4. PLANNING

        Planning applications are under the control of the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk. ( BCKLWN ) who sends details of the applications to the Parish Council ( PC ) for consideration. These applications are normally discussed at the regular monthly meetings, unless there is a short timescale , when a meeting of the planning committee is arranged. The PC can recommend that the application should be approved or rejected and they can make comments which go back to the BCKLWN.

    The final decision, including whether any conditions should be made regarding the application is made by the BCKLWN

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. MINUTES OF RECENT MEETINGS

MINUTES OF METHWOLD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT ST. GEORGE’S HALL

THURSDAY 14^TH AUGUST 2008

Present:  – Mr. R Hood - Chairman, Mr. D Owen, Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith, Mrs. M Wortley, Mrs. J Oliver, Mr. C Neville, Mr. C Marsland, Mr. D Wortley, Mrs. K McBride, Mrs B Horton

Borough Cllr. Mr. M Peake

Borough Cllr. Mr. A Lawrence

4 members of the public

OPEN FORUM

No matters raised

1.  Apologies for Absence:

Borough Cllr. Mr. M Storey

2.  Declaration of Interest:

None stated

3.  The Minutes of the meeting held on 17/07/08 were agreed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising:

§         It will be checked whether the grass around the edge of the Rec. is being strimmed.

• The pot hole, which was reported last month, at Cock Corner could be a sunken drain cover. There is also a sunken fire hydrant cover outside Crown House.
• Discussion took place again regarding the rubbish being left by the side of the road in Brookville. The meeting was briefly suspended to allow a resident of Scotts Lane, Brookville to speak on this matter. The rubbish is left by the side of the road as the rubbish collection vehicle will no longer traverse Scotts Lane. As agreed by BCKLWN one resident needs to put their rubbish out on Mondays and others leave bags for collection on Fridays.

Councillors are concerned that the bags of rubbish left by the side of the road may encourage fly tipping and it is a Health & Safety issue that rubbish is left to be possibly interfered with by vermin. A letter will be sent to BCKLWN stating these concerns.

• The old litter bin by the post box in Brookville is to be replaced. It will be checked when the Brookville dog waste bin is emptied as it often appears to be full.

5.      Reports:

            5.1 Chairman’s Report:

The Chairman had nothing to report.

      5.2 Clerk’s Report:

The Annual Play Equipment Inspection Report has arrived and a meeting of the Recreation Ground Committee will be arranged to study recommendations made in the report.

6.  Accounts for July were presented and accepted for payment.

Hall letting fees of £1069 have been received in the last month and Councillors asked when and for what has St. Georges Hall been hired.

Materials have been purchased for use by the Community Payback team while working on projects in the village. The team have been in Methwold three times to date and at present are engaged painting the cemetery railings. As a result of clearing ivy etc. around the village the skip may need to be emptied more frequently.

7.  Correspondence:

Letter re. Location of Post Office – to be discussed in closed session

Civic Reception 11/09/08 @ 7.30pm King’s Lynn Town Hall

In Folder to be passed to Councillors:

1.                  NCAPTC Boundary Committee Review Knight’s Hill Hotel King’s Lynn August 19^th @ 7.30pm. The meeting was suspended at 8.00pm to allow Cllr. Lawrence to give an update on the Boundary Commissions proposals for unitary government in Norfolk. The proposals are being opposed by NCC and BCKLWN. If the suggested Unitary Norfolk does get the go ahead than the Borough Council will no longer exist. Parish Councils are being encouraged to support the status quo.

