Old Buckenham news

Parish Council minutes for January

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 8 January 2026 at Old Buckenham Methodist Church. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Steve Gowers, Pete Twissell and Darren Butler. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Lesley Evison, David Taylor and Steve Askew (District and County Councillor. Also attending were Megan Elvin (Clerk) and Julia Aitken (RFO) along with six members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4 December 2025 were approved (6 in favour) after a slight amendment needing to be made under Pete Twissell’s report regarding the village hall. The land is owned by the Parish Council. The Village Hall Committee are currently searching for the official documents stating this for administrative purposes. The amended minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6 November 2025 were also agreed (6 in favour).

Public participation not relating to the agenda. Children had been seen on the previous Sunday jumping on the ice over the pond near the shop. Should there be safety warnings? The Parish Council will check if it can do this and/or provide buoyance aid. Something could be put out to social media, ponds are deep and parents should advise children not to play on the ponds.

Financial matters. The Barclays Community Account now holds £24,495.52, the Lloyds Community Account has £3,645.79 and there is £2,998.90 jn the Barclays Charity Account. Payments for Approval totalled £4,089.02 which included £107.45 to the community car drivers, £39.50 for the Clerk’s DBS Check and £1,792.97 to Breckland Council.

A meeting is planned for Monday 12 January between Naomi Bailey, Doug Irons, Megan Elvin and Julia Aitkin to discuss the financial side of things. Steve Gowers and Pete Twissell to attend to complete an internal audit. A proposal to consider using an accountancy software was approved (5 in favour 1 abstained).

To approve budget for Precept 2026/27. Total amount requested for the Precept is £31,779.91. The budget was not increased greatly last year which is why this year it is a large budget. The estimated total contribution from the Parish Council to a Council Tax Band D property will be £57.72 for 2026/27. (This makes it ten monthly instalments of £5.77 which is an increase of 48.5% based on last year’s budget.) This was approved (6 in favour).

Councillors’ and District Councillor’s reports. Steve Askew was unable to attend the meeting and so had sent a written report of his activities. This consisted solely of news from the County Council and will be available when minutes are approved.

Pete Twissell reported that he had carried a repair to the gate at the war memorial. Steve Gowers said Speed watch had been collecting data over the last year over 70 sessions. Cars have started to slow down. Still a problem of speeding especially down Hargham road and Attleborough Road and he would like to have a brainstorming session regarding Speed watch with the volunteers. Road signs that need clearing have still not been done and the Clerk to contact Highways again regarding this.

New planning applications. The Homestead, Old Buckenham: Variation of conditions 2 and removal of condition 9 on pp PL/2024/1120/RMIN – Revised front porch design for plot 1, garage sizes slightly under requirements of condition 9 (PL/2025/1886/VAR). No issues and a proposal to agree was approved (6 in favour).

The Cottage, Loss Wroo, Hargham Road. Remove Existing Conservatory and Erection of a Rear single-story extension (PL/2025/1793/PAH). No issues and a proposal to agree was approved (6 in favour).

Community Car Scheme. Doug Irons took on the task of amending the Community Car Scheme following previous co-ordinator stepping down and a current driver taking on the role in the interim. Our insurance company have advised that we need a risk assessment and to continue minuting the financial side of things. Need for a councillor to take on the co-ordinator role and one month given to make a decision on this.

Green Working Committee. Naomi Bailey had a phone call discussion with the chair of Green Working Committee. The chair is doing a lot of the admin work herself and some of her committee are not always able to help with the computer side of things. She wanted to know if the committee could be expanded to provide more help. Foundation of committee at the moment is two Green Right holders, two Parish Councillors and two  public members. The suggestion was to increase the public members by four to make the committee ten. Green Rights holders in the village are very few. It was proposed that either Lesley Iveson or Stan Burton move over to become a Green Right holder section of the committee and a new councillor comes on to replace that role. Darren Butler is to take on the role of the councillor committee. The Clerk is to contact the Lord of the Manor to ask regarding having a proxy to attend the meetings as per lease of the Green agreement.

Their next meeting is Thursday 15 January and planned volunteer day is Sunday 17 January. Stan Burton has drawn up a risk assessment that the volunteers need to read and sign. The person who is heading the volunteer day will be the one to organise this each volunteer day. The Clerk to re-do the Terms of Reference.

Ottomer Pond. The private land side of the pond is going up for auction. The estate agents has not been very forthcoming with advising buyers what needs to be completed.

Parking. School parking has increased again. Naomi Bailey to send an email to the schools again advising use of the car park behind the Gamekeeper between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Precept Grant application approval. Both the Village Hall and the Old Buckenham Players had applied for £1000 Precept Grants. They were each asked for more information before the grants would be considered. Both were then agreed (five in favour, one abstained due to interest).

Old Buckenham Heritage Group. No update to give. Will chase one more time but currently not gaining large interest.

Benches on the Green. Discussion is being held regarding the ownership of the existing benches outside the Ox and Plough pub. The current agreement is until April 2026 but it is under the previous tenant’s name. Until ownership of the benches is established, the Parish Council cannot get involved. They can remain until April.

Repairs to the Green. Written in the agreement for TWT it is stated that the repairs to the Green should be carried out one month post event or the Parish Clerk notified in writing why this can’t be done. The Parish Council were promised repairs would be completed early December, then before Christmas. They have still not been done. The Parish Council have now decided that they will proceed with the repair to the Green and get three quotes. The invoice will then send to the previous leaseholder to reimburse this payment. Should this not be paid the Parish Council will take him to court. The Clerk to contact Dave Tranmer regarding this.

