Beckham East and West Parish Council

EWB Minutes 10th September 2015

DRAFT

 Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council
Held on Thursday 10th September 2015
The meeting opened at 7.32pm

Present. Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman), J. Dovey. G. Place, R. Moreton
Mr. P. Donnachie, (NCC) J. Stibbons (clerk)

1. Apologies
Cllrs. B. Powell, R. Lewis, A. Sweeney County Cllr. M. Baker. Dist.Cllr. M. Knowles PCSO Bridges

6. A148 Lodge Corner

Item 6 on the agenda was taken first to allow Mr. Donnachie to leave after he had given his presentation and answered questions.
Mr. Donnachie said he did not attend the meeting called in August to discuss the Lodge Hill junction.
He was informed that the meeting wanted to reduce the speed limit but this is not an option. Speed limits are set by the speed management strategy. Funding for this is not an issue.
Local safety improvements were implemented in 2009.Vegetation was cut back to the East of the junction. The Advanced direction signs were moved back to improve drivers view and a SLOW road marking and other markings refreshed.
Following a site meeting in 2011 increased verge maintenance was agreed for the south side of the junction.
There have been three injury accidents at the A148 Lodge Hill junction in the last three years, including the tragic death of Martha Seaward. This does not include a collision on 24th August 2015 where full details are not yet available from the Police.
The extent to which improvements can be delivered is governed by available funding.
Provision of a roundabout costing between £500,000 and £1million or the provision of a “D” shaped pedestrian refuge are not viable options.
Improvements considered are to lower the speed limit – an option which finds most favour with local residents- but there is no proposal to do this at present as the 60mph limit, based on the NCC Highways agreed speed management strategy, is appropriate for rural roads of this kind.
Proposed improvements by NCC Highways include a short section of “Trod” on the North side of the A148 from the bus stop, directing pedestrians to a suitable crossing point, as well as a short section of TROD on the south side between the crossing point and Sheringham Road. Information signs will be in place to remind bus users to take care when crossing the road.
There will also be some localised verge lowering to enhance visibility. These measures could be implemented in the next few months. Visibility to the west from Sheringham road could be
Improved by localised hedge cutting but the agreement of the landowner would be necessary. The Trustees of the land are to be contacted.
It was suggested that a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) would warn drivers of the function. This could be funded by a 50% grant. The remaining 50% could be shared between E&W Beckham, Upper Sheringham parish councils. and the National Trust, who have volunteered to contribute. Total cost would be in the region of £10,000.
The meeting felt that Sanders are keeping to the main road because of the caravan site.
NCC subsidise the bus operators to service rural routes which are not profitable. I the service came through the village people from the caravan site could use the footpath to catch the bus on Sheringham Road, West Beckham
Following the recent fatality the Coroner found concerns raised earlier with NCC concerning buses stopping on the A148 and suggested there should be a lower speed limit.
A Vehicle Activated Sign had been suggested. Accidents at this junction mainly involve vehicles but the proposals put forward are biased towards pedestrians. If the details of vehicle collisions are studied it will be seen that most of the accidents occurred when vehicles on the A148 were coming from the right.

It was pointed out forcibly to him by the members present that the bus service through the village has been lost because of the dangerous junction at Lodge Hill Corner. Why was the Fakenham to Swaffham road, which was open country for much of its length restricted to 50mph?
The meeting repeated that the requirement of the local community was for a reduction in the speed limit.
The chairman thanked Mr. Donnachie for his presentation. Mr. Donnachie left the meeting at 8.57pm.

2. Declarations of Interest. Mrs. Dovey declared an interest in item 7.

3. The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 9th July 2015, having been previously circulated, were approved by the members present and signed by the chairman.

4. Matters arising from the Minutes. There were no matters arising

5. Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors
A written report from the Police stated that there were three calls to the police, two concerned malicious communications and one suspicious circumstances.
7. EWB Community Fund. The walk in East Beckham had been completed.
E available for the next Parish Council meeting in November. These can then be published.

8. Playing field. The RoSPA safety inspection report was presented and discussed. Most of the inspection was satisfactory but the goal posts need securing as they could fall on a player. It was agreed that the goal posts should be put in the shed until a safety surface and a secure base could be provided.

9. Financial matters.
It was noted that the Community account balance at date of meeting was £2890.07
The following invoices were approved and cheques signed

No 100414  Playsafe Ltd       Inspection                  £78
No 100415  J. Stibbons         Salary and expenses £471.99
No 100416  HMRC                 PAYE                           £92
No 100417  Chevertons         printing                       £65
No 100418  S. Thurtle           Grass cutting              £20
No.100419  Mazars                Auditors                      £150

10. Correspondence
Request for donations from Citizens Advice Bureau and Tapping House.
These will be considered at the end of the financial year.

11. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.
The West Beckham allotments are not being looked after and this is to be included as an item on the next agenda

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9.28pm

The next Beckham parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 12th November 2015

 

Minutes 9th July 2015

Page 128

 Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

Held on Thursday 9^th July 2015

Present    Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman),   J. Dovey,   R. Moreton   G. Place. A. Sweeney             R. Lewis,     Dist. Cllr. M. Knowles          J. Stibbons (clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm.

1.  Apologies   B. Powell,   County Cllr. M. Baker.  PCSO G. Bridges
2. Co-option of new member. Mr. Bob Lewis, a retired Police Officer has lived in East Beckham since 2002 and has expressed a wish to become a member of the parish council.

He wishes to represent the interests of East Beckham residents.

The members unanimously agreed to co-opt Mr. Lewis. He then signed the necessary Acceptance of Office form.

3. To receive declarations of interest.

It was noted that some members present were serving on the Parish Plan committee.

4.  Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 14^th May 2015.

It was noted that the name of the new District Councillor was incorrect. It is in fact Mr. Mike Knowles, not as stated. This error, having been corrected, the minutes were approved by the members and signed by the chairman.

5. Matters arising from the Minutes.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

6. Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors

PCSO Bridges (written report) There had been six calls during the period from 14^th May. Including a dog attacking a postman and wood being stolen.

Dist Cllr. Mike Knowles: – there had been two full council meeting since the election. The Chairman and other officers have been appointed. The financial reserves are in a healthy state.

7. A148 Lodge Corner.

All proposed suggestions put forward so far are said by Highways to be impossible to implement.

This is an exceptional junction as the vehicles visiting Sheringham Park are not included in the figures used to justify the Highways objections.

A 50mph speed limit should be the primary objective rather than several different proposals.

Woodland clearance on the West side of the junction has been requested but has not yet been carried out. The verge cutting by the Highways contractor has not been carried out sufficiently well. The view is still obstructed by the overgrown hedgerow.

Mr. Norman Lamb. M.P. is calling a public meeting on 5^th August to try and find a solution.

D.C. Mike Knowles will liaise with Upper Sheringham parish council

Page 129

8. Parish Plan The committee has held its first meeting (minutes attached).

A draft questionnaire was produced, to be further discussed and approved at the next

Committee meeting on 30^th July. This will go to every household during September

The committee walked all the assets in West Beckham on 7^th July.

The assets in East Beckham will be walked in the near future.

9. Planning.

Ref PF/15/0690 Variation of conditions at 4, The Loke, East Beckham.

The Parish Council had no objection to this application.

10. Financial matters.

It was noted that the Community account balance on 9^th July 2015 was   £2707.07

There were no cheques due for approval.

11. Correspondence

Barclays Bank. Cllr. Geoff Place has been approved as a cheque signatory.

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

Mr Stuart Thurtle is to be asked to cut the grass on the Village Green.

NNDC are to be contacted to cut the playing field.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9.10pm

The next parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 10^th September 2015

 EWB Minutes 14th May 2015 

Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

Held on Thursday 14^th May 2015

Present:          Mr. R. Wilson,   Mrs. J. Dovey,

Mr. R. Moreton, Mr .G. Place.   Mrs .B. Powell, Mrs .A. Sweeney        J. Stibbons (clerk)

Apologies   County Cllr. M. Baker. PCSO G. Bridges

Mr. Wilson opened the meeting at 7.45pm.

1. To sign Declarations of Acceptance of Office.

This being the first meeting after an election, the six members present signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2. To elect a chairman and vice-chairman.

Mrs. B. Powell proposed that Mr. R. Wilson be elected chairman, this was seconded by

Mrs. Julia Dovey and carried.

Mr. Wilson took the chair.

Mr. Wilson proposed that Mr. Place be elected vice-chairman, this was seconded by

Mrs. Sweeney and approved.

3. Comments and questions on the agenda from members of the public.

It was asked if there was any information on the application for a wind turbine. Mrs. Powell stated she has a file on the Applications which is available if anyone is interested.

4. Declarations of interest. The Chairman declared an interest in item 9 on the agenda

5. To approve the minutes of 12^th March 2015.

The minutes, having been previously circulated, were approved by the councillors and signed by the chairman

6. Matters arising. There were no matters arising from the minutes.

7. Reports It was noted that Mr. Mark Wright was the new District Councillor.

8. Parish Plan.

The chairman explained the idea of a “drop-in day” to get as many people involved as possible. It is not the responsibility of the Parish Council to implement any plan but will be carried out by a committee. There is discussion needed on a parish plan generally and the likely uses of the money. It was decided to have the first Parish Plan meeting on Thursday 11^th June 2015 at 7.30pm in Bodham Village Hall.