2.                  Tapping House promotional material

3.                  Proposed removal of BT payphones

4.                  Emergency planning  - Study Day 07/10/08

5.                  NCAPTC General meeting 28/08/08 @ 7.30pm County Hall, Norwich

6.                  Funding Opportunities

7.                  Proposed Removal of Public payphones

8.                  Review of the East of England Plan

9.                  Connecting Communities dates

10.             Hazardous waste amnesty days

8.  Planning:

     Applications:

8.1

Ref. No:    08/01788/F   

Location:   Land North of 16 Globe Street, Methwold

Details:      Conversion of store building to dwelling                                                                     

                                                                                    Permission recommended

8.2

Ref. No:        08/01842/F

Location:       Wissington Sugar Factory

Details:           Construction of enclosure for the storage of Limex

                                                                                   Permission recommended

      Notice of Decision:

Ref. No:        08/01469/F

Location:      46 High Street, Methwold

Details:         Extension to dwelling                                                                                                 Permission granted

Ref. No:        08/01250/CU

Location:       Hythe Court, Hythe Road, Methwold

Details:          Change of use of part of residential dwelling for use as business                                                               Permission granted

9.  Consideration of nomination of a Trustee for the Coote Almshouse Trust:

Mr. I Murray, who had previously volunteered for this position, was absent from the meeting but Councillors decided to nominate him to be put forward for the role.

1.      Community Speed Watch Scheme:

The Clerk has been contacted by only one person who would volunteer to take part in this scheme. Six volunteers are required before the scheme would be considered for operation in the parish. The majority of Councillors seem to consider that the job of monitoring speeding traffic should be undertaken by the Police.

The Parish Council will not proceed further with this scheme unless more willing participants come forward. It is felt however, there is a problem with speeding traffic along the B1112 and through the village. Measures should be identified which could alleviate excess speeding and how speed limits are set will be investigated.

2.      Further reports/items for the next agenda:

·        The area outside the front of the Fenton Room needs tidying and the guttering needs repair. These matters will be an agenda item for the September meeting.

·        A car was reported as being parked on the pavement outside the Old Swan PH in Brookville. This is a matter that should be reported to the Police.

·        Dogs have been reported running out by the road near Ventura Close. Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith was asked to put a notice in the Methwold Times reminding people to be responsible for their animals.

·        The Parish Council needs to be aware that MPRA may no longer be running and if so the Council must undertake regular checks of the play equipment on the Rec. Enquiries will be made as to whether the group is still fund raising.

·        An outside light at St. George’s Hall appears to be on continuously.

·        The road surface is breaking up at the junction of Ventura Close and Hythe Road.

·        The overflow pipe at the end of the Fenton Room is dripping and it was suggested a plumber should be employed to check this out.

·        Past Parish Council Chairman, Mr. Bob Fox has died. A letter of condolence will be sent to Mrs. Fox.

·        Street light No. 4 along Stoke Road is not working.

·        Moles are evident in the cemetery.

·        Headstones are being erected in the cemetery without permission being sort from the Parish Council

·        The Fenton Room exterior door doorstop has been broken off. The Chairman offered to sort this out.

Minutes of the Meeting of Methwold Parish Council

held on Thursday 17^th July 2008

at St. George’s Hall.

Those present: –- Mr. D Owen – Vice-Chairman, Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith, Mr. D. Wortley, Mrs. M Wortley, Mr. C Neville, Mrs. K McBride, Mrs. B Horton, Mrs. J. Oliver,  Mr. C. Marsland.

9 members of the public

2 Police Community Support Officers

OPEN FORUM

• The Chairman welcomed the Community Support Officers to the meeting saying he was pleased to see a Police presence. Some discussion took place regarding parking on double yellow lines outside the Primary School. Drivers are forced the wrong side of the wooden cross in Crown Street when vehicles triple park by the Red House. Community Support Officers cannot issue parking tickets at present but it is hoped their powers may be increased. Warning notices can be issued and it was requested that the CPSO’s attend the village on Mondays to possibly target bad parking. CPSO Clare Line is the Police Liaison Officer for Methwold Primary and she is working with the school to organise a park n’stride scheme in the village which will hopefully alleviate parking around the Primary. She will mention concerns regarding parking outside Methwold High School to the High School Police Liaison Officer. The public were again reminded to phone 0845 456 4567 to report any non-emergency incidents, including parking obstructions, to the Police.
• It was reported that the problem with rubbish being left at the side of the road by Scotts Lane, Brookville appears to have been resolved.
• It was noted that the Recreation Ground is not being cleared of litter before the grass is cut and consequently cans have been shredded. Future mowing will be monitored.
• The crime figures for the area (28 reported crimes in Methwold and 11 in Methwold Hythe since January 1^st 2008) were reported as follows:

