Reepham Life

Reepham Life has recently posted letters critical of the Town Council and its handling of the planning application for the development of the former station site in Reepham.

However, there seems to be some misunderstanding among members of the public about the role of town and parish councils in dealing with planning applications.

All planning applications are dealt with by the local planning authority, in our case Broadland District Council.

As part of its consultation process it asks for comments from members of the public as well as from local councils.

The decision to grant, or refuse, planning permission lies with the district council – not with the town or parish council.

Because of the nature and scale of the proposed development of the former station site, Reepham Town Council held a special meeting on 1 August dedicated almost entirely to this particular planning application.

Members of the public were encouraged to express their views, whether in favour of or opposed to the application.

Councillors took those views into account during their discussion and agreed that they would support the application in principle, subject to the main issues raised by members of the public and councillors being addressed satisfactorily.

I understand the application will be dealt with in October, when members of the public may have the opportunity to present their views personally to the Planning Committee at Broadland District Council.

With regard to the comments concerning the number of councillors present at the meeting, I can assure everybody that the meeting was quorate.

Regulations require that at least one third of all councillors must be present before business can be conducted, which in our case means that four councillors must be present.

The Council has recognised for some time that we are desperately short of councillors and has been advertising for volunteers to join us for some considerable time, but, unfortunately, with only limited success.

Local democracy lies in the hands of local people, and without the active involvement of local people, decisions affecting all of us will be taken by increasingly remote bodies.

If you want your our voices to be heard locally and at district council level, please join us as town, parish or district councillors.

Les Paterson, Chairman, Reepham Town Council

Re: Town Council supports old station yard proposal

This looks like a much needed facility for Reepham. I approve of the position.

Eileen Guymer, Back Street, Reepham

Re: New cabinets will give superfast broadband for some residents

Well isn’t it about time? However, it’s still extremely disappointing to those who are attached directly to the Reepham exchange, unlike those who have the benefit of being on one of the few cabinets in the town.

I’m not sure if this “press release” was issued by BBfN or Open Reach, but using the given links to find out more is a waste of time, as it does not tell you if your property will be connected to the “new” cabinets.

Those observant enough will know that there is already one of these sitting outside the exchange and has been there for a number of years. (However this, I am led to believe, is still unconnected to anyone.)

All I can find by entering my phone number is that I am connected to the Reepham exchange, which I am fully aware of, and is the reason I and many others get “superfast broadband”.

Reepham is way down the priority list if we are still looking to 2020 for all to have this benefit.

Martin Sullivan, Kerdiston Road, Reepham

Can I ask all drivers using Smugglers Lane to remember it is a lane and not a rat run or speed track?

Lately, some drivers have been attempting to pass dog walkers on the narrowest stretch of the lane nearing the junction with Kerdiston Road.

I am aware that there is a footpath running alongside the field inside the hedge, but this is badly overgrown and not maintained by either the landowner or the Council and is only usable because a neighbour has very kindly been out with his shears.

Please take care.

Betty Uffindell, Smugglers Lane, Reepham