Stanhoe Parish Council

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 8th November 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

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

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
No absentees.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting of 13th September 2012
These 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 was present who was interested in Item 7 of the Agenda. It was agreed to discuss this item straight away. There was great concern that the scrap site, at the corner of Fakenham Road and Bircham Road, was expanding and becoming even more unsightly. The Borough planning department had confirmed that a planning enforcement file had been raised and they were currently reviewing this matter.

There was also concern about a rumour that a planning application had been submitted for a travellers’ site in a field at the crossroads. This proved to be incorrect. A planning application had been submitted by a leisure company for a 12 pitch camp site at Monks Wood, approximately half a mile south of the crossroads. The site would be screened from the road by the wood and would consist of a warden’s lodge, shower and toilet facilities and the erection of yurt style tent accommodation. No decision has yet been made by the planners. The member of the public thanked councillors for their time and the information supplied and left the meeting.

5. SNAP
T.A. had attended a meeting on 1st November. The items of concern centred mainly around Hunstanton with the usual problems of anti-social behaviour and drunkenness in the High Street area. There had been criminal damage to some public toilets in the town and these would now close at 5.00pm. There was also a problem with some irresponsible dog owners who did not clean up dog mess and allowed their dogs to cause nuisance through noise. There had been road accidents at certain road junctions within the town, caused by driving too fast when approaching these junctions. Calls by members of the public to the police had dropped by 50% and recorded crime had dropped by 21%. The next meeting would be on 3rd January 2013.

6. Speedwatch/SAM signs & anti-speed bin stickers
Electronic speed signs were currently installed in two positions within the village. These flashed the actual speed recorded as drivers passed. The signs were due to be in position for one month but it was hoped this could be extended. Some “Slow down in our village” signs were on order which could be attached to refuse bins and therefore be on show on certain days throughout the village. It was agreed to increase the number on order if possible.

7. Scrap site at Fakenham/Bircham Road crossroads
See Item 4 above.

8. Fenced off area adjacent to the playing field & ragwort problem
The clerk reported that, according to DEFRA, ragwort was not a notifiable weed but should be kept under control by landowners. The clerk had also been in correspondence with the land agent handling this piece of land who had undertaken to notify the owners of both the ragwort problem and the fact that the fence was badly damaged. The situation is ongoing and will be monitored.

9. Repairs to playground equipment
TA confirmed that the necessary repair had been done to the trim trail on the playground. Rotten posts had been removed and two supporting posts at each end had been installed to increase strength and stability. The cost to the council was £700. DB had placed weedkiller around all the wooden posts in the playground and had varnished the base of all the posts to protect from rotting. He was thanked for this work and it was agreed to re-imburse the cost of approximately £50. DB has also recently cleaned the war memorial in preparation for “Remembrance Sunday” and MR had repainted the barrier rail. Sincere thanks were given to both for their efforts.

10. Village litter
This was on the increase partly due to the fact that JS, who used to carry out a regular litter pick, was no longer resident in the village. It was agreed that a notice should be placed in “Saints Alive” asking people to do what they could to collect any litter near their homes and to formally thank JS for his work during his years in the village. At this point, PA also reminded the Clerk that the village notice boards required refurbishment. The clerk would arrange for this to be done.

11. Changes to refuse collections
The clerk had recently attended a meeting held by the Borough to report on the planned changes to refuse collection. From April 2013, the current black refuse bins would be exchanged for a larger size and would then be collected only once a fortnight. This would alternate with the green recycling bin collection thereby maintaining a weekly collection which would also enable the collection of food waste. New 40 litre size food waste bins with a lockable lid would be delivered to every household to be kept outside and a kitchen caddy bin would also be delivered together with an initial supply of compostable waste bags. Explanatory leaflets would be delivered to all households in the next 2–3 weeks.

12. New developments at the National Construction College
TA and the clerk had attended the official opening ceremony of the new accommodation block at the Construction College. Managers at the College explained that they were keen for local people to use the shop and Costa Coffee facilities and that they would be happy to conduct a tour of the new facilities for parish councillors. They would also supply a speaker to visit parish councils to explain their future development plans. The clerk would try to arrange a visit to the college for councillors and a speaker to attend the Annual Parish meeting in April 2013.

