Rocklands, Norfolk The Villages of Rockland All Saints and Rockland St Peter

The Rocklands Parish Council

PRESENT:

P. Cotes (Chairman)
P. Smith (Vice Chairman)
Mrs N. Southgate
Mrs C. Jones
Ms S. Colenutt
Mrs M Gibbon

Mr C. Jordan (County Councillor)
District Councillor W. Smith

9 Parishioner

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors R. Steel

2. MINUTES

The minutes of the Annual Assembly held on Monday 2 April 2007 were signed as a correct record

3. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising

4. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

In my report last year I noted the planning application for the site next to the Post Office and this very week that application has been resurrected. It has been a contentious proposal with a lot of strong feelings expressed at a public meeting. Being in the centre of the village the site will have a marked impact on the visual impression of Rocklands and we have a role to play to ensure we end up with a street scene that we want and which will enhance the location.
The future of the Post Office itself has now been confirmed and we are very relieved that this esential feature of the village has been spared from closure, at least for the time being. It is now up to all villagers to use the shop and make sure that it has enough business to justify its continuing commercial existence. It would be very sad if, having survived Post Office reorganisation, it withered and died through lack of use.
Last year I posed the question: Are we right to be so careful with Council Taxpayers money or should we be more generous? We have a very low precept so we are in the fortunate position that we can do this if we so desire. The Council has agreed to modest increases in our grants to local bodies but are there other areas where we could be more adventurous? I hope the Councillors will consider this in time for the annual budget review later in the year.
The Council is now confirmed as the owner of the land and pond in Wayland Road. The Council must now decide how to make the most of this new asset.
Flooding remains probably the most important issue in Rocklands and yet again people are trying to find a route to remedy the situation. I wish them good luck but I think the drive needs to come from the residents of The Street and with the best will in the world there is a limit to what we or the District or County Council can achieve without the wholehearted involvement of the householders.
The Council has considered the Local Development Framework and we will provide considered input at the next stage of consultation. The LDF will determine the medium term direction of the development of the village and all Councillors need to familiarise themselves with this important document.
I would like to end by thanking the Councillors who have served during the year, Parish, County and District. Thanks also to our Clerk who continues to look after us. My thanks to the small band of parishioners who take the time to come to our meetings and add their voices to our discussions.

5. REPORT BY COUNTY& DISTRICT COUNCILLORS & POLICE

Councillor Jordan (County Councillor) informed the meeting that the County continued to work with regard to the flooding problem and are assessing which drains under the road are of use a or are left over from the 1930's and have been superseded. The problem of funding still remains for any work to be carried out.
He continued that the Boundary Commission consultation needed to be taken seriously. That the Unitary Council in whatever form it takes will abolish District and County Councillors, as we now know them.

Councillor Smith(District Councillor) stated that under the proposed Unitary Council the number of Councillors for the whole of Norfolk would be reduced to 80 and that with 108 parishes in Breckland alone the chance of having a representative at Parish meeting and the availability of their knowledge would be severely limited. There are various alternative being offered either one body for the whole of Norfolk or two or four divisions. Breckland favour the two section split,besides Norwich. There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to the boundary changes for example where planning meetings are now once a fortnight, under the new proposals this could mean continuous sittings with a loss of local input. There was also thoughts of area committees being formed either in addition to Parish Councils or instead of them.
The Rural Enterprise Valley along the A12 around Snetterton is progressing.
Finally Breckland still has the lowest Council tax in the country this is being achieved by working with other authorities to prevent repetition of work.

6. PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL ACCOUNTS

The Clerk presented the Parish Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2008 (copy attached at "A") and explained the breakdown. Councillor proposed and Councillor Southgate seconded the adoption of the accounts. This was carried.

7. TO REVIEW REGISTER OF INTERESTS, FINANCIAL STANDING ORDERS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF R. F. O.

There were no variations in the Register of Interests, Financial Standing Orders, or the responsibilities of the R. F. O.

8. COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR

Councillor Southgate stated that she had attended the meeting regarding Post Office closures at Aylsham, where it had been stated by the official that 2/3 of village Post Offices were not viable and that in 2011 there would be a second round of appraisals to determine what further cuts needed to be made.

Councillor Southgate then proposed that a vote of thanks be given to the Chairman for his continued work on behalf of the Council. This was met with acclaim.

There being no further business the Annual Assembly was closed at 7.35 p.m.

RECEIPTS
Cash in hand B/F		£4483.94
Precept		£3300.00
VAT Rebate		£87.03
Intertest		£96.19
Total		£74967.16
PAYMENTS
Lighting Maintenance		£386.40
Prof Subscriptions		£1528.44
Clerk's Pay	£1207.17
Clerk's Expenses	£74.20	£1281.37
Donations		£300.00
Electricity		£528.08
Insurance		£497.81
Audit		£70.00
Rent Hire of Village Hall		£63.00
Councillor Mileage		£18.80
Code of Conduct Advert		£10.00
Solicitor's Fees/Land at Wayland Road		£381.00
VAT		£164.82
TOTAL		£3829.72
.	.	.
RECEIPTS		£7967.16
PAYMENTS		£3829.72
TOTAL		£4137.44
.	.	.
RECONCILIATION
Community Account		£231.76
Business Premium Account		£3905.68
TOTAL		£4137.44