Discussions in Old Buckenham

 November’s Parish Council meeting

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 6 November at Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison (left part way through meeting), Steve Gowers, David Taylor, (arrived part way through meeting), Pete Twissell, RFO Julia Aitkin and temporary Clerk Terry Cook. Apologies for not being able to attend were received from Megan Elvin (Clerk). Also attending was District Councillor Steve Askew and 24 members of the public. The Chair welcomed all attendees and reiterated it was a large agenda and all comments should be addressed through the Chair. Public participation to be taken at the end of the meeting. The new RFO Julia Aitkin was introduced and congratulations were recorded to Megan on the birth of her daughter. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 2 October were approved (5 in favour 1 abstained).

Declarations of interests not already recorded in the current Members’ Register. Stan Burton declared interests in planning items PL/2025/1477/FMIN and PL/2025/1453/FMIN.

Financial matters. An abridged version of the accounts was provided due to absence of the substantive Clerk and the new RFO having only just taken up post. The Community account balance was £32,278.68, the Charity Account stood at £2,990.18 and the Lloyds Account was £1,152.71. Payments for approval totalled £6293.50 and included £183.15 to the community car drivers, £ 259.32 to Breckland Council for emptying dog bins, £26.49 to Stan Burton for pond repair materials and £460 to Emerald Tree Services. All payments were approved (5 in favour 1 abstain).

Councillors' and District Councillor’s reports. The Chair said that owing to the temporary closure of the Ox and Plough and it being vacated by the previous lease holder, the location of the Christmas Tree on the Green for this year will revert to outside Harrow and Fearn (opposite the Gamekeeper).

Doug Irons had composed a letter to be sent to the Solar Farm owners that had been issued to all councillors. He went through key contents of the letter. When the solar farm project was first established, the contractor offered a finance package to the village. The letter was seeking clarification of the conditions and financial implications. It was intended the letter to open a discussion for final agreement. All councillors in agreement for the letter to be sent.

Steve Gowers outlined the movement and positioning of SAM signs by Speedwatch and produced a data sheet of results. A plea was made for extra volunteers to undertake Speedwatch monitoring. Currently there are 12 volunteers but more are required (even if a volunteer can only offer a minimum of an hour per month). There is a problem of speeding in the village and he will be attending a County Speedwatch meeting later this month. One issue he is going to raise involves Norfolk not supporting introduction of flashing speed signs. The new ‘No Parking ‘signs at the Playground will be installed soon. Cleaning and clearing around speed signs on the roads is taking place but Highways need to further clear/clean signs and repair the broken sign on Cake Street.

County and District Councillor Steve Askew had had a meeting with Highways in September about the possible extension of 30mph zone in Fen Street. Positive meeting but no funding is available. Any extension would need to be met from Parish resources. Estimate in region of £8.5k. County Councillor looking into possibility of using some of his funding allocation to support the project and possibly spreading cost over more than one year. However, a decision would need to be made before the end of the financial year or there is a risk of increased costs next year. At this point Steve Gowere referred to the Speedwatch data for Fen Street with a top speed of 45mph being recorded (and an average of 37 mph being recorded). The County Councillor also outlined the current situation relating to Local Government Reform for Norfolk and Suffolk. A consultation will be held over Autumn/Spring and a final decision for the future shape and structure for the two Councils will be made by a Government Minister.

Planning applications. To consider planning applications and to receive Breckland District Council’s decisions made on any planning applications received before the meeting. 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. Shardalows Farm, Fen Street. Proposed garden room extension to the rear of the existing dwelling (PL/2025/1472/HOU). The Chair said there appeared no issues with this and a proposal to accept was agreed (5 in favour).

