Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 10th December 2012

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting 7.30pm 10th December 2012
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr M Sargent (Vice-Chairman); Cllr D Dorling, Cllr C Palfrey, Cllr I Brookman, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr M Bagnall. Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was also in attendance. Members of the public were also present.

1 - Apologies for absence: Cllr H Painter

2 - Declarations of interest: none.

3 - Public Forum:-
Mill Road meeting – The Chairman tabled a report saying that Guy Smith from the Highways Dept attended as well as PC Tate, several Parish Councillors and other village residents. Mr Smith said he would get the road swept thoroughly during the coming week and the drains cleared.  He would also arrange for reflective finger posts to be erected to suggest that the area is not a lay-by. The Police confirm that if they consider the road to be dangerous they will report the fact to the Highways Dept. The residents that attended spoke strongly about the state of the road.
The Fox Public House – Residents reported that Mr Tucker, the owner’s agent has been seen on site but he would not comment when asked about progress with planning or if the site would be put up for sale. They asked if the owner is paying rates. 

The Vice-Chairman convened the meeting.

4 - Approve minutes of meeting held on 22nd November 2012. 
The Borough Councillor’s report was amended to show that it was tabled and not presented personally, after which the minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

5 - Planning applications:-
SE/12/1553/TCA - Swiss Cottage, The Street (TCA/12/2375)
Fell 3 sycamore trees in rear garden.
Councillors have inspected the trees and agree unanimously that they have no objection to the application..

Refused: SE/12/1302HH – Trelawne, Fen Road.

6 - Parish Plan:-
Sites for affordable housing – Councillors have been considering possible sites and these were discussed. 
The settlement boundary finishes at Church Hill although exception sites might be available along The Fen.  Pakenham Charities land is not suitable. Clerk to ask Cllr Spicer if the Borough owns any land in the village. It was suggested that land-owners could be asked if they had any land that they might be prepared to gift or sell for affordable housing. For a future meeting.
Newsletter – The Heads of Agreement has been signed and returned by the Benefice. Items to be included in the newsletter were discussed. Cllr Sargent will give the Editor a copy of the Welcome Pack that is given to new residents as this includes information about buses, village activities etc  that are relevant to all. The Chairman has agreed to write a letter for each issue.

7 - Standing Orders:-
The draft Standing Orders were checked and amended where necessary. The clerk will confirm again with SALC and then present the Orders for adoption at the next meeting.

8 - Financial Regulations:-
These were amended where necessary and adopted.
In light of new Government initiatives the precept may need to be reconsidered early in the new year.

9 - Councillors' reports:-
Work to be undertaken in Church Wood will be considered in light of the Tree Surgeon’s report.
Cllr Brookman reported on a meeting regarding the two organisations looking to opening a Free School at Ixworth.
The Seckford Foundation will offer a restricted curriculum which will cover only the academic subjects. They will offer free uniform and ipads.
The Diocesan presentation stated that they will offer academic and practical subjects. They are looking to work within the Thurston pyramid. One third of the places will be reserved for C of E applicants.
Both parties would welcome an opinion from the Parish Council on behalf of village residents. This will be forwarded to Mr Gove to help with his decision. Councillors agree that as this is a rural area practical subjects are necessary. 
The Clerk was asked to tell the Diocesan Council that the Parish Council supports their application given that they intend to work within the Thurston pyramid and offer a wider curriculum.
It was suggested that an agenda item covering unfinished items from a previous meeting be added.

10 - Date of next meeting:-
Wednesday 9th January 2013 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.