Extracts

Shortened form of the minute as published in the Beetley Buzz for current fiscal year.
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Beetley & East Bilney Parish Council

Annual Parish Meeting
Prior to the Parish Council meeting, the Annual Parish meeting was held. Reports were presented by the Chairman of the Parish Council, Community Car Scheme, County and District Councillors, Speedwatch Co-ordinators for both Beetley and East Bilney, the Parochial Church Council and the Pre-School. Reports had also been received from the Scout Group and the Primary School which will be posted on the website.

Parish Council Meeting
A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 4 April at Beetley Village Hall. There were present seven Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond is also the District Councillor, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and nine members of the public.
Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application to re-build kitchen, new ground floor extension and new window to en-suite at The Rectory Church Road Old Beetley. The members objected to the revised site layout plan and site levels for the construction of single storey three-bedroom dwelling on land adjacent to the Cottage Fakenham Road East Bilney as this is outside the settlement boundary and the Parish Council is concerned about highway safety as well as this being an intrusion into the rural countryside. The Parish Council objected to the applications for a change of use to agricultural buildings into dwellings at Beck Farm East Bilney as this is again outside the settlement boundary and three dwellings have already been granted approval. Decisions. Breckland Council had given approval for the application for a front and rear extension and detached single garage at 29 Elmham Road and for the reserved matters for erection of dwelling and garage following outline approval (3PL/2018/0909/O) on building plot adjacent Highfield Farm Church Road East Bilney. countryside.
Patient Participation Group. Councillor Richmond reported that whilst there is no facility to stockpile medicine at the surgery the pharmacy is able to cross-reference medicines to be able to hold a stock.
Highways. The hedge on Elmham Road near to Holt Road had been cut back. Norfolk County council had confirmed that signs to Beetley Church will be erected on Fakenham Road and High House Road. The Clerk is still in contact with Norfolk County Council over the blocking of the footpath in East Bilney and the replacement of the red lining outside the school. The Parish Council had been successful in its bid for funding from Norfolk County Council for an extension of the trod along Fakenham Road to the Scout Hut. Unfortunately, the cost quoted has now doubled and Norfolk County Council is to be requested to confirm the price.
Footpaths. Several footpaths have not been sprayed off after planting and this will be reported to Norfolk County Council.
Elections. There are to be elections for the Parish Council on 2 May and this will cost the Parish about £1000.
Tree Felling. The Parish Council accepted a quotation for the felling and this will be carried out during the Easter School holidays
Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 9 May 2019 at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m.
Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website,beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 [email protected]

 

Extract for December 2018

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 6 December at

Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond is also the District Councillor and one member of the public.
Planning. Applications. The Parish Council were pleased that the revised plans for the erection of 1 dwelling with integral garage at Flint Cottage Fakenham Road East Bilney showed that the property is to be connected to the mains drainage and that additional parking and turning has been provided. However, the members again objected to the application for the same reasons as previously especially as no turning facility has been provided for Flint Cottage. Decisions. Breckland Council had given approval for the extension and alteration to dwelling to enable additional living and bedroom accommodation on first floor and to demolish the timber frame garage and replace and relocate with a larger garage at Kosikot Church Road Old Beetley.
County and District Council Reports.
District Councillor Richmond reported from the Patient Participation Group meeting for Elmham Surgery and informed the members that it is not now necessary to ring twice for appointment on that day as these can be booked for both morning and afternoon. There are also appointments early and late in the day to allow those that work to attend.
East Bilney Speedwatch. The Speedwatch team had caught 78 vehicles in September and 87 in October. Of these 71 had received letters in September and 79 in November. The police camera had also caught 6 vehicles.