Burglary from a dwelling                               3

Other burglary                                                1

            Aggravated burglary                                     1

            Common Assault                                          3

            ABH                                                                1

            Criminal damage to a vehicle                      2

            Other criminal damage                                 7

            Theft of a vehicle                                           2

            Theft from a vehicle                                       1

            Interference with a vehicle                            1

            Other theft                                                      5

            Harassment/anti-social behaviour              2

            Domestic violence                                     10

1. Apologies for absence:

Mr. R Hood, Mrs. B Horton, Borough Councillor Mr. M Peake

2. No Declarations of Interest made.

3. Minutes of the meeting held on 12/06/08 approved.

4. Matters arising from the Minutes:

§         Following concern at the last meeting about the standard of grass cutting around the parish it was reported as now being good.

§         Mr. D Owen and the Clerk attended the Community Action Group meeting held on June 30^th at Nordelph. As requested by Mr. Owen information regarding the use of speed check guns by members of the community was sent to the Clerk.

§         Some discussion took place regarding whether or not the invoice from the Borough Council for the printing of Methwold Parish Plan should be paid. More information will be sought as to why it has taken over eighteen months for the Plan to be printed.

§         Residents of Herbert Drive have been sent letters regarding not

playing ball games in a residential area.

·        The rubbish bin in Brookville is not being emptied and needs replacing. The Clerk is meeting an officer from BCKLWN regarding the provision of litter bins in the parish on July 24^th.

·        It may have been wrongly reported in the June minutes that Environmental Health Officers have been checking the contents of household rubbish bins in Brookville. However, advice is for people to be careful what they throw in their rubbish as identity fraud is a concern.

5.   Reports:

5.1 Chairman’s Report:

·        It was agreed to bring item 9. forward and Mr Iain Murray was duly co-opted to fill one of the vacancies on the Parish Council. One vacancy still remains.

·        Mr. Owen explained the Community Speed Watch scheme. The idea to involve local residents in a speed reduction activity is being rolled out County wide. Speed monitoring is carried out by trained volunteers with follow up work undertaken by Norfolk Police. Discussion took place regarding whether this work should be undertaken by members of the public or whether it is a police job. Three Councillors stated they would not be willing to take part in the scheme themselves.

The meeting was opened for the public to voice comments at 8.00pm: It was felt by some that the professionals are paid to do such work, but one volunteer did come forward interested in taking part in the scheme.

The Council will decide at the August meeting whether this scheme should be adopted in the parish. A minimum of six volunteers is suggested. A notice will be put in the Methwold Times to gauge possible interest.

·        Mr. Owen is liaising with the contractors who are to replace the oil tank at St. George’s Hall as the position for the new tank is in question. It was agreed the tank should be positioned as originally suggested. This could mean the newly installed disabled ramp will need modification. However, hand rails should be added to the ramp and this could be undertaken by the contractors when adapting the ramp to accommodate the oil pipe.

5.2 Clerk’s Report:

·        The Clerk attended a meeting held by BCKLWN regarding the proposals made by the Boundary Committee for a unitary Norfolk. Councillors were encouraged to make their preferences known and information can be found at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk

6. Accounts for June were presented and approved for payment in accordance with the budget.

6.1             The 2008 Annual Return Form was completed and duly signed by the Chairman.

7. Correspondence:

A letter has been received from the Chairman of the AlmshouseTrustees requesting a trustee nomination from the Parish Council. No Councillors volunteered for this role but Mr. Murray did express an interest and thus this item will be an agenda item again at the August Parish Council meeting.

In Folder:

1.           Draft proposals for unitary local government in Norfolk

2.                  NCAPTC Boundary Committee Review meeting. King’s Lynn Town Hall Aug. 4^th @ 7pm.

3.           Standards Board Committee agenda and minutes

4.                  Friends of West Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau meeting 22/07/08 Ramada, King’s Lynn @ 7.30pm

5.           NRCC AGM

6.           NPFA AGM

7.           Norfolk Link etc.

8.           Proposed Removal of public payphones

9.           Application of variation of premises licence – The George, Methwold

10.      Breckland LDF Site Specific booklet

.

