Walpoles: Freedom of Information bid over building row?
COUNCILLORS have expressed concerns about unauthorised building work continuing in the village despite an order to stop.
Councillors heard there had been a site visit by the development control board in January when the builders were told to stop everything as they were building on land that did not belong to them and the garages were in front of any building line, a games room had been built without permission, trees had been removed and ditches filled in to accommodate all this.
Cllr Ann Cleary-Fox told the meeting on March 12 she was appalled to hear that work had continued with total disregard of any notices issued and she was in despair that the enforcement officers seemed to have no inclination to use the powers at their disposal.
overpowering
It was alleged the project was now overpowering the neighbouring properties, and encroaching beyond the building line and into neighbouring fields, is oversized, out of character and nothing appears to be done about it. MP Henry Bellingham had been informed and the Ombudsman is being consulted.
The parish council had had no acknowledgement of any letters it had sent and the neighbours who are complaining were getting nowhere either. They are to ask what stage the enforcement is at and if there is no reply will be bringing the Freedom Of Information Act into play.
Another applicant is having trouble getting permission to build a property on farmland they own, even though they have had many incidents of theft and vandalism to the farm and the machinery stored there.
A couple of applications have been refused because the proposed site is out of the building framework for the parish.
The applicants were at the meeting and put their case but Cllr Patrick had to advise them that the council could not discuss their case as it was not on the agenda and there were no plans put before the council. She advised the applicants to speak with the development officers at the borough council to get advice and prove the need for this property, before submitting any further plans that would probably receive the same response as the previous ones.
Amanda Dryden, from the borough council, is to attend the June parish council meeting to consult with on planning issues.
community shop
Cllr Patrick announced that the Community Shop, based in the Community Centre should be open for business on Monday. An open evening for shareholders will be held the week previous. Shares cost 10 and can be purchased from Cllr Patrick or Cllr Wiseman. The staff are ready to take up their voluntary posts and local suppliers are being sought for produce and crafts.
Under draining has not been carried out yet on the new football field because of the adverse weather conditions.
Councillors were impressed by the increased police presence in the parish. Cllr Patrick pointed out that since the CAG (Community Action Group) meeting in February the Walpoles had been made a priority for eight weeks, so patrols had been stepped up and they were having some results.parked cars
Cllr Wiseman was disappointed that she had not had any feedback to her question of cars parking along Church Road and West Drove North since the Police Community Support Officers conducting the meeting had said they were unsure of the law on this and would seek advice.
Two planning applications were discussed, one of which was for a double garage in front of an existing house where there was already a carport on one side and an integral garage on the other. Councillors felt this was out of keeping with the surrounding properties and should be sited behind the house or to the side by removing the carport.
Hill Farm was once again discussed, since there had been nothing from the enforcement officer to tell the council what stage the enforcement order is at. A search has revealed that no agricultural restriction has ever been placed at Hill Farm.
Parish projects were discussed and the fingerboard signs project which had been proposed was still not further on. It was suggested that recycled plastic would be a good product to investigate as it is arson proof and anything that can be made from wood can be made from this product. Metal signs were not appropriate as they would be more likely to be stolen.
solar power?
Lighting of The Chase footpath was also discussed. The clerk has been advised that solar lights are not suitable as they would not light the path for the required length of time and would be subjected to vandalism. A suggestion was made to install floor-level, low-energy lighting in concrete. Cllr Harper is to investigate.
The new allotment agreement is still under discussion. Other letting agents are to be explored to examine their agreements to devise the council's own document.
The proposed wind farm at Tydd St Mary Marsh was discussed and the offer of a bus trip to similar developments is to be taken up by four of the councillors. It was announced that the proposed Wind Farm at Marshland St James had been withdrawn.
The annual inspection of the play park is overdue and is to be arranged.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 9, at 7.30pm.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for King's Lynn
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
