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Blofield Parish Council
Minutes of the Blofield Parish Council Meeting held at Blofield Courthouse on Monday 16th March 2015 at
7:30pm – 9.45pm.
PRESENT
David Ward (Chair), Barry Cawkwell, Nigel MacPherson, Pat Wilson, Margaret Turner and Sarah Tetlow
and Sarah Osbaldeston (Clerk). Stella Shackle arrived at item 14.
1.
Welcome and Introduction to the meeting by the Chair, David Ward.
2.
TO CONSIDER APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Rob Christie, Yvonne Burton, Joseph Scholes and Diane Hayward.
3.
TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Sarah Tetlow and Pat Wilson declared a non-pecuniary interest in items 15 and 20 as they are both
on the Courthouse Management Committee.
David Ward declared a non-pecuniary interest in all planning matters as a member of Broadland
District Council’s planning committee.
3.1.
3.2.
Suspend standing orders
4.
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
OPEN FORUM - FOR PARISHIONERS TO RAISE QUESTIONS ON AND/OR MAKE
STATEMENTS ABOUT MATTERS ON THE AGENDA AND TO RECEIVE A REPORT FROM
THE DISTRICT COUNCILLOR AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR
Approximately 10 parishioners were present. Councillor Andrew Proctor and Sue Lawn sent their
apologies.
Item 9.6 – A parishioner detailed his objections to this proposed development
Item 18 – Terry Norton advised that Heathlands Management Committee request the Council
instruct Birketts Solicitors regarding this boundary issue.
Item 9.6 – A parishioner commented on this planning application and requested the council
continue to pursue improvements to the East Yarmouth Road / A47 junction.
Pat Wilson expressed disappointment in the lack of interest District Councillor Paul Green has
shown in the Parish of Blofield which he has represented for the last 4 years.
Resume standing orders
5.
5.1.
6.
6.1.
7.
7.1.
8.
8.1.
8.2.
8.3.
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 16th FEBRUARY
2015
David Ward proposed (seconded by Barry Cawkwell) the minutes were accepted and these were
unanimously approved by the council and duly signed by the chair.
TO REPORT ON MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
No matters arising.
TO REPORT ON MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES NOT ON THE AGENDA
9.4 (16th Feb 2015 minutes) - Application 20142057 – erection of a detached dwelling to replace
existing dwelling at 9 Church Road has been refused planning permission on the 3rd March.
TO RECEIVE A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE AND AGREE ANY NECESSARY ACTIONS
The recent walkabout workshops held in Blofield and Blofield Heath received approximately 90
visitors in total.
The full content of the Neighbourhood Plan update was noted by the Council.
The Clerk noted that the Locality Bridging Grant of £3,458 would be received by the Council shortly
and the Council had been successful in obtaining the Broadland District Council grant of £5,622.
9.
TO RECEIVE A PLANNING UPDATE
9.1.
Application 20141710 – erection of 30 dwellings on land adjacent to 20 Yarmouth Road went to
planning committee on the 11th March.
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9.2.
9.3.
9.4.
A parishioner has raised concerns regarding the planning application 20150229, Andrew Proctor
has responded to the parishioners email.
The application of grading, crushing and screening inert material on Norfolk Premier Golf has been
withdrawn with effect from the 3rd February 2015.
Application 20142057 – erection of a detached dwelling to replace existing dwelling at 9 Church
Road has been refused planning permission on the 3rd March.
10.
TO CONSIDER COUNCIL FEEDBACK ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM
BROADLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL Clerk to feedback to BDC
10.1.
Application: 20150234 / Mr Paul Unstead
The relocation of existing gates (set back 5m from their current position) and associated works
Location: The Manor House, The Street, Blofield, NR13 4RG
Reduce piers, set back 5m
Margaret Turner proposed (seconded by Sarah Tetlow) the Council have no objections to this
application; this was unanimously approved.
10.2.
Application: 20150269 / Mr John Mallett
Single Storey Side & Rear Extension and front porch with entrance steps
Location: 32 Saint Andrews Way, Blofield, NR13 4LA
David Ward proposed (seconded by Pat Wilson) the Council have no objections to this application;
this was unanimously approved.
10.3.
Application: 20150203 / Jenkinson Properties Ltd
Application for approval of details reserved by condition 13 of planning permission 20131655
Location: Land off Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath,
Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by Barry Cawkwell) the following comment – until the
developer acknowledges their plans to trespass on a part of Blofield Parish Council land the
Council do not agree with any applications on the site. The Council unanimously resolved to
approve this proposal.
10.4.
Application: 20150229 / D & C Murrell Ltd
Erection of 2 detached dwellings with garages (revised proposal)
Location: Land off Doctors Road, Blofield
Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by Sarah Tetlow) the Council do not support this planning
application due to the considerable loss of section 106 funds to the village.
10.5.