8.   Planning:

Applications considered:

1. Insertion of 3 dormer windows in connection with loft conversion at 11 Old Feltwell Road, Methwold 08/01663/F

Recommended approval

2.   Extension to dwelling at 46 High Street, Methwold 08/01469/F

Recommended approval

3.   Construction of water storage pond at Wissington Sugar Factory 08/01581/FM

Recommended approval

Decision Notices:

1. Extension to dwelling at 15 Main Road, Brookville 08/01298/F

Permission granted

2. Construction of detached studio at Windfalls, High Street, Methwold 08/00679/F

Permission granted

3.   Notice received of appeal against the decision by Borough Planning Authority to refuse planning permission for construction of dwelling at 7/9 White Plot Road, Methwold Hythe APP/V2635/A/08/2079032/WF

Item 9. was dealt with under item 5.1.

10.   Further Reports – for information only:

10.1          A pot hole was reported at Cock Corner.

10.2          Flower tubs were reported situated on the pavement along Old Feltwell Road.

10.3          It was suggested any change to the usual date of monthly Parish Council meetings should be advertised.

10.4          The Cock Corner cross roads were reported as being slippery.

10.5          Hedges on the corner near the Primary School need trimming.

10.6          Bushes along the High Street are overhanging the pavement.

10.7          It was asked why the Hall Committee do not undertake any fund raising. St. George’s Hall is owned and managed by the Parish Council and is thus funded by money from the precept.

10.8          The hiring contract for St. George’s Hall states that hirers should hold public liability insurance.

10.9          The Old Post Office has been vandalised and looks unsightly (It was reported repairs may now have been undertaken).

10.10        The proposed projects to be undertaken by the Community Payback Team have been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but it is expected work will commence in the near future.

10.11        It was suggested Cock Corner should have hatching or No Parking painted on the road. It will be investigated whether this could be possible and an update on the feasibility of a footpath around the corner will be requested.

10.12        Weeds need clearing from the path from Globe Street to the churchyard.

MINUTES OF METHWOLD PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT ST. GEORGE’S HALL

THURSDAY 12^TH JUNE 2008

Present:  Mr. R Hood – Chairman, Mr. D Owen, Mrs. B Horton, Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith, Mrs. M Wortley, Mrs. J Oliver, Mr. C Neville, Mr. C Marsland, Mr. D Wortley, Mrs. K McBride

Borough Cllr. Mr. M Peake, 7 members of the public

Police Officer Sargeant Marsh

OPEN FORUM

§         It was suggested another litter bin should be provided in the village to be located nearer to the Auction Yard. The Parish Council will discuss this further with BCKLWN when debating how many bins the Borough Council will support/empty.

§         Some concern was expressed by a resident of Brookville who feared that a rogue plumber may have been operating in the parish recently. This matter was noted by the police sergeant present at the meeting. Sgt March also warned that oil theft is something everyone should be wary of. If oil is stolen a crime should be reported so a crime number is issued. The crime number is likely to be needed for any insurance claim. It is possible to have an alarm fitted to an oil tank and the police are advising people to invest in such a deterrent.

§         Sgt Marsh reported that in the last month there have been four crimes reported in the Methwold area. Three were domestic related and the forth was the theft of a motorcycle. There has been a spate of theft of scrap metal from rural areas lately – chiefly as the price of scrap has been high.

§         There have been thefts from motor vehicles in Northwold and Feltwell in the past few days and a suspicious vehicle was seen in Ventura Close Methwold at 2am on June 11^th. It was stressed that if anyone does see a crime being committed they should ring 999. If someone wants to report an incident anonymously then they should contact Crimestoppers.

