Minutes of the Parish Council held on

11thJanuary 2016

7.00pm, Dickleburgh & Rushall Village Centre, Dickleburgh

PRESENT: Cllrs. John Adlam, Terence Blacker, Terry Clarkson, Andrew Goodman, Sam Johnson, David Leyserman,

IN ATTENDANCE:Ann Baker (Clerk), Chris Davy (RFO)

Members of the Public: Co. Cllr. B. Spratt, Dist. Cllr. M. Wilby, Mr. Matt Saunders, Mr. James Richards, Mr. Nick Drax,

Public Forum: Matt Saunders is the owner of ‘Sundale’, he has recently submitted plans to build a new property behind his current bungalow, which will be demolished once the property has been built. The new build will still be set back behind the surrounding properties with a machinery store and garage. Mr. Saunders explained his plans in detail, questions were answered and he was thanked for attending the meeting

James Richards (Head teacher) and Nick Drax (chair of Governors) - came to share the planned extension at the School –the key aim is to provide a class for each year group, enlarge the Hall & lunch facilities and the office facilitiesthereby improving the environment. The plans are modest – walls will be moved out to make the resource room into a classroom, 20sq.m. will be added to the Hall, there will be an increase in office space and the Head Teacher will have a larger office, there will be an improvement to toilets facilities but no additional children (PAN cannot be changed); rationale of the Pre-Schoolis to keep the children in the village (56 on roll); currently 76% of the children are from Dickleburgh and Rushall; it is anticipated completion will be by September 2016. Queries raised by Councillors were answered, the Chair expressed how much the Parish Council valued the School and thanked Mr. Richards and Mr. Drax for their attendance.

Co. Cllr. Spratt. – commented on the various issues at NCC - children services, safe guarding, roads and an issue with NALC’s new constitution which appears to state thatif the conduct of a member is unacceptable, the member may be asked to leave– this will be investigated further.

A query was raised regarding the possible closure of The Street for community use on the Queen’s birthday - Action – Clerk to send Co. Cllr Spratt a mail.

Dist. Cllr. Wilby – the SNC ‘Big Litter’ event will form part of the national events linked to Queen’s birthday; theMarket Towns Voucher Scheme is still available from SNC website (Dec.- Feb.) and can be used in Diss, Wymondham, Harleston, Loddon; the budget will be set next month - as a result of Government cuts it will reflect the losses; recycling is up in the district atnearly 50%; devolution has stuttered with the joint proposal submitted to the Government

Both Councillors were thanked for their attendance

The meeting was reconvenedat7.35

It was proposed and agreed that Cllr. Clarkson be Chair for the evening due to absence of the Chair and Vice-Chair

  1. Presentation by James Richards & Nick Drax
  2. Acceptance of Apologies - Cllrs. Ambrose, Moore and Munnings - approved

Cllr. Moore’s resignation will take effect from the April meeting, the offer for advice accepted, Cllr. Moore will remain on the Village Centre Committee

  1. Declarations of pecuniary and other interests from members on any item to be discussed - none
  2. The Monthly Financial Report from the RFO, including notification of payments made over the last month:
  • Figures- these are where would be expected at this point in the financial year, all solicitor fees have been paid, there are no other feesoutstanding
  • Income – there is VAT repayment of approx. £1,000; expenditure is slightly underspent due tothe change in salary for the caretaker; the10hours per week should average itself out over the year; PROW - Clerk to co-ordinate with

Cllr. Blacker and John Wilson regarding maintenance, it was noted there was an overspend at St. Clements Common

  • Payments this month – three Community grants were received and agreed– see below
  • Signing of cheques – Chris Davy reminded the Council that for BACS payments it requires Cllr. Munnings + 2 more, for cheque Cllr. Munnings on the slips, cheque stubs.
  • Reconciliation for quarter – the figures were presented for the third quarter – it was resolved to approve them, proposed Cllr. Clarkson, seconded Cllr. Blacker, all agreed
  • Financial risk assessment – will be checked prior to the year end
  • Asset Register needs to be checked before the end of the year preferably. Cllr. Adlam will arrange to meet with Gerald Seaman and Cllr. Munnings
  • Standing orders & financial regulations – will be checked by the Clerk prior to the year end

