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Town Council - Council Minutes
(These minutes are as up to date as information received)
Minutes of the October meeting of this Council held at the Council Chamber Broad Street on Monday 15th October 2007 at 8pm.
Present were Clls Groom (in the chair), Fisher, Bedingfield, Blowers O’Neill, Cloke, Evans, Jervis, O’Neill, Palin, Shepherd, Thompson, Ward, and Woods
Also present were Cll Rose(SCC), Sgt Goodfellow, the Press and 3 member of the public.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cll Warnes.
2. Interests
Clls Ward and Shepherd declared an interest in item 11(allotment rents).
3. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th September 2007 were approved and duly signed.
4. Matters arising
the Clerk reported that he had recovered the sign and was intending to have it repainted before it was put back in position.
Cll O’Neill noted that noise and vibration problems at Clays were continuing.
Cll O’Neill said that it was the intention of the emergency planning group to consult with other bodies who already have emergency plans.
the Clerk reported that Waveney District Council (WDC) had advised that no election had been called. The Council would therefore co-op to fill the vacancy at the main November meeting. Members had a free choice in this matter and were not bound to consider those who previously stood for election but could do so. If more than one nomination was made the matter would be put to the vote. One person had made known their wish to be nominated and others should write to the Clerk if they wished to be considered or make known their interest to members.
Cll Evans reported that he had spoken to Mr Kerrison of Suffolk County Council(SCC) about the possibility of modifying the new bus shelter to incorporate side panels. This was said to present considerable difficulties.
5. Correspondence
The following correspondence was received:-
WDC Community Engagement Strategy.
WDC acknowledging receipt of Council comments on Local Development Framework(LDF) further issues and options.
WDC street numbering dwellings land adjacent to former service station, Beccles Rd.
SCC re proposed temporary closure of Bascule Bridge.
Suffolk Preservation Society comments re Waveney LDF.
WDC re devolution of some functions to town and parish councils. Work on this was to be temporarily suspended because of pressure of other business at WDC.
Broads Authority statement of community involvement.
Shaping Health re AGM and MRSA presentation meeting at James Paget Hospital on 24.10.07
Gt Yarmouth LDF Autumn newsletter.
Joint Tourist Committee minutes for meeting 3.10.07.
WDC extended and expired polices adopted in the Waveney Local Plan 1996. To be considered by Planning Committee.
Estimate for refurbishment of chairs in the Council Chamber. To be considered by Finance & General Purposes Committee (FGPC).
Defra publication: Ways to Tackle Climate Change.
To be considered by Environment Committee (EC).
WDC Leisure Needs Assessment. To be considered by EC.
6. To consider plans received, receive a report from the Planning Committee and receive planning decisions from WDC
The following plans were considered:-
DC/07/1745/LBC, Mr & Mrs D Bonner, listed building consent, removal of doors and partitions, blocking up of a fireplace and internal alterations. Approval recommended.
Before the Planning Committee meeting all members were invited to receive a report from the WDC Housing Officer about the review of sheltered housing provision in the district. A working group had been established. There was unlikely to be any change in relation to Staithe Rd/Staithe Close although access ramps are to be provided. Housing associations have been asked to put forward proposals for the Olland Court/Honeypot Meadow site. The Town Council would be kept fully informed.
It was reported that the Planning Committee met on 1.10.07. Present were Clls Groom, Fisher, Bedingfield, Cloke, Evans, Palin, Thompson, Ward and Warnes.
The following plans were considered:-
DC/07/1533/FUL, Mr & Mrs Joyce, construction of rear and front extension, Hillside House, St Margarets Rd. Refusal recommended. Scale of proposed extensions considered too large for original property. Questioned whether business charge of use should be applied for.
DC/07/1681/1684/CAC, Mr & Mrs G Remblance, demolition of house to allow reconstruction of house and garage and consent for replacement house with detached garage, 2 Laburnum Rd. Approval recommended but accommodation above garage should only be used in conjunction with main house.
DC/07/1678/FUL, Mr M A Thomas, replacement of garage door with window to enable conversion, Jasmine House, Laburnum Rd. Approval recommended.
DC/07/1685/FUL, Mr R Tovey, construction of single storey front extension, 10 Mountbatten Rd. Approval recommended.
The following planning decisions were received from WDC:-
DC/07/1454/FUL, Miss P J Plews, construction of a 2 storey side extension, 44 Staithe Rd. Approved.
DC/07/1575/FUL, Mr & Mrs R J Machon, construction of single storey front and rear extensions, 42 Kings Rd. Approved.
DC/07/1606/FUL, Mrs C Smith, construction of a single storey side extension, 29 Southend Rd. Approved.
DC/07/1611/LBC, Mr P Lau, listed building consent, replacement windows to rear, 49 Earsham St. Approved.
DC/07/1442/AGO, Mr P Watts, 2 polytunnels, land at Flixton Rd. Approved.
DC/07/1468/FUL, Y J Packe, construction of first floor extension, 17 Boyscott Lane. Approved.
DC/07/1446/FUL, Mr D Patient, construction of detached garage and provision of a boundary wall, 1 Hillside Road East. Refused.
DC/07/1358/OUT, Mr R Taylor, outline application, construction of 1 dwelling, site adjacent to 41 Upper Olland St. Refused.
DC/07/1533/FUL, Mr & Mrs Joyce, construction of rear and front extension, Hillside House, St Margaret’s Rd. Refused.
7. Report on local policing matters
Sgt Goodfellow said that reported crime rates for the period April – October 2007 were down 5.4% and detection rates stood at 42%.
Among recent local crimes were thefts from garden sheds and garages, criminal damage to cars and to a shop and a day time house break-in.