§         It was agreed to discuss item 10 of the agenda while Sgt. Marsh was present. Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith has been investigating the possibility that members of the Parish Council could operate a speed camera in conjunction with the Police. It seems there could be a fee involved of around £750 to purchase the camera and receive training to operate it. Mrs. D Charlesworth-Smith offered to investigate the scheme further. It was commented that Police speed checks are undertaken in Brookville but they do not seem to be set up at peak traffic times.

Sgt Marsh left the meeting.

1.  Apologies for Absence:

None received

2.  Declaration of Interest:

None stated

3.  The Minutes of the meeting held on 08/05/08 were agreed as a true record.

4.  Matters Arising:

• With regard to rubbish left by the side of the road in Brookville, as reported at the last meeting, an enforcement notice is to be issued by BCKLWN.  Concern has also been voiced that Environmental Officers have been seen checking the contents of household rubbish bins in Brookville. It seems the Borough Council is advising residents to ensure the rubbish is put in the correct bin and that bins are left out for collection on the appropriate days (bins should not be left out overnight). Borough Council Mick Peake offered to look into this matter.
• The Parish Plan has finally been printed and hopefully copies will be distributed soon. There will be an invoice to settle for the cost of printing but money has been held for this (a grant was obtained and fund raising was undertaken to pay for printing of the Plan).
• The definite date for knowing if a Post Office will be permitted to re-open in the village is now June 24^th.  Those involved in the project to establish a Post Office in the Fenton Room are hopeful that the Post Office will not be lost.
• It was suggested Brookville needs two new litter bins.

5.      Reports:

5.1 Chairman’s Report:

• The Chairman has spoken to the doctors practise manager and there is a lockable cabinet in the hall for drugs. However, there is some concern that if the present dispensing room is re-located the doctor may feel isolated and there would be one exit only from the room used for the doctor’s surgery. These concerns may need to be allayed as necessary once it is known if the Post Office is to go ahead in the Fenton room.
• Work has been undertaken at St. George’s Hall – new external doors have been fitted, ramps are being installed by the doors, the car park spaces have been marked and the floor of the main hall has been revarnished.

    5.2 Clerk’s Report:

• More information will be requested regarding the ‘Save Our Surgery Campaign’ before any letter is written to MP Chris Fraser.

·        The Clerk has attended a ‘Meet the Auditor Morning’ as new external auditors have been appointed this year. Practise remains much the same but the Annual Return does need to be completed earlier. The accounts for the year ending March 31^st 2008 need to be accepted by July 31^st 2008 and next years accounts will need to be accepted by June 30^th 2009.

·        It seems Methwold Parish Recreation association may be winding down and thus the Parish Council must arrange regular play equipment inspections and the regulatory annual inspection of the equipment on the Recreation Ground.

·        CPSO Claire Line has said she will attend the next Parish Council meeting which is to be held on July 17^th.

·        The BCKLWN no longer erect ‘No ball game signs’ and thus the sign that was along Hythe Road is unlikely to be replaced.

·        The Clerk has attended the 2008 CPRE/NCAPTC Planning Conference. Items discussed included light pollution and wind turbines. Council’s are being urged to replace street lights with those that have a flat screen to angle light downward thus saving light being wasted. It was stated that wind farms would not be built were it not for government subsidies and money should be re-allocated to encourage research into other forms of renewable energy. Design Statements were also a topic of discussion. It is possible a Design Statement can be accepted as a material planning consideration.

·        The Clerk attended a meeting held to update and engage Parish Council’s regarding the Local Development Framework. From the results of a Quality of Life Survey commissioned by BCKLWN the Downham Market neighbourhood appears to compare with North Lynn on issues such as aspiration and attainment.

6.  Accounts for May were presented and accepted for payment.

6.1. Councillors were asked to put a wish list together for the Finance Committee to consider when it meets to review the current reserve money allocation.