13. Update on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic restrictions – no developments

b) Blacksmith’s workshop – the clerk had written to Mrs. Amanda Ralli to ask if anything could be done to try to preserve the building. Mrs. Ralli had replied to say that she had passed the letter to her son, Andrew Ralli, to deal with.

c) Geese on the pond – no reported problems

14. Financial update and approval of payments
The clerk circulated an up to date statement of income and expenditure together with copy bank statements. No questions were raised and statements were signed off by TA. Payment was approved for the clerk’s salary.

15. Declarations of pecuniary interest re: Precept & Budget setting
Recent changes had been made to the Councillors’ Code of Conduct and Declarations of Pecuniary Interests. TA explained that an unforeseen consequence of this meant that any councillor residing within the parish had, in fact, a pecuniary interest in the setting of the precept in that they paid council tax which included an element for the parish precept. This could affect their decision making. The Borough had decided that the solution was for councillors to sign a dispensation form to allow them to take part in precept and budget setting decisions. Forms were duly signed by all except JS who no longer resided in the village.

16. Date for Annual Parish Meeting 2013
This had been provisionally set for Thursday, 11th April 2013 commencing at 7.30pm. and was confirmed as such. PR offered to organize refreshments again and was thanked for her offer. The clerk would contact the Construction College (see Item 12).

17. To receive items for the next Agenda
Meeting to be held on 10th January 2013: The following items were raised:

Usual update of ongoing items
Ragwort problem
Village sign refurbishment
Village Notice Boards refurbishments
Wind Farm
SNAP
Budget & Precept for 2013/14
Annual Parish Meeting
An additional piece of business was discussed in relation to an application, to vary a previous planning permission, which had been received earlier in the day. The owners of The Rickels caravan site had requested a lifting of the restriction for the site to be used only from March to October each year so that it could be used all year round. No changes would be made to the site itself or its facilities. Councillors agreed to support the application.

The meeting closed at 9.10pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 13th September 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr T Austin (TA)
Mrs P Austin (PA)
Mr D Bridge (DB)
Mrs R Brown (RB)
Mrs P Roche (PR)
Mr J Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mr M Roche (MR)

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
An apology was received and accepted from MR.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting of 12th July 2012
These 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
No member of the public was present, however, PR had been asked by a resident to raise the overgrown state of the hedge edging the fenced off piece of land adjacent to the playing field. As this related to Item 7 (2) of the Agenda, councillors decided to discuss the whole issue at this point. The piece of fenced off land and the surrounding hedge is owned by Knights as is the playing field which they kindly lease free of charge to the MEHM Trust. As such, the parish council has no powers to insist that the land is maintained in any way or that hedges should be cut. PR said she would report this back to the resident who was concerned about the hedge.

DB was particularly concerned by the presence of ragwort in this area. He believed this to be a notifiable plant, the seeds of which were highly poisonous to cattle and horses should it find its way into hay feed. It was understood to be the landowner’s responsibility to clear this weed and councillors requested that the clerk write to the landowner’s agent pointing out the existence of the weed and the concern of local people. The clerk would also write to the County Council to ask about their policy on dealing with ragwort. A notice would also be put in Saints Alive asking residents to report instances of ragwort to the parish council.

5. SNAP
TA had not attended the last meeting held on 5th July 2012 but had received a copy of the Minutes. Anti-social behaviour in Heacham and Hunstanton was still a problem but reports of incidents in Heacham had dropped by 30%. The number of burglary and theft reports had also dropped. A meeting was being held this same evening of 13th September and TA would report back when he received the Minutes.

6. Update on village inspection
A quotation of £150 had been received to refurbish the village sign and repair damage to the image of Sir Hervey de Stanhoe. It as agreed to proceed with the work. The brass plaque attached to the village hall, in memory of Tom Holmes, was in need of refurbishment. The clerk would contact the suppliers to find out the best way of cleaning the plaque. Some areas of the village had painted road markings, placed some months ago, where repair work should have taken place. The markings are now wearing away and no repair work has yet been done. The clerk will contact Highways Dept. A notice will be placed in Saints Alive asking residents to remove the anti-wind farm campaign signs from outside properties as the planning and appeal processes are now complete and a decision reached.

