Beckham East and West Parish Council

    Page 228

Draft Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held on Thursday 9^th March 2023

Present. Cllr. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman), G. Place, R. Batt, T. Toyne, D. Barrass, 

 J. Dovey, K. Lord.   J.Stibbons(clerk)

 

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.10pm. to

1. Apologies County Cllr. E. Vardy, Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer

2. There were no Declarations of Interest.  

3. There were no comments or questions from members of the Solar Committee or the

public.

 

4.   The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12^th January 2023 having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Toyn that they be confirmed as an accurate record. This was seconded by Cllr. Dovey and approved by the members.

The chairman then signed the minutes.

   

5.    Matters arising from the Minutes. 

Geoff Place reported that then building at Pylons Farm did not have planning approval. A meeting is to be held between NNDC planning officers and the owner.

Information sheet. A final revision is to be made before publication.

A certificate has been obtained for both the Apple trees planted to commemorate the Jubilee.

6.    Reports. County Cllr. E. Vardy..

Cllr. Vardy`s full report is attached to these minutes.

 

7.  Playing field.  The chairman has the final draft of the agreement for the transfer of the playing field to the parish council. The chairman signed the agreement and witnessed by the clerk. The Solicitors costs are £1806 including VAT. 

A cheque for this amount was signed but will not be sent until both parties have signed the agreement. VAT of £293.60 can be recovered.

8. Road Safety.     There was an accident involving four cars at Lodge Corner during February. Road safety signs were demolished.

There are no further details from Highways at present concerning the siting of the SAM2

9. Coronation A committee has been formed to arrange joint celebrations involving Bodham and Beckham. These will be held over the four days of the holiday mainly in the village hall. A bulletin is to be published advertising the various events.

 

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10. May Elections. 

Councillors wishing to stand at the May election completed their applications.

Kathryn Lord has decided not to seek re-election as she has moved from the parish.

The chairman thanked Kathryn for all her hard work with the parish council and the Solar Fund Committee.

These thanks were echoed by all the members present. A thank you card was signed by all present.

11. Financial Matters

Bank balances at 9/3/2023 Current a/c £4677.79    Business Premium a/c £41837.32

The following outstanding invoices were approved for payment:-

Zurich Insurance       Policy renewal £607.97

Community Heartbeat Battery and pads £301.20

Bodham and Beckham Horticultural show £100

MCP Solicitors Playing field purchase £1806.60

David Barrass will investigate the best options for investment of the funds in the Business Premium Account. At present a return of about 2% is available.

 

12. Correspondence.

The following correspondence was received by email and forwarded to members as received.

Offshore Wind – Norfolk Parishes Movement for OTN

Norfolk ALC news letter October

PCC round-up Sept/Oct

Horsey Three Community Fund

Police SNT Priorities.

Chances Project

12. Matters for information only or the next agenda.

Horsey three community fund. The clerk attended a presentation at Holt organised by Grantscape. The fund will be awarded by a committee who will review all applications.

Further details should be available later in the year.

Beckham parish council registered an interest in receiving further information and application forms when available.

 

 There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.43pm

The Annual General Meeting of Beckham Parish Council will be held on Thursday 11th May

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Draft  Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held remotely by Zoom on Thursday 11^th March 2021

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place,  D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey,  K. Lord,                   Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer, Ed Mumford-Smith (Broadland Housing), Anna Clarke (NNDC Housing) J.Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.04pm. and welcomed  Ed Mumford-Smith and Anna Clarke.

1.  Apologies Cllr. Toyne, County Cllr. S. Butikofer.

 

 2.  Declaration of Interest   Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson and R. Batt declared an interest in item 7.

3. There were no comments or questions from members of the public.   

4. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 18^th January  2021, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that they should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Place and carried.   The chairman will sign the minutes at a later date.

5. Matters arising from the Minutes

 All minutes of meetings held on zoom are now signed up to date.

The sign board belonging to Browns estate agents has now been removed from Lodge Corner.

6. Reports from County and District Councillors.

Dist Cllr. P. Butikofer  

Covid cases in North Norfolk at the beginning of March were down to 53 per 100,000. This means North Norfolk is 304^thout of 314 council areas. 

Vaccinations are going well with centres at North Walsham, Cromer and Fakenham. 

Hardship funds are being distributed,  £54 million have been paid out in grants so far.  