7.  Correspondence:

1.                  Funding Opportunities

2.                  Local Transport Plan Delivery Seminar

3.                  Mobile Police Office timetables

4.                  West Norfolk Bus Stop Clearways (opp. village cross)

5.                  BCKLWN Green Space Strategy – www.westnorfolkinbloom.co.uk

6.                  NAVH Newsletter

7.                  Norfolk Police Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

8.                  Veterans Badges

9.                  NCAPTC Summer Conference 22/07/08 (It was agreed to contribute one third of the fee of £35 for the clerk to attend)

8.  Planning:

     Applications:

8.1

Ref. No:    08/01298/F   

Location:   15 Holders Lane, Brookville

Details:      Extension to dwelling                                                                                        

                                                                                    Permission recommended

8.2

Ref. No:        08/00679/F

Location:       Windfalls, 38 High Street, Methwold

Details:           Construction of detached studio                                                                 

                                                                                   Permission recommended

8.3

Ref. No:        08/01250/CU

Location:       Hythe Court, Hythe Road, Methwold

Details:           Change of use of part of residential dwelling for use as a business

                                                                                          No comment made as feeling is that business use is already in operation

      Notice of Decision:

Ref. No:        08/01105/F

Location:        5 Stoke Road

Details:           Extension to dwelling

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Permission granted

Ref. No:        08/00870/F

Location:        61 Globe Street, Methwold

Details:           Re-development to include two new dwellings plus conversion of existing building

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Permission granted

Notification has been received regarding an appeal made to the Secretary of State against the enforcement notice served by the Borough Council relating to land at 1 Globe Street, Methwold. The notice alleges a car port was constructed without planning permission. The Parish Council will send comment in support of the enforcement notice and distribute copies of relevant correspondence to neighbours of 1 Globe Street to advise them of the appeal.

9.  Footpath Committee meeting:

It was agreed to provide Councillors with relevant copies of maps at the July Parish Council meeting and then arrange inspection of the footpaths.

10. Use of speed check guns:

Discussed during Open Forum.

11. Further reports/items for the next agenda:

11.1 It was decided Councilllors will be given a copy of the Methwold Parish Plan before it is delivered to others.

11.2 It appears the edges of the Recreation Ground are not being strimmed and areas are being missed in the cemetery. Some concern was expressed that not enough care is being taken with the grass cutting. The gate between the Rec. and the Churchyard was left open by the contractors and the lock is now missing. The contractors will be asked to replace the lock.

11.3The footpath across Storey’s meadow is in need of cutting. Mr. M Peake offered his assistance with this matter.

11.4         It was suggested a second dog waste bin may be needed in Brookville as the one by the litter bin is often full.

11.5The hedge adjacent to The Avenue, Brookville is hampering visibility for drivers pulling on to the main road. Highways will be contacted about this.

11.6There is apparently a liquid rabbit repellent available that could possibly be tried in the cemetery. More information will be sought.

11.7There has been one enquiry regarding the two vacancies on the Parish Council.

11.8Concern was voiced regarding development at No. 12 Main Road, Brookville. The Borough Council has been informed of activities at the site.

11.9Mrs J Oliver has been in touch with Mr Fred Murphy regarding the possibility of the Community Payback Team undertaking some work in the parish. Mrs Oliver has requested that Councillors provide her with a list of jobs that need doing in the village. Work that may be undertaken could include repainting of the Fenton Room, general tidying of the hall car park including graffiti removal and pruning of shrubs. Ivy could be cleared from the Churchyard wall and cemetery. Other jobs in the cemetery could be undertaken such as painting of the railings, digging a trench for a water pipe, putting gravel on the paths and trimming the hedge. If the team is to work in Methwold use of a kitchen for refreshments would be requested and items such as cord for a strimmer would need to be supplied. Rubbish generated would need to be disposed of by the Parish Council. Mrs Oliver is to get back to Mr. Murphy with a list of jobs that the Parish Council would most like to see undertaken. It is possible the Parish Plan could be distributed by the Team.

11.10    It was requested the sign advertising the auction held in the village on Friday evenings should be removed when the auction is not running.

11.11    Some discussion took place regarding a suggested drop off point on Fair Hill for High School students.

11.12    Complaints were received regarding mini motos in the village and cyclists using footpaths.

11.13    New doors have been fitted to St. George’s Hall and, with Councillor Agreement; keys will be cut, numbered and distributed to regular users in due course.

Resolution to exclude the public to discuss the following: