Beckham East and West Parish Council

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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

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Draft Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council
Meeting Held on Thursday 12th March 2020

Present.
Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place, D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey, K. Lord, T. Toyn.
J.Stibbons(clerk)
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.04pm,

1. Apologies Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer

3.There were no declarations of interest.

4. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 9th January 2020, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Toyn they should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Lord and carried.
The chairman then signed the minutes.

5. Matters arising from the Minutes NCC Highways will attend to the Holly tree which has partly blown into the road at the Nature area and have cut the hedge and cleared the ditch at the Garth.

6. Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors
Dist.Cllr. P. Butikofer. A written report was read to the meeting.
A copy of the report is attached to these minutes.

7. Solar Community Fund Committee
V.E.Day is on the 9th and 10th of May. The village hall will be open and there will be a large screen
television.
It was proposed by Cllr. Lord that a display board of local interest during the war years should be
installed in the village hall. This would be a permanent feature and the estimated cost would be
£250. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Toyn and approved by the members.
The old West Beckham village sign will be removed so the base can be painted before the new sign
arrives. The new sign may not be delivered until after March.
It was agreed to obtain quotations for the cost of a new wooden bench to be placed in the bus
shelter.

8. Playing Field.
The inspection for January/February was carried out be Cllr, Toyn. The fencing near the road and the back fence near the sports wall are in poor repair. All fencing is to be kept under review and inspected regularly.

9. Insurance renewal The value for insurance purposes on the bus shelter has been increased from £2652 to £6000 and the new village sign has been included at £6500.
The premium has remained virtually the same at £473.78, the previous year being £467.27

10. Financial matters.
Bank Balances at 12/3/2020 Current a/c £7930.14 Savings a/c £17926.36
The following invoices were approved:-
The Village Sign People Invoice 141 £5675.00
Zurich Insurance Renewal 473.78
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11. Correspondence
Letters of thanks for donations were received from NARS, Priscilla Bacon Hospice and Air Ambulance
A publication concerning the Bio Diversity awards.

12. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.
It was noted that the access to the Village Green was becoming very overgrown.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.26pm.

Copy of the Report from District Councillor P. Butikofer

At full council meeting, held on 26th Feb 2020, the council tax for all properties has gone up. The increase of 3.99% is the maximum allowed. This is a £4.95 increase for NNDC (excluding town and parish precepts), a £54.27 increase for Norfolk County Council and a £9.99 increase for Norfolk Police and `crime Commissioner.
For every pound that is paid in council tax only 8p comes back to the district. NNDC delivers around 83 (63%) of the 137 essential local government services. It does that currently for a Council Tax charge of £148.77 for Band D domestic Council Tax properties.
NNDC also continues to have a Council Tax charge which out of over 190 District Councils in England, is amongst the lowest.
Following February’s storms and subsequent damage to the Splash Leisure Centre in Sheringham, NNDC is pleased to confirm it has commissioned essential repairs to the roof and the swimming pool is set to re-open, hopefully, at Easter.
The high winds damaged roof panelling and made it necessary, for safety reason, to close all pool access and commissioned a safety report.
Land adjacent to Splash is being sold in order to help overall funding towards the construction.
The council has bought two houses. These will be used for temporary emergency accommodation. At present the council have families having to live in the Spixworth area. There are currently 42 families requiring emergency housing – normally we have 12 but the rapid increase is due to landlords not taking on families that are on Universal credit.
Funds are in place to purchase another three properties.
These properties will eventually go into the property company currently being set up.
20,000 trees out of the 109,000 have currently been planted with1,500 being planted this week in Holt country park.
A new play area was unveiled in Holt Country Park. This included a modern zip line, bug see-saw and three different swings, one of which is an inclusive bucket swing and a ‘me and you’ swing where parents and toddlers can swing together..
The new area replaces the old playground which has been in place for 12 years and required updating and was funded by NNDC.
NNDC working in partnership with East Suffolk Council have taken the initiative to express concerns about the proposed onshore National Grid cable connections and wider implications for the district, in a letter to Dept of Business, Energy and Industrial Energy
Under proposed plans, both local authorities will see 40% of UK offshore wind generation pass through their districts.
The letter proposes that the Government explores the development of an Offshore Ring Main to minimise construction impact on the coastal region. The ring main would connect to the National Grid through one single cable connection, potentially saving the North Norfolk countryside from widespread infrastructure works delivered over many years.
Onshore wind turbines at Selbrigg and Bodham, NNDC is seeking additional legal advise and hopefully will make a decision in the very near future.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.26pm.

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 7.00pm,

1. Apologies None

3.There were no declarations of interest.

4. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 12th September 2019, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey they should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Toyne and carried.
The chairman then signed the minutes.

5. There were no Matters arising from the Minutes

6. Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors
Dist.Cllr. P. Butikofer.
Splash – started construction. Careful consideration  had been given regarding wave machine. proved to be too expensive.
Sandscape project completed. After the latest storm, some sand has been moved, but then it was always known that some sand would shift and it is not a concern.
Won a bid for the heritage High `street Action Zone Fund. government initiative £975K. North Walsham has been the beneficiary. All of it has to be spent on heritage projects.
Passed a bid for electric vehicle charging points. received a grant from OLEF.

