Agenda Pack for website Full Council 08.09.26
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Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk email: clerk@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk
MEETING OF THE FULL COUNCIL
Notice of meeting to be held on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 7pm in the
Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge Wood View Road, Hellesdon
Norwich Norfolk NR6 5QB
Councillors are summoned to attend for the purpose of transacting the
following council business:
The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014 permit attendance by
members of the public and media for the purpose of reporting, filming, photographing or
audio recording public meetings. Anyone wishing to record proceedings is requested, as a
courtesy, to notify the Chairman or Clerk before the meeting commences. Any recording
must not be disruptive to the conduct of the meeting.
.
AGENDA
1. Apologies and acceptance for absence
To receive and accept valid apologies for absence as notified to the Clerk.
2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
To receive Members' Declarations of Interest in Agenda Items and to note the
granting of any requests for dispensations.
3. Minutes from Full Council meeting held 11 August 2026
To agree the minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 11 August 2026.
4. Public Participation
a) To receive questions from the public.
(Public participation shall be in accordance with Standing Orders and shall not exceed 15
minutes unless such time is extended by the Chairman).
5. Other Council’s Reports
a) To receive a report from the County Councillor and to note.
b) To receive reports from the District Councillors and to note.
6. Parish reports
a) To receive a report from the Clerk and to note.
b) To receive any updates from the Chair and to note.
7. Financial Matters
a) To receive list of payments and receipts 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.
b) Earmarked Reserves Summary to 31 August 2026.
c) To receive Bank reconciliation to 31 August 2026.
8. Committees
To receive reports from Chairs of Committees and to note.
a) Committee Centre & Café Committee
No meeting held.
b) Environment Committee.
No meeting held.
c) Events Committee
To note draft minutes of the meeting held 18 August 2026.
To consider and approve recommendations from the meeting:
i. To recommended to Full Council to continue using the Terms of Reference
for the Committee which had been agreed on 14 May 2024, subject to the
removal of the paragraph headed ‘Record of Proceedings’ which was no
longer relevant as the clause related to a period when the committee was
only a working group.
ii. To recommend to Full Council that an additional £8000.00 for the remainder
of the 26/27 financial year should be added to the Committee's budget taken
from general reserves.
d) Planning Committee.
Meeting held 8 September 2026.
e) Playing Fields, Allotments & Amenities
Next committee meeting due 10 September 2026
To note Allotment Liaison Group meeting on 28 August 2026
f) Property, Policy & Resources.
Next meeting due 28 September 2026
g) Staffing
No meeting held.
Other Business
9. To receive a five minute presentation from Heidi Waters, Local Area Co Ordinator
from Broadland District Council and to consider a way forward in support.
10. To receive details and to note Greater Norwich Local Plan 2045 Scoping
Consultation.
11. To receive a verbal report from the Car Parking around The Bull Roundabout working
group following meeting with business owners on 2 September 2026.
12. Planning Appeal Planning Appeal for Planning application 2024/3511 The Norwich
Golf Club, Drayton High Road, Norwich Norfolk NR6 5AH
a) To receive verbal report from Cllr David Maidstone following virtual pre case
meeting held 2 September for the Planning Appeal.
b) To consider professional services requirements for support and guidance for the
Planning Appeal for Planning application 2024/3511 The Norwich Golf Club,
Drayton High Road, Norwich Norfolk NR6 5AH
13. To confirm time, date and location of the next Full Parish Council meeting as 13
October 2026 at 7pm in Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Woodview Road
Hellesdon Norwich NR6 5QB
14. To consider a resolution under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act
1960 to exclude the press and public for the duration of the meeting remaining
in view of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted.
15. To note successful completion of probation period for the Clerk.
Jonathan Hall
Clerk of the Council
2 September 2026
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk email: clerk@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk
Minutes of Full Council meeting held on Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 7pm
in The Council Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge Wood View Road, Hellesdon
Norwich Norfolk NR6 5BQ
Present: Cllr David Maidstone (Chair) Cllr Roy Forder Cllr Shelagh Gurney Cllr Robin Sear Cllr Mel Maidstone Cllr Andrew Locke Cllr Lacey Douglass Cllr David Britcher Cllr Ian Duckett Cllr Bill Johnson Cllr Nigel Barker
In attendance:
Jonathan Hall (Clerk & RFO)
Cllr Nick Taylor (Norfolk County Councillor)
One member of the public.
The Chair opened the meeting and with member’s approval agreed items 14 and 15 of the agenda
would be brought forward and discussed after item 4.
1. Apologies and acceptance for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Sue Holland, John Knowles, David Fahy,
Gemma Diffey and Mike Hicks.
2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
None.
3. Minutes from Full Council meeting held 14 July 2026
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 July 2026 were agreed as a true and accurate record.
4. Public Participation
None.
5. Other Council’s Reports
a) County Councillor report.
Cllr Taylor had provided a written report which had been circulated to members before the
meeting. The report is attached to these minutes at appendix A.
Approved………………………………………..
Full Parish Council Minutes
11 August 2026
b) District Councillor reports.
Cllr Gurney (Hellesdon North West) advised that she had been dealing with various planning
matters including HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation)
Cllr Douglass (Hellesdon South East) reported that she was working with planning enforcement
regarding a number of potential HMOs without planning permission.
Cllr Johnson (Hellesdon North West) advised a number of the committee’s on which he sits had
meetings cancelled.
6. Parish reports
a) Clerk’s report.
The Clerk’s report had been circulated prior to the meeting and was noted.
b) Chair’s report.
The Chair reported he had received a letter from the Chair of Hellesdon Parish Hall regarding
the Hellesdon village sign which was in the process of being replaced. The original sign, which
had been located in front of the Parish Hall had deteriorated and was removed as it was
dangerous. The replacement sign once completed would be positioned in the middle of The Bull
roundabout. The Clerk would contact the Chair of the Parish Hall to advise of the position and
discuss whether a duplicate of the replacement sign could be produced.
7. Financial Matters
It was RESOLVED to approve:
a) The list of payments and receipts from 1 June 2026 to 31 July 2026.
b) Earmarked Reserves Summary to June 31 July 2026.
c) The Bank reconciliation to 31 July 2026.
d) It was RESOLVED to agree the standing orders and financial regulations amendments as
highlighted in the interim auditors letter dated 10 February 2026 under recommendation 12.
e) To consider appointment of Internal Auditor for 26/27 financial year.
