From Norfolk RCC

Annual Report May 2010

Throughout the past year the Parish Council (PC) has continued to adopt a pro-active approach towards its duties and we would like to highlight some of our achievements.

Financial

For the fourth year we have managed to avoid increasing the precept. The PC has also managed cover the cost of grass-cutting of communal areas despite the withdrawal of financial support from the District Council (NNDC). The PC has continued to support the Playing Field, e.g. making grants to cover the insurance.

Planning

The PC has been actively involved in the consultation process of the Local Development Framework (LDF) for the village. (Prior to this consultation, the PC had adopted a policy of no back-filling because there are adequate sites fronting the road network, to provide an opportunity to link the village structurally.) NNDC proposed that development should be on one site on the main road. The PC felt strongly that two smaller developments would serve the village better: the site on the main road and another site adjoining the school. This would achieve the aim of linking the village, improving presentation and avoiding over-development at one end of the village. Working closely with the District Councillor, representations were made at a series of NNDC meetings and at site visits. The outcome of this work has been that NNDC has adopted the revised proposal of two sites. This is now going forward to the Planning Inspectorate hearings. The PC continues to give careful consideration to all planning applications submitted. Potentially controversial or contentious plans are usually resolved through site visits.

Health and Safety

Regular checks continue throughout the village and identified hazards are dealt with. One of the more serious problems has been the huge build-up of materials at the recycling plant, which was causing concern to nearby residents. The PC requested Norfolk County Council (NCC) Control Officers to take enforcement action at the plant. The stockpile has finally been reduced. Another hazard has been the increase in dog fouling on the footways throughout the village and on the playing field. After requests were made by the PC this problem has been taken on board by NNDC officers and Police Community Support Officers.

Community

In the early part of last year, the Parish Clerk took on the project, on behalf of the PC, to provide an additional play area for the younger children in the village. Through her determination, she was successful in acquiring grants and donations to fund the project. The equipment on the new play area, together with two benches, was erected on the playing field during last summer and has proved popular. The PC was also instrumental in addressing the lack of easy access for wheelchair users from the main road area to the school which was raised by a member of the public. A request was made to NCC Highways and as a result two dropped kerbs were installed at The Croft within two weeks. During the latter part of last year the PC was asked by Norfolk Rural Community Council (NRCC) to participate in a Good Neighbours Project. Two councillors volunteered to launch the scheme, which has now gained momentum and is due to be rolled out this month. Three road signs have been erected at access points to the village, welcoming people and warning of the approach to a built up area. We hope that this will assist in reducing the speed of vehicles entering the village and at the same time give some identity to Little Snoring.

Looking ahead

We will see the completion of the affordable housing project on the site proposed by the PC last year. The PC will strive to improve communication throughout the village (an additional notice board). The PC will continue to make objections to wide loads passing through the village, will try to develop a footpath network, and will continue to improve the presentation of the village.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Clerk and fellow councillors for their commitment and efforts over the past year.

Ray Verrall, Chairman

Little Snoring Parish Council main page

The community consultation for the Access4Life project in North West Norfolk is now underway. Click here to complete the survey.

Annual Report Little Snoring