Weybourne Parish Council

Weybourne Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Wednesday, 6th December, 2017 (7.30pm) at the Village Hall, Weybourne.

Present: Pat Floyd (Chair), Walter Wood, Janice Rose, Peter Gallally, Ruth Gallally,
David Heley, Andy Crawford, Penny Taylor, and the Clerk. Also present were D.Young (NNDC), S.Butikofer (NCC), and two members of the public.

1a. To receive and consider apologies.
Apologies were received and accepted from R.Woodhouse.
Apologies were also received from the Police.

1b. To receive Declarations of Interest on Agenda items.
No declarations of interest.

2. To approve the minutes of the meeting held 1/11/17.
The minutes, which had already been circulated, were agreed as a true record.

3a. Public Participation (requests to speak on agenda items)
No requests to speak on agenda items.

3b. To receive reports from County & District Councillors.
*** D.Young (NNDC) reported on the following :- (a) Overview & Scrutiny Committee had asked “double-hatters” to fight for second homes council tax to come back to District (b) O. & S. Committee had also raised objections re the recent PCSO announcement (c) Police Commissioner is consulting on what the public is prepared to pay extra to support the police budget (d) reported re the Vattenfall and Hornsea windfarms (e) spoke re the plans for a new Splash etc. in Sheringham and a sports hub based around the Cromer Tennis Club (f) Holt TC planning to move into other accommodation and take over the tourist information centre from NNDC (g) car park charges are to remain the same next year and there will be free parking during the Christmas period.
*** S.Butikofer (NCC) reported on the following :- (a) plans to stop cutting the mobile library service (b) NCC web consultations on gritting reductions and bus subsidy reductions (c) hoping to purchase a VAS for the A148 from her county councillors highways financial allowance.

3c. To receive Police Report.
Reported via email :- (a) four calls to the police and two recorded crimes since the last meeting (both criminal damage). No further news re PCSOs.

4. Finance:
(a) To approve invoices for payment:-
P.Bullimore £248.69 (clerks salary), HMRC £62.20 (tax on clerks salary)
Weybourne V.Hall £16.00 (hire of hall), P.Bullimore £33.52 (clerks expenses)
E-on £53.10 (electricity), Anglian Water Business Ltd £49.83 (allotment water).
*** The payments, as scheduled on the agenda and listed above, plus one urgent payment were approved. The urgent payment was in the sum of £12.60 payable to S.Meakin for copying paper. This money would be recovered from BRPC and MPC.
(b) To consider Budget & Precept for 2018-19.
The Clerk reminded members regarding not voting on the precept if they were two months or more in arrears with their council tax. NNDC was giving £758 to WPC for the Local Council Tax Support Scheme in 2018-19. It was agreed to adopt the Clerks working papers and notes as the basis for discussion which showed very healthy balances at the present time. Projected commitments to 31/3/18 were £3,589 and the new year (2018-19) showed an annual budget of £13,568. The Clerk reminded members that the figures were for the normal “running expenses” of the parish council and no consideration had been given to future projects which might require financing. (e.g. pond project and village hall car park donation). The Chair intimated that whilst balances looked good she was inclined to ask for the same precept as last year (£15,000). After discussion it was agreed that the precept be fixed for £15,000 in 2018-19 and to accept the grant of £758. The Chair and the Clerk duly signed the Precept form for transmission to NNDC.
(c) To note new External Audit arrangements w.e.f. 2017-18.
Small PCs (with a turnover of £25k or less) will not need to submit their annual returns to an external auditor w.e.f. 2017-18. The Clerk will still have to complete the returns but will only have to submit them for inspection if an enquiry or objection is received.

