MINUTES OF THE SHERINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBER, TOWN HALL, SHERINGHAM, ON TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER 2009
AT 7.45PM
PRESENT:
Cllr N Gant (Town Mayor) – Chairman
Cllr D Smith (Dep Town Mayor) – Vice Chairman (late
arrival)
Cllrs McGinn, Booth, Parks, Hedges, Mrs Ashcroft, Mrs
Fields, Cox, Stevens, Hill, Bennett and Gooch
John Morgan, Julie Chance and Hilary Thompson –
Cromer & Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival
Sgt Money
Cty Cllr B Hannah
One Member of the Press
The Clerk and Dep Clerk
7399
TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER APOLOGIES:
Dis Cllrs Nelson, Bevan-Jones and Moss.
Cllrs Hewitt, Prior and Burns.
7400
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST RELATING TO ITEMS ON THE AGENDA:
Cllr Hedges declared an interest under Agenda Item 17 – Rental of Front
Office – he is a Partner in Keys but has had no personal input.
Cllr Gooch declared an interest under Agenda Item 22 – Sheringham in
Bloom Arboretum – he is a life member of Sheringham in Bloom and
STC’s representative
Cllr Hill declared an interest under Agenda Item 22 – Sheringham in
Bloom Arboretum – he is a Member of the SIB Cttee.
Cllr Gant declared an interest under Agenda Item 11 – Accounts for
Payment – he is claiming Mayors expenses.
Cllr Mrs Ashcroft declared an interest she is STC’s representative on
North Walsham CAB.
Cllr McGinn declared an interest in Agenda Item 11 – Accounts for
Payment – he is claiming travel expenses.
Cllr Cox stated regarding the land swap he does not feel he needs to
declare an interest.
7401
TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 1, 15 AND 22
SEPTEMBER 2009: The Minutes having been previously circulated Cllr McGinn
PROPOSED Cllr Cox seconded acceptance of the Minutes of the
meetings held on 1, 15 and 22 September 2009. IT WAS AGREED.
7402
PRESENTATION BY JOHN MORGAN RE CROMER & SHERINGHAM CRAB &
LOBSTER FESTIVAL AND JOINT PUBLICITY LEAFLET: John Morgan and
Cromer Town Council Mayor Hilary Thompson gave details of the joint
venture which is to promote this area and extend the holiday season.
After a public meeting two groups were formed for a Crabs & Lobster
Festival and an Arts & Literary Festival.
The Dep Mayor joined the meeting.
A film is being produced called ‘Two Minutes, Two Towns, Two Festivals’.
The Launch of the Crab & Lobster Festival will take place on 13 October,
he referred to the draft programme for the weekend of 21 to 23 May 2010.
Sponsorship is already being received. There will be a Sculpture Trail
and it is hoped there will be 30 crabs or lobsters in each town which will
be in place for seven weeks. The 3ft models are £200 and the 6ft models
are £400 to rent. The task now is to find sponsors for the models and to
obtain the funding in advance. The blank models arrive in January and
Sheringham Town Council
6 October 2009
can be decorated by anyone. They will be auctioned with the funds going
towards next years Festival and to local charities.
The Mayor thanked Mr Morgan and Mayor Hilary Thompson for their
presentation – they then left the meeting.
7403
TOWN MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Mayor reported attending a
meeting of the Patients Participation Group; opening with Norman Lamb
MP the Sculpture & Art Trail; a meeting of the Joint Publicity Group;
Norfolk in Bloom; Sheringham Medical Practice AGM; the Norfolk Scouts
AGM; the Sheringham in Bloom Awards Evening; Cromer Civic Service;
a meeting concerning the future of Cromer Hospital; Hunstanton Civic
Service and the Inaugural meeting of the Art Venture at the Little Theatre.
7404
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE ABOVE MINUTES:
7405
POLICE REPORT: Sgt Money stated there had been 19 reported offences
in Sheringham consisting of minor assaults, breaching a restraining order,
thefts, burglary of a shed/garage and criminal damage. Crime figures are
19% down on last year. The Police recently had a drug raid, in
Sheringham, in connection with a large quantity of heroin.
Cllr Hedges enquired how someone could contact and speak to a Police
Officer. Sgt Money stated the best way is email or by post or use the
yellow telephone outside the Police Station. He added there will be a
public enquiry officer but the hours worked will be quite short.
Cllr Hedges praised the quick response of the Police for talking to youths
on the Cromer Road Play Area which had recently incurred vandalism.
