March 2019 Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 14th March 2019 at the Methodist Church Hall.

PUBLIC FORUM

C. Wickes, agent for an application for a detached dwelling in Morley presented plans and explanations. BBC are now working under the New Plan. Bicker is sustainable and air quality is acceptable. The building is not over imposing built of natural brick with a block paved drive and turning area. On the edge of the conservation area and has a shared access.

Mrs Webster, area at P.O. corner flooded again, to forward photographs to clerk.

Advising that the minutes of December 2018 not worded well. The Community Champions was not a competition and the Bicker Buds had been invited for afternoon tea with the Major to acknowledge their works in the village.

Mr Webster asking for update of notice from Triton Knoll. Clerk confirmed had taken some time for response from Vicky but had actually arrived that day.

Present Cllr Barnes
Cllr Adshead
Cllr Benjamin
Cllr Chapman
Cllr Kelly
Cllr Pell

Borough Cllr Cooper
PCSO Williams
& 2 members of the public.

24/19 - APOLOGIES - were received and accepted from Coun Carrott, Borough Coun Spencer and County Councillor Brookes

25/19 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011

Coun Barnes and Chapman for allotments, as Trustees to the Charity that owns the land.

Coun Chapman – discussing Triton Knoll funding, being Chair of Village Hall Committee who are also putting in an application.

Coun Benjamin for owning land which may form part of substation.

Coun Kelly planning application to be discussed

26/19 - POLICE REPORT –

1 crime under the Public Offence Act

27/19 - NOTES OF LAST MEETING – Were signed as a true copy, to become minutes. Proposed Coun Pell seconded Coun Kelly.

28/19 - TO RECEIVE UPDATE FROM CLERK.

CCTV – Coun Spencer hopefully will have update on monitored system soon.

29/19 – TO DISCUSS IDEAS FOR TRITON KNOLL FUNDING

Coun Chapman, left the meeting. Coun Kelly did not take part in discussions at Village Hall meeting. Proposals circulated with suggestions for grant application. Clerk and Coun Benjamin to meet with Sue Fortune, fund administrator for advice on preferred projects. Projects included mending and repainting of fencing within the village.

Repainting cemetery railings and gate. Repairing cemetery footpath, renewing play equipment in toddler area of playing field, new village sign and tree works in Cemetery Road.

Coun Chapman returned to the meeting.

30/19 – TO ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS IN LINE WITH UPDATED LOCALISM ACT.

Updated standing order issued to Councillors regarding the change in the 2011 Act.

Proposed Coun Chapman seconded Coun Kelly that these be adopted.

31/19 - SUBSTATION UPDATE

Nothing to report.

32/19 - ALLOTMENT UPDATE

Clerk had been approached by a local farmer who would be willing to take on the empty allotments depending on the cost. It was agreed could not rent less than current tenants are paying, but it does cost £200 when he clears them for the Parish Council. 19 empty allotments. Proposed Coun Kelly seconded Coun Chapman that he rent at the cost of £25 per allotment less the £200 it would have cost the Council to keep clear. All in agreement.

33/19 - FINANCE REPORT - £22864.67

Approve payments as per schedule; proposed Coun Chapman seconded Coun Benjamin.

34/19 - PLANNING

B/19/0041 detached two storey dwelling, land adjacent to Morley Lane. Support – pleasant design in keeping with the neighbouring properties.

B19/0090 demolition of existing house and proposed replacement two storey building.

Neither support nor object, comments to be made. Parish Council disappointed that an established building had to be demolished. With the changing of the entrance to the plot, would leave access very tight for Internal Drainage Board when works is done. Although new build has to be on original footprint the Parish Council felt the design was not in keeping with the rural properties of the Fen.

Coun Kelly left the meeting

B/19/0051 conversion and extension to existing agricultural barn into a single dwelling.

Parish Council in support. Building in existing boundary of property.

Coun Kelly returned to the meeting.

35/19 - MEMBERS REPORTS –

Coun Benjamin – requested quote for dangerous trees to be crown reduced on Cemetery Road near Post Office. Neither Highways nor Internal Drainage Board will admit ownership or take responsibility. £605. Something Parish Council may need to take into account with future precepts if this is to be the case with many of the trees on the Eau.

Coun Pell – street light No 22 near Swan House is lit 24 hours. Cemetery pipe needs attention is leaking. Playing Field, where the goal has been removed there is a dip in the ground level, possibly a health and safety issue.

36/19 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS – Clerk had election nomination papers and reminded they have to be hand delivered by 4p.m. on 3rd April

DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday 11th April 2019

Meeting closed at 8.25 p.m.