Update 28 December 2018

SNC have updated the planning application 2918/1658 . It is now entitled:

“The change of use of land to a residential Traveller Site for one family, involving the retention of one stable building for use as a dayroom, the standing of 2 touring caravans on 2 concrete pads, the installation of 2 outdoor security lights, a sewage treatment plant, a children’s play house, and post and rail fencing.”

Additional documents have been posted on the SNC website in support of the application. Comments from the public are again welcomed although the closing date is rather close – 4th January 2019.

Update 30 October 2018

SNC have advised that the planning application 2918/1658 has been amended. It is now entitled:

“The change of use of land to a residential Traveller Site for one family, involving the retention of one stable building, and its conversion for use as a dayroom, the standing of 2 touring caravans and 1 mobile home on 3 concrete pads, the installation of 2 outdoor security lights, a sewage treatment plant, a childrens play house, and post and rail fencing.”

The applicant’s agent has provided a statement supporting the application: 2018_1658-SUPPORTING_STATEMENT_INCLUDING_DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT-6214041

The planning officer, Glen Beaumont, invites further comments to be submitted by 20 November 2018 to:

email: planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk
post: SNC, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton NR15 2XE

Update on WPC meeting on 13 August 2018

With respect to the planning application 2018/1658, the advice remains to focus on material considerations (remember the image attached to the previous post); this message has been heard and the comments appearing on the SNC planning site are making their point very well. A number have revisited their comments and recast them in the light of the guidance.

SNC planning site is currently carrying 106 documents the vast majority of them from parishioners. Those who are not able to use the technology for whatever reason have used the postal system to get their comment in. The 450 voters in the village all have a chance to make their contribution and I expect at least 116 from those attending the Parish Council meeting!

Remember, when commenting, to include the reference number 2018/1658, whether you support or oppose the application, and provide your name and contact details, then use one of the following options:

  • e-mail planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk
  • write to Planning Team, South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton, Norwich, NR15 2XE
  • go to SNC planning page, click on the options at the bottom of the page; login / register, complete the on-line form
  • Visit SNC in Long Stratton and leave your written comments there
  • e-mail Phil Hardy (if you prefer not to have your name, etc. made public – he will provide a summary of comments received. This is NOT as effective as individual, named comments since it will become one comment.)

The Parish Council’s draft minutes are posted on this website in the Council’s pages. We were waiting for Cllr. Hardy to provide us with the text of his statement made at the opening of the Open Forum part of the meeting. The Parish council’s own objection statement is on the SNC website.

Normal consultees plus a few others such as the RSPB and Norfolk Wildlife Trust have been invited to consider the parishioners’ on-line comments (to make use of local knowledge) and to submit their own.

Phil Hardy took some actions in the Monday meeting and Helen Mellors (hmellors@s-norfolk.gov.uk), Development Manager of SNC has responded to each (see the blue text):

  1. To put back the closing date for comments – given the obvious problems people were having with the web-site. [Done]
  2. Talk to SNC IT about the on-line comments/registration issue – is there a reason for these problems, can it be resolved?

We are happy to help anyone who is experiencing difficulties with registering on the planning pages of the website to enable them to comment online. As far as I am aware, we have not been contacted directly to notify us of anyone experiencing difficulties. Details are given on the Council’s website, the consultation letters and site notices about alternative methods of submitting comments which includes by e mail or in writing.

3. Confirm the default basis for a planning application when no (real) evidence presented for Traveller status.

Any application is always considered on its own merits and in accordance with national and local plan polices and any other material considerations.  If the applicant submits evidence to say they meet the definition of a traveller, for planning purposes, then this will be a material consideration and the application considered in accordance with local plan policy DM3.3.  A new dwelling outside the development limits would also need to be considered in light of paragraph 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)  and local planning policy DM1.3.  Material consideration would also need to be given to the Council’s  housing land supply in the rural area and at present the Council is applying material weight to evidence in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) which shows we have a shortfall. Clearly other policies in the local plan will also apply and will need to be taken into account as appropriate.

4. Clarify this applicant’s status with regard to being a Traveller

The case officer is currently seeking clarification from the applicant and once received this will form part of the application.

5. Examine whether there is a breach of GDPR in insisting that names & other details are to be published and not offering to withhold them. (perhaps a “name & address supplied” option?).

We reviewed all processing of personal data before the GDPR was implemented with the Information Governance Manager, which included publishing comments received regarding planning applications on our website. I have also discussed the publishing of contributor’s names and address with the Council’s Senior Governance Officer & Deputy Monitoring Officer who considers that there is not a breach of the GDPR as the Council has set out how the data will be used in the privacy statement which is set out above as part of the lawful processing of the application. Details on the website also highlight that Members of the public can send their comments to their District Councillor who can raise them as appropriate, so they can be taken into account when the application is considered.

If you need clarification or wish to comment on these, then please raise them directly with Helen Mellors.

The solicitor consulted by the Parish Council advised that until the planners’ recommendation was known, there is nothing to challenge. So the Parish Council will bide its time until then. In the meanwhile I do not know the steps being taken by those parishioners who wish to raise a separate challenge earlier than this. If there is a co-ordinating group for this can they contact me?

The application is to come before the Planning Committee for its decision (in September?). The normal process is for a series of presentations to the committee; we will need to declare beforehand our intention to attend and speak:

  1. the Planning Officer presents the application to the Committee (as per the recommendation document published beforehand);
  2. 5 minutes for the Parish Council to present its case;
  3. 5 minutes for the public (parishioners or representative), and
  4. 5 minutes for the applicant.

[Note: Only 5 minutes – so the time has to be well used – highly focussed on the telling points with no padding or bluster.]

At each point the Committee may question the presenter. The Committee then make final statements and vote on the application. The decision is either: accept the planning application (with such constraints as may be recommended), or, to reject the application. In the latter case, I imagine that the issue could be to return the site to a pre-application state through some enforcement action by SNC – but that is yet to be determined and may require additional input from Wreningham people or their legal representative(s).

The Parish Council and “public” presentations must be closely aligned and mutually supportive. So it is vital that we maintain close cooperation.


Ashwellthorpe Road, Church Road, Mill Lane, Wymondham road

I have just received the following advance warning about roadworks in the village.

Church Road, Wreningham, Norfolk
03 September — 06 September
Delays likelyRoad closure
Works location: Jnc Wymondham Rd TO Glebe Close, Church Rd, Fundenhall, Norwich NR16 1DP
Works description: Access required to BT under ground structure for cabling, jointing and Desilt works no excavation work involved.
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Current status: Planned work about to start
Works reference: BC005CA1W00000IBB9C2FW01

Ashwellthorpe Road, Wreningham, Norfolk
03 September — 06 September
Delays possibleTraffic control (multi-way signals)
Works location: Jnc Ashwellthorpe Rd and Mill Lane Rd, Wreningham, Norwich NR16 1AU
Works description: Access required to BT under ground structure for cabling, jointing and Desilt works no excavation work involved.
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Current status: Planned work about to start
Works reference: BC005CA1W00000IBB9C2FW02

Mill Lane, Wreningham, Norfolk
03 September — 06 September
Delays possibleTraffic control (multi-way signals)
Works location: Jnc Mill Ln and Ashwellthorpe Rd, Wreningham, Norwich NR16 1AN
Works description: Access required to BT under ground structure for cabling, jointing and Desilt works no excavation work involved.
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Current status: Planned work about to start
Works reference: BC005CA1W00000IBB9C2FW04

Wymondham Road, Wreningham, Norfolk
03 September — 06 September
Delays possibleTraffic control (multi-way signals)
Works location: Jnc Wymondham Rd and Church Rd, Wreningham, Norwich NR16 1AZ
Works description: Access required to BT under ground structure for cabling, jointing and Desilt works no excavation work involved.
Responsibility for works: Openreach
Current status: Planned work about to start
Works reference: BC005CA1W00000IBB9C2FW03


Monday’s meeting had a lively and informative Open Forum during which many of the 116 parishioners present expressed their views about the planning application for the field adjacent to the Village Hall. The Parish Council was given invaluable feedback and observations. In attendance were Phil Hardy (District Councillor) and Colin Foulger (County Councillor).

Prior to the meeting the EDP carried the story. This was followed by an update at the close of the meeting.

Never before have I seen such long queues waiting to attend a Parish Council meeting! As the hall filled, the Parish Council took up position on the stage in order that parishioners could see and hear  clearly.

A show of hands indicated full support to oppose the application. Parishioners had clearly shown they wanted the Parish Council to register an objection with South Norfolk.

People reported difficulties using the SNC planning site when trying to register their comments: they ran out of time; lost their work; were unable to complete registration; etc. With this in mind, the District Councillor has arranged for the consultation closure date to be put back to 24th August. For those concerned about their names and address being made public, Councillor Hardy invited them to email their comments to him. He will collate them for inclusion in his Councillor’s report. I must emphasise that this does not carry the same weight as individual comments to South Norfolk Planning.

Before the meeting, I had taken informal legal advice which recommended delaying any legal intervention until the planners had made their recommendation. The Parish Council may then instruct a solicitor.

Two thirds of parishioners expressed support for a separate legal approach sourced and funded by themselves.

I need to stress that the main message, underlined by Colin Foulger, is that comments must be objective, factual and address material considerations, as explained in the image below. Colin makes it clear that if people ensure sufficient comments are made then there is a very good chance that we will win.

Finally, I wish to thank all who attended for their positive approach and working with me as the Chair to ensure the meeting met its objectives. And, thank you to those who helped to clear away the tables and chairs.


Planning Application – Field next Village Hall, Mill Lane

SNC have extended the consultation by a week following complaints that their website had problems when people tried to register for comments. The new date is 24th August.

Reference: 2018/1658
Applicant: Miss Naomi Todd
Location: Land Adj To Wreningham Village Hall Mill Lane Wreningham Norfolk
Proposal: Change of use to stable to day room, standing of 1 mobile home, 2 tourers and 3 concrete pads

Comments to South Norfolk Council by 24 August 2018 quoting reference 2018/1658 via:
e-mail: planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk , or,
Mail: South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton, Norwich NR15 2XE


Planning for our Village Tidy on 22 April 2018

There are a few things to think about for this event. This check-list is designed to help us, and you, to be fully prepared for a successful pick! But above all to have a safe and enjoyable time.

Before the 2pm start

  1. Gather at the Margaret Preston Room in the Village Hall.

  2. You will be assigned one of the following:

    • Ashwellthorpe Road

    • Church Road

    • Hethel Road

    • Mill Lane

    • Playingfield

    • Top Row

    • Wymondham Road.

  1. We will issue the litter pick equipment. South Norfolk Council will supply: Litter Pickers / Waste sacks – one type for recycling and one for non-recycling / Hi-viz jackets.

  1. We will confirm main details with you (your collection area, duration of the pick, risk assessment and priority to recycle where possible in the sacks provided).

  2. Note that the items that can be recycled in your recycling sack will be: Plastic bottles, tins, cans, paper, card, tetra-paks, plastic food trays, foil trays and glass bottles.

The litter pick

  1. Go to the furthest end of your assigned area and commence the litter pick on the way back.

  2. Only pick litter in public areas (roadway, verges, ditches (if safe to do so), open spaces). Do not enter private gardens or driveways.

  3. Do not pick items up with your hands, only use the litter pickers.

  4. Remember to be considerate to your community and environment.

  5. Take Care! Especially when picking near traffic. If you have children with you, please make sure that they are appropriately managed and assisted on the day.

  6. We may record names of those involved and take pictures as SNC expect to draft press releases for the events in the district.

Upon returning to the Hall

  1. Place your waste sacks in the Hall’s main car park.

  2. Return the equipment and any unused bags.

  3. Come into the Margaret Preston room where we expect to have snacks and drinks available for all volunteers – do stay and chat with others.

  4. We will provide SNC with our event records and they will calculate the amount of litter collected. Once they receive this information they will enter the village name into as prize draw for £200 towards Hall funds.

  5. SNC will arrange to collect the waste bags.



Revised details posted on SNC website with new comment date for Planning Application 2017/1979
Applicant: Mr Chris Todd
Location: Land Adj To Wreningham Village Hall Mill Lane Wreningham Norfolk
Proposal: Change of use to paddock and erection of stable
Letter from SNDC: 2017_1979
Copies of the submitted plans can be viewed on-line here

Please return comments to South Norfolk Council by 10 October 2017 (was 27 September) using the form attached to the letter above or by email to planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk


25 September Update

As promised, here is the name and contact details for the Anglian Water project manager:

Mick Renshaw
mick.renshaw@balfourbeatty.com
07967 689088

23 August – Update

From next week Anglian Water will commence their 6 month project to upgrade the water supply within Wreningham. See previous posts.

There are two preparatory tasks for them to address:

  1. To install a temporary pipe in Mill Lane to maintain the water supply during the project.

  2. To establish the project / site base behind the pumping station on Mill Lane.

1. Mill Lane pipe.

This will connect one side of the village supply to another during the whole of the 6 month project. Once the project is complete then the pipe will be removed. The objective is to provide an alternative supply line and thereby ensure the water supply has as few supply suspensions as possible during the next six months.

Next week the pipe will be laid to connect the “Wash Out” point on the Village Hall plot (in the corner nearest the school) and the Fire Hydrant near 41 Mill Lane.

The 6” diameter pipe will be laid around the extreme edge of the hall grounds, exiting through the hedge onto Mill Lane verge. It will continue along the South side verge of Mill Lane to near 41 Mill Lane. The pipe will cross several field gateways and one residential driveway. In those cases the pipe will be placed in a shallow trench to ensure the access remains unobstructed.

2. Project / site base.

The area behind the pumping station on Mill Lane will be used to hold construction materials, site offices, parking for equipment and vehicles, etc. This will mean that Anglian Water traffic will be using Mill Lane throughout the project. Users of Mill Lane need to consider this as well as the planned road closures already posted.

It is hoped to post in the near future, the name and contact details of the Anglian Water site manager should residents need to discuss issues.

29th July

Last month we warned of the intention by Anglian Water to undertake significant roadworks on all the roads within the Wreningham & Top Row. They have just contacted the Parish Council to confirm that they are replacing the cast iron water pipes across the village. See their letter – Water Mains Replacement

They are arranging for a community drop-in on 15th August from 2 pm to 8 pm in the Village Hall. They invite you to come along and find out more about what is planned and how it will affect you.

 

 


Circus Ferrel is returning to Wreningham playing field. It was last here in May 2015 for 2 or 3 days. So expect to see them on the playing field setting up either on Sunday 17th September or early the following morning. Wednesday evening they be gone – just like that! Access to the play equipment will be maintained.

The school children will have several workshops in the tent with two shows for them and their family and friends: one Tuesday and another on Wednesday. Additional information will be posted when received.


wifi

wifi

The wifi service is now available for the community to use within, or in the vicinity of, the Hall.

There are 6 wireless networks available – all commencing with the letters “WAP” – 3 operating at 2.4GHz and another 3 at 5GHz. We have measured the download speed at nearly 80Mbps and upload at 20Mbps.

Select the network and log in through the Wreningham Community Hub homepage. Password access is currently not required, but that may change. When you use the service please be aware of the Terms & Conditions.