Draft Minutes of the meeting
held on Tuesday 20th September 2022
Present: Cllrs. Dr S. Dawson (Chairman), N. Cary, D. Harrod & J. Wright
In Attendance: S. Garman (Clerk), Cllr Victoria Holliday, Coastal Ward
The meeting opened at 7.35 p.m.
1. Apologies for Absence
C. Horwood & E. Vardy
2. Declaration of Interest
Councillor S Dawson informed the meeting that she was a member of the Village Hall Committee
3. New Parish Clerk
The Chairman welcomed Mr. S Garman who has recently been appointed as the Parish Clerk on the retirement of Mr J Stibbons She then expressed thanks and gratitude on behalf of the whole Parish Council for John Stibbon’s efforts, support and assistance over many years.
4. Minutes
The minutes of the Parish Council held on 19th July were read for the benefit of the members of public and were approved.
The minutes of the Special Meeting of the Council held on 13th September to discuss planning matters were approved, and are attached to these minutes for reference
5. Matters Arising
5.1 Overnight Parking on Beach Road
The Chairman referred to the minutes and stated that there had been some progress in the matter of camper vans parking overnight and the nuisance caused by litter and waste. New signs had been put up by NNDC. It was noted that the number of camper vans and overnight parking had reduced in recent weeks. The Chairman also stated that although the police were kept informed, there was little that they could do to stop this nuisance even if the campervan stayed, as one did, for over 4 weeks.
5.2 Mid-summer BBQ
Given the success of the Jubilee celebrations it was suggested that a mid-summer celebration be held on the green to be organised for 2023 preferably on midsummer eve.
Approval of the minutes was proposed by Councillor J Wright, seconded by Councillor D Harrod, and approved.
6. District Councillor’s Report (attached to Minutes)
Dr Holliday referred to her report which had been circulated and it was noted that speeding vehicles in and around the Coast Road was still a matter for concern. It was agreed that Councillor N Cary approach the County Council for them to contact the Police and Highways Department to progress the introduction of speed restriction signs.
It was agreed that Accident Cushions be purchased to be added to the Safety Lockers in the District.
7. Coast Resilience Grant
Dr Holliday reported that the Coast Resilience Grant Scheme was now operative, and Councils could submit requests for funding a specific project. It was agreed that Water Testing and Pond Restoration might be suitable for grants and Victoria Holliday said she would look into water testing. The pond restoration was already in the system.
8. Coast Hopper Bus
It was noted that this service seems to be no longer available during the early hours. The timetable would be checked and made available at the next meeting. It was agreed that early bus services are essential for people needing to get to work.
9. GrantScape
It was reported that GrantScape is a charity that specialises in community funding with funds being provided by the Hornsea Three Offshore wind farm project.
A number of suggestions were made for project funding in the Parish:
Continuation of the footpath from Cross Street
Bus Shelter at the end of Cross Street although the Highways Department would also need to be involved
10. Heath Report
The report presented by the Heath Trustees, was read and noted
11. Finance Report noted
12. Donations & Grants
It was agreed that the following sums be granted:
Village Hall - £200; Air Ambulance - £200
It was decided that no grant be given to Norfolk Accident Rescue Service, but the Clerk would explore the Charity’s Aims and work further and report to the Council at a later date.
13. Playing Field
It was noted that after a recent safety inspection, new, longer, and stronger cable ties had been installed to secure goal post netting
14. Correspondence
The Chairman reported that an anonymous letter had been posted into the Parish Suggestion box and the contents were read to the meeting. Given that the letter was anonymous it was felt that the full letter should not be made pubic in view of
security and privacy considerations. However, as the letter was from, reportedly, a local resident a summary of its contents should be recorded. The letter stated that there were particular concerns over parking and inconsiderate owners and passengers of vehicles which caused difficulties and potentially dangerous situations for residents. A request for Double Yellow Lines around the roads of the village.
Members stated that they had great sympathy for the concerns expressed but sadly they were not in a position to manage this problem as the responsibility lay with the Highways Department and resulting costs, which could be severe would have to be met by the Parish. However, in view of the empathy and concerns by most residents over this problem, the Chairman would send a copy of the letter to the Highways Department.
