FOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON TUESDAY 11 JULY 2007

Present: Mr Harvey, Mr Mears, Mr Hatch, Mr Barratt and Mrs Pritchard, 14 parishioners. The County Council and District Councillor had sent apologies.

Matters arising: Saffron Housing is applying to build houses in the village on the 3 acre site opposite Floranova. Mr Howell, the landowner was present and the Chairman asked him if he would like to speak. Mr Howell explained that there would be 10x 2 bed roomed affordable houses plus 4x 3 bed roomed houses for sale. He hoped that these would give young people from the immediate area a chance to be able to get a foot on the housing ladder. Saffron had a list of people wanting homes. He felt he was making a genuine attempt to offer young people a start. The Chairman then threw the meeting open for discussion.

A wide ranging discussion followed with people wanting answers to what is social housing/starter homes; how can it be guaranteed that local people be the only ones to be offered the chance of these homes; the area is outside the village envelope, how can there be planning permission,; how will people , especially young families cope with so few amenities ?

The Chairman finally asked those present if they wanted a major development in Foxley. The majority said no.

Code of Conduct - councillors would take home and digest the information and report in September.

Drainage Matters - Feelings were running high regarding high water levels and flooding down The Street and the inability of some to get water away from their property because of neighbouring landowners who had filled in ditches. Everyone needs to be reminded that they are responsible for keeping their own ditches clear.

It was agreed to write strong letters to everyone and anyone regarding the saga of Anglian Water and the schemes for East/West Foxley.

The Emergency Plan was almost complete but it needed some co-ordination with the Homewatch Team. Mr Wright volunteered to help.

Planning Applications - The Chairman and council expressed their dismay regarding the decision by  Breckland to allow the Natterjack to close and houses to be built upon the old site without it going to committee. Mr Harvey would invite Mr Bambridge DC  to explain at the next meeting he can attend.

Mr & Mrs Waller are seeking an extension of height - no objection.

Mr & Mrs Wilkinson are seeking to build an extension - no objections

Village Matters -We have a new Police Community Support Officer, Angie Powles who hopes to join us in September. The Bus Shelter has to have a NO SMOKING notice.

Finance: The financial report was presented and signed.  It was agreed to look at the cost of insuring the Bus Shelter, and the Village Sign.

Dates of the next meetings were booked for Tuesday 11 Sept ember.

The meeting closed at 9.18 pm