Parish Council Meeting of 18th June 2015

The Parish Council meeting on 18th June 2015 was attended by Councillors Brian Frith, Beverley Humphreys, Jackie Bowers, Claire Jordan and Andrew Coleman. Also present were County Councillor Bev Spratt, District Councillor Barry Duffin and sixteen members of the public.                   

Some of the main items discussed at the meeting are mentioned here. Full minutes of the meeting are available here - in draft form until agreed by the Council at the next meeting (16th July 2015).

County Councillor Bev Spratt reported that Cheney’s Lane is due to be closed in the not too distant future for repairs to the road. The Highways department is facing a difficult time financially, with potentially a further 25% to be cut from their budget. The gritting of New Road next winter is to be discussed at the meeting of Tacolneston Parish Council on 1 July 2015 (members of the public welcome).

District Councillor Barry Duffin reported that the new committees at South Norfolk Council have been approved, following the election in May. The market towns initiative is continuing, with improvements to be made to the public toilets. Also, South Norfolk on Show is taking place at the council offices at Long Stratton on Sunday 5 July between 11am and 4pm – a great day out for all the family (free entry).

The following planning applications were discussed:

• 2015 / 1047 – The Lodge, Chestnut Tree Farm, Long Stratton Rd – to allow for the annex to be leased independently from the main dwelling
• 2015 / 1182 – Horseshoes Farmhouse, Long Stratton Rd – Replacement windows (listed building)
• 2015 / 1267 – Sandpit Farm, Overwood Lane – Retrospective application for replacement windows (listed building)

No objections were raised to any of the planning applications.

Cllr Duffin reported that the enforcement officer at South Norfolk Council is aware of the situation at the former Tas Valley Vineyard, where it appears that there has been a change of use.

It was agreed in May to pay a contractor to cut back three of the most used footpaths in the village and this work has recently been undertaken. It is therefore very disappointing to have to report that one of the footpaths cut on a Monday was, by the Wednesday, covered in several piles of dog mess which inconsiderate owners cannot be bothered to take away. Whilst the parish council is aware that most dog owners are considerate, the enjoyment of these paths for walkers is spoilt by the selfish few who do not seem to think that the law applies to them. Please take a bag with you and show respect to other walkers and indeed the landowner. 

The next meeting will be on Thursday 16th July 2015. The agenda will be published about a week before the meeting, but if you have any matters to bring to the attention of the Parish Council in the meantime, please contact the clerk, Anne Rayner, on 01508 570700 or by email