It was RESOLVED to appoint Larking Gowen as the Council’s Internal Auditor for 2026/2027
f) To consider appointment of further bank signatories.
It was RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Gurney and Cllr Barker as bank signatories.
g) To receive report from Annual Governnace & Accountability Return (AGAR) working group
meeting held on 5 August 2026.
The Chair of the Working Group, Cllr David Maidstone provided an update. An action plan had
been drafted and agreed at the meeting. It was RESOLVED to accept this plan. The plan would
be forwarded to the External Auditors and published on the Council’s website.
Approved………………………………………..
Full Parish Council Minutes
11 August 2026
8. Committees
To receive reports from Chairs of Committees and to note.
a) Committee Centre & Café Committee
The draft minutes of the meeting held 4 August 2026 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
b) Environment Committee.
A meeting of the committee had been held prior to the Full Council meeting at 5.30pm. The
Chair advised the committee had discussed the recent visit to Mile Cross to view their green
spaces projects, received an update on the tree planting project, consider grant funding from
RHS for community growing projects and noted Norse had been asked to stop cutting grass
verges in Hellesdon until substantial amounts of rain have fallen.
c) Events Committee
It was noted that the next meeting date was 18 August 2026.
d) Planning Committee
No report.
e) Playingfields, Allotments & Amenities
The Clerk advised that the next meeting had been booked for 10 September 2026 at 7pm.
f) Property, Policy & Resources.
The next meeting is scheduled for 28 September 2026.
g) Staffing
I. The minutes of the meeting held on 30 July 2026 had been circulated prior to the
meeting and were noted.
II. It was RESOLVED to accept the amended terms of reference for the committee.
III. It was RESOLVED to commission Council HR and Governance Support Ltd to undertake
a HR Governance review.
The Clerk confirmed HR training has been organised for 20 August 2026 at 2pm. Cllr David
Maidstone would be unable to attend and it was RESOLVED to allow him to view the training
recording afterwards to meet the necessary requirements of the Committee’s membership.
Other Business
9. To appoint the Clerk as the Council’s Data Protection Officer.
It was RESOLVED to appoint the Clerk as the Data Protection Officer for Hellesdon Parish
Council.
10. To receive report from the Airport Consultative Committee meeting held 22 July 2026.
Cllr Gurney gave a verbal report on the meeting which had been held at Norwich Airport. The
AGM had been held and Cllr Gurney was reappointed as the Chair of the Committee. Airport
traffic had increased by 7% with new destinations being added to the schedule. Drop off and
Pick up charges have created issues in nearby roads and locations, as had long term parking to
avoid parking fees.
Approved………………………………………..
Full Parish Council Minutes
11 August 2026
11. To receive a verbal update from Youth Project Working Group
The Clerk gave a verbal update. A date for an inaugural meeting was being arranged, however it
is likely there would be little movement until the schools start the autumn term. An article has
appeared in Just Hellesdon promoting the initiative.
12. To receive a verbal update from the Car Parking Working Group.
The Clerk gave a verbal update and advised that contact had been made with all businesses
located within The Bull Roundabout vicinity. Several responses had been received already
although the new management at The Bull Pub had only started the previous day. A date would
be circulated to the working group shortly.
13. To appoint member(s) to the St Paul’s Church Working Group for the purposes of holding
an informal meeting at a convenient time and venue to discuss the building project to
replace St Paul’s Church and to agree the needs of facilities for the community.
A letter from St Paul’s had been circulated prior to the meeting outlining the purpose of the
working group. It was RESOLVED to appoint Cllrs Britcher, Gurney and Maidstone to the
working group.
14. To receive and agree response to s106 requirements for Hellesdon Hospital site for future
discussions with developers/ planners.
Cllr Gurney provided some background and context for members, following her meeting with
Broadland District Council’s planning department, at which Cllr Douglass had also been present.
The increased burden on patient numbers at the GP surgery was discussed as new
developments would impact on medical services. The small parcels of land which had been
allocated as recreational space on the indicative plan of the site, were thought to be
inconsequential to the recreational need for the Parish and a larger whole piece of land was
required. The Facilities Manager and Cllr Duckett as Environment Committee Chair were asked
to visit the meadow area beyond the field area to obtain a view of the potential pitfalls of
maintenance. The Council RESOLVED to:
• Appoint Cllrs Gurney and Douglass to a working group to produce a document setting
out the Council’s preferred options for provisions to be provided under a section 106
agreement.
• Request that Broadland District Council consider placing a Woodland Tree Preservation
Order on the whole site.
15. To agree statement of case for submission prior to Planning Appeal for Planning
application 2024/3511 The Norwich Golf Club, Drayton High Road, Norwich Norfolk NR6
5AH
The Chair advised that planning applications for phases 3,4,5 and 6 of the Persimmon
development was going to an appeal inquiry. The Parish Council had registered to speak at the
inquiry. After discussion it was RESOLVED to:
• Appoint Cllr David Maidstone as the Council’s Case Conference representative with Cllr
Gurney as substitute. The conference would be held on Teams on August 25 2026.
• Appoint Cllrs Douglass, Gurney, Johnson and David Maidstone to a working group to
produce a Statement of Case to be submitted to the planning inspectorate no later than
26 August 2026.
16. The next meeting of Full Council was confirmed as 8 September 2026 at 7pm in Council
Chamber, Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Woodview Road Hellesdon Norwich NR6 5QB
Approved………………………………………..
Full Parish Council Minutes
11 August 2026
17. It was RESOLVED under the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 to exclude the
press and public for the remainder of the meeting remaining in view of the confidential nature of
the business to be transacted.
Meeting was closed to the Press and Public at 9.26pm
18. To receive an update on the advice from NP Law regarding comments made on Social
Media.
The Clerk provided members with an update of the advice received from the solicitors at NP Law.
19. To answer questions (if any) arising from confidential staffing matters.
No questions were raised.
Meeting ended 9.29pm
Approved………………………………………..
Full Parish Council Minutes
11 August 2026
Appendix A
5. Other Council’s Reports
a) To receive a report from the County Councillor and to note.
Hellesdon County Councillor Update
Hellesdon Parish Council meeting August 11th 2026
Here’s a brief update on some of the key issues and activity from the past month.