7. Fenced off area adjacent to playing field
1) PR apologised that MR had not contacted the landowner’s agent to find out what plans, if any, there were for this piece of land. Clerk would be writing to the agent. (See Item 4 above).

2) See also Item 4 above.

8. Necessary playground repairs
One of the upright posts on the trim trail has rotted at the base. It is unsteady and unsafe for use. Notices have been posted and barricade tape wound across the equipment to prevent use. The original suppliers of the equipment are no longer in business, however, the designer of the playground who now works for a company called “Joy Playgrounds” came to inspect all the equipment and give an estimate for the repair of the trim trail and supply of new wooden post. The figure quoted, including his time and inspection visit, is £700. He has provided a full report on all the equipment and recommends wood preserver on the bases of all wooden posts to prolong life and help prevent damage by grass trimmers. After some discussion, it was agreed to proceed with the work. DB offered to apply wood preserver as necessary and was thanked for his offer.

9. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic – no developments.

b) Bottle bank – no action on noise reduction yet.

c) Blacksmith’s workshop – awaiting response from buildings officer.

(A report has since been received to say that, although the building is neglected, it is not unsafe and does not pose any immediate danger).

d) Overgrown hedges in Station Road – County Council will take action.

e) Geese on the pond – apart from occasionally wandering into the road, they are not causing any particular problem at present.

10. Financial update and approval of payments
An up to date income and expenditure report and bank statements were circulated by the clerk. It was clarified that the majority of parish council funds were kept in the savings account (earning a small amount of interest) with sums being transferred to the current account as and when necessary to pay bills. The clerk confirmed that the separate account opened specifically for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee village event had been closed.

Payments were approved for the clerk’s salary, the external audit fee and an amount of VAT due on the purchase of a new dog waste bin.

11. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items were suggested for inclusion in the Agenda for the meeting due to be held on 8th November 2012.

Refurbishment of village notice boards
Playground maintenance and repairs
Ragwort problem
Usual updates on ongoing matters
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 8.35pm.

 

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 12th July 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)

Two members of the public were also present.
1. To consider apologies for absence
An apology was received and accepted from DB.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting of 10th May 2012
These 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 present.

5. SNAP
TA had not attended the last SNAP meeting and was still awaiting the Minutes.

6. Scrap site at corner of Fakenham & Bircham Roads
It had been brought to the clerk’s attention that some form of construction was taking place. Having checked with BCKLWN Planning Dept., the clerk reported that permission had been granted in 2009 (valid for 5 years) for the erection of an open fronted barn to store hay and implements.

The construction was fully within the terms of the planning permission.

7. Village Inspection Report
A walking inspection of the village had been carried out by councillors on 14th June 2012. TA’s report with relevant photographs was circulated. A copy of the report with actions to be taken is attached.

8. Area, adjacent to playing field, fenced off by owners
This area, although fenced off, had been used with the owners’ knowledge by dog walkers and a path through it maintained voluntarily by a local resident. Notices prohibiting access had been erected recently. The playing field area was leased to the MEHM Trust and MR undertook to make enquiries about the change in status of the fenced off area.

9. Recruitment of new councillors
TA stressed the importance of trying to attract interest from local residents as prospective councillors. Some existing members would like to retire at the end of their term of office and replacements would be necessary if the parish council was to continue functioning within the village. Efforts at recruitment had been made in the past without success but more notices would be placed in “Saints Alive” in an effort to encourage interest.

10. New Code of Conduct & Register of Members’ Interests
Following the Localism Act of 2011, a new Code of Conduct had to be adopted by all councils. Two alternatives had been put forward by NALC and the LGA, copies of which had been circulated by the Clerk together with a revised “Register of Members’ Interests– form. The forms were completed by councillors and returned and copies would be sent to the Borough’s Monitoring Officer. Councillors had the option of writing their own Code of Conduct, however, it was agreed that adopting one of the alternatives already presented would be simpler. After some discussion, PA proposed acceptance of the LGA model (customized for Stanhoe parish). This was seconded by PR and agreed by all as this would result in the parish Code being the same one used by the Borough.

11. Update on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic – no developments

b) Bottle bank – the clerk is still trying to persuade BCKLWN to install a soundproof liner.

c) Blacksmith’s workshop – no developments but the clerk had contacted a building control officer at the Borough who would come to inspect the workshop to establish if it was considered to be in danger of collapse.

d) Review of polling districts and stations – a decision is still awaited.

e) Overgrown hedges – Council Highways has again sent letters to those concerned and outcome awaited. Legal action may be taken.

f) Geese on the pond – not currently presenting any problems.

12. Financial update & approval of payments
An up to date report together with copy bank statements was presented by the clerk. No questions were raised. The separate bank account, which had been opened for the Jubilee celebration, would be closed as soon as the final cheque cleared the account. All costs in connection with the Jubilee event had been covered by income generated and those organizations and individuals, who had contributed initially to offset costs prior to the event, had been refunded.

Payments were approved for play area maintenance, clerk’s salary and PAYE tax and a donation to Tapping House Hospice.

13. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items were suggested for inclusion in the Agenda for the meeting due to be held on 13th September 2012:

Usual ongoing updates
Proposed changes to refuse collections
War Memorial
Play area fencing
Update on actions following village inspection
Report from MR re: fenced off area of playing field
No other matters were raised and the meeting closed at 9.05pm.

Stanhoe Parish Council Walk – 14th June 2012
Inspection Report
Location

Issue

Action/Responsibility

Children’s Playground

Fence deteriorating

To be replaced in due course.

Costings and possibility of a grant to be investigated.

Glass recycling bin

Sound insulation needed

Clerk still trying to persuade Borough Council to install a soundproof lining.

Tom Holmes plaque at village hall

Tarnished and pitted

Possible replacement.

Hedge adjacent to village hall car park

Requires regular maintenance

MEHM Trust will arrange cutting.

Notice Board on playing field

In poor condition

Property of MEHM Trust

To be removed.

Waste bin in children’s playground

Responsibility for emptying

MEHM Trust. Clerk will try to obtain key to bin.

Verges in Bircham Road

Overgrown

Cut by Highways Dept.

Wind farm opposition signs

Should be removed

Notice to go in “Saints Alive”

Blacksmith’s workshop

Structure deteriorating and could become a road hazard to traffic and pedestrians. Owned possibly by Church Farm.

Clerk has contacted Borough Council and a building control office will inspect and report back.

Tractor tracks in Church Lane

Verges damaged by oversized vehicles.

Possible width restriction signs to be investigated with Highways.

Graveyard of All Saints Church

Parts of the old graveyard are not maintained and have become very overgrown.

PCC to investigate and arrange suitable maintenance.

Footpaths on both sides of Docking Road and on one side of Burnham Road

Overgrown hedges and some parked cars restricting or blocking footpath.

Residents to be contacted re: hedges. Problem of parked cars to be raised at SNAP meeting.

Station Road

Hedges

Residents have been contacted and Highways notified.

Station Road

Onion Store

Residents had had concerns but no nuisance has been caused by noise or smell.

Village Cross

Some loose mortar

Clerk has contacted company who did repointing and they will attend again f.o.c.

Dog waste bin

Not properly supported and in danger of collapse.

Possible replacement or new support to be installed.

Convex mirror on Burnham Rd

Should it be there?

Clerk has contacted Highways who will investigate. Mirrors not allowed on highways, only on private property.

Pond opposite Duck Inn

Broken bough of tree

Clerk has contacted highways who will investigate and remove if possible.

Village Pond (The Pit)

Irises and other vegetation needs thinning out.

A parish councillor has volunteered to do this work.

Village Sign

Carved wooden sign has nose missing from Sir Hervey de Stanhoe.

New piece to be carved and attached. Clerk to contact carpenter.

Pot holes in Bircham road

Repairs needed

Clerk has contacted Highways. The holes are on the verge not the highway but highways will arrange for additional stone to be added to even out surface.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 10th May 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Two members of the public were also present.

1. Election of Chairman and Vice-chairman
TA and DB vacated the Chair and Vice-chair but indicated that they would be willing to serve another term. TA was proposed as chairman by DB and seconded by PR. TA accepted and resumed the Chair. DB was then proposed as Vice-chair by RB and seconded by PA. DB accepted. All remaining councillors thanked both for agreeing to another term and for their work on behalf of the parish council.

