Stanhoe Parish Council

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday, 13th July 2022 at 6.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – Wayne Leighton, tel 01485 518570

Present:

Mr D. Lord (DL) Chairman
Miss R. Brown (RBR)
Mrs R. Birkin (RB)
Mr B. Gorton (BG)
Mr T. Fitzjohn (TF)
Dr S. Shaw (SS)

Mr W Leighton Clerk

Apologies:

Mr M. Wilson (MW)

In attendance:

2 members of the public

1. To consider apologies for absence: MW had given his apologies.

2. To consider approval of the minutes of the last meeting held on 11th May 2022: No queries were raised and the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: As the lead councillor for item 14, SS wished to advise Council that, whilst having no association, he was Chair of Wells Community Hospital.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation: The members of the public present wished to further understand why the Parish Council had objected to the planning application in relation to High Barn and what the process entailed. The Chairman explained the process and reiterated the Parish Council comments that were in the public domain on the BCKLWN planning website. In essence, the Parish Council had unanimously objected to the initial application and objected to the reconsultation by majority. The members of the public asked what effect did the fact that the property could not be seen from the road have – the Chairman advised that this was not a factor. The members of the public expressed their content with the responses they had received, they thanked the Chairman and left the meeting.

5. Constitution and Conduct of Council: The Chairman recognised that Stanhoe Parish Council was in a good place, with no current vacancies, and he felt encouraged by this. The Chairman went on to say that Councillors should do as much as and when they could but if they did feel they needed to ‘step-down’ they should give as much notice as possible to enable a replacement to be sought. The Chairman concluded by thanking all Councillors for their contributions to date.

6. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: The Chairman announced that the Jubilee Lunch, despite the indifferent weather, had been hugely successful, with a net income of £555.38. It had been agreed that the income would be distributed as follows:

Defibrillator £505.38 (including £200 grant from BCKLWN)
MEHM Trust £100.00
All Saints Church £100.00
Hunstanton Choir £50.00

The Chairman expressed his thanks to all those involved.

7. Parish Partnership Scheme 2023/24: Whilst there was no immediate need to take advantage of the Parish Partnership Scheme, the Chairman asked Councillors to bear the opportunity in mind and come back, before the closing date of 9 December 2022, should the situation change.

8. Parish Emergency Plan: It was acknowledged that the current Parish Emergency Plan was significantly out of date. TF agreed to review the current plan and map and he would share his thoughts in time for a further discussion at the next meeting.

9. SAM 2 Update: The fastest recorded speeds within the 30mph limit for May 2022 had been:

Date Time Speed Sign Position
31st May 00.45 60mph Pond facing Burnham Market
June, July and August data would be made available at the next meeting. During May 29,400 vehicles passed the speed sign indicating, in view of the sign’s position that approximately 60,000 vehicles would have travelled through the village in May. SS had relocated the SAM during the holiday absence of DL and offered to do so going forward.

10. Egmere Meeting – 16th June 2022: MW and DL had been unable to attend the meeting due to other commitments. DL had requested a copy of the minutes – these were still awaited. BG took the opportunity to advise Council that whilst not connected to Egmere, other tractors were still travelling through the village too fast.

11. Cats Eyes: As reported in the previous minutes, a resident highlighted that cat’s eyes in the road surface are not a legal requirement in areas where there is a 30mph speed limit and found the noise created by vehicles driving on cat’s eyes annoying. Furthermore, the resident understood that an agreement had been reached with Highways a number of years ago that when the cat’s eyes required checking/servicing/repairing they would be removed. The Clerk had established that cat’s eyes were only on parts of Bircham Road and at the junction by the pond. Notwithstanding, Councillors agreed unanimously that cats eyes are a safety feature and should remain in place.

12. War Memorial: The Chairman had received a quotation from a local monumental mason company. The company did not recommend re-lettering the War Memorial and therefore only offered a quotation for cleaning – £1500 plus VAT. The Chairman would seek clarification as to why re-lettering was not recommended. In addition, BG agreed to ask a stonemason he knew to come and take a look at the War Memorial and give an opinion.

13. Docking Football Club: MW had confirmed with a member of the Docking Football Club that they had no intention of using the Stanhoe playing field for home games.