Norfolk County Council will soon have a new CEO
Since the departure of Tom McCabe Norfolk County Council has been undergoing a
process to find a new CEO. There have been 47 applications for the role and following a
comprehensive sifting process, four candidates were interviewed by a panel last week
and a preferred candidate was selected. A special full council meeting on August 14th
will confirm Dennis Bacon as the new CEO.
Local Issues
I have continued to work on a range of local issues raised by residents. I met with one
of the District councillors for Hellesdon and a group of concerned residents at City View
Road to discuss the proposed plans to mitigate the parking issues caused by the
Whiffler Public House on July 27th. The proposals from Highways include double yellow
lines on both sides of the road between the junctions with Boundary Road and Hercules
Road and around the junctions, re-seeding of the verges and timber bollards.
Holiday makers parking in residential streets in Hellesdon near the Airport continues to
be a problem. I have been out to look at issues in Heath Crescent and Middletons Lane
and will have Highways implement mitigation works. We do need a longer-term solution
to alleviate this problem. Whilst we should all want the airport to thrive and contribute to
the local economy; the parking issues cannot keep impacting local residents in
Hellesdon. I have asked my cabinet colleague, Kabeer Kher, who sits on the Airport
Consultative Committee to take the issue up with the airport management. I have also
put forward the idea that we could somehow use the council’s underutilised park and
ride site as part of a longer-term solution.
Robin Hunter-Clarke, Deputy Leader of the council, has written to all town and parish
councils in Norfolk about the Parish Partnership Scheme which is a matched funding
scheme for local projects. This scheme has been in place for some time, but some
councils aren’t taking full advantage of it. I would like Robin to meet the Clerk and
members of the parish council to discuss how the scheme could be used to fund a
project for Hellesdon.
I have received requests from residents asking for an additional request stop on
Reepham Road for the 602 bus that is used by families to get their children to Reepham
High School. At present children have to travel to Horseford before catching the 602. I
am in dialogue with Sanders Coaches who seem willing to help alleviate the problem.
The recycling of fridges and freezers has become an increasing problem due to the
capacity at national level to deal with the volume of fridges and freezers being disposed
of. Norfolk residents may find it increasingly difficult to dispose of these items at our
recycling centres. I will report back when we know more about plans to increase
capacity.
If you have an issue you would like me to look into, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Residents are encouraged to report Highways issues online at
highways@norfolk.gove.uk.
Council Business
The Cabinet meeting on August 3rd signed off on the financial report moving forward
that will result in a balanced budget. The council remains under significant financial
pressure due to the rate of increase for adult social care and SEND services. Balancing
the budget will require savings to be made in other areas and for additional revenues to
be generated from the council’s assets.
Community Engagement
I will be starting monthly surgeries in the library on the first Thursday of each month at
10am commencing September 3rd. I have asked the parish clerk and the library to
promote these events.
Keeping in Touch
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact me.
Your feedback is always welcome, and I remain committed to representing the interests
of everyone in our community.
Kind Regards
Cllr Nick Taylor
Hellesdon Division
Email: nick.taylor.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk Phone: 07881 962917
ITEM NO: 6a
Report for : Full Council
Date: 8 September 2026
Item Title: To receive a report from the Clerk and to note
An update on some matters not on the agenda elsewhere since the August 2026 Full
Parish Council meeting.
• Scribe update – Work for data transfer from Rialtas bookings to Scribe
bookings I am pleased to say has been finally completed. This has been a
mammoth task and involved inputting over 4000 bookings, each one needed
checking and simplifying before being placed into Scribe. Work has began on
the data transfer of three years of accounts 23/24 24/25 25/26 by Scribe’s
internal team. This is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
• Staffing – I am pleased to report that the Kitchen Manager is back from a
period of illness. A call for volunteers for the Café will be published in the
September edition of Just Hellesdon and on Facebook. If any councillor
knows of anyone who would be interested in volunteering, please do contact
the Parish Council office. Food hygiene certification is required by volunteers,
however full training will be provided if individuals do not already have the
required qualification.
• Highways - As advised to councillors via email earlier last month, Norfolk
County Council's Infrastructure Department is currently installing new electronic
messaging signs that provide information to road users on journey times and
events happening that may affect their travel. This scheme is being delivered
as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan funding and the location on Holt
Road, adjacent to the new Trott rentals site, will provide a suitable point on the
network to provide information to network users. The civil works in preparation
for final sign installation are due to start on 5 th October 2026 and will take 5
days to complete.
The original sign location was moved due to objections raised by the Parish
Council and others.
The Highways Officer has also asked me to highlight the following points after
concerns were raised:
➢ I just wanted to reassure you that the proposed Variable Messaging Signs
are based on well-established and proven technology that is already used
extensively across the road network throughout the country. The design
and operation of these signs follow the same principles adopted by
National Highways on the trunk road network, ensuring that messages are
presented in a clear, consistent, and safe manner.
➢ The signs are primarily designed to support the park and ride service
rather than city centre car parking.
➢ The signs do not display scrolling messages. Any information shown is
presented as a static display, allowing drivers to read and understand the
message quickly without unnecessary distraction. In addition, the VMS
LED’s have a 30° visibility angle, meaning the display can only be viewed
from specific approach angles and is not visible over a wide area.
• Pay Award - The Local Government Association (LGA), acting on behalf of
the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services, has
announced that agreement has been reached on the 2026 pay award for local
government employees. The settlement provides for a 3.3% increase in pay
rates and allowances with effect from 1 April 2026. The agreed pay award
covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. I am working closely
with our payroll providers to ensure the backdated pay from 1 April 2026 is
paid within the September 2026 payroll.
• Training - The annual Scribefest is taking place on Thursday 17th September
2026 from 9:30am to 4:00pm. This is a free online event covering a wide
range of topics including Digital AGAR, VAT compliance reviews, data
breaches, employment law updates, and handling vexatious requests. If you
would like to join any of the sessions or even all day, please let me know and I
will forward to you the link.
• Allotments - A meeting of the Allotment Liaison Group was held on Friday 28
August 2026 at the Parish Council officers. Cllrs David and Mel Maidstone
were in attendance with myself and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Larke. A number
of topics were discussed and it was a useful meeting with only minor issues to
resolve. The Allotment Holders wished to express their thanks to the Parish
Council for installing the communal compost bins on the site. These have
been put to good use already for the production of onsite compost.