NNDC Budget. The NNDC part of the council tax is to be frozen but there will be an increased amount for the Police and Norfolk County Council. 

Splash is expected to be finished by the 12th of August. 

Shannon Court has been compulsory purchased and is to be demolished next week 

Cromer Pier will open on the 8th of March for walking only. 

The census will take place on March 21^st.

7. Affordable Housing.Anna Clark works closely with affordable housing at NNDC. There is a large housing register in North Norfolk. Exceptional housing policy states that it must fulfil a local need for local people and not for profit. It is to be a joint venture and must be adjacent to 10 other properties. Tenants eligible for affordable housing must have a local connection in the top three tier bands. Development also need a willing landowner.

 Ed Mumford-Smith Broadland housing is cooperating with North Norfolk district council but also  covers all of Norfolk. The size of the village dictates the appropriate scale of development. Designs have  traditional appearance. There must be an environmental commitment to reduce the carbon 

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footprint and improve energy efficiency. The policy is aimed at customers who cannot afford the cost of a house outright. A market priced  house is included in the development to bridge the cost gaps.  Some pictures of the proposed developments were then shown to the meeting. They were of traditional design but very efficient. Shared ownership is protected in perpetuity. Purchase ownership can only be up to 80% of the value of the property, but the average percentage ownership is 40%.  It is proposed to have six properties in the Sheringham Road at the corner of Back Lane and four properties near the Wheatsheaf.  The first step in the process is a community consultation. The second step is a preplanning applications. Third step is due diligence investigations Fourth step is to prepare a planning application.

Each property will have two parking spaces.

It was pointed out that there was an ongoing sewage problem in Sheringham Road and this should be investigated by the Environment Agency.

It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that the provision of affordable housing should be taken forward. This was seconded by Cllr. Barrass and unanimously approved.

8. Solar Community Fund Committee.   It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that, as so much research was undertaken for the design of the new West Beckham village sign this information should be used to produce an information board. Expected cost was under £100 This suggestion was approved by the councillors present.   An information board is to be placed in the village hall The Allotments, Play area and Broadband were still under discussion by the Solar committee   9. Playing Field  there is no update from NNDC on fence repairs or renewal of lease at present. 10. Flooding from the sewage pumping station into Sheringham Road. This problem was initially discussed in 2007 and 2009. There has again been problems with sewage overflow again this winter. Cllr. Place  has been in contact with Anglian Water but they are reluctant to admit liability. Anglian Water seem content with the situation but this seemed to happen when all the holiday homes were un-occupied. The situation would also be made worse if the proposed affordable houses were built. The ditch on the west of the Sheringham Road past The Garth and the sub-station would take the road water away. It was agreed to contact Anglian Water and invite them to the next parish council meeting. Environment Agency and NNDC Environmental health are also to be contacted.   11. The review of the triangle opposite Chestnut Farm is being discussed with Highways 12.  Budget Review. A copy of current expenditure against budget was presented to the meeting and a breakdown of the Solar Fund expenditure by item. It was agreed the future precepts should be increased to balance the budget and not rely on the Solar Fund. It was proposed by Cllr. Wilson that a separate business bank account should be set up for the Solar Fund money. This was seconded by Cllr. Dovey and agreed by a majority. Page 201 13.  Financial matters. Bank Balances at 11/3/2021   Current a/c £7459.80 Savings a/c £20428.55 Outstanding invoice were approved:-  Zurich Insurance Renewal £541.33 NALC Subscription £139.54 14. Correspondence – Appeal from Citizens Advice for a donation. To be discussed at a later meeting.

15. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

The sleepers forming a bridge over a drain on  the West Beckham footpath have slipped,

Norfolk County Council are to be informed. 

   

 

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Draft  Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held remotely by Zoom on Thursday 12^th November 2020

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place,  D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey, K. Lord,  T. Toyn.

  Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer,   

          J.Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.04pm.

1.  Apologies County Cllr. S. Butikofer,  There were no Declaration of Interest

2. There were no comments or questions from members of the public.   

3. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 24^th September  2020, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Batt   they  should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Toyn and carried.   The chairman will sign the minutes at a later date.

4. Matters arising from the Minutes

Cllr. Place has contacted the estate agents on two occasions to ask for the notice board at Lodge Hill Corner to be removed as it is obstructing the view from the East when entering the A148 from Sheringham Road . At present his requests have been ignored.

