Stanhoe Parish Council

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 11th November 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

Two members of the public were also present.
1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All councillors present.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
These were approved by all present and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations were made. The Chairman reminded everyone that forms entitled “Register of Members’ Financial and other Interests– would be circulated with the Minutes as these forms had to be completed and submitted annually.

4. To adjourn the meeting to allow public participation
One member of the public commented on the number of refuse bins left out on footpaths both long before and after the official collection day. Councillors agreed to put a notice in the village newsletter reminding residents and visitors that refuse bins should only be put out the evening before collection and taken in immediately after collection.

The other member of the public present stated that Henry Bellingham MP would be meeting him and some colleagues in Stanhoe on Friday 26th November 2010 to discuss various aspects of climate change and that a representative of the Parish Council would be welcome to join them.

5. SNAP (Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel)
The Chairman had attended a SNAP meeting on 4th November and reported that, contrary to previous occasions, there was an improvement in the format of the meeting and much more opportunity for participation by Parish Councillors and members of the public. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, usually in Hunstanton Town Hall, however, consideration was being given to holding the meetings in a variety of venues to enable easier access by those living furthest from Hunstanton.

6. Update on Jack’s Lane Wind Farm Planning Application
This application will now be heard on Thursday, 6th January 2011 along with Chiplow Wind Farm application. On Sunday, 14th November 2010, a balloon will be flown from the Jack’s Lane site at the height of the uppermost tip of a turbine blade. This will allow local residents to gauge the visual impact of the turbines.

7. Possible change to traffic flow on Cross Lane
This had been raised by a member of the public at the previous meeting due to the volume of traffic using this lane as a shortcut from Docking Road to Bircham Road. The Clerk had contacted the County Highways Department to investigate a number of options, i.e., one way traffic flow, access only for residents, reduction in speed limit and/or traffic calming measures and reminded the Department that Cross Lane had no footpaths. The Clerk was informed that Cross Lane did not meet the criteria for any of these measures as there was no significant volume of pedestrian traffic resulting from the presence of a school, shops, community centre or similar. The member of public concerned would write to the local MP to raise his concerns.

8. Fast Broadband Availability
The Clerk confirmed that, at present, there was little possibility that BT would install the necessary fibre optic cabling in the near future which would enable superfast broadband to reach Stanhoe. Interest could be registered on the BT website and all relevant residents would be urged, via the village newsletter, to register their interest.

9. Clearance of Shrubbery by the Pond
This major task is ongoing and is being done by Councillor Don Bridge and village residents John Seedhouse and Ann Deam. A vote of thanks for all their hard work was proposed by MR, seconded by PR and supported by all present.

10. To receive updates on the following:
Repair of the village cross: The person due to carry out repairs had been unable to do so due to pressure of work elsewhere. It was agreed that the other builders who had submitted quotes for the work would be contacted in an effort to have the repairs done before the worst of the winter weather.
Geese on the Pond: One adult goose and some goslings had been found new homes. Unfortunately, another adult goose and two goslings were killed on the road by a passing motorist. Only two adult geese now remained on the pond.
Recent planning applications: The Clerk confirmed that the owners of “Nightingales” on Docking Road had received permission to build an annexe.
Re-positioning of bus stop: Efforts are ongoing to have the bus stop positioned at a suitably safe place for the weekly bus service.
New seat by the pond: A new seat had been purchased jointly by the Parish Council and Ms. Anabel Symington to replace the badly worn bench previously donated by Ms. Symington in memory of her mother. The new seat would be installed in the near future.
11. Norfolk’s Local Transport Plan
Following a consultation process between the Borough Council and Parishes, it was agreed that road safety should be a major consideration in formulating a new transport plan.

12. Vacancies for Parish Councillors
Following the resignation of a Councillor earlier in 2010 and with a resignation pending in 2011, it was agreed that efforts should be made to raise awareness of these vacancies and to encourage local residents to consider the role of a Parish Councillor. A notice would be placed in the village newsletter and further information delivered to all households.

13. To approve payments
Payments were approved for the invoice covering maintenance of the play area and for the Clerk’s normal salary and expenses.