• IT - I arranged a visit from Osiris IT our IT supplier on 28 August 2026 to
investigate an issue a councillor was having with their computer and the use
of Outlook. I know the Councillor in question found this to be a very productive
session and the issue was resolved. Whilst on site the technician looked at
one or two other minor issues we had been experiencing with hardware in the
Parish Council office. If councillors do experienced any issue with their home
IT which prevents them from undertaking their councillor duties do please let
me know and we can arrange a visit for a technician to call into the Parish
Council offices to hopefully resolve any issue.
Clerk
1 September 2026
Hellesdon Parish Council
Payments and Receipts List 1st August - 31st August 2026
Voucher Date Description Received from / Paid to Receipts Payments
250 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Zumba and Pilates 120.92
251 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Zumba and Pilates 181.28
252 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire National Tennis Association 20.00
253 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire National Tennis Association 160.00
254 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire National Tennis Association 180.00
255 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Tuesday Tots 240.60
256 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Just Friends 222.36
257 03/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Just Friends 41.98
258 04/08/2026 Receipt - cafe cash income Community Centre Cafe 360.06
259 04/08/2026 Receipt - Damage Deposit Refund Hirer -200.00
267 07/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire Hirer 5.00
268 07/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Regular Hirer 169.90
269 04/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 332.16
270 04/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 141.53
271 10/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 360.76
272 11/08/2026 Receipt - Damage Deposit Refund Hirer -200.00
273 11/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Smallburgh Rifle and Pistol Club 28.34
274 11/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Womens Institute 49.30
275 11/08/2026 Receipt - cafe cash income Community Centre Cafe 275.40
276 07/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Liaise Care 143.97
277 07/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Liaise Care 463.44
278 13/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire Hirer 5.00
279 14/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer
Hirer 113.35
280 14/08/2026 Receipt - Football Pitch/Training Hire Hirer 25.18
281 14/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Sequence Ballroom Dancing 358.24
282 12/08/2026 Receipt - VAT reclaimed HMRC 5,312.40
285 14/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire Regular Hirer 10.00
286 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Norwich Keyboard Lounge 171.57
287 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hellesdon Cribbage Club 211.50
288 17/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire National Tennis Association 170.00
289 17/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire National Tennis Association 155.00
290 17/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire National Tennis Association 127.50
291 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hellesdon Horticultural 318.20
292 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire YOGA (Monday) 90.64
293 17/08/2026 Receipt - Football Pitch/Training Hire Jess Newton Football 25.18
294 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire ATP Health and Fitness Norwich Ltd 544.14
295 17/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire ATP Health and Fitness Norwich Ltd 22.66
296 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Regular Hirer 169.28
297 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Regular Hirer 169.28
298 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Regular Hirer 169.28
299 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire North & Broadland Locality Healthy Child 1,322.20
300 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Short Mat Bowls 279.96
301 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Friday Friends 51.36
302 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire ART Group 181.30
303 19/08/2026 Receipt - cafe cash income Community Centre Cafe 433.75
304 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Norwich PHAB Club 231.56
305 20/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Tuesday Tots 104.64
306 21/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Just Friends 41.98
307 19/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire Hirer 5.00
308 19/08/2026 Receipt - Tennis Court Hire Hirer 5.00
309 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire United School of Dance 256.78
310 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 384.27
311 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 96.19
312 19/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Multiple Sclerosis Society Norwich 61.24
313 18/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 5.00
314 21/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 108.82
315 21/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 166.17
316 24/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hellesdon Community Choir 302.85
317 24/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Trefoil Guild 90.67
318 24/08/2026 Receipt - Football Pitch/Training Hire Frettenham Football Club 179.18
319 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire The Antiques Collective Ltd 175.47
320 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Hirer 98.19
321 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Slimming World 271.92
322 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Slimming World 339.90
323 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Slimming World 271.92
324 26/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Slimming World 339.90
325 27/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire DD Hirer 200.00
326 27/08/2026 Receipt - cafe cash income Community Centre Cafe 249.75
327 27/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire XYLA 45.32
328 28/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Broadland District Council 126.42
329 28/08/2026 Receipt - Neighbourhood Plan Grant Broadland District Council (Neighbourhood Plan Grant) 2,250.00
330 28/08/2026 Receipt - Community Centre Room Hire Evergreen Line Dance 317.40
331 24/08/2026 Receipt - CT Airtime O2 162.00
380 03/08/2026 Payment - Employers Pension Contributions Norfolk Pension Scheme -2,454.47
442 04/08/2026 Payment - agency personnel Norfolk Parish Training and Support -226.32
443 04/08/2026 Payment - Monthly Support Charge Osiris -725.51
444 04/08/2026 Payment - Monthly Publication Just Regional -252.00
445 04/08/2026 Payment - Employers Liabilities HMRC -8,636.74
446 04/08/2026 Payment - Kitchen bulb Amazon Business EU SARL -21.18
447 04/08/2026 Payment - coffee capsules Calypso Coffee -81.20