Cllr. Goodman arrived 8.20pm

  1. Receipt and approval of the Precept and Budget for the financial year 2016/17 - the figures had been circulated, Band D would remain the same - grant £2,163.00, precept £34,007.21, total £36,170.21 – there is slightly less grant from SNC but a small increase in numbers for the tax base, along with the benefit ofrent from the chipshop. It was resolved to accept the figures, proposed Cllr. Blacker,seconded Cllr. Leyserman, all agreed.
  2. Approval of Community Grant payments to:
  1. Rushall PCC– proposed Cllr. Johnson, seconded Cllr. Blacker
  2. Dickleburgh PCC– proposed Cllr. Leyserman, seconded Cllr. Goodman
  3. Parish Monthly News– proposed Cllr. Clarkson, seconded Cllr.Johnson –the request in preparation for a replacement printer – it was agreed that when the problemsis crucial to approach the Parish Council again
  4. The Bowls Club – proposed Cllr. Adlam, seconded Cllr. Leyserman. Item fornext agendawith regard to a further donation in memory of Ray Dorrington
  1. Barclays Youth Base account – Barclaysenquired ifthe Parish Council wished to close the account, there isapprox. £600. Following discussion it was resolved to retain the account – Action - Chris Davy to contact Barclays
  2. Approval of the minutes from the last meeting held on 14th December 2015 - approved Cllr. Clarkson, seconded

Cllr. Blacker that the minutes were adopted as a true and accurate record, which was agreed by all

  1. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting – for information purposes only incl.
  1. Young People, Momentum, Mike Clemo – Clerk has contacted Momentum, CEO will be in contact, until budgets are determined, it is unclear what will happen, as yet it appears that the youngsters have not been spoken to. Graham Kerry in Rushall has offered to his premises as a facility for the young people of Rushall. Action – Cllr. Goodman to contact Mike Clemo. Agenda item for March
  2. Parish Partnership bid – acknowledgement of bid has been received, decision will be reached in April
  3. Speeding traffic and condition of grassed areas along Rectory Road – no further information at present
  4. Shallow steps near the Village sign and green - Caretaker has the matter in hand, dry weather is necessary to apply this particular type of paint

Trees & dog bin – no evidence of any excrement, proposed that if in six months it is not being used, that it is moved. From a visual point of view the bin should be sited by barrier – Action – Clerk to co-ordinate with John Wilson

  1. Progress of the‘Easement Access’ for the School –Hancox Solicitors advised it would be unnecessary to review every five years. The suggestions was a fixed-term easement for 10/20 years, with the option in the final year to re-consider charging, to offer a new easement or to cease the arrangement –it was resolved that the preference was for a fixed term of five years – Action – Clerk to contact Hancox Solicitors
  2. Replacement sheets on the Youth shelter - Agenda item forFebruary
  3. Receipt of the Clerk’s Report:approved and attached
  4. Planning Applications as received from South Norfolk Council:
  1. Planning Application - 2015/2847 – Land North of7 Merlewood, Dickleburgh – outline planning permission for a single storey 1or 2 bed dwelling –mindful of the site as entrance to the Village, issues with trees addressed providing highways & tress are maintained & protected -it was resolved to recommend that SNC approve the application with conditions relating to the site entrance & tree preservation
  2. Planning Application 2015/2770 - Discharge of Condition – Weggs Farm, Common Road, Dickleburgh – discharge of Condition 2 planning consent 2015/0398 – elevations, gardens & parking details -noted
  3. Planning Application 2015/2834 – Sundale, Norwich Road, Dickleburgh – demolition of existing bungalow & erection of 2 storey detached dwelling, garage & machinery store. The Council discussed various concerns – there will be minimal visualimpact from the house being set back, the location of the garage & machinery store in the meadow appeared in excess of regular ‘domestic use – Action – Cllr. Goodman to contact Matt. Saunders. It was resolved to recommend that SNC approve the application with conditions attached regarding the garage & machinery store
  4. Planning Application 2015/2897 – 3 Merlewood, Dickleburgh – single storey rear & side extension – although visually large it was in-keeping with other developments – it was resolved to recommend that SNC approve the application
  5. Planning Application 2015/2931 – Dickleburgh VCP School – single storey extension & associated alterations – this would enable one class per year group, ample facilities for administration work and a Hall facility suitable for various functions – it was resolved to fully support the proposal and recommend that SNC approve the application
  6. Planning Application 2015/2792 – College Farm, Langmere Road, Dickleburgh – to remove the agricultural tie from the property – following discussion it was resolved to recommend SNC approve the application
  7. Planning Application 2016/0022 – 29 Merlewood, Dickleburgh – two storey rear extension over existing – the visual impact of this proposal would be in-keeping with the locality – it wasresolved to recommend SNC approve the plans
  8. Planning Application 2015/2914 – Langmere Barn, Harleston Road, Dickleburgh –replacement of roof, in-filling a single storey external storage area, insert new windows at ground andfirst floor level, insert roof lights, provide chimney, external timber with brickwork plinth – it was resolved to recommend approval