Application: 20150169 / Mr & Mrs T Foley
Erection of 2 Dwellings with Garages
Location: Land at 93 Yarmouth Road, Blofield, NR13 4LQ
Pat Wilson proposed (seconded by Nigel MacPherson) the Council do not support this planning
application as the village cannot support any more houses. The Council is also concerned about
the removal of trees on the site and no location indicated for the air source heat pumps. The
Council resolved to unanimously support these comments.
10.6.
Application: 20150262 / Mr & Mrs G Pointer
Change of use of former piggery to residential use including demolition of existing agricultural
buildings and re-development to provide 13 No. dwellings, associated parking, garages and new
access road
Location: Former Piggeries, Manor Farm, Yarmouth Road, Blofield, NR13 4JS
Pat Wilson proposed (seconded by Nigel MacPherson) the Council do not support this planning
application for the following reasons:
The village cannot accommodate any additional new homes
The Boundary of the village is being pushed further and further
The visibility from the access road onto Yarmouth Road is poor
The development is too close to the existing barns
The Council is concerned by the Asbestos on the site and keen to ensure adequate safety
precautions are used when removing it
The Council resolved to support this proposal (for – 5, abstention – 1)
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11.
11.1.
12.
12.1.
13.
13.1.
TO CONSIDER FEEDBACK ON ANY PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SUBSEQUENT
TO THE PUBLICATION OF THIS AGENDA
Application: 20150339 / Mr Samual Percival
Erection of ½ storey extension to existing ground floor
Location: Pytchcroft, 102 Blofield Corner Road, Blofield, NR13 4DG
Pat Wilson proposed (seconded by Sarah Tetlow) the Council have no objections to this
application; this was unanimously approved.
TO RECEIVE A DEVELOPMENT WORKING PARTY UPDATE AND AGREE ANY NECESSARY
ACTIONS
No update.
TO NOTE THE QUARTERLY INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT AND AGREE ANY NECESSARY
ACTIONS
Pat Wilson detailed that she had carried out an internal audit for the 4 months from October 2014 –
January 2015. No issues came to light and the Council noted the content of the report.
14.
TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING REVISED DOCUMENTS DRAFTED BY THE FINANCE
WORKING PARTY
14.1.1. Standing Orders – The clerk summarised the small additions. David Ward proposed
(seconded by Margaret Turner) the Council adopt the Standing Orders for the forthcoming
year. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
14.1.2. Financial Regulations - The clerk summarised the small additions. David Ward proposed
(seconded by Margaret Turner) the Council adopt the Financial Regulations for the
forthcoming year. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
14.1.3. The Council also unanimously resolved to continue with three signatories for cheques
(rather than using an online system).
14.1.4. Risk Assessment – The clerk summarised the small additions. Margaret Turner
proposed (seconded by Barry Cawkwell) the Council accept the Risk Assessment for the
forthcoming year. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
14.1.5. Clerk to investigate the Fidelity Guarantee.
14.1.6. Freedom of Information Scheme - The clerk summarised the small additions. David
Ward proposed (seconded by Nigel MacPherson) the Council accept the Freedom of
Information Scheme for the forthcoming year. The Council unanimously resolved to approve
this proposal.
14.1.7. David Ward proposed (seconded by Margaret Turner) the Council appoint Pauline James
to carry out the audit for 2014/15. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this
proposal.
Stella Shackle arrived
15.
15.1.
16.
16.1.
16.2.
17.
17.1.
17.2.
TO CONSIDER A FUNDING REQUEST FROM AGE UK NORFOLK FOR £100
Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by Stella Shackle) the Council make a £100 donation to
Age UK Norfolk. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
TO AGREE EXPENDITURE AND A CONTRACTOR FOR THE STONE REPAIRS TO BLOFIELD
COURTHOUSE
Following discussions the Council were unable to come to a majority decision. It was agreed that
Barry Cawkwell and Sarah Tetlow would view samples (at the Courthouse) of both stones
proposed by two of the stone masons and return to the Council in April with a report and proposal.
Clerk to contact stone masons for samples.
TO CONSIDER A QUOTATION FOR PAINTING THE BLOFIELD BRICK BUS SHELTER AND
AGREE ANY FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS / NECESSARY ACTIONS
Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by David Ward) the Council approve the quotation of £185
for painting the Blofield bus shelter. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
In addition the Council asked the clerk to obtain two alternative quotations for repairing and
varnishing the existing bus shelter bench or adding a fixed bench (like that in the Blofield Heath
shelter).
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18.
18.1.
18.2.
19.
19.1.
19.2.
20.
20.1.
21.
21.1.
21.2.
22.
22.1.
23.
23.1.
23.2.
23.3.
24.
24.1.
25.
25.1.
26.
26.1.
27.
TO APPROVE INVOICES FOR PAYMENT
The Clerk detailed the increase in the quotation for the drain work at the Courthouse from £1,740
(+VAT) to £2,168.50 (+VAT). This was as a result of obstructions to the planned drain route. The
Council approved this additional expenditure.
