2020 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Belchford and Fulletby Parish Council

Minutes from remote Parish Council Meeting 26th November 2020.
(These notes are a record of the meeting and are not accepted as formal minutes until duly signed on behalf of the Parish Council)

Present in person: Councillors: J Smith (JS), I Goodall (IG), J Leedham (JL), J Newby (JN), Z Henden (ZH), P Thompson (PT), P Morris (PM).  Also present via Zoom two members of the public along with the clerk, Mrs K M Elliott.

The public forum began at 7.34pm

Public Forum:  The public forum discussed the planning application at the rear of the Blue Bell Inn.  One member of the public objects to this proposal and the meeting discussed that there had been no change since the last application and second refused appeal.  Members also discussed the impact on the pub of this proposal and the difficult access to the site.  Councillors were asked for their individual response to the application and responses are to be collated and sent to ELDC before the deadline.  Public footpaths are to be discussed on the January agenda.

Meeting – Agenda

1.   Apologies for absence and reasons given – Apologies were received from M Brown.  N Brigginshaw has tried to join the meeting, however internet access is not strong. RS has not provided any reason for non-attendance.

2.   Declaration of interests and requests for dispensations - To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider granting dispensation(s), as per written requests received by the proper officer, to councillors under section 22 of the Act.  There were none.

3.   Chairman’s remarks – JS thanked the residents at Dial cottage and others who regularly carry out litter picking.

4.   To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10th September 2020 – it was proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED unanimously that the official minutes of the last meeting having been previously circulated were approved as a true and accurate record of the minutes, Chairman signed and dated.

5.   To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors on matters outstanding:  

a.   Report from August Site meeting with ELDC tree officer – as per PM’s email previously circulated to all, we are a prime site following their initial visit and we should be receiving approximately 20 fruit trees.  They are in the early stages of their plans and we may not receive these trees this winter.  An orchard is 6 or more trees.  This has been a good connection to make.

6.   To receive reports from District and County Councillors, and Police (if available) – Police, District and County Councillors are not available.  

7.   To receive an update from the Village Green Committee on the proposal for a children’s play area – The report was provided by ZH.  The container has been painted and the old post and rail fence removed.  Temporary fencing has been put in place and will be replaced by Anglian Water in the next couple of weeks.  The plans for the play area are on hold due to Covid.

8.   To review any potholes & other Highways matters: 

a.   Oxcombe Road.

It is noted that the pot holes in Fulletby have been filled in well and the drainage works have all been completed, a good job has been done.

9.   To agree a draft plan for planting up the Community Woodland – JN was thanked for completing a successful grant application, which will provide money for planting more trees, the sign and entrance Arch.  Councillors discussed the size of the trees to be ordered and that they will all require stakes and protection.  PM will place the order soon and dates for planting are to be agreed.

10.   To choose a name for the Community Woodland – following discussion it was RESOLVED that the name is to be Hayes Furlong Wood.

11.   Compulsory Registration of the lease for the Community Woodland – The clerk explained the situation and it was RESOLVED to ask Andrew & Co Solicitors to carry out this task on our behalf. 

12.   Full Fibre Broadband – IG provided a background to the current situation and confirmed that copper telecommunications will be turned off in the next decade.  Advantages and disadvantages were also discussed and IG outlined that the next step is to request a quotation for the work, this will be a desktop quote initially and then this will be followed up with an onsite version.  IG proposes that we complete this first stage quotation request.  The earliest start date could be 2022 and it was RESOLVED to press on with this project.

13.   To receive a report on the work planned for the village furniture – ZH confirmed that he and RS have inspected all the assets and drawn up an action plan for what is needed and when it can be actioned.  Personal work commitments and the weather will delay this being started but the matter is in hand.  The plinth for Fulletby notice board also needs attention.  It was noted that there should be 4 keys for each notice board it is not known who has these.

14.   To consider what action can be taken with regard to empty properties in our parishes – There are a number of empty properties, please report them to ELDC/LCC if they have been empty for 12 months or more.  Members discussed the formal view of the parish council about empty properties and other commercial buildings.  What do we want to see in our villages and how do we want our villages to develop, this is the basis of a neighbourhood plan.  It was requested for this to be put on the January 2021 agenda for further discussion.

15.   To consider correspondence received since the last meeting:

a.   There has been no other correspondence.

16.   Financial matters: to authorise the signing of cheques and to note the income for this period.

a)   To receive an updated bank reconciliation form, NB – received and attached – Appendix 1 below.  The current balance is £8,638.42 and there are two outstanding cheques.

b)   Payment of accounts – To consider and resolve payments since last meeting including clerks’ salary and HMRC. 

c)   To consider and resolve the budget and precept for 2021-2022:  Budget documents were circulated to all by the RFO.  It was RESOLVED to keep the precept the same as last year at £2,940.

17.   Planning Matters: 

a.   S/013/01491/20 – Section 73 application in relation to condition 2 has been approved.

b.   S/013/01983/20 – Little Ryehill Farm, erection of a detached house.  Members expressed their opinions of this application and the majority of opinion was to object to this application.

c.   S/013/02012/20 – Pinecroft, extension & alterations.  [JS declared an interest in this item]  PT asked for individual opinions of this proposal and the majority had no objections to this application.

18.   To consider items for the Parish Newsletter:

•   Planting own trees at the community woodland to remember loved ones.
•   Anglian water, new fence at village green with photo
•   Generic thank you to all community minded people for litter picking in our parishes.  With individual letters being sent to those who litter pick in each village.
•   Belchford Public Purposes Charity – Trustee required
•   Mike Headley – article   

19.   To agree agenda items for the 21st January 2021 meeting, this will also be held by Zoom – Fibre Broadband and village furniture, public footpaths and neighbourhood plan.

There being no further business the Meeting closed at 9.19 pm

Appendix 1: see below