14. Provision of a Defibrillator: SS had now obtained an official quotation from London Hearts for a defibrillator and an external heated locked cabinet – £1241.00 (net after deducting a £300 contribution from London Hearts) and including P&P. Additional costs would include installation and annual running costs of approximately £15 per year for electricity. The defibrillator would come with an 8 year warranty and, with the exception of a monthly check which SS agreed to undertake, was maintenance free. Whilst Councillors agreed unanimously to underwrite any purchase, up to £800, pending further fund raising, a meeting with trustees of the MEHM and Parish Councillors would need to be held to agree siting, ownership etc. In addition, and for transparency, further quotations would also need to be obtained.

15. Public Footpaths and Rights of Way: TF would arrange to meet with the Clerk to look at existing public footpaths and rights of way in the village.

16. Planning Applications and Information: No planning applications had been received or decided upon since the last meeting but the Parish Council had been informed that the planning application in respect of High Barn would go before the Planning Committee on 20th July 2022.

17. Financial Report and approval of payments:

Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements had been circulated to Councillors, via email, by the Clerk. No queries were raised.

Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:

Chq No Payee Reason £
100863 B. Gorton Play Equipment Parts 64.49
100864 NPFA Annual Subscription 20.00
100865 J. Faulks Village Maintenance 355.00
100866 ICO Annual Fee 40.00
100867 W. Leighton Salary May & June 2022 374.38
100868 HMRC PAYE May & June 2022 93.60

18. Resident’s Concerns/Issues Raised after the Agenda was Published:

Contact by EON: RBR had reported that a number of residents had received correspondence from EON that may have been a scam. Accordingly, RBR had reported this but had yet to hear back.

19. Items for the Next Agenda – Meeting of 14th September 2022:

Parish Emergency Plan
SAM 2 – Update
Egmere Minutes – 16th June 2022
War Memorial
Provision of a Defibrillator
Public Footpaths and Rights of Way

No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 7.40pm.

 

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 11th May 2022 at 6.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – Wayne Leighton, tel 01485 518570

Present:

Mr D. Lord (DL) Chairman
Miss R. Brown (RBR)
Mrs R. Birkin (RB)
Mr M. Wilson (MW)
Dr S. Shaw (SS)

Mr W Leighton Clerk

Apologies:

Mr B. Gorton (BG)
Mr T. Fitzjohn (TF)

In attendance:

8 members of the public

1. Re-election of Chairman: The Chairman informed Councillors that, subject to their approval, he would be willing to serve a further term as Chairman. Councillors were unanimous that the Chairman should continue to serve a further term.

2. To consider apologies for absence: BG and TF had given their apologies.

3. To consider approval of the minutes of the last meeting held on 16th March 2022: No queries were raised and the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

4. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: No declarations of interest were made.

5. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation: A Bircham Road resident reported that the recent change in bin collection days for Bircham Road had not proceeded as indicated, bins continued to be emptied on a Wednesday. The Clerk would take up with the BCKLWN. Note: Residents of Bircham Road have subsequently received a letter from the Serco apologising for the error and advising that the bin collection day for Bircham Road will remain as ‘Wednesday’.

A resident requested details on the progress of arrangements for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations planned for 4th June. The Chairman explained that the event was being organised by a committee independent of the Parish Council and that any queries would be better answered by that committee. MW, as the Parish Council’s representative on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations Committee, kindly invited the resident to attend their next meeting.

6. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: MW advised arrangements were progressing well and a further meeting was scheduled for 16th March at 5.30pm in the Reading Room. The Chairman thanked MW, and his wife Rachel, for their significant contribution.

7. Go to Town Bus Service: A new timetable had been issued on 18th April, with an improved service for Stanhoe residents. The timetable is available at https://www.gtt-online.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/NEW-Routes-21-TT-Leaflet.pdf.

8. Parish Emergency Plan: Deferred to July meeting.

9. SAM 2 Update: The fastest recorded speeds within the 30mph limit from 3rd March to 30th April 2022 had been:

Date Time Speed Sign Position
9th March 06:40 55mph Longwall Barn facing Bircham
19th April 21:55 70mph Grange facing Docking
During March (from 3rd) 13,804 vehicles passed the speed sign, in April, the figure was 16,138 vehicles. From May 2022, DL would also provide the Speedwatch Coordinator with a copy of the statistics.

