parish Council would pay for half, while residents pay the remaining half. Clerk to write a letter to residents who live off the track to inform them of previous quote received and explain that Parish Council will pay half the cost. If they are happy to proceed, a meeting to be arrange in the New Year between the Parish Council, residents and Green Working Party.

Prince Harry’s Wood. Have received transfer forms for signing. A few details are just being finalised regarding the cutting back of overhanging trees near properties and liaising with the insurance company. Will have to add new areas of grass in St Andrews Close included in the transfer  as these areas will need cutting by the Handyman. After completion of tree cutting work, transfer forms to be signed by two Councillors and an independent witness.

Recreation Ground fencing. Gate/fence has been reversed into and broken. Wood is poor quality and so has been easily damaged. Naomi Bailey felt that this will happen repeatedly and so a stronger structure is needed. AN highlighted the need to stop footballs hitting cars/rolling in to car park. Councillors suggested researching quotes for 4/6 foot high chain link fencing with hedges along the car park end of the Recreation Ground. A double gate would also be required to allow for grass cutting machinery to access the field. The Clerk is to collect quotes.

County Broadband wayleave. Have been contacted about a wayleave from County Broadband. Sarah Dye has dealt with the matter on behalf of the Green Rights Proprietors. Originally, the Parish Council were to discuss the suggested placement of a new telegraph pole near the playground. However have recently been informed that Highways have already approved the work.

Public participation. Resident felt that there should have been greater planning in advance for the maintenance of Prince Harry’s Wood and grass areas and the additional costs that this will incur.

Items for next agenda. These are expected to include the Precept, the Recreation Ground fencing update, the Track update and latest on Prince Harry’s Wood.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 January 2023 at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall.