Notes on October Parish Council meeting

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 5 October at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Methodist Church.

Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey Chair, Ali McWilliam, Doug Irons, Lesley Evison, Pete Twissell, Paul Phillips and Stan Burton. Apologies had been received from Steve Gowers and David Taylor. Also attending were Rachel Noyes Clerk) and three members of the public.

Proposal to approve Stan Burton as a new Parish Councillor was approved (6 in favour). The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 September were approved (5 in favour, 2 abstain). There were no declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members’ Register of Interests and Stan Burton to complete necessary paperwork before next meeting.

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £30,356.11. Received VAT refund of £1,044.09 and Precept instalment of £11,365.50. David Tranmer has paid up to date.

Payments totalling £2,136.87 were approved (7 in favour). These included £69.54 for defibrillator pads and £806.40 for newsletter paper.

Councillors’ reports. Pete Twissell had contacted the schools regarding hedge planting. Has had a positive reply from High School and Chapel Green but awaiting response from Primary School. Will continue to liaise about dates for planting.

Ali McWilliam said the allotment open day was quite successful with 2½ plots taken up which was more than target. Will continue to publicise them, including further afield.

Lesley Evison wanted to thank Councillor Steve Askew who had paid his contractors to cut the overgrown hedges on Barkers Lane. She also asked which bins around the Green are suitable for dog waste as saw some being deposited in bus shelter bin. The Clerk explained that many of the bins around the Green are for both dog waste and litter. She would check to confirm this includes one by bus shelter.

Doug Irons reported that 50% of new website has now been paid. A working copy will be provided in next couple of weeks. A working document is complete for analysing issues around the Green which will be discussed with the Green Working Party at their next meeting.

The Chair, Naomi Bailey, had attended the recent Breckland Local Plan meeting. Met many other local councillors. This plan is being reviewed for the next 23 years but Breckland will review it every five years. Many attendees stated that while they were not objecting to development, they were not for it either, as villages want to ensure they do not become towns. Additionally, there were strong feelings that infrastructure should be prioritised first. Many attendees also expressed a desire for local councils to be listened to more, as they know the local areas best of all. Councillors agreed these claims by explaining that half of the new houses in Attleborough will be built before new road (Bunns Bank to A11) and additional facilities are constructed. Ali McWilliam highlighted that most meetings were held during the day and so is unable to attend them because of work and so is having too travel far to attend. Recently conducted interviews for new Parish Clerk and RFO. Jonn Hicks will be taking over the roles from the start of November.

The Clerk reported on many things. The Breckland Mobile Food Van will be at the Village Hall car park every Friday between 1.15pm and 2.15pm. It will offer discounted food for a small initial joining fee. A replacement Tulip Tree purchased and planted for the Queen’s Jubilee Trees. Had received email from the Open Spaces Society offering their help and advice. Ali McWinter to research the cost and what is offered. Pads had been changed at Village Hall defibrillator. She is in the process of arranging road closure and wreath for Remembrance Sunday.

The Clerk is to order Christmas tree for the Green. Ali McWinter to liaise with David Tranmer about possibility of supplying electricity. Parish Council to make donation to pay for electricity. A resident has received offer of new free/discounted lights for the village Christmas Tree and will enquire further.

Green Report. No report as next meeting is on Monday 9 October. The Chair unable to attend but Stan Burton and Ali McWinter to attend instead.

Action Log updates. Skip at allotments filled with rubbish and now removed. The flagpole has been delivered and exact location confirmed. Handyman to install. Trailer inspected.

New planning applications. Stacksford House Farm, Stacksford. Proposed single storey side and link extensions (3PL/2023/0910/HOU). No objections. Very little information on application which makes it difficult to comment. Proposal to support was approved (6 in favour, 1 abstain).

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

The Old School/Church Rooms, Crown Road. Three Non Illuminated Fascia Signs (3PL/2023/0399/A).

The Old School/Church Rooms, Crown Road. Proposed use of Church Rooms to include Class E (bookshop / cafe and sale of related merchandise)(3PL/2023/0398/F).

Land at 32 Fen Street. Erection of detached house and garage (3PL/2023/0414/F).

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 hard-standing area (retrospective) (3PL/2022/0433/F).

Planning Appeals. The following appeal has been dismissed: Hammonds Farm, Stacksford, Old Buckenham NR17 1PD. Appeal reference APP/F2605/W/23/3315976.

Trailer and equipment. Pete Twissel had inspected the trailer and equipment. Only slight signs of use on trailer and it is generally in good condition. Mower is in good condition and is stored in dry barn, rather than in trailer. Multipower tool (chainsaw/strimmer) is also in good condition and there are a few small accessories (petrol can, etc). Mower is still used at playground by Handyman. Have received offer to purchase trailer but feel it is worth a little more. The Clerk has enquired with insurance company about whether residents can use it. If selling the trailer, would need an alternative venue to store. Stan Burton offered a secure area to keep equipment. Proposal to sell the trailer for £1000 was approved (7 in favour). Will offer to local residents initially.

Precept Grants. Budget needs to be approved and submitted by end of January. Last year’s Precept grants were £4106. Naomi Bailey had comments from a few parishioners that felt the Precept Grants were a high total. Doug Irons and Paul Phillips felt that supporting local community groups should continue to be a priority of the Parish Council. Paul Phillips suggested writing an article for the newsletter explaining how the Precept works and how residents’ council tax is impacted by the Precept. Precept Grants will again be available from the Parish Council. Local community groups can apply for grants, which will be payable from the start of the next financial year. Grant application deadline is Thursday 30 November.

Insurance for events. Document from insurance company explains that, provided several conditions are met, that fetes are covered by their insurance. This will allow a resident to organise a village fete without seeking additional insurance. Resident will need to ensure these conditions are met and liaise with the Parish Council about the organisation of the event. Insurance Company will also be notified of the event.

Public participation. Paper has been delivered for printing next year of newsletters. Could Councillors please ensure they speak loudly and clearly in meetings for those villager who attend?

Items for next agenda. These will include Remembrance arrangements confirmation, Christmas Tree and switching on arrangements and any ideas for Parish Partnership Scheme.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 2 November at 7.30pm at Old Buckenham Village Hall.