15. Matters arising for next meeting. None
16. Trading from Domestic Premises
A member of the public asked if anyone on the Council could give any definition or conditions relating to trading from domestic premises. The Clerk was asked to research this topic.
17. Date of Next Meeting: 8th November 2022
The meeting closed at 8.47 p.m.
District councillors report September 2022 gvn
From NNDC:
‘Planning:
Nutrient neutrality - the government will require water companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works to the highest technically achievable limits by 2030 to tackle the pollution in the catchments of habitats sites. Natural England will establish a Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, identifying mitigation projects which will be pump primed by government. This will enable local authorities to grant permission subject to securing mitigation.
NNDC’s consultants, Royal Haskoning, are in the process of developing a bespoke nutrient calculator and short, medium and long term local mitigation schemes.
The majority of applications within the sensitive catchment areas can still be determined, i.e., householder applications and most forms of commercial development; it’s only new housing and tourism development that is restricted till mitigation is developed.
The planning department is starting a review of processes which will lead to a Planning Service Improvement Plan. There will be consultation with Town and Parish Councils about better meeting their needs. I have asked for this consultation to be at the beginning of the review as the community has valuable information to give but have been told this isn’t possible. I will continue to make sure my ward is adequately consulted.
Sustainable growth:
NNDC has submitted bids for a new swimming pool in Fakenham and improvements to the cliff top gardens and North Lodge Park as part of the Levelling Up Round 2. North Norfolk’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is £1.2 million - planning is underway as to how to best spend this.
NNDC welcomes camping, campervan and caravan tourism but wild camping is not permitted in North Norfolk. This is protect the amenity of residents and communities and the businesses who offer campsite facilities. There are plenty of approved and authorised camping destinations which include facilities such as waste disposal and water refilling. Campervan overnight parking is not allowed outside of registered and authorised sites, or in NNDC car parks, and campervan toilet waste is not permitted in public toilets.
Environment:
Greenbuild, NNDC s environmental festival, was held on 10th September. Check the NNDC website to see if the online events are still available.
Waste and recycling pick up routes changed on 5th September to reflect recent housing growth in different locations, and to become more efficient by reducing mileage and carbon emissions. The change should also improve service for householders (e.g., reduce missed collections). Any teething problems should be short lived, but if not, please contact myself or Serco on 0330109220.
Democratic Services:
Make sure you’re registered to vote in next May’s parish and district elections by taking part in the annual canvass! If you have any questions about your registration status, do contact electoralservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk.
NNDC is establishing a Youth Council; if you’re interested in helping to shape this, and are 11-18, the closing date to join the Steering Group is 30th September. You will need to attend a full day workshop on Monday October 24th. Contact Emma Denny, Emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk.’
Ambulance response times and CFR recruitment:
Ambulance response times are still unacceptably long, much of which is due to handover delays at the NNUH and QEH. Luckily, the paramedic in a car in Fakenham will remain till next April, at least.
Re CFRs, the recruitment campaign was successful and there is now one recruit going through training in both Sheringham and Holt, 4 in Fakenham, and 5 are being recruited in Wells. The ambulance trust has just agreed to reimburse CFR training and mileage expenses which is very positive move. I am talking to the trust about maintaining the momentum of the recruitment drive.
Falls friendly town - Lifting cushion community pilot - is anyone interested in hosting?
Kelling Hospital:
I have been asked if Kelling Hospital is closing. I have been told there are no plans to close it at this time.
The Coast Resilience Grant scheme offers grants of £250-£2500 to communities across the AONB for local nature recovery work. Projects should balance local community engagement with environmental improvement work and be completed by January 2023. This grant is designed to be simple to apply for, and quick to receive a funding decision. Projects that have successfully received funding this year include native-species gardens, pond restorations, citizen science monitoring schemes and invasive species removal. We encourage anyone with an idea for a project benefitting both environment and community to apply or email Project Officer Sydney Jacus at sydney.jacus@norfolk.gov.uk for more information.