Public participation:
1. Councillor Proctor reported on a number of items including the granting of "Programme Entry" for the NDR. Combined with 500 more spaces at Postwick Park and Ride and hub improvements, the Thorpe slip problem area will improve. Work should start in February or March 2010. The Broadland Business Park will expand into a new area, Broadland Gate. He also reported that The Boundary Commission still suggests a Norfolk Unitary Authority despite the popularity of the current status. Any comments should be made before 19th January 2010.
2. The Clerk reported that Mr. Meiklejohn of NRCC hopes to be able to report on possible ways forward for Affordable Housing in Cantley at the January Parish Council meeting.
Apologies:
Apologies were received from Mrs. Pawsey.
Declaration of Interests:
Mrs. Browne declared an interest in one of the Accounts for payment.
Minutes of previous Meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on 19th November 2009 were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting. Proposed: Mr. Attwood, seconded: Mrs. Browne.
Matters Arising:
1. The Clerk reported that the Appeal regarding the Retention of a Summerhouse at Thatch Farm Barn, Manor Road, Cantley, supported in June by the Parish Council but refused by the District Council, had now resulted in permission being given for retention.
2. The application by BT to remove telegraph poles at The Reedcutter due to Staithe project work had been deemed not to require any permission.
3. The application for Standing of Container for Agricultural storage at New Barn, Old Cantley Road, South Burlingham had been given full approval.
4. The Clerk reported that a VAT reclaim delay had occurred. The Staithe right of way legal fees were met and paid by the Parish Council to the solicitors who had invoiced their client Elizabeth Holdings on the basis of Cantley Parish Council meeting the costs. A Tax invoice was not subsequently forthcoming to the Parish Council. The solicitors are taking steps to re-invoice the VAT to their client directly, and when this has invoice has been settled, a refund of the VAT originally paid by the Parish Council will be made.
5. The Clerk reported that there had been reductions in income from both Recycling credits and Bank interest this year. Recycling credits were down from £210 to £170 and interest from £99 to £7. It was noted that the bank interest was on an unchanged Deposit account balance.
Cantley Staithe:
The Chairman reported that a Press release had been issued on the 23rd November which had produced an article in the Eastern Daily Press. Biffaward have sent a plaque to be displayed in due course to indicate their funding contribution to the project.
Discussions had previously taken place at the Broads Authority regarding a possible claim for Sustainable Development Grant funding towards the pontoon moorings to be made in January. However it seems that recent literature regarding this fund now states a closing date for applications of 11th December. However, it is believed that this fund source should still be available towards the Staithe project. Mr. Beadle was authorised to submit a claim.
Proposed: Mr. Brook, seconded: Mr. Tuck.
BESL are progressing well on site and all is apparently going to plan. Weather permitting, work is still expected to finish in March 2010. The expected opening date for the Staithe is 10th July 2010. It is understood that a Cantley Regatta will be held that weekend. The local Scouts have expressed an interest in attending. Some discussion took place on the provision of hospitality and refreshments at the opening event and various ideas were put forward.
Limpenhoe Recreational Allotment:
The Clerk reported that he had recently received a reply from Mr. Dunthorne agreeing to go ahead with the land swap, and requesting another meeting to confirm some details. A letter of intent has been prepared, stating the areas of land concerned, intentions as to use, and access rights and agreements required. The Clerk was asked to send a copy of this letter to Mr. Dunthorne and request his comments. Another meeting will be arranged in the near future.
Highways and Transport:
1. Mr. Beadle reported that he had attended the Wherry Lines quarterly meeting in Great Yarmouth held on 8th December. He reported that National Express did not seem to be ready to lose interest in their East Anglia franchise despite their recent loss of the East Coast main line.
Improvements should soon be made to the station approach at Great Yarmouth and apparently some European funding, (£300K), should be available to improve Vauxhall Bridge. Lowestoft Station will not be moved by any substantial distance but redevelopment of the Station building area will go ahead in some form.
2. The Clerk was asked to refer the state of Low Road, Beighton to the appropriate Parish Clerk for onward referral.
3. School Lane has apparently had hedging cut, but cuttings have exacerbated the choked drains. The Clerk was asked to report this. It is hoped some pond clearance can be carried out in the new year. Mr. Luxford offered to investigate the possibility of obtaining a pond restoration grant under the Norfolk County Council Countryside Conservation Grant Scheme.
4. Mr. Brook reported that the local firm of AMZA Coaches had ceased trading this week.
Correspondence:
The Clerk went through the various items and circulated documents as appropriate.
Budget: