Parish Council Meeting - 13th March 2002

Mineral (Sand/Gravel) Extraction Scheme:

More than 100 parishioners attended the public meeting arranged to discuss the gravel extraction schemes by Longwater Gravel Co. Ltd., and Tarmac, on Saturday 2nd March together with members of the Parish Council, District Councillor - Mr A Mallett, and County Councillor - Mr .S Murphy. Representatives from Longwater Gravel, Tarmac, Norfolk County Council, and surrounding villages also attended.

The meeting was opened by the Chairman Mr J Neville, who welcomed those present and explained that the meeting had been called to hear the views of parishioners.

Outlines of the schemes were given by the Mr J Neville and Vice-Chairman Mr R Brighton, after which each company was given ten minutes to address the meeting. The meeting was then opened for questions from the floor, the majority of questions being aimed at the Tarmac application, although the extra traffic, noise, dust etc., from both schemes gave cause for concern. The general opinion of the meeting was overwhelmingly against both schemes. A full copy of the minutes of the meeting has been placed at the Post Office for anyone wishing to read them.

The planning application by Longwater Gravel at Grange Farm, Horstead - Reference No. ENV/C/2001/5005 should be discussed at Norfolk County Council Planning Meeting on 19th April (or failing that the following meeting on 24th May). Anyone wishing to attend this meeting is welcome to do so, but it is advisable to telephone NCC Planning and Transportation Department on Norwich 222755 or 222756, for confirmation a few days beforehand.

At the time of writing (18th March) no application by Tarmac has been received. We were informed at the Public Meeting that environmental impact assessments needed to be resolved before an application could be submitted. As soon as an application is received, by the Parish Council, notices will be placed in the parish notice boards.

Footpath No 4: Notification has been received that a Public Enquiry will take place on 26th/27th June - See separate Notice for details.

Queen Elizabeth 11 Golden Jubilee Celebrations: Where are those suggestions for celebrating this event, we are still waiting to hear from you.

Casual Vacancy for Parish Councillor: If you are interested in being co-opted onto
the Parish Council please apply in writing to the address below.

Horstead Playing Field Fund: Tickets are going fast for this event - see separate notice.

Annual Parish Meeting: This will take place in the Tithe Barn on Saturday 13th April at 2.30p.m. It is earlier than usual this year owing to Tithe Barn bookings. All welcome.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 10th April, 7.30p.m. in the Tithe Barn.

Christine Roe, Clerk