Denton Parish Council
Draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at 7.30 pm. on Tuesday 14th January 2025 in Denton Village Hall.
1. Present: Cllr Hanner; Chairman, Cllr Fearnley, Cllr Sida-Page, Cllr Ashton, Cllr Bunn, Cllr Kerr, Cllr Edwards Also present: Mrs J Loveday (Clerk), District Councillor Chris Brown
Cllr Hanner; Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. To receive apologies from members unable to attend:
None,
3. To receive declarations of interest from members on matters on the agenda:
None.
4. To approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting:
The minutes of the 12th November 2024 meeting were approved and signed by Cllr Hanner; Chairman, as a correct record.
5. Open Forum for public participation (maximum 10 minutes):
An opportunity to hear from members of the public - None.
6. To discuss matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting which are not on the agenda:
Cllr Hanner has spoken to the people about re-instating the footpath behind upland terrace.
7. To receive reports from County Councillor and District Councillor:
District Councillor Chris Brown reported:
- The Council are in the middle of putting together their budget for next year for meeting in February to agree council tax.
- Big pressure at the moment is temporary accommodation and housing.
- Full council meeting last month – lots of applications for Solar farms.
- Is progressing on the landscape of renewal paper part of planning applications.
- Support the core roof top solar campaign.
- Looking at Village clusters and where they should be allocated.
- Devolution – the council agreed to say they want to be a part of the fast track scheme for devolution.
- Looking at unitary authorities.
8. To receive updates on items from the minutes of the last meeting:
Broadband in the village
Cllr Kerr is continuing to investigate this. There are no further plans for any improvements in Denton and no grants available either. Question in parliament with regards to rural broadband to see what is happening.
Sale of the Elite Major Shredder
We have had 4 interested people. Cllr Hanner will organise taking the Shredder to Cllr Fearnley who offered to tidy it up before any viewings.
Clothing Bank
This has now been moved to in front of the bank compound. Clerk to ask for it to be moved inside.
Saffron Housing Parking
Paul Quick from Saffron Housing has informed us that the land in front of the housing is not theirs, Highways own the land so they cannot do anything. It was agreed to speak to the residents about this.
Anglian Water sewer problem
Anglian Water have been out and tested and informed us that it is not their department. Cllr Hanner will speak to the Environment Agency.
9. To receive Playingfield report, including fencing for the play area:
Cllr Fearnley did inspection. All was in good order.
He removed a heap of leaves from near the bottle banks.
Fencing for the play area - Cllr Hanner has measured the area for posts and rails. The price for 12 posts is £240 and for 24 posts £368.64.
It was agreed to go for the 24. He will organise getting these.
10. To discuss Solar Farms:
Discussions on the plans to convert countryside into Solar Farms. According to The Planning Inspectorate there are developed plans for 10 large solar farms across the East of England.
After discussion the majority voted to support against it.
11. To discuss and comment on planning applications received and related matters:
Applications received: None
Decisions made: 2024/2749, Grove Cottage, Middle Road, Denton. Rear and side extension associated works and demolition of rear extension. Removal of sheds.
Approval with Conditions.
12. To review and approve the proposed Budget:
The budget was circulated prior to the meeting and again discussed tonight. It was unanimously agreed to increase the precept to £5,000.
Proposed Cllr Bunn, seconded Cllr Sida Page.
13. Finance: To approve payments to be made and record money received:
Payments:
- Clerk salary £268.60 for 2 months. There is a increase in clerks salary of 2.5% and backdated to April 2024.
- Community Heartbeat, Annual support cost £162.00. Cllr Sida Page kindly offered to pay half of this.
- Redenhall with Harleston Town Council contribution to car parking £100.00.
- Upkeep Burial Ground £230.00
- Internal Audit £25.00
- None
14. Any Other Business:
The clerk has received a telephone call from the Health and Safety Executive concerning the firework display 2024 at Denton village hall.
This was discussed and agreed that we would respond and inform them that this was not our responsibility.
This event was not organised by ourselves and to pass it on to the village hall committee.
It was agreed to join Norfolk Parish & Training Support. Clerk to obtain quote.
15.To agree items for the next meeting 11th March 2025, at 7.30pm:
To set date for Annual Parish Meeting.
Cllr Hanner thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.33pm.