Notes from the Parish Council November Meeting
Chairman Mr John Covill chaired the meeting with 7 Parish Councillors plus 5
members of the public were in attendance.
Minutes of Meetings: These were agreed.
Parish Council Vacancy due to Resignation: Mrs Sandra Wilson had confirmed in writing to the Clerk that she was resigning as Parish Councillor. The Clerk was asked to reply to Mrs Wilson and thank her for her input and interest in village matters during her time as Parish Councillor.
Reports:
- CCC - Cllr Hazel Williams
- ECDC - Cllr Allen Alderson
Correspondence Received: This was reported.
Matters Arising (for information only)
Steve Kent-Phillips brought to the meeting's attention the requirement under the new 'No Smoking'regulations to place 'No Smoking'signs in bus shelters that were enclosed by 50%. The Clerk was asked to clarify with current regulations.
Open Forum:
At this point the meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to consider and put their views with reference to the next item on the agenda. Three representatives from Ashwell Homes attended the meeting to reply to any queries that arose. Following this, the formal meeting continued.
Planning Application Received:
- Land adjacent to Water Tower, Mill Hill - erection of 5No dwellings, garages, associated infrastructure and landscaping. There were no objections to this application.
Road Safety Measures/Traffic Calming, Mill Hill: Following on from the October notes, the Clerk confirmed that the Parish Council's bid to the CCC's "Jointly Funded Minor Highways Improvement Schemes 2008/09" had been successful. It was also confirmed that Swaffham Prior had been shortlisted for further consideration under the "Traffic Management & Road Safety Schemes Programme 2008/09".
High Street - Signs & Naming: As reported in October, there still remained one sign to be removed. The Clerk had again written to ECDC about the removal of the sign plus the follow up about the road name at the south end of the High Street. An acknowledgement letter was received but a full reply was still awaited.
Consideration of Draft Budget/Precept for 2008/09: It was agreed that no increase was required and that the Precept for 2008/09 would remain at £14,500 subject to final approval at the January 2008 meeting. Full details available on request.
Upgrading of the Play Area: A start date was unknown but it was hoped that the work would go ahead in the next few weeks. The cost of a new roundabout and associated surfacing proved to be very high at approximately £7,000. Steve Kent- Phillips told the meeting that next favourite item from the survey carried out at the School was a picnic table. An estimate had been obtained for a covered picnic table in the sum of approximately £1,150. It was agreed to look at this further once the works by Anglian Playground Services had been completed.
The Lodes & The Fens: A further consultation report was received from Halcrow on behalf of the Environment Agency. An accompanying summary booklet was circulated. The Environment Agency preferred option of continuing to maintain the Lodes for the next 5 years and then review was reported and it was unanimously agreed that the Clerk should write a letter to the Environment Agency in support of the preferred option.
Affordable Housing - follow up from presentation by Hastoe Housing: Following discussion about the need for affordable housing within the Parish, the Parish Council would welcome parishioners'views. If anyone is aware of or would like to suggest an area of land that might be suitable for such a scheme, the Parish Council would very much like to hear from them.
Accounts for payment: These were agreed.
Planning Approvals:
- 18 Cage Hill - single-storey side extension.
Items for the Next Agenda will include:
- Upgrading works to Play Area
- The Lodes & The Fens
- Mill Hill - Road Safety/Traffic Calming
- High Street Signs & Naming
- Neighbourhood Panels
Open Question Time:
It was noted that the verge from Fairview Grove to the speed limit sign was in need of cutting. The Clerk to action.
Hedge cutting required on Station Road. J Covill to action.
The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Thursday,13th December 2007 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.