448 04/08/2026 Payment - Kitchenette dishwasher repair Lawrence Gas & Catering Installations Ltd -216.00
449 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe items purchase food and non food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -189.11
450 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe items purchase food and non food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -160.28
451 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -20.99
452 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe items purchase food and non food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -92.26
453 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -13.42
454 04/08/2026 Payment - Cafe items purchase food and non food Anglia Culinary Suppliers Ltd -196.19
455 04/08/2026 Payment - 2.5 litres hammerite HuwsGrayGroup -65.39
456 04/08/2026 Payment - Goal post paint HuwsGrayGroup -77.25
457 04/08/2026 Payment - Locks and patrols for parks Norse -249.60
460 03/08/2026 Payment - Accounts Subscription Scribe -282.00
461 03/08/2026 Payment - Business Rates Broadland District Council -403.00
462 03/08/2026 Payment - Business Rates Broadland District Council -193.00
463 03/08/2026 Payment - Business Rates Broadland District Council -1,136.00
465 05/08/2026 Payment - Fuel UK Fuels (radius) -145.52
468 10/08/2026 Payment - Ice packs First Aid Amazon Business EU SARL -13.39
469 10/08/2026 Payment - Fault - external toilet automatic flush Excel Electrical Services Ltd -150.00
470 10/08/2026 Payment - Staff Training FILCA Society of Local Council Clerks -168.00
472 11/08/2026 Payment - Fuel cost reimbursement A & F Motors -85.57
473 11/08/2026 Payment - Stationery Staples -236.54
474 11/08/2026 Payment - Stationery Staples -4.66
475 11/08/2026 Payment - Stationery Staples -13.00
476 11/08/2026 Payment - Stationery Staples -4.44
477 20/08/2026 Payment - Salaries Adjustment Hellesdon Parish Council -68.07
479 11/08/2026 Payment - PPE DD Health and Safety Supplies Limited -39.34
480 11/08/2026 Payment - Telecommunications O2 -405.00
482 13/08/2026 Payment - Hydraulic Oil Ernest Doe -143.99
483 13/08/2026 Payment - agency personnel Select -419.16
484 13/08/2026 Payment - Window Cleaning Dazzle -60.00
485 13/08/2026 Payment - Window Cleaning Dazzle -20.00
490 14/08/2026 Payment Badminton Club (Grant) HHS Badminton Club -299.92
491 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -67.98
492 20/08/2026 Payment - Salaries Hellesdon Parish Council -22,179.87
493 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -104.03
494 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -42.84
495 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -5.80
496 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -50.06
497 14/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Easters Norwich -2.64
498 14/08/2026 Payment - cafe items credit note Easters Norwich 4.35
499 18/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Toombs -206.87
500 18/08/2026 Payment - Fridge Freezer Servicing JML Refrigeration Ltd -268.80
501 18/08/2026 Payment - Cleaning Materials Hugh Crane (Cleaning Equipment) Ltd -407.82
502 18/08/2026 Payment - Playground wet pour Online Playgrounds -529.34
503 20/08/2026 Payment - Agency personnel for café Select -1,077.84
504 21/08/2026 Payment - Tree Surgeon M J Tree Services Ltd -504.00
505 21/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Items - Food Hellesdon Parish Council - Clerk -23.28
510 26/08/2026 Payment - Replacement Keys A C Leigh -59.40
511 26/08/2026 Payment - HR Training for Councillors Council HR and Governance Support -414.00
512 26/08/2026 Payment Service - Shredder Leonards -84.00
513 26/08/2026 Payment - Staff Uniform Caretakers DD Health and Safety Supplies Limited -119.28
514 26/08/2026 Payment - Boiler fault investigation P J Plumbing -96.00
515 26/08/2026 Payment - Cleaning Supplies Amazon Business EU SARL -37.99
517 27/08/2026 Payment - Food Labels for cafe Amazon Business EU SARL -22.21
518 27/08/2026 Payment - IRIS Software Subscription IRIS -179.44
519 24/08/2026 Payment - General Waste Biffa Waste Services Limited -97.87
520 24/08/2026 Payment - General Waste Biffa Waste Services Limited -166.85
521 27/08/2026 Payment - Agency personnel café Select -583.84
522 28/08/2026 Payment - Food Waste Veolia -69.00
523 28/08/2026 Payment - cafe coffee capsules Calypso Coffee -76.40
524 28/08/2026 Payment - cafe coffee capsules Calypso Coffee -81.20
525 28/08/2026 Payment - Cafe Coffee Machine fault and repair Calypso Coffee -137.04
526 28/08/2026 Payment - Purchase of Milk for Café Co-Op -5.85
527 25/08/2026 Payment - Business Rates Broadland District Council -570.00
528 18/08/2026 Payment - Electricity EDF -195.51
529 24/08/2026 Payment - Electricity EDF -43.13
530 24/08/2026 Payment - Electricity EDF -739.43
531 14/08/2026 Payment - Utilities - Water Everflow -708.01
532 14/08/2026 Payment - Utilities - Water Everflow -2,163.82
533 31/08/2026 Payment - Bank service charge Unity Trust Bank -28.75
Created 02 September 2026 (2026 - 2027) Total 20,825.86 -50,518.70
Hellesdon Parish Council Reserves & Earmarked Reserves 2026/2027
Statement date 31 August 2026
Earmarked Reserve Name CurrentBalance
AV in DJL 2,500.00
Burial Ground Land 12,000.00
Bus Shelters 3,000.00
CIL 23/24 CC Ext 28/29 62,242.78
CIL 24/25 CC Ext 29/30 8,784.04
Community Centre Extension 182,401.84
Community Engagement Fund 5,000.00
DJL Control Panel 2,500.00
Elections 6,500.00
Emergency Tree Work 3,580.00
Good Causes in Hellesdon 5,000.00
Grit Bins 1,000.00
Hard Surfaces at Hellesdon Community Centre 20,000.00
IT Reserve 10,000.00
Land Acquisition Account 50,000.00
Land Contingency 100,000.00
Machinery 5,024.00
Mountfield ParK 35,462.99
Parish Poll Provision 6,000.00
PF Ownership signs 1,508.45
Play Equipment 59,000.00
Refurb WestWood WC's 20,000.00
Site Fencing 1,000.00
Staff contingency payments 10,000.00
Tennis / Netball Courts surface 64,380.00
War Memorial 4,500.00
Total 681,384.10
681,384.10
General Reserve 376,768.12
Total 1,029,859.43
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 - www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk - email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk
Minutes of the Meeting of Hellesdon Events Committee held on
Tuesday 18 August 2026, 7pm in the Council Chamber,
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5QB
Present at the Meeting
Cllr Mel Maidstone (Chair)
Cllr David Britcher
Cllr Gemma Diffey
Cllr David Maidstone (ex officio)
Cllr John Knowles
In Attendance
Rebecca Larke (Deputy Clerk)
Kevin Sage (Facilities Manager)
Connie Ackers (Best of Norfolk)
The Chairman welcomed all attendees, and opened the meeting at 7pm
1. Apologies and acceptance for absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Johnson, Douglass and Forder.
Cllr Knowles was the substitute for Cllr Johnson.
2. Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
No declarations were made or dispensations requested.
3. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 2026 as a true and accurate
record.
The minutes were APPROVED and signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting and were
signed by the Chair.
4. Public Participation
No members of the public were present.
