Minutes of a meeting of Blofield Parish Council held on Tuesday 22 June 2004 in Heathlands at 7:30 p.m.

2538 PRESENT

Mrs. S. Rose (Chairman)

Mrs. G. Butler, Mr. A. Braithewaite, Mr. M. Tetlow, Mr. D. Ward, Mr. J. Clabburn, Mrs. B. Dawson, Mr. G. Buffini,

Mr. M. Sowerby (Vice Chairrnan), Mr. B. Murphy and Mrs. A. Nortcliffe (temporary Minute Secretary).

Five members of the public were also present.

The Chairman welcomed members of the public and explained Council procedure to them.

2539 APOLOGIES

Mrs. Perry

2540 ABSENT

Mrs. Rose informed the Parish Council that Mrs. Wyatt (Clerk) had very regrettably suffered a heart attack. Fortunately she was now at home and feeling better. A card had been sent on behalf of the Council, wishing Mrs. Wyatt a speedy recovery.

2541 TEMPORARY MINUTE SECRETARY

Mrs. A. Nortcliffe agreed to act as temporary Minute Secretary in Mrs. Wyatt's absence.

2542 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Mrs. Rose was re~elected Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year.

Proposed by Mr. Braithewaite, seconded by Mrs. Butler.

2543 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN

Mr. Sowerby was re-elected Vice Chairman of the Parish Council for the ensuing year.

Proposed by Mr. Ward, seconded by Mr. Clabburn.

2544 APPOINTMENT OF SUB~COMMITTEES

Planning sub-committee:

Mrs. Butler, Mr. Buffini, Mrs. Dawson, Mrs. Perry, Mr. Tetlow and Mrs. Rose.

Proposed by Mr. Ward, seconded by Mr. Clabburn.

Cheque signatories:

Mrs. Rose, Mr. Sowerby, Mr. Clabburn.(Any two to sign)

Proposed by Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Tetlow.

Heath lands:

Mrs. Dawson.

Proposed by Mr. Sowerby, seconded by Mr. Murphy.

Court House:

Mr. Tetlow.

Proposed by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Braithewaite.

Margaret Harker Hall:

As the present representative, Mrs. Perry, was not present it was agreed that this appointment be deferred.

Churchyard:

Mrs. Butler.

Proposed by Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Clabburn.

Footpaths & Town Pit:

Mr. Sowerby.

Proposed by Mr. Buffini, seconded by Mr. Tetlow.

Tree Warden:

Mr. Clabburn, Mr. Buffini (Deputy).

Proposed by Mr. Ward, seconded by Mr. Braithewaite.

2545 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Mr. Tetlow - Blofield Court House

Mrs. Rose - Hemblington School Governor, Chairman of Blofleld Fuel Charity

Mrs. Dawson - Landowner, Heathlands and Fuel Charity

Mrs. Butler - Landowner

Mr Ward - Broadland District Council, Parish Council & Trinity Trust

Mr Braithewaite - BlofIeld Court House.

2546 DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The Chairman congratulated Mr. Ward on his re-election to Broadland District Council as Councillor for Blofield with

South Wal sham. It was noted that the boundaries of Blofield Ward have now changed, incorporating the Ward of South

Wal sham.

2547 OPEN FORUM

Mrs. Williams raised the question of speeding and a possible 20m/h flashing sign in North Street.

It was explained that the lines across the road are traffic counters. They will remain in place for two months after which Highways will assess the results. Mrs. Wyatt has had 200 forms back, which will be forwarded to Highways together with PC Marshall's report.

Dr. Pilch expressed the view that perhaps the lines were not placed in the best location, but it was pleasing to note that public pressure had resulted in action being taken.

The Chairman explained that the cost of any lights will fall on the parish precept.

Mrs. Tetlow mentioned the need for a roundabout at Sparrow Hall. The Chairman said that funds are not available at present, but there will be an opportunity to comment later; it is still at the design stage.

Mrs. Thomas forwarded copies of letters from Norfolk County Council, Planning and Transportation Dept. and the Police in response to representation detailing the traffic problems in the Street. It was noted that our concerns were apparently passed from one body to the next and it is fair to say that neither members of the Parish Council nor members of the Public present were impressed with the responses.

Mrs. Williams reported that the bank opposite the school in North Street has not been cut and is very untidy. Mr. Ward agreed to take this matter up with Broadland District Council. Mrs. Wyatt to write to the owners.

