WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

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

DRAFT MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held on 14 March 2006 at 7.23pm in Watlington Village Hall.

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

PC Bodley and 5 members of the public also attended the meeting.

Apologies for absence:  Cllrs Finnis, Leedell and Rockcliffe; BCllr Ansell.

MAR 06/1 Cllr Finnis Attendance at Meetings

The Chairman brought to the attention of the Council an e-mail from Cllr Finnis giving his apology for the meeting and seeking the Council’s permission to remain on the Parish Council after 18 April 2006 although he would not have attended a meeting for 6 months at that time due to work commitments. After discussion, a proposal from Cllr Golding, seconded by Cllr Garton, was approved by Council that Cllr Finnis be allowed to remain in office, but that he be advised of the need to attend the next Council meeting.

MAR 06/2 Co-option of a New Councillor

Following a secret ballot amongst existing councillors present, Mr Simon Paget was duly co-opted with an absolute majority to the Parish Council. The Chairman on behalf of the Council thanked the other two applicants who had applied and expressed the view of the Council that it was encouraging that there had been a great deal of interest in the vacancy. It was agreed that the clerk would write to each applicant.

MAR 06/3 Declarations of Interest

There were no declarations of interest for this meeting.

MAR 06/4 Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 24 January 2006

The Minutes of the Council meeting on 24 January 2006 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

MAR 06/5 Clerk’s Report and Matters Arising (Not on the agenda)

The clerk reported that the Council’s funds currently stand at £10,066.23. The clerk reported that publicity for the Borough Council Community Information Point in the Information Centre had appeared both  in the ‘Your Council’ newsletter and the Gossip. Training for volunteers on use of the Borough Council website would begin this week. The clerk also reported that it was hoped that the first meeting of the anti-social behaviour joint working party between the Parish Council, the Village Hall and the Sports & Social Club would take place next week. There were no matters arising.

MAR 06/6 Insurance Renewal

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed the renewal of the insurance arrangements with Allianz Cornhill plc. It was noted that the premium has risen by 10%, to £1,176.24.

MAR 06/7 Annual Review of Clerk’s Salary

On a proposal from Cllr Golding, seconded by Cllr Toates, it was agreed by Council that the clerk’s hourly pay rate be increased to Scale Point 19, £9.019 per hour from 1 April 2006, these scale rates being in accordance with the recommendations from NALC for parish clerk’s hourly rates.

MAR 06/8 Payments

On a proposal from the Chairman, Council agreed that the following payments be made:

MAR 06/9 Requests for Grants and Donations

On a proposal from Cllr Miller, seconded by Cllr Garton, Council agreed the following payment :

MAR 06/10 New Housing Development (Martingales)

The clerk advised that some of the new street name attachments had been advised – Fendley  Close, Featherby Drive, Franklin Way and Lake Close and that there is to be extension of the street numbers to both Stone Close and John Davis Way. Unfortunately Persimmon had not responded to a request as to whether the  name Martingales has any significance.

MAR 06/11 Planning Applications

The following planning decisions were agreed:

Application 06/00346/O Gypsy Lane

Following full Council discussion on this application Council agreed on a majority vote a proposal from Cllr Pike, seconded by Cllr Toates, that this application should be rejected on the grounds that it falls outside of the current development envelope of the existing Local Development Plan. Council also noted concern that the applicant had sought to link giving land for an extension of the rail station car park with the application.

The following planning decisions from BCKLWN were noted:

MAR 06/ 12 Planning Applications Consideration

Discussion was held on the Council’s method for dealing with planning applications, given the need to respond within the 21 day deadline applied by the Borough Council. On a proposal from Cllr Pike, seconded by Cllr Golding, Council agreed that any application for planning permission outside the village development envelope and any other application considered contentious should be considered by as many Council members as possible, with each Planning Committee member being responsible for contacting one or two other councillors not on the committee for their opinions and including these in their report.

MAR 06/13 Borough Council Planning Reports & Information

Council noted the following reports from the Borough Council:

a) Differentiating Rural Areas Within King's Lynn & West Norfolk: The clerk advised that the Borough Council would be using a statistical analysis tool as part of defining the Local Development Framework.

b) Interim Planning Policy Guidance for the Provision of Garden or Amenity Land for Converted Redundant Agricultural Buildings: The clerk advised that this policy guideline would allow for appropriate gardens to be allowed on former agricultural land where there were converted agricultural buildings.

c) Guidance Note on Using the BCKLWN website for Planning Applications: The clerk advised that training was available from him on the use of the BCKLWN website to review planning applications.

MAR 06/14 Police Liaison Officer Information Exchange

PC Bodley reported that that there were 7 recorded crimes (3 criminal damage, 1 actual bodily harm, 1 deception, 1 attempted burglary and 1 theft)  in the parish, of which 1 had been detected. PC Bodley also reported that the police have been monitoring cars parked near the rail station and that warning notices had been issued as well as £30 fines for illegally parked vehicles. Problems have lessened following this action and that of the additional parking spaces being available.

PC Bodley also advised that he was keen to see the matter of a Youth Shelter in the village being considered and was looking forward to the first meeting of the anti-social behaviour joint working party.

The Chairman then opened the meeting for questions to PC Bodley. A parishioner advised PC Bodley of problems with local youths congregating at the rear of 22 Station Road and causing a good deal of disturbance to nearby residents. It was agreed that names of those involved would be provided to PC Bodley. It was also agreed that the clerk would seek to find out the owner of the property (which is divided into 3 dwellings) and write on behalf of the Council asking that the property boundary be made secure.

MAR 06/15 Rail Station Car Park

The Chairman summarised the current position regarding the hoped for expansion of the car park. Norfolk County Council has agreed funding for a feasibility study to commence in April 2006 on an extension to the car park through the Local Development Plan. The Borough Council has had senior level talks with the new rail franchisee (First Connect) seeking to urge them to draw up plans for an extension, particularly given their commitment to provide an additional 600 spaces across the franchise route. At the current time Mr G Venni has made additional spaces available at the rear of the existing car park, spaces that are now being used and Cllr Rockcliffe has advised that additional planings are going to be laid on the site. Following a suggestion from PC Bodley, Council agreed to seek single yellow line waiting restrictions on roads surrounding the station between the hours of 7-10 am even before the results of the feasibility study are known.

MAR 06/16 Highways / Transport Matters

Council noted the possible cut to Saturday morning services to Route 47. The clerk advised the Council that the Borough Council had agreed an 08.30am start time for the free bus pass scheme thus allowing Watlington residents to access King's Lynn at reasonable times.

Consideration was given to an e-mail from a parishioner in Lacey Close regarding speeding traffic along St Peters Road. It was noted that chicanes had proved successful in other parts of the County but that there might be difficulties for wide agricultural vehicles if installed. It was agreed that this matter should be referred to NCC Highways for advice and guidance on possible ways of dealing with speeding traffic along this and other routes in the village and for a response on the use of the Speed Awareness Message (SAM) scheme.

Council noted that a highway encroachment notice had been served on the owner of Park View in Plough Lane and that the offending wall had now be removed.

An e-mail from a parishioner regarding the state of the footway along Downham Road near the junction with Rectory Lane was read and it was agreed that the clerk would contact NCC Highways regarding the need for consistent surfacing along this footway.

MAR 06/17 Community Projects Committee

Cllr Pike reported on behalf of the committee the following items:

1)       The Play Equipment Project is still in the consultation exercise with the school. Early indications are that wooden fitness style equipment is the preferred option. The committee will soon be considering project costings and funding sources.

2)       The annual play equipment safety report had just been received and the committee would be reviewing this at its next meeting with a view to dealing with matters requiring urgent attention.

3)       The proposed review of the Warren Close Play Area would now be undertaken following receipt of the play equipment safety report.

4)       If funds permit the committee would be seeking to install a piece of additional kit on the new tots’ play area, possibly a ‘toadstool’ seating area.

Council agreed to a proposal from the Committee to carry out preliminary work on the need for and the possible location of a Youth Shelter in the village, with any proposals being brought back to Council for consideration at a later date. The study would be carried out in conjunction with the police and with the anti-social behaviour joint working party.

Cllr Pike advised the Council that 2 quotes (£2750-£3100)  had been received for the Village Pound renovations and that the project required one alteration to the specification in that it would not be possible to brickweave up to the footway edge, given the slope at this point. Council agreed to a proposal from the Cllr Miller, seconded by Cllr Dagnall, that the committee proceed with the project, the clerk having confirmed that there was sufficient funding available.

