Held in the Tithe Barn on Wednesday, 8th January 2003

Matters Arising:

Jubilee Tree Guard - This had now been erected together with the plaque.

Tree across Mill Towpath - This had been cleared by Mr Gurney who had also sent a letter expressing concern regarding the condition of the path, which was in danger of disappearing into the river. Mr Brighton informed the meeting that this had already been discussed with the Broads Authority and it was understood that monies from the NEWS Grant were to be used for upgrading. After discussion it was agreed to write to the Broads Authority for confirmation.

Correspondence:
George V Jubilee Oak - Mr Germany had contacted the Chairman expressing concern that the Jubilee Oak, which seemed to be leaning towards the road. After discussion it was agreed to contact Ms McQueen (arboriculture and conservation officer) at BDC for her opinion.

Precept:
The recommendation of the Finance Committee was that a precept of £8,100 be applied for, for the year 2003/4. This would work out at approximately 43p per week per Band D household (A - C would be lower and E onwards would be higher).

Included in the sum was £250 towards Churchyard Maintenance, Internal and External Audit costs, together with the expense of maintaining the Playing Field and Equipment, Bus Shelter maintenance and Litter Picking etc. Also included was a £500 contingency fund which in previous years the Council has not maintained - a classic example for the need of such a fund was the sum of £400 to clear the trees around the village pond.

Mill:
Mr Brighton reported that the wooden bridge over the sluices had now been removed and safety railings erected by the Environment Agency, at no expense to the village.

Following the recent continuous rain a large hole had appears at the edge of car park where it joined the concrete bridge over dyke. This had been drawn to the attention of Broads Authority and repair was imminent.

A replacement seat had still not been purchased but samples were awaited from Glasdon of recycled materials used in their “Phoenix” style seat (£335 85).

A reply regarding a proposed weight restriction on Mill Road had been received from County Hall. The area had been inspected by their traffic engineer who did not think such a restriction would be appropriate.

Tithe Barn Representative:
Mr Gowlett had said that he was prepared to serve as the Council’s representative on the committee and it was proposed by Mr Neville and seconded by Mrs Duckworth to put his name forwards

Playing Field:
Aerial Runway - Following our purchase of replacement pulley the work was contracted out to Adventure Playground Ltd, unfortunately they were unable to fit this pulley owing to new legislation governing playground equipment. After discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should arrange for the pulley to be returned to Ansell Jones with the hope of a refund.

Adventure Playgrounds had submitted their own quotation for supply and installation of a suitable replacement pulley for the sum of £525.06 plus vat.

Mr Neville proposed that Adventure Playgrounds should be authorised to carry out the work and also that a letter be sent to the Poors Land Trustees explaining the situation and enquiring if they would be able to help towards costs of the work, seconded Mr Benton.

The Chairman pointed out, that due to the current safety regulations, in future all work would have to be carried out by a registered contractor. The day of ‘Goodwill’ work by parishioners or council members had gone. The risk of claims precluded such work.

NCS Grass Cutting Contract - The price for 2003 would be £463.70 plus vat.

Plans:

Gravel Extraction Meeting - 20th December 2002 - This was cancelled to allow further traffic surveys to be carried out. To date no new date has been set.

Longwater Gravel Co Ltd - Grange Farm Horstead - A letter, dated 24th December 2002 had been received from NCC

regarding the above application for gravel extraction, this states that -“The Longwater Gravel Co Ltd, have made an application to the County Council for mineral extraction at Grange Farm, Horstead. The Council has not yet determined the planning application and the Company has appealed to the Secretary of State for planning permission.

The Appeal will be determined by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State and any comments which you made to the County Council at the application stage will be passed to the Inspector for consideration. If you wish to make any additional comments . . . . . ”

After discussion it was agreed that there was no need to make any additional comments and the Councils original objections should stand.

Application No. 2003007 - Randell Ltd, Mill Road, Horstead, Residential Development (Outline)

1. After discussion it was proposed by Dr Watts that the following objections should be raised, seconded by Mrs Duckworth:

2. The demolition of a much loved building, Malthouse, one of the few remaining industrial buildings left in the village.

3. The density of the development is inappropriate for a Broadland village bordered by a conservation area and water meadows.

4. Part of the development invades the privacy of existing properties.

5. The building line of the proposed development is outside the building line of existing properties fronting Mill Road.

6. The entrance and road through the development are inadequate for any service vehicles and vehicles visiting properties and as a consequence this would cause safety problems for people using footway along Mill Road.

7. The development will exacerbate the already congested junction with the B1150.

8. There appears to be insufficient play areas for the number of properties Proposed.

Next Monthly Meeting – 12th February 2003