Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A Ware.

To approve the minutes from the Environment and Community Panel held on 8^th July 2025.

RESOLVED: The Minutes from the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

Those declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

Councillor P Bland declared he was Vice-Chair of South Wootton Parish Council.

Councillor S Ring declared he was a Ward Member for South Wootton in relation to the Cabinet Report on Cemeteries.

Councillor B Long declared he was a Trustee of Marshland St James Village Hall Charity.

Councillor P Devulapalli declared she was a Trustee of King George V Playing Field in Shouldham.

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair proposed to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

There was none.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chair of their intention to do so and what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.  

Councillor T Barclays was present under Standing Order 34 on Zoom.

There was none.

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The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture presented the report.

The Chair thanked the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture and invited questions and comments from the Panel.

Councillor Long referred to the Pre-Screen EIA and suggested, health inequalities should be a positive rather than neutral. He also referred to discrepancies in the report as mentioned locations had been sold and no in longer public use. He urged that all members should consider the report and facilities within their areas.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained the information included in the report was originally from 2023 and although it had been update in 2025, welcomed Members input so that the information could be reviewed.

Councillor Long proposed an email be sent to all members to review the report and feedback to the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture with correct information in their wards.

Councillor Kemp commented on the St James Swimming Pool facilities being relocated and the concerns of residents accessing a new location out of the town centre. She commented further on policies to promote the footfall in the town centre.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained St James Swimming Pool was at 100% occupancy and locations were identified by consultants, however Lynnsport fulfilled the demographic of Sports England and Swim England. He added further, a traffic management plan would be considered to ensure accessibility for residents. He highlighted this was supported following the public consultation results.

In response to a further question from Councillor Kemp, the Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained the public consultation included Alive members, Active Norfolk, Ward Members, National Governing bodies, Sports England, Social media and groups affected.

Councillor Colwell referred to page 94 and commented his appreciation of the details on 5G pitches in the report. He commented on previous issues with 5G pitches and the impact on the surrounding local area and encouraged Officers to consult with local high schools. He highlighted on page 264, an issue in Fairstead Centre Point was limited capacity due to the lighting.

Councillor Heneghan supported Councillor Longs comments and asked if the report could be simplified before sending to members.

The Assistant Director for Operations and Commercial commented on Fairstead Centre Point and explained the flood lights were on timers and could be used by a button. He added, he would follow up to ensure there were no maintenance issues.

Councillor Bullen commented he had visited all Alive sites and recognised the commitment and professionalism of the Alive Leisure staff. He highlighted the award Lynnsport had been nominated for and the importance of engaging and supporting local sports clubs.

The Assistant Director for Leisure and Culture explained Lynnsport had applied for centre of the year award for the region and were shortlisted for the final five or six centres out of forty. He added the award ceremony was on 30^th October.

In response to a question from  ...  view the full minutes text for item EC29:

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The Assistant Director for Operations and Commercial and Cemeteries and Crematorium Manager presented the report

Representatives from CDS Group gave a presentation to the Panel.

The Chair invited Andrew Thornalley, Local Funeral Director to speak on this item.

The Chair invited questions and comments from the Panel.

The Chair, Councillor Collop sought clarification on how many plots were taken at the cemetery last year. and was advised there was an average of 30 new burials each year.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Kunes sought clarification on the groundwater level on Gaywood Allotment site and the CDS Representative confirmed at the beginning of the investigation it was 1.6 metres, and new burials were between 1.3 to 1.8 metres depending on single or double depth burials and 1 metre above groundwater level. He confirmed groundwater was needed to be a minimum of 2.4 metres. 

Councillor Long commented the Environmental Agency needed to provide flexibility. He highlighted the significance of finding an interim solution due to the timescales of a new cemetery and although it was not a mandatory service the Council provided but was recognised by the public. He questioned if under draining the land was a solution.

The Chair, Councillor Collop asked if water could be drained has been carried out at Florence Fields.

The Assistant Director for Operations and Commercial explained the relationship with the Environment Agency was exemplar. He added the Environment Agency were the regulators and had to issue the permit for an extension or a new site. He explained they were flexible with considering each individual ground space. He provided assurance all plots and burials would be honoured as previously agreed.

The Cemeteries and Crematorium Manager highlighted the relationship with the Environment Agency was key to delivering the bereavement services and continuing to operate the site by delivering the committed burials.

Representatives of the CDS Group confirmed the Environment Agency had been consulted and had confirmed use of the existing site was not feasible. He explained dewatering required a discharge consent to the sewage system as surface water would be contaminated.

Councillor Long appreciated and understood the complexity of drainage and sewage. He commented it was Environmental Agency national policy he was referring to not local Officers.

Councillor Heneghan questioned the gap with the Gayton Road Cemetery being closed and a new cemetery not opening until May 2028. She sought clarification and assurance on where burials were to be made, she highlighted the report included Hunstanton and questioned the delay in this being resolved. She hoped local funeral directors were listened to and invited to future meetings as appropriate.

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Ring commented on the long journey of the cemetery and highlighted South Wootton were allowing plots to be bought and there was space in Hunstanton which could be used. He highlighted to the Panel it would not be the current Borough Council that would be delivering the Cemetery due to LGR. He reminded the Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item EC30:

RESOLVED: The Panel’s Work Programme was noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Environment and Community Panel is scheduled to take place on 7^th October 2025 at 4.30pm in the Council Chamber, Town Hall.

The next meeting of the Environment and Community Panel would be held on 7^th October 2025 at 4:30pm in the Council Chamber.