Approved…………………………………………………...…
Date………………………………………
HPC Events Committee Minutes 18 August 2026
5. To review Terms Of Reference for the Committee for recommendation for agreement
at Full Council.
The Clerk had provided a report for the meeting and an updated Terms of Reference for the Events
Committee. Cllr Britcher raised concerns about the new Terms of Reference as it appeared the
Committee would have no control of the budgets per se other than setting them. The Chair, Cllr Mel
Maidstone felt if setting the budget the Committee should also authorise any expenditure.
It was AGREED to recommended to Full Council to continue using the Terms of Reference for the
Committee which had been agreed on 14 May 2024, subject to the removal of the paragraph
headed ‘Record of Proceedings’ which was no longer relevant as the clause related to a period
when the committee was only a working group.
6. Budget Monitoring
1) To receive budget monitoring report and to note.
The Clerk had provided a copy of the 26/27 budget to the Committee in advance of the meeting
which was received and noted.
Cllr Mel Maidstone informed the Committee there was around £1200 left in the budget for the
remaining scheduled events up to end of March 2027 and that the total budget for Events is very
small. This issue may need reverting back to full council for discussion. Cllr David Maidstone
observed that the previous year's budget had been considered when setting the current year.
2) To consider overall feasibility of remaining events for 26/27 including Awards evening.
Cllr David Maidstone commented that no awards ceremony was held the previous year so it is likely
the committee cannot deliver on all proposed events as the budget stands.
Cllr Mel Maidstone stated that the Committee should be asking Hellesdon residents what events
they want the Committee to deliver. After discussion on how best to reach people including using
Facebook, Just Hellesdon and Community Centre notices. It was RESOLVED to have a round robin
email sent to all Councillors and Officers to define parameters for a survey to Hellesdon residents.
It was RESOLVED that for the remainder of the financial year, the Senior Christmas Party,
Christmas on the Lawn and the Awards Ceremony would be held.
In order to deliver these events, the Chair will request a budget increase for the Events Committee
budget to be added as an agenda item at the next full council meetings. It was agreed to
recommend to Full Council that an additional £8000.00 for the remainder of the 26/27 financial year
should be added to the Committee's budget taken from general reserves.
Cllr Knowles thought that any decisions being made are only short term in light of Parish Council
elections due in May 2027. Cllr Britcher suggested that if the Full Council decline additional funding
then Cllr Knowles was correct. However, approval of any additional funding by Full Council could be
rolled forward into the 27/28 budget.
Approved…………………………………………………...…
Date………………………………………
HPC Events Committee Minutes 18 August 2026
Connie Ackers (Best of Norfolk) was asked to provide provisional costings and provide a quote to
Cllr Mel Maidstone by the end of the week to have full responsibility to deliver the Community Hearts
Awards. The quote can then be considered by Full Council.
It was RESOLVED to move the date of the Community Hearts Awards to 17 April 2027, due to the
complexity and preparation time required.
3) To consider use of an events management consultancy on an ongoing basis.
Connie Ackers (Best of Norfolk) was asked to review the contract she had in place for delivering the
Summer Fayre 2026, to assess if any changes would be required if her consultancy was chosen to
deliver events for the Parish Council by her consultancy. The Committee also requested that a quote
should be produced for the Committee's consideration.
7. Senior Christmas Party
1) Review and agree entertainment options.
Connie Ackers advised she had sourced Nick Stephenson as the singer for the Christmas Senior
Party. Playlists were discussed and confirmed as music from 50s and 60s alongside Christmas
Classics.
2) Evaluate and approve catering plans and menu concepts.
It was agreed to follow the same format as last year and be delegated to two individuals. It was
RESOLVED to accept Cllr Mel Maidstone and Cllr Diffey to undertake the task.
3) To consider rescheduling 2027 event date to secure Annie Threadkell as the featured
entertainment.
It was RESOLVED in order to secure the services of Annie Threadkell for 2027, to move the Senior
Christmas Party to 18 December 2027.
8. Christmas on the Lawn
1) To consider a proposal from Rev Susan Mann to supply a choir from St Mary’s Church.
The Deputy Clerk was asked to contact Reverend Mann to seek an update on numbers.
2) To review the current status report on confirmed stalls and vendor participation and to note
The meeting was advised:
• There should be a snow machine and Cllr Diffey is sourcing a Christmas Tree.
• Connie Ackers (Best of Norfolk) confirmed there are three hot food vendors lined up: Zacket
Potatoes, Hot Desserts and Gourmet Burger Van.
• There will be a bar selling mulled wine and a couple of indoor stalls.
• It was suggested that the event should also provide plant based foods.
Approved…………………………………………………...…
Date………………………………………
HPC Events Committee Minutes 18 August 2026
3) To review final decision, and agreement on the official promotional poster for social media.
Connie Ackers (Best of Norfolk) will produce another poster for approval by the Committee.
It was RESOLVED to change the name of the event to Hellesdon at Christmas.
Officers were requested to contact Hellesdon High School to see if we can use their car park for
visitors to this event. It was agreed to notify any day or evening hirers of the community centre that
there would be a possibility of reduced parking due to the Parish Council event. Officers were also
requested to cancel to any football matches scheduled on that day.
Cllr Mel Maidstone asked the Office to provide confirmation of events and booked rooms within the
Community Centre for 2027.
9. To agree the date time and venue of the next meeting.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the committee would be Tuesday 15th September 2026 at
7pm
Meeting closed at 9:08 pm
Approved…………………………………………………...…
Date………………………………………
HPC Events Committee Minutes 18 August 2026
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk
TERMS OF REFERENCE
EVENTS COMMITTEE
Responsibilities specific to all committees:
• To be responsible for compiling its annual budget
• To present and obtain approval for its annual budget from Full Council
• To monitor its functions and expenditure
• To assess and budget for future maintenance, replacement or upgrading of items for
which it is responsible
• To set dates for ordinary meetings
• If a particular item under discussion is within the Committee’s delegated powers, the
minutes will record the decision as RESOLVED. If not, then the minutes will record
the decision as agreed to RECOMMEND and it will then be brought to the attention
of the Full Council for decision as appropriate.
