* Proposed by Cllr Golding, seconded by Cllr Leedell.

** Proposed by Cllr Rockcliffe, seconded by Cllr Mack.

SEP 08/9 Annual External Audit 2007/8

Council noted that the External Audit for 2007/8 had been completed without auditor comment. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to complain at the fees level set for the external audit.

SEP 08/10 Planning Applications

The following planning recommendations were agreed:

* It was noted that this is a brownfield site and that the Borough Council Planning Officer may seek approval for this application on these grounds.

All Planning Committee recommendations are available at meetings for inspection.

SEP 08/11 Martingales and The Coppice Developments

Cllr Pike reported that sales figures were not available for this meeting and that it is generally quiet on the estate. Cllr Mack reported that i) Play equipment requirements for the site are being negotiated between the Borough Council and Persimmon and that he was still pursuing that the Parish Council be consulted in this matter; ii) A modified scheme for the undeveloped part of the site is being negotiated which would include culverting on the site central areas; iii) Persimmon are currently costing the culverting of the main east-west drain.

SEP 08/12 Boundary Committee Review

Following discussion it was agreed that the Council would like to see an ‘enhanced status quo’ rather than any major changes to the structure of local government in Norfolk. Cllr Mack advised that a judicial review had been sought by some of the borough / district councils.

SEP 08/13 Highways Matters

The clerk advised the following information from NCC Highways:

i) Additional zigzag markings have been ordered for outside the school.

ii) The issue of bollards on the footpaths from Martingales onto Fairfield Lane will be raised with Persimmon.

iii) The ‘No Through Road’ sign has been installed on Fairfield Lane.

iv) A drainage scheme has been identified for Fen Road for next year which it is hoped will address the worst of the puddle problems. The current work carried out was a surface dressing only.

v) The Order for the Waiting Restriction Scheme at the John Davis Way / Station Road / Britton Close junction area has been published.

Cllr Rockcliffe reported that the road drainage works on Downham Road had been successfully completed and that he had arranged for a drainage schema plan to be lodged with the clerk. Old planings from the works have been used on the village hall car park, the extension station car park and Bells Drove. (Thanks to Mr Venni.)

Cllr Mack advised that the Community Speed Watch Scheme had been successfully introduced in a number of parishes in Norfolk. It was agreed that volunteers to operate a scheme in Watlington be sought through the next issue of the Gossip.

SEP 08/14 Railway Station Car Park

Cllr Rockcliffe advised that negotiations were still going on with landowners and that the planning application for the car park should be expected soon. It was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to First Capital Connect for the painting work at the station. FCC would also be advised of the difficulty of using the screen  on the new ticket machine as a result of the touchscreen angle.

SEP 08/15 Community Projects Committee                                              

Cllr Pike advised that following a meeting with Neil Grommett, 3 new quotes were now being arranged for the equipment for the Phase 2 Play Project. It is hoped that the grant will be released shortly after these have been submitted.

Cllr Pike reported that funding sources are currently being sought for the Youth Shelter Project.

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the use of the Recreation Ground and the Glebe Field on the 17,18 and 19 July 2009. It was agreed that the clerk write a letter of support to the Village Weekend Festival organisers.

SEP 08/16 Environment Committee

Cllr Mack advised that he was seeking a better co-ordination of the use of Borough Council litter pickers with the Parish Council’s Litter Picker.

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that Mrs Cave, owner of Fairfield Lane, be asked to arrange for a tidying of the green areas of the lane, as it has become attractive to fly tipping.

Cllrs Leedell and Mack advised that the Allotments Working Party had met and identified land in Britton Close and to the rear of Paige Close that might be potential allotment sites. It was agreed that land off Fen Road and the Edward Shouldham Charity site be added to the list. Other ideas include the option of mini-plots and the formation of a user group to help organise the setting up of the allotments, with the Council funding the cost of a first meeting. It was agreed that potential allotment holders be sought through the Gossip. Cllrs Leedell and Golding agreed to seek further information on land ownership contacts for the Paige Close and Fen Road sites.

The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Murphy that an application has been made to the Borough Council for support of a Watlington in Bloom competition.

SEP 08/17 Correspondence for Action

* It was agreed that:

i) The Council favoured a local determination regime over a national one

ii) The Council is sufficiently informed about the new determination regime and its processes.

iii) The Council would like further information on the implications and costs of indemnifying members for legal costs arising from defending an allegation in respect of breaching the code.

SEP 08/18 Correspondence for information

SEP 08/19 Members Information Exchange

Cllr Mack reported that the street light outside 24 Britton Close was not working.

Cllr Miller advised that problems with the outside tap at the churchyard would be resolved shortly.

There being no other business the Council rose at 8.25pm

The next meeting of the Council is on Tuesday 21 October 2008 in the Village Hall.

SIGNED

Chairman                                                          Clerk                                         21 October 2008