MINUTES
COASTAL PATHFINDER PROGRAMME
REFERENCE GROUP
24th February 2010
2.00pm, Room 1, Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer.
Present
Reference Group Members
Malcolm Kerby
Sue Willis
Dan Corbett
Tony Nash
Brain Farrow
Rob Young
Rob Goodliffe
NNDC Officers
Peter Frew
Marti Tipper
Action
1
Apologies
Apologies were received from Rob Wise from Country Land & Business
Association, Janice Howell from Norfolk Rural Community Council and Peter
Battrick from NNDC’s Communications Section.
2
Introductions
The Coastal Management Team and members of the Group introduced
themselves.
3
Presentation of the Pathfinder Programme by the Coastal Management Team
A PowerPoint presentation was given to explain the Pathfinder Programme and
describe the various Projects within it. Details of the content of the bid were
explained and additional funding inputs that have been received i.e. EEDA and
Business Link. The Group asked some specific questions with regard to particular
issues and geographical areas. These were answered and it was explained that
this initial meeting was less detail-specific and more process-setting related.
It was emphasised that the Pathfinder Programme is a trial to provide Defra with
feedback on coastal adaptation possibilities, which will hopefully be made use off
in the future with regards to a national Coastal Management Plan. A precedent
has been set by Government for a future mechanism for social justice.
4
Explanation of Programme Structure & Principles of Roles
The structure and reporting systems of the Programme were highlighted by
PowerPoint and discussion.
5
Discussion by Reference Group members to decide terms of reference,
including:
Role
It was explained that the major objective of the Group is to be a ‘critical friend’ for
the Programme and to be robust and accountable. It was agreed that the Group
should not be restricted in its operation. It will principally report to the Project
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Management Team and indirectly to the Pathfinder Programme Board. The
Group will have a large responsibility to make sure decisions made now ensure
the success of the Pathfinder Programme and are beneficial to society in later
years. Their decisions don’t want to result 30 years up the line, in the equivalent of
the ‘high rise flat’ syndrome of the 1960s.
Communication
It was agreed that in order for the Programme to be successful it needs to manage
local expectations. It needs to be communicated that Pathfinder is not to solve all
the issues regarding the changing coastline in Norfolk, but to find and report back
options for helping communities adapt to coastal change.
The communication methods employed so far where explained, and included: The
Eastern Daily Press, North Norfolk Radio, BBC Radio, a coastal parish evening
event, meetings with local coastal parish councils, residents and landowners. A
monthly newsletter is produced and is available from local libraries, the NNDC
council office, on the Coastal Management Team’s website and to anyone who
requests copies. The website is updated regularly and will include details of
meetings. The Coastal Management Team has also been requested to provide
information to an exhibition that will be held in Cromer town centre for the 6 weeks
of the summer holidays. Other opportunities will be sought.
Support
The facilities of NNDC’s offices were offered for meetings of the Group. It was
agreed beneficial to have access to NNDC officers ‘on tap’. Minute taking could
be provided and the Group should inform the Coastal Management Team of any
other services they require.
The Group asked for copies of the following to be made available to them. The
Core Strategy, Proposals Map, Development and Coastal Erosion Guidance,
Defra’s Coastal Change Policy and planning policies PPG20, PPS20 and PPS25.
The Council were grateful that the Group have agreed to work in their own time
and it was agreed to reimburse the Group’s expenses and travel costs.
Records & Reporting
The Group agreed that they would need regular staged information from the
Project Management Team. Similar monthly financial reports and inputs/outputs of
the Costal Management Board were requested.
All these were requested to be short, succinct and understandable to the
public if needed.
Nomination of Chair
The Group nominated Malcolm Kerby as the Chair and he accepted.
Frequency of Meetings
Once discussed the Group will inform NNDC whether it would like to have a room
booked for regular meetings, or as and when required.
6
AOB
The Group were informed of the latest progress and that an advert is out nationally
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RG
and locally for a property advisor for the Happisburgh ‘buy & lease back’ package.
An Open Day at Trimingham Village Hall is to be held between 10am and 4pm on
Saturday 6th March 2010. Options for the relocation of the Pilgrim’s Shelter will be
displayed.
7
Next Meeting
The meeting finished at 4.15pm. The officers left the room to allow the Group to
discuss further issues. These were presented in writing and added to the end of
these minutes.
The Group to advise Marti Tipper (01263) 516004, so she can arrange room
booking and refreshments.
Abbreviations
CLA
CMB
CMP
CMT
Defra
EDP
EEDA
LDF
NNDC
NRCC
PMT
PPB
PPG20
PPS20
PPS25
Country Land & Business Association
Coastal Management Board
Coastal Management Plan
Coastal Management Team
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Eastern Daily Press
East of England Development Agency
Local Development Framework
North Norfolk District Council
Norfolk Rural Community Council
Project Management Team
Pathfinder Programme Board
Planning Policy Guidance 20
Planning Policy Statement 20
Planning Policy Statement 25
Concerns and suggestions about the following were brought up by the
Group in the second meeting:
The cost of appointing a property valuer and the possibility of using the District
Valuer as an option.
The danger of trying to spread the money too thinly.
The group would like to be assured that if they wish to see an Officer, they must be
made available.
The Reference Group will only meet when they think it is necessary to speak to the
NNDC team, otherwise it will function by telephone, email and post.
The Coastal Management Team will provide all necessary minutes or reports
(including financial) from the Pathfinder Programme.
Added to the minutes 05.03.10 following its omission – Query as to what happens
to the interest earned on the pathfinder funds as they are held in NNDC’s account.
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