10. Egmere Meeting – 27th January 2022: MW had now received the presentation from the meeting held on 27th January 2022. Overall, last year’s harvest had gone without significant issue and the impact on Stanhoe residents had been much less intrusive than in previous years.

11. Children’s Play Area – Update: The shackles and caps had now been replaced. BG and DL had power cleaned all the play equipment. The annual inspection had also been completed with nothing deemed to be higher than ‘low risk’.

12. War Memorial: The Chairman had contacted a local stonemason and had requested that an inspection of the War Memorial be undertaken and a report and quotation be provided for any remedial work deemed necessary.

13. Memorial Plaque: Unfortunately no Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk County Council was available to present the plaque. The Chairman would now undertake the duty at the Annual Parish Meeting, which would immediately follow this meeting.

14. A Paperless Parish Council: Councillors were in full agreement with the suggestion by SS that wherever possible the Parish Council should adopt the same approach as other organisations and become more and more paperless. The Clerk had not produced the usual hard copy reports for this meeting and it had not caused any issues. MW would investigate the possibility of using, when required, the projector and screen in the Reading Room to display information during meetings.

15. Provision of a Defibrillator: SS felt that a defibrillator in the village would be an invaluable asset. Fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest and with ambulance response times at an all-time high, SS firmly believed that access to a defibrillator in the village could significantly enhance the survival rate of anyone who may suffer a cardiac arrest. With a donation of £500 from London Hearts, a defibrillator and external heated locked cabinet could be purchased for £1241.00 plus any costs associated with installation. Councillors agreed that this was worthy of further discussion. In the interim, the Chairman would approach the Jack’s Lane Wind Farm Community Fund administrators regarding a possible grant.

16. Public Footpaths and Rights of Way: Deferred to July meeting.

17. Planning Applications and Information: No planning applications had been received or decided upon since the last meeting.

In accordance with the CIL Regulations, all Parish/Town Councils who have received CIL payments must complete an Annual CIL Report for each financial year (the 12 months ending 31st March). Stanhoe Parish Council had received £10.51 for FY 2021/22 so the Clerk presented the Annual CIL Report to Councillors for approval. Councillors were unanimous that the £10.51 had been offset against repairs to the children’s play equipment; the Chairman was therefore able to sign off the Annual CIL Report.

18. End of Year Accounts, Financial Report and approval of payments: Year End accounts as at 31st March 2022 had been circulated to Councillors, via email, by the Clerk. The accounts had been inspected by the Internal Auditor and all was found to be in order. Council agreed unanimously with the End of Year Accounts. The Chairman and the Clerk were therefore able to sign the Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2021/22.

Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements had also been circulated, via email, to Councillors by the Clerk. No queries were raised.

The Chairman advised Councillors that an increase of 1.75% to the Clerk’s salary, backdated to 1st April 2021, has been recommended by the National Joint Council for Local Government services. Councillors agreed unanimously with the recommendation and approved a 1.75% increase to the Clerk’s salary backdated to 1st April 2021.

Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:

Chq No Payee Reason £
100856 Playscape Play Equipment Repairs 570.00
100857 BHIB Annual Insurance 392.63
100858 W. Leighton Salary March & April 2022 325.68
100859 W. Leighton Clerk’s Expenses – Stamps 22.80
100860 R. Canwell Internal Audit 40.00
100861 HMRC PAYE March & April 2022 81.40
19. Resident’s Concerns/Issues Raised after the Agenda was Published:

Domesday Book Plaque: A resident had suggested that, as Stanhoe had appeared in the Domesday Book, Councillors may wish to consider the purchase of a plaque in recognition of this, particularly in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Following a short discussion, Councillors were in agreement not to pursue the suggestion at this stage.

Cat’s Eyes: A resident highlighted that cat’s eyes in the road surface are not a legal requirement in areas where there is a 30mph speed limit. In addition, the noise created by vehicles driving on cat’s eyes was annoying. Furthermore, the resident understood that an agreement had been reached with Highways a number of years ago that when the cat’s eyes required checking/servicing/repairing they would be removed. The Clerk would establish placement of all cat’s eyes in the village and report back at the next meeting. A further discussion would then be held..

Docking Football Club: Some Councillors had heard that Docking Football Club were planning to use the Stanhoe playfield field as their ‘home ground’. MW agreed to contact the club manager to confirm the club’s intent.

20. Items for the Next Agenda – Meeting of 13th July 2022:

Parish Emergency Plan
SAM 2 – Update
War Memorial
Provision of a Defibrillator
Public Footpaths and Rights of Way
Cat’s Eyes
Docking Football Club

No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 7.00pm.

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday, 16th March 2022 at 6.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – Wayne Leighton, tel 01485 518570

Present:

Mr D. Lord (DL) Chairman
Mr M. Wilson (MW)
Mr B. Gorton (BG)
Dr S. Shaw (SS)
Mr T. Fitzjohn (TF)

Apologies:

Mrs R. Birkin (RB)
Miss R. Brown (RBR)

In attendance:

2 members of the public

1. To consider apologies for absence: RB and RBR had given their apologies.

2. To consider approval of the minutes of the last meeting held on 12th January 2022: No queries were raised and the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: No declarations of interest were made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation: The 2 members of the public explained that plans for a Jubilee Event on Saturday 4th June 2022 were in the early stages. It was likely the event would include hot food and a Pimms bar with attendees also able to bring their own food and drink should they wish. A choir would sing and there would be other recorded music played. They further explained that a meeting would be held on 17th March 2022 to progress the plans. They made a formal request that the Parish Council underwrite the event in case of a loss. Whilst a loss was felt to be unlikely, it would enable assurance to be given at the meeting on 17th March. Councillors agreed unanimously to underwrite the proposed Jubilee event.

5. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: MW, as the Council’s representative, would attend the meeting on 17th March and update Councillors following the meeting.

6. Go to Town Bus Service: The Clerk had contacted WNCT who confirmed that there were no plans for any additional bus services to or from Stanhoe to those already in place. TF suggested that if individuals could get assistance with transport to Burnham Market then that would allow them to use a wider bus service. The Clerk would contact the BMACCS coordinator to see whether this service could be utilised for travel from Stanhoe to Burnham Market.

7. Parish Emergency Plan: The Parish Emergency Plan had not been reviewed for a number of years. The Chairman asked the Clerk to email the current plan to Councillors and requested Councillors review the plan and report back at the next meeting with their views on the content, validity and necessity for such a plan.

8. SAM 2 Update: The SAM 2 had been working without issue. The fastest recorded speeds within the 30mph limit from 1st January 2022 to 3rd March 2022 had been:

Date Time Speed Sign Position
3rd January 17:45 55mph Pond facing Burnham Market
21st February 05:50 55mph Longwall Barn facing Pond
During January 24,144 vehicles passed the speed sign, in February, (up to 3rd March) the figure was 11,726 vehicles.

9. Egmere Meeting – 27th January 2022: MW had attended the meeting virtually, the minutes were still awaited. The Clerk would hasten.

10. Children’s Play Area – Update: DL had hastened the contractor on 2 occasions to ascertain whether the shackles and caps would be replaced or whether they could be purchased on a ‘self-fit’ basis. No response had been received so DL would chase again. BG and DL would arrange for all the play equipment to be power cleaned from mid-April onwards.

11. Parish Update Session by the BCKLWN: The Clerk had hastened for confirmation of when the rearranged session would be held but still awaited a response.

12. War Memorial: It was understood that RBR had obtained details of local stonemasons who may be able to give advice and/or carry out restorative work to the War Memorial. The Clerk would obtain these details from RBR and pass to the Chairman. A site visit and a quotation for cleaning and refurbishment would then be arranged.

13. Memorial Plaque: The presentation, by a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk County Council, of a specially commissioned memorial plaque to commemorate the resilience of the Stanhoe community during the time of the pandemic would take place at the Annual Parish Meeting on 11th May 2022. Finer details would be made available as they become known.

14. Tractors in the Village: The Clerk had contacted the Police and the Highways Department regarding tractors transiting the village and mounting the grass verges rather than slowing down or stopping. The Police had confirmed that as no offences were being committed they were unable to assist; the Highways department advised that over running on grass verges in a rural location was a regular occurrence and is actually what verges are for. The Highways Department was therefore unable to offer any assistance.

15. Broadband Issues: The Clerk had contacted the Project Manager at Norfolk County Council in respect of a Broadband upgrade issue for a Stanhoe resident. The resident had subsequently been contacted and assured that a review of the availability of FTTP services to their property would be undertaken by Openreach.

16. Planning Applications and Information: The following planning applications had been received or decided upon since the last meeting:

Application Number Proposal Decision
21/01702/F
Replacement dwelling and garage

Grange Cottage
Docking Road Application permitted on 17th January 2022
17. Financial Report and approval of payments: Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements were circulated to Councillors by the Clerk. No queries were raised.

Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:

Chq No Payee Reason £
100849 BCKLWN Dog Bin Emptying 197.60
100850 NALC Subscription 2022/23 95.94
100851 MEHM Trust Hall Hire 2021/22 150.00
100852 D. Scales Village Maintenance 240.00
100853 W. Leighton Salary January & February 2022 325.68
100854 HMRC PAYE January & February 2022 81.40
100855 W. Leighton Clerk’s Expenses – Printer Ink 119.85
18. Resident’s Concerns/Issues Raised after the Agenda was Published:

None had been received.

19. Items for the Next Agenda – Meeting of 11th May 2022:

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Go to Town Bus – Update
SAM 2 – Update
Children’s Play Area – Update
War Memorial
Egmere Meeting Minutes– 27th January 2022
A Paperless Parish Council
Provision of a Defibrillator
Public Footpaths and Rights of Way

No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 7.25pm.

 

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday, 12th January 2022 at 6.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – Wayne Leighton, tel 01485 518570

Present:

Mr D. Lord (DL) Chairman
Miss R. Brown (RBR)
Mrs R. Birkin (RB)
Mr M. Wilson (MW)
Mr B. Gorton (BG)
Dr S. Shaw (SS)
Mr T. Fitzjohn (TF)

Mr W Leighton Clerk

Apologies: None

In attendance: None

1. To consider apologies for absence: All Councillors were present.

2. To consider approval of the minutes of the last meeting held on 11th November 2021: No queries were raised and the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: No declarations of interest were made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation: No members of the public were present.

5. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons – 2nd June 2022: Councillors were in agreement to not purchase a Jubilee Beacon. However, it was felt that the village should celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at some stage during the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd – 5th June 2022. The Chairman would liaise with the Chair of the MEHM Trust and the PCC with a view to holding a joint event.

6. Go to Town Bus Service: Despite making further contact, RBR advised Council that she had still not received a response from WNCT. The Clerk would now contact WNCT and request an update.

7. Parish Council Budget Setting 2022/23: In view of the continued expenditure on play equipment repairs, to ensure that safety and inspection standards were met and maintained, and cosmetic work that may be required to the War Memorial (see item 14), Councillors were in agreement that a small increase in the precept for 2022/23, from £7000 to £7300, would be appropriate. This represented a 4.28% increase and was roughly in line with inflation. It should be noted that there was no increase in the precept in 2021/22.

8. Additional Geese on the Pond: The Clerk had contacted the RSPB, and was directed to the RSPCA, regarding advice on the management of the geese on the pond. The RSPCA do not currently respond in person unless an animal is sick, injured, orphaned or unable to survive and callers are directed to the ‘advice and welfare’ section of the RSPCA website. Further details can be found at Living with – canada geese (V2.0) – 2015 (1).pdf which, whilst looking specifically at Canada geese, does offer some advice on how to deter geese from a garden.

9. SAM 2 Update: The SAM 2 had been working without issue. The fastest recorded speeds within the 30mph limit from 1st November 2021 to 31st December 2021 had been:

Date Time Speed Sign Position
1st November 20:35 55mph Leo facing Burnham Market
3rd December 02:20 65mph Grange facing Docking
During November 14,170 vehicles passed the speed sign, in December the figure was 14,701 vehicles.

10. Norfolk County Council Budget Consultation 2022/23: SS attended the virtual Norfolk County Council Budget Consultation 2022/23 meeting held on 8th December 2021. The key points were:

Continued uncertainty with COVID and funding
Significant issues with social care
A “transformation” approach to improve efficiency and save money
Need for a further £5 million RECURRENT savings
A proposed increase in council tax of 1.99%

11. Bircham Crossroads: Whilst officially in the Parish of Docking, the junction at the Bircham Crossroads continues to concern both the Parish Council and the residents of Stanhoe. A concerted and continued effort by the Parish Council eventually resulted in the signage that was knocked down in April 2021 being replaced. Whilst further accidents had occurred at the junction in October and November 2021, before the signage was replaced, it was hoped that now full signage was in place this may help to reduce the number of accidents in the future.

