Denton Parish Council
Draft Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at 7.30 pm. on Tuesday 11th March 2025 in Denton Village Hall.
1. Present: Cllr Hanner; Chairman, Cllr Fearnley, Cllr Sida-Page, Cllr Ashton, Cllr Bunn, Cllr Kerr.
Also present: Mrs J Loveday (Clerk), District Councillor Chris Brown (joined at 8.07 pm).
Cllr Hanner welcomed all to the meeting.
2. To receive apologies from members unable to attend:
Cllr Edwards.
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 meeting held on Tuesday, 14th January 2025 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:
None.
7. To receive reports from County Councillor and District Councillor:
District Councillor Chris Brown reported:
- District council budget agreed. 3% increase which is approx. £5.00 for Band D.
- Community Action Fund increased to £100,000. Maximum £20,000 per project.
- Village Clusters plans delayed by another 6 months.
- New Conversation fund projects up to £10,000. There will be one major project fund.
- Devolution and local government reorganisation. Proposal for the election of a Mayor. Local Government reorganisation – All District and County Councils to be replaced by unitary authorities.
- VE Day Grant of up to £300.00 now available.
8. To receive updates on items from the minutes of the last meeting:
Broadband in the village
Cllr Kerr is continuing to investigate this. Our MP has questioned to parliament about the really poor broadband in parts of the village.
This is a big issue across the whole country and has been left with the minister to see what will happen. Waiting to see if any help from Norfolk county council. Meant to be getting everyone on fibre by 2027.
Sale of the Elite Major Shredder
We have received a few offers for this. We have one other person wanting to view.
Clothing Bank
This has now been moved to the correct position.
Saffron Housing Parking
Cllr Hanner has spoken to the residents about this and they are all agreeable to back us up regarding the parking situation at the playing field.
Cllr Sida Page will draft a letter to the residents for them to sign which can then be forwarded to Saffron for them to contact Highways.
Anglian Water sewer problem
Cllr Sida Page has written to the Environment Agency – no reply as yet.
9. To receive Playingfield report, including fencing for the play area:
Cllr Edwards did inspection but was absent tonight so no report received.
10. To discuss Health and Safety Policies:
This will be carried forward to the next agenda.
11. To discuss and comment on planning applications received and related matters:
Applications received:
The South Norfolk Council Denton Tree Preservation Order 2025 No. SN0731,
Trees at Land at Vale Farm, Trunch Hill, Denton.
All councillors agreed to support the order to protect the trees.
12. Finance: To approve payments to be made and record money received:
Payments:
- Clerk salary £313.68 for 2 months including back dated pay.
- Browns Timber for rails and posts £368.64.
- orfolk Parish Training & Support £57.50 for 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.
- None
13. Any Other Business:
It was agreed to hold a village meeting to discuss VE Day.
The Village Sign has been hit by a Sainsburys delivery driver. A complaint has been lodged with the company.
Cllr Sida Page will write to head office.
14. To agree items for the next meeting and to set date for Annual Parish Meeting.
It was agreed to hold the APM on 13th May, 2025, at 7pm with the parish council meeting to follow.
Cllr Brown agreed to be guest speaker to talk on local government reorganisation.
For next meeting:
Health and Safety Policies
Sorting/Cleaning of The Coal House on the playing field.
Cllr Hanner thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.243pm.