Neighbourhood Plan Minutes (signed) 12-10-2020
Minutes of a Meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee
Held on Monday 12th October 2020 at 6:00 pm via Zoom
Attendance:
Councillor A Appleby (Chairman) Councillor P Hulbert
Councillor O Bowen Councillor C O’Neill
Councillor J De’Ath Councillor K Yarrow
Councillor R Hood Councillor Y Fitzgerald
Philippa Winter
Also Present: Debbie Baines – Town Clerk, Cathy Whitaker – RFO, Julie Ashton – Minute Assistant, 1 Member of the Press and 4 Members of the Public.
C/19/07/1 Welcome
The Chairman opened the meeting and announced that proceedings are being recorded and to advise that all participants will be muted by the host of the meeting who will unmute the individual the Chairman has invited to speak.
N/20/10/1 Apologies for absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Drummond, Jefferys and Kerby.
N/20/10/2 Declaration of members interests and to remind councillors or the need to keep up to date their register of members interests and to consider any requests received for members dispensation
None noted.
N/20/10/3 To receive and confirm for accuracy the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 14th September 2020 and any matter arising
Members received the minutes of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee Meeting held on Monday 14th September 2020 and the following was agreed:
N/20/10/4.01 Resolved
That the minutes of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee meeting held on Monday 14th September 2020 be adopted and would be signed as a true record by the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee after the meeting.
There were no matters arising.
N/20/10/4 Chairman opening remarks
The Chairman welcomed everyone.
N/20/10/5 Public participation an invitation to members of the public to put questions/statements of not more than 3 minutes duration. No resolutions can be made but councillors are very happy for matters relating to the town to be brought to their attention.
None noted. Residents would speak to items as they appear on the agenda.
N/20/10/6 To receive the accounts for September 2020
The accounts for September 2020 were received and noted.
N/20/10/7 Draft budget proposal
Town Clerk proposed that a Working Group be set up to draw up budget proposals for 2021/22, to include Town Maintenance and Town Improvements funds and the following was agreed:
N/20/10/8.01 Recommendation
That a working group consisting of Cllrs Appleby, De’Ath, Jefferys and Yarrow with a remit to consider budget proposals for 2021/22 to include, funds for both Town Maintenance and Town Improvements, and to report back to the next meeting.
N/20/10/8 Community actions working group
Cycling & Public Transport (E4/E9) – A verbal update was given. Cycle maps had been added to the NTC website and shared on social media. It was noted that it would be inappropriate to promote rail and bus travel, and that a presentation by the Newmarket Rail Group was awaited.
Members were advised that SCC had produced a list of cycle routes in the county.
A proposal was made to add a “Things to do” page to the NTC website, councillors were informed that the Events Manager was already working on this. A request was made to add details of existing clubs.
Public Realm & Associated Initiatives (F3/C3) – A verbal update was given and it was noted that a tree legacy project was underway to plant now for subsequent years to improve the landscape. Wild flowers were being looked at for Rayes Lane and a small area would be trialled. It was hoped that the Jockey Club would help to clear the ground to get it ready for planting.
The group expressed concerns about proposals to install a picket fence at St Mary’s Square, as this would make cutting the grass difficult and it was proposed that planting trees would be a better option. A tree garden was being looked at, with residents becoming tree guardians to maintain them. It was noted that the SLA budget does not cover maintenance and the group were exploring employing a part time gardener to do weeding, edging and bulb planting etc.
Residents had raised concerns regarding the donated Sakura Cherry trees from Japan, being planted in the Memorial and War Memorial Gardens. The strong emotions would be respected but it was noted that efforts needed to be made to strengthen relationships for future generations. Philippa Winter requested that any strong views be passed to her. A final decision on planting would be made when the trees arrive and plans can be changed.
Parking Strategy (E10) – A verbal update was given and a report to full Council would be presented following the meeting with SCC and West Suffolk.
SEND Provision (B3i) – A verbal report was given and a report from SCC on the alternative provision for excluded children and those with special educational needs was awaited. It was noted that Bury St Edmunds had announced plans for a special needs school by 2022.
Yellow Brick Road (C7) – A verbal report was given on the site visit by West Suffolk. They had looked at the whole route and identified some quick wins of mowing and trimming to do a general tidy up. The Mayor was taking up issues concerning rights of way and options for bulb planting. Fly tipping issues had been reported to SCC.
A recent survey of the route had identified a discarded trolley and the unpleasant smell was still in evidence. Tyres had been spotted hanging from tress and a play area could be a possibility for the sump area. However, the graffiti sprayed on the walls needed to be removed and the Chairman would make enquiries with West Suffolk and SCC.
Safety at Crossing Points and Junctions (E2) – This item was included in item 10
N/20/10/9 Pedestrian crossing
The Chairman reported that he was in correspondence with SCC Highways and had requested that they carry out a survey of Newmarket to discuss problems and possible solutions. It was possible that additional crossings would not be the solution and all options would be considered including pedestrian areas, air pollution and slowing down the traffic.
N/20/10/10 Voluntary community initiatives
It was noted that the County Community Help Scheme offers public liability insurance but the West Suffolk litter pick scheme does not. However, the NTC insurers have confirmed that the NTC insurance will cover the litter pick scheme and other initiatives.
A proposal was made to set up a Working Group to organise, supervise and co-ordinate volunteers and the following was agreed:
N/20/10/11.01 Recommendation
That a Working Group be set up consisting of Cllrs Appleby, Jefferys and Yarrow with a remit to organise, supervise and co-ordinate volunteers and Community initiatives.
N/20/10/11 To consider community actions A7 (I NAD A7 (ii museum of local history creative arts opportunities
A proposal was made to set up a Working Group to produce a viable business plan for the local History Museum and the following was agreed:
N/20/10/12.01 Recommendation
That a Working Group be set up consisting of Cllrs Appleby, De’Ath, O’Neill, Richard Fletcher, Sandra Easom, Joan Shaw and Alison Hayes with a remit to produce a viable business plan for a local History Museum.
N/20/10/12 Recycling facilities
The Chairman reported that it was unlikely that there would be a recycling facility in Newmarket in near future and that this issue would remain a work in progress.
Cllr Bowen joined the meeting
N/20/10/13 Future matters
Members were invited to submit any ideas by email.
N/20/10/14 Date of next meeting
Monday 9th November 2020 via Zoom.
N/20/10/15 Items for next agenda
• Working Group reports
Meeting closed at 7:05pm
Signed ______________________________ Date ______________________