October 2019 Minutes
REEPHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting
Methodist Schoolroom on Tuesday 29th October 2019 at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr D Perkins, who presided. Cllrs C Wilson, J Oxby, N Ward, D World, M Doughty and B Tebbs with the Clerk Mr B Wharton.
C/Cllr I Fleetwood and D/Cllr A Welburn also attended.
6 Residents also attended.
MATTERS RAISED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The residents, having written to the Parish Council in the last 2 months, either expanded on previous attendance or, presented their thoughts jointly. Their letters are held on file.
1. Apologies.
Cllr P Stuffins (injury).
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 24th September 2019.
At the proposal by Cllr N Ward, seconded by Cllr B Tebbs, it was resolved that the minutes be accepted.
3. Clerk’s Report
The replacement litter bin was requested from WLDC.
Greetwell Parish Clerk was contacted for information on the provision of the white gates at the entrance to the village.
The invoices for the Planning Training Day have been sent to the relevant Parish Councils.
A road sign has been requested through C/Cllr Fleetwood for the Green.
A copy of the letter on parking at school drop off time has been sent to Reepham School and Reepham pre-school.
4. Correspondence
Cllr I Fleetwood – report for October.
iGas – Community Fund Grant.
WLDC – Grants for Pocket Parks.
Resident’s letter re dangerous dog.
LCR – Magazine.
5. Financial Matters
Presentation of Accounts:
Glendale – Hedge cut, spray, etc. 30/9 £ 608.04
Glendale – Grass Cut 30/09 £ 282.22
EKM Ltd – Play park inspection £ 24.00
Angle – Matthew Gleadell – training. £ 125.00
LALC – Quarterly LCR £ 17.50
Reepham Methodist Church – rental for training £ 33.00
£1089.76
At the proposal by Cllr J Oxby, seconded by Cllr N Ward, it was resolved that these be paid.
Remittances –
Cherry Willingham Parish Council £ 40.00
For 4xCllrs training.
Dispensations for Precept; Cllr C Wilson and Cllr M Doughty completed dispensation forms for discussions regarding the Precept – these were signed by the Clerk. This ensures that all Cllrs are covered until the 2021/22 Precept discussions.
The Precept workings had been forwarded to each Cllr and at the proposal by Cllr J Oxby, seconded by Cllr B Tebbs it was carried that the initial estimate of £8500 be sent to WLDC. The final Precept will be discussed at the next meeting.
6. Planning Matters
The following applications have been received:
140178 - 41 Fiskerton Road, passed by the Planning Committee with no observations. Clerk to process.
140180 – 30 Wragby Road. Neighbouring Parish. Planning Chair noted that this, as a demolition and rebuild, plus a change of type would need to be processed under the new protocol by the full council. Chair requested that all look at the application and return their comments to the Clerk who would present them at the next meeting. Clerk to request an extension of period from WLDC.
Neighbourhood Planning: A report of the meeting over the past months was presented by Cllr D World.
A letter requesting a change to the Terms of Reference had been presented. This change had been contained in an email from Cllr World earlier: copied below:
Current wording:-
"Decisions made by the Steering Group should normally be by consensus at
Steering Group meetings. Where a vote is required each member shall have one
vote. A minimum of 5 members shall be present where matters are presented for
decisions to be taken. A simple majority vote will be required to support any motion.
The Chairman shall have one casting vote."
Change requested:-
Decisions made by the Steering Group should normally be by consensus at
Steering Group meetings. Where a vote is required each member shall have one
vote. A minimum of 50% of members shall be present where matters are presented for
decisions to be taken. A simple majority vote will be required to support any motion.
The Chairman shall have one casting vote.
At the proposal by Cllr B Tebbs, seconded by Cllr J Oxby, it was resolved that this change be noted and ratified.
At this point the letters presented by the residents were to be discussed. As members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Cllrs, C Wilson and D World declared a non-pecuniary interest in the contents of the letters.
There was no detailed discussion from the Parish Council members who were not closely involved with the NPG. Cllrs Wilson and World detailed what they felt the processes of the NPG were. Cllr Ward asked what, exactly were the requirements being asked of the Parish Council by the residents. Chair responded that there was no legal requirement for any interference in any process at this stage but that might come later. The Plan when presented for support and forward presentation by the
Parish Council would be far easier to handle if the means by which it came to fruition were acceptable at all stages.
The meeting was closed by the Chairman at 8.30pm for a general discussion that would include the residents who each then had a chance to speak.
The meeting re-opened at 9.10pm when the Chairman set forth a plan to try and bring agreement. Clerk to ensure that all correspondence be coped to the Chair of the NPG (much had already been copied and had response). Chair to organise a meeting between the interested parties and the NPG to attempt to bring clarity and meaning to any misunderstandings that might have arisen.
7. Roads and Footways
Planting of bulbs. This ongoing with a planting time to be agreed. Location was suggested as in places where no grass cutting would be needed to allow the bulbs their proper growth pattern. E.g. down the edges of the path from Mellows Close to the kissing gate.
Village Hall sign. The village hall committee through the chair requested a ‘finger sign’ indicating the village hall be installed at the roadside. Clerk to request through C/Cllr Fleetwood.
White Gates: Carried to next agenda.
8. Tree Charter:
A request has been written to Highways for permission to remove these trees and replant with new, either rowan, or other trees.
9. Field Footpaths and Bridleways
Ongoing.
10. Conservation Areas
Registration of the green. Carried to the next agenda.
11. Amenity Areas
A quote from EKM Ltd for various repairs was presented. Clerk to circulate and discuss which next steps at the next agenda.
12. Business for the Next Agenda
Meeting closed at 2145. Next meeting Tuesday Dec 3rd at 7.30