Sgt Money left the meeting.
7406
ANY COUNTY/DISTRICT COUNCILLORS WISHING TO MAKE A REPORT:
Cty Cllr Hannah apologised for not attending the Tesco Planning
Application meeting – he had not attended the Eco Supermarket Planning
Application and felt he should therefore not attend the Tesco meeting.
Cty Cllr Hannah reported –
Attending a meeting of KIN where three priorities were chosen for the next
eight weeks for the SNT team – Boy Racers on Station Road Car Park
and The Esplanade; Nelson Road Anti-Social Behaviour; and the Cromer
Road Play Area and grounds of the Ladybird Nursery.
He chaired the AGM of the Patients Participation Group, this was
attended by over 20 people. A new committee was formed on what has
been a successful first year.
Neighbourhood Nuisance – Cty Cllr Hannah has been involved in three
separate issues, one of which is culminating in an open meeting in the
area concerned.
Licensing – he chaired the Licensing Cttee at NNC – the meeting
considered adoption of a new gambling policy.
Roundabout Improvements – Cty Cllr Hannah asked NCC to look at
reviewing this to allow some form of planting in the middle of the new
roundabout – this would require STC to take on the planting etc which
could later be taken over by Sheringham in Bloom. He handed out the
revised plan of the roundabout.
County Councillors Surgery – he holds a Surgery on the first Saturday of
the month at 10.00am to 12 noon in The Hub, Little Theatre.
Alexander Road Trees – Cty Cllr Hannah has been informed no work will
be carried out to the pavements until 2012 – Residents are prepared to
pay for some trees. If they want it done sooner they will have to pay for
the tree pits.
There were none.
2
Sheringham Town Council
6 October 2009
Decriminalised Parking – NNDC have placed a sum in the pot with other
District Councils to bring forward this subject.
The Clerk read a short report from Dis Cllr Mrs Nelson – The credit crunch
and the need to pare down services to the bone has led to a series of
difficult meetings to consider how and where the cuts can be made. They
are working closely with their partners, in particular the Upcher
Community Partnership and are looking to prolong the season and
provide a service within the Partnership office. The RNLI Lifeguards have
reported a rise in incidents. The consultation on the LDF has been very
time consuming and at times contentious. Sheringham has been put on
hold until the supermarket question is resolved. She attended a seminar
‘Managing Change in Urban and Rural Landscapes’ very relevant in view
of the climate change and our eroding coastline. As Biodiversity Portfolio
holder she attended the Annual Biodiversity Forum. On Tuesday she is
attending the launch in Norwich of the website Norfolk Celebrating Talent
which is showcasing the excellent work of young people in the County.
7407
TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
HELD ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2009 AND 15 SEPTEMBER 2009:
The Minutes
having been previously circulated Cllr McGinn PROPOSED Cllr Cox
seconded acceptance of the Minutes of the Planning Cttee meetings held
on 1 and 15 September 2009. IT WAS AGREED.
7408
TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE ALLOTMENTS CEMETERY & COMMONS
COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2009:
The
Minutes having been previously circulated Cllr Gooch PROPOSED Cllr
Cox seconded acceptance of the Minutes of the Allotments Cemetery &
Commons Cttee meeting held on 22 September 2009. IT WAS AGREED.
7409
FINANCE:
(a)
To Approve Accounts for Payment: The Schedule of
Accounts having been circulated Cllr McGinn PROPOSED acceptance of
the Accounts in the total sum of £24,174.44 including VAT; Cllr Cox
seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
(b)
Grant Application from:
(i)
N Walsham & District CAB: The Clerk read the letter of request
after which Cllr McGinn PROPOSED awarding a grant of £500.00
under the 1989 LG & Housing Act; Cllr Cox seconded. IT WAS
AGREED.
(ii)
Sheringham Little Theatre: The Clerk read the letter of request
after which the Dep Mayor PROPOSED awarding a grant of
£2,000; Cllr Mrs Ashcroft seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
(iii)
Cromer & Sheringham Brass:The Clerk read from the application
from after which Cllr Cox PROPOSED awarding a grant of £250
under s144/145 of the 1972 LGA; Cllr Hedges seconded. IT WAS
AGREED.
(c)
Ricoh 2030 Colour Copier Costs:
The Clerk reported the new copier
has arrived, adding the four drawer version had been ordered in
preference to the two drawer version which means there is a £14 increase
in the lease figure.