 

BEETLEY PARSIH COUNCIL – November Digest

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 1 November at Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond is also the District Councillor, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and District Councillor R Duffield and eighteen members of the public.
Bus Service. A representative from Norfolk County Council attended the meeting and explained the reasons for the changes to the services through East Bilney and Old Beetley. The changes are because of new legislation that all buses for public use must have access for all. Carters Coaches which supply the current service will not be complying with the legislaon and so new metables are being considered ready for the service to be rescheduled with new providers. The representative reported on the proposed changes which were agreed by all the residents in attendance. The new schedules are due to commence in April and these will be confirmed in the New Year. The representative answered all the questions and concerns of residents and his attendance and explanation were much appreciated by all. Norfolk County Council is also to be contacted to enquire if any improvements can be made to High House Road to facilitate safer passage for pedestrians.
Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objecon to the applicaon for a garden room extension to rear, extension to rear of garage to provide gym, games room and study at Meadow Lodge The Drive East Bilney. No objecon was also raised to the extension and alteration to dwelling to enable addional living and bedroom accommodation on first floor and to demolish the timber frame garage and replace and relocate with a larger garage at Kosikot Church Road Old Beetley. The members objected to the erection of 1 dwelling with integral garage at Flint Cottage Fakenham Road East Bilney as it was felt that this is too large and for the plot, will dominate the neighbouring property, no turning facility has been provided for Flint Cottage and that it should be further to the front of the site and the garage should be separate to the rear of the property to allow better parking and turning facility.
Decisions. Breckland Council had given approval for the new dwelling at Hall Farm Barn Fakenham Road East Bilney. The Clerk and two members of the public spoke at the Planning Committee when this was decided
County and District Council Reports. Norfolk County Council is consulng a different approach to Children’s Centres There are at present 53 in the county and many people cannot get to the centres. There are 12 contracts for the 53 centres and some are in buildings owned by Norfolk County Council. The proposal is to close 46 centres and leave 6 as hubs to offer services in more rural areas. The aim is to give a better service by going out to those who need it. The Parish Council decided to support the proposals.
District Councillor Richmond reported from the Patient Participation Group meeting for Elmham Surgery and the problems highlighted at the previous meeting were all raised. It is hoped that a better service for booking appointments will be put in place so that patients do not have to ring twice in a day to book appointments for that day.
Highways. The Parish Council noted a letter in the Link-Up regarding speeding along High House Road and that nothing had been done. The Parish Council had organised Speedwatch visits to the road and had erected the SAM2 speed sign. It had also received confirmation from the police that there would be a visit by the Safety Camera Team.

Meetngs. The next meeng of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 6th December at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applicaons are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacng the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract for October 2018

A meeing of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 4th October at Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond is also the District Councillor, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and District Councillor R Duffield.

Planning. Applicatons. There were no planning applications to consider. Decisions. Breckland Council had given approval for externally illuminated sign at Otters Mead Elmham Road and to the variation to the design for approved residential annexe to include internal alterations only at Swanhaven Fakenham Road East Bilney. The Planning Commitee had granted approval for the erection of one cottage style property and garage at Church Road East Bilney. Both the Parish Council and District Councillor Duffield spoke against the application at the Planning Committee but the commi>ee decided unanimously to grant permission. The Parish Council had requested that if approval is given then a condition of the approval should be that the design cannot be changed from a cottage style dwelling and this was agreed by Breckland Council. Enforcement. District Councillor Duffield is in discussions with Breckland Council regarding the mobile homes at Shorthorn Nurseries.

County and District Council Reports. The County Councillor reported that the Police and Crime Commissioner’s consultation on taking over the Fire and Rescue Service has finished. He has not yet decided whether to forward this to the Secretary of State. Norfolk County Council is consulting on a different approach to Children’s Centres There are at present 53 in the county and many people cannot get to the centres. There are 12 contracts for the 53 centres and some are in buildings owned by Norfolk County Council. The proposal is to close 46 centres and leave 6 as hubs to offer services in more rural areas. The aim is to give a better service by going out to those who need it. District Councillor Richmond stated that the applicant for the Garden Village had been to London to lobby for support without engaging with the local parish councils. He stated that elder members of Breckland Council said that the In house planning department was not perfect. Some Parish Councils had written to the leader regarding Capita. There are still 5 years to run on Capita’s contract. The Clerk is to draft  a letter to the Leader for the members to agree regarding the poor service being received from Capita. Councillor Leigh raised the matter of problems at Elmham Surgery with telephones not being answered. The surgery has also taken over Toftwood and there appears to be a shortage of staff. The complaints had also come from Community Car passengers and on some days the surgery was only dealing with emergencies or on a triage basis by being telephoned back. The telephone would ring and tell you that you are number one in the queue but after 20 minutes no one had answered and the telephone cut off. Councillor Richmond will contact the Practice Manager and request that this is on the agenda for the next Patient Participation Group Meeting