Land west of Attleborough Road, Attleborough Road, NR17 1RF. Construction of up to four dwellings, new access from Attleborough Road and associated infrastructure (PL/2025/1477/FMIN). The Chair raised various issues. Will this development affect location of 30mph sign, will the drainage infrastructure have the ability to cope with four more houses (2023 floods quoted) and will there be a path and crossing point provided? Other councillors supported issues re traffic and traffic speed and referred to the latest Speedwatch data. Also raised an issue about should we be supporting starter homes rather than more expensive houses. Parishioner said the issue re pavements was crucial. There is a lack of pavements on the outline plans – without pavements this will create a danger (footpath only outside proposed houses, not elsewhere). Also referred to possibility of increase in traffic being an issue. No traffic audit done for planning application. Possibility of flooding a concern – particularly as drainage on the road will not be reviewed for at least two to three years by Highways. Another parishioner said planned houses were outside the settlement boundary and the village has already met its housing requirements for Breckland. The Chair said we should be looking above our quota as we are not building large estates. Contractors/applicant must stick to construction management plan if application accepted. We must be realistic as to what the Council can object to. A councillor said Anglian Water and Highways agree with the water issues.

The parishioner/applicant pointed out that site was originally earmarked for limited housing (up to ten). On the previous application, the District Council rejected starter houses, contested the flooding issue and said road puddled but did not flood. There was good vision in and out of the proposed site. Cars from existing housing already park on the site of proposed application and any construction management plan will be adhered to.

A parishioner said the District Council in past have rejected a planning application for this site and this was upheld by appeals process – drainage does remain an issue. Another councillor was concerned that by accepting this application it would open up other development. The Chair called the discussion to a halt and asked for a vote to be taken. The vote to object to the application was carried (2 in favour 3 abstained).

Land to the East of Crown Road, Crown Road. Construction of up to five dwellings (PL/2025/1453/FMIN). A Councillor said there was a need to be consistent with decisions. Issues of concern are speed and volume of traffic, access and no pavements. One parishioner pointed out that Anglian Water had objected and another suggested a consistency in planning agreements. Crown Road is a designated ‘Quiet Lane’ and application success would lead to danger for pedestrians, density of development and water issues.

The parishioner/applicant stated that the ‘Quiet Lane’ designation started after the proposed development. Also ‘Quiet Lane’ designation is only a guidance designation. There are other houses in Crown Road despite there being no footpath. The Chair asked if it was the density of the development or the development per se being objected to? Response was it was the development per se and issues relating to construction traffic and general traffic increase. A parishioner said there are two applications for developments being put in at the same time by the same developer before the Breckland Plan has been published. The developers should wait until the Breckland Plan is agreed and published. This view was supported by another parishioner. The Chair called for discussion to a halt and for a vote to be taken. The vote to object was passed (4 in favour 1 abstained).

Sportsman's Cottage, Fen Street. Standing of a static caravan/mobile home for family members - certificate of lawfulness for proposed use (PL/2025/1527/CLOPUD).There were no objections.

Down Combe Attleborough Road, NR17 1RF. Proposed two storey rear extension, front porch and internal alterations (PL/2025/1586/HOU). No objections. A vote to approve was passed (5 in favour).

Tree works application (for information only). The Green, NR17 1SW. Felling of cherry tree and pruning of beech tree located in the rear garden of Abacus House (PL/2025/1498/TCA).

Amended application (for information only). Carr Farm, Attleborough Road, NR17 1NN. Discharge of condition 15 on 3PL/2021/0236/F (PL/2025/1513/DCA).

Ottomer Pond (ongoing). Stan Burton reported that a framework had been installed to ensure the drainage of Ottomer Pond would be effective. To complete the process the framework would need to be waterproofed. The chamber has now been completed. As two pipes drain the pond, the second is under the road and so it is for Highways to ensure that this is clear and for the landowner to ensure the ditch is clear.

School Crossing. Naomi Bailey is putting a survey together. Currently, is waiting to hear back from the schools.

Remembrance Parade. The Chair gave her apologies as she cannot be at the Parade but her husband will be standing in for her. The arrangements will follow last year’s plan – roads around the War Memorial and through the centre of The Green will be closed for the duration of the Service. Councillors will meet at 10.15am to help transport barriers and cones. Order of Service have been printed and will be distributed on the day. Lesley Evison will read names of the fallen. Stan Burton will organise the PA system and Last Post recording. Parish Council, WI, Scouts and Beavers will lay w3reaths and readings will de done by members of All Saints Church.