9. Planning.

It was noted that there had been a withdrawal of the appeal re-the Wind Turbine at Bodham

Application ref. PF/15/0423 Conversion of barns to five holiday accommodation units, swimming pool building/office and installation of tennis court at Rookery Farm The Street Bodham.

Mr. Wilson (chairman), having declared an interest in this item, withdrew from the discussions.

Mr. Place (vice-chairman) took the chair. After detailed examination of the application the committee decided, by a written vote, to support the proposed plans.

Mr. Wilson resumed as chairman.

10. Finances.

The Accounting Statement prepared for the auditors was discussed by the members and the Annual governance statement was agreed. Both parts were then signed by the chairman and clerk.

Cheques approved and signed:-

• No 100410 Bodham Village Hall                         £30.00
• No 100411 Stibbons (Salary and expenses)   £460.90
• No 100412 NALC  (Subscription)                        £95.35
• No 100413 HMRC (clerk paye)                            £92.00

11. Correspondence. None

12. Matters for information or the next agenda.

The chairman thanked Mr. Place for representing the Parish Council at the planning meeting

held at the NNDC offices to discuss the proposed plans for a Wind Turbine at Pond Farm, Bodham.   E&W Beckham Parish Council strongly opposes this application.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9.15pm

 Minutes 12th March 2015

Page 124

Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

Held on Thursday 12^th March 2015

Present:          Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman),   J. Dovey,   R. Moreton

1. Place. B. Powell,   R. Simpson,  Dist.Cllr. A. Sweeney        J. Stibbons (clerk)

Apologies   T. Driver.  County Cllr. M. Baker. PCSO G. Bridges

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm.

Comments and Questions on the agenda from members of the public.

None

To receive declarations of interest.

None

To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 8^th January 2015

It was noted that in item 6 the correct date for the planning meeting was 26^th February, not as published. This date was corrected and the minutes were then approved by the meeting and signed by the chairman.

Matters arising from the Minutes.

None

Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors                                  

Dist. Cllr. A. Sweeney reported that at the Upper Sheringham parish council meeting concern was expressed that Highways have still not taken any action at Lodge Corner on the A148. They will be writing to Highways and also the Eastern Daily Press.The next NNDC planning meeting will discuss the Gresham`s School application and the Selbrigg wind turbine will be discussed in the near future.

Mr. Place commented that Highways were looking for improvements for pedestrians ate the Lodge Corner but there have been several vehicle accidents as well and these should be taken into consideration. Visibility towards Holt is still not satisfactory.

Parish Plan

The response from the delivery of the first information letter had been quite positive. Eight members of the community had expressed interest in becoming involved. Their Email addresses have been noted and they will be informed of progress.

The invitation cards for the meeting on 28^th March had been printed and were distributed to members for delivery.

Arrangements for the 28^th March – The village hall will be available from 9am. The open day is scheduled to run from 10.30am to 3.30pm 

Mrs. Dovey will take pictures of various items belonging to the parish i.e. Nature Area, Allotments etc. and these will be projected onto a screen.

Mrs Powell will provide tea and biscuits from the canteen.

1. Wilson and J Stibbons will be in attendance all day and other members of the parish council will help on a rota system.

There will be an Exhibition Board with information and maps of the area. 

Insurance.  

Renewal is due by 1^st April 2015. The premium is unchanged as this is the second year of a three year fixed price agreement. There was a discussion on the amounts covered. These were all satisfactory except the £2500 for play equipment. It was noted that the figure for seats and other small items was higher than necessary. The clerk is to have the necessary adjustments made. 

Financial matters.

The Financial Regulations 2014.  These regulations were discussed at the meeting of 14^th July 2014. It was proposed by Mr. Wilson that the parish council formally adopt these regulations. This was seconded by Mrs. Powell and approved.

Bank balance at 12^th March 2015 – £1991.54

Cheques sighed:-

• 100407 – Zurich  Insurance                                                      £341.56
• 100408 – J. Stibbons  Salary and expenses Nov 2014 to Jan 2015  £523.78
• 100409 – Printing Invitation Cards                                             £61.92

Correspondence (received after the agenda was published)

Planning application PF/15/0102 Erection of two-storey/part first floor extension to convert single-storey dwelling into two storey dwelling at Glabri, Back Lane, West Beckham.

The parish council supported this application.

Matters for information only or for the next agenda

Mrs Sweeney reported that brambles are growing into the Sheringham Road by the electricity sub-station and are causing pedestrians to walk in the road near a dangerous corner. The clerk is to inform the Highways Rangers.