Nocton Parish Council News - 9 March 2010

(excerpt from Nocton Parish Magazine)

The monthly meeting was held on 9th March in the Village Hall. 7 councillors and 30 members of the public attended. During the public session a parishioner raised the point that some trees which were due to be pruned before Christmas had not been done and queried whether it was now likely to happen as the birds were nesting.

The issue of the dairy was raised. The Chairman informed the meeting that the only focus the council can take is on the planning application. Currently the council did not have all the facts to make a judgement, as reports and objections from bodies such as the Environment Agency and Highways had only just been posted on the NKDC planning portal. CPRE had posted substantive grounds for concern and objected. There are no archaeological issues. Natural England have requested further information. Concern was expressed about the village hall not big enough for the Nocton Dairies meeting of 15th March. The village is to have a public meeting on 16th March.

The police reported two crimes: both top and bottom lodge have been broken into and the oil stolen. Concern was expressed over scrap merchants taking goods from the old hospital site. The police can do nothing as the owner Leda Properties is not interested.
Carl Taylor arranged a public tree planting session at 'Longholt Wood' between Nocton and Potter. It's private ancient woodland with public access. He intends to open the area as a natural burial ground, subject to eventual planning.

Four tenderers have been approved by English Heritage for the remedial safety work to Nocton Hall. The contract should be awarded shortly.

No progress on the allotments as the power cable is still causing an issue.

Next meeting: the Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 6th April at 7pm.