Parish Council Meeting 8th March 2006
After receiving apologies for absence and declarations of interest, the Chairman read out a letter received from the Rev. Joan Oddy. Since the departure of the previous rector, Rev. Oddy has seen her workload at the Parish Church increase; to the extent that she feel that it would be better if she stepped down from the Parish Council. She added that once things improve she would like to come back to the Council. The Chairman stated the Rev. Oddy would be greatly missed, she was a very active member of the Parish Plan Working Party and made a significant contribution to that project as well as taking her Parish Council duties seriously, she was always speaking out for the youth in the village. The Clerk was asked by all those present to write to Rev. Oddy and thank her for all her hardwork and the contribution she made for the benefit of the community of Kessingland.
Pc Finlayson gave the police report, he stated that for the month of February there had been 20 recorded incidents which resulted in the following crimes: - 6 Criminal Damage, 7 Thefts, 1 Burglary, 4 Assaults, 3 Domestic Incidents and 1 Drink Drive.
A member of the public asked if there had been any progress since the last meeting about dogs fouling the beach and Field Lane outside the school. The Clerk read a reply from Waveney District Council, which stated that as the Beach was concerned since the withdrawal of the Dog Warden the onus is for the owners to take responsibility for their pets. As far as outside the school is concerned. There were similar circumstances outside 2 schools in Lowestoft. This was remedied by the schools in question writing to the parents asking that they don?t bring their pets to school. This has apparently worked. There was then a discussion about what to do with the beach and the matter was left that the member of the public present was going away with the information obtained with a view of forming some sort of Community Group to improve the beach conditions.
The Chairmans report included a number of issues, the first of which was the latest situation regarding Beaconsfield Road. The County Council had now written to all the residents of Beaconsfield Road stating that the bollards that are currently in place near to the junction with Green Lane will be taken out within the next 28 days.
The Church Road Play Area still remained closed, Waveney District Council has informed the Parish Council that the current spell of bad weather is preventing them getting onto the site to complete their work. They have been informed that the official opening will be on the 1st May and the work must be completed by then.
The Multi Use Games Area in Francis Road, the planning application was submitted too late for a decision to be made in March, this means it will go before the Planning Committee in April, and a decision should be made by the end of April.
The Chairman stated that since the last Parish Council meeting there had been a poor response from Councillors re their comments on the proposed Government White Paper on devolvement of powers to Parish and Town councils. The Chairman asked Councillors to let him have their written responses before the next Parish Council meeting, pointing out the important of this consultation and the effects it may have on future powers placed in the hands of Parish Councils.
The Vice Chairmans report covered the current situation regarding Marsh Lane and the attempts being made to clear out the drainage ditches on the marshland, which includes the management of the ditches adjacent to the Parish Councils land.
Councillor Brown gave his report as Beach Warden. He reported that an explosive device had been washed up on the beach and the Coastguard and Bomb Disposal Squad dealt it with.
The Chairman reported that in respect of the Emergency Committee, a questionnaire asking for skill information, equipment availability and the location of disabled and infirm residents would be circulated with the next newsletter.
Cllr Morgan said there were three Planning Applications to deal with: -
Change of use from Arts and Crafts Shop to a Bakery Outlet at 198 Church Road, Construction of a replacement shop with off road parking at Kingscote Beach Road and a single storey rear extension at 77 Lloyds Avenue. The Parish Council approved all three.
There was confirmation that the Nordalls development application would not be going before the March Planning Committee. The Chairman added that following discussions with Waveney District Council it will be more like late April it could even be May as WDC are awaiting a reply from the developers following the site meeting in January.
The Clerks report included the latest on the Bus Shelter cleaning and the Lloyds Avenue survey. The War Memorial had now been cleaned. Cllr Purkis reported to the Clerk that the cleaning was excellent and the War Memorial looked good, there was a problem however highlighted by the cleaning company. That was the ground around the base, it needs restoration and building up otherwise surface water will get into the foundations. It was agreed that the Clerk would look into getting some quotations for the work to be undertaken. Cllr Purkis asked Cllr Brown to thank his son Gerald for bringing the matter to the Parish Council.
Other issues mentioned by the Clerk were flooding on the corner of Beach Road, the date for the Annual Parish Meeting. This is confirmed as the 26th April and there will be a guest speaker from the Environment Agency.
The Clerk also mentioned the procedure for getting the nomination forms back to Waveney District Council for the elections in May.
After dealing with Correspondence and Finance matters the Chairman closed the meeting.
The next Planning Meeting is on the 22nd March and the next Parish Council meeting is on the 12th April.