Long term empty properties, looking at higher council tax – 200%-300%. Will be next year dependent on how long they have been empty.

Corporate plan – will be coming to full council. This will be implementing the Lib Dem manifesto which outlines the strategic direction of the council for the next four years. This included – local homes for local people, environment, quality of life, coast climate change, financial sustainability and boosting and sustaining business growth.

Year Four of `Sporting `centre of Excellence initiative. To encourage children with talent for sport to get involved and take advantage of specialist coaching at Gresham’s. Running from October during school term – hockey, netball, cricket and running.
Prosecution of asbestos offences – two firms fined over £30K. BES Safe Removals Ltd (1st Choice Asbestos) – six offences fined £30K. Park Wright Training Services £800 – non removal of asbestos – not following procedures.

Successful application for local investment in future talent (LIFT) grant towards cost of skills training workshops for people employed in small business – tourism and hospitality – b&B, cafes, restaurant, leisure. Workshops will run from November 2019 to February 2020
Solar farm – planning given for extension from 20years to 40 years.
Karen ward has been nominated as the PPC for Lib Dems replacing Sir Norman Lamb.
Wind turbines at Selbrigg – still with the planning inspectorate.
Graham Allen Award winner 2019 – just announced. Winner was the Lookout on the Holkham Estate. Its an esteemed award given each year to the project considered to have made the most significant contribution to the build environment within the district.
No Broadband in East Beckham was discussed and Cllr. Butikofer explained how parts of Aylmerton had obtained connection from the Rural Broadband Scheme with grants obtainable.
A survey needs to be carried out to get all households and businesses involved.

7. Solar Community Fund Committee.
The committee are reviewing past projects and considering new ideas.
The new West Beckham village sign will be completed in 2020. No decision has yet been taken on
what to do with the old sign.
Heavy rain has caused some washing down of the East Beckham allotment track and the
Cllr. Barrass has agreed to keep the channel at the top of the track cleared. The bonfire heap at the
top of the allotments is now becoming a tip, with old carpets being dumped. Enquiries are to be
made to find someone who will pull the pile apart and burn it. It should not be burnt in situ as there
may be hedgehogs hibernation in the foliage
The Felbeck Trust have planted 350 trees at the West Beckham allotments.

8. Playing Field.
The gate has been repaired and replaced. The October inspection was completed by Cllr. Batt. It was noted that the condition of the equipment was satisfactory but the fence would soon need attention.

9. Financial matters.
Bank Balances at 14/11/2019 Current a/c £8957.59 Savings a/c £7083.30
A provisional budget for 2020-2021 was circulated to members. This included a precept figure of £3250.
It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that the budget should be approved. This was seconded by Cllr. Barrass and carried.
The request for the payment of the precept for £3250 was then signed by the chairman and clerk.

The following invoices were approved and cheques signed:-
Chevertons Printing £100
J. Stibbons Salary and expenses £595.30
HMRC PAYE £122.80
Bodham Village Hall fee for meetings £54

10. Correspondence None

11. Matters for information only Highways are to asked if SLOW can be written in the road at
Church Corner (approaching from Gresham) and at Long lane. Also the ditch needs cleaning and
the hedge cutting near The Garth to prevent more flooding.

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.08pm.

Present.
Cllr. G. Place, (chairman), R. Batt, J. Dovey,, T. Toyn. J.Stibbons (clerk)
Dist. Cllr. P. Butikofer.
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm,

1. Apologies Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, D. Barrass, K. Lord.

3.There were no declarations of interest.

4. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 11th July 2019, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that the minutes should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Toyne and carried.
The chairman then signed the minutes.

5. There were no Matters arising from the Minutes

6. Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors
Dist.Cllr. P. Butikofer.
A decision not to proceed with the North Norfolk Sports Hub because the exchange of land
between the tennis club and the school did no happen. There will be other investments in tennis
across the district.
Egmere Enterprise Zone. Is not financially viable without a tenant signed up for at least one
unit. Tax payers money cannot be spent on speculative development. It will still keep its Enterprise
status at no extra cost. No more money will be spent until a new contract is signed.
Sheringham Leisure Centre It was decided not to proceed with a wave machine at the
because of the additional cost. There were 2000 signatures on the petition for a wave machine but only 400 of them were from Norfolk.
Work on the Leisure Centre will start on 16th September and be complete by September 2021.
A Deep History Marathon and half-marathon will take place on May 17th 2020. This will
draw attention to the beauty of the coast line and the importance that NNDC attaches to physical and mental health in the community.
Better Broadband goals have been achieved with NCC and other district councils to provide
high speed broadband. By end of March 2020 North Norfolk should have 92% coverage.
Planning enforcement teams have been active. A Demolition Order for a two storey building
has been served on a property which had been in breach of planning control and alleged further
amendments to an unlawful dwelling. This included a swimming pool and an area of hard standing.
Electrical vehicle charging points are to be installed in six council owner car parks with a
total of 48 points.
The Felbeck Trust have won an Environmental Award.