Highways. The Clerk is still pursuing the repairs to the two trods and has reported the poor state of the road in East Bilney near to River Lane. The Parish Council had received communication from a member of the public regarding Elmham Road near to Otters Mead. At present there are two extant planning approvals and only on the second one does the applicant have to widen the road and pay for an extended 30 mph limit. The Parish Council is closely monitoring the development of the site. Meetings.

The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 1 November at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract June 2018

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 7 June at Beetley Village Hall. There were present five Parish Councillors and one member of the public.

Planning. Applications. No objection was raised to the replacement garage at 45 Beechcroft Elmham Road. Decisions. Approval had been granted by Breckland Council for the variation on condition 2 to amend the design insertion of rooflights) and to revise the arrangement of approved facing materials at Conway Elmham Road. Approval had also been granted plans for the rear extension at 23 Beech Road. Enforcement. The Parish Council is still in contact with Breckland Council regarding the mobile homes at Shorthorn Nurseries and over the possible breach of building regulations at the Paddocks School Road. Planning Committee. The Parish Council spoke at the planning committee against the application for the holiday lodges at Otters Mead but this was approved by the Planning Committee. The Parish Council has still not received the decision notice on this. Local Plan Examination. The Parish Council spoke at the hearing regarding the settlement boundary and it was felt that it had had a very fair hearing regarding its complaints about the formulation of the plan as no amendment had been allowed.

County and District Council Reports. The County Councillor reported that there is now on trial a mobile detector for mobile phones which can determine if a phone is being used whilst driving that is not on Bluetooth. District Councillor Duffield is investigating whether the litter on Elmham Road and green lane can be cleared regularly by Breckland Council.

Review of Bus Services. The Parish Council had received confirmation that the proposed new service will now go through East Bilney and then go to Old Beetley on a Tuesday and Friday and then into Dereham. Unfortunately, it does not appear at this moment that there will be a bus service to Norwich on a Wednesday. The Parish Council is to clarify certain matters regarding access and whether it will go along High House Road.

Highways. A parishioner spoke at the meeting regarding the speeding along High House Road and the Parish Council will request that the Speedwatch team have another session on High House Road and it will also ask if more repeater signs could be installed. The SAM2 sign will also be erected again. The visibility splays at several junctions do not allow adequate visibility and these will be reported. Several signs are now obscured by vegetation and these will all be reported.

Footpaths. The footpaths that had not been re-instated had been reported to the Countryside Access Officer at Norfolk County Council. Unfortunately, she is now on maternity leave so these will have to be reported again together with new problems caused by the rapid growth of crops over the past few weeks. The footpath alongside the school playing field and through the woods from Beetley River Meadows are to be cut as these are the responsibility of the Parish Council.

Beetley River Meadows. A very productive meeting had been held with the contractor who cuts the paths and it was agreed to clear trees near to the bridge and alongside the river which have fallen to allow better access to view the river.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 5 July at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

June Extract

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 1 June 2017 at Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond, is also the District Councillor for Beetley Parish, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and three members of the public.

Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the amended plans for the Woad Barn Rawhall Lane. Decisions. Permission had been granted to remove the single storey extension to the rear construct new single storey extension to the rear and re-roof the garage at 19 Fakenham Road and to the variation of conditions 6 & 8 on 3Pl/2008/0811/F at Beetley Nurseries Elmham Road. Permission had been granted for the replacement of existing dwelling and garage at 1 the Drift East Bilney despite the numerous objections raised by the Parish Council and nearby residents. Several conditions had been placed on the permission and the development will be monitored closely. As there has been concern about pollution from some work already carried out the Parish Council is to request that the stream is checked to ensure that no pollution is entering the water course and subsequently the River Wensum.

