Denton Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 29th June 2021 at the Village Hall at 7.30 pm.
Present:
Parish Councillors: Terry Hanner (Chairman), Ken Ashton, Stephen Barrett, Melissa Bunn, Robert Fearnley, Christine Kerr, Helen Sida-Page.
Jackie Ellis (Clerk), District Councillors: Apologies received.
1. Terry Hanner welcomed everybody to the meeting.
2. To receive and accept apologies from members unable to attend:
Christine Kerr.
3. To receive any declarations of interest in matters on the agenda:
None.
4. To approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting held on 4th May, 2021:
These minutes were approved and signed by Terry Hanner, Chairman, as a correct record.
5. Open forum for Public Participation:
There were no members of the public attending.
6. Reports from County and District Councillors:
Chris Brown, District Councillor, emailed the following report in his absence:
- SNC committee meetings are now being held face to face in the council Chamber.
- The South Norfolk Village Clusters Housing Allocations Plan - Regulation 18 consultation has now commenced, 450 sites proposed for housing have been assessed. 66 preferred sites and 24 shortlisted ‘reasonable alternatives’ are being put forward in the consultation. There is a ‘virtual exhibition’ available on the council’s website. The consultation is for 8 weeks from 7 June to 2 August 2021.
- During May and June much of the council’s attention has been directed towards the local economic recovery from the pandemic. A Covid 19 Recovery Plan has been agreed and there is new Government funding for ‘Reopening the High Streets Safety’ and a ‘Welcome Back Fund’.
- The Council’s new website is now live at: www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
- Chris Brown’s new email address is: chris.brown@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
7. To receive updates on items arising from the minutes of the last meeting not on the agenda: - None
8. Update on Playing Field Issues:
Terry Hanner did inspections in May and June and all was in good order. There is one rotten post that needs replacing.
It was agreed that Robert Fearnley will ask Levi Farrow to cut the grass more regularly.
It was also agreed to purchase some new litter bins for the play area. We will replace the two existing ones and purchase one new one.
We will also ask South Norfolk about having another dog poo bin in the village.
9. To discuss clearing the allotment area:
Discussions on how to best clear this area and it was agreed to organise a working party in the autumn.
10. Update on speeding issues:
Christine Kerr has contacted Highways to ask that the village areas outside the 30mph core be reassessed to see if there is scope for reducing speed limits in the more densely populated areas, where the national speed limit applies. We are still awaiting a reply.
Melissa Bunn has forwarded the SAM data to the police and eventually got a reply to say that speeding is one of their priorities and they will be coming out to Denton with a speed camera.
Discussions on the possibility of having speed ramps, mainly at the top of Trunch Hill.
Complaints have been made about tree trunks, stones, etc on verges. This has been reported to Highways and an officer has agreed to come out and investigate. We will find out when he is coming and take him on a tour of the village to point out the relevant areas.
11. To discuss and comment on Planning Applications received and related matters:
Ref: 2021/0816 Location: 1 Rose Cottage, Darrow Green Road, Denton. Proposal: Conversion of residential outbuilding to residential holiday letting accommodation. This application has now been withdrawn.
Ref: 2021/1210 Location: Street Farm, Norwich Road, Denton. Proposal: Amendment from a double glazed three panel bifold door to a twin double glazed sliding door. All councillors were happy to support this application.
12. Finance: To approve payments to be made:
- Clerk Salary for 2 months £238.80, plus allowance £52.00, plus Fuel allowance £4.00
- Levi Farrow, Grass cutting £160.00
- Robert Buck for internal audit – It was agreed to spend approx. £20.00 to include the remaining petty cash to purchase some chocolates, etc as a thank you.
13. Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2020/21:
Internal Auditor Report – This has been completed and signed by our internal auditor.
Annual Governance Statement.
Accounting Statements.
Certificate of Exemption.
The above were approved and signed.
14. Any Other Business:
To think about the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.
15. To agree items for the next meeting:
14th September 2021 at 7.30pm.
None
16. Close of meeting:
The meeting closed at 8.35pm.