Mr. Price raised the issue of HGV traffic along Bullacebush Lane and conditions being lifted. The Chairman referred to a letter from the Traffic Commission stating that the Parish Council had no mandate to make representation as it did not own land adjacent to the site where the vehicles come from. Grave concerns were expressed as there are no acceptable alternatives. It was noted that the Parish Council and District Councillors had objected most strongly to the original planning application on highway grounds, but with no back up from Highways dept. Broadland District Council had approved the development.

2548 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

The minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting on 11 may 2004 were received.

2549 MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 11 MAY 2004

The minutes of 11 may 2004 were unanimously agreed as a correct record.

2550 MATTERS ARISING

Bus Services (Minute 2516)

The Chairman explained that a meeting is being arranged with Mr. Pope, which will be a joint meeting with South

Walsham Parish Council.

Court House (Minute 2516)

Mr. Braithewaite informed Members that a new quote for the disabled toilet could mean a saving of £500 and Mr.

Tetlow reported that savings on a new quote for the lift itself could be in the region of £2000. Coverdale's original

quote has been £5000.

It was agreed that Mr. Murphy and Mr. Tetlow would obtain written quotes, which are to be passed on to Mr. Braithewaite and which he has the Parish Council's authority to act on. Also a letter to be obtained from Coverdale.

Mr. Murphy declared an interest in this and left the meeting when the voting took place.

The Chairman expressed her thanks to Mr. Braithewaite, Mr. Tetlow and Mr. Murphy for their hard work.

Church Maintenance (Minute 2516)

It was noted that the grass has been cut.

The Chairman drew Members attention to a letter from Anthea Morley, Secretary to Blofield P.C.C. detailing severe damage to the boundary wall. This is caused by the roots of the lime trees and subsequently cannot be successfully repaired whilst the trees are left in place. Broadland District Council has advised that no grant will be forthcoming on any temporary repair.

It was agreed that before the Parish Council decides to spend any money on repairing the wall. there will have to be further discussions with the P.C.C. regarding what action to take regarding the lime trees. There is also the need to make 100%  sure who is responsible for the cost of the repair. The Chairman 'will make further enquiries.

2551 EXPENDITURE

Mr. Darby £295

Mr. Patterson £75

Mr. Allsopp £75

Heathlands Day Centre £166.70

West View Community Fund £166.70

Brewster Court £166.70

The above expenditure was proposed by Mr. Sowerby, seconded by Mr. Murphy and agreed.

2552 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Ward reported that that the footpath scheme at Ranworth Road will hopefully be disbanded. The residents do not

want it and the opinion is that money could be better spent elsewhere. It was noted that this is within the parish of

Blofield, but was originally requested by Hemblington Parish Council.

It was noted that the landlady at the Kings head Public House had expressed concerns about abuse of the shoppers car park. This is being used for long term parking and park and ride to Norwich

Members agreed we need to establish exactly how many spaces are allocated for shoppers car park and that this needs to be clearly marked on site. It was further agreed that Mr. Tetlow would look into getting a sign stating that parking is restricted to 1 hour. It was noted that this cannot be easily enforced.

Mr. Clabburn asked if new tenants still had the right to buy housing association properties. The Chairman explained that tenants could not buy the whole house and had to sell any share back to the housing association when moving.

Mr. Sowerby presented the Parish Footpath Report, which will be forwarded to County Hall.

Mr. Ward reported that Broadland District Council has removed funding for all public toilets for next year. Likewise for waste skips.

2553 PLANNING

The Chairman reported the decisions made by Broadland District Council since last meeting.

The Council then considered the following applications:

20040642 Heath End Farm, Dyes Road

Detached dwelling with garage for site manager.

Object. Contrary to policy. Outside development area.

20040930 The Paddocks, North Street

Alteration and extension

No objection.

Mr. Tetlow left the meeting for the consideration and voting on this application.

20040761 Brecklands, North Street

Single storey rear extension

No objection.

20040836 Barn no I, Perownes Farm, Bullacebush Lane

Conversion of agricultural building to residential unit (revised proposal)

No objection.

20040874 Comer House, Globe Lane

Su~division

Object. Cramped form of sub-division. Out of character with the surrounding area. Sets an undesirable precedent.

20040857 Leafbrd, Orchard Close

1.   Single storey front extension

2.   Single storey side extension and detached garage to front (revised proposals)

No objection.

Meeting closed at 9:30 p.m.