2. To consider apologies for absence
All councillors present.

3. To consider approval of the Minutes of the previous meeting of 8th March 2012
These were passed and signed by the Chairman.

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

5. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation
No public present.

6. SNAP
TA had not attended the last SNAP meeting and was still awaiting a draft of the Minutes. The next meeting would be in July (date yet to be confirmed) and TA encouraged other councillors to attend.

7. Broadband provision in Stanhoe
A village resident had been in discussion with the local M.P. and with BT regarding the possible provision of high speed broadband to the village. The current provision comes via the Docking exchange and BT confirms that, at present, there are no plans to update Docking exchange to provide a high speed service. TA urged everyone to put pressure on BT in order to prove the demand existed for a high speed service.

8. Area of playing field fenced off by owners
Some of the fencing had been vandalised and some posts stolen which made the area unsightly. It was agreed that the owners must be aware of the situation. No further discussion or action at present.

9. Village Cross
RB reported that the new mortar, which had been applied to the base of the village cross last year, was already crumbling in places. This will be inspected by councillors during the village inspection.

10. Village Inspection
Councillors agreed to meet at 7.00pm. on 14th June 2012 to carry out a walking inspection of the village to identify any maintenance and/or repair issues.

11. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic – no developments

b) Bottle bank – the clerk is still trying to persuade BCKLWN to install a soundproof liner.

c) Blacksmith’s workshop – no developments. MR to contact Mrs. Ralli senior to establish ownership of the workshop and to enquire if there are any plans to prevent further deterioration of the building.

d) Review of polling districts and stations – a decision is still awaited.

e) Overgrown hedges – the Borough has again sent letters to those concerned and outcome awaited. Legal action may be taken.

f) Wind Farms Appeal – decision was delayed but is now scheduled for 28th May 2012.

g) Geese on the pond – a gosling has hatched. Adult geese are very protective of their young and hiss if people go near but no specific problems reported.

12. Diamond Jubilee
Planning is going well and everything is in hand for the village celebration. TA thanked JS for all his work in connection with this event.

13. Dog Waste Bin
The current bin is unstable and may need to be replaced. There is a rumour that the Borough Council are going to dispense with dog waste bins and will ask people to put the plastic bags of waste in the normal bin going to landfill. The clerk will try to find out the Borough’s intentions. This item to be added to the Updates item in the Agenda in future.

14. Planning Decisions
The clerk reported that the application to demolish “The Chantry” on Bircham Road and to erect two detached houses on the site had been withdrawn. Permission was granted for the erection of a cart style garage at Westfield House in Parsons Lane and both planning permission and listed building consent was granted for the alterations to the Coach House at Stanhoe Hall.

15. Year End Accounts/Financial Update/Insurance for 2012/3 & Approval of Payments
The clerk circulated copies of the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2012. DB queried the cost item for specialist shredding of documents. This was for the secure disposal of old parish council documents which were no longer required and were being stored by a previous clerk. No other queries were raised and acceptance of the accounts was proposed by PA, seconded by PR and unanimously agreed. A financial update was also circulated for the period up to the date of the meeting.

The clerk had received a quotation for annual insurance renewal from the current brokers Came & Co. with insurance cover by Aviva. The quote for a renewal of 1 Year was ££669.84 including IPT, a 4.7% increase on the previous year. The brokers were also offering a 3 year agreement for the reduced price of £636.01 including IPT for the current year with the next 2 years having only a small increase each year. After some discussion, it was decided to proceed with the 3 year agreement. Payments were approved for the annual subscriptions to NALC and Norfolk RCC and also for the clerk’s salary.

At a previous meeting, it had been decided that all annual subscriptions and donations to other bodies should be discussed at the meeting held in May each year when the annual accounts were presented. Accordingly, after discussion, it was agreed that annual subscriptions should be paid for 2012/3 to the CPRE and Norfolk RCC and donations given to the Burnham Market Car Scheme and the Tapping House Hospice.

16. Meeting Dates for 2013
Following the usual pattern of having meetings on a Thursday of alternate months, the dates were set for 2013 as:

Thursday, 10th January
Thursday, 14th March
Thursday, 9th May
Thursday, 11th July
Thursday, 12th September
Thursday, 7th November
All meetings to be held at 7.00pm. in the village hall.