12. Children’s Play Area – Update: BG and DL had very recently looked over the play equipment and whilst generally it appeared okay, the replacement of shackles and caps, identified in the 2021 Annual Inspection, had still to be rectified. DL would hasten the contractor, Playscape and also ascertain whether the shackles and caps could be purchased on a ‘self-fit’ basis. MW confirmed that the next inspection of the play equipment would take place in April/May 2022.

13. Parish Update Session by the BCKLWN: SS reported that unfortunately the planned Parish Update Session did not go ahead due to significant IT issues. Whilst the Planning Service had said that a further session would be arranged, nothing had been heard. The Clerk would hasten this.

14. War Memorial: Two complaints had been received regarding the cosmetic appearance of the War Memorial. Whilst DL, assisted by Mr Tim Bentinck who lives near the memorial, had undertaken a light cleaning of the stonework, it was acknowledged that some remedial work was required to repaint the lettering. A Grade 2 listed monument, the War Memorial must be maintained in accordance with expert advice and Council agreed that a specialist report should be commissioned in the first instance. DL agreed to make some initial enquiries.

15. Stanhoe Church: DL expressed concern that the village may not be aware of the issues regarding the long term future of the church. Built in the 13th century, it is the oldest building in Stanhoe. With a dwindling congregation it is highly likely that in the foreseeable future in the absence of wider use, it will have to close through lack of funding. Many may take its’ existence for granted; this would be an error. The Council agreed to invite the vicar to come to a meeting in the near future to brief us more fully on the situation.

16. Parish Council Meeting Dates for 2022: Parish Council meetings for the remainder of 2022 would take place on the following dates:

9th March
11th May (to be followed by Annual Parish Meeting)
13th July
14th September
9th November

All meetings would start at 6.00pm.

17. Provision of Broadband for Permanent Residents in Stanhoe: SS highlighted an issue with a resident in Cross Lane who had been told by Openreach that there would be no availability of Fibre to the Property (FTTP). The Clerk would take up the issue with the Project Manager at Norfolk County Council.

18. Planning Applications and Information: The following planning applications had been received or decided upon since the last meeting:

Application Number Proposal Decision
21/02431/F
Partial demolition of an existing dwelling house and the construction of a new private dwelling

High Barn
Burnham Road

Parish Councillors voted, by majority decision, to object to the proposals.

DL would draft a response and pass to Councillors for consideration, prior to a formal response being submitted to the BCKLWN

19. Financial Report and approval of payments: Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements were circulated to Councillors by the Clerk. No queries were raised.

Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:

Chq No Payee Reason £
100848 W. Leighton Salary November & December 2021 325.68
100849 HMRC PAYE November & December 2021 81.40
20. Resident’s Concerns/Issues Raised after the Agenda was Published:

Tractors in the Village: MW advised Council that, whilst not speeding, tractors transiting the village were often mounting the grass verges rather than slowing down or stopping. This was causing significant damage to the verges and the road edge and, in some cases, the tractors were getting perilously close to some properties. The Clerk would seek advice from the Police and the Highways Department.

Egmere Meeting: A drop-in session with the Egmere farming team would take place on 27th January. DL and MW planned to attend and would report back at the next meeting.

Memorial Plaque: The Duck Inn agreed to accept and display a specially commissioned memorial plaque to commemorate the resilience of the Stanhoe community during the pandemic. The Clerk would make the necessary arrangements for the presentation of the plaque with the Lieutenancy Office.

21. Items for the Next Agenda – Meeting of 9th March 2022:

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Go to Town Bus – Update
SAM 2 – Update
Children’s Play Area – Update
Parish Update Session
War Memorial
Broadband Issues
Tractors in the Village
Egmere Meeting – 27th January 2022
Memorial Plaque

No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 7.45pm.

