Notes on the meeting of Reach Parish Council held on 3rd September 1997

Present

Chairman Cllr Robinson, V/Chairman Cllr Aves, Cllrs Harrison, Lambert, Pearson, Reed & Davies; also D/Cllr Shulver.

Apology

C/Cllr James Fitch

Reports

District Council

D/Cllr Shulver said she was upset to see gypsies near the Swan Lake grain store and urged Councillors to complain to the Chief Executive.

The draft Local Plan was now officially on deposit. Cllr Shulver said she was going to write and object formally to Reach being designated an 'infill only' settlement as she thought it was too restrictive and development was necessary in villages like Reach within East Cambs. Concern was expressed by the PC about her views and there followed a discussion on the role of the District Councillor. Cllr Davies pointed out that the development in Reach met the 10 year requirement. Cllr Robinson said Reach was a disadvantaged area and that high business rates had crippled some small business.

Swaffham Prior parochial charities

Cllr Robinson had attended a meeting and said the anyone eligible for Christmas grants should apply before the end of October.

The village hall at Swaffham Prior is to cost £120,000 to refurbish.

The charity were going to ask the Primary school summer playscheme if they would some financial help next year.

Chairman spoke about grants available from the charity such as œ100 for books for students going to University.

The low cost housing at Cage Hall has not progressed.

Matters arising

The bus stop sign and timetable have been removed from outside the Village Centre. Clerk had spoken to the Operations Manager at Stagecoach Cambus and it was agreed that the Bus shelter be the official stop for buses travelling in both directions.

Correspondence

Clerk had received letter re purchase of old burial ground offering to pay half estimated costs. PC to ask for itemised breakdown of costs before deciding.

ECDC have suggested publishing a weekly list of planning applications to be displayed on village notice boards.

Playing field update

Cllr Pearson reported conveyancing still not completed. PC suggested views of village should be obtained on further development of playing field if Lottery funding was to be applied for. Possible costs of maintenance were discussed and the needs to be met by the playing field.

Reach matters

Clerk is to speak to Ron Morris about the flaking paint on the village sign.

PC discussed application for loose box for Mr and Mrs Wood and agreed to support it.

N.B. An extra Parish Council meeting took place on Wednesday 10th September to discuss the draft Local Plan. The Councillors agreed the policy that Reach remain an 'infill only' settlement and also that the area left by David Smiths on Reach Road, Burwell by used for employment purposes only.

Penny Lang