Authority
The Events Committee is constituted as a standing committee of the Full Council. It is
appointed by and is solely responsible to Hellesdon Parish Council to arrange events as agreed
by Full Council
The Committee duties are defined and agreed by the Full Council which may resolve, at any
time, to modify the Committee’s powers.
Membership
• Membership of the group should consist of seven parish councillors. All other
councillors will be substitutes for this committee, and will be called upon on a party
basis by the member who cannot attend.
• Members of the public may be appointed in an advisory non-voting capacity on an
‘event by event’ basis
• A Quorum of the group’s meeting will consist of no fewer than three councillors.
In addition to the nominated committee members, the Chairman of the Council is permitted
to form part of the committee ex officio. If the Chairman is unable to attend in their ex
officio capacity they may nominate the Vice Chairman as a substitute.
Terms of Reference
Events Committee
Reviewed – 14th May 2024
Next Review – May 2025
Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Wood View Road, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5QB
Tel: 01603 301751 email: contact@hellesdon-pc.gov.uk www.hellesdon-pc.gov.uk
Frequency of Meetings
To meet as required to arrange events as determined by the Parish Council
Record of Proceedings
A report will be provided of decisions and recommendations made by the working group to
the next Full Council meeting.
Roles & Responsibilities
Role
To arrange events, and the full detail of events as dictated by full council and under the
budgetary constraints as dictated by full council.
Responsibilities
1. To ensure the relevant risk assessments are in place for events.
2. To ensure the correct licenses and insurances are in place for events.
3. If required, to create a proposed site plan for the event.
4. If require, arrange for external first aid provision for the event.
5. If appropriate, to create a running order for the day.
6. To book appropriate entertainments for the event and ensure that they have the
correct insurances and licenses in place. This should be kept within the correct
budget for the event.
7. If appropriate, arrange for Broadland Council to be notified of the event, providing
the authority with any information they so require.
8. If appropriate, arrange for the emergency services to be notified of the event,
providing them with any information they so require.
9. To liaise with and book stall holders, ensuring that they have the appropriate
licenses and insurances in place.
10. To agree the fees charged to stall holders for the relevant event.
11. To allocate roles for each event, advising full council of the staffing requirements for
set up, during the event, and clearing away.
12. To arrange for marketing and promotion of the event, as the committee sees fit.
Terms of Reference
Events Committee
Reviewed – 14th May 2024
Next Review – May 2025
ITEM NO: 10
Report for : Full Council
Date: 8 September 2026
Item Title: To receive details and to note Greater Norwich Local Plan 2045 Scoping
Consultation.
Background and Purpose
The email below has been received from The Greater Norwich Local Plan Review Team.
Please note that this consultation is about the questioning and information required by
stakeholders to make a decision on the Norwich Local Plan 2045. The call for sites have yet
to be reviewed and are not part of the this consultation (see highlighted areas).
If you wish to comment as an individual you can do so by following the links in the email.
Conclusion
The consultation document is online and is very lengthy. Some questions are technical
based about the way in which information is submitted and shown. It is probably beyond the
majority of Parish Councils to spend sufficient time to provide a collaborative response to
each question.
Recommendation
The consultation should be noted. If individual councillors feel they wish to participate they
can so as an individual following the links in the email below. The consultation ends on 28
September 2026 at 5pm.
Dear Clerk 17 August 2026
The Greater Norwich authorities (Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council and South
Norfolk Council, working with Norfolk County Council) are now preparing a new Local Plan.
This process is prompted by national planning reform and the government’s new method for
calculating housing need. In addition, the government has introduced a new plan-making
system, which changes the way local plans are prepared.
Following the new guidance, we are opening our Scoping Consultation in accordance with
Regulation 20 of the Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.
Whilst this is primarily intended for stakeholders to respond to, comments from anyone with an
interest in the Greater Norwich plan area are also welcome.
The Scoping Consultation is open from the 17th August – 28th September 2026 (closing at
5pm).
The Scoping Consultation is an opportunity to tell us what matters most for the future of Greater
Norwich. To inform these conversations, the Scoping Consultation includes questions on
baseline data gathered to inform the preparation of the Plan, the emerging Vision and Objectives
which will help to shape the content of the Plan and a proposed Engagement Strategy that
suggests an approach to future engagement through the plan-making process. Further details
can be found here: https://gnlp.oc2.uk
Earlier this year, the Greater Norwich authorities hosted a Call for Sites for people to submit
sites to be considered for allocation in the GNLP 2045. These submissions are currently
being reviewed and therefore do not form part of this consultation. Basic details of all the
sites received can be found here and there will be an opportunity to comment on these at a
later stage. (Please note we are aware of an issue with the interactive map on this page which
we are working hard to fix. In the meantime, the submitted sites can still be viewed by using the
relevant district buttons).
To support preparation of the new Local Plan, we have launched our new website: The timetable
for preparation of the new Plan is available on our website, and further information about the
next stages of the process will be provided in due course.
The Greater Norwich Local Plan Review Team
Clerk
17 August 2026
ITEM NO: 12b
Report for : Full Council
Date: 3 September 2026
Item Title: To consider professional services requirements for support and guidance for
the Planning Appeal for Planning application 2024/3511 The Norwich Golf Club, Drayton
High Road, Norwich Norfolk NR6 5AH
Background and Purpose
The Parish Council received advice via Sarah Everad at Broadland District Council to
register the Parish Council as a rule 6 participant for the planning inquiry. This registration
was accepted by the planning inspectorate.
What does rule 6 rule status mean?
Rule 6 status means that the Parish Council has been accepted by the Planning
Inspectorate as a formal participant in the planning inquiry. This allows the Council to take an
active role in the inquiry process, including submitting evidence, presenting its case,
attending the inquiry and, where permitted questioning evidence submitted by other parties.
It also means the Council can call witnesses to enhance and support their case. It also
places procedural responsibilities on the Council, including complying with deadlines and
inquiry requirements.
Rule 6 status gives the Parish Council a stronger voice in the appeal, but also means the
Council must be properly prepared and may need professional planning support.
What happens if the Council relinquishes its rule 6 status?
If the Council relinquishes its Rule 6 status, it would no longer participate in the inquiry as a
formal party. This is likely to reduce the Council’s ability to present evidence, call witnesses,
question other parties’ evidence and play an active role in the inquiry proceedings. The
Council will still be able to make representations, but its involvement would be more limited.