Draft Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
Held on Thursday, 11th November 2021 at 6.00pm
in the village Reading Room
Clerk to the Council – Wayne Leighton, tel 01485 518570

Present:

Mr D. Lord Chairman
Miss R. Brown
Mrs R. Birkin
Mr M. Wilson
Mr B. Gorton
Dr S. Shaw
Mr T. Fitzjohn

Apologies:

Nil

In attendance:

4 members of the public

The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming two new Councillors who had been co-opted by unanimous decision; Mr Tim Fitzjohn and Dr Steve Shaw, who both reside in Stanhoe. The Chairman warmly welcomed their membership. The Chairman also took the opportunity to thank Cllr Jenny Lord for her 6+ years of service. The Chairman expressed how fortunate the village is to have a full council who are totally committed to serving the village’s needs and meeting its future requirements. RBR further reiterated the significant contribution that Cllr Jenny Lord had made during her tenure, in particular Jenny’s ability to always give a considered and impartial view.

1. To consider apologies for absence: All Councillors were present.

2. To consider approval of the minutes of the last meeting held on 9th September 2021: No queries were raised and the minutes were passed and signed by the Chairman.

3. To record declarations of interest in any item to be discussed: No declarations of interest were made.

4. To adjourn meeting to allow public participation: A member of the public asked whether there had been any significant reduction in speeding in the village since the village gates had been installed. Whilst the Chairman did not have all the data to hand, he would investigate and provide a public response in the next edition of Saints Alive. Notwithstanding, Council expressed that whilst they felt speeding had slowly reduced over recent years it was at times still excessive so they would further consider what more could be done.

5. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons – 2nd June 2022: The Chairman briefed Council on the planned lighting of beacons on 2nd June 2022 to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Chairman requested the Clerk to send full details to all Councillors so that they could consider the options and discuss in more detail at the next meeting.

6. Go to Town Bus Service: RBR advised Council that she had still not received a response where she had queried why there is no return service from Kings Lynn to Stanhoe on a Saturday or Sunday. RBR would make further contact with the WNCT Manager regarding this. RBR also informed Council that in addition to the Service 21, there was also a service from Stanhoe to Fakenham on a Thursday leaving at approximately 9.30am and returning at approximately 12.45pm. Furthermore, there is also a Volunteer Car Service offering door to door car transport for medical appointments. Further details on these 2 additional services can be obtained by calling 01553 776971.

7. Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control Order) Renewal Consultation: The current Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control Order) is due to expire on 1st December 2021. The BCKLWN intend to renew the Order, without amendment, for a further 3 years. Councillors were content with the current order and would not therefore be submitting any comments.

8. Additional Geese arrive at the Pond: A resident had made the Clerk aware of the arrival of 2 additional domestic geese on the pond and had asked whether the Parish Council were able to arrange for the geese to be moved to more suitable accommodation. Whilst Council felt there was little they could do, the Chairman requested the Clerk to contact the RSPB to see if they could offer any advice.

9. SAM 2 Update: The SAM 2 had been working without issue. The fastest recorded speeds within the 30mph limit from 1st September 2021 to 31st October 2021 had been:

Date Time Speed Sign Position
21st September 04:50 60mph Pond facing Docking
4th October 05:20 65mph Grange facing Docking
During September 31,488 vehicles passed the speed sign, in October the figure was 17,048 vehicles.

10. Message from HM Lord Lieutenant: The Lieutenancy Office have offered Norfolk Parishes, at no cost, a specially commissioned memorial plaque to commemorate the resilience of communities during the pandemic. The plaques are suitable for indoor or outdoor display. In view of the vast number of meals the Duck Inn had provided to the NHS during the height of the pandemic, SS felt that the Duck Inn may be an appropriate location to display the plaque. Council felt this was a good idea so the Chairman agreed to discuss with Ben Handley at the Duck Inn.

11. Overgrown Trees and Hedges: The Chairman had discussed the cutting of verges and hedges on Church Lane with the relevant landowner (AR) and had established that it was the responsibility of Norfolk County Council. The Clerk had subsequently contacted the Highway Engineer at Norfolk County Council and had received the following response:

“Grass cutting has been completed for this year. Unfortunately the County Council members decided not to do a second cut on the unclassified roads, which Church lane is, and therefore it will not be cut again this year and under routine maintenance we do not cut verges at this time of year, as they die back naturally.”

In addition, the Clerk had asked whether culverts could be cut into the bank on Church Lane at intervals where it is not possible for pedestrians, cyclists etc to move aside, due to the steepness of the bank, when meeting with vehicles. The following response was received:

“Whilst I fully appreciate the issue with cyclists and pedestrians, this is a narrow rural road, and what you would expect in such a rural location. Highways would not look to provide ‘culverts’ as you describe, as the banks are too steep and there is insufficient room for them. Highway users should use the Highway according to the condition of the Highway in that location and at that time, i.e. with due care and consideration.”

