Parish Council

Correspondent: Margaret Spicer, Sandy End Farm, Outwell.

Tel: 01945 773356.

The 180th meeting was held at St Andrew's Church on Tuesday, August 1. Councillor Mr John Wake chaired, with eight members attending and two members of public. County/district Councillor Mr Harry Humphries also attended. Councillors were disappointed that PC Jeremy Blamire did not attend as arranged, members hoped a representative from the police will be able to answer parishioners questions in the future. Mike Cramp and Tracey Perks, of Rural Community Council did attend and gave a talk on the results of the survey concerning affordable housing. They reported that Norfolk Rural Community Council, in partnership with King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council and Outwell Parish Council, undertook a local housing needs survey in June 2005. Fifty-three local households living in Outwell or wishing to return to the parish were found to be in need of affordable housing, including a mixture of families, couples and single people. To help meet the affordable housing need of these local households, the independent report written by NRCC has proposed a development of 15 affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership. If developed, these 15 homes would be kept affordable in perpetuity through a Section 106 Agreement attached to the planning permission that includes a local lettings agreement ensuring local households are always given priority to any vacant home. Anyone wishing to find out further information about this scheme or would like to offer land for this affordable housing development should contact Tracey Perks at NRCC, Signpost House, Ambassador Way, Greens Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 3TL. Council is interested in hearing from people who have a pocket of agricultural land, acre and a half to sell to enable this project to go ahead. Councillor P Brenchley reported that the wooden flooring has been laid at the community hall. There was a viewing day for people to have a look round and donations and pledges for furniture amounted to over £1,000. Anyone interested in having a look around should contact Paul Brenchley who will endeavour to be there. Bookings are already being taken. The council is concerned about the speed and volume of traffic that travels through the village. A resident has suggested a petition be set up and hopefully NCC will take notice and traffic calming measures could be implemented with the locals' support.