Report on Parish Council Meeting 12th November 2003.
The Chairman opened the Meeting by welcoming Jill WELLS, Susan MORGAN and Linda CAPON; all three had expressed an interest in applying for one of the 4 vacancies that currently exist on the Parish Council.
The Chairman then read out two letters from Norman and Anne HODGES formally making their resignation from the Council due to their move to the Isle of Wight.
WPC DEAL sent her apologies for not attending the meeting but submitted her report instead. There were 74 events of which 26 were reported crimes. There were 5 Criminal Damage - 4 Burglary Dwellings - 3 Assaults- 5 Thefts - 2 Traffic offences and 3 Domestic Disputes.
Suffolk County Councillor Tony ANDREWS gave his report, which included an update on the new Library project. Funding has now been sought and Suffolk County council should hear soon what there would be in the ?pot? to start work on the new library. Councillor ANDREWS also gave an update on his meetings with County Council officials over Beaconsfield Road; he agreed that the Parish Council?s appeal should still go forward.
There was no District Councillors report Norman HODGES was our representative at WDC.
With regards the latest position on the KCC and KPF, there was nothing new to report at this time. With regards the business concerning the installation of the water meter, the matter is now with solicitors to bring the situation to a conclusion.
There was a lot to be dealt with in the Chairman?s Report, starting with the Church Road Car Park and Play Area. The Chairman stated that following a meeting with Suffolk County and District Representatives, a formal offer had been sent to Mr KNIGHTS for purchase of the land alongside Church Road, but it was subject to ratification by the Members of Waveney District Council within the next 2-3 weeks. With regards to finance of the Play Area, out of the New Opportunities Fund Budget, £70,000 has been set aside to refurbish 2 new play areas, it maybe that this will all go to the Church Road project. It will be the end of 2003 beginning of 2004 before it is known exactly what is going to be spent on Church Road. With regards the future management of the site, if the Elected Members agree, and the Parish Councillors want to pursue the option, it could be run as a pay and display with the income being used by the Parish Council to maintain the car park and the play area.
The Beaconsfield Road Saga, the Parish Council have formally submitted their appeal, it is anticipated that nothing will be heard now until February/March 2004.
There has been a reply to the Parish Councils complaint about the last Area Forum meeting. The matter according to Waveney District Council is under investigation and a report will be submitted in due course. A letter has been received from the Local MP Bob BLIZZARD, who has given the Parish Council his support. Because of the date of the next Forum meeting clashing with the date of the next Parish Council meeting, the Parish Council took the view and voted on the resolution to move the date of the next Parish Council Meeting, enabling members to attend the next Forum Meeting on the 10th December.
The Chairman then informed that because of the HODGES leaving the Parish Council there were now 4 vacancies on the Council, and for those ladies that were present applications close on the 19th November.
The Chairman then reported back on the Training Day that he and the Vice Chairman _ Councillor PURKIS had attended. The first problem that became apparent was our Parish Clerk did not have a Contract of Employment or Conditions of Employment this was rectified immediately. There will also be an updating of Standing Orders. This is to bring everything up to date and within the terms of new legislation.
Councillor?s attention was also brought to the latest copy of ?The Local Councillor? in particular the article concerning Councillors expenses. The Clerk added that all outstanding expenses for the year ending 31/12/2003 must have been submitted for payment by that date, as after that date the regulations change in accordance with new legislation.
The last matter on the chairman?s report was to mention the Parish Councils Christmas Meal. It will be held at The Waterfront on Wednesday 17th December - 7.30pm for 8pm
From the correspondence there was only one matter that needed a response from the Parish Council. A letter had been received from the Head on Waveney District Councils Planning Department. It was asking for the Parish Council to respond to three [3] future housing developments in Kessingland over the next 15 years. They were part of Waveney District Councils Local Plan. The first was an area of land east of London Road [Ashleys] where it was proposed to build 52 dwellings - The second was an area of land to the South of Church Road surrounding both sides of the Parish Church. Here it was proposed to build 89 dwellings and lastly again on the south side of Church Road but near to the Allotments and old School near to the junction with Wash Lane, where it was proposed to build 614 dwellings. This makes a total of 755 dwellings, in an area where in the past it was thought Kessingland would have no more large-scale development. The Parish Council have written back to the Planning Department in the strongest terms and are not prepared to sanction such development. This may become a long-standing issue and dispute, one that the Parish Council will keep the Community advised.
Following the Clerk?s update on her qualifications for Quality Parish Status and other financial matter the meeting closed at 9.45pm.