Cllr. Toyn has agreed to join the Community Shop committee.

The new village sign has been installed. The councillors thanked the volunteers who had carried out the installation.

The hedge at the entrance to the playing field has been cut back.

5. Reports from County and District Councillors.

Dist Cllr. P. Butikofer.  Pretty Corner is now open after the gale damage. Car parks and toilets will remain open doing the lock-down

£140000 is to be provided for housing for homeless people. Sand scape at Bacton has been a success and won an award for climate resilience. 

The District Council has bought fogging machines to be used in the car parks play areas and  conveniences.

Holt Hall is due for closure but there is an online petition to save the facility. 

Business grants of up to £3,000 per month are to be made available during the lock-down.

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6. Solar Community Fund Committee.  The track on the allotment is eroded. Councillors are to meet the installer to see what improvements can be made. Grass is growing in the track and

Cllr, Barras will spray the weeds with Round up.

The  Mulberry Tree at the church was blown over during the gales and it is proposed to replant it with a cherry tree. 

There will be no Christmas party for the over 70s this year and it was suggested that some form of present should be given such as mince pies to the over 70s in Beckenham. This suggestion was not carried forward.  

It was proposed by Cllr. Lord that the Good Neighbours scheme helpers should be given a gift at Christmas. This was seconded by Cllr. Wilson. It was agreed that they should each receive a bottle of wine.

7. Playing Field  In his inspection of the playing field Cllr. Wilson reported that there were three or four Ivy plants growing up the wire and they should be cut down to reduce the weight on the fence. He agreed to carry out this work. 

It was asked where the the boundary was with the council houses. Is it the chain link fence or the bank? This should be answered when the reply from North Norfolk district council is received concerning the renewal of the lease.

8. The Budget Proposals for 2021-2020  which had been submitted to the councillors were discussed.

It was decided that the precept for 2021-2020 should be set at £3500.  

It was proposed by Cllr. Barrass that the budget should be approved. This was

seconded by Cllr. Toyn and carried.

9. Financial matters.

The Bank Balances at 12/11/2020 were, Current a/c £13668.33  Savings (SCFC) a/c £17944.91

The f0ollowing outstanding invoice were approved  for payment:- 

Bodham Village Hall Meeting room £18

J. Stibbons Salary and Expenses £599.10

HMRC PAYE £122.80

P. Buck. Playing field maintenance £150

10. Correspondence –  All email correspondence was forwarded to councillors on receipt for immediate attention  . There was no correspondence received through the post.

11. Matters for information only or for the next agenda

It was proposed that a review of the triangle opposite Chestnut Farm should be undertaken as the increase in the number of signs being erected was getting out of proportion.

It was suggested that the village should have a flagpole to celebrate special occasions.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.19pm

The next meeting of Beckham parish council will be held on Thursday 14^th January 2021

  Page  192

Draft  Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held remotely by Zoom on Thursday 24^th September 2020

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place,  D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey, K. Lord,  T. Toyn.

County Cllr. S. Butikofer,  Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer,  Mr. C. Ringer (community shop)

          J.Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.02pm, and welcomed everyone  

1. There were no  Apologies or Declaration of Interest

2. There were no comments or questions from members of the public.   

3. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 16^th July  2020, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Lord  they  should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by

Cllr. Dovey and carried. 

The chairman will sign the minutes at a later date.

4. There were no Matters arising from the Minutes  which are not covered later in the agenda. 

5. Reports from County and District Councillors.

County Cllr, S. Butikofer. There was a disappointing meeting of the County Council recently with no cross party cooperation. There is a budget deficit of £55million Main discussions were on food poverty and the environment.

The possible closure of Holt Hall was announced. The Project Manager is to enquire what consultation should be undertaken.

A new system of Track and Trace has been implemented. The focus must be on how to control Covid and help for businesses.

Dist. Cllr. Butikofer,  

Electric vehicle charge points have successfully been launched in two car parks Albert street in Holt and Morris street in Sheringham. This is part of on-going works to get electric vehicle charge points in six locations across the district.

They use a web-based system called “genie-point” to operate charging and payment.

Two different charging tariff – standard 08:00 to 18:00 0.30p/KWh +50p connection fee plus 

normal parking fee. Resident tariff  18:00 to08:00 30p/Kw h ( no connection fee) plus parking is free between these hours.

