The proposed landscaping scheme includes planting and strengthening the existing screening and the boundaries to the existing residential properties to the north, there will be a mixture of chain link fencing; close boarded and interwoven timber fencing supplemented in parts by shrubbery.
This matter was open to discussion and the following questions were raised:
Q – Where will the surface water runoff?
A – There will be less hard surface than present therefore there will be less runoff.
Q – Will there be any intercepts’?
A – Yes.
Q – What will the hours of operation be?
A – DSA test centers are available for testing between the hours of 0730 and 1930 Monday to Saturday. However, they are the maximum opening hours and the
vast majority of testing occurs between 0830 and 1630 and principally on weekdays only. Motorcycle examiners would carry out between 8 – 12 tests per
day based on the proposed operating hours. This will result in a maximum of 12 tests per examiner per day during the summer quarter and around 8 tests per day
during the winter months when the light is poorer. The total number of daily vehicle movements predicted is 50, the majority of which are motorcycles.
Q – Will the motorbikes being tested be below 250cc?
A – No. The test can be carried out on bikes up to 500cc.
Q – I noted that you stated that there is already a site in Cowley Road how big is the site?
A – The site in Cowley Road is smaller than the proposed new site. The nearest sites size wise are: Ipswich, Kings Lynn.
Q – Are other sites in residential areas?
A – No, however all the other sites are multiuse centers and are not purely just for testing motorcycles.
Q – Will a high bank be incorporated into the scheme to reduce the noise emitted from the site?
A – Mr. Fountain showed the Parish Council a DVD showing a test in operation to help the Parish Council understand the application better. It was noted that the test lasts for approximately 7 minutes and that only 1 person is tested at any one time. It was confirmed that the site will be securely locked when not in use and the maneuvering area will be entirely fenced off with security gates and that it will not be a practice site but purely a test centre.
Q – You mention that there will be new European legislation that is due to come into force for motorcycle driving tests when exactly will they come into force?
A – The legislation has already come into force and the DSA have until October 2008 to ensure compliance.
Q – How cost effective will the proposed site be?
A – The DSA recognizes that there is completion for sites and that the realistic value of the land compared to the cost of the site has to be taken into account.
Q – What will the width of the entrance be?
A – The entrance will be approximately 6 meters narrowing down to 5.5 meters.
Q – Will there be a path for pedestrians.
A – No. It is anticipated that there will not be a need for one.
Cllr Storr explained the Parish Council’s procedure when deciding planning applications. Mr. David Fountain and Mr. Peter Smith were thanked for their presentation and for attending the meeting and answering questions. It was confirmed that tomorrow there will be an open afternoon at the site for residents to come and view the site and ask questions. The residents in St Neots Road have been leafleted.
Mr Fountain and Mr Smith left the meeting.
On a proposition by the Chairman it was agreed to take item: 3.2 here.
3.2 (3.1) New Report on Pitch Survey – it has been extended to include both pitches and quotes have been obtained via the football club. Cllr Stewart declared a personal interest in this item.
Mr. and Mrs. Arber were welcomed to the meeting. An update on the current position was provided. It was noted that an extra/new survey has been undertaken to cover/include both pitches and that the cost of the slip drainage has effectively doubled. The Parish Council confirmed as agreed at the last meeting that they would donate £12,000 towards the cost of installing new drainage but would not contribute the full amount. Mr. and Mrs. Arber went onto explain the FA application process and that a formal letter is required to accompany the application confirming the Parish Council’s donation, ownership of land and that the FC has the Parish Council’s agreement to go ahead with the project.
It was agreed that a formal letter should be sent to Mr. & Mrs. Arber confirming:
Parish Council’s donation of £12,000, ownership of land and that the FC have the Parish Council’s agreement to go ahead with the project. Mr. & Mrs. Arber will get in contact with the Clerk if any other information is needed. Mr. & Mrs. Arber were asked to re-contact the Parish Council when all the funding is in place and were asked where possible to try and get the work carried out sooner rather than later as it will benefit the whole community in the long run. Mr. & Mrs. Arber thanked the Parish Council for their support and help and they left the meeting
Matters arising and carried forward from the last meeting
3.0.1 (8.3) Pond de-weeding – It was confirmed that Pat Matthews has been contacted for further advice and will respond in due course. It was agreed to check to see if the posts have been bought yet?
3.1 Co-option of new members to fill vacancies. It was noted that no one has come forward. Members are to try and actively recruit new members.
Cllr Grenfell arrived at this point.
3.2 (3.1) New Report on Pitch Survey – it has been extended to include both pitches and quotes have been obtained via the football club. This item was taken earlier.
3.3 (3.2) Skateboard Report – The report from Freestyle was considered.