County Councillor Report. The County Councillor reported that little has happened at Norfolk County Council since the elections as the first committees will not be sitting until the week commencing 12 June.

District Councillor Report. The District Councillor reported that William Nunn had been elected Leader and Sam Chapman-Allen Deputy. The Chairman is Kate Millbank and the deputy is Richard Duffield who is the District Councillor for Beetley. Breckland Council is still stating that it has a five year housing supply but there has been no legal challenge and under both methods of calculating this there is a five year supply.

Footpaths. The members were disappointed with the state of many of the footpaths within the parish and the members have requested a meeting with the footpath officer who is assigned to this area. This is so that all the correct signage and finger posts are in place and those footpaths that have always been cut by Norfolk County Council are maintained correctly. The owners of the land where the hedges are en- croaching and the paths are not passable are to be written to. Highways. The landowner has been requested to cut back the vegetation around the flashing sign at the north end of Fakenham Road. A quotation is awaited for the new signage for the 20 mph sign near to the school to clearly show that it is a 20 mph area when the lights are flashing. The contractor will be contacted again as the lights are still flashing in holiday time. A complaint had been received regarding an encroaching hedge on Ashley Road and the owner will be contacted to request that this is cut back to the boundary of the property.

Beetley River Meadows Play Area. The contractor for the fencing is to be contacted again to ensure that the new fencing is erected prior to the start of the school summer holidays.

Beetley Common. A complaint had been received regarding weed spraying on a small area of the common. This was undertaken to ensure the new saplings do not take over the area. The Parish Council noted the concerns of the person but will continue to allow spraying to continue when necessary. This work is undertaken by volunteers and it would not be feasible to request that all the new saplings are removed by hand. The Parish Council is indebted to these volunteers for maintaining paths through the Common as without their assistance parts of the Common would become overgrown and impossible to walk.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 6 July at the Village Hall, Beetley at 7.30 p.m. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract June 2016

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 2nd June 2016 at Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond, is also the District Councillor for Beetley Parish, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris, District Councillor R Duffield and one member of the public.

Planning. Applications. There were no applications to consider. Decisions. There were no decisions to report.

Bus Service. The new bus services in Old Beetley and East Bilney will both commence in June.
Please if you can use these services as they are on a trial basis and if it is not used then the Parish will lose it.

Highways. Norfolk County Council is to be contacted once more to attempt to get the footpath at the eastern end of River Lane East Bilney reinstated. Several complaints have been received about the state of this path especially after the rain that had fallen prior to the meeting. The rain had also caused flooding on the junction of Bilney Road and Rawhall Lane and the Clerk had reported this. A few years ago new pipe work was installed to combat the problem but it appears that these pipes are not now taking the water away. Norfolk County Council has been requested to investigate the problem.

Beetley River Meadows. The signs stating that dogs are not permitted in the Play Area and requesting that visitors use the bins for depositing their rubbish and not leaving it on the ground have been fitted.

The Parish Council is disappointed that there has been an increase in the litter left in the Play Areas and requests that all users of the area place their litter in the bins provided. If there is no improvement in the amount of litter left in the area and that there are still instances of dogs in the play area then the Parish Council may have to consider the closure of the play area to ensure the safety of all users.

Pavilion. A quotation is still awaited for the repairs and improvements to the pavilion.

East Bilney Town Lands. A contractor has been appointed to cut the avenues and raise the tree line to ensure that the area can be walked by all.

Accounts. The accounts for the financial year April 2015 to March 2016 were approved at the meeting. These are available for any parishioner to examine by contacting the Clerk.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 7 July 2016 at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract February 2016

 

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 4 February 2016 at Beetley Village Hall. There were present seven Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond, is also the District Councillor for Beetley Parish, District Councillor R Duffield and three parishioners.

Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application for an extension to an existing house at 1 Beech Road although it comments that it felt that the white render was not in keeping with the surrounding properties. Decisions. Permission had been granted by Breckland Council for the application for the conversion of outbuilding to form new kitchen and build connection to existing dwelling at Hall Farm Barn Fakenham Road East Bilney. Breckland Council had refused permission for the residential development at 12 Beetley Grange which the Parish Council had objected to. Permission had also been refused for the erection of a dwelling on land adjacent to 65 Fakenham Road which the Parish Council had also objected to. Appeals. Councillor Richmond had attended the site visit of the Planning Inspector to the proposed developments on Bittering Street and Stoney lane and had been allowed to state the Parish Council’s comments. Local Plan Preferred Directions. The consultation was discussed at length including the sites submitted by landowners for possible development. The full responses to this consultation will be available to view on line at Breck- land Council’s website or in the full minutes of the Par- ish Council meeting.

Highways. The bid for a trod on Fakenham Road East Bilney as a Local Highway Improvement part funded by Norfolk County Council had been submitted. Nothing further had been received from Norfolk County Council regarding additional signage at the junction of Fakenham Road and Elmham Road. If this new signage is agreed Norfolk County Council is to be requested to confirm if this new speed limit is enforceable or just advisory. The state of Common Lane and Peacock Lane had been reported to the Clerk and a letter is to be sent to the landowners requesting that they repair the lane that they have damaged.

Footpaths. Several complaints had been received regarding the state of the footpath to the east of River Lane East Bilney. Norfolk County Council has been requested to inspect this and to enforce any reinstatement that is necessary.

Norfolk County Council. The consultation on its budget continues and it is likely that there will be an increase from Norfolk County Council this year of about 4% to cover the increased costs of Adult Social care and the shortfall in the funding from Central Government. This should allow many services that had been discussed for reduction to be maintained.

Beetley River Meadows. A complaint had been received from a parishioner that by cutting the paths along the river wider this has caused the snowdrops that are planted there to be exposed to continual cutting which may cause them to disappear. The parishioner who raised this matter had kindly offered to move the snowdrops back to the edge of the cut area. The Parish Council agreed to keep the width of the paths the same as last year and to take up the kind offer of moving the snowdrops. The Parish Council decided to take out a long term contract with Norse Eastern Ltd for the grass cutting of the area for next three years.

Anti Social Behaviour by 4×4 Drivers. There have been several instances recently of 4×4 vehicles being driven along country lanes and damaging them. If any parishioner sees or hears this occurring would they please report this to the police on the non-emergency number 101. The police have already been informed of instances of this occurring so any new information will assist the police in taking action.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 3rd March 2016 at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract 3rd December 2015

Prior to the Parish Council meeting there was an open meeting with Norfolk County Council and Konect Bus Company regarding an improved bus service for East Bilney. This meeting was attended by 11 parishioners. The problems of the current bus service were outlined to the representatives and they are to report back to the Parish Council in January and a further open meeting is planned to be held in March.

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 3 December 2015 at Beetley Village Hall. There were present seven Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond, is also the District Councillor for Beetley Parish, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and District Councillor R Duffield.

Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application for the conversion of outbuilding to form new kitchen and build connection to existing dwelling at Hall Farm Barn Fakenham Road East Bilney. The members again decided to object again to the erection of a dwelling on land adjacent to 65 Fakenham Road. The Parish Council had objected to previous applications and saw no reason to change its opinion that this is outside the settlement boundary and that the visibility at the access is limited and could lead to highway safety issues. A revised plan had been received for the erection of dwellings on land to the rear of The Paddocks Elmham Road and the Parish Council again ob- jected to this for the same reasons as had been previously stated. Decisions. Permission had been granted by Breckland Council for the application for alterations and extension to Fleetwell School Road.