5. Planning:
(a) To note information/decisions received from NNDC since last meeting
Nothing received.
(b) To consider planning applications received since agenda was printed.
None received.
(c) To receive & consider update re 25 & 25a Pine Walk.
There was nothing further to report and members agreed to remove this item from the agenda.
(d) To receive update re consultation by Dong Energy on Hornsea Windfarm
A further consultation was now taking place but this did not change the basic objections and comments made by the parish council and submitted to Dong Energy. There was to be a further briefing at the NNDC offices on Wed.13/12/17 and DH agreed to represent the PC. D.Young (NNDC) stated that the “3rd route” for the cable, via Kelling, now looked the most likely option. DH would report back to members at the next meeting.
(e) To receive update re Affordable Housing
The Clerk had no further news and DY stated that he thought that the Station Road site was no longer an option.
(f) To receive update re “paperless” planning consultation system.
The Clerk informed members that a reply had been received from NNDC regarding this matter. Whilst suggestions from NNDC were taken “on-board” it was agreed that the way forward was for the Clerk to request paper plans/information from the applicants architects/agent.

6. Highways & Footpath matters:
(a) To consider extension of 20 mph speed limit in the Church St/Holt Rd area.
A request for support from S.Butikofer (NCC) to extend the 20mph area in Church Street further south up the Holt Road was received positively by members. It was agreed to support this project and assist with survey work if and when necessary.
(b) To receive update re the restoration of the pond in Beach Lane
The Chair and the Clerk had attended a meeting (2/11/17) organised by the Norfolk Coast Partnership and attended by representatives of the Norfolk Rivers Trust, NCC, Sir MS, Dr.M.Taylor, and NNDC. It had been a positive meeting with all interested parties agreeing a further session was needed to draft a detailed plan in order that grants and finance might be acquired. Sir MS had intimated that he would part-finance the project and agreed to public access when the project was completed. The group was encouraged by a photograph showing what was a lagoon/lake back in the 1940s-50s. The PC would need to consider whether it could contribute financially when costings were available.
(c) To receive update re white lines at western end of Station Rd & Church Street
There was no further news and S.Butikofer (NCC) would follow this up with Highways.
(d) To note/consider the beck overflowing nr.All Saints Cl., & Rosedale Bns.
Following work carried out by the Environment Agency the Nfk Rivers Trust had informed the Clerk that they wished to wait and see if the problem had now been rectified. The NRT and the PC would monitor the situation during the winter months.

7. Meetings & Conferences (to receive reports and announcements)
Hornsea Project Three Windfarm Update – Wed. 13/12/17 at NNDC – DH to attend.

8. Allotments:
(a) To receive report re allotments (RW)
RW had offered his apologies. The Clerk was instructed to sent reminders to the two tenants yet to pay their rent. AC referred to the huge pile of rubbish in the middle of the allotments which was probably from the lopping of trees and hedges on the southern boundary. Following ACs suggestion it was agreed to again consider hiring a skip.

9. Village Hall:
(a) To receive report re Village Hall (PF)
PF reported on what had been an oil leak creating smells around the building. Hopefully this had now been rectified. PF expressed her concerns re the old trust deed and floated the idea that in the long term it may be better for the PC to take on the responsibilities for the village hall rather than trustees/committee members from the organisations using the village hall. Members agreed that this needed much consideration and legal advice would need to be taken.

10. Cemetery & Churchyard:
(a) To note damage & receive update re churchyard wall.
The Clerk was still waiting for an invoice from the builders.

11. Harry Dawson Playing Field:
(a) To receive report re HDPF (PT).
PT had nothing to report.

12. Weybourne Community Fund: To receive report re WCF (RW)
The childrens party was to be on 10/12/17, and the tree in the churchyard was being decorated.
13. Governance: (a) Review Code of Conduct.(b) To note new Data Protection Regs.
(a) A copy of the Code of Conduct had recently been circulated to members and the Clerk stated that it was basically split into two areas (i) Councillors behaviour based on seven principles that originally came out of the Nolan Report and (ii) Councillors Interests; these had already been submitted to the Monitoring Officer at NNDC but an item at the beginning of each months agenda allowed members to declare anything further appertaining to that agenda. The Clerk stated that it was not for him to remind members re their interests, or make judgements on individual cases, but generally he thought that the golden rule should be that if in doubt declare an interest.
(b) The Clerk summarised what was entailed with the new regs and stated that he would be making a report for members over the next few weeks.

