Meeting of
PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
MONDAY 30TH JULY 2007 - PAKENHAM VILLAGE HALL
PRESENT: Cllr M Sargent, Cllr H Painter, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr M Bryant, Cllr N Farthing, Cllr A Kibbel, Borough Cllr C Spicer arrived during the meeting. 25 members of the public also attended.
Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was in attendance.
1 - Apologies for absence: County Cllr R Hopfensperger
2 - Public Forum:
Some members of the public had attended the meeting to express their concern about the proposed farming of pigs close to residential properties. Residents erroneously thought the Council had distributed the leaflets round the village informing them of the proposal. Cllr Painter explained that Mr Whitwell had called a public meeting in the village hall for Wednesday 8th August for villagers to learn the facts and to air their views.
Proposed youth shelter: Local residents were concerned about the proposal to erect a youth shelter alongside the proposed new children's' play area. Cllr Spicer, on behalf of the Playing Field Committee, said that surveys had taken place and that was the most visible area for the shelter. It could be seen from the car park by visiting police and by nearby properties. The provision of a teenage area is a condition of some grants necessary to buy the children's play equipment. The parish council was unaware of a proposed youth shelter although it had been approached for a grant towards the play equipment.
3 - Borough Councillor's report:
Shetland Boats - The enforcement officer visited the site at the end of June and reported back to Cllr Spicer that the site was being tidied and that he was moving moulds from the site. No more fibreglass moulding will take place at this site. Councillors asked whether fibreglass would still be used for fitting out boats. Heavy traffic is still using the surrounding lanes.
Andersons pit - Cllr Spicer is in touch with the planners and Mrs Lovegrove is being kept informed of the ongoing situation.
Streetlight at The Greenwoods - A quotation had been received and the light will be ordered shortly.
Oil tank at Manor Gart h- Cllr Spicer had written to the owner of the tank. Clerk passed her correspondence with the company to Cllr Spicer.
4 - County Councillor's report: no report.
The Chairman convened the meeting.
5 - Declarations of Interest: None
6 - Minutes of the previous meeting:
25th June & 12th July were agreed as a true record and signed.
7 - Clerk's report:
Village Correspondent: Clerk to put advert on noticeboards and in the Church News.
Overhanging branches: The clerk was asked to write to Mr Batram.
8 - Planning application:
SE/07/1116 - Newe House, Fen Road
Retention of timber platform & associated steps in front garden.
After studying the plans and discussion, all councillors agreed that they had no objection to this application
Granted:
Gemeed, Bury Road, Ixworth: Single storey boarding kennels.
Land to the rear of The Patch: Erection of chalet bungalow.
9 - Finance report: attached.
The Councillors agreed all payments scheduled.
The bank mandate form to add Cllr Farthing to the signatories is now ready to send.
The internal audit is completed and councillors discussed the points raised. The annual governance statement was discussed and completed. A motion was then passed to sign the completed audit for the external auditors.
Cllr Painter is arranging for a professional risk assessment of all village assets within the village envelope to be undertaken. It will be necessary to research into who owns what.
Clerk to compile asset register with dates of purchase and location.
10 - Distribution of Information:
It was agreed to change the order of the agenda for future meetings. Public Form to take place after the County Councillor's report. Correspondence will be discussed immediately after the approval of the minutes. A list of correspondence received will be sent to councillors with the agenda.
.
11 - Correspondence:
See attached list.
An email from SCC, following our comments on the proposed road signage at the Upper Town crossroads, was discussed. Cllr Painter to request a site meeting with Peter Ingram from SCC. Cllr Hopfensperger and all councillors will be invited. He should also be taken to other sites in the village where road improvements are required. This will include the Broadway/Fen Road area where drainage is a problem and resurfacing is necessary.
12 - Open Forum:
Some of the trees on the right of the church drive need attention.
Cllr Painter has received a request asking him to recommend people for the affordable housing proposed by Stephen Murphy for the Shetland Boats site. Councillors all agreed that we could take no action until a formal planning application had been put forward.
It was reported that a village resident had been told by SCC that the road from Upper Town crossroad to Ixworth is suitable for children to walk to middle school at Ixworth! Provision of transport was denied. Cllr Hopfensperger to be informed of this decision.
Cllr Dorling to ask the grass-cutter to take care when cutting around posts in the churchyard. These are often placed in remembrance of a loved one.
13 - Date of next meetings:
A special meeting will be held on Monday 13th August at 7.30pm in the Village Hall to discuss issues raised at Stephen Whitwell's meeting regarding the proposed farming of pigs.
The next full meeting will be on Tuesday 4th September in the Martin Room at the Church at 7.30pm.