Highways. The Highways Engineer had forwarded the costs for a trod on Fakenham Road East Bilney and the Parish Council decided to bid for this scheme as part of the Local Highway partnership Scheme when Norfolk County Council contribute half the cost. Norfolk County Council had re- sponded to the request for a 20m.p.h. limit at the junction of Elmham Road and Fakenham Road. The Highways Engineer will not recommend a change to the speed limit at this point but is willing to support a part funded bid for “wig-wag signs and an advisory 20 m.p.h. limit when the signs are flashing. As there are already flashing signs at this point the Parish Council is to request whether additional signage can be added to these lights. The cost of new lights and signage would be £5000 which the Parish Council would have to contribute 50%.

Norfolk County Council. The consultation on its budget has given an option to increase the Council Tax by2% to cover the increasing costs of Adult and Children’s’ Social Care. The Government has realised the additional cost of this and will allow Local Authorities to increase their Council tax to cover this without the need for a referendum provided the increase is purely to be spent on Social Care.

Breckland Council. Part of Breckland Council’s offices is to be let out to the Department of Work and Pensions who will be moving from the High Street. It is hoped that other organisations will also rent space there so that this will allow members of the public to call at only one site.

Precept. The precept, which is that part of the Council Tax that Breckland Council collects for the parish was set at £15500 which is the same as last year.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 4th February 2016 at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]

 

Extract – 5th November

A meeting of Beetley Parish Council was held on Thursday 5 November 2015 at Beetley Village Hall. There were present six Parish Councillors one of whom, Councillor R Richmond, is also the District Councillor for Beetley Parish, County Councillor M Kiddle Morris and two parishioners.

Planning. Applications. The Parish Council raised no objection to the application for alterations and extension to Fleetwell School Road. The members decided to object again to the proposed residential development on land to the rear of 12 Beetley Grange. The reasons for the objection are the same as for the application just under a year ago which were that it is outside the settlement boundary would cause loss of amenity to the residents of Beetley grange and it is an intrusion into the rural settlement. This development if granted permission could lead to serious precedent for possible future applications to the rear of existing properties. The Parish Council has requested that this application be referred to the Planning Committee at Breckland Council if it is likely to be granted permission. Decisions. There were no decisions to report.

Beetley River Meadows. The Parish Council agreed to award the contract for the new fencing to the basket ball court to G G Fencing. This will be a much sturdier and higher fence which should eliminate the costly repairs that are being undertaken each year. Most of this fencing has been in situ since the erection of the play area and a lot of the posts and boards are now rotting which would need replacing soon. It was also agreed to replace the gates on the play area.

The Parish Council approved a request for a Duck Race in 2016 from Beetley Pre-School. This will be similar to that held this year but the organisers are planning to race more ducks. The parish Council has decided to have the footpath from Beech Road to Beetley River Meadows cleared of all grass, nettles and brambles. Whilst the path is still walkable it was felt that a clearance would improve this footpath. This is a Public Right of Way that is the responsibility of Norfolk County Council to maintain but the amount of maintenance that it undertakes has been severely reduced in the current economic climate and as the Parish Council maintains the footpath that runs along the river on Beetley River Meadows it agreed to add this small section to its cutting contract.

Highways. The request by the Parish Council for a bus service in East Bilney has led to a meeting to be held with Norfolk County Council and the bus operator prior to the next Parish Council meeting. The Highways Engineer has been on site at East Bilney to look at a possible trod and he is preparing costings for the Parish Council. Following several accidents at the junction of Elmham Road and Fakenham Road the Parish Council is to approach Norfolk County council to see if a 20m.p.h. limit at this point is possible or some additional signage to be erected to slow traffic at this point.

Norfolk County Council. A consultation is underway on the budget for the next 4 years. The County Council has to find £111 million savings over this period. All parishioners can respond to the consultation and all the details have been circulated in the County Council newsletter and are available on Norfolk County Council’s website. One of the options is for an increase in the Council Tax of 1.99%.

Meetings. The next meeting of Beetley Parish Council will be held on Thursday 3rd December 2015 at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall, Beetley. Planning applications are available for viewing from 7.15 p.m. Minutes. The full minutes are available for viewing on the Beetley Parish website, beetleypc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk, or by contacting the Clerk on 01362 861112 or [email protected]