14. To receive items for the next Agenda:
Vacancies for Councillors

Code of Conduct

Parish Budget for 2011/12

Annual Parish Meeting – Spring 2011

Village Emergency Plan

Trading Standards

The meeting closed at 8.50pm.

Following the closure of the meeting, Councillors were joined by Mr. Peter Morris of the WNVCA who gave a presentation on the work of Trading Standards and the possible creation of “No Cold Calling Zones” within the village. These could not be created by the Parish Council but the Council could raise awareness amongst residents of the possibility of deciding for themselves if they wanted to create these zones. A zone could be a small group of homes or a whole street and notices could be displayed in homes warning potential cold calling sales people that they would not be welcome. If sales people persisted in bothering residents, the system allowed for these people to be reported to Trading Standards. There could be significant penalties against those who disregarded the “No Cold Calling” notices. Mr. Morris pointed out that individual residents could display a notice even if no official “No Cold Calling Zone” had been created. Companies carrying out cold calling by telephone could also be reported to Trading Standards. A number of Councillors confirmed that they had received such calls from an IT company. Mr. Morris took a note of the details and urged everyone to report such calls in future. Some information packs about the scheme would be available to Councillors in the near future.

With regard to Emergency Planning, Mr. Morris confirmed that assistance was available, if needed, to finalise the village emergency plan.

Councillors thanked Mr. Morris for his helpful presentation.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday 9th September 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)

Absent:
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

Three members of the public were also present.

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
Apologies were accepted from Mrs. Roche and Mr. Bridge.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
R.B. raised three points which were:

Item 7 (i) should stipulate that the Duck Inn licence only allowed for live and recorded music to be played indoors.
Item 14 It is not known that Barwick definitely wants to join with Stanhoe Parish Council and the minuted item should eliminate this statement.
Item 5 More information from SNAP would be useful especially if it could be accessed via a website.
Subject to the above points, Minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
One member of the public had come from South Creake to listen to discussions on the Jack’s Lane Wind Farm application about which he had great concerns. Councillors welcomed him to the meeting.

A Stanhoe resident raised the following:

the Parish Council should register its concerns with BT over the slow broadband rate and should endeavour to have the rate increased.
the area at the rear of the village pond should be cleared as it had become a dumping ground for litter and was extremely overgrown.
the Parish Council should investigate the possibility of Cross Lane being made and “Access Only” road or a one-way road.
With regard to the points raised, Councillors stated that the broadband rate would not be significantly increased until fibre optic cabling had been installed. Lack of this cabling was a problem in many rural areas, however, the Council would make enquiries with BT about future plans.

Councillor Mr. D. Bridge had previously offered to clear the area at the rear of the pond and this would be mentioned to him.

Enquiries would be made with the highway authorities regarding the possibility of altering the status of Cross Lane.

5. SNAP & “No Cold Calling Zones”
T.A. had attended the previous week’s meeting of SNAP and had been dismayed at the decisions made as to the powers of the Panel. He was not given the opportunity to voice his concerns nor to raise the points on other matters which he had intended to do. He has written to the Panel to express his concerns.

At the meeting, a presentation had been given by a Trading Standards officer on the creation of a “No Cold Calling Zone” which was enforceable by law and would help to protect residents from rogue traders. Further information on this would be received at the parish council meeting in November 2010 when a member of SNAP would attend to give a presentation.

6. Docking Recycling Centre
As a result of the many strong objections to closure received by the County Council from neighbouring parish councils and numerous residents, a decision had been made to retain the centre on a part-time basis. From – 1st October 2010, the centre would be open 4 days per week, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday all year round with the normal daily opening hours according to the season.

7. To receive updates on the following
Repairs & Refurbishments

Request made to the County Council to remove obsolete bus timetable and to install new bus stop in suitable place for weekly bus service and community bus service.
Request made to BT to clean up public –phone box and re-instate door.
Play area fencing had been repaired and new gate made. Village notice boards had been timber treated. Councillors wanted to record their thanks to Mr. Terry Patterson for carrying out this work at a very modest cost.
County Council had repaired the palisade fence opposite the pond and cut back the adjoining hedge.
Repair of Village Cross

Work will be carried out free of charge by Mr. Jeff Taylor in the next week or so.

Barwick amalgamating with Stanhoe Parish Council

A review of small parishes and existing boundaries will be carried out in 2011 by the Electoral Office and the Boundaries Commission.

Blacksmith’s Workshop

Councillors are anxious that this should be preserved as an important part of the village’s heritage. Enquiries underway as to ownership.

Village Pond Refurbishment Grant

An opportunity may exist to acquire lottery funding for dredging the pond and refurbishing the surrounding area. Estimates of costs will be obtained and a decision made in time for a possible application by the deadline in November.

Mrs. Symington’s Memorial Bench

The original bench has deteriorated and a replacement will be installed once a date for delivery and installation has been agreed with Annabel Symington.

Geese on the pond

Some goslings had gone to a new home and the offer of a home for the remaining two goslings had been made. After all goslings had been removed, arrangements would be made to remove the two unwanted adult geese as originally planned at the parish council meeting of 27th May 2010.

8. Village Emergency Plan
A draft plan had been drawn up by the Chairman. After discussion, it was agreed that minor amendments would be made prior to the finalisation of the plan which would then be submitted to the Borough Council. The possibility of grant funding would be investigated for personal alarms to be used by the most vulnerable residents in case of a major village emergency.

9. Jack’s Lane Wind Farm Planning Application
A copy of the application (amounting to some 1200 pages of documents) had been received by the parish council. Through various public meetings and residents’ attendance at official Liaison Group meetings, it had been established that some residents were in favour of the development but that the vast majority was opposed. P.A. proposed a vote to submit a formal objection to the planning application which was seconded by M.R. This was followed by a unanimous vote in favour of an objection. Accordingly, a 9point objection document was drawn up to send to the Borough Council Planning Dept.

10. To approve payments
Approval was given for the payment of normal salary and expenses to the Clerk.

11. To receive items for the next Agenda
Geese on the Pond
Clearance of shrubbery at the rear of the pond
SNAP
R.B. requested that the War Memorial and surrounding area be tidied up before Remembrance Sunday in November.

No other matters we were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.10pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday 8th July 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:

Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

One member of the public was also present.

Prior to the meeting, a presentation was given by Ms. Debbie Pepper of the Norfolk Rural Community Council on the “Access4Life– scheme which is currently targeting an area of Norfolk in which Stanhoe lies.

The scheme evolved from Norfolk’s second Local Transport Plan and looks at the wider implications of a lack of accessibility to transport and various other facilities. In other targeted areas this has resulted in a new village shop or access to one using a community car scheme, the provision of footpaths, an increase in the availability of community transport and access to adult education.

In September 2010, a survey will be carried out by means of a questionnaire with pre-paid reply envelope delivered to each household. Responses will be collated and the most common areas of concern can then be addressed by the “Access4Life– scheme.

Ms. Pepper circulated information leaflets to all present. The Chairman thanked her for her presentation and Ms. Pepper left the meeting.

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All councillors present.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
The Minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations of interest registered.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
The member of the public present commented that he had no knowledge of the Agenda. The Clerk apologised for not posting an Agenda on the village notice board.

5. SNAP
The chairman reported that he had attended the SNAP meeting on 1st July 2010 in Hunstanton but found that matters discussed were more appropriate to Hunstanton and Burnham Market. The police had been represented by a Sergeant and an Inspector who reported on crime in the area. Future priorities for SNAP would be:

anti-social behaviour
homewatch initiative
safer driving
“no cold calling” zones
T.A. thought it would be more useful for councillors to attend alternate meetings to coincide with attendance by police representatives.

6. Allotments
Only two requests had been received in writing for allotment plots. Although a minimum of 6 requests was needed before the council was legally obliged to act on the matter, it was generally agreed to proceed with a request to the landowners for an area sufficient for 6 allotment plots on the basis that more interest might be generated once the area was available.

