By Geoff Fisher The long-awaited development on Broomhill Lane appears to be moving forward at last, with the developers holding a public exhibition of their current proposals in the Town Hall on Monday 10 February.
The exhibition was well attended by councillors and members of the public, who had the opportunity to question representatives of the developers and the architects on aspects of the plans.
Inevitably, the plan has changed over the years since the initial proposal, but essentially it includes provision for a sports hall for Reepham High School and College and space for an extension to the town’s cemetery off Whitwell Road.
It also includes building 141 new houses behind the high school and at the end of Broomhill Lane, which represents an increase of 21 houses above the number envisaged in the original proposal.
Although the plans displayed at the exhibition were fairly detailed, it has to be recognised that they cannot be taken as a final indication of the form the development will take.
No doubt the developers will take into account any comments received from members of the public and may well amend their plans accordingly.
We understand the developers will be submitting a formal planning application in spring or early summer, perhaps in May, at which stage members of the public and town councillors can make their assessment of the plan and comment accordingly.
The town council will discuss the planning application at a public meeting as soon as possible after the application is made and will, after listening to comments from members of the public, make a formal response on its merits to the planning authority, Broadland District Council.
We would like to remind everybody that, irrespective of any position the town council might take, members of the public have the right to make their own comments on any planning application in person, direct to Broadland District Council.
Little storm damage
As a consequence of the town council’s ongoing programme of inspecting and maintaining its property, particularly the trees and hedges on Stimpson’s Piece and in the cemeteries, we have so far suffered little damage from the recent storms and continually strive to ensure all our property remains safe for users and visitors and for the public in general.
The Pound renovation
Work on renovating the “Pound” wall and railings at the entrance to the church in Market Place has now been completed with the fitting of a new town council noticeboard.
No doubt many residents have walked past the Pound over the years and noticed how dilapidated it had become.
The low wall and particularly the iron railings had deteriorated significantly to the point where they were becoming a possible danger to the public.
The decision was made last year, with the agreement of Broadland District Council’s conservation officer, to renew both the wall and the railings rather than patch them.
By way of judicious forward planning in setting aside funds to undertake the renovation, the town council was able to undertake the work from its own resources without making additional demands on council taxpayers.
New councillor
At the last town council meeting on 12 February, we had the pleasure of co-opting and welcoming Valerie Harfield-Simpson as a new town councillor. No doubt it will take Valerie a little while to become acquainted with the intricacies of not only the town and the council’s responsibilities, but also its duties as trustee of Stimpson’s Piece Charity.
I would like take this opportunity to remind everybody that we still have one vacancy for a councillor, so if you would like to join us in serving our community, please do not hesitate to contact the town clerk.
Future events
- Wednesday 4 March, Town Hall Management Committee meeting
- Wednesday 11 March, Reepham Town Council meeting, followed by Stimpson’s Piece Charity trustee meeting
- Wednesday 8 April, Reepham Town Council meeting, followed by Stimpson’s Piece Charity trustee meeting
All meetings are held in Reepham Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, starting at 7.30 pm unless otherwise advertised.
Local residents, businesses, organisations and members of the general public are welcome to attend and you will be able to meet your councillors, comment on any agenda items and raise any other issues of concern.
Contact: Reepham Town Council, Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, Norfolk NR10 4JW. Tel: 01603 873355. Email.
Geoff Fisher