Hargham Road Cottages. Project to be completed by the end of November.

Allotment update. Quotes obtained for a 10 yard skip which would be onsite for three weeks. Aim is to clear the site by the end of November and then it needs to be levelled. Will need an outside contractor to do this. There is debris needing to be cleared and volunteers to help will be much appreciated.

Footpath on Green. Steve Gowers reported all footpaths on the Green require retarmacking. As there are so few footpaths the ones we have need to be kept fully maintained. There is a need to have a site meeting with the County Council and Highways.

Woodchipper purchase. Stan Burton provided the Council with three written quotations (submitted to the RFO) and explained the reasoning for the size of chipper and the relative merit of each quote. One councillor felt councillors should not be labourers so who will operate the machine if purchased and the machine should not be purchased. Stan Burton replied that the Green Committee will organise the use and running of the machine. If the Council doesn’t, it will have to hire a machine or buy in a contractor – both expensive options. Another councillor added they supported using the Green Committee and volunteers for small jobs but needed professionals for large jobs. Stan Burton added that if the chipper not used in the future, after initial tasks complete it could be sold on and so therefore a good investment. It was calculated that the chipper would only be needed to be used for 6 days and it will have recovered its purchase cost. Member of the public (Green Committee member/volunteer) added there had been a good response from volunteers recently and the purchase and use of the chipper would be most positive. The Chair said she could see both sides of the debate and put it to the vote. Stan Burton proposed the purchase and bought from the preferred quote. This was passed (6 in favour 1 abstained).

Heritage Group. Naomi Bailey reported that only one person had volunteered to join such a group. It was suggested the High School be approached to see if there was any interest from them.

Community Car Scheme documents. Doug Irons reported he was liaising with Alison Hannah with regards to updating the regulations and documentation for the scheme.

Airshow parking on Green. The Chair referred to the issues raised in the last minutes. The Old Buckenham Airfield Manager offered for the Airfield to meet the costs of employing 2 SIA security guards to ensure legal parking around the Green. After debate it was proposed the Council with the support of the Green Committee and volunteers develop a strategy to raise funds for the village but include the offer from the Airfield to use 2 SIA security guards.

Parking outside Post Office. Naomi Bailey relayed a comment by a parishioner regarding parking outside the shop. Confirmed that it is only 30 minutes for parking outside the shop and in the layby opposite the shop. Has spoken to Highways about the problem longer term parking is having in relation to deliveries to the shop and blockages on the road. After a positive discussion with the shopkeeper, he is willing to purchase new signs regarding parking. Signs to be purchased will have Parish Council printed on them as well as the shopkeeper.

Eleemosynary Charity appointment. The Trust is now looking for two new Trustees. Naomi Bailey indicated that she may well be able to come up with possible Trustee. The Trust is happy to receive nominations. An outline of the role was provided for those in attendance.

Wood cut from the Green. Naomi Bailey reiterated that any wood cut on the Green was for the Parish Council or Green Rights holders to allocate or sell. She gave example of a tree that had been felled and the wood had been allocated but it was taken without permission before it could be distributed. It is not for anyone just to take wood without permission.

Two Wheel Tuesday. Doug Irons gave an update and reported that the Green repairs because of Two Wheel Tuesday activity were waiting for completion as per the lease agreement.

Public participation. Ottomer Pond news is positive now that pipes have been flushed. Next stage is to ensure Highways flush the pipe under the road and that the ditch by Sunningdale is cleared. Are people now happy with the construction of the silt trap? Response was that it was now better than it used to be and if kept clear it will be sufficient. If the trap does become blocked in the future its location is now known so it can be cleared (will be marked to ensure of exact location). Also parking at and near the Post Office still needs to be looked at and monitored.

Items for next agenda. These are expected to include footpaths on the Green, the Solar Farm, Community Car Scheme, School Crossing, repairs to the Green, the Allotments, Heritage Group and the Fen Street 30mph zone.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 4 December 2025 in Old Buckenham Village Hall and starting at 7.30pm.