14. To receive General Correspondence. (not included on agenda)
N.Nfk Parish Forum enquiry re NNDC concession opportunities – noted; no comment
Letter from NORSE; costs of maintaining HDPF rising by 8.5% next year – noted.

15. Public Participation (comments/other matters)
No comments or other matters.

16. To confirm date of next meeting – future agenda items
This was confirmed for Wednesday, 3rd January, 2018 – (7.30pm)

Weybourne Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Wednesday, 4th October, 2017 (7.30pm) at the Village Hall, Weybourne.

Present: Pat Floyd (Chair), Janice Rose, Walter Wood, Ruth Gallally,
Robin Woodhouse, David Heley, Penny Taylor, and the Clerk. Also present were
D.Young (NNDC) and S.Butikofer (NCC).

1a. To receive and consider apologies
Apologies were received and accepted from P.Gallally and A.Crawford.

1b. To receive Declarations of Interest on Agenda items
PF and DH declared an interest in item 9(b).

2. To approve the minutes of the meeting held 6/9/17.
The minutes, which had already been circulated, were agreed as a true record.

3a. Public Participation (requests to speak on agenda items)
No members of the public present.

3b. To receive reports from County & District Councillors.
D.Young (NNDC) reported on the following :- (a) approval of the NNDC accounts showing reserves of just over £28m (b) business rate relief; testing of income procedures (c) cabinet has agreed contract for Cromer Pier (d) cabinet received update on Community Housing Fund; should be community led (e) sponsorship of two sculptures raising funds for Break (GoGoHares project).
S.Butikofer (NCC) reported on the following :- (a) Local Enterprise Partnership; we require better recognition for North Norfolk (b) further cuts at NCC of £125m over 3 years; starting to hit front-line services (c) NCC trying to utilise buildings to save money; SB expressed her concerns re mobile libraries (d) Police pay rise might mean redundancies and looking to Government for more money (e) explanation re the “Cluster” police reports.

3c. To receive Police Report.
No report received.

4. Finance:
(a) To approve invoices for payment:-
P.Bullimore £248.69 (clerks salary), HMRC £62.20 (tax on clerks salary)
Weybourne V.Hall £16.00 (hire of hall), P.Bullimore £29.20 (clerks expenses)
E-on £53.10 (electricity – lights), T.T.Jones Electrical £52.85 (light maintenance),
Secret Gardens £76.00 (grass cutting), Norse Eastern Ltd £320.84 (HDPF mtce)
*** The payments, as scheduled on the agenda, and listed above, were approved along with one urgent payment. The urgent payment was in the sum of £75.00 payable to E.Farrow for work on the allotments.
5. Planning:
(a) To note information/decisions received from NNDC since last meeting
The following was noted :-
PF/14/0925; Wind turbine at Pond Fm, Bodham; appeal to be re-determined.
(b) To consider planning applications received since agenda was printed.
None received.
(c) To receive & consider update re 25 & 25a Pine Walk.
The Clerk and D.Young (NNDC) had nothing further to report.
(d) To receive update re consultation by Dong Energy on Hornsea Windfarm
The letter of concern had been sent to Dong Energy and the clerk had received an acknowledgement. The Clerk asked members to note that Dong Energy was changing its name to “Orsted”.
(e) To receive update re Affordable Housing
D.Young (NNDC) reported that the Station Road site was being considered. The Hastoe Housing Association would be speaking to the land owner soon.
(f) To note a review on “Trip Advisor” re the Maltings Hotel
Remarks spotted on Trip Advisor by RG were noted.
(g) To note councils decision re PF/17/1395: Wells Way, Holt Road.
The Clerk stated that “no objections” had been members response to this application.

