NCC Budget Consultation for 2022/23

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Tom McCabe, Head of Paid Service, NCC, recently wrote about the Budget Consultation currently underway and closing on 30 December 2021. His letter states:

“Normally Norfolk County Council would publish budget proposals to be considered by its cabinet and scrutiny committee in October, before going out to public consultation. However, because of the uncertainties this year over local government funding, support for adult social care, and other pressures, the council felt it prudent to wait till the Chancellor provided a clearer picture before publishing the budget proposals.

“At the core of the budget proposals is our Better Together, For Norfolk strategy. This builds on our previous plan and sharpens our focus for the next four years to support recovery and renewal. It outlines our ambitions for our county, its people, communities, and businesses and provides the platform to drive a whole-system approach, underpinned by a corporate delivery plan.

“Despite the challenges facing us all throughout 2020 and 2021, we have continued to provide the services which give children and young people the best start in life, support vulnerable and older people, maintain and develop our highways and transport network, provide library, waste disposal, and fire services and work in partnership to grow the economy.

“We are delivering all these services in a financial climate of risk and uncertainty, from both service user and provider perspectives. Some of the main challenges we faced before COVID-19 are still present or have been exacerbated, including population changes, social, economic, and health inequalities, rising demand for services and support, workforce challenges in key sectors such as the care market, government policy changes, funding reductions and the impact of continued financial constraints. The Council must now plan for the multiple impacts of rising budget pressures, uncertainty over Government funding, and the financial challenges associated with the recovery following COVID-19.

“As we work to rebuild and revitalise the County many of the additional costs, lost income, and undeliverable savings in the current year will have a significant impact on our 2022-23 finances. It remains critical to develop balanced, sustainable budget proposals which will enable the Council to continue to deliver the essential services which are relied on by all Norfolk’s people, businesses, and visitors.

“We now want to hear your views on our council tax and budget approach to help our elected councillors make the right, even if tough, decisions in agreeing on a balanced budget for 2022-2023.

“I wanted to alert you to the webpage where we published our budget consultation on Thursday 25 November. You can find out more at www.norfolk.gov.uk/budget and have your say using our online feedback form. Using our online feedback ensures we have a clear record of your response and that your views are accurately recorded.

“We appreciate that some residents may not have online access and people who are unable to respond online can send us their views in writing to:

Freepost Plus RTCL-XSTT-JZSK Norfolk County Council,

Ground floor – South Wing,

County Hall,

Martineau Lane,

Norwich NR1 2DH.

“Residents can request our budget consultation document in other formats, including paper form, by calling 0344 800 8020 or emailing haveyoursay@norfolk.gov.uk. We will make all materials as accessible as possible.

“Our consultation closes at midnight on Thursday 30 December 2021. Please note that if we receive any consultation responses after this date we cannot guarantee that we will be able to take them into account.”

NCC contact is Christine Mawson, Stakeholder and Consultation Manager

email: christine.mawson@norfolk.gov.uk or telephone 01603 224485.

2018/1658 – Land adjacent to Village Hall – Update

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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.

Important Consultation – Additional GNLP sites

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The Greater Norwich Local Partnership have opened a consultation on a number of additional sites. Some of these are in or near Wreningham and you should be aware of them. More information is available on the page link here. The Wreningham specific information has been extracted and placed at the end of that page.

You are encouraged to make your views known to GNLP but please also let your Parish Councillor know what you think.

Parish Council meeting

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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.

Recreation Provision – consultation

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South Norfolk Council (SNC) is re-consulting on a draft Guidelines for Recreation Provision in New Residential Developments Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The draft SPD outlines the Council’s agreed policy on the adoption and maintenance of open spaces and play areas in new developments.  From the date of adoption of the SPD the Council will not take on responsibility for such areas. This will fall to either Parish/Town Councils or to a designated Management Company.  The draft SPD contains guidelines for Parish and Town Councils thinking of taking on this responsibility. We would appreciate your views.

The draft SPD will be subject to public consultation for a four-week period from Friday 4th May to 5pm on Tuesday 5th June.  Comments are invited on any aspect of the SPD but please make it clear as to which section/paragraph number(s) the comments relate. The Council’s preferred method for receiving comments is via email to LP@s-norfolk.gov.uk.  Comments can also be sent by post to: Interim Joint Spatial Planning Manager, South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton, Norfolk, NR15 2XE.

Full details are available on the Council’s website at https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/residents/have-your-say/consultations .

Norfolk Access Improvement Plan – consultation

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The NAIP (click here) is out for consultation until 15th June 2018.  Norfolk County Council (NCC) invites feedback from individuals and groups.

In NCC’s words: “We have developed a draft Norfolk Access Improvement Plan for Norfolk 2018–2028 which incorporates the Rights of Way Improvement Plan. The draft Plan sets out priorities for improving access to the countryside for residents of Norfolk and visitors to our county over the next ten years. The document will replace the previous 10 year plan which was reviewed as required under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW Act, 2000).”

 

Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) Consultation

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The public consultation on the Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) which opened on 8th January closes at 5pm on 22 March 2018 (see www.gnlp.org.uk for details).

It is important to note that this is a consultation – no final decisions have been made on any policy choice or site. The consultation will include:

  • a Growth Options document setting out the broad housing numbers required to 2036;
  • six main distribution options;
  • a significant number of questions on various policy areas (such as air quality, landscape and affordable housing); and,
  • the Site Proposals document, listing sites submitted for consideration for various uses through the plan, along with a settlement summary for those parishes where sites have been submitted.
  • (The Wreningham Site Proposal plan is here: GNLP_Wreningham.)

The Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) in the evidence base has more detail on the sites submitted for potential inclusion in the GNLP. Other evidence studies, along with the Interim Sustainability Appraisal, will also be available for comment.

The public consultation roadshows’ venues and dates are published on www.gnlp.org.uk.

If there are any questions, please email LP@s-norfolk.gov.uk.
Adam Nicholls, Planning Policy Manager, SNC. Tel: 01508 533809 e-mail: anicholls@s-norfolk.gov.uk

Parish Boundary Review by South Norfolk

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Update January 2018

The second phase of consultation has now closed and the responses received where considered at the Electoral Arrangements Review Committee on 29 November 2017. Recommendations from this committee have now been made and will be considered and resolved at the 19 February Full Council meeting.

There are no changes for the Wreningham Parish boundary. To view the recommendations and maps of recommended boundary changes please visit the website. https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/CGReview

Update September 2017

The second consultation phase has opened for residents, Community Groups and Parish Councils to submit comments on these recommendations. This consultation period will be open until 27 October 2017. The documents can be viewed on https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/CGReview

There are no recommendations which currently affect Wreningham Parish. However you can still comment on any aspect. Submissions can be made following this link http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Parish/ , Alternatively submissions can be made by:

  • email: review@s-norfolk.gov.uk
  • writing to: Electoral Services Department, South Norfolk Council, Cygent Court, Long Stratton, NR15 2XE.
Update June 2017

Update on Community Governance Review

Ward level changes have been agreed and will be implemented in 2019. For Wreningham this means that we will no longer be in the Newton Flotman Ward. A new Ward “Mulbarton & Stoke Holy Cross” will be created and which will comprise the parishes of Ashwellthorpe, Bracon Ash, East Carleton, Flordon, Ketteringham, Mulbarton, Stoke Holy Cross, Swardeston, and Wreningham. See this map https://www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/sites/default/files/SNC_Parishes_By_District_Wards_Mulbarton%20%26%20Stoke%20Holy%20Cross.pdf

At the parish level, South Norfolk’s 2017 Community Governance Review continues apace with public consultation ending on 12 July 2017. The review team’s schedule is:

  • 31 August – publish its draft proposals

  • 31 August to 27 October – consultation

  • February 2018 – final recommendations

  • May 2019 – Implementation.

Wreningham Parish Council have discussed the implications of the Review and have agreed that Wreningham should remain as a distinct and separate parish largely defined by its current boundaries. It was accepted that some adjustments might made to make the boundary reflect modern geography e.g. run the northern boundary along the B1135 (Wymondham Road) instead of across fields. The map illustrates what this might look like if roads around the parish were considered as boundaries, where possible:

2017 WPC Boundary map

2017 WPC Boundary map

Recent discussions with the Chair and Vice-chair of Ashwellthorpe & Fundenhall PC considered that this review may recommend significant changes, such as a merger of the two parishes. However, whilst improved co-operation between the two PCs might be helpful in a few areas, any proposal to merge the parishes would be resisted by both councils. This is because no benefit could be identified from such a merger, not least that the parishioners in each parish would find their representation at PC level effectively halved.

March 25, 2017:

The Terms of Reference for the Governance Review have been published and they are now collecting evidence. Therefore, they have asked us to post a link to the survey for residents to provide their views on their Parish and its Parish Council. We encourage you to use this link. Please see here.

The Parish Council is asked to complete a more detailed survey. The Parish Council’s response to the survey would be improved if informed by your input. So please look at the questions here and send your comments to the Clerk at clerk.wpc@gmail.com. Thank you.

March 8, 2017:

The chair of the Parish Council has written about the Review being undertaken by South Norfolk to examine parishes and their boundaries – Chair’s Letter

The letter mentions a presentation – South Norfolk CGR Jan 2017 V4

The Parish Council meeting on 14th March will provide the opportunity for you to hear and question Phil Hardy, our South Norfolk Councillor, about the Review and its implications.

Planning Application: Honeysuckle Cottage, Church Rd.

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Planning Application 2017/2769 has been received:
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Michael & Christine Herbert
Location: Honeysuckle House, Church Road, Wreningham NR16 1BA
Proposal: Single storey rear extension

Comments, quoting the reference 2017/2769, by 1 January 2018 to SNC :
by e-mail to: planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk
by post to: South Norfolk Council, South Norfolk House, Cygnet Court, Long Stratton NR15 2XE