A provisional date 11th April 2013 was set for the Annual Parish Meeting.

17. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items were raised for the next meeting due to be held on Thursday, 12th July 2012:

Recruitment of new councillors
Village Inspection Report
SNAP report
The usual updates
Prior to the next meeting it was agreed that a letter should be sent to PCSO Owen James thanking him for his talk to residents at the annual Parish meeting in April.

Also, pot holes in Cross Lane, on Bircham Road near Church Farm and near Longwall Barn should be reported to the highways department.

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

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 8th March 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mr M Roche (MR)
Mrs P Roche (PR)

Also present was the Borough Council Member for Docking Ward, Andrew Morrison.

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
Apologies had been received and were accepted from Mr. and Mrs. Roche who were attending a meeting in London.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 12th January 2012 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
No members of the public present.

6. Scrap Site at crossroads of Fakenham & Bircham Roads
This item was discussed before Item 5 as Councillor Morrison had attended specifically to receive information on this matter. At the previous meeting, the clerk had reported that the Borough Planning Enforcement Officer had undertaken to look into the legality of this site and any planning conditions associated with it.

The clerk has recently received correspondence from the Enforcement Officer stating that, although no planning permission had been given originally, the site had been used as a scrap yard for at least 70 years and was now considered to be legal. Accordingly, no action could be taken against the owners as the site currently did not pose any threat or danger and was not unduly untidy in terms of scrap sites.

Parish councillors were disappointed at this outcome, however, Councillor Morrison undertook to investigate further possibilities with the Borough Planning Department and to discuss the matter with Docking Parish Council within whose boundaries the scrap site lay. He would also speak with the Stanhoe resident who had raised the matter with the parish council.

5. SNAP
T.A. had attended the meeting on 2nd February 2012 and confirmed that discussion mainly still concerned the Hunstanton area. There were currently 3 priority issues:

1) Anti-social behaviour which had reduced in Hunstanton town but had increased in Dersingham.

2) An unspecified environmental issue in Park Road.

3) Parking concerns over Tesco lorries in Hunstanton and both lorries and cars in Heacham. The police confirmed that they would issue parking tickets in all cases where parking restrictions had been broken.

7. Wind Farms Appeal Hearing
This had taken place in King’s Lynn over most of February. T. A. had attended to speak against the proposed development at Jack’s Lane. A decision by the Appeal committee would be announced by 20th April.

Councillor Morrison left the meeting at this point. The chairman thanked him for his attendance and for his offer of assistance in dealing with the scrap site problem.

8. Diamond Jubilee Event
J.S., chairman of the working party, gave an update on developments to date and items to be discussed at the next Jubilee meeting on 4th April.

The clerk had requested the opening of a new current account at Barclays to be called “Stanhoe Jubilee Account”. Confirmation of the account was still awaited.

Tickets and advertising flyers for the event had been designed and printed. Questions for the Treasure Hunt had been devised. A young oak tree had been purchased and planted in a suitable place near the village hall and a commemorative plaque fixed to an ancient stone said to have been part of the church of St. Peter which had once stood in the village. Snowdrops would also be planted within 1–2 weeks.

The design and cost of supplying mugs had been undertaken by the PCC members of the working party but there seemed to have been no developments to date. J.S. intended to purchase some commemorative mugs from the National Association of Local councils as a failsafe in case the others were not ready in time. The PCC would be asked to be responsible for the cost.

A union flag was offered by T.A. for use in unveiling the plaque at the tree ceremony. The W.I. had agreed to lend some bunting and had offered to serve refreshments during the afternoon for those taking part in the Treasure Hunt.

The W.I. had also given a donation of £100 (from the W.I. Fund and from individual members) towards the Jubilee fund. An anonymous donation which had been promised would be followed up by the clerk. T.A. thanked J.S. for all his work in planning this event.

9. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane Traffic: No further developments on possible restrictions. It was very unlikely that any action would be taken by the County Council Highways Department. In a connected matter, T.A. reported that a speed awareness monitor was in operation in the village for a 2 week period. The monitor flashed to drivers the speed at which they were travelling which in the vast majority of cases was in excess of the limit in place.

b) Bottle Bank: The clerk reported that the environmental waste manager at the Borough Council confirmed that a noise reduction lining was on order for the bin. If this failed to materialize, he had promised that the bin would be lined with an expanding foam product.

c) Blacksmith’s Workshop: Through contact with various individuals, the clerk had discovered that this was almost certainly owned by the Ralli family. It was agreed that someone who knew Mrs. Ralli senior should make contact with her try to establish what could be done to prevent the workshop from falling into complete disrepair. As the workshop stood at a road junction, it was thought that the County’s Highways Department would be concerned at the prospect of a building collapse.

d) Review of polling districts and stations: Councillors had objected to any change in existing arrangements and were awaiting a decision by the Borough Council.

e) Overgrown hedges: This was now being dealt with by the council’s highways department.

f) Geese on the pond: To date, this was not causing any problems.

10. Annual Parish Meeting
This was scheduled for 26th April at 7.30pm. T.A. had asked the police if there could be a presentation on local policing. It was thought that a member of the force could attend. Invitations to all village residents would be circulated with “Saints Alive”

11. Maintenance of Village Churchyard
T.A. had received a request from the PCC for a donation towards the upkeep of the churchyard which was available to all residents of the village regardless of faith. A sum of £200 had been suggested by the PCC. It was agreed that this sum could not be guaranteed every year but payment of £200 for this year was proposed by D.B., seconded by P.A. and unanimously agreed.

12. Planning Decisions
Permission had been granted to the owners of Longwall Barn for the conversion of an open patio to an enclosed sun room. Decisions on a further two applications for village properties were still awaited.

D.B. commented that the development of an onion store and drying facility at the grain store on Station Road had not proved to be any form of nuisance as had been feared by residents. He suggested that a letter be sent to the farmer thanking him for his handling of this issue.

13. Financial Update and Approval of Payments
A statement of recent income and expenditure was circulated together with copies of bank statements. Cheques were signed for the payment of the clerk’s salary and the donation to the PCC (mentioned above). A possible subscription to the WNVCA was postponed pending further investigation as to benefits. It was agreed that all possible donations and subscriptions would be discussed in future at the meeting in May each year when the year end accounts were presented. Following decisions reached, payments could then be made as and when each item arose.

14. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items were suggested for the next meeting due to be held on 10th May 2012.

Broadband provision in Stanhoe
Area of rough ground on the playing field which had been fenced off by the owners
Usual updates on ongoing matters
Village inspection by parish councillors
Dog waste bin
Wind Farms
No other matters were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.05pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 12th January 2012 at 7.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – E Thuburn, tel 01485 518409

Present:
Mr. T. Austin (TA)
Mrs. P. Austin (PA)
Mr. D. Bridge (DB)
Mrs. R. Brown (RB)
Mr. M. Roche (MR)
Mrs. P. Roche (PR)
Mr. J. Seedhouse (JS)

Absent:
Mr. M. Roche

1. To consider accepting apologies for absence
An apology was received from Mr. Roche who was attending a funeral.

2. To consider approval of the Minutes of the last meeting
The Minutes of the meeting held on 10th November 2011 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 present wanted an update on any progress made in trying to improve the scrap site near the Bircham Road/Fakenham Road crossroads. This was Item 8 of the Agenda and it was decided to deal with this item straight away.

The clerk reported that she had been in touch with the Borough planning department and enforcement officer as planning permission had been given some years previously for a stable on this site but certain conditions regarding clearance of scrap had been put in place. The enforcement officer had visited the site and had confirmed in writing to the clerk that an enforcement case had now been raised in regard to the use of the site. An outcome will be notified in due course. The member of the public thanked councillors for their action on this matter and left the meeting.

5. SNAP Report
T.A. had not attended the last meeting but reported that the SNAP Panel was aware of a lack of interest from some smaller parishes as meetings tended to focus on areas around Hunstanton. This was understandable due to the concentration of crime and anti-social behaviour in those areas as opposed to the much quieter and often crime-free situations in villages.

Police had reported a slight increase on crime level during the last year, however, the general trend on crime was downwards. Of particular concern were the traffic problems caused by Tesco lorries in Hunstanton and Heacham and anti-social behaviour in Hunstanton itself. The next meeting would be held on 2nd February 2012.

