Pathfinder Project- Happisburgh Liaison Group
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Meeting
At Larksfield, Hall Farm
@ 7pm
4 July 2011
Present:
Glenn Berry, David Mole, George Siely, Jane Archer, Jim Whiteside,
Cubitt Siely
Officers:
Rob Goodliffe, Rob Young
Apologies: Jack Hall
Background
The meeting was arranged to update on project progress
Actions arising from meeting
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Actions
The Heritage Group will be working with a local photographer to
record the forthcoming works – JW would like to make sure that they
are kept informed of anything interesting to record and requested BF
keeps in contact with JW should anything arise so that it can be
recorded.
Arrange for the grass to be cut on the properties purchased on beach
road.
Potential issues raised concerning possibility of short term localised
‘quicksand’ to develop following beach works – this has happened
before after the archaeological digs. Issue to be raised with BF for
monitoring.
There could be an issue with pedestrians trying to access beach road
from the Sea Palling end of the cliff through the site compound. Also
beach users trying to walk from Sea Palling to the steps when the
beach is closed. Notices stating the closures should be put up at
Cart Gap, Ostend and at the bottom of the steps. Also it should be
considered if a pedestrian route around the edge of the compound
could be incorporated to prevent un-managed access.
Make sure the contractors are aware of the village speed restrictions
– prevent any issues/perceived issues before they are reported. Also
issues with congestion at 9am and 3pm at school opening/closing
times.
Progress Parish Council car park agreement/lease
Progress the Beach Road woodland footpath for reporting to the
Parish Council.
Arrange cliff top walk/site visit for group to look at progress in the next
6 weeks.
BF
RG
BF
BF
BF
IC
RY
RG
Comments from Meeting
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Comments
A porch/barrier on the toilets was discussed. TI was noted that this may encourage
antisocial behaviour. A roller shutter would be provided to keep dust out of the entrance
when the toilets were closed and secure the building.
The National RNLI are leading on the replacement kiosk – it appears that this is unlikely
to happen and therefore the local RNLI will probably wish to continue to use the existing
facilities for as long as possible. CS understood that the cliff line is likely to change and
therefore the use may only be for one season.
The Sainsbury’s Centre is developing a coastal arts based project and is talking with
various residents about potential activities. It was stated that the beach debris will be
removed from site, if there was an official request for some debris fro a project, this
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would be considered, but any provision of materials would be completed in a controlled
way.
Update on the demolition of properties time was provided. Realistically this will not be
soon as planning consent is required prior to demolition.
The car park, ramp and beach works will commence on 11 July.
The car park machine should be mains electric.
The celebration of Happisburgh could coincide with the launch of the Book of
Happisburgh and/or the Parish signing the agreement for managing the car park. The
celebration should not take place until it is clear when the beach road properties will be
demolished.
The Council should complete its pre-planning application for the replacement houses
asap so that the complete information is available to the public so that views can be
expressed.
The draft Manor Caravan Site Plan was presented for feedback. It was commented that
the school had some reservations. The delivery of the scheme will be dependent on
many factors such as planning consent, land availability/ negotiations, funding
availability and if a business case can be made for the relocation by the owners of the
site.
The group stated that the comment in the EDP regarding buy to lease had caused local
anguish. Officers apologised for this, but the comment was taken out of context. It
should either have not been written or included a full reference. If any properties were
purchased, there would be a need to complete some refurbishment to prepare it for the
remaining limited lifespan. The likelihood of a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) taking
on the management of the properties was limited due to what is known as the ‘decent
homes standard’. This relates to many aspects of a building such as the energy
rating/insulation/type of boiler etc. Older properties are expensive to bring up to this
standard and therefore are less attractive for RSL use.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be over the next 6 weeks with a cliff top walk/site visit. Date and time
to be confirmed.