(d)
To Ratify setting up Joint Bank Account re Crab & Lobster Festival
funding:
The Mayor reported the account has been set up to receive
incoming funding, he is a signatory of the account.
(e)
Second Quarter’s Comparison Income to Expenditure:
Members had
received a copy previously to which the Clerk made an amendment.
3
Sheringham Town Council
6 October 2009
There were no Members of the Public wishing to speak IT WAS AGREED to pass to the
next Agenda Item.
7410
(A)
(B)
7411
RETIREMENT OF CLERK: The Mayor read the Clerk’s letter giving
three months notice ending on 31 December 2009.
TO FACILITATE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CLERK:
Cllr Cox
PROPOSED setting up an Employment Cttee which begins work as soon
as possible; Cllr McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED. Volunteers for
the Cttee – Cllrs Cox, McGinn, Smith, Mrs Fields, Booth and Parks.
TO CONSIDER SENDING A LETTER TO DISTRICT COUNCILLORS RE STC’S
COMMENT UPON THE TESCO PLANNING APPLICATION:
Members had
previously received a copy of the draft letter. Cllr Hedges stated Cllr
Hewitt cannot be present this evening and has asked him to stand in for
him. Cllr Hedges stated the draft letter came about as a result of the 22
September meeting, Cllr Hewitt is well versed in writing letters of this type
and has set out and compiled the letter.
Cllr Hedges PROPOSED the letter is sent out to all District Councillors.
A full and in-depth discussion took place after which the Dep Mayor
PROPOSED accepting the drafted letter and it goes out signed by the
Clerk. There was no seconder.
Cllr Booth PROPOSED taking Agenda Items 15 and 16 under Standing Order 68 due to
the personalities involved; Cllr Stevens seconded. IT WAS AGREED. The Mayor will
take the items after Item 24.
7412
OUTCOME OF VALUATION OF FRONT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TOWN HALL:
Members had previously received a copy of the valuation. After a brief
discussion Cllr Cox PROPOSED instructing the Clerk to inform the
interested party the rent for the office will be £1,400.00 per annum on an
annual rolling contract, with the Tenant paying STC’s legal fees; Cllr
McGinn seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
7413
A149/A1082 SHERINGHAM ROUNDABOUT IMPROVEMENTS – TO
COMMENT UPON NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL’S PROPOSED SCHEME:
Members had previously received details. Cllr McGinn stated the plan is
to take away the castle, the roundabout will be more central, 14m wide
with the pedestrian islands being set back to the periphery of the
roundabout. Cty Cllr Hannah had informed Members of a alternative
scheme to place flower containers at the centre of the roundabout. Cllr
McGinn PROPOSED approval of the proposed roundabout scheme which
it is hoped will be of sufficient height to deter HGV’s driving straight over it;
Cllr Gooch seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
7414
LAND SWAP PROPOSAL – UPDATE TO INCLUDE APPROVAL OF DRAFT
CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION LICENCE, AGREEMENT TO SURRENDER AND
REGRANT, AND A DEED OF SURRENDER:
Members had previously
received details. The Dep Mayor PROPOSED accepting the documents;
Cllr Parks seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
7415
ANNUAL PARISH & TOWN COUNCIL CONFERENCE 2009, 11 NOVEMBER
2009 FROM 6.30PM – 9.00PM IN CROMER PARISH HALL: NNDC INVITES
MEMBERS TO THIS MEETING AND ASKS FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR TOPICS
CONCERNING THE WHOLE OF NORTH NORFOLK:
The Mayor stated he
will be attending. No suggestions for topics came forward.
4
Sheringham Town Council
6 October 2009
7416
SHERINGHAM WOOD - TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE COUNTERPART
LEASE – SHERINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL TO THE WOODLAND TRUST:
Members had previously received a copy of the Lease. Cllr Cox
PROPOSED the Dep Mayor seconded agreement to the Lease. IT WAS
AGREED. The Mayor and Dep Mayor signed the document.
7417
TO CONSIDER PURCHASING A SHERINGHAM IN BLOOM TREE FOR THE
ARBORETUM – COST £50.00:
Members had received a list of the trees.
The Clerk reminded Members last year STC received a cheque from NCC
for £85 towards tree planting, this was not used and placed in the General
Reserve. After discussion Cllr Parks PROPOSED leaving the choice of
tree to the Maint Tech; Cllr Hill seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
Cllr Cox PROPOSED the cost comes from the General Reserve; Cllr
Parks seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
7418
TO CONSIDER SUPPORTING RESIDENT’S IDENTIFICATION OF A HIGHWAY
PROBLEM AT CROMER ROAD/BROOK ROAD: Members had received a
copy of the letter. Members felt the resident had a valid point and IT WAS
AGREED to support the concerns raised.
7419
TO CONSIDER APPOINTING A MAYOR’S CHAPLAIN: The Mayor reported
this suggestion had been brought to him by Cty Cllr Hannah and he had
then spoken to the Revd Heycocks who carried out this role in his
previous Parish. After discussion Cllr Hedges PROPOSED adopting
Revd Heycocks as the Mayors Chaplain; Cllr Parks seconded. IT WAS
AGREED.
Cllr Booth PROPOSED Cllr Hill seconded invoking Standing Order 68 to exclude the
Press and Public. IT WAS AGREED.
The Press and Public left the meeting.
7420
SPECIAL RESOLUTION TO RESCIND DECISION REGARDING STC
REPRESENTATION AT NNDC (see Min 7368) REGARDING THE GREENHOUSE
PLANNING APPLICATION:
and:
TO CONSIDER STC REPRESENTATION AT NNDC RE TESCO PLANNING
APPLICATION:
The Mayor read the Special Resolution signed by Cllrs Hedges, Cox and
the Dep Mayor. It stated they feel it would be difficult for the Planning
Cttee Chairman to speak at the Greenhouse Store Planning Application
and furthermore the Site Meeting and Planning Application for the Tesco
Store. In both cases he has proposed an opposite view of the majority
vote and consequently we feel he may lack the desire to express the
formal view of Sheringham Town Council. For that reason they propose
that the Planning Cttee Dep Chairman represents the Council at the Site
Meeting and Planning Application for Tesco Stores. Secondly, they
propose that Cllr Burns represents the Council at the Greenhouse Store
Planning Application.
Cllr Hedges spoke to the Resolution adding he has the utmost respect for
Cllr McGinn.
An in-depth and lengthy discussion ensued after which Cllr Hedges
PROPOSED rescinding STC’s previous decision on this matter;
Cllr McGinn asked for a recorded vote. The Dep Mayor seconded the
proposition.
Votes in favour
Against
Abstentions
Cllr Smith
Cllr Mrs Fields
Cllr McGinn
Cllr Hill
Cllr Mrs Ashcroft
5
Sheringham Town Council
6 October 2009
Cllr Bennett
Cllr Gooch
Cllr Stevens
Cllr Cox
Cllr Parks
Cllr Booth
Cllr Hedges
IT WAS AGREED.
Cllr Booth showed his willingness to represent STC for both Planning
Applications. The Dep Mayor PROPOSED the Dep Chairman of the
Planning Cttee represents STC at both Planning Applications; Cllr Parks
seconded. IT WAS AGREED.
Cllr Cox PROPOSED coming out of Standing Order 68; Cllr Parks seconded. IT WAS
AGREED.
7421
CLERKS REPORT: The Clerk reported ◊
Invitation to the Norfolk Rural Forum and Norfolk RCC, 13 October at
4.00pm at the NRCC offices in Dereham
◊
STC Macmillan Coffee Morning raised £294.50
◊
Public Meeting re The Future of Cromer & District Hospital, 15 October,
7.pm, at the Cromer Community Centre
◊
Invitation to the General Meeting of the Norfolk RCC on 3 November
◊
Invitation from the Norfolk ALC to a Larger Councils Meeting on 29
October
◊
A letter from N Walsham & District CAB and Fakenham & Wells CAB
stating the Trustee Boards of both CAB’s have agreed in principle to
merge the bureaux to become one legal entity early in 2010
◊
Letter from NNDC giving details regarding Civil Parking Enforcement
◊
Enquiring how many Members will be attending the Crab & Lobster
Launch on 13 October – the Dep Mayor confirmed attendance
◊
Enquiring how many Members will be attending the SSSI Walk on
Thursday – Cllrs Gooch and Hill will be attending
◊
Details from NNDC of the LDF Core Strategy Single Policy Review:
Conversion & Re-use of Rural Buildings
◊
This evening receiving a request from the Sports Association to install
either a grill or metal doors at the Pavilion to make it secure from
continued vandalism – Members had no objection.
7422
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
3 November 2009.
The meeting closed at 9.57pm.
6