7. To receive updates on the following:
The Duck Inn licence: This had now been granted for the sale and consumption of alcohol and the provision of live and recorded music indoors only from 10.00am. to midnight Monday to Sunday.
Docking Recycling Centre: Closure had been postponed until at least the end of August 2010 pending further consideration by the Borough Council.
Wind Farms: E.On had submitted a planning application for 5 turbines each 100m in height at Chiplow. As a result, RES would now have to carry out a new environmental impact assessment on the proposed development at Jack’s Lane and the combined effects of both wind farms. This would delay the RES planning application. The next CLG meeting would be on 28th July 2010 on site at Jack’s Lane and possibly in Stanhoe village hall (to be confirmed).
Repair to the Village Cross: An offer had been received to carry out the work free of charge and councillors agreed to accept this offer.
8. Councillors’ Village Inspection Report
A copy of the report had been circulated prior to the meeting and the detail would also be published in “Saints Alive”. The Council Highways department would be contacted regarding certain verges and hedgerows. There was some concern over the partial obstruction of some roads and footpaths by overgrown hedges and over refuse bins left on footpaths. A comment reminding residents of their responsibility to keep footpaths clear would be in the “Saints Alive” report. The pond at the village green and the overgrown trees and shrubs at the back of the pond would all probably benefit from some attention. There could be the possibility of a grant towards some work and this would be investigated more fully. The Clerk will deal with the issues of the redundant bus timetable, the damaged –phone box and the repairs and refurbishment required to the fence of the village play area and the village notice boards. M.R. agreed to speak with the PCC regarding the overgrown state of John Wright’s grave in All Saints churchyard. There was concern over the state of the former blacksmith’s workshop and efforts would be made to contact the current owners.

9. Hedges & Trees on Cross Lane
It had been thought a grant was available for replanting but this is no longer the case.

10. Speedwatch
New rechargeable batteries were required for the speedwatch gun and it was agreed that the Council would pay for these at a cost of approx. £40.

11. Big Lottery Fund’s Grant Scheme
Possibilities to be investigated in relation to some refurbishment of village pond area.

12. Pride in Norfolk Awards
The village application had been rejected this year but applications could be made again in future years.

13. Conservation Area
P.A. is producing a report for the Borough with a view to designating some areas within the village as conservation areas.

14. Status of Barwick Parish
Barwick does not currently have a Parish Council. Clerk to contact the electoral office at the Borough Council to investigate possible amalgamation.

15. Masts at North Creake/Stanhoe Boundary
It had been reported that new masts had been erected but this proved not to be the case.

16. Crime
The Community Support Officer’s latest report was circulated. The only significant occurrence in the village had been the theft of a set of new timber gates.

17. Bircham Road Re-surfacing
The road had recently been re-surfaced but ‘cats’ eyes’ would only be replaced on the section where the speed limit is 40mph and above in line with legal requirements. This would cut down on road noise on the 30mph section.

18. Village Emergency Plan
It was important that this plan was in place and a draft drawn up by T.A. was circulated. Councillors to submit comments and/or suggestions for amendments to the Chairman prior to the next meeting.

19. Listed Building Consent Application
This concerned an application submitted by the owners of Stanhoe Hall for the modification of existing bathrooms to create a new bathroom and shower rooms. No objections were raised.

20. To consider making donations and to approve payments
It was agreed that donations would only be made to organizations which provided a service to residents or impacted directly on the village. Payment of Clerk’s salary and expenses was approved.

21. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items should be on the Agenda for the next meeting due to be held on 9th September 2010:

Geese on the village pond

Village Emergency Plan

Updates on – pond refurbishment

Recycling centre

Wind farms

Repairs & refurbishments

No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Held on Thursday 27th May 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:

Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

Three members of the public were also in attendance.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting, a presentation was given by Mr. Peter Morris of West Norfolk Voluntary Community Action Group and Mr. Richard Bird of the Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP, formerly known as the Local Action Group) bringing everyone’s attention to the work done by SNAP. Although primarily concerned in the beginning with policing matters, the group is now involved with various initiatives, in particular with young people, to encourage community activities and clubs. Also of concern to SNAP were the high percentage of retired people, second home owners and falling pupil numbers in school. SNAP has been liaising with other interested parties to try to reduce potential problems within their geographical area. A meeting is held on the first Thursday of each month in Hunstanton Town Hall which provides the opportunity for Parish concerns to be discussed and courses of action planned if possible. Councillors are encouraged to attend. The police are represented at these meetings on alternate dates.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Morris and Mr. Bird for the useful insight into the role of SNAP and for taking the time to attend the council meeting. The gentlemen then left the meeting.