Two Wheel Tuesday. Doug Irons to talk with new leaseholder of Ox and Plough to see if this will be going ahead and to get the wheels in motion regarding application for it.

Fen Street traffic/speed. The Clerk to chase for a fixed quote of the costs and what they will be doing with this money. To remain on agenda until we have a firm answer.

Solar Farm. No update to give as waiting for Solar Farm representative to come back with a meeting date.

Volunteer recruitments and Meet and Greet morning. No longer need to provide funding for the cost of hiring village hall – they have kindly offered use of the hall for free. To be discussed further for what Parish Council will provide for councillor volunteering.

Footpaths. A one-off payment made many years ago for the instillation of the footpath as well as maintenance. Need to find evidence of this. Look to getting three quotes for the reparations of the path ourselves.

Puddledock Corner update. Waiting for the contractor to come back with date to start the work. Naomi Bailey will chase.

Resurfacing outside post office. When weather is better, the potholes will be re-filled. In the meantime the Clerk to get quote for the full car park to be resurfaced

Post Office drainage. First estimate to repair drainage is £1500. Who should pay for this? Letter should be sent to the property’s owners of all the houses to advise that it is the water running off their roof that is causing the issues to the Green. Parish Council does not have the funds to repair the drainage themselves.

Public participation, agenda items only. A parishioner was concerned about Ottomer Pond. Appreciates everything that has been done. The pipe between the two properties is blocked. Why have we not been proactive and enforced the cleaning out of the pipe that is blocked to be flushed through? There is a dispute as to who owns the ditch. The problem now is getting the landowner to do their side of things. Wanted to know what we can do next – the more people who complain to the local flooding authority, the more likely something might happen.

Next agenda. Subjects to be discussed should include Ottomer Pond, Solar Farm, Community Car Scheme, Green Working Committee,   resurfacing outside village shop, drainage and embankment on Hargham Road/Post Office Terrace, Parking, repairs to the Green, Volunteer Meet and Greet Day and Footpaths.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 5 February in Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Weather radar in Old Buckenham

Progress so far

Latest news on the construction of the weather radar on Abbey Road at Old Buckenham. Before Christmas the Met Office's main contractor finished the construction of the tower and the installation of the communication cabin. The activities associated with providing a net ecological benefit are now being carried out and this includes planting along the fence lines, bird-boxes and improvements to the existing pond on the Anglian Water site. 

The project team are currently planning for the tower-top installation of the radar parts and the associated radome. This will take around three weeks and is expected to start to happen from mid-February. There will be a period of increased activity at the site during this time, including deliveries and crane operations.  

After the tower-top installation, the project will move into a testing and commissioning phase which will probably take several months. This is mainly to check that the radar is functioning well and is able to deliver the higher quality rainfall data to feed into Met Office and Environment Agency products and services. The radar will be controlled and monitored remotely during this phase of the project. They will also use this time to check noise levels to make sure that they are within the constraint stipulated in the planning permission.
The project will end in the summer once the testing and commissioning has been completed and the data obtained will be used to better predict the rainfall and other weather conditions throughout East Anglia. 

Pop out to Old Buckenham

 Pop-Up is changing

Here is an update about the Pop-Up Pantry that comes to the Memorial Room at the Village Hall in Old Buckenham. From the start of this year, it will be moving to opening on Mondays and running every fortnight (instead of every week) from 9.30am to 11.30am, starting on Monday 5 January.

The Pop-Up Pantry provides low-cost food and essential items, helping households stretch their budgets while reducing food waste. There is no referral needed- everyone is welcome.

Alongside affordable groceries, they also offer wrap-around support, including friendly advice, signposting to services and general support for anyone who may need it.

Residents of Old Buckenham and nearby villages are invited to simply come along for a tea, coffee or hot chocolate, enjoy some biscuits and have a chat. The space is friendly, warm, and welcoming - whether you need support or just a bit of company. If you are one of our regular shoppers please tell your friends of this change and help spread the word.

Parish Council in Old Buckenham

 December Parish Council meeting

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 4 December in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers, Pete Twissell and temporary clerk Terry Cook. Later in the meeting Darren Butler was co-opted onto the Council. Apologies had been received from Megan Elvin and David Taylor. Also present were 15 members of the public.

Co-option of new councillor. Darren Butler was formally co-opted (6 in favour) and signed the official form.

The meeting minutes. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 4 December 2025 were approved after the following amendment was made. Steve Gowers requested the addition of the following data recorded to be included. Fen Street Up – 85th Percentile Speed 28mph – Average Speed Overall 21.44 mph. Fen Street Down – 85th Percentile Speed 24.8 mph – Average Speed Overall19.9 mph. This was approved (6 in favour).

Declarations of interests. The Chair commented on the need to check the newly co-opted members interests before the next meeting.

Public participation, questions not relating to the agenda. Two potential Trustees, Darren Butler and Terry Cook, were put forward by the Parish Council for the Eleemosynary Trust.

The question was put “Have Highways been contacted with regard to the pipe under the highway from Ottomer Pond to the drainage ditch being cleared?” The Chair’s response was Yes. However, as yet no reply has been received. Follow up question was “Has the landowner been approached”. Again, the response was Yes. Second follow up question was “What powers were there to enforce clearage?”. Response was that this was down to the landowner. It was stressed that potential purchasers of the Barn for sale on the site are made aware of the drainage issues.