6. Highways & Footpath matters:
(a) To receive update re “gates nr 30mph signs adjacent to cemetery on A149.”
The Clerk reported that an application for a Highways Partnership Scheme grant had been submitted and this item would be withdrawn from the agenda until the result of this application was known (Spring, 2018).
(b) To receive update re the restoration of the pond in Beach Lane
An email from the Norfolk Coast Partnership had been received suggesting that interested parties meet in the near future to try and forward this project.
(c) To consider matters from APM (speeding & dangers to pedestrians on bridge
The Chair reported that recent pictures, showing parking congestion near the station, had been sent to the General Manager of the Steam Railway. PF also stated that staff would be asked not to take up public parking spaces immediately in front of the station and notices would be placed near the bridge discouraging people from watching trains on the narrow highway.
(d) To receive update re white lines at western end of Station Rd & Church Street
There was no further news from NCC Highways.

7. Meetings & Conferences (to receive reports and announcements)
No new announcements.

8. Allotments:
(a) To receive report re allotments (RW)
Following his recent letter to tenants, who had vacated their plot, the Clerk had received a phone call stating that they were prepared to remove the chicken-run plus some of the items left on the land. It was agreed to await further developments. RW reported that there was still vacant allotments. The Clerk was instructed to ask Ed Farrow, who recently cleared the western boundary path, to carry out further work on the southern boundary hedge and a vacant allotment.
(b) To receive update re overgrown footpath at the west end of the allotments.
The work had been carried out and RW stated that the contractor had done a good job.
9. Village Hall:
(a) To receive report re Village Hall (PF)
PF reported that the refurbishment of the toilets was to start next week. The work on the flooring, expected to cost in the region of £20k, was a project being considered for next year.
(b) To consider request for financial assistance towards the car park resurfacing.
No costs were available and the matter was carried forward to the next agenda.

10. Cemetery & Churchyard:
(a) To note damage & receive update re churchyard wall.
Repairs had been carried out by R.J.Bacon Builders but had unfortunately been more than just a minor repair as it appeared the lorry had damaged the wall in more than one place. The Clerk would keep members updated and await the builders invoice.
(b) To receive update re weed problem in the main cemetery path.
Weeds still appeared to be a problem and RW would follow this up with the local contractor.
(c) To note condition of flint churchyard wall.
The Clerk gave a brief verbal report reminding members that budget provision would eventually have to be made for future repairs and maintenance.

11. Harry Dawson Playing Field:
(a) To receive report re HDPF (PT).
PT reported that maintenance work was ongoing.
(b) To receive update re letter received re land adjacent to 36, Beck Close.
There was nothing further to report on this matter.

12. Weybourne Community Fund: To receive report re WCF (RW).
RW reminded members of the quiz night and AGM coming up during October.

13. Governance: (a) Financial Regulations. (b) Letters of concern from P.Hinson
(a) Members agreed and adopted the new Financial Regulations which were based on the NALC model. A copy would be provided to all members.
(b) A copy of the letters from P.Hinson had been given to all members. The Chair stated that the clerk and herself had summarised his concerns under six headings as follows :- 1. Complaint re councillors remarks 2. Standing Orders
3. Allotments 4. Planning 5. Closed Churchyard 6. Village Hall.
The Clerk and Chair had drafted a proposed reply which was read to members in which RW offered his apologies for any offence that his remarks may have caused. The Chair also offered her apologies on behalf of the council and asked for this to be recorded in the minutes. Items 2 – 6 were answered quoting the statutory requirements that were appropriate. It was agreed that the Clerk writes to Mr.Hinson accordingly.

14. To receive General Correspondence. – Newsletter from Dudgeon – Noted.

15. Public Participation (comments/other matters) – Reminder re KM’s Party.

16. To confirm date of next meeting – future agenda items
This was confirmed for Wednesday, 1st November, 2017. (7.30pm)

Weybourne Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on
Wednesday, 6th September, 2017 (7.30pm) at the Village Hall, Weybourne.