Successful prosecution of a man in Stalham pleaded guilty to three noise offenses including a noise abatement notice. He was playing amplified music over the Christmas period. He was fined £68, victims surcharge of £32 and costs of 31325, totaling £1425 with  forfeiture order

New sea-side car park opens giving easy access to Bacton’s beautiful sandy beaches which has been brought about by the recent landscaping project. 

The car park will be operating on a pay and display basis.

Council awarded funding to regenerate historic North Walsham town center. Secured a double funding boost from Historic England and government throughout the New Anglia Local enterprise Partnership (LEP). Received £975K from Historic England’s High Streets Heritage action zone and the LEP gave £1.17M, part of the Getting Building fund. Key features – town center “re-stitching” 

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improved connectivity and access through the town center via likes and gateways. To support improvements to current buildings and business premises and support new businesses or uses of vacant space, making Market Place more accessible and attractive for users and repair and restoration of the Cedars (old council offices)

There is an understanding that another branch of funding is coming down from government. NNDC has already given over £52M

The new splash is progressing well and is currently on target to be completed next year

6. Community Shop (Report given by Mr. C. Ringer). A short presentation of the history of shops in Bodham was given.

The results of the survey conducted in Bodham and Beckham received 166 replies, 103 from Bodham which was 40% of the households.  83% of the people who replied would use the shop at least once a week. 

A preliminary meeting was held at the Red Hart on 10th of September. No chairman or committee was selected at this meeting which was attended by the district and county councillors. Unfortunately no Parish Council members attended from either parishes.

The parishes have a high population of young people and many of them are willing to get

involved.

A volunteer Steering Committee is to be formed in October and if possible this should include a representative from Beckham. This committee will be independent from both parish councils. 

Initially the idea is to take on a an area of land, possibly the car park with a modular building or on land opposite the Red Hart. Another alternative is to use the village hall which would be multi-purpose.

All these ideas are to be explored further by the steering committee.  

The chairman thanked Mr. Ringer for his presentation. Mr. Ringer left the meeting 7.56pm

The proposal of a community shop was then discussed further by the members. All wished the project well but agreed that it must be run on business lines and have the commitment of the community.

An item will be placed in the Beckham news letter asking if anyone from the parish would like to join the committee. 

7. Solar Community Fund Committee.  The Felbeck Trust have cut and cleared the docks and weeds on parts

of the West Beckham Old Allotment to boost the restoration process. Some areas of longer vegetation will be

left to encourage bio-diversity. A circular path has been created around the property.

A visit from the Operation Turtle Dove project manager confirmed that the area already has many of the

required conditions for  breeding Turtle Doves.

There have been complementary comments on the bench at the bus stop, it makes the village look very

welcoming.

With the present Covid restrictions there will be no chance to celebrate the installation of the new village

sign.

8. Playing Field

The following  quotations were submitted  for the replacement of the fence.

Simon’s Landscaping £6500     Prestige fencing £4835     Dodd & co £3171 

It was agreed to circulate these quotations and enquire if NNDC will extend the lease before any final

decision was made.

The trees near the gate need cutting back. Cllr. Lord will obtain quotations for the trimming of the whole hedge.

9. Extension of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It was proposed  by Cllr. Barrass that the parish council should press for both East and West Beckham to

come within the AONB  This was seconded by Cllr. Lord.

On a show of hands the proposal was approved by a majority of five in favour with two against. 

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10. Financial matters.

Bank Balances at 16/9/2020   Current a/c £12883.23  Savings a/c £6495.54

Outstanding invoice to be approved:- 

K. Lord Paint £12.34

Chevertons Printing £100

 

11. Correspondence there was no correspondence.

12. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

An advertising board has been placed at the Lodge corner junction by a local estate agent advertising business premises for lease. This board is restricting the view towards Cromer. Cllr. Place will arrange to have the board relocated.

Dog walkers are not keeping to the footpaths and an article is to be put in the next news letter. Visitors in holiday accommodation are also the be informed.

Cars are speeding through the village. It was asked it 30mph signs could be put near the village gates.

The hedge at allotment lane has become overgrown as have various garden hedges with a road frontage.

Highways are to be contacted.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.59pm

The next meeting of E&W Beckham parish council will be held on Thursday 12^th November 2020