Hickling Parish Council

1. APOLOGIES
were received from T Woodman, District Councillor S Partridge and County Councillor C How.

2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
These were approved as circulated.

3. MATTERS ARISING - None

4. CORRESPONDENCE

a) Brown & Co - Although Major Mills Estate do not appear to be liable for the footpath, they have covered the cost of the ivy to be eradicated.
Clerk to respond with the Parish Council's appreciation.

b) Catfield Parish Council - A request for a donation towards the Mays Shopper Bus that covers Hickling, The council felt that as there is more than one bus company it wouldn't be appropriate to support one company.

d) Broads & Rivers Leader - News Letter Feb 07.

e) Broads Authority - Changes to the Planning Service in the Broads from 1 April 2007.
f) NNDC - Local government Election letter detailing their requirements for using the Community Hall on the 3 May 2007.

g) Nominet - Confirmation of the re-registration of the web site domain name,
hickling- village-norfolk.co.uk

h) Norfolk City Council - Unitary Status For Norwich booklet.

i) NCC - An answer to our letter about missing street names, which are in hand and speed limits in village, for which we do not meet the criteria.

j) NNDC - LDF update.

l) Broadland Flood Alleviation Project - Public Exhibition 3rd April at Acle.

m) Catfield Parish Council - Asking if Hickling Parish Council would write to Highways in support of their concerns about the accident rate on the road at Catfield Staithe.
Clerk to respond.

5. TREASURER'S REPORT
a)

b) End of Year figures circulated

c) Rates 2007-2008 - Community Hall = £396.90, Changing Rooms = £188.70

6. PLANNING

b) NNDC - New Applications
1. Bydown, Stubb Road - Erection of Attached Garage/Store - supported

2. Dove Cottage, Doves Corner - Erection of Single-Storey Front Extension - supported

3. Wildai, The Street - Erection of Single-Story Side Extension - Site meeting to be arranged.

4. 26 Broadlands Road - Erection of Front Extension to Garage - supported.

5. Plots 9 + 10 Heron Way - Erection of Two Single-Storey Dwellings - no objections
but request the site is cleared of rubbish a.s.a.p

7. PARISH COUNCIL PROPERTY REPORTS
a) Staithe
1. Grass Seed has been delivered by AJS, and Staithe Warden will seed area when weather permits.

It was bought to the council's attention that a small ditch either side of the pathway,(near seats), requires digging out for excess rain water to drain away. H Nudd to contact suitable contractor for an estimate, also the brambles by the dyke require cutting back and H Nudd agreed to undertake this job.

b) Community Hall
1. Disabled handles will be in place ready for the elections 3rd May. M Elliott to organise.

c) Recreation Ground
1. The scarify quote from NCS was discussed and all agreed that only the main football pitch requires attention. Clerk to enquire the cost of one pitch only, if this equates to approx 50% of quote to go ahead with the work.

2. Children's Play area fencing quote was discussed and K Moody proposed, H Purnell seconded the motion and all agreed for the work to go ahead.

d) Parish Council Insurance Policy
1.The renewal has been received with an increase of £73, so it was suggested the Clerk investigate whether there are other companies for Parish Council specifications willing to quote.
Clerk to investigate a.s.a.p as the renewal date is the 1st June.

8. CHAPEL PIT
1. It was confirmed that an article be put in the news sheet asking for volunteers for the Conservation Group.
Clerk to respond.

2. The plants/shrubs will be looked at again after advice has been sort about suitable plants that are available.
Clerk to investigate.

3. The Unpaid Work Unit of Great Yarmouth to be contacted about the leveling off the top soil removed from the recreation ground and the re seeding of the area.
Clerk to respond.

9. VILLAGE PLAN WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDATIONS
A working party meeting for councillors was arranged for the 14th March 2007 where the following items were discussed and agreed to take to the full council for approval;

Staithe - No major works to be undertaken, only cosmetic works as and when required, D Pugh proposed, Brian Noye seconded the motion and all agreed to this action.

Chapel Pit - All agreed that only cosmetic work to be undertaken.

Speed Limits - Highways has been contacted, Hickling does not meet the criteria for any change to speed limits in the village.

Community Hall - It was proposed by K Moody, seconded by H Purnell and all agreed that we apply for change of use and outline planning permission on the existing site before any final decision is made on the way forward for the hall.

10. GRASS CUTTING
There has been no correspondence from St Mary's Church in response to our letter regarding the grass cutting at St Mary's Church.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING - Monday, 21 May at 7.15 pm in the Community Hall.