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
All councillors present.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting
Subject to an amendment to paragraph 5(i), the Minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
No declarations of interest registered.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
The members of public present had no questions or comments.

5. Election of a Parish Council Chairman
The chairman (TA) reminded councillors that he had accepted the position in May 2009 for one year only. DB proposed a vote of thanks for TA’s contribution during the past year which was seconded by PR and declared unanimous. No other councillor was nominated or volunteered for the position, therefore, TA offered to continue for one further year. Acceptance of the offer was proposed by DB, seconded by PR and unanimously agreed.

6. Presentation of the Accounts for year ended 31st. March 2010
The clerk circulated copies of the final accounts with detailed notes on income and expenditure. The surplus for the year was higher than the previous year but this had been planned in order to build up the Council’s reserves to the recommended level. Acceptance of the accounts was proposed by PR, seconded by PA and unanimously agreed.

7. Review of Annual Parish Meeting and setting of date for 2011
It was generally agreed that this had been an enjoyable and very sociable meeting and that the presentations made both for and against the proposed wind farm had been presented in an informed and professional manner. The date for 2011 would be Thursday, 14th April 2011 at 7.30pm. PR agreed to organize refreshments again.

8. Stanhoe – a Conservation Area
There had been a very positive reaction to this suggestion when presented at the Annual Parish Meeting with no negative responses. PA has arranged to meet Pam Lynn, a conservation officer from the Borough Council, in order to make a tour of the village and discuss procedures for conversion to a conservation area.

9. Minor Vandalism to Village Pond and Play Area
It was regretted that a wreath had been removed from the war memorial and an –Open Gardens’ notice destroyed. The fence around the play area on the playing fields had again been vandalised. It was agreed that the Clerk should arrange for repairs to be carried out.

10. Walking Inspection of the Village by Councillors
This was arranged for Friday, 25th June 2010 at 6.30pm. starting from the village hall.

11. To receive updates on previously discussed items
i) two local residents had agreed to capture and remove unwanted geese for collection by RSPCA.

ii) no further news on Docking Recycling Centre. Closure still scheduled for 30th June 2010.

iii) wind farms – there had been two CLG meetings since the previous parish – council meeting. Potential noise problems had been discussed with RES stating that the noise level would be within approved guidelines. A possible 7 day survey would be carried out on existing noise levels surrounding properties in the affected area. RES seemed confident that 6 turbines were the most suitable number for the chosen area but could not give definite assurances on any possible future development. It emerged that the re- instatement of lanes, surrounding the proposed site, to their original state would not be after completion of initial construction as previously understood but after the 25 year life of the turbines. The next CLG meeting will be on 16th June 2010 in Syderstone village hall.

iv) the Clerk presented two quotes for the repair and re-pointing of the base of the village cross. A further quote was requested before a decision would be taken.

v) the Clerk had contacted the County Council regarding necessary repairs to the palisade fence near the village pond and was assured the repair was on a list of work to be done.

vi) the Borough Council could not offer any advice on the disposal of dead ducks. The clerk had received a complaint that dead ducks had been moved from the road and left at the gate of a cottage near the pond. DB agreed to remove any dead ducks in future.

vii) numbers attending CIP sessions were increasing. Those attending gave a donation towards hall rental charges with the Parish Council making up the shortfall which, to date, amounted to £50. PA suggested the use of the computer at the end of WI meetings in order to encourage learners. She had also distributed leaflets to caravan sites in the area notifying people of the availability of free wireless internet access.

viii) an application form had been obtained to apply for a small grant to equip an official litter warden for the village. John Seedhouse, who voluntarily collects litter on a regular basis, will give consideration to making the application.

12. War Memorial – gardening
RB requested that arrangements should be made to maintain the grassed area around the Memorial and also the area surrounding the village sign. Clerk to arrange.

