WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Colin Vince, 17 Bure Close, Watlington, KING’S LYNN, Norfolk PE33 0TN

MINUTES

Minutes of the additional meeting of WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held on 24 September 2009 at 7.00pm in Watlington Village Hall.

Present: Cllr Lacey (Chairman); Cllrs Dagnall, Drake, Golding, Miller, Pike and Rockcliffe.

Fabia Pollard (BCKLWN Environmental Protection), Hannah Wood-Handy (BCKLWN Planning), Mrs J Suiter, Mrs A Revell, Mrs S Berry and Mr T Finnis (all Watstock Committee), PCSO S Watson and 11 members of the public attended the Open Forum.

Apologies for absence: Cllrs Mack, Paget and Stevenson.

SEP 09/17 Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest for this meeting.

SEP 09/18 Open Forum Notes

a) Rowan Close Development

Fabia Pollard (BCLKWN Environmental Protection) reported to the meeting that the Validation and Remediation Report on environmental issues at the site conducted by Environmental Resources Management Limited has been evaluated. Four trial pits and also bore holes were dug on site, these sites being chosen by using maps that indicated previously worked areas, and these revealed organic waste and gas, but little in the way of corrosive contaminants. The soil has been sieved to a depth of 800mm and declared clear of contamination, although a small amount of topsoil had to be removed from the site. The Environmental Agency is now satisfied with ground water arrangements at the site, as are the Internal Drainage Board. Concerns over any gas seepage into properties would be addressed during foundation work on dwellings.

Hannah Wood-Handy (HWH) (BCKLWN Planning) reported that one planning condition relating to the maintenance of the footpath link to the Warren Close Play Area remains to be resolved before building work can commence and one condition relating to gas protection methods in the dwellings cannot be discharged until building work commences.

The meeting consensus was that the soil level on the Warren Close side of the site was still in excess of what should have been agreed as the soil height reduction of 600mm did not take account of the spoil from the building of the Medical Centre, this meaning that properties in Warren Close would be unnecessarily overlooked. HWH agreed to approach the developers on this matter and report back within 2 weeks.

HWH also reported that there would be no change to the Rowan Close road configuration but would pass on concerns relating to blocking this access route to the Medical Centre, both during and after construction.

Concern was expressed that the boundary line to the site with the Warren Close Play Area should be strictly adhered to and that the ancient hedge maintained.

A parishioner was advised that any property damage as a result of site construction work is a civil matter that would have to be dealt with through a solicitor. The site contractor is Weldon Plant Ltd.

The Chairman on behalf of the Council thanked Fabia Pollard and Hannah Wood-Handy for their attendance at the meeting.

 b) Watstock 2010

Julia Suiter (JS) on behalf of the Watstock Committee addressed concerns about security issues at the Watstock 2009 event, particularly the Saturday night problems in the dance tent.  As a result, if the Council approved the 2010 event, there would be no dance tent and the committee would want to fence the site to control access at a single entry point both in terms of numbers attending and to be able to deal with alcohol related problems. There would again be professional security, which was on site from 7pm on the Saturday at this year’s event. PCSO Watson advised the meeting that the reported incidents at the event were at the Dance Tent of the site and very little was reported at the stage end of the event.

JS presented a draft expenditure / income forecast to the Council, this document also seeking permission for the temporary closure of the Glebe footpath, to be able to charge an entry fee (£3) and for car parking on the Recreation Ground.

JS also advised that, as there would only be a single sound source in 2010, volume levels could be better controlled to lessen the impact on nearby residents. The 2010 event has been scheduled for the weekend of 24/25 July and after 2010 would become a bi-annual event.

SEP 09/19 Rowan Close Development

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that a letter should be sent to BCKWLN Planning seeking that the three remaining concerns about the development on this site be addressed:

1)       That the site ground level on the Warren Close side is too high in relation to the remainder of the site and the properties in Warren Close, this being caused by the spoil from the development of the Medical Centre having raised this area well over the 600mm height reduction set out in planning approval condition 15.

2)       That the boundary line onto the Warren Close Play Area be strictly adhered to and the ancient hedge retained.

3)       That during construction access to the Medical Centre is maintained at all times and that if necessary plans be put in place to restrict parking access along Rowan Close, these to be maintained after site development is complete.

SEP 09/20 Watstock 2010

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the following additional arrangements for Watstock 2010:

1)       That Watstock be allowed to temporarily fence the Glebe Field on the Watstock Weekend to restrict access to the event. The Council would prefer that there are 2 entrances to the site, by the Information Centre and from the footpath by the large oak tree.

2)       To allow Watstock to approach NCC to have a temporary footpath closure on the west side of the Glebe Field on the Watstock Weekend if this is preferred to fencing along this side.

3)       To allow Watstock to charge for admission on the Glebe Field on the Watstock Weekend.

4)       To allow parking on the Recreation Ground away from the play equipment on the Watstock Weekend, subject to the ground being firm enough to avoid damage. The Council would also require that Watstock meet any costs of remedial work required if there is ground damage as a result of car parking on the site. Also Watstock to be asked to donate a proportion of any car parking charges received towards new play equipment for the village.

Council also noted the proposed additional toilet facilities and advised that use of traffic cones were not in the Council’s remit; Watstock would need to speak to the Police and NCC Highways.

The Chairman on behalf of the Council thanked the Watstock Committee for their attendance at the meeting.

SEP 09/21 Payments

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council approved the following payment:

 *Includes recoverable VAT

There being no other business, Council rose at  8.40pm.

The next ordinary meeting of the Council is on Tuesday 20 October in the Village Hall.

SIGNED

Chairman                                                          Clerk                                                                                         20 October 2009