David Ward proposed (seconded by Barry Cawkwell) the Council approve payments of all invoices
presented for payment in Appendix 1. The Council unanimously resolved to approve this proposal.
Clerk to issue cheques.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE AND AGREE ANY NECESSARY ACTIONS FOLLOWING THE
LETTER ISSUED REGARDING BOUNDARIES FOR THE PLANNING CONSENT PASSED FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT OF 24 DWELLINGS BEHIND HEATHLANDS (20131655)
No response has been received to date from the developers.
Following some discussion Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by Margaret Turner) the
Council engage Birketts solicitors to send the draft letter to the developers, prepared for
Heathlands Management Committee. (The cost of this letter has been paid for). The Council
unanimously resolved to approve this proposal. Clerk to instruct Birketts.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE GLASS RECYCLING BANKS AT HEATHLANDS
COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Clerk has agreed a contract with Indigo Waste Services Ltd to provide and empty the glass
recycle banks at Heathlands for a charge of £10 per tonne with effect from the 1 April 2015.
TO CONSIDER VIEWING AND / OR OBTAINING COPIES OF THE DEEDS TO THE
RECREATION GROUND AND DEEDS TO THE FORMER COURTHOUSE HELD BY SPIRE
SOLICITORS AND AGREE AN ONGOING STORAGE SOLUTION
The Council requested the Clerk and Rob Christie visit the Solicitors to view the deeds they hold
and obtain copies for the council files.
Clerk to ascertain if other deeds can be held there too and understand the cost of registering the
land with land registry.
TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL FARMERS’ UNION CAMPAIGN TO THE
GOVERNMENT TO BAN THE SALE OF PUBLIC USE OF RELEASING SKY LANTERNS INTO
THE ENVIRONMENT
Nigel MacPherson proposed (seconded by Margaret Turner) the Council support this campaign.
Clerk to forward the detail to the village schools and add to the website.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE BUS CAMPAIGN
Pat Wilson summarised that KonectBus will be putting on a new service, number 72 leaving
Norwich at 9:20am (through Brundall, Blofield, Blofield, Heath, South Walsham, Acle) to Great
Yarmouth at 10:30am. It will run once a day Monday – Friday (expect public holidays);
commencing on Tuesday 5th May.
An additional there will be second bus leaving Norwich at 12:20pm but this will not have a direct
return from Great Yarmouth.
Pat Wilson will write an article for Focal Point and Blofield News.
TO RECEIVE A PLANTATION WOOD UPDATE AND AGREE NECESSARY ACTIONS
No update.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PARKING AT THE KINGS HEAD PUB CAR PARK
Joseph provided a written report and summarised that the two licensees of the Kings Head Public
House both agreed very willingly that they are happy to allow access for the public to use the car
park. The public can use the car park as soon as possible, just as long as they respect the land
and property.
TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A DOG WASTE BIN AT THE JUNCTION OF MILL ROAD
AND RANWORTH ROAD
Clerk to seek clarity from Yvonne Burton and bring to the April 2015 meeting.
TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR PERMANENT ILLUMINATING SPEED SIGNS FOR EITHER
END OF THE BLOFIELD HEATH ON THE WOODBASTWICK ROAD
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27.1.
The council discussed the cost of circa £7,000 for this request. Margaret Turner proposed
(seconded by David Ward), the council do not provide these additional speed signs. This proposal
was unanimously approved by the Council.
28.
TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE FROM THE NALC SPRING SEMINAR
To receive an update in April from Rob Christie.
28.1.
29.
29.1.
29.2.
29.3.
29.4.
29.5.
30.
30.1.
31.
31.1.
32.
32.1.
PARISH CLERK’S CORRESPONDENCE
The police report shows a total of 4 crimes for the calendar month of February 2015.
The development Management DPD – consultation on modifications will be available for viewing
until the 15th April – Do the Council wish to comment? The Council do not wish to comment.
The Norfolk Minerals iste specific allications development plan document – single issue review of
th
silica sand – initial consultation document is open until the 20 April 2015. No silica sand resource
underlies the boundaries of the Blofield Parish Council area.
MAGPAS have requested a funding support from the Council. Clerk to provide the Council grant
application form.
Norfolk County Council has agreed to move the grit bin situated at the corner of Holly Lane to
Lower Globe Lane before the start of next Winter. There is a risk the bin will break up, if this
occurs the Parish Council will be required to cover the cost of a new bin. The Council noted this
risk.
OTHER REPORTS AND ITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA
The verge at the junction between Pedham Road and Bullacebush Lane requires repairing. Clerk
to inform Highways.
TO NOTE THE DATE OF THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Monday 27th April 2015 at 7:30pm at the Courthouse.
TO NOTE THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH
th
Friday 15 May at 7:30pm at the Courthouse.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:45pm.
Signed…………………………………………….
Dated…………………………….
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