7. Solar Community Fund Committee.
It is planned to try and establish a “Good Neighbours” scheme. This will be discussed further at the
next committee meeting.
The members agreed that a reserve of between £5000 and £10000 should be retained in the Solar
Fund account to cover on-going maintenance in the future.

8. Allotment Track Repairs.
The roadway and car park have been repaired in a very satisfactory manner by S. Witham.
It was agreed to ask Withams to cut the road hedges back when they were in the area.

9. Playing Field.
The gate has been removed for repairs. The monthly inspection was satisfactory.

10. West Beckham Allotments.
The Felbeck Trust have agreed to put a plan in place for the maintenance of the West Beckham allotment site. A short letter of approval for this scheme to be added to the existing agreement was urgently required and was signed by the Vice-chairman in the absence of the chairman.
It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that a donation of £1700 should be made to the Felbeck Trust to assist in the first phase of four cuts and cleaning up at the West Beckham old allotment site, Also the planting of trees. The shed will also be made secure for the storage of tools and other equipment.
This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Toyne and unanimously approved by the members present.
11. Financial matters.
Bank Balances at 11/7/2019 Current a/c £12238.01 Savings a/c £7072.98
The following invoices were approved and cheques signed:-
K. Lord Travelling (Village sign inspection/commission) £42.14
S. Witham Allotment track repairs £2160
Felbeck Trust Donation (see item 10) £1700

12. Correspondence None

13. Matters for information only
Norfolk County Council have agreed that “Lefty`s Lane, East Beckham is listed as a public
carriageway. It was accepted as a road but never surfaced.
It was reported that many road side hedges were becoming very overgrown in places and are
encroaching onto the carriageway.
There was an accident at Lodge Hill Corner on 12th August when a car coming from the Beckham
Road was in a collision

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.08pm.

Present.
Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson (chairman) G. Place, D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey, K. Lord, T. Toyn.
Dist. Cllr. P. Botikofer. Mr. C. Ringer J.Stibbons (clerk)
The chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm,

1. Apologies County Cllr. S. Botikofer

2. Cllr. R. Batt declared an interest in item 9.

3. The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 9th May 2019, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Lord that the minutes should be confirmed as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Dovey and carried.
The chairman then signed the minutes.

4. Matters arising from the Minutes It was noted that the shackles on the swing were not a danger at present.

5 Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors
Dist.Cllr. P. Botikofer.
Wind Turbines. The court of appeal has refused another appeal hearing. The applications will be decided by an planning inspector. All representations must be received before the end of September.
The council leader will be holding surgeries to allow residents to ask questions and give their views. These will be half hour appointments held on 30th July, 27th August, 24th September, 29th October, 26th November and 17th December.
Successful prosecutions have taken place for fly-tipping. 34 more trade waste customers are being licensed to collect waste.
Palm oil is being cleared from the beaches.

The chairman invited Mr Callum Ringer to address the meeting.
Work has started to collect comments and plans for a Community Shop, probably in Bodham.
The Plunkett Foundation have been very helpful with advice and possible funding.
Would Beckham be interested in joining the venture?
Questionnaires will be distributed with the Bodham village news letter.
Beckham parish councillors were thoroughly in favour of the idea and agreed to put questionnaires in their news letter to gauge the results.

6. Solar Community Fund Committee.
Water harvesting is working well.
A coloured version of the village sign is being prepared

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7. Allotment Track Repairs.
Several companies did not wish to quote for this work.
A quotation had been received from S. Witham to supply and spread Road Planeings at a cost of
£1800+VAT being £900 for the track to fill in the two wheel ruts. and £900 for the car park.
Cllr. Wilson proposed that this quotation should be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr. Dovey
and approved.

8. Playing Field.
The Playsafe (RoSPA) report was studied. The gate is to be fixed. The bars on the climbing cube are to be painted and a new back board installed to the Basket Ball net.
It was planned to replace the cube at a later date.

9. Planning
PF/19/1009 Solar Farm, Church Road, W. Beckham. Variation of condition to extend maximum operational lifetime to 40 years. This was supported by the parish council with the hope that the grant would be extended.

The clerk asked if members would indicate their wishes to him on future planning applications.
If there was opposition to any plans an emergency meeting could be called. If there was no reply to a
planning application sent out then it would be assumed that there was no objection.

10. West Beckham Allotments
The Parish Council did not agree to the compromise proposal for mixed use of grazing paddock,
trees and meadow/pond creation.
Instead, it was proposed by Cllr. Barrass that the Felbeck Trust should be appointed to manage the
whole four acres. This proposal was seconded by Cllr. Place and unanimously approved.
The meeting agreed that this would lead to the feeling of ‘open access’ to all members of the
community, simplicity of management in the longer term, and specific nature conservation.

11. Financial matters.
Bank Balances at 11/7/2019 Current a/c £12238.01 Savings a/c £7072.98
The following invoices were approved and cheques signed:-
Playsafe Ltd (RoSPA) Inspection £86.4
J. Stibbons Salary and expenses £598.08
HMRC PAYE £122.80
S. Thurtle Grass cutting £305

All councillors expense claims for Nil amount were completed.

12. Correspondence None

There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.47pm.