2016/0027 – for the above – prior approval for a change of use from storage or distribution to

dwelling houses – following discussion of the above plans, it was resolved to recommend that SNC approve

both applications

i. 2015/1990 - Post Office Store - situation to date –Cllr. Blacker has sent an email to Steve Beckett expressing concerns about the manner in which the decision was reached. The Parish Council have met with Mike Humphrey’s to find a suitable compromise whilst satisfying Premier Stores. Information is awaited from Mike Humphrey’s to arrange an informal meeting - Action - Cllr. Clarkson to facilitate, Cllr. Blacker willinform Mr. Beckett of the developments

  1. To receive consultees reports of planning decisions made by SNC:
  1. Planning Application 2015/1989 – Post Office Store, The Street, Dickleburgh – improved access to main public pedestrian access, lowered front windows sills, re-roofing to rear lean-to area + new wall & door in fill below - Approved 10th December 2015
  2. Planning Application 2015/1990 – Advertisement application - Post Office Store – new shop signage including store front sign, side elevation sign, signage to window glazing areas, panel signs to side elevation – Approved 10th December 2015
  3. Planning Application 2015/2589 – 141 Wood Lane, Dickleburgh – first floor extension plus porch & detached garage - Approved 29th December 2015
  4. Planning Application 2015/2475 – 12 Limmer Avenue, Dickleburgh – alteration to cladding on loft dormer & addition of small window over stairwell – Approved 23rd December
  5. Planning Application 2015/2657 – 11 Millers Drive, Dickleburgh – pitched roof lobby to rear & bay window extension to front
  6. Planning Application 2015/2688 – Lodge Farm Bungalow – new access to meadow adjoining Lodge Farm Bungalow
  1. Receipt from SNC of Planning Consultation changes from 02/01/16 –noted – SNC will no longer be sending paper copies of planning applications to the Clerks
  2. Receipt from SNC of the Long Stratton Area Action Plan Consultation document –it was resolvedno comment was necessary
  1. Trimming of the hedging on St. Clements Common – two years since last done by Phil Newby – Action - Cllr. Blacker to contact and arrange for the work to be carried out - proposed Cllr. Clarkson, seconded Cllr. Leyserman
  2. Consideration of the opening of a Parish Council Office - Agenda item for February
  3. The refurbishment of the Village Centre changing rooms and bathroom facilities –two quotes have been received for the work, Cllr. Moore has offered to investigate the funding options prior tothe start of refurbishment
  4. Receipt of matters of information:
  • Cllr.Blacker –unlicensed fire arm found in a house locally; a home on Langmere Road was broken into recently; PROW – promoting the use of the paths, along with the ones that are not so well used, general maintenance before the Spring growth – agenda item for February

Cllr. Blacker offered to go into school to promote interest in a litter clean-up, offering a prize of £50 for a suitable slogan

  • Cllr. Adlam –June 12th -90th birthday of the Queen – the possibility of road closure for a street party to include meals, games, quiz, organise a committee. It would be useful to co-ordinate with Michael Wilby – agenda item for February
  • Cllr. Clarkson - TheHalf Moon has new tenants
  • Cllr. Leyserman–raised a concern that in recent weeksthe refuse bins near the village sign had been moved - the green bin was moved on two separate occasions and one black bin had rubbish tipped on to the green on another occasion.
  • Cllr.Johnson– resident isconcerned about the cars parking on both sides of Rectory Road (between Catchpole & Beech Way), the grass verge is churned up resulting in residents parking half on half off the kerb. There is insufficient space for large lorries to pass safely in the evening/night, there is potential for an accident - Action - Clerk will report to Highways and enquire about schemes/ inducements for permission to lower kerbs and park in front gardens
  • Clerk – circulation of dates for future meetings; to note the minor change of address for SNC offices; the Dereham Footpath Warden will arrange a meeting for interested parties; Paul Brandreth and family have given written approval for ‘Brandreth Close.’; Whole Council Training session onPlanning – Thurs. 7th or 28th April – Clerk to check with Ann Seaman
  1. Confirmation of the date of the next meeting & items for the agenda - 8th February 2016, start time 7.00pm
  • Youth Shelter
  • Opening of Parish Office
  • PROW
  • Queen’s birthday arrangements
  • Date for litter pick

There being no further business the meeting ended at10.27pm

Signed……………………………………………………………………… Date………………………………………………………………….