13. Fence at the rear of the Pond
RB reported a broken barbed wire fence which could be harmful. The fence was the responsibility of the owner of the adjoining field, however, Councillors agreed to inspect and discuss the matter on their walking tour of the village.

14. Coasthopper bus route through Docking
RB had noted that the Coasthopper route had been amended on some journeys to include Docking during the Summer months 2010 but would still bypass Stanhoe. The clerk was asked to contact the bus company with a proposal that the amended route should also include Stanhoe in future.

15. Planning Application for Northgate Cottage
A previous application had been turned down due to proposed windows overlooking a neighbour’s garden which was considered intrusive. The revised application proposes velux roof lights instead. TA agreed to contact the neighbour concerned to obtain an opinion before submitting the Council’s response to the application.

16. Update on Social Club
Following the disbandment of the Social Club, an indoor bowls mat had been sold. This was regretted as the mat had been purchased through a grant given to the Parish Council and sold without its knowledge. DB agreed to give a further update as soon as was able.

17. To consider donations to local organizations and to approve payments
Various requests for donations had been received by the clerk. It was agreed that £100 should be given to the Burnham Market Community Car Scheme and £50 to the Fakenham and Wells Citizens Advice Bureau as both these organizations could benefit the whole community. Payments were approved to the MEHM Trust for hire of the hall for CIP sessions and to the clerk for salary and expenses.

18. To receive items for the next Agenda and to set meeting dates
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 8th July 2010. The following Agenda items were agreed:

SNAP

Allotments

Hedges – Cross Lane

Village Emergency Plan

Additional quote for repair of village cross

Possibility of Barwick representatives joining Stanhoe Parish Council

Purpose of new mast at North Creake/Stanhoe boundary

Updates on – walking inspection

conservation area

Docking recycling centre

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Held on Thursday 11th March 2010 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:

Mr T Austin – Chairman (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Miss R Brown (RB)
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

Absent:

Mrs G Fenn (GF)

One member of the public was also in attendance.

1. To consider apologies for absence
Due to the recent death of her husband, GF was unable to attend. The Council wished to minute their sympathy and send condolences.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of previous meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 14th January 2010 were approved and signed by the Chairman after noting that thanks should have been recorded to Tom Ransom and John Seedhouse for clearing and tidying the land adjacent to the Reading Room.

3. To record declarations of interest from members in any item to be discussed
In regard to Item 8 of the Agenda, interest was declared by MR as he is Chairman of the Reading Room Trustees.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
The member of public present had no questions or comments.

5. To receive updates on previously discussed items
(i) The Clerk reported that an attempt had been made by the RSPCA to capture the unwanted geese but they had proved elusive. It was agreed that Mr/s. Scales, who owned two other geese normally on the pond, should be contacted with a view to them penning the unwanted geese to await collection by the RSPCA. Clerk to follow up this matter.

(ii) The Parish Council had been notified that closure of the recycling centre was postponed until 30th June 2010 pending a further feasibility study, however, the Chairman had received word that the closure would take place regardless. TA has written to Cllr. Ian Monson to express concern.

(iii) Some members of the Parish Council had walked the proposed new route for the byway at High Barn and recommended acceptance of the proposal due to it being an improvement. All agreed. Notification of decision to be sent to property owner and Borough Council.

(iv) MR had made contact with a land agent regarding possible availability of land for allotments and was awaiting a response.

(v) EON about to submit planning application for erection of turbines at Chiplow. An anemometer mast to be erected at Fring in connection with proposed Docking wind farm. RES had announced their decision to apply for permission to erect six turbines on land owned by Barwick Hall Farm as part of Jack’s Lane development. A Liaison group meeting will be held in Stanhoe Village Hall on Monday, 15th March at 7.00pm. TA to attend as member of the group. Meeting open to the public.

(vi) Planning permission had been granted to the Crown public house for alterations.

6. Disposal of dead ducks
RB asked for guidance on disposal of ducks accidently killed by passing traffic. These had previously been put in the general waste bin but she had been informed that this was not acceptable. Clerk to make enquiries with Borough Council.