Relinquishing Rule 6 status may reduce the administrative burden and potential professional
costs, but it would also reduce the Council’s ability to influence the appeal process and
ensure that local concerns are fully presented to the Inspector.
In relinquishing Rule 6 status the Council will save time and money, but it weakens the
Council’s formal role and influence in the inquiry. The Council would revert to an interested
party/person.
What do the Council need to do if they continue as a Rule 6 participant?
If the Council continues with Rule 6 status this gives the Council the strongest voice at the
inquiry, but it also means the Council must be properly prepared, resourced and able to meet
the inquiry deadlines. This would include:
• Confirm the main issues the Council wants to raise in the appeal. (already
completed)
• Prepare and submit formal evidence by the deadlines set by the Planning
Inspectorate. (22 September 2026)
• Prepare a Statement of Case and/or proofs of evidence, depending on the inquiry
timetable. (already completed but may need review)
• Decide whether witnesses are needed to support evidence provided.
• Attend the inquiry and be prepared to present the Council’s position (if not legally
represented)
• Question the evidence of other parties, where allowed by the Inspector.
• Answer questions, when asked by the inspector, from the appellant’s barrister
• Manage the administrative workload, including correspondence, deadlines, document
bundles and inquiry arrangements.
If the Parish Council continues with rule 6 status given the expertise and time required,
professional support would be required. This could either me through a Barrister/ Solicitor or
Town and Country Planner.
What does the Parish Council need to do as an interested party?
If the Parish Council participates as an interested party/person, rather than as Rule 6 status
the role would be more limited. The Council would still be able to submit written
representations to the Planning Inspectorate and may be able to speak at the inquiry if
invited or permitted to do so by the Inspector. However, the Council would not have the
same ability to present formal evidence, call witnesses, cross examine other parties or take
a full part in the inquiry proceedings.
As an interested party, the Council would need to ensure that any representations are
submitted by the required deadline, clearly set out the Council’s planning concerns, and
focus on material planning considerations. The Council may also wish to attend the inquiry to
observe proceedings and, if allowed, make a short statement to the Inspector. This option
would reduce the administrative burden and potential professional costs, but would also
reduce the Council’s influence over how its concerns are tested and presented during the
inquiry.
As an interested party the Council would need to :
• Submit clear written representations,
• Meet any deadlines,
• Focus on planning matters (refusals) but could consider submitting wider points.
• Decide whether to attend the inquiry, but it would have a less active role than under
Rule 6 status.
It is also possible that as an interested party, before deadline submissions, the Council could
obtain a professional view of the documents and evidence from either a Barrister / Solicitor
or a Town and Country Planner.
Conclusion
Given the very short period of time between the Full Council meeting (8 September 2026)
and the date for submissions to the inspectorate (22 September 2026) it is unlikely that any
legal professional representations would be value for money, as the planning considerations
are complex and legally nuanced. However, the Council’s evidence is reasonable straight
forward and considered.
Rule 6 status does give rise to the possibility of costs being waged against the Council.
However this would only happen if the Council:
• missed deadlines
• failed to engage properly with the inquiry process
• made points with no evidential basis
• changed positions or arguments late without good reason
• caused unnecessary adjournments or wasted time
• refused to agree a Statement of Common Ground in a timely way where one is
appropriate
If the Inspectorate rules in favour of the appellant this does not automatically give rise to
costs being awarded against the other parties. However, currently both sides (appellant and
BDC) have reserved considerations to costs. This is standard practice at this stage of
proceedings.
Continuing with Rule 6 status without representation is risky although not unachievable. The
appellant is being represented by Mr John Litton KC and Broadland District Council have a
junior barrister from 39 Essex Chambers Mr Jake Thorold.
Within submitted papers so far, the appellant has said that it intends to reach a statement of
common ground with the Parish Council on two issues. Given that our concern is the loss of
open space, it may well be that a consensus is reached before the Inquiry starts. However,
because the Council’s major concern is the loss of open space, the planning balance would
likely involve asking whether the appellant can show that the benefits of the scheme are
strong enough to outweigh that loss and any related policy objections.
Financial Considerations
I am endeavouring to obtain quotes for legal representation as a rule 6 participate and as an
interested party with a view to reviewing the submission documentation. I hope to be able to
update members at the meeting.
However in broadbrush terms, costs are as follows: (fees advised by clerks&counsel.co.uk)
Rule 6 status
Junior Barrister
• Preparation and advice: £5,000 to £15,000
• Inquiry attendance (8 days): £24,000 to £64,000 assuming roughly £3,000 to £8,000
per day
• Total: £30,000 to £75,000 plus VAT and any disbursements.
King’s Counsel (KC)
• Preparation and opinion: £10,000 to £25,000+
• Inquiry attendance (8 days): £80,000 to £200,000+ at typical KC day rates
• Total: often £100,000+ and potentially substantially more.
Chartered Town and Country Planner (fees advice RTPI) • Preparation and advice: £5,000 to £15,000 • Inquiry attendance (8 days): £4,000 to £12,000 • Total: approximately £10,000 to £25,000 plus VAT
If the Council feels it already has a strong case and mainly needs planning expertise and
representation at Inquiry, a good RTPI Chartered Planner with inquiry experience may offer
much better value than a barrister acting alone.
Interested Party Status
Chartered Town and Country Planner (fees advice RTPI)
• Preparation and advice: £5,000 to £15,000
Junior Barrister
• Preparation and advice: from £15,000
King’s Counsel (KC)
• Preparation and advice: from £25,000
The cost of engaging legal services through a barrister is considerable although maybe
reduced if a statement of common ground clearly highlights the differences between the
appellant and the Council’s objectives. In addition, a barrister would only have less than two
weeks to prepare and submit all evidence and witnesses and because of this a premium of
the fee payable is very probable. The availability of a barrister with planning expertise may
also be an issue, as appeal levels currently across the country are relatively high.
Actions required
The Council is asked to consider:
1. whether it wishes to continue with its rule 6 status and if so, whether it would seek
representation from a barrister or town and country planner.
2. whether it wishes to consider obtaining a professional view of submission documents
if status is downgraded to an interested party only.
Clerk
3 September 2026
This text was taken from the document automatically, so its layout may differ from the original and tables appear as plain text. If you need this document in another format, please contact the Parish Clerk.