Present: Pat Floyd (Chair), Walter Wood, Janice Rose, Peter Gallally, Ruth Gallally,
Robin Woodhouse, David Heley, Penny Taylor, and the Clerk. Also present were
D.Young (NNDC), S.Butikofer (NCC), and five members of the public.

1a. To receive and consider apologies
Apologies were received and accepted from Andy Crawford. Apologies were also received from PCSO.Jonas.

1b. To receive Declarations of Interest on Agenda items
PF and DH declared an interest in item 9(b).

2. To approve the minutes of the meeting held 7/8/17.
The minutes, which had already been circulated, were agreed as a true record.

3a. Public Participation (requests to speak on agenda items)
No requests to speak on agenda items.

3b. To receive reports from County & District Councillors.
D.Young (NNDC) reported on the following :- (a) anti-social behaviour and other incidents in Cromer relating to travellers; letter to Government re required change in the legislation (b) Green-Build weekend and the Graham Allen Awards (c) a possible third cable route from Dong Energy; consultation day on 7/9/17 (d) sporting centre of excellence at Greshams School (e) Cabinet considering alternative use for Benjamin Court.

3c. To receive Police Report.
Report via email :- Two recorded crimes since the last meeting (criminal damage to a vehicle and common assault).

4. Finance:
(a) To approve invoices for payment:-
P.Bullimore £248.69 (clerks salary), HMRC £62.20 (tax on clerks salary)
Weybourne V.Hall £16.00 (hire of hall), P.Bullimore £30.50 (clerks expenses)
E-on £53.10 (electricity – lights), Anglian Water Business £67.65 (allotmt. Water)
Secret Gardens £114.00 (grass cutting), Mazars LLP £120.00 (external audit fee).
*** The payments, as scheduled on the agenda and listed above, were approved.
(b) To note External Auditors Report for year to 31/3/17.
The Clerk read the satisfactory external auditors report and certificate to members. Copies of the returns would be placed on the notice board and posted on the website along with a notice regarding electors rights to inspect and obtain copies. Noted.

5. Planning:
(a) To note information/decisions received from NNDC since last meeting
Nothing received.

(b) To consider planning applications received since agenda was printed.
PF/17/1407; Retention of roof lights in loft conversion at 24, Pine Walk.
Members agreed “no objections” to this application.
NP/17/1405; Prior notification to erect a replacement storage building at Breck Farm.
This was noted.
(c) To receive & consider update re 25 & 25a Pine Walk.
The Clerk had emailed members regarding the appeal which was to be allowed by the Planning Inspectorate. D.Young (NNDC) had also communicated this to members and expressed his own views on the matter.
(d) To note & consider the consultation by Dong Energy on Hornsea Windfarm
DH and the Clerk had attended a meeting at NNDC updating parishes on the project and both were concerned with the news that the scheme could be phased over 11 – 12 years. The cable route, at the time of this meeting, was still undecided. There was a long discussion with the Chair asking the basic question “why Weybourne again ?”. PG suggested the cable goes further west from Weybourne and health concerns were raised. The Chair reminded members of the consultation day at the village hall the next day (7/9/17) when Dong Energy representatives would be available to answer questions. It was agreed that the Clerk responds to the Consultation document as follows (a) question why the village of Weybourne is being disrupted again (b) concerns re the phasing of the project which could last up to 11 – 12 years (c) the need to use one corridor only and the concerns re risks to peoples health (d) the need for a compensation fund whereby villages like Weybourne could benefit financially.
(e) To receive update re Affordable Housing
There was no further news regarding this matter.
(f) PF/17/1116; Demolition of extn & erectn of 2 storey extn at The Folly, Street.
Following discussion it was agreed to object to this application as members thought the increase in the size was disproportionate to the existing dwelling. D.Young was minded to refer this application to committee.