RBR asked if Derek Scales could be asked to keep any protruding pieces of foliage, thistles and brambles trimmed back to allow for safe passage along the footpath opposite the junction at the pond, and for the road signs to be visible. This could be included in the village maintenance undertaken by Derek. Council were agreement for this to happen; the Clerk would contact Derek and ask if he could include this additional work in his village maintenance duties.

12. Children’s Play Area – Update: BG and DL had replaced the broken aerial walkway with a ‘fixed’ walkway at no cost to the Council, other than materials. The replacement of shackles and caps, identified in the 2021 Annual Inspection, had still to be rectified. MW agreed to hasten the contractor, Playscape. MW would also arrange a date for the 2022 inspection of the play equipment.

13. Parish Update Session by the BCKLWN: The Planning Service would hold a Parish Council update session on 15th November 2021. SS and TF had both kindly agreed to attend remotely or in person, and would report back at the next meeting.

14. MEHM Trust Matters: The Chair of the MEHM Trust had notified Councillors, through the Clerk, that the floor in the bar area of the Village Hall was ‘spongy’ as a result of the chipboard floor and some supporting timbers being rotten. Councillors were advised not to enter the bar area unless absolutely necessary. Routine Council business in the Village Hall would however, be unaffected.

15. Egmere Energy Traffic: The harvest causing the heavy tractor traffic is now over, not without some significant disturbance to residents. A number of residents had asked the Parish Council why tractor movements were still taking place after 10.00pm on a Saturday evening. Egmere Energy had apologised for this inconvenience explaining that they had encountered a number of breakdowns and were also trying to beat the bad weather forecast for the Sunday. Nevertheless, the Parish Council felt the season was less obtrusive and inconsiderate than in previous years, and the operators are no longer in doubt about our feelings.

MW had met virtually with the Egmere Auditors on 11 November. The main points to report are:

All audit data (exceptions being electricity consumed & fuel transferred to the grid) are generated by the site.

The plant only uses farmed feedstock i.e. Maize & Rye, thus is not required to be regulated by the Environment Agency.

There are no waste products in the feedstock.

Farmers who grow for Egmere Energy have an annual negotiation on volumes and price, hence it is known in advance where and what volume of traffic we can likely expect.

16. Parish Council Meeting Dates for 2022: Subject to no objections, meetings would move to the 2nd Wednesday of alternate months from January 2022.

The dates, subject to confirmation, would be:

12th January
9th March
11th May (to be followed by Annual Parish Meeting)
13th July
14th September
9th November

All meetings would start at 6.00pm.

17. Planning Applications and Information: Nothing to report since the last meeting.

18. Financial Report and approval of payments: Up to date income & expenditure accounts, budget report and bank statements were circulated to Councillors by the Clerk. No queries were raised.

Approval was sought and agreed for the following payments:

Chq No Payee Reason £
100842 J. Faulks Village maintenance 25.00
100843 B. Gorton Materials for children’s play equipment 52.70
100844 W. Leighton Salary September & October 2021 325.68
100845 HMRC PAYE September & October 2021 81.40
100846 W. Leighton Expenses – Printer paper and ink 84.96
19. Resident’s Concerns/Issues Raised after the Agenda was Published:

Email from Reverend Peter Cook: Reverend Peter Cook had written to the Parish Council, through the Chairman and the Clerk, to thank the Parish Council for its kind generosity in supporting the maintenance of the Stanhoe Church churchyard.

NCC Budget Presentation – 8th December: The Chairman had intended to attend the NCC Budget Proposal Webinar on 8th December at 7.00pm, but was now not able to. MW and SS agreed to attend on behalf of the Chairman and the Parish Council.

Local Project Grants from the CIL Fund: RBR had been made aware of local project grants that were available from the CIL Fund held by the BCKLWN. Councillors would bear these grants in mind should items of play equipment need replacement.

20. Items for the Next Agenda – Meeting of 12th January 2022:

Additional Geese on the Pond – Update
Go to Town Bus – Update
SAM 2 – Update
Children’s Play Area – Update
Confirmation of Parish Council Meeting Dates for 2022.

No other items were discussed and the meeting closed at 7.30pm.