6. Updates on ongoing matters
a) Cross Lane traffic: No further developments on possible traffic restrictions.

b) Bottle Bank: In spite of the clerk having been told by the waste services department that a sound-proof lining was on order, nothing had been done to date. The clerk had e-mailed the Waste Services Manager for information and was awaiting a reply.

c) Blacksmith’s workshop: No information on ownership obtained to date but will be followed up.

d) Review of polling districts and stations: Councillors had objected to any change in existing arrangements and were awaiting a decision by the Borough Council.

e) Overgrown hedges: This was now being dealt with by the council’s highways department.

f) Geese on the pond: The number of geese had increased in recent months but no problems reported to date. Situation to be monitored.

g) T-junction sign on Bircham Road: J.S. had cleared some of the shrubbery which had obliterated the sign and the matter had also been attended to by the Highway Rangers.

7. Wind Farm Planning Appeal
The energy companies who had been refused permission for wind farms at both Chiplow and Jack’s Lane sites were appealing against the Borough’s decision. The hearing would last approximately 4 weeks and commence on 31st January 2012. T.A. had been asked to speak in support of objections to the wind farms and agreed to do so.

8. Scrap site at crossroads of Bircham Road & Fakenham Road
See Item 4 above.

9. Annual Parish Meeting
This was scheduled for Thursday, 26th April 2012. T.A. was trying to find a speaker for the evening.

10. Diamond Jubilee event progress
J.S., chairman of the joint working party, gave an update to councillors. The event, on Monday, 4th June, would start with a treasure hunt in the afternoon for both adults and children. There would be a first prize in each category and another member of the working party was hoping to receive a donation of prizes.

A barbecue would commence at 5.00pm and the ticket price would include entry to the afternoon’s treasure hunt. Food would be organized by D.B. It may be possible to have a bar run by the village pub but alternatively, drinks would be bought on a sale or return basis and a bar organized by the PCC.

A 1950s style skiffle group had been booked for the evening.

It was hoped that an oak sapling and some daffodil and/or snowdrops would be donated. The sapling would be planted and a plaque in commemoration of the Jubilee would be laid. Final details still to be decided.

It was hoped to purchase commemorative mugs which could be given free of charge to the under 16 children of the village and sold to adults. The clerk circulated samples of mugs obtained to date. More samples of artwork and types of mugs were being organized by a member of the working party. One of the existing samples shown to councillors was much preferred to the others but the final decision would lie with the working party. The point was made that, if the mug proved to be too costly, there was a possibility of them not being sold in sufficient quantities to cover costs.

A contribution of £200 from the parish council towards the overall costs of the event was suggested by J.S. and this was agreed by councillors. The other organizations involved, the PCC and the MEHM Trust would also be contributing.

11. Highway Rangers
Some recent work had been carried out but it was noted that a pothole which should have been filled in was left unattended but others had been done. Any highway issues noticed within the village should be notified to the clerk who would in turn inform the Rangers team.

12. Pond Maintenance
The pond area near the war memorial needed some attention. D.B. offered to deal with the matter.

13. Budget 2012/13
The clerk circulated details of the current year’s budgeted income and expenditure to date and a forecast of how the figures might be at the end of the financial year. She also circulated a draft budget for the coming financial year in which the total had been frozen at the previous year’s level so that no increase in precept would be requested from the Borough. This was in line with the Borough Council’s decision, announced in 2011, to freeze council tax levels for 3 years. After discussion, D.B. proposed acceptance of the draft figures. This was seconded by P.A. and unanimously agreed. Any resident requiring more detailed budget information should contact the clerk on 01485 518409.

14. Financial update and approval of payments
The clerk circulated a statement showing recent income and expenditure and a copy of bank statements printed from the on-line banking facility. These agreed with the printed statements received from the bank and were signed off by the chairman. Approval was given for the payment of the clerk’s salary and PAYE tax due to HMRC.

15. To receive items for the next Agenda
The following items should be included in the Agenda for the next scheduled meeting on Thursday, 8th March 2012.

Updates on ongoing matters
Diamond Jubilee event progress
News and/or decision from the Wind Farms Appeal
Annual Parish Meeting
No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 9.00pm.