MAR 06/18 Environment Committee

The clerk advised the Council that the Environmental Protection team at the Borough Council had responsibility for investigating the sewerage back-up problems in Lacey Close, and that liaison was in place with BCllr Ansell and Mr Jeffries on behalf of Lacey Close residents. It was agreed that the clerk would write formally to the Borough Council supporting the need for an investigation.

The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Rockcliffe on possible drainage problems relating to the dyke that runs between the school and Martingales, at right angles to Fairfield Lane. At present there is difficulty with trying to resolve ownership of the dyke, it not being part of the Martingales site or the school. Cllr Rockcliffe will pursue this problem.

The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Rockcliffe that NCC Highways have agreed to undertake pruning work along Dolcie’s Footpath as a goodwill gesture. The Chairman reported that the adjacent neighbour, Mr Alexander, has offered to help keep the trees pruned back once the initial work has been carried out. It was noted that the nesting season had arrived so there may be a delay in getting the work done.

On a proposal from Cllr Golding, seconded by Cllr Pike, Council agreed that the clerk be authorised to incur expenditure on Borough Council refuse sacks / tags up to £1 a week to assist the Litter Picker and Handyperson deal with the removal of street  / bin litter.

The kind offer of help with litter picking from Mr Curvengen was received by Council, to cover the areas that the Litter Picker was unable to access for health and safety reasons. The clerk advised Council that the offer had to be reclined after advice from NCAPTC that volunteer workers could not be allowed to work in a more risky environment than paid employees.

The clerk reported that a meeting had been held with BCllr Ansell, BCllr Harwood and BCKLWN council officers regarding the security situation around the garages and footpath linking the Petersfield Estate and Britton Close. It had been agreed at the meeting that the Borough Council would seek to cut back the hedging along the footpath to help improve visibility as a first measure, but there is now a dispute regarding ownership of footpath margins. On a proposal from the Chairman it was agreed that the clerk would make a Land Registry enquiry at a cost of £4.

A letter from a parishioner regarding flooding along the footpath between Lacey Close and Station Road was read. It was agreed that this matter should be referred to NCC Highways for consideration of path straightening.

Cllr Golding reminded Council that the play sign was still in her garden. The clerk advised that its re-installation was on the list of jobs for the Handyperson.

MAR 06/19 Glebe Committee

Following discussion on the need to improve the visual amenity and the general safety of the boundary ditch (Lacey’s Dyke) that runs behind and adjacent to the village hall, Council agreed that the ditch should be replaced by a sculptured mound, which would both provide a barrier to vehicular access and prove visually appealing. Council agreed that the Community Projects Committee could lead on drawing up plans and costs for the scheme, to come back to the next Council meeting. Cllr Rockcliffe would also be consulted on sourcing equipment and materials for the project.

A letter was received from Watlington Gap Football Club regarding the problems of maintenance with the football pitch on the Glebe Land. On a proposal from Cllr Toates, seconded by Cllr Pike, Council agreed to giving permission for the football club to store 60 tons of topsoil on the land between the village hall and the near goalposts with the proviso that the soil is used before 1 August or it will need to be removed.

The Council welcomed a letter was received from the Watlington Youth Football Club advising that they have set up a system for removing any litter created as a result of matches played. Cllr Miller advised that she had cleared rubbish from the pitch following a recent adult game and that the litter problem may be caused by them rather than the juniors. It was agreed that the clerk would write to the club correspondent and to Cllr Finnis to ask them to have an arrangement like the junior team, namely a black sack to be available and used at each match.

MAR 06/20 Correspondence for Action

MAR 06/21 Correspondence for information

MAR 06/22 Members Information Exchange

There being no members information items, the Chairman opened the meeting to the public.

A parishioner advised the Council of the extremely poor state of the highway on Lynn Road towards the C41 junction, this most likely being the result of the continued heavy use of lorries for the Martingales site. It was agreed that the clerk would contact NCC Highways regarding this matter.

There being no other business the Council rose at 9.40

The next meeting of the Council is the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council at 7.00pm on Tuesday 2 May 2006 in the Village Hall, to be immediately followed by a ordinary meeting of the Parish Council.

SIGNED

Chairman                                                          Clerk                                         2 May 2006