Financial matters. The Barclays Community account currently stands at £28,138.72 with £2,990.18 in the Barclays Charity account and £1152.71 in the Lloyds account. Payments for approval totalled £3,602.37 and included the Clerk’s wages and expenses of £458.34, RFO’s wages of £245.25, £880 for woodchipper purchase and £1,850 for work on the access chamber. Payment was approved (6 in favour 1 abstain).

Councillors’reports. The Chair said that all items from her would be reported within other agenda items. Steve Gowers said that drainage by Rose Cottage was currently being investigated. It is recommended not to just fill potholes but also insert a drainage gully to drain the water away. Works will be close to the original quotation. Stan Burton proposed local cottagers be approached to contribute but Steve Gowers felt it was for the Parish Council to pay. Doug Irons suggested a contribution towards maintenance costs. A proposal to proceed with the works was agreed (7 in favour).

Steve Gowers had attended a Speedwatch Conference and felt it was a positive event and was able to share data with the Police who are also undertaking speed checks. Overall he felt Speedwatch was making a positive difference. There were still issues with visibility of some speed signs and Highways need to address these.

Pete Twissell reported that the Village Hall Committee is transitioning to an Incorporated Body. As part of this process, they need further evidence such as who was the landowner of the site the Village Hall stands on? Suggestions were made as to where this information could be located. Overall, the Parish Council had no objections to Incorporation (7 in favour).

Doug Irons that there are now dual signatories on the Barclays Account. As soon as the new RFO has access to the Lloyds account they will be able to move the Barclays account across to the new Lloyds account. All accounts are now safe and secure.

To consider planning applications.  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 application. Tree House, Fen Road. Demolition of existing garage and erection of single-storey side extension (PL/2025/1627/HOU). Only issue raised was limitation of car parking space. After discussion Councillors were reassured and a proposal to approve was agreed (all in agreement).

Puddledock Corner Farm, Attleborough Road. Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Change of Use of Buildings on Agricultural Units and former Agricultural Buildings to Dwellinghouses (Class C3), which may include extension of the building and/or building operations reasonably necessary for the conversion The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) - Schedule 2, Part 3, Class Q - Conversion of 4 barns into 7 dwellings (PL/2025/1640/PAQ). Not a planning application, just a determination of requirements, and councillors noted as such.

Tree Works application (for information). Church Lane. NR17 1RP. Proposal to pollard and prune various oak and lime trees and to remove three ash trees and one elm tree (PL/2025/1752/TCA). Councillors noted this.

Amended application for reconsideration. Land to the East of Crown Road, Crown Road. Construction of five dwellings (PL/2025/1453/FMIN). It was noted there was only one minor change from the previous application that was rejected by the Parish Council. Considerable discussion took place re the pros and cons of the application. It was pointed out that there was a need to concentrate on the detail and criteria in the application. If a parishioner had strong views one way or the other, they could express their views on the Breckland Planning Public Portal. A proposal was made not to support the application (3 supported the proposal, 1 opposed and 2 abstained).

Approve tender for cutting the Green. Four tender prices for cutting and maintenance 2026 to 2029 ranged from £6,665 to £7,600 (excluding VAT). The Greens Committee in discussion with Norfolk Wildlife have been considering leaving on a rotational basis some areas uncut. This would mean the final price paid will be lower than the tenders. In 2025 the Green Committee has worked well with the current provider and the Green is looking good. Therefore it was proposed to approve Tender 2. Proposal to agree was approved (all in favour).

Tender for tree management. Four tenders had been obtained and the Parish Council proposed the one quoting £1780 (excluding VAT) with the wood taken away. This was agreed with all councillors in favour.

Precept Grant application approval. Village Hall - Councillors wanted further details and provision of three quotations. The Parish Council representative from the Council to liaise with the Village Hall Management Committee and provide required the information.

Cricket Club – proposed to accept Grant Application of £440.

Almshouses – Councillors concluded further information was required and this needed to be presented at the next Council meeting in January.

Fawns - proposed to accept Grant Application of £234.

Old Buckenham Players - Councillors concluded further information was required and this needed to be presented at the next Council meeting in January

New Buckenham Football Club - proposed to accept Grant Application of £115.91.

Old Buckenham Primary School Families Association – proposed to accept Grant Application of £800.

Old Buckenham WI - proposed to accept Grant Application of £500. 

Benches on the Green. There is a need to check who owns the benches currently located outside of the Ox and Plough. Doug Irons to check with previous landlord. Discussion needs to be had with the new landlord, when they have settled in, on possible usage of any benches outside the pub on the Green.

Allotments. An update was provided by Lesley Evison. Before handing back the land to the landowner a contractor will level the land. She was grateful for the support and help from councillors and parishioners to clear and tidy the site with a special mention and thanks to Ronald Plumpton of St Andrews Close. On Wednesday 31 December the Council will surrender rights back to the landowner. A handover meeting will be held with the landowner and the Council will need confirmation that he is happy with the handover condition of the land. The Parish Council need to inform Wave Water to stop water contract. Councillors thanked Lesley Evison for all her hard work in coordinating the clean-up.