7. Annual Parish Meeting
This will be held on Thursday evening, 22nd April 2010 at 7.30pm. in the village hall. TA had arranged for a Speaker who was an opponent of wind farms and was trying to arrange for another Speaker who was in favour. PR will organize refreshments.

8. Reading Room fees for Parish Council use
Historically £200 per annum had been paid by the Parish Council, however, this was far in excess of the published hourly rate for use by members of the village. Also, no invoice for use had been received by the Council for two years. It was agreed that MR would arrange for issue of the relevant invoice and that, in future, a fee of £100 per annum would be paid for use of the Reading Room for Council meetings and a voluntary donation of £100 would be given to the Trust in the coming year. The level of the donation to be considered on an annual basis.

9. To approve payments
The Council approved payment to the Clerk for salary and expenses covering the period 20th January to 28th February 2010. Also approved was the annual subscription of £20 to the Playing Fields Association. There was some discussion on the possible letting of the playing field in future. Clerk to investigate cost of maintenance as the field was no longer used by a village football team and cutting could be less frequent.

10. To receive items for next Agenda and set dates for future meetings:
Agenda items: Meeting cost of Reading Room rental for CIP use.

Repair of palisade fence near village pond.

Possible walking inspection of village by councillors.

Re-pointing of Village Cross.

Future Dates: It was agreed that meetings should be held on the 2nd Thursday of alternate months with the possible exception of May. This results in meeting dates of:

27th May 2010 / 8th July 2010 / 9th September 2010 / 11th November 2010 / 13th January 2011 / 10th March 2011.

The meeting closed at 9.10pm.

Clerk to Council – Mr P. Hallinan, Southgate House, Docking Road, Stanhoe, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8QF

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday 14th January 2010 in Village Hall at 7pm
Present: Cllrs Terry Austin (Chairman), Pamela Austin, Rosemary Brown, Pen Roche, Mark Roche.

Also in attendance were five members of Public.

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
Apology accepted from Gill Fenn.

2. To record declarations of interest from members on any item to be discussed
No interests were declared.

3. To approve the Minutes of the last council meeting held on 26th November 2009
Minutes approved as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No items.

5. To agree Parish Precept
After reviewing budget figures for 2009 and 2010, the council set the precept at £5500. In discussion it was agreed to support the village hall computer project if costs were not covered.

6. To approve payments
Payments made to Peter Hallinan and CPRE.

7. Village litter update
The Parish Council decided that they were in favour of anti-litter signage in principle. Mark Roche to investigate signage costs and planning requirements. No progress on this item.

8. To discuss the post of Parish Clerk
New parish clerk, Elizabeth Thuburn was introduced to the parish councillors. Hand over to Elizabeth is planned before the end of January.

9. Windfarm update
RES have been in contact to arrange a regular monthly meeting to inform locals of progress and developments to date.

10. Trees on Cross Lane
A letter will be sent by Terry Austin to Bernard Mathews of Cruso and Wilkin detailing a planting scheme for the hedge in Cross Lane. No response has been received from the above. Terry to pass a copy of the letter to Mark Roche who will contact Bernard Mathews.

11. To discuss geese at pond and receive update on pond
The insurance company have confirmed that the parish council is responsible for the two additional geese as it has been brought to their notice. The RSPCA have been contacted and we are awaiting a visit from their representative.

A vote was taken on the idea of an island in the centre of the pond. The outcome was not to proceed with this proposal.

12. To receive update on allotments
Currently, there are five people wanting allotments. No written requests have been received yet. The letter to Bernard Mathews at Cruso & Wilkins has not elicited a response.

13. To discuss High Barn Byway
It was agreed to re-arrange the meeting with Brian Williams on 11th February 2010. Terry Austin to confirm.

14. Correspondence
A letter was received from BMACCS thanking the parish for our donation.

A set of plans for changes to The Crown were viewed by the councillors. The unanimous decision was to approve these.

15. Items for next agenda and meeting dates:
Update on geese.
Update on windfarm
Update on allotments
Update on recycling centre at Docking.
Parish Meeting Dates:

11th March 2010
27th May 2010
Parish annual meeting set for 22nd April 2010.