He reported that WDC Environment department now had a response vehicle to deal with fly-tipping, graffitti and similar problems.
The following points were raised by members:-
Cll O’Neill asked whether action had been taken against HGVs breaching the one way lorry ban. It was reported that fixed penalty notices had been issued.
Cll O’Neill reported problems caused by those drinking outside Swansons. Sgt Goodfellow said that he would check on this.
Cll O’Neill noted a problem with cyclists without lights and going the wrong way up one way streets. Sgt Goodfellow said that these problems were being addressed.
Cll Bedingfield reported problems caused by 2 motor cyclists.
Cll Shepherd said that liaison was needed with Norfolk police to ensure that the one way traffic system in Bridge Street was not compromised.
In response to a question from Cll Palin, Sgt Goodfellow reported the approach taken to crimes committed by minors. Information would be supplied to victims of crimes committed by minors.
Cll Fisher commented on the lack of action over an untaxed vehicle in Outney Rd. Sgt Goodfellow said that a community support officer had now dealt with this.
8. To receive a report from the Finance & General Purposes Committee
A meeting of this Committee was held on 1.10.07. Present were Clls Groom, Fisher, Blowers O’Neill, Jervis, O’Neill, Shepherd and Woods.
The Committee considered the following matters:-
The Clerk outlined proposals to modernise Council communications. These were agreed in principle. The committee would consider the details further.
It was recommended and agreed that the Council join the Suffolk Association of Local Council for a trial period to renewal on 1 April 2008.
It was recommended and agreed that the Council support the formation of a Bungay Community Partnership.
It was agreed that Cll Groom and Cll Ward meet on site to consider improvements to Dinky’s Garden. The meeting had taken place and it was recommended that the front area be paved and the driveway improved. The owner of the latter had consented to this. Quotes were to be sought for this work.
The following balances were reported:-
Lloyds TSB, £19829.11 and £48.23. (Including second half of precept recently received).
Scottish Widows, £30474.29(call a/c) and £71676.93(60 day a/c)
The following payments were approved and cheques duly signed:-Waveney District Council, refuse collection, Riverside, £70.50; Mr A Newberry, litterpick and Riverside, £107.54; Bungay Christmas Lights, donation (section 137), £2000(cheque subsequently cancelled and redrawn on 15 October 2007). Bungay Area Neighbourhood Watch, donation(section 137), £100; Bungay Town Council, transfer to Scottish Widows account, £15000; Suffolk Association of Local Councils, £11.50, balance course fee, £11.50.
9. Riverside Centre Report
The Clerk reported on matters relating to the bridge. Information was currently awaited from WDC about the legal position and Cll Groom was pressing them to provide this at an early date. Once the position was clear it would be possible to see what could be done to deal with the structural problem. Bungay Area Community Transport had written to the Council expressing their concern about this problem which may have an adverse impact on their operation.
In response to a question from Cll Palin the Clerk reported that he had met an electrician on site and agreed what needed to be done in relation to the door opening system. He was awaiting a quote for this work.
10. Report on quality council status
Cll Ward reported on the benefits arising from the Council obtaining quality council status. It was agreed to seek this status. A working party would be formed for this purpose at the November meeting.
11. Allotment rents
Clls Ward and Shepherd declared an interest in this matter.
It was agreed to leave the rent at the current level for 2007/2008. (£7.50 for full allotment, £3.75 for a half allotment plus a proportionate amount of the metered water charge).
12. Appointment of 3 representatives to the Four Towns Partnership
It was decided to defer these appointments until the new councillor was co-opted.
Cll O’Neill agreed to attend this week’s meeting of the group.
13. Council Representatives
Cll Jervis reported that the Joint Tourist Committee met on the 3.10.07. The tourist information leaflet was, after a tendering process, to be redesigned by Frank Morrow. The next meeting would be held on 7.11.07.
Cll Shepherd reported on the Halloween celebrations on 31.10.07.
Cll O’Neill suggested that the new WDC unit be asked to deal with graffitti in the town.
Cll Palin reported that Mr I Gregory of WDC was unable to attend the last meeting of the working group. The next meeting would be held on 29.10.07. He reported that a new resident was being sought for the Dryers Homes.
14. County Councillor’s Report
Cll Rose said that he favoured devolvement to town and parish councils but he did not think that the devolved services should be paid for out of the precept.
He asked for a list of locations where white lines required renewing.
Mr Sampson of SCC will be reverting to the Town Council about the waiting restriction review. Public consultation will follow.
Cll O’Neill asked if SCC were involved in the sheltered housing review. Cll Rose said SCC would only be involved if this provision came under SCC Social Services. This was not in fact the case. He questioned whether WDC were seeking to move away from direct provision of this sort of housing.
Cll Shepherd referred to a local case where an elderly disabled person had been made homeless.
Cll Groom reiterated the assurance given by WDC that there would be no change to local provision without further reference to the Town Council.
15. District Councillors Report
Cll Woods reported that WDC had appointed a Section 106 officer and were to appoint a development project manager. He proposed to take some section 106 matters up with the new officer.
16. Cheques for payment
The following payments were approved and cheques signed:-
Wish Upon a Star, donation(section 137), £2000; Mr F Morrow, graphic design work town map and invitations, £132.50; Mr A Newberry, Riverside and litterpick, £104.51.
17. Other business
Cll Palin proposed that the Council protest at the intended closure of the Flixton Road sub post office. Cll O’Neill supported this proposal which was agreed. Cll Woods said that he would be pushing WDC to oppose closures. It was suggested that the facility could relocate to the new Rainbow store.
The meeting concluded at 9.55 pm.
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