Footpaths. The Parish Council have had a report that the footpath that runs from Hargham Road to the village shop is in disrepair and is dangerous. This will need resurfacing. The footpath along Hargham Road is NCC maintained. Once it hits the road that leads up to the shop, this is a Parish Council responsibility. Councillors are aware of the necessity to move forward promptly on the quality of footpaths around the Green. A meeting has been organised with our County/District Councillor next week.

Puddledock Corner traffic management. There is a need to pay for traffic management controls to be hired before the project works can continue. Councillors proposed this is actioned and moved forward as soon as possible. All councillors in favour.

Solar Farm. Doug Irons has written to the Solar Farm and they have confirmed its receipt. This issue will be progressed in the New Year.

Community Car Scheme. Doug Irons has contacted the Community Car Scheme representatives, and they have confirmed that Alison Hannah has taken on the management of the scheme. The representatives are setting up new systems to manage the scheme that will not be bureaucratic, for instance DBS checks and payment systems via the Clerk. Doug Irons proposed the Council initially set aside £125 to enable DBS checks to be undertaken. All councillors were in favour.

Volunteer recruitment and ‘Meet and Greet’ morning. It was recommended that representatives from all the volunteer and community groups in the Village meet to discuss matters of common interest such as recruitment. The meeting will be in the Village Hall and refreshments will be provided. A proposal was made for the Parish Council to fund such an event. All councillors were in favour.

School Crossing (ongoing). Nothing further to report at this point in time.

Repairs to the Green. Repairs need to be made to the Green for wear and tear associated with Two Wheel Tuesday. In the lease agreement a condition was that the Green needs to be put back to its original condition. Email correspondence has taken place with the organisers who have confirmed they will undertake the repairs. If this does not happen the Council will obtain three quotes and will have the repairs done by the preferred contractor and an invoice sent to the Two Wheel Tuesday organiser.

Old Buckenham Heritage Group. Parish Council Chair had contacted the High School to gauge their interest in the project. The Headteacher had expressed interest in the Group and has referred this on to the history teacher at the school. Parish Council are now waiting to hear back from the school.

Fen Street 30mph zone. Steve Askew,our County and District Councillor said that there is no longer a budget for Traffic Regulation Orders so the normal route is for a study to be commissioned to ensure the speed limit request is viable and they have a data led approach. This is funded through either a member’s Local Member Fund (LMF) or the Parish Council or the combination of both. This would not be covered by the Parish Partnership Scheme. The study quoted a sum of £8,500 to deliver the legal order and sign changes and given that the typical time frame for these schemes (9 to 12 months), it could be funded over two years. Steve Askew is happy to allocate £2,250 from his 2025/26 LMF and a further £2,250 from 2026/27 LMF. This would cover 50% of the overall cost and the Parish Council would need to fund the other 50%.In response the Parish Council are in favour but are seeking a firm quotation for the total process and clarification of the range of the study.

Parking at the village shop. The Chair had a meeting with shopkeeper to discuss the parking situation. There are still a number of cars that are parked long term around the shop area. Parking in the drive to the shop and in the lay by on the road is for customers and deliveries only. To help the situation two signs have been provided at the shop (and paid for by the shopkeeper) indicating parking advice. The Clerk will liaise further with the shopkeeper to produce a letter to be sent to people in the area explaining the parking regulations and a copy included in the Village Newsletter and will be accompanied by a map indicating parking areas and regulations.

Public participation. A parishioner asked for clarification relating to the different voting numbers on the Crown Road planning application at this meeting compared with last meeting when there was only a minor change to the planning application. The Chair explained it was due to councillor attendance and that some councillors were not at both meetings.

A parishioner asked for clarification of role of Parish Council in Council Tax budget setting and the role of the Precept. Both were explained by the Chair

A Parishioner sought clarification relating to emails sent to the Clerk. Were these for reading out at the Parish Council meeting under correspondence? The Chair explained that, due to nature of the emails, they were not generally read out unless specifically requested by the sender.

Items for next agenda. These are expected to cover Precept deferments, tracking of agenda items, completion and success, School crossing, Heritage Group, benches on the Green, repairs to the Green, Two Wheel Tuesday, Community Car Scheme, Fen Street traffic/speed, solar farm, Ottomer Pond, speed signs, volunteer recruitment and ‘Meet and Greet’ morning, footpaths and Puddledock Corner update.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 8 January 2026 in Old Buckenham Methodist Church starting at 7.30 pm.

Old Buckenham minutes are here

 Latest newsletter has the information

Here for those outside our locality you can view the December (and other months too) issue of our village newsletter. Read and hopefully enjoy.

https://www.lordofoldbuckenham.com/villagenewsletters

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.

Busy meeting in Old Buckenham

Many people turned up for the November Parish Council meeting. A couple of contentious planning applications were all that was needed. Even more people came after this photo was taken.

Old Buckenham Parish Council

 Minutes of October meeting.

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

Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 2 October at 7.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison and Steve Gowers. Apologies for non attendance had been received from Megan Elvin (Clerk, David Taylor and Pete Twissell. Also present were several members of the public.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 4 September were approved (5 in favour).The minutes of the extra ordinary meeting held on Friday 19 September were also approved (5 in favour).

Financial matters. The Barclays Community account balance was £38,451.48, the Barclays Charity account balance was £2,990.18 and Lloyds account balance £2,583.83. Payments for approval totalled £1,443.95 and included £691.75 for paper for the village newsletter, £327 wages for the parish clerk, £250 to the village handyman, £51 for room hire for Parish Council meetings and £124.30 to the community car drivers. The proposal to agree to these payments was approved (4 in favour, Doug Irons abstained). Doug Irons and Megan Elvin will be added to the Barclays Bank account and this will be done online completing the mandate forms.