6. Highways & Footpath matters:
(a) To receive update re “gates” near 30mph signs adjacent to cemetery on A149.
The Clerk had spoke to the parishioner living immediately next to the signs and she was positive about the project. The Highways Engineer had agreed the scheme and had recommended the PC applies for a Highways Partnership Grant in 2018-19. After discussion it was agreed to go ahead and the Clerk was instructed to submit an application for a grant.
(b) To receive update re the restoration of the pond in Beach Lane
The Clerk had no further news from the Norfolk Rivers Trust or the Norfolk Coast Partnership. It was agreed the Clerk continues to try and progress this matter and also contact the Norfolk Community Foundation regarding grant aid.
(c) To consider matters from APM (speeding & dangers to pedestrians on bridge
The Chair had no further news regarding this matter. Pictures showing parking congestion on the road adjacent to the station were shown to members and PF agreed to forward these to the General Manager of the Nth Norfolk Steam Railway to help illustrate the problems with parking at Weybourne Station.

(d) To receive update re white lines at western end of Station Rd & Church Street
The Clerk informed members that NCC Highways had placed the white line for Station Road “on their system”. The Clerk had not received a reply regarding extending the white line outside Hydrangea Cottage and Sarah Butikofer (NCC) would follow this up.
(e) To note alterations & repairs to Bus Shelter.
It was reported that the work on the bus shelter looked good with the roof alterations improving the overall appearance of the building. The Chair confirmed this and RG proposed a letter of thanks be sent to Mr.Hay-Smith; agreed.

7. Meetings & Conferences (to receive reports and announcements)
The Clerk reported the CPRE meeting concerning housing targets etc.. to be held in North Walsham on 7/11/17 (7.15pm). Noted.

8. Allotments:
(a) To receive report re allotments (RW)
RW gave his report and requested that a letter be sent to parishioners who had vacated their plot but had left a chicken-run and other items which would need attention before new occupiers could take over that plot. Members instructed the Clerk to write to those concerned.
(b) To further consider overgrown footpath at the west end of the allotments.
Only one quotation had been received to carry out this work (Edward Farrow – £75). Members instructed the Clerk to ask him to proceed.

9. Village Hall:
(a) To receive report re Village Hall (PF)
PF reported that various works had been carried out (porch painted and window renewed) and the committee continued to carry our repairs and improvements with the next project being the refurbishment of the toilets.
(b) To consider request for financial assistance towards the car park resurfacing.
PF and DH declared an interest but with no costs being available the matter was again carried forward.

10. Cemetery & Churchyard:
(a) To note damage & receive update re churchyard wall.
The Clerk informed members that the builders (Medlers), whose lorry struck the wall, had agreed to cover the cost of what appeared to be minor repairs and the Clerk was still awaiting the builders (R.J.Bacon) to carry out the work.
(b) To further consider weed problem in the main cemetery path.
RW reported that a local contractor had agreed to carry out this work and the initial spraying would cost approx. £40. Noted.

11. Harry Dawson Playing Field:
(a) To receive report re HDPF (PT).
PT had nothing to report other than the field had been well used.
(b) To receive update re letter received re land adjacent to 36, Beck Close.
The Clerk had nothing further to report.

12. Weybourne Community Fund: To receive report re WCF (RW)
RW reported another successful fun-day and although the weather had been poor earlier in the day he thought that moving the event to Mid-August was a good idea.

13. Governance Matters; (a) Financial regulations. (b) meeting with parishioner
(a) Copies of the new Financial Regulations were still being considered by members and the matter was carried forward to the next meeting.
(b) P.Hinson was invited to speak and he expressed various concerns, including the accounts, regarding the PC which the Chair thought was difficult to deal with at one meeting, and therefore he was invited to write to the council listing the points he wished to raise.

14. To receive General Correspondence.
Nothing received.

15. Public Participation (comments/other matters)
It was queried whether Dong Energy could carry out work at night, thereby causing less disruption, if Hornsea Project Three Windfarm went ahead.

16. To confirm date of next meeting – future agenda items
This was confirmed for Wednesday, 4th October, 2017 – 7.30pm.
PG offered his apologies in advance.