Minutes of the Parish Meeting of Grafton Parish Council held on 7th November, 2006 at 7.15p.m. in the Coronation Hall, East Grafton
Present: Mr Lemon, Mrs Dudney, Mr Beese, Mr. Haddrell, Mrs Fleckney,
Mr Symons, Mr Hatfield, Mr Veasey (KDC), Mrs Heard (Clerk) and one member of the public.
1. Apologies: Mrs McBride, Mr Parkin, Brigadier Hall (WCC)
2. The Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of 5th September 2006 were approved. (Proposed Mrs Fleckney, seconded Mr Beese and approved by the P.C.)
3. Matters Arising: nothing to report.
4. Hall Report: a) New Build/Restoration: Mr Lemon outlined the emails he had sent to members of the Parish Council advising that the Diocese’s response to the School Governors had been negative. They had asked the Diocese and the County Council if either would give some of their land at the school to the Parish so that a village hall could be built within the school site. Neither organization agreed to the School Governors’ request for help to increase the facilities at the school by allowing a new village hall to be built on their land. The Parish Council are therefore pursuing their discussions and plans for either a re-build or renovation of the hall on its present site.
Mr Symons reported that he had prepared the necessary design statement required for a commercial building and that a KDC response to the planning application was anticipated in the very near future. Mr Lemon thanked Mr Symons for kindly funding the architects’ fees as well as the planning application fees. Mr Lemon advised that a Grafton School Governors’ report to the PC regarding their potential use of a new building is also expected imminently. Mrs Dudney recommended that for the purposes of comparison costings for restoration work be obtained as soon as possible. Mr Lemon thanked Mr Arnold-Baker of Wilton for agreeing to look into grant aid possibilities. All residents of Grafton Parish will be asked for their views once a planning decision and costings are available.
5. Precept: After some discussion it was agreed to set the precept at £4250 for the year 2007/8. (Proposed Mrs Dudney, seconded Mr Symons, agreed by the PC).
6. Community Cleansing Grant/Skip Provision: It was agreed that the skips provided this year were fully used and that a request be made for a grant towards their cost for next year.
7. Wilton Water – water levels: There is concern in the community regarding the low levels of water in Wilton Water and the surrounding streams. Mr Lemon reported on his attempts over many years to get British Waterways to agree a management plan. Discussion took place regarding over-pumping at Crofton, faulty back-pumps and also loss of water at malfunctioning locks. It is felt that the low level of the banks at Wilton Water is contributing to erosion and endangering wildlife habitats. Mr Lemon is awaiting a response to his latest email to BW; Mr Haddrell suggested that the Environmental Agency also be contacted.
8. Planning Update: Mr Symons reported on current applications. K/54995/F, Moat Cottage, W.G. – Following the PC’s concerns Mr Symons advised that KDC had granted permission on the basis of accommodation additional to, rather than independent from the existing house. K/53887/CAC, A.S. Butler, E.G. – now withdrawn. Skip at 269 The Green, E.G. – The owner has advised it will be removed within 14 days from notification.
9. Cheques: Clerk’s half yearly salary/expenses – Mrs Heard - £500/£133.92.
(Proposed Mr Symons, seconded Mrs Fleckney).
10. Correspondence: Mr Lemon will look into information received from DEFRA regarding alternative sports for teenagers.
11. A.O.B: The PC was pleased to hear from a member of the public that antisocial behaviour in Lynden Close has generally reduced, although litter remained a concern.
Dates of future meetings
9th January 2007 (please note change), 6th March 2007, 27th March 2007 (AGM) |