Councillors’ reports. Lesley Evison said some signs on March Field Way were missing, warning of shallow water and fencing post broken. Important for Parish Council to report and get rectified as it could be dangerous for children. Doug Irons said the post office parking was not yet done but will be done by next meeting.

Naomi Bailey reported that the West View site meeting was in progress. She has emailed Highways to ask about making a weight limit on Hargham Road and so stopping HGVs from using useless deliveries. Awaiting response. The cones and barriers are sorted for Remembrance day. She would like to thank Donna Oakley, who is standing down as RFO, for coming to our rescue during difficult times. Her help and knowledge was invaluable to the Parish Council and we will be forever grateful. She has been contacted by New Buckingham Parish Council regarding the roadside nature reserve (RNR) on Cuffer Lane regarding this RNR being extended. Also received an email from NCC about this too.

Alison Hannah has temporarily taken over as co-ordinator for the community car scheme from Adrian Joel. She has drafted a list of useful information and basic regulations for all drivers and this will be reviewed by councillors. Currently not all driver information is up to date. The RFO applies quarterly for the grant from Breckland Council. It has been brought to the Parish Council’s attention that trees have been planted on the Green without permission. Need to work with the Green Working Committee to see if these are self-seeding saplings and decide the best course of action.

Planning applications. (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 application. Burroughs Farm Cottage, Hargham Road, NR17 1NU. Proposed detached garage (PL/2025/1416/HOU).  There were no issues and a proposal to agree was approved (5 in favour).

Green Working Committee update. The Chair of of the committee was present to give the update. An extensive amount of tree work to be completed. Seven dead trees. Five tenders sent out to deal with this and four and responded. Broadland Tree Services: To leave timber: £3,576 (including VAT), to take timber: £2,136 (including VAT) plus stump grinding £360. TG Bird: To leave timber: £3,660 (including VAT), to take timber £3,240 (including VAT). Emerald: £9,840 (including VAT) – does not offer to leave timber. EG Groundcare: £5,754 (including VAT) – does not offer to leave timber. The committee favoured Broadland Tree Services taking the timber away. To be voted on at the next Parish Council meeting.

Green cutting three year plan 2026-2029. Seven tenders sent out and three received back. Clearscape: £7,986 (including VAT). Broadland Tree Services: £7,632 (including VAT). EG GroundCare: £9,120 (including VAT). Plus £1000 contingency if needed for emergencies. The committee favours using Broadland Tree Services.

Rod Alley Pond needs lots of work including extensive reed removal and cutting round edge. It is also overpopulated with fish and will look at it early next year. Lesley Evison thanked new volunteer secretary Ian Coyle and said about volunteer mornings coming up in November. Stan Burton had looked in Prince Harry’s Wood. Lots of saplings need clearing rubbish been dumped by residents of St Andrews Close and March Field Way. This needs removal and won’t be a quick fix. Also ramps have been built on pathway which need removal. The Parish Council is not insured for them and no permission given. Will need a large group of volunteers for a big tidy up. Would it be possible to purchase a chipper? Stan Burton to submit a quotation for next meeting and proper protection gear would need to be purchased. Also mentioned that these ramps must not be mixed up with newt habitats in the woodland.

Ottomer Pond (ongoing). Stan Burton has laid the slab foundation and will construct the sluice next week. Thank you for supply of materials.

Approval of following policies and documents. The Grants Policy, Grant Application Form, Quotation Approval Form and Terms of Reference Template were all approved (5 in favour).

Parking (ongoing).There had been considerable improvement but still some cars parked all day on Abbey Road. Since quotes obtained for parking signs prices have increased by £25 + VAT. Proposal to buy signs was approve (5 in favour)

Old Buckenham Heritage Group. Still only one person interested. Naomi Bailey to share on social media, Doug Irons to advertise on website and editor to advertise in newsletter again.

Allotment update. Three quotes obtained for a skip. Looking at between £235 and £319.70 depending on length of time it is there. Lots of clearing to be done, will need many volunteers to help. Naomi Bailey to post on social media about volunteers. Stuart Barker to dig hole for burning waste wood with permission of landowner.

Drainage on Hargham Road. Work to commence at end of October.

Hargham Road. Comments received on 7.5t lorries restriction. Steve Gowers to look at arranging traffic survey and Naomi Bailey to send email to Highways.

Footpath along the Green. Markings from Highways have appeared.The Parish Council feels it has an obligation to push for resurface to be done properly. Path has lost 100mm to150mm to grass growth

Remembrance Parade. Further barriers have been sourced. Lesley Evison to read the names of the fallen and lay wreath. Parish councillors to meet at 10.15am to sort closures. High viz must be worn. The Clerk to print fifty copies of order of service. The Vicar is not able to attend.Waiting to hear from a volunteer. Service will follow the Royal British Legion order of service.

Prince Harry’s Wood. Discussed earlier in Green Working Committee report.

Christmas Tree Order. Megan Elvin to order as soon as possible. To be the same size as last year. Some new bulbs will be needed as some have blown. All to be ready by Sunday 7 December.

Solar Farm. Doug Irons has drafted a letter that proposed changes to original charter from Pace. He will send it to councillors for approval and, once approved. he will set up a meeting with Pace.

Air Show traffic management. Naomi Bailey has spoken with Matt Wilkins at the Airfield. He was concerned to hear of unsafe parking. Traffic Management plans have been submitted for 2026. He agrees public shouldn’t be parking all over the Green and has suggested to help by sending two SIA qualified security guards to help police parking at his own cost. To be discussed at next Parish Council meeting.

School crossing. Naomi Baily had been approached by concerned parents regarding Abbey Road crossing near the High School and how unsafe it is. She is in correspondence with Paul Beale and Helen Mitchell at the schools to find some solutions. 

RFO recruitment. Two applicants had applied and interviews to take place shortly.

Public participation. Asked about Ottomer Pond and why it is taking so long. The chamber works are scheduled for completion end of October. Would the Hargham Road development mean the 30mph speed limit was extended? Alison Frank has offered to lay wreath for the Women’s Institute at the Remembrance service.

Items for next agenda. These were expected to include Ottomer Pond (ongoing), School crossing, Remembrance Parade, Allotment update, footpath on Green, village Heritage Group, woodchipper purchase and Community Car scheme document approval.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Thursday 6 November in Old Buckenham Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Extra meeting of Old Buckenham Parish Council

Extra-ordinary meeting

Old Buckenham Parish Council held an extra-ordinary meeting on Friday 19 September at 6.30pm in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers and David Taylor. Apologies for non-attendance had been received from Stan Burton and Pete Twissell. Also attending were Megan Elvin (Clerk) and three members of the public.

Approving policies. The Financial Regulations Policy and the Financial Risk Assessment were approved (5 in favour).

Financial matters. The Community account balance now stands at £25,040.46. Payments for approval were a total of £3,708.73 which included Clerk’s salary, hire of Village Hall and £238.05 to the community car drivers. A proposal to make these payments was approved (5 in favour). 

Amended planning application. The Stables, Hargham Road, NR17 1SS . Proposed erection of 8No self build dwellings (PL/2025/0529/FMIN). Site plan updated to include visibility displays as requested from Highways. Comments raised included there was still an issue with wildlife (bats and barn owls) that have not been addressed. Light pollution is also an issue. There is no plan for a footpath to be built, which would be required, but this could reduce the already narrow road. For the visibility splays, the veteran trees to the west of the build would need to be removed. These are protected trees and should not be removed. Opinion on this planning application has not changed. It is not an appropriate site for new houses. Propose to object was approved (5 in favour).

'No parking' signs for children’s Play Area. Three quotes had been obtained and Parish Council voted to go with option 1 for £118.72 (5 in favour).

The next Parish Council meeting would be on Thursday 2 October at Old Buckenham Village Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Old Buckenham Pantomime

Time to think of panto

Old Buckenham Players will be hitting the pantomime trail in early January with the all-time favourite, Pinocchio, the tale of the wooden puppet who becomes a real boy. The toymaker’s dreams of his wooden creation coming to life are aided by the Blue Fairy and Pinocchio’s conscience and guide, Jiminy Cricket. The sinister Stromboli with his pesky sidekicks of the fox and the cat seek to use Pinocchio for their own immoral purposes as he is kidnapped and locked up. Escaping from Pleasure Island and being swallowed by a whale is all part of his journey as he learns to be honest, brave and good.

With popular songs and a cheeky script this promises to be a fun night out for all the family.

Running for three nights at Old Buckenham Village Hall from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 January (and including a Saturday matinee) tickets are competitively priced at £12 or £6 for under 14s. They will be running their usual reasonably priced bar and choc ices (of course!)

Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/oldbuckenhamplayers

 

Old Buckenham trustee wanted

 Can you help the Village Hall?

The Old Buckenham Village Hall is at the heart of our community — a space for events, activities, and gatherings that bring people together. Their committee is looking for a new trustee to join their friendly and dedicated committee. The committee is made up of enthusiastic local volunteers who give a little of their time each month to help maintain, run, and improve the Hall for everyone’s benefit.

They are on the lookout for someone who can bring fresh ideas, life experience and a passion for community life. Experience as a trustee, involvement with a non-profit organisation, or business skills would be a bonus — but they’re not essential. What matters most is your interest in getting involved and making a positive impact.

They meet once a month for about 90 minutes on a Wednesday evening at the Village Hall. Interested? Want to learn more? They would love to hear from you. Please email chair.obvh@gmail.com for more information or an informal chat.

 

Castle in Old Buckenham

Learn more about the Castle

Interesting talk coming later this month in New Buckenham.

Important to Old Buckenham

Ready for Friday night

There has been an encouraging response from people wanting tickets for LoreFolk on Friday night in our village hall. When you see where else this play is being performed (The Garage in Norwich, Sheringham Little Theatre and Wells Maltings for instance) you realise that the Old Buckenham Village Hall is honoured to be one of the venues for this tour. Unless there is a good sized audience, the local theatre producers won't put Old Buckenham on their list in future.

There is still time to get your tickets either through Ticketsource online or by contacting events.obvh@gmail.com or bookings.obvh@gmail.com. Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. See you there.

Back in Old Buckenham Village Hall

 Not to be missed

Katie-Anne Whiting is back at our Village Hall with her latest production called LoreFolk. It  is a celebration of local folklore, with a difference. She interviewed lots of local people at Norwich Book fair last year, alongside Norwich Theatre and collected their stories verbatim. She will be retelling them exactly as they were said at the time, with inventive shadow play and an original score. 

You've probably heard of Black Shuck, but who were the Hibbilybibs of Sheringham (she found out that Sheringham fisherman actually had their own language, somewhat of a backslang) and did Norfolk people ever actually have webbed toes?! ....a young lad gave her his take on the famous myth!

So come along on Friday 10 October and see and hear for yourself. It's 7pm for 7.30pm and for the usual £10 you are able to get tickets either through Ticketsource online or by contacting events.obvh@gmail.com or bookings.obvh@gmail.com.

Latest Old Buckenham Parish minutes

September Parish Council

These notes have been written by the newsletter editor from the draft minutes and so may contain information that may be changed at a later date.

The Old Buckenham Parish Council met on Thursday 4 September in Old Buckenham Village Hall. Those present were Councillors Naomi Bailey (Chair), Doug Irons (Vice Chair), Stan Burton, Lesley Evison, Steve Gowers and Pete Twissell. David Taylor was unable to attend this meeting. Those attending were Megan Elvin (Clerk) and District and County Councillor Steve Askew. Also present were seven members of the public. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 7 August were approved (5 in favour 1 abstained).

Public participation. An observation from a parishioner said that the majority of the parishioners have lost confidence in the Parish Council. Suggested they took three items on the agenda, completed those items and publicise them to the public to show that work is being done. Due to the issues with Jonn Hicks the council are still waiting for their books for 2023/24 to be audited. There is a big fine that is coming the council’s way that will have to be taken into consideration before making large expenses.

Financial matters. Financial matters and any financial payments are being suspended for the time being. The councillors received the bank reconciliation on the day of the meeting, not giving them time to review the information received. The financial risk assessment was not approved by the RFO which needed to be completed and the Financial Regulations policy was not amended by the councillor dealing with the new bank account. The Council therefore cannot in good practice sign off on any payments without having time to confirm the information is correct. Then an extraordinary meeting will be called to approve the financial matters/payments.

Councillors’ and District Councillor reports. Steve Askew said he had positive news regarding the 30mph limit on Fen Street. It is now looking like this can be done but funding needs to be identified and secured before this change can take place. Once this has been found it can take nine months to a year before this will take place. Reminder that any nonprofit organisation can apply for the environmental initiative grant. Friday 12 September was the closing date. Norfolk Warm Homes Grants is open for anyone who meets criteria to have help towards housing insulation.

Doug Irons was waiting for the Green Working Committee’s 3-year plan. Their next GWC meeting is on Monday 29 September and more clarification on finances is needed. Steve Gowers has been putting the statistics together for Community Speed Watch. Has asked Norfolk Community Speed Watch for another two sites on Attleborough Road and Hargham Road. More volunteers are required so will advertise via social media and the village newsletter.

Naomi Bailey said that a bush that needed to be trimmed at Almshouses was reported at the last meeting and was cut back the next day. There was no update from the airfield for a meeting regarding the air show traffic management. On Tuesday 2 September she had attended Norwich Crown Court for the sentencing of Jonn Hicks. He was sentenced for 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. No costs were awarded to the Parish Council as they have had the money back. He has been subjected to an RAR order of 10 days over the next 12 months. He had pleaded guilty. She had sent a copy of the letter received to the auditors so that fine is no longer increasing but do not know how much the fine is going to be. They have proceeded with a Proceed of Crime Act; there are several dates down of several smaller hearings in regard to the money being stolen.

Megan Elvin said a mobile phone number (07468 647062) has been set up for the Clerk. The number will be turned on between 7.30am and 9.00am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If she is unable to answer the phone, you can leave a voicemail and she will get back to you. Most likely it will be the next day, not the same day. You can also send a text or a WhatsApp message. The 40mph speed limit sign on New Buckenham Road before Doe Lane as you are coming into Old Buckenham is being blocked by hedgerow. Highways advised that this is the landowner’s responsibility to cut back. Now that nesting season is over, she will find out who the landowner is and get in contact with them. She had also spoken to Highways regarding the salt boxes at the village hall. These are privately owned so not on Highways list to refill them. They can be moved as long as they are not an obstruction but the council would be required to keep them filled. She will look into the cost of getting these filled by NCC. The council have received a report from NCC regarding the beech tree at the top of St Andrews Close which requires felling. Tree quotes have been received to get this done, the cheapest being from Emerald Trees who have quoted £460 for the felling of the tree and clearing the wood. A vote to use Emerald Trees was approved (6 in favour).

Planning applications (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 application. Caldcleugh, Cake Street. Planning reconsultation. Variation of condition 4 on PL/2024/0781/HOU - to change the start date from 6 months to 18 months to vehicular/pedestrian access/crossing (PL/2025/1145/VAR). No issues.

Planning decisions by Breckland Council. Appeal made under section 78. Erection of 1 no. self build dwelling (planning in principle) (PL/2025/0574/PIP). Appeal Reference: APP/F2605/W/25/3370598. Original decision to decline the application made on 27May 2025.

Review and agree policies. The following policies were approved: Standing Orders, Social Media Policy, Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, Internal Control Policy and Procedure and Internal Control Form. The meeting was unable yet to approve the Financial Regulation Policy and Financial Risk Assessment. Decisions to agree were approved (6 in favour).

Old Buckenham Heritage Group. Other villages have a heritage group and this will be something that would be good for Old Buckenham to take up. The Parish Council would not be able to run it but will look to help for volunteers. Posts to be put on social media to request volunteers and someone to head the group.

Benches on the Green. The Parish Council have received a request for those benches that are currently on The Green to be discussed and if a policy is required. The only benches on The Green that require an application form are the benches currently outside the Ox & Plough. The benches outside the shop were agreed before The Green Rights Deeds took place. Cannot override this decision and ask for payment and own insurance from the shop to be secured. The benches outside the Gamekeeper pub are not on the Green. The benches inside the play area are on Parish Council owned property and do not require any form of policy. The memorial benches have a separate agreement which is signed by the family member that wishes to have the memorial bench. The family member pays for the bench; the Parish Council maintain them. The family is also entitled to maintain the bench themselves should they wish. It costs £65 a year for the benches outside the Ox & Plough. This is to ensure that insurance is covered for the benches and that is covered by the owner of the business, not the Parish Council. The benches also take up more surface area of the Green. The money goes into the Green Working Committee funds. The iron memorial bench on the Green is stable where it is.

Allotments. Lesley Iveson has not been able to get down to the allotments to provide an update. The Clerk said that the allotment holders have asked if a skip is going to be provided before they are required to vacate the allotments by the end of October. Lesley Iveson is to get three quotes for the cost of skips.

Parking (ongoing). The car park is complete at the High School and the staff are using it. There were still a lot of cars parked down on Abbey Road but everything seemed to be flowing rather well. There were not a lot of cars parked down by the play area in the afternoon. There were not any cars parked on the Green. Will keep this ongoing? The permit system is still ongoing for the Village Hall car park.

Ottomer Pond (ongoing). Stan Burton said the weather has held up getting the work for the pond started. Will now have to wait for the end of the month. Steve Gowers has received three quotes for work to sort out the drainage of the pond on Sunnyside. Proposed to go with quote from Paul Garwood Building and Paving for total cost of £1850. This was approved (6 in favour).

Solar Farm. The Parish Council had received a charter to sign in regards to receiving the money. They were not impressed with the wording of the deed. They need to send a proposal back to the Solar Farm company with amendments that we want included to the charter. It is not able to sign the charter at this time. The current agreement places personal liability on councillors and they believe the risks should be more equitably distributed between all parties. The Parish Council are willing to continue negotiations to achieve a more balanced and mutually acceptable agreement. 

Defibrillator update. The Church have now confirmed that they will not house the defibrillator on the Church Rooms. Their reasoning is the same as it was when originally approached a few years ago. To go ahead the defibrillator is to be installed with the insulation on the Green outside the Old Butchers House, Doug Irons and the Clerk to arrange a date for this to be installed. This was approved (6 in favour).

Drainage on Hargham Road. Two quotes for the drainage were obtained, unable to get a third quote. It was approved to go with the quote for £1536 (6 in favour).

Trees and greenery obstructing road signs. Steve Gower to provide a list and evidence of the signs that are obstructed and this will be available at the next meeting.

Community Car co-ordinator. The current co-ordinator is moving out of the village and will no longer be able to take on the role. There is a need to elect a new co-ordinator and the position will need to be taken over by October 2025. The Council would like to thank Adrian Joel for his long-standing years of being the co-ordinator for this role. The main role has been maintaining the list of drivers and that they have the necessary paperwork when they sign up. The individual drivers take the calls from those that require a community car. At present only four drivers go out further afield and one driver only does local journeys. Will need to ask for a volunteer for this to be taken on, a question to be asked to the current drivers. Should they not wish to take on the role, it will put it out on social media, newsletter, etc, and will have a full job description for the co-ordinator.

Remembrance parade. A poppy wreath price list has been received from the Royal British Legion. The Parish council have purchased them in the past but Stan Burton has the ones from last year and he will get these cleaned up. Should any wreaths need replacing, approval in principal was agreed to purchase these (6 in favour), The Clerk has the form to request the road closure between Crown Road and Green Lane for the memorial service. Legally we are allowed to block the road for 15 minutes ourselves and this is what was done last year. Councillors themselves stood at the road junctions to block people from driving through the parade. Will do this option again this year and Pete Twissell will ask the Village Hall to lend use the barriers again. It was pointed out to Stan Burton by a couple of the parishioners that last year’s event was run completely by the vicar. It should not be solely run by the vicar and Stan Burton volunteered to liaise with the vicar to take on part of the service. Lesley Evison volunteered to read the names of the memorial.

Newsletter paper. More paper is required for printing the village newsletter for the next twelve months. Twenty-five five ream boxes are required of A4 90gsm paper. Three quotes were obtained and the cheapest one was from Amazon. Proposal to buy from Amazon was agreed (6 in favour).

Public participation. One resident thanked the Chairman for attending the court case regarding Jonn Hicks. He had also been trying to contact the solar farm directly for an update on the solar farm for the newsletter but they have not been forthcoming. Regarding people not knowing the information regarding the council he felt that it is available to read in the newsletter and social media. The public just have to really read it.

Next agenda. These subjects are expected to be included on the agenda for the next meeting on Thursday 2 October: OB Heritage Group, allotments, drainage on Hargham Road, trees and greenery obstructing road signs, Remembrance Parade arrangements, Green Working Committee update, Prince Harry’s Wood, Solar Farm progress